Trip to Yercaud

returned from the team outing from a place called Yercaud. Yercaud is in Tamil Nadu and is a hill top. Weather has to be good due to its altitude but the best part is the kind of resorts available and the view that you get. I did  not do much of exploring as was anyways tired of looking at hills and their view points.

Team outing had lot of booze, bon fire and obviously floor breaking dance by some guys who were completely sloshed in drinks, i m sure no one can identify the composition! People go crazy when they actually drink..i used to think that most of the guys will act mature when females are around but guess i was wrong. U get to see the hidden talent in all those shy guys who otherwise do not open their mouth in corporate life. Eye opener for sure.

Overall it was a fun trip and definitely a break from the stress ful life..wish to write more but somethings remain beautiful if they arent expressed. 

Trip to Hogenekal Falls

It is located in the dharmapuri district of the southern Indian state of Tamilnadu about 180 kms from Bangalore. It is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of India". We planned to visit hogenekal in the month of Sept. It was a day trip and we started early in the morning. My colleagues had given some tips about what to eat and what to expect.We reached and took a look around only coracle ride were available. This is how a coracle boat looks like.

The inside story was little scary...it was flooded due to monsoon seasone. Infact while sailing we realised water started gushing in the boat and the local guy had to park us on a rock, and then repair it. The weather was so very hot that i could feel the burning sensation beneath the jeans :(

 

Certain points appear like Niagra, just that they are not from the same height. U can find locals frying fishes on the shore, not hygenic but one can try. We couldnt because of Navratris. Amazing Place 2 see

 

Kemmangundi Revisited

The first thing that comes to my mind is place being not maintained properly. I visited 5 yrs back and it was much more scenic and beautiful. This time i saw that the usage of plastic had increased, the rooms were not maintained and the roads have become bad 2 worse. Only good thing was the Hebbe falls, but the road to the falls managed to rock 206 bones in the body again. I guess there was no road at all, so calling it "bad" wouldnt be a nice idea. Government hasnt done anything there to maintain its charm and to clean it time to time.

I hope we all will wake up one day to clean our beautiful places and not to harm it any further. Long weekend was good and drive was amazing. Photos in sometime :)

Trip to chickmaglur

I witnessed the most beautiful sunset @ chikmaglur. This is the highest peak in karnataka and is called as Mulyangiri hill.

About Chikmaglur -> Chik means younger and maglur means daughter in kannada. This literally translates to the Younger Daughter's Town. According to popular legend, this town was presented as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the famed chief of Sakrepatna.

We started at 7 am in the morning from Bangalore and reached chikmaglur at 2.30 p.m. The roads were nice and weather was little hot. This was the most awaited trip as it had a gap of 4 months, which is a big gap for a travel freak like me. My last trip was sometime in oct to Kerala backwaters & Munnar. In chikmaglur we had booked a homestay. Homestay concept is very popular in Karnataka which I haven’t seen at many places in India. Homestay means a traditional house/ family invites you to stay with them and experience the place in their style. They provide you accommodation as well as local cuisine. This homestay was located in Bhadra wild life Sanctuary. It was a pretty decent accomodation. As we reached, we were served yum chicken and other delicacies (it was also the Ugadi festival which means the start of new year for Karnataka) but it was the first day of navratri and my conscious did not allow to eat. But I had made up my mind to be flexible for rest of the days for non vegetarian food, as that’s the specialty there. The homestay had hammock where we lazed for sometime, played badminton till winds started taking the shuttle far from the court. We carried cards to play in the night. There was TV in the common area but who was interested in it! Honey taught us new game called “UNO”. We enjoyed playing till 1 in the night.

