Trip to Ooty

I am not wasting my holidays in sleeping anymore :)...got 2 days off for christmas...so thought of going to some nice place....its winter...so we planned for some costal area...but last trip was to pondicherry...so we changed it to some hill station. The task of deciding about ooty was tough as we knew that the temprature will be low..and we bangaloreans..will find it difficult. Anyways..thats the adventure...to do something which is hard to do...finally we ( a group of 5 friends) started for ooty from bangalore at 10.00 p.m. We preferred night journey so that we can utilize the day time for ooty. we crossed mysore and Bandipur..which a national sanctuary...saw elephants..deer in the night..was wondering why were they awake in the midnight ;) .

The Journey was little tough...its a ghat section..so too many curves...morning at 5.30 a.m we saw the mist in the mountains...felt that we are in the clouds itself...clicked some snaps...finally at 7 we reached ooty...hunted for a hotel..cud not book it in advance as on the net all the hotels were booked...luckily we found a nice hotel.

After taking a rest for 2 hours..we started exploring ooty. It was a christmas morning so first place we went was a church :) then we hired a guide..as we did not know much about the spots...the guide showed as various places..like dolphin nose..catherine falls..coonoor etc...
we came back in the night and started explorning the market of ooty to see wats special...got disappointed as nothing much of ooty is famous..only Tea and choclates. had so many things to eat there...we were trying all the stuff watever was coming our way...ohh..it was painful later ;)

Then at 10.00 in the nite we thought of going back to hotel...ooty was totaly empty...evry few ppl on the street...no night life there...we wanted to freak but then it was too cold..tempratute must be somewhere around 5 degrees..though am not sure..but thats my guess...we were not able to walk due to the numbness in the feet...somehow we reached the hotel. we all had our dinner and other friend left for their rooms. i started talking to pilu (my cute classmate) on various thing... we were talking and talking... and it was 4.00 in the morning. finally we slept...and i got up at 6.00 crying & saying that its too cold i cant sleep here...pilu started laughing..she said babe 1 more hour to go...we were waiting for the sun to throw some heat...finally i was sitting next to window..in the hope of sun :) and it came...Next day we went to coonor and black thunder..and while coming back saw pykara falls and lake.
we reached bangalore at 6.00 on the morning

Trip was good overall. while coming back got the news of the tragedy of the tsunami waves in south india. We were safe...though we were in the same state..but seems like god made us cancelled our plan as initially we planned for costal areas.

We had plans for Alleppy kerala for new year but today we have to cancel the tickets after looking at the disaster. Lets see where we will go for new year...yet to decide.

About Ooty

Located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2240m, Ooty, (short for Ootacamund) renamed as Udhagamandalam, is the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. Nature has been generous with this region which is by far the most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like conifers, eucalyptus, pine and wattle dot the hillside and its environs. The entire plateau is full of splendid green downs and lofty hills of extraordinary scenic beauty and is endowed with a salubrious climate similar to the English summer.

Places to See -

Botanical Gardens - established in 1848, this sprawling 50-acre garden includes a variety of orchids, ornamental and medicinal plants and trees as well as Italian and Japanese sections. There is also a fossilized tree trunk believed to be 20 million years old. At the eastern end of the garden is a Toda mund (hut/village) where Toda people display aspects of their traditional culture. The Annual Summer Festival held here during the month of May is an added attraction wherein flower shows and cultural programs are organised. Adventure spots like trekking also form part of the festival

St. Stephen's Church - located on the hill in Club Road, this church was built in 1829, consecrated in 1830 and is the oldest in the Nilgiris. Its huge wooden beams come from the palace of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam. The attached cemetery contains graves of many an Ooty pioneer including John Sulivan, the founder of Ooty.

Race Course : The Ooty races, held during April-may-June every year, attract thousand of tourists and race-goers.

View Points & Peaks - among the many view points around Ooty are Elk Hill, Green Valley View and Snowden Peak but the most prominent is the Dodabetta Peak, which is the highest point in the district at a height of 2623m. On a clear day one can see as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau.

Around Ooty

Coonoor - is located about 19km from Ooty down the mountain railway line at an altitude of 1850m. It is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right with tea estates dotting the slopes. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations. There are exciting walks for hikers. The Dolphin's Nose view point, about 10km from the town exposes a vast panorama, which encompasses Catherine Falls. Lamb's Rock is another place for stunning views. Other picnic spots around are Lady Canning's Seat, Law's Falls, Ralliah Dam and Droog.

