tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33774260542008038722024-03-19T01:48:49.742-07:00Wandering Soul!!Exploring the world, one place at a time!Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.comBlogger512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-6580686142227424462019-11-09T04:23:00.000-08:002019-11-09T04:23:37.618-08:00We have moved... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qhXJWpBn4zk8lEbmOeB13D2FkMTS3FTDhOA0kH7UKFJf2dPlS-o1jJP6X-sqWQcdc5Kqc-lN9CrUe1eWwYgApxsBR2nn8d5-XCA7Mqnc7bPp4S_b0XfLviH_gi7xYt3CkiluPcZEJGLv/s1600/pondy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qhXJWpBn4zk8lEbmOeB13D2FkMTS3FTDhOA0kH7UKFJf2dPlS-o1jJP6X-sqWQcdc5Kqc-lN9CrUe1eWwYgApxsBR2nn8d5-XCA7Mqnc7bPp4S_b0XfLviH_gi7xYt3CkiluPcZEJGLv/s640/pondy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><i>Change is always good... right?... Well, I have finally taken the plunge, thanks to a dear friend and made that big move The domain had been registered, the thoughts and ideas were in place. It was just a matter of moving... </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><i>Come over, have a cup of tea and let me know your thoughts... </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><i>You can read my travelogues on, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>https://www.aartikrishnakumar.com/category/travel/</b></i></span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-58520019292392660402019-09-20T00:56:00.001-07:002019-09-20T00:56:35.959-07:00Houses of Goa, Porvorim..<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlrJ4UjKTsIM5BYpcp7Zlv6gkCkkMB3CnEStZ7DQrsGcyA5kIX7j0s_pCfhZU7_1zVESS7rwobK0gbEKuyZgdFL-7YACbO1LKssYSn1_VjII6tGjb2VxuvSxv7IlEwTLowlZxG2CWyWKI/s1600/20190907_125658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="1280" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlrJ4UjKTsIM5BYpcp7Zlv6gkCkkMB3CnEStZ7DQrsGcyA5kIX7j0s_pCfhZU7_1zVESS7rwobK0gbEKuyZgdFL-7YACbO1LKssYSn1_VjII6tGjb2VxuvSxv7IlEwTLowlZxG2CWyWKI/s640/20190907_125658.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Say hello to the street with Houses of Goa</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfiOZO6mkJQbX8NqXhx4fhUrhNFudgy5B15XtvaIG218u-ozQwScul8Z5WQJ4wAHlnvfmY6plCaNa5FF4sk0Tdf8J4JpGV3Y3bE4WIEZMeWmzahXwl_ARXfkUmwNBEO5Lh609TH4cUvYL/s1600/20190907_131451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfiOZO6mkJQbX8NqXhx4fhUrhNFudgy5B15XtvaIG218u-ozQwScul8Z5WQJ4wAHlnvfmY6plCaNa5FF4sk0Tdf8J4JpGV3Y3bE4WIEZMeWmzahXwl_ARXfkUmwNBEO5Lh609TH4cUvYL/s640/20190907_131451.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">The first house you see as you drive towards the road...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfTwzrISpJx24WpE_-9d176YCYoqzPFaw79zWK6D-siTCSeKsJHC_Ykc2kCvavJkqJmnnHaEk5e3sQFvboG4FD9pvVt-HGV7_htx2vwYcwGKLjZDHYG_Im2LXm7_qMOEa4cmCACY8NaSo/s1600/20190907_125013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfTwzrISpJx24WpE_-9d176YCYoqzPFaw79zWK6D-siTCSeKsJHC_Ykc2kCvavJkqJmnnHaEk5e3sQFvboG4FD9pvVt-HGV7_htx2vwYcwGKLjZDHYG_Im2LXm7_qMOEa4cmCACY8NaSo/s640/20190907_125013.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">There is a store and a museum of sorts upstairs...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_QAONoPDmzFiARIXITQK-lN6zJR4pvXiU9II-y96YMzGALjE_iRtyKztXZFFvuR5fL2L3AX00CKWKGZ5HIBqxIhyHsUpl5NWwtJGdusCydASnzJsphFSe5mdel6Vp2WoAhOYPlHqjvPT/s1600/20190907_125110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_QAONoPDmzFiARIXITQK-lN6zJR4pvXiU9II-y96YMzGALjE_iRtyKztXZFFvuR5fL2L3AX00CKWKGZ5HIBqxIhyHsUpl5NWwtJGdusCydASnzJsphFSe5mdel6Vp2WoAhOYPlHqjvPT/s640/20190907_125110.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Short doors, cute patterns...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT593DJcdzX534JGPW9RIA3vDndnkG3imoY3m2Z1COR62Ba1cVDZ_Iu43_uWBsqqpWgibqhCd1o6whUT7Jl4N_AH5sLH9syAov7N29ln89RnrK5lfM2rSV0LGxajwj2h6HKRLbsfNQ77pW/s1600/20190907_125126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT593DJcdzX534JGPW9RIA3vDndnkG3imoY3m2Z1COR62Ba1cVDZ_Iu43_uWBsqqpWgibqhCd1o6whUT7Jl4N_AH5sLH9syAov7N29ln89RnrK5lfM2rSV0LGxajwj2h6HKRLbsfNQ77pW/s640/20190907_125126.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">The narrow lane with houses on either side...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx16Y-e4qLTHiHXbM13_pqato0QyVa7YE9LwNNCJtvGeGMn7TyQNieYQjY1_vINdYrZeDtFpvpQZGnt1Qj8RdYjSO2msQ6rrDZGYS0goZFnd6oXjiVqxlvEO1xJ7G0u-guzvCuxcvRYJ0/s1600/20190907_125139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx16Y-e4qLTHiHXbM13_pqato0QyVa7YE9LwNNCJtvGeGMn7TyQNieYQjY1_vINdYrZeDtFpvpQZGnt1Qj8RdYjSO2msQ6rrDZGYS0goZFnd6oXjiVqxlvEO1xJ7G0u-guzvCuxcvRYJ0/s640/20190907_125139.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">What a cool Red door, right?</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOXncjUB6do8tSjQcQgYQY3KTn8AW5dbt2Hcz7Vzvehz8dCduLAJiRiJ86sJKgYmz7nToKnUzTisL3_I3snsRdw-bD-sUbOzmlmSsS7WgBCEhY0-4s4X6XC8aLce4Mlid0cwRlJboNuAH/s1600/20190907_125257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOXncjUB6do8tSjQcQgYQY3KTn8AW5dbt2Hcz7Vzvehz8dCduLAJiRiJ86sJKgYmz7nToKnUzTisL3_I3snsRdw-bD-sUbOzmlmSsS7WgBCEhY0-4s4X6XC8aLce4Mlid0cwRlJboNuAH/s640/20190907_125257.