Morning we went for trekking cum coffee plantation tour (chikmaglur is also famous for its coffee plantation). The mgr appointed there explained us the coffee making process, which definitely was a good to add in our knowledge database. Evening we visited Mulyangiri hills to see the sunset. The scariest part was the last stretch to hill. The road was broken and one really had to be careful while driving because the broken part was exactly in the middle of narrow slanted hill road. After we reached the hill parking area we realized it wasn’t the end of journey. There were some 490 stairs to climb to reach the top and no other ways of climbing it. Climbing stairs was quite painful. We had to take rest in between. We knew the aftereffects will be known in the night. Along with us was there a couple with a small cute little daughter who joined from homestay to the hill top trip. It was fun to have them with us. The Mulyangiri had a small temple which was active. At the hill top we realized that the next cliff was better for a sunset view so we decided to comedown and started climbing another cliff which obv. did not have any stair case. We somehow managed to reach before sunset and it was the most amazing experience there. It wasn’t crowed at all as we were just 5 and half people there. (I m counting baby to be half :P). we returned late in the night to homestay. He gave us yummy chicken and awesome food. We were drooling over it before we even could put stuff in our plates. I surely wood recommend this beautiful place to people staying in Bangalore. Worth utilizing a long weekend.

Experiencing houseboats, humanity & Unions

While writing the previous post, I just recalled an incident which took place about 4-5 months back. We had planned a trip to Allepey & munnar in Kerala. We got down at the railway station and looked for a Taxi. Kerala is famous for one thing “Worker Unions”. The dominant unions can be felt in almost all the industries out there. We somehow got hold of a guy who agreed to take us to the point where houseboats can be hired. So, he showed us where the taxi was parked and sent a driver for the ride. Now this driver, who was 6 feet tall & into his early forties drove the car for 6 kms and dropped us at a point which he called as a starting point for houseboats. The price that he had charged us was for 10 kms, but anyways at new places you are bound to be cheated. We got down the taxi and we could only see 3 houseboats standing out there.

Generally before going on any trip we read lot of reviews and do lot of googling to gather information. There should have been more than 30-40 houseboats as per what we had read but all we could see was 3 of them standing. When we enquired the price they quoted 3 times of the normal price. We thought we were early for the boats and started waiting for other boats to return from their previous day’s trip. After almost an hour, we saw no movement and we got irritated. When we turned around we saw the cab driver still waiting. We guessed the scenario: he had tied up with houseboat guys for commission. It was such a pathetic feeling and when we enquired from a local tea vendor, we came to know that there is another point where all the houseboats come and this wasn’t the main point. We had specifically asked the guy at railway station to drop us to main point for houseboats and he got us dropped at a seedy corner for some commission. The worst was we could not see any taxi apart from the one in which we had come. But somehow I was too adamant to go back in it and we decided to walk.

The driver who was observing all this started his cab and came to us asking us to drop at the right place. We told him that we don’t require as we were quite pissed waiting in hot sun for almost an hour & half. He had a guilty face and he requested us to get in his taxi. When we refused, he said politely that he is anyways gng back and he will drop at the right place without charging. We weren’t sure but then he seemed to be apologetic and we agreed. When we sat inside the car, suddenly 2 people from nowhere appeared and yelled at him. It was in Malyalam (local language) and we could figure out from the conversation that due to Union thing he was not supposed to take us, it was someone else’s turn. He denied and almost took panga there and drove us and dropped at the right place.

We offered him money but he did not accept. I felt bad for him because, for a tourist he took some problems on himself. He was doing as he was asked to but he wasn’t a bad guy! I then felt that even in a strange city you will find people who are still nice, who still have some humanity left in them and who are not just looking for commissions but the problems caused to other. That did not make me carry any bad memories for that city/state.

I don’t know how it is with other tourist but I felt comfortable with the trip. The houseboat guys had also shown great hospitality and it was overall a memorable trip.

Trip to Paonta Sahib & Renuka Lake

Mom had gone to dads place and i spent 3 weeks alone at home. I wanted to enjoy this period. One weekend i spent cleaning my house which was locked for 20 days and then another weekend went in socalising with old friends and third i wanted to utilise.

Me, niks and mohit decided to go to Paonta Sahib. Its a famous gurudwara on the bank of Yamuna in Himachal. We started at 3.00 am in the morning and took the chandigarh highway which is also called as GT Karnal Road. Reached there at 9.00 am. Did darshan and then decided to sit at the bank of Yamuna to enjoy. We entered into the water and felt like bathing in it. Me and niks sat in it for hrs together. Poor mohit sat in a corner near our Handbags.