Black Thunder- Asia's No. 1 Water Theme Park - Black Thunder, is set at the foothills of the gigantic Nilgris and 50 kms from Ooty. It is a thrilling and adventures water theme park at Mettupalayam. The water theme park is spread over 65 acres of land with green hills as backdrop and full of coconut and arecanut trees is a pleasant atmosphere. This park has adventurous water games and land games

Pykara - Situated at a distance of 19 kms. from Ooty, the river has a dam and a power plant. The great charm of the place is its perfect serenity, sparkling atmosphere and enchanting surroundings. The falls, about 6km from the bridge on the main road, are best in July. There is a forest Rest House and a boat House with Restaurant is at Pykara. Boats are available for hire in Pykara dam.

Trip was good overall. While coming back got the news of the tragedy of the tsunami waves in south india. We were safe...though we were in the same state..but seems like god made us cancelled our plan as initially we planned for costal areas. We had plans for Alleppy kerala for new year but today we have to cancel the tickets after looking at the disaster. Lets see where we will go for new year...yet to decide.

Trip to Manchinabele Dam

From Big banyan tree we started for Dam. Too many curves. The Damn is ok..not very big...the river is also very unsual...the water was still...but the worst part ... its supposed to be a restricted area. But we are as usual naughty...entered...went near the water...parked the bike in such a way that it should not get noticed . Sat there for another half an hour.

Then finally came back..on the way stopped in a resort. Had our lunch there. Resort swimming pool was good. My friends started swimming in that. I was sitting there like a dumb coz i dont know how to swim.

Finally we started at 5.00 p.m and reached the city in 1 hour...before it was dark. The trip was not very exciting but yes it was not bad also. Kind of an avereage trip.

About Manchinablele dam

This is about 36 km from Bangalore and about 8 km from the Big Banyan Tree. Manchinabele Dam is situated in the midst of hills and forests. Even though it is not a big dam, it is a good picnic spot. One can also walk or ride along the riverside for about 3 to 4 km.

Trip to Big Banyan Tree

Now when i know i have to leave Bangalore...i am planning to explore all the near by places. So full utilization of my weekends now onwards...

Yesterday started for Big Banyan tree at 11.00 a.m. We were 4 people, all my Collegemates.

Reached there in 40 mins. Stayed there for half an hour. Basically the place is best for dating ;) but then yes good for family picnic also. Nothing much but one can enjoy the peace.

About Big Banyan Tree

It is about 28 km from Bangalore. To reach this place one has to go on the Bangalore-Mysore Road. About 20 km from the Bangalore Bus Station, you have to take a right turn. From there you have to travel some 8 km where you will find a massive banyan tree which is spread over 3 acres and is 400 years old! The tree is also the largest in Karnataka.

Even though there is nothing much to see except the tree and quite a large number of monkeys, the massive tree nevertheless is a wonderful and awe-inspiring spectacle.

Trip to Yellagiri Hills

Last weekend (i.e 12th Nov 2004) we went to yellagiri hills. We were 10 people in the group (6 gals and 4 guys..strange isnt it) and were in 2 cars. The road to Yellagiri from bangalore is good. We started at 10.00 a.m in the morning and reached there at 2.00 p.m ... had our lunch there on the hill in a Dhaba. Lunch was pretty good. Then went for sight seeing..boating... Had plans
to stay there for a night but due to some urgency had to come back. Started again at 5.30 p.m. Reached bangalore at 8.30 p.m.

About Yellagiri Hills:

Altitude: 1410 meters above sea level, just a little over 3 hours and some 163 kilometers from Bangalore. It's the perfect weekend get away, very close to Jolarpet and in settings that are rustic, peaceful and relaxing.

It's far away from the maddening crowd, the choking traffic and maniac driving, not to mention the daily dose of toxic exhaust fumes one gets to inhale. In comparison, the air at Yelagiri Hills is unpolluted as compared to heavily populated hill stations like Ooty or Kodaikanal. No shopping
malls, no swank restaurants, no curio vendors tugging at your sleeve and nowhere near as chilly, which is why you don't need to lug along tons of warm clothing. The days could be mildly warm to hot, but the evenings are pleasant and invariably there's a gentle breeze wafting across the hills.