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Aaaaaarggghh.. the windows and door seems to scream.. </span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD-EsiNYvreTh6GrMlZPNmnimoxd5bqE_o8HILnZQusoH8ZWtVxhkHe9jMdNKR7uiyihdHxCkz6hCg9ChIk6tHMY3rm_Ow9ypVMeHRsGeOZzPMEc_phvfmBFMIPYQzXuvqpKrxK6yQOsn/s1600/20190907_125323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD-EsiNYvreTh6GrMlZPNmnimoxd5bqE_o8HILnZQusoH8ZWtVxhkHe9jMdNKR7uiyihdHxCkz6hCg9ChIk6tHMY3rm_Ow9ypVMeHRsGeOZzPMEc_phvfmBFMIPYQzXuvqpKrxK6yQOsn/s640/20190907_125323.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Notice the spiral on top?</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsh7UCGdxOXtNl-xOIwPQm9AJ6P68qwlzSYK5NE0-lR-xRHjW82kuqhigY5n6wqR0WQ5-QMrQjQ8PiFbnWLMcECqEUqLcdg_mHC4iqbmognKWTSfKOK4pOXWZAq9g7irZgeqQ-kEy0qhF8/s1600/20190907_125340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsh7UCGdxOXtNl-xOIwPQm9AJ6P68qwlzSYK5NE0-lR-xRHjW82kuqhigY5n6wqR0WQ5-QMrQjQ8PiFbnWLMcECqEUqLcdg_mHC4iqbmognKWTSfKOK4pOXWZAq9g7irZgeqQ-kEy0qhF8/s640/20190907_125340.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">This house had a cute red gate, and a slope that led to the door...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zH78YJdbPesad6uVfHA317odpIbZxY9d9lG4WxjkwNWF2fPYKFOpmxWNlvNClMPXuTFS_wTeY0a8NqE4CIsYqGfDnbA0P4gHyKve6-SAzS5f0SVaILDImFN-6CFo6AqDCTmWEf-lxd_J/s1600/20190907_125356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zH78YJdbPesad6uVfHA317odpIbZxY9d9lG4WxjkwNWF2fPYKFOpmxWNlvNClMPXuTFS_wTeY0a8NqE4CIsYqGfDnbA0P4gHyKve6-SAzS5f0SVaILDImFN-6CFo6AqDCTmWEf-lxd_J/s640/20190907_125356.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">The </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Star</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> of Lakshmi in front of a house</span></span></b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLWuYZ_9HTUmvy4hiHl8igEHwWTtHl8frnnfQFGjMJSWraO7ZuwCLPHzcxF_AidQWSLu19egATRBfSr8WP9eMnqcTMGnrZjqobCOixatOc7hES8_vPe-SNa2VhI9IDAbtx3cb6SvPWRAN/s1600/20190907_125408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLWuYZ_9HTUmvy4hiHl8igEHwWTtHl8frnnfQFGjMJSWraO7ZuwCLPHzcxF_AidQWSLu19egATRBfSr8WP9eMnqcTMGnrZjqobCOixatOc7hES8_vPe-SNa2VhI9IDAbtx3cb6SvPWRAN/s640/20190907_125408.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Isn't that gate cute?</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxKTxrPXaK2RazD89tOqXap9qZupdvX4yTvP2iX0_MLBP587DQyZiU3JC6I3Y0esIwobk9ZCVc5GUsHfXEIiot9mQX4QWsCbve6Fg9S8Ch2qFkTzVehMgyO52wftlsxfp5nGxnP8sL-2U/s1600/20190907_125430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxKTxrPXaK2RazD89tOqXap9qZupdvX4yTvP2iX0_MLBP587DQyZiU3JC6I3Y0esIwobk9ZCVc5GUsHfXEIiot9mQX4QWsCbve6Fg9S8Ch2qFkTzVehMgyO52wftlsxfp5nGxnP8sL-2U/s640/20190907_125430.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">The tile work & bright yellow door...uff</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U3FCrHNbIy8cdobZ2mtyST6UhqIHUCeBvNoYSdzoNVBQrGkph4uqUEYT7c89WzkR4Z0Fb7khqnRBbGwUqSMNZgvq5N7oHEWazbnhRm31r00RjhfohYJLwUzpCWmW3WwZ_M3XhPF07JaH/s1600/20190907_125515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U3FCrHNbIy8cdobZ2mtyST6UhqIHUCeBvNoYSdzoNVBQrGkph4uqUEYT7c89WzkR4Z0Fb7khqnRBbGwUqSMNZgvq5N7oHEWazbnhRm31r00RjhfohYJLwUzpCWmW3WwZ_M3XhPF07JaH/s640/20190907_125515.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Perspectives.... the swing outside the library</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKV3ySRp4oAf-ZozPcpOU2UB15I3bDq0eDmntu6sxiD7pSmZympyxka8e_AZdCz15H3NGREwybaTnwK2i0kKzO7JXEKawsQhxMsHyhyphenhyphen_sW4e27lWMTCIkCedBFiibLjKIFBfs7Y2BJZQo/s1600/20190907_125550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKV3ySRp4oAf-ZozPcpOU2UB15I3bDq0eDmntu6sxiD7pSmZympyxka8e_AZdCz15H3NGREwybaTnwK2i0kKzO7JXEKawsQhxMsHyhyphenhyphen_sW4e27lWMTCIkCedBFiibLjKIFBfs7Y2BJZQo/s640/20190907_125550.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">Funky gate and house</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY_6JcAPQGldikLX_8wEhY_NoLvTUAbuTWbh4mZsDDm0Pc4D5dhDoWyN2coI8J6yZTw8NNDO7m8xntdm0iECyNkSxmW1UEJmWyd5Ad8xG2yUEXJyaj5qnpa2yBPrS8upLsd5iozcLd0rd/s1600/20190907_125603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmY_6JcAPQGldikLX_8wEhY_NoLvTUAbuTWbh4mZsDDm0Pc4D5dhDoWyN2coI8J6yZTw8NNDO7m8xntdm0iECyNkSxmW1UEJmWyd5Ad8xG2yUEXJyaj5qnpa2yBPrS8upLsd5iozcLd0rd/s640/20190907_125603.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">What a gorgeous house.. </span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DswGOn9UQD-mrfhBYtv-pULjBHEJPCFR-5KDRq_7DGgJBJhOj7Q7GUhBqaMC6RhSg0er3306SPvq_EIck5hsCKEoABgVGfOIkPVCCd_wrByL2BV2olAaR6pGAUwIKTPVt70tmiRbWcy2/s1600/20190907_125924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DswGOn9UQD-mrfhBYtv-pULjBHEJPCFR-5KDRq_7DGgJBJhOj7Q7GUhBqaMC6RhSg0er3306SPvq_EIck5hsCKEoABgVGfOIkPVCCd_wrByL2BV2olAaR6pGAUwIKTPVt70tmiRbWcy2/s640/20190907_125924.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">If you look atop the building, the wall is made of bottles...