About Paonta Sahib:
Surrounded by a sal forest and on the banks of river Yamuna, the historic town of Paonta Sahib (350m) was founded by a tenth sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. When only 16 years old, the Guru left Anandpur Sahib and on the invitation of Raja Maidini Prakash of Sirmour, lived at this beautiful spot for over four years. The historic gurudwara commemorates his stay and interestingly the water of the Yamuna fall silent below this- which happened at the Guru's behest. The old 'Paonta' means 'Space for a foothold'.

From there we started for Renuka lake which is 40 kms. Never ask the route to just one person. Please ensure that you cross check with couple of people before starting in any direction. The biggest mistake what we did was asked a person to guide and he appeared sensible so we believed him. He told that there are two routes and the second one is less in distance. We chose the second route and had a real nightmare. 3-4 kms were gud and then there was no road...it was all broken or under construction or whatever you can define it as. It was no doubt breath taking beautiful sight but only if your head is turned to left or right and not straight!!! pity mohit for driving there.

Funny Incident: While struggling to find the right route, we stopped in between to take guidance from people on "how to reach Renuka Lake". We had asked not less then 20 people. After last 15 kms there were no milestones and some of them were misleading. So we saw an old lady crossing the road. We stopped the car and i lowered the window and asked her "Where is Renuka?" She stared and asked "Why"? I thought she could not understand my question so repeated and she looked at me suspiciouly and said "I am Renuka...tell me". I was blank for a minute...was it a kind of PJ! I was brought back from my thoughts when she repeated her answer...she gave looks as if we were there to abduct her...i was numb...for a minute i actually believed that there was no lake and somebody had played a bad joke. Mohit drove the car before i could reply back to the old lady....niks and mohit burst into laughter on my state...their laughter brought me back to sense.

Somehow we managed to reach Renuka Lake. We took 4 hrs to reach..

About Renuka Lake:
Legend has it that when the evil Sahasarjuna killed the sage Jamadagini and tried to abduct his wife Renuka. She flung herself into the water. The gods restored her to life and this lake is regarded to be her embodiment. There is a row of temples along its banks, and a track encircles the water. Boats are available on hire next to the hotel. This placid stretch of water is fed by underground springs and the surrounding hills are padded by lush forests that support a large variety of plant and animal life.

Btw if you plan to visit Renukaji, please take some food for 1 foot long fishes of the pond. Also, Say my hi to Renuka Aunty.

Overall, i would say the trip was wonderful. We came back the very same day. Dehradun was closeby but we dropped the idea of visiting it.

Trip To Sariska and Bhangarh

ELong long time. My system just went for a toss and i never dared to touch it all these days. Was quite busy with work. So much happened and just never got time to jott these moments. 2 weeks back i went to a place called Sariska. Its a palace in Rajsthan.

That was an official trip(offsite). We started at 6.00 in the morning. Covered the distance in seven hrs which generally is covered in 4 hrs. Thanks to our super fast driver. Reached the venue @1.00 where as we were supposed to start the event at 11.30 a.m., checked in the palace cum hotel. On the arrival, they put tilak on our foreheads, part of rajasthani custom i guess. We had our meals and headed to the conference room for presentation. Long day there, got a break for 10 mins for tea/coffee. Presentation started by Head of the Dept and followed by couple of new comers on their working style and strategies. Good to know about others style. Boss shared the facts and figure of the revenues.

After the presentation boss took over again and then came the final moment. Most awaited one. There were two prizes. One was the "best X" award and other was "best debut X" award. Then he shared as who has done what and on what basis he has arrived on who will get the awards. I was nominated for both the awards and finally won the debut award. One of the happiest moment of my life. Its not the amount that excites..its the recognition. Thereafter we went to our rooms. freshened up and headed for dinner. After dinner we were in a room and played games.

Me and Rits shared one room. We chatted till 3.00 a.m. And next morning got up at 7.00. We had our breakfast and then headed for Bhangarh, also known as haunted village. It wasnt all that far. We reached the place and saw the deserted monument and the broken walls of ancient palace. We hired an amateur guide and he did cook some story which wasnt all that interesting and exciting. I guess i was better than him in story telling we cud have saved 300 bucks:P

Here it goes...

Bhangarh..Haunted Village

Description

Bhangarh is a place on way from Jaipur to Alwar city in Rajasthan state of India. Today Bhangarh is known for its ruins where nobody dares to stay after sunset. Looking through history we find that this town was established by Madho Singh, younger brother of King Akbar’s General Raja Man Singh, in 1631. But the city seems to have been abandoned in a hurry some centuries later.