Punganur Lake is just across the road from Hotel Hills. It's a pretty okay scenic spot and worth the short walk. Frankly, there's not much else to see or do at Yelagiri. The closest to any sort of wild life you'll get to see are the monkeys. All shapes and sizes will line the road as you drive up the ghat. ;) :)

Trip to Jogfalls

Few days back on a weekend went to JOG Falls with my friends. Its a cool place. I went in Monsoon season. Full water. The trip was amazing.

About Jog Falls:

Jog FallsBear witness to nature’s headlong tumble as the Sharavati river makes a spectacular drop of 810ft. (253m) in four distinct cascades – known locally as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket – to create the highest falls in Asia.

The falls are at their best during the monsoon, with arching rainbows colouring the mist. When the sluice gates of the upstream Linganamakki Dam are closed, it is worth taking a walk right down to the bottom of the gorge.

Trip to Pondicherry

We started our trip on 22nd Oct 2004 at 4.00 A.M. Pondicherry (Pondi) is 7 hours journey from bangalore.

We reached to pondi at 1.30 p.m. then we started hunting for hotels. All were Jam packed in the city. Then we started trying for beach resorts far from the city..after a hunt of 2 hours we got a Beach resort which was 8 kms from the main city.

I liked the idea of the resort as it was very different...unlike other resorts...The resort had huts...the huts were made of bamboos..ground floor was made of bricks which u can call as drawing room..and upstair was a bedroom sort..no concrete floors..only bamboo...they provided mattress and pillows...

Back side of the resort was the beach...yup..pondi has got nice beaches...we stayed 3 days in Pondi but most of our time we spent in water (average was 6 hours a day)...playing in the sea...it was fun..and taking sun bath... now i am a bit scared as my face is buring and its all red and tanned..hope i will be normal soon..;)

About the city: Its a Union Territory. Language spoken by local people is Tamil. Places to move around are not much. One famous Aurobindo Ashram is there. Most of the aurobindo and mother's devotees come there for meditation.

Then there is a place called "Auroville". This place is the dream of the mother who wants to start a new world with peace ...people all over the world come to see this Auroville township... There is a MatriMandir. Famous Crystal ball is there.

well but i liked the beaches...its a small town..but the shopping area is good...the name of the main shopping street is J.N Street (JawaharLal Nehru). Nice commercial place. Most of the things u get at a reasonable price. I guess the Tax slab is different there.

u can see the link for details:

http://www.tourisminpondicherry.com/

Message for people who plan to pondi: Please dont forget to carry a sunscreen lotion. The place is too hot. And if u love bathing in sea for long hours then pls take the necessary ointments. :)

Trip to Mysore

The first weekend after joining this company, i went to Mysore with my friends. This place is very near to Bangalore. We started in the morning. The first place we saw was Srirangapatnam. We covered places one by one. I enjoyed the city. Its very different from Bangalore. Peaceful city with not much of traffic and crowd.

The Mysore Palace:

Once the residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, this place excludes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mantap and the Gallery are the main attractions here. Photography is prohibited inside but yes i tool the palace outside photograph. The palace is really cool. Espec

Chamundi Hill:

Perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. About 13 Kms from Mysore by road these is also a 1000 step walking track for all those young at heart to try. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.

St. Philomena's Church:

This beautiful Cathedral was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and lofty towers. The illuminated church in the evening is a wonderful site not to be missed.

Brindavan Gardens:

19 Kms north west of Mysore is the famous KRS dam. Built by the famous engineer Sir. M. Vishvesvariah this was one of the first multi purpose dams built in India. Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms it self into a fairy land in the evenings. Its a really big one..i got tired covering the garden only. Reaching for another end is really a tiresome job.

Srirangapatna:

14 Kms north east on the Bangalore Mysore highway, this island fortress was once the capital of the warrior king Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. There are beautiful monuments that are well worth a visit.

I did some shopping. Bought one Mysore silk saree for my mom from my first salary. I know she liked it. :)

While coming back, We went to a Waterpark in Mysore called as GRS Fantasy park. Amazing rides they have. I enjoyed the waterpark more than the city ;)

Planning to go again for the fantasy park with a big group this time.

Trip to Nandi Hills

There is nothing special as such about this hill...its a very onrdinary hill...especially for those who have seen hill stations. First time i went to Nandi with my 3 friends on 20th june 2003. It was my B'day and we thought of going to a far place...we went on bikes. We took a diversion from the straight road and found one secret place...it was simply amazing. It was an Old temple. We took shelter there as it was raining heavily. We enjoyed the place. To be very frank that deserted place was anytime better than the Nandi Hills.

we had a picnic there...enjoyed the most there...it was drizzling when we came back...it was the most wonderful one day trip of my life.