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Continuing my tradition of travelling around my birthday, this year too I was all set to pack my bags head out somewhere exotic/new/exciting.. Where did I go? Goa... Yep, a certain someone planned the trip and I was whisked away from the airport on a fabulous road trip... For someone used to travelling by train/flight/bus this was different and so much fun... Taking short breaks, enjoying the sights and sounds along the way, singing along to music, chit chatting about everything under the sun,moon & clouds.. Added bonus was I got to experience the crazy monsoons in Maharastra & Goa... Verdict- loved it... cant wait to do more such trips.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">On my birthday, we infact stayed in the room cos it poured non stop through the day. Think we stepped out only for dinner, that too cos of a zomato goof up.. On the 3rd or 4th day, while having breakfast, digging into pancakes and hash browns, we were trying to figure out where to go.. Somewhere interesting, we can walk around and not worry about the rains too much. The weather was erratic- it would pour like crazy and then take a break for a few minutes, and rinse repeat... Plus neither of us wanted to do the usual touristy things. While talking to a friend who was from Goa, and doing some digging around on the net, I found <b><i><a href="https://www.archgoa.org/about%20the%20museum/about%20the%20museum.htm">"Houses of Goa"</a></i></b> which sounded fun... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Off we went, in search of this street that is known to have houses that were all of different shapes and sizes, some crooked and tall, while others had funky entrances, windows and doors. Located in Porvorim, it took us about 35- 40 mins to get from Calangute... The drive was beautiful, lush greenery, little traffic and ofcourse awesome company :-)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">As we got closer, we were headed downhill when we spotted the wonky looking house right in the middle of the road and knew that had to be the place. Parked the car and walked around a while, enjoying the architecture, the bright pop of colours on one aspect of each of the houses before making a beeline for the tiny store in the narrow tall wonky house. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is also a museum put together by <span style="background-color: white;">Gerard da Cunha.. </span>The museum is the wonky building that I mentioned above and it looks like a triangle cone from some angles and a ship from another.. We did meet him at the Mario gallery as well later.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">We then drove around a while, just along the roads to see where they took us before we made a turn and got back to where we began. That is when I spotted Mario's gallery [ situated right next to the House of Goa street]. I was curious, and we parked once again but this time rains began, and we made a dash for the gallery... More on that in the next post... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">What do these houses remind you off? Have you been here? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Location</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Houses of Goa</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Opp. Nisha's Play School, Torda | Salvador do Mundo, Porvorim, India</span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-5116273327583394572019-09-12T03:52:00.000-07:002019-09-17T03:52:59.066-07:00Skies come alive.... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was up in the sky, high high above it all.. after ages.. This time, I got upgraded and travelled in plush seats, with wow level leg room. And so I did not have to excuse myself every time I turned or twisted in my seat... That apart, the windows seemed bigger as well and I could see all the way beyond with ease... </div>
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There was a bit of turbulence, but wasn't too bad. I watched a few episodes of downloaded show, read a while, chit chatted with my co-passenger and dozed a bit as well..Here are some shots I clicked during the flight from Bombay to Chennai... [Psst- haven't edited any of the images]</div>
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<br />Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-45204149347520335342019-07-11T22:45:00.000-07:002019-08-19T23:12:35.681-07:00What a trip~ Tungabadra dam & gardens..Hospet <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #660000;">It was a trip unlike any other I had taken...Why? Oh, several reasons.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>I had been chatting with this guy via a dating app for a few weeks and we decided to meet. Instead of him coming down to Chennai or I doing the trip to Hyd, we decided to meet elsewhere. He wasnt big on travel and the only trip he had done in the recent past was to Mumbai [ on work, so that does not really count as travel]. While we were discussing possible options, he threw in Hampi which had me smiling and gaping.. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>I asked - why Hampi?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>He said -- Friends who have been there spoke high of the place and therefore he was curious to visit.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>I continued with my probing.. more to understand his interests, likes & dislikes when it came to travel but he had no preferences.. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>He did not know if he was into mountains, beach, hiking, nature, heritage, history as he had not been anywhere... </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>Hmmm.. throwing caution to wind I agreed to do Hampi trip [ I have been here before and love the place]</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I took the bus from Chennai, while he took the train from Hyd and we met at the Hotel in Hospet [it was midpoint to bus stand & station, a basic hotel of sorts]. The first evening we went to Vittala temple, wandering about the space, clicking photographs [ I had carried my DSLR] but after an hour or so I could sense he had lost interest in the place and was just standing in one spot. But then he went along, the next day we hit Virupaksha Temple, Royal Enclosure and other must visit spots . As we got back to the room, he sighed and announced that he did not like the place at all, it was boring and nothing to see/do... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I did not comment, just kept silent and told him he needs to figure out what his interest area was and maybe get out more often to understand himself better.. He on the other hand was happy to stay in the room and watch TV or fiddle with his phone... Anyways, I stayed calm as I have met people from various walks of life/personalities and it is ok to not like a place.... Few other things that he did pissed me off and I infact advanced my return journey... With a few hours to go before my bus, he suddenly seemed to want to spend time and do stuff... I was not too keen... But then 4hrs just sitting there with him wasnt something I was looking forward to. So we took a cab out to Tubngabadra Dam in Hospet, which was a good decision..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">As you enter the campus, there are shuttle buses to take you to the top, where you find beautifully manicured gardens and a 360 view of the dam below... It was worth the 20 Rs ;-) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The Tungabadra dam is a multipurpose dam - as in, it serves irrigation, electricity is generated from the waters, acts as a flood control among other things.... This is a joint project of erstwhile Hyderabad state and erstwhile Madras Presidency when the construction was started; later it became a joint project of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh after its completion in 1953.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">It was Feb and there was barely any water, am sure if you come around the monsoons or after it would be quite the sight to see. It is infact quite a popular Tourist spot and we could see families arriving in cars and bikes... The place is well connected, so you will get buses and autos to/from Hospet as well..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Apart from the dam, there is also an aquarium and another smaller garden near the gates... So, once you are done wandering about on top, you can come down to walk around the space till you get tired. That day was fairly hot and so we did not explore the area much. Sat in the shade awhile and made our way back to the hotel. As we rode back, I noticed quite a few high end hotels lined along the road all the way to Hospet... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">An hour of chilling and I was happy to get back on the bus to Chennai... What a trip it had been... I always say "travelling is how you figure out if a relationship is going to survive.. be it friends or otherwise..." </span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-10609798166426304422019-06-17T23:45:00.000-07:002019-06-30T23:46:21.401-07:00Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi, Gujarat <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were done with Bhuj and Kutch and before winding up the trip, one last stop was required. That was going to be Mandvi.. Had read about the historic significance of the place and so was quite curious to see them all. </div>
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The first place we headed to was the Vijay Vilas Palace. As we drove into the gates, we spotted a few camels making their way towards the trees. After picking up tickets [@Rs10 each and Rs50 for the camera] we made our way into the campus. A short walk and you see the majestic Palace in front of you. </div>
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Built way back in 1929 by Rao Vijayraj, this palace is small but has some amazing architecture across the rooms and floors. We started on the ground floor, exploring the space, the corridors and getting a sneak glimpse into what life must have been like back in the day. Built using red sandstone with one central dome, it also has Bengal domes at the sides, a bastions at the corner, and coloured glass windows all across. The palace resembles a English country home from certain angles, esp the plush garden and the way it is laid out. </div>
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Artisans from Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Bengal were commissioned to work on the Palace, including Mestris and Suthars from Kutch, all of which reflects in the aesthetics of the palace. </div>