Bhangarh ruins

The local folks say that due to a curse the whole town was vacated overnight. According to the story of the curse, if the town was ever rediscovered the township would not be found, but only temples would show up.

True to the story only temples dot the landscape and even far up on the mountains only shrines can be seen. It is said that nobody returns from there who stays after dark.

By the Government of India rules there has to be an office of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) beside every historical structure in India. But even government authorities did not dare to open an office there. They opened their office about one kilometer away from the ruins of Bhangarh. Even this office is close to a temple because of this myth. ASI has put a signboard at Bhangarh saying, "Staying after sunset is strictly prohibited in this area."

Story

People who visit this place out of tourist interest say that there is a strange feeling in the atmosphere of Bhangarh, which causes sort of anxiety and restlessness.

The story of this restlessness goes as the following. The charm of princess of Bhangarh Ratnawati was said to be matchless in entire Rajasthan. Being merely eighteen years old, the princess started getting wedding offers from other states. In the same region there also lived a tantrik, a magician using black magic, named Singhia who was desperately in love with the princess and who also knew that king would never even allow him to see the princess.

Once he saw princess's maid in the market buying scented oil for princess. Seeing this he got a wicked idea of getting the princess. He used his black magic and put a spell on the oil which would hypnotise the princess by her mere touching the oil and she would immedialely walk towards the tantrik to satisfy him sexually. But as soon as the princess got the oil she threw it on the block of a stone as she had seen the tantrik eying the oil. As soon as the oil touched the stone, the stone started rolling towards the wicked tantrik Singhia and crushed him. While dying Singhia cursed the palace that there will be such an incident that everybody in the palace would die and their souls will stay there for centuries without rebirth. The very next year there was a battle between Bhangarh-Ajabgarh and no one survived in the battle nor in the palace, not even the princess Ratnawati.

Visitors

This is still the reason people are fearful and restlessness after sunset. People even hear strange sounds of music and dancing in the night despite no one being there.

The place is still open to all those tourists who want to experience the spooky thrill, but one still needs permission from ASI to go there and with ones own risk.

Bhangarh was more of a disappointment. I mean there was nothing haunted as such. Sariska palace was also an disappointment coz it cud have been managed better. The carpets were stained and the bedsheets looked old. The Food was cold in winters and was quite oily. We found it oily; don’t know how it was for foreigners who were eating the same food on adjacent tables. It was chilly in the night.

The trip was fun coz of the games that we played in the journey. The dumsharads, the antakshris and jokes.

Memorable trip for a life time.

Trip to Bareilly...

This one turned out to be exciting when it was least expected. We were supposed to start for Bareilly @5.00 in the evening from office and were carrying our stuff in the office. The Cab which we requested came late and we started at 10 in the nite from Noida.

we were 6 people in 2 cabs. 2 girls and 4 guys. All from different departments and different projects. I knew 2 of them and used to interact with them but other 3 were new to me. It was little awkward initially but soom we were comfotable with eachother. We stoped at one of the dhabas on our way and had nice food. Reached bareilly in the morning @6 and were quite tired. I was down with fever and my running nose was another pain. I kept lots of tissue paper from office just to support this idiotic nose.

We entered the army cant and finally 3 rooms were given to us. Me and Ekta were in one room. We hit the bed and soon were asleep. Others knocked our door @9.00 for breakast and then we reached officer mess and were late. Though they still served us but civilians are always seen as not punctual people and lazy ones and we proved it once again. After breakfast we started for our mission and reached the War Memorial Hostel where we met the kids. There are some 6 kids we sponsored and this time we had new responsibilities. We took their introduction and counselled them. Added new names in the merit list for more sponsorships. Evening we played with them.

After years i played basketball...it was nice...just that i broke my index finger of left hand. It swelled and m not able to bend it. Then we played badminton. Did lot of cycling with my colleague Don aka Saurabh. New name given to him in this trip as he itched us with this new movie "Don" dialogues.

