A Trip to Thailand – Part 7
The Safari Park offers an amazing drive-through experience. It is a real fun to see people inside the vehicles and animals freely roaming around. We can move around in our own vehicle or one of the park’s coaches. There is no chance of getting out of the vehicle or lowering the car window. There are so many animals and birds wandering freely on our way as well as its sides. Unutterably beautiful birds could be seen clamouring in the lake. The loud screeching noise of monkeys on the trees, bears staring at the vehicles, Zebras, peacocks playfully dancing through the middle of animals, all these create a feast for our eyes. Rhinoceroses and bison can be spotted in enclosed areas.
All of it looked like watching the Discovery Channel. The lush green lawns, slough, dense wild trees, and the wild animals moving among them, everything was very impressive. After driving for a short while, I reached near an electric gate that opened on its own. Inside was the King of the Jungle. The gate opens on its own with the help of the cameras fixed on the security lookout tower. If there are lions near the gate, the gate will open only when they have moved away from the gate. Going inside, there were a number of lions on top of a rock, looking at us with disdain. It took me some time to realize what I was seeing. The beauty of their majestic appearance in the background of what looked like a real forest is indescribable.
A short ride from there took me to the area where the Tigers were. They appeared to shine in the sun and resembled as if they were covered with Kancheepuram Silk. If you ask me whether it is the strength, power, and ferocity of the Lions or the intoxicating beauty of the Tigers that is more impressive, it would take me a few seconds to give the answer. Passing them, I reached the boundary of the Safari World. I was disappointed when I realized that I was at the end of the forest. As I rushed out before the gate was closed, I glanced back inside one more time.
The Jungle Safari will always remain a fond memory. I went out into the busy Bangkok City. It was evening and my last night in Bangkok. The next day morning, I had planned to visit 2 temples and after some sightseeing in the city, I would go back to my country by the evening flight. I decided to take a stroll in the city till late night. Bangkok is one among the best tourist destinations. It has the most impressive royal palaces, temples, and has several museums.
There are historical as well as cultural attractions for tourists. Shopping and dining experiences are only a few of the alluring factors that Bangkok offers. This place is full of contrasts. On the one side, you can see the wealthy, modern Thailand and on the other side is an effort to follow the traditional culture and architectural style. The city is famous for festivals celebrated at nights. Though sex tourism in Bangkok is something that all the foreigners are aware of, it is not recognized by the public or the government of Bangkok. It takes 2 to 3 days to have a full tour of Bangkok.
Next day morning, I dressed up, took my luggage, and moved out of the hotel. The previous day, I had booked a taxi. I got into the taxi and went straight to the end of Chinatown to see Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha. This temple has the world’s largest golden-seated Buddha. This invaluable statue has a height of 3 m, a weight of 5.5 tons, and is made of 18 carats of pure gold and is worth lakhs of dollars. There are flights of winding steps leading to the temple. The golden statue of Buddha seen bathed in light in an atmosphere of devotion is awe inspiring.
I am not sure about the origin of this temple, but it is said to be around 800 years old or even more. At one point in its history, the image was covered with a thick layer of stucco to hide it from enemies. It is said that after several years, while renovating the temple, as the statue was being moved from its place, it dropped down and one side was broken and through the broken side, the gold on the statue was revealed. The temple is 3 storied, and the statue is in the uppermost storey.
One of the lower floors of the temple houses an impressive interpretive centre that tells the history of the Chinese Community in Bangkok. Another floor houses a museum that reveals the history of the Golden Buddha itself. The video presentation at the beginning provides a good brief background of the statue along with pictures of Buddha. Here, pieces of plaster that covered the image earlier are also exhibited. The temple complex is open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day except Monday.