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What was meant to originally be a summer abode for the Kutch rulers, the palace thereafter became the Royal family's residence as well. A portion of the palace has been converted to a Resort [but we dint get to visit that property]. And many Bollywood movies have been shot here [ *eye roll*] </div>
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As we made our way up the spiral stair case to the terrace, I noticed how some portions were wood but others were concrete, which made me wonder how much repair work had gone on over the years. From the terrace, you get a view of the entire area around the palace. The sprawling space some of it remains a forest, other is used by the Resort. All through the palace, the tile work, the flooring, the art work on the pillars, the intricate stone carving & jali work and murals are the highlights of the palace.</div>
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While we were walking around the space, a guide kept telling us snippets from the years gone by about the King, his fondness for hunting, the many many photographs of tiger hunting sessions, the stuffed tigers and then showed us the long dining table that could fit more than 20 people. He soon got dramatic and stated this is where the entire team from Lagaan has a meal in the movie in that scene.. and then in this room is where the scene from Lagaan & Hum dil de chuke sanam movie was shot. While I understand that most of the heritage buildings in our country have become renowned for the movies shot in them, I feel sad that history is forgotten. People today relate to places based on which movie was shot there, or which dance sequence they remember... Another aspect that irks me is when the guide tells us "come here and click a photograph, you will be able to get a good selfie here.. and so on"... Sometimes people who travel are so focussed on getting a good shot, that they fail to soak in the place for what it is.... Sigh ... am just venting and this isnt gonna change anything I know! But still.. </div>
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As we left the place, walking back towards our car, I wondered how happy the Royal family were living in this palace.. What was their life like during the earthquake, and since then... </div>
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The palace is 7 km from the center of town, </div>
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Timings- 9am-1pm and 3pm-6pm. </div>
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Entry is Rs.20 per person & Rs50 for camera.. </div>
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Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-17175354469857849312019-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:002019-06-17T19:24:42.747-07:00Things to do in HongKong during a long layover.... <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>355</o:Words> <o:Characters>2025</o:Characters> <o:Company>India</o:Company> <o:Lines>16</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2376</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">[Images courtesy RA & yes he said it was alright for me to use em..]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "" "cambria" "" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A friend of mine was travelling to Seattle, via Hong Kong... He had a layover of about 14-16hours in Hong Kong and so asked me to help him plan what he could do in that time frame. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "" "cambria" "" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I haven't been to Hong Kong [ many did tell me I should have spent a day or so in the city before flying back to Chennai when I was coming back from USA, but well did not plan ahead..] so did not know off hand what one could do in that city.. Therefore had to do some research and talk to friends/family to get ideas/inputs. After all that digging around, here is what I finally put together... </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "cambria" "" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Things to remember</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "cambria" "" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Most Important: </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "cambria" "" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Make sure you have the pre-registration print out (alternate to HK visa)the print out charges in airport is 300 HK$</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Take into account immigration time when you land in HK<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Check your next flight timing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">do you have to pick up baggage or does baggage go straight?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Make sure to return to airport with 1.5hrs to your flight cos there are a gazillion gates and its long walk..