In the nite all 6 of us went for a long walk in the cantt. We did cross the graveyard and it was quite horrible. I mean though i dont get scared but i must admit that the dead silence at 1 in the nite can take anyones life and the unconstructed road which we took which was covered by trees was worth crossing and getting a cute heart attack. Mohit did challenge me for getting inside..but guess they were scared than me...we came back at 2.00 and hit the bed...legs were paining as after a long time we walked for some 5 kms that too after a tiring day.

Next morning we visited the hostel and did rest of our work. Ate our lunch with the hostel kids. The best kid and favorite kid was a boy called Arun..he is in 8th grade and we cud see the fire in him...the spirit of doing something in life...the spirt of reaching his goal. A passion towards life. We all sat with him personally and felt the same. he lost his father in a firing which happened in jammu some 6-7 yrs back. His younger brother, Tarun was also there; must say he was the cutest boy of the hostel. We all pampered both of them. It was nice to be close to such children. We salute their fathers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Evening we started back @4.00 and reached Noida @12.00 midnite. My fever was gone in the fresh air and aftr playing games. So many snaps and so much of fun. This trip chnaged my mood. This trip made me forget my worries and I realised that there are people who are deprived and need our support. There is so much that we can do in this life and we just dont do...I am thakful to my organisation for considering me for this opportunity and letting me live another side of my life and my dreams.

Today i have memories of a trip which was made for a nobel cause. I have the moments captured and thanks to my colleague shirshendu whose passion is photography. He has clicked some amazing pics of those children.

The last person whose name i have not mentioned is Charan paji..Amazing person and quite a chilled out man. This trip brought me closer to these colleagues and they are very much part of my life now. We now know each others personal life and worries and share them whenever we get time to meet each other in office. This trip has given me new friends and new bonds.

Looking forward for more such meaningful trips of my life.

Trip to Vaishno Devi...

Reached back today morning at 5.00 a.m. Trip was as wonderful..did a nite journey and got down at Pathankot…then took another train and reached Jammu..looking at the city I found that it looks like a Volcano…I mean sleeping all the times and suddenly bursting out…anyways part of life…Reached Katra…and checked in a hotel. Started for the temple at 7.30 in the nite when it was dark. I thought of walking and some accompanied me while others took the horse to reach half way. 14 kms is the length of the stretch on the hill with a steep journey. First 3 kms were steeper than rest. After 3kms I realized that walking in a shoe was helping me only in getting blisters and shoebites on my feet. So decided to remove the shoes and walk barefoot. Rest 11 kms barefoot…there were many ppl barefoot..so that wasn’t unique…I decided not to wear a jacket or pullover to make it a tough one for myself..and at 12.30a.m I reached the temple with others…Cold icy breeze was enough to give me the idea of the toughness of the journey…After the Darshanam went to Bhairav temple(without visiting this temple the journey is not considered as complete) but we took a horse as we were short of time. We covered the whole journey in 12 hrs time…

Only thing which I hated was sitting on a horse..poor horse would have cried off when I sat but could not do anything…after getting down from horse I seriously apologized him and god…funny isn’t it...but I seriously felt bad…and worst of all after completing the whole yatra I wasn’t able to walk…wasn’t tired of walking but was tired of sitting on the horse….the lower part of body just did not move…I only know how I walked 2 kms to reach the rick stand…while coming back, I asked goddess “why this tough journey..is there any shortcut to have a meeting with u on one to one basis” but haven’t heard from her…seems like I am in a Queue and have to wait for some more time…jokes apart…but I wud not suggest anyone to sit on horse as the pain it cause is just not worth describing…try at ur own risk…

Then what finally were in train again and morning was in office..most ppl from the trip were absent but guess my body and energy level is stronger than others...i was in office at 12.00 and it takes 2 hrs to reach my office from my home…

Only thing I don’t understand is why god and goddesses preferred these mountains as their residence?? Tirupati Balaji, Vaishno Devi, Amarnaath…etc etc…and how did they manage to reach there without proper lights and roads…with lights also it wasn’t easy how without lights??? And how did they manage without wollens as I have never seen a single god’s pic/statue or portray with pullovers or jackets or sweaters.