About Nandi Hills:

This is a beautiful place about 58 km from Bangalore. The road is charming and the journey is best enjoyed in a four-wheeler (though it's not too bad even on a two-wheeler). There are lots of beautiful spots on the way where one can open a picnic hamper and eat. (For those who don't prefer to take anything, there are quite a few dhabas). On the way is 'Tiger of Mysore' Tipu Sultan's birthplace, near a town called Devanahalli.

The Nandi Hills is about 4,850 feet above sea level, with a fairly extensive plateau. The road uphill is motorable till the top. The Nandi Hills was one of the retreats of Tipu Sultan. There is also a place called Tipu's drop - from where Tipu's captives would be punished by being pushed down. This point offers magnificient view of the surrounding hills.

It is a good picnic spot. Best time to see is Sunrise/Sunset.

Trip to Coorg

My first trip with my friends in First Year. We were 15 people (5 gals and rest guys). I still remember it was Lohri...Punjabi festival and we celebrated at our friends place had fun there..after the classmates left..we had the plan to go to coorg..a nice place in Karnataka itself..we book a big Van. Opted for a night journey to save time...taking off from college was a big issue...we reached coorg...booked 2 rooms for 2 hours...just to get fresh...then we started with sight seeing...whole day we were covering places...

Had lot of fun...In abbey falls..we were playing with water..but all of a sudden Nitin got hurt..and blood started spurring from his leg..we got tensed..we rushed to a Doctor nearby..we all were worried...he was not able to walk...

After that we went to some tibetan colony...very peaceful place...not many ppl go there...hardly ppl know about it...Again we started in the nite and came back to bangalore next morning...only worst part was we all were sleeping in the class on Monday morning ;)

About Coorg:

Coorg or Kodagu is known to visitors and tourists as the Scotland of India and the Kashmir of the south for its scenic beauty. A visitor from the plains is naturally struck by its landscap e and natural scenery and feels as if he were in a different country altogether. Coorg (Kodagu) is a coffee country.
Madikeri:The capital of Coorg formerly called Mercara, Madikeri is often known as the Scotland of India. It has enchanted millions of travellers with its misty hills, lush forests, coffee plantations and breath taking views. Also known for its lovely climate, Madikeri is a world record holder for the cardamom crop.

Abby Falls: Just 7 kilometers from Madikeri town is Abbi Falls. The narrow road to Abbi Falls is a combination of steep ups and downs, twists and turns, wriggling through the green and dense foliage of surrounding coffee plantations. Situated on private property, a narrow pathway of broken twigs and decaying leaves leads you downward to where the waterfall can be seen.

Splashing hard against the huge boulders of rock, unmindful of the crevices and hollows, the water drops at enormous speed accompanied by gushing sounds. This white wall of water creates a misty cloud with its moisture-like spray and descends into a flowing stream to perhaps, amalgamate with the River Cauvery somewhere in the vicinity.

Tibetan Colony: Golden Temple :is in the Tibetan colony, where Tibetans keep their culture and heritage intact. Dalai Lama visits this temple to offer prayers occasionally.

My Sis- My Bestfriend

Hi Didi,
Yes u are my cute sis. I love you. You have always supported me. U know all my liitle secrets ;)..starting from my first crush..to my aim..strange also..but u are very lucky to me..i dont know how to thankGod...i miss u a lot...i still remember the moments we spent together...
how much i used to tease u..how u used to get irritated...sorry for all that naughty things..and stupid jokes...but you are my Best sis....

Please come back fast to India...before i get married ;)..after that i know life will be hell..so why not to enjoy before that...

Hope u miss me and remember me there (London).

****there is not one day i havent thought about u n wondered how u were doin' and thought about if u were thinkin of me as much as i think about u..****

Meaning of Shipra: My name

Shipra: A holy river flowing thru Ujjain (India).

According to Hindu mythology, taking a bath in the river Shipra during the Kumbh cleanses people of all their sins and helps them achieve salvation.

Legend has it that Ujjain was one of the four spots where drops of nectar had spilt from a pitcher (literal meaning of the word kumbh) during a fight between the gods and the demons.

Apart from mythological legends, the city has a long and distinguished history. It was governed by the likes of Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his soul stirring poetry here.