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "cambria" "" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Get octopus card from airport, this is the only place u get the octopus card with ur credit card, otherwise, suffer during whole trip, while going back, return card and get money refunded back</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "cambria" "" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The metro from Airport to HK city is very convenient, 20 mins, and to-fro ticket for full day - 115 HK$</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Airport express train</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Travel comfortably between the airport and hong kong Central in just 24 minutes on the Airport Express. Trains depart at 10-minute intervals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Fare – HK$115 [USD14-15] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">6. Metro train site- </span><a href="http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/jp/index.php?sid=3&eid=21"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/jp/index.php?sid=3&eid=21</span></a><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7. Use local taxis [ uber is not cheap]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Things you can do during layout in Hong Kong</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>1) Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade & Sky100 – </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Total of about 4hrs</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">(a) Taking the Airport Express train to Kowloon Station. From there, go </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">up to ICC </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">(International Commerce Centre) - the tallest building in </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">Hong Kong. On 100/F, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">there is Sky100 - a paid sight-seeing spot, </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">allowing you to have a 360-degree view </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">of Hong Kong/Kowloon and </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">the harbour. The height is similar to that of the peak </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">but from a </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;">different angle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">(b) from Sky100 to Tsim shat sui- 3 to 4kms <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Travel <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">** Take the Line973 bus from Mody road [10-11mins] or taxi [3-4mins]. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">** There is a direct bus departing from Mody Road and arriving at Western Harbour Tunnel. Services depart every 20 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 10m.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">2) </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ride on Ngong Ping 360 cable car and see the Big Buddha – Total of about 4 hours</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">** How to go to Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ride the MTR Station from Tsim Sha Tsui (Tseun Wan Line or the Red Line) and get off at Lai King Interchange [ 20mins ride]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">From there, just across is the Tung Chung Line. Ride that line and alight at Tung Chung Station [40min ride]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Exit at Exit B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">You would then see the City Gate Outlet Mall, beside it is the entrance going to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Things to see- Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Tai O fishing village, etc<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you are up for it, can climb up the steps to the big Buddha.. else roam around down in the streets, eat, shop etc.. the citygate mall is a good place to kill time, have a drink as well.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cable car ride – 25- 30 mins <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Single standard cabin cable car to go up – HD$315 [US$40]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">At the hongkong Airport <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aviation Discovery[museum & simulation ] and UA IMAX <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Theater [movie] – 2-4hrs <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">If there are other things one can do, please share them, will include them in the post.. Thanks in advance..</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> </span></i></div>
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</style>Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-22985202603692293222019-05-17T23:10:00.000-07:002019-06-13T23:39:00.385-07:00Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1mMdFZR2sctacZNB0Hw5n7IudXiDp1QMRVSHseRry4dVsUXR59AC3KhOZeTSmZAaHx38rIWD1ylood9u0UGG6F0VSK_b2teyKFUomsfXUj2TcQZO262kHPqgWsQ8squuE_FueVpVkodo/s1600/IMG_7299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1mMdFZR2sctacZNB0Hw5n7IudXiDp1QMRVSHseRry4dVsUXR59AC3KhOZeTSmZAaHx38rIWD1ylood9u0UGG6F0VSK_b2teyKFUomsfXUj2TcQZO262kHPqgWsQ8squuE_FueVpVkodo/s640/IMG_7299.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SUkOzR689oxAsX0-a2vtLYHtfrOIfOf4SIs0K0qMwFz3TZeJLNGm5av6jXmUUddUhBmjBBiqTg2pRKqENFnjijPM4udSESlk5QCgU4d2bbzU-y6vOdJwUDevl2DbTzdF5br33C89J8ZM/s1600/IMG_7303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SUkOzR689oxAsX0-a2vtLYHtfrOIfOf4SIs0K0qMwFz3TZeJLNGm5av6jXmUUddUhBmjBBiqTg2pRKqENFnjijPM4udSESlk5QCgU4d2bbzU-y6vOdJwUDevl2DbTzdF5br33C89J8ZM/s640/IMG_7303.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnlPMbCA1oy0CIt67DpqkP7_xSXlQ4uXZZaYYGewSaT6rMIY5zag6hRmerxznctbHHBEDUxWWy5pq5OkDTyGtoOTIu4rzhfQl4P1ALonROIiAGDUtIFoT24WBivtRdIKFPplm6NXlHBnJ/s1600/Sidi+Saiyyed+Mosque+rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1124" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnlPMbCA1oy0CIt67DpqkP7_xSXlQ4uXZZaYYGewSaT6rMIY5zag6hRmerxznctbHHBEDUxWWy5pq5OkDTyGtoOTIu4rzhfQl4P1ALonROIiAGDUtIFoT24WBivtRdIKFPplm6NXlHBnJ/s640/Sidi+Saiyyed+Mosque+rear.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">There I was, in the city that held so many fond memories- Ahmedabad. My first visit was back in 20015, when I spent a whole week here, just that back then I wasn't into this kind of travel mode and so did not explore the city too much.. Plus the agenda was different... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">This time around, I was here with nothing but travel and curiosity on the agenda... I was gonna spend two days in the city before moving on towards Bhuj and beyond!! On the 1st day, after breakfast and settling in, we decided to check out the International Kite Festival. While it was fun, it was quite hot and we walked around the place for an hour before making our way towards The House Of MG [Mangaldas].. A friend wanted to go check out the rooms and food, she had guests coming down in a few staying and staying at the property. The other 3 of us decided to wander the property and explore the area around before coming back for a cup of cool lime soda or chai. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">As you enter The House of MG, the first thing you see is the Menstrual tree installation and on the right side is the Tree of life.. Both are quite impactful, and on the tree of life , there was a board that spoke about the Jali work from the Sidi Saiyyed mosque. When we googled the place, we discovered it was right across from where we were standing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">We hopped across, and entered the mosque premises, took off our shoes and wandered about the place. It is a fairly small space, and there is a marble board near the entrance that talks about when it was built and by who etc... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was built back in 1572-73 AD by Sidi Saiyyid.... The mosque is entirely arcuated and renowned for the ten intricately carved stone latticework windows or jalis as they are known. You will find these on the arches both inside and on the rear side. The intricately carved window with the Tree with intertwining branches is the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad's logo. The workmanship is just wow, mesmerising and almost looks like filigree work... The one surprising element was the small window in the center which is plain and has just a wall on it. I also heard that the place was not completed, as the Mughals invaded Gujarat by then. Even though this mosque is much smaller than the Jama Masjid, and does not have the huge courtyard, the craftsmanship and details across the structure is unparalleled. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">As we made our way out of the campus, we heard prayers from the speakers and people slowly piling in. I sent an image of the wall with the Tree on it to a friend who is from IIM and he replied "wow, I have heard of this place, but not visited in even once during my years studying at the campus".. :-) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The traffic was crazy, and it took us a good few minutes to cross the road and take shade at the cafe in The House of MG and wait for our friend... </span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-78158808464543065002019-05-06T03:55:00.000-07:002019-05-16T20:07:15.248-07:00Anantya Resort near Kanyakumari... The birthday getaway <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERjIhF8Q4H2l9giVLum4OxCkOwgcj8tbB2ssl_qu2bUOUeMHe98v7bz7sczlOvXewV5SxDra6nD6_0dJ0XBpaRUsRvpcM0LwnWvr8ranWWWrEgrBk9k70gj8eLPcLGTGU7dviLXspRldR/s1600/IMG_20180903_092328200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERjIhF8Q4H2l9giVLum4OxCkOwgcj8tbB2ssl_qu2bUOUeMHe98v7bz7sczlOvXewV5SxDra6nD6_0dJ0XBpaRUsRvpcM0LwnWvr8ranWWWrEgrBk9k70gj8eLPcLGTGU7dviLXspRldR/s640/IMG_20180903_092328200.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started this tradition few years back.. For <a href="https://travellerspeaks.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-birthday-getaway-tradition.html">my birthday I would get away</a>, be away from Chennai... Over the years I have been to many different places.. Invariably, it would be a place I haven't been to before, unless there was little time or not much options cos of the time constraint. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last year, I was in a bit of a dilemma.. I knew the birthday was coming, I knew I wanted to get away, its like the itch knew when to appear and I was lost wondering where to go. I ran through a multitude of options in my head, ruled out most of them, cos they needed atleast 5-10 days to do justice.. I picked up the phone and sent a message to my bestie about this and within an hour I had arrived on one decision- I was going to indulge and do a holiday like none I have done so far... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For those who know me, know that most of my trips are budget trips, under 20-30k [for a 10day trip, including travel accommodation food etc... ], and so this time when I zeroed in on where to go, I was excited.. While breaking my head on where to go, I remembered this place a friend had visited about a year earlier.. hunted around on Instagram for their photographs, messaged him and that was that, my mind was made up!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was headed to <i><b><a href="http://anantyaresorts.com/">Anantya Resorts, Kanyakumari</a></b></i>. The property was located within 100 acre Rubber plantation and along the Chittar lake and was on TN- Kerala Border.. It is one of the few properties that has a brilliant <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anantyaresorts/">Instagram feed/stories</a> and a property that I wish I could go back to... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I booked myself for 2N/3D at their <a href="http://anantyaresorts.com/chakra-cottage/">Chakra Cottage</a> [ they also have a <a href="http://anantyaresorts.com/siddhi-villa/">Siddhi Villa</a> which comes with its own small pond of sorts and a gazebo] , and had reached out to them asking about transport [pick up/drop]. The property is an hour from Nagercoil station, and about the same from Trivandrum Airport as well. I love trains, and train journeys, so booked myself on the train headed to Kanyakumari. The property was sending me a cab... Ta da... I was set.. ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was this adrenalin rush and excitement like I had never felt before.. Maybe because my earlier birthdays were all kinda spent on the road going from one place to the other, or had been in places I had heard off/read about plenty and this place held some mystery element to it.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a fun train journey, where I scandalised a few fellow passengers [who have never seen a girl travel alone...], I was out of the train and on the road towards the resort. The cabbie was a chatty guy, and asked if I knew Lakshmi madam [who's the owner of the property], he went on to share that she was currently in Chennai and asked if I was here on her recco.. We then chit chatted about the places around that I could visit, enquired about the distance to Kanyakumari and lo behold we had reached. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The reception area is near the main gate, but the cottages are a short hop skip away, the path is rugged but the view ahead is what caught my eye. I was in Chakra Cottage #101 if I remember right [ I did lose my way once or twice but was happy to just be lost and wander about...].. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The cottage was a few steps from the lake, as were all others. I was told all Chakra cottages on one side, and Siddhi villas on the other.. the lake was like a U around the property.. Am not gonna go on about the room or the property, it will make me go all nostalgic and so am gonna let the photographs tell the tales.... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All I will say is if ever you are looking for a place to getaway, no signal [atleast no Airtel or Vodafone], and want to do nothing but walk, chill, eat good food, swim, get a massage or two then this is the place for you!! Totally worth every single paisa... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">During the 2nd morning breakfast, connected with a fellow traveller who was there for a quick getaway with her family. Rather she initiated the conversation seeing me alone at the table. Was surprised I was travelling alone that too for my birthday! Came to know she worked in Bangalore, in an IT firm and was into CRM, specifically Salesforce. She infact suggested I sign up for a course at one of the best centres that offered </span><span style="font-weight: 700; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.salesforcetraining.education/">salesforce training Chennai</a> </span><span style="text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">if I was looking for a career shift. Her husband had apparently undergone </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">salesforce admin training in Chennai </span><span style="text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and today was a VP at a company in Bangalore as well. Her parents chit chatted a while, they too were surprised I was alone, and asked if I wanted to join them for the rest of the day. I politely declined and told