But whatever I say, I saw so many things which will never go from my mind apart from the scenic beauty and the faith...i saw a person with just one leg and was climbing the hill with all his effort to visit the temple..i saw a newly wed couple in the wedding dress, going to take blessing from the goddess..i saw small kids walking faster than most of us in excitement to see the temple..i saw a dog..following the crowd to reach the temple..and mind u I saw the dog at 11th km also…I don’t know what drove him there..he wasn’t following anyone or was not chasing anybody…he was walking like any other worshipper..taking rest attimes..but at a constant speed…that’s something which I can not forget from this trip…that’s the faith which calls most of us…that’s something which is within most of us but some realize and some don’t. I never knew I could walk 14 km in hrs barefoot in the cold weather…will surely go if I get a second chance…

Trip to Tirupati Balaji

This weekend i visited to Balaji Temple for the second time. Friday nite i was in office till 9.00 p.m and then rushed to the movie hall to catch Bunty and Babli. Good time pass. Saturday was off. So got up late and then killed my time sitting here and there. Then i ran to catch my bus at 7.30 from race course road. Finally reached Tirupati at 2.00 in the nite. Everything was taken care by the travels as it was a package tour. Took a bath at 3.00 a.m (first time so early) and then there was a city bus available for the further journey. In the nite/early morning the city was asleep and we were travelling for good. The bus took us from the city to mountains...first time in my life i was scared of the journey..the driver was skillful no doubt but somehow i had a feeling that the bus with fall in the valley and everyone will die. But nothing happened. I saw the city from the ghats and lights from the city appeared like stars from there. I just saw up and there were stars above..it was a beautiful scene...

Reached the temple at 4.00 a.m. Then the guide took us to a long queue. On being asked he told me that this is a special darshan...looking at the queue it didnot appear like special. Anyways almost 2 hrs in that slow moving Q and then finally reached to the main room. hardly 30 sec for it and the police and admin ppl started pushing everyone, coz they wanted to manage the crowd. Came out and then followed the crowd which was going to the "Hundi". Hundi is a big container covered with white cloth and some small windows made for ppl to drop their offerings (money). I dropped my offering as well as my warden's as she gave me a coin covered in yellow cloth for this Hundi. Came back to the meeting point fixed by the guide. So many beggers out there..gosh..

Then started off in the bus and they took us to the Padmavati temple nearby. It was 9.00 when we reached there and pretty hot outside. To be at the safer side guide told us to remove the chappals/sandals in the bus itself. We followed him barefoot to the temple. Roads were burning with the heat of sun and it started hurting us. But then coming so far and not visiting the temple wasnt a wise decision so we moved on. We entered inside, and the fragnance of the ladoos fillled in the whole temple gave a very pleasant feeling. Standing there and waiting for others was a big headache, but thankfully nobody took that much time. While standing there i was wandering. Read a few names on the temple walls scratched and written by some lousy ppl to prove that they visited. Then i saw a board saying " Special Darshanam for 10 Rs". I knew this guide wud have booked the tickets of this row only. Then i saw a second board saying " Darshanam" i guess this was free and huge crowd and local ppl standing out there. But that wasnt end of it. I saw the third board "Quick Darshanam 40 Rs" . I dont understand why these ppl distinguish between darshaan. Who are they to discriminate ppl on basis of how much one can pay? Anyways when my mind was trying to answer these questions to myself i took a position in the special darshaan and some 200 ppl were standing before me in the "Q". The Q was moving slowly. Before i cud reach half the distance the Q stopped. We watied and waited but no movement. It was so hot that ppl started sweating and i felt the sickness in me arousing. The weather was sticky hot and humid. I asked my friend "when will this move?" but it was stupid of me to ask. After another half an hour we got the information that some VVIP has come and he is doing VVIP darshan personally in the temple so others were made to wait...how sick...

Simple darshaan, Special darshaan, Quick darshaan and V.V.I.P darshaan. (In gods place we are being discriminated...and we are democratic)

Somehow we finished it and i ran without taking the prasad coz there was a loooooooooooooooong Q for it and i wasnt in a position to stand any longer. I came out to breathe fresh air. Sat in the bus and it started back for bangalore. Reached bangalore at 6.00.

This was a pending visit which i wanted to do sometimes back. After i go back to delhi coming all the way to balaji wud be little tough so though of finishing it this time :) Felt a peace in me after this. I wish to see Vaishno Devi soon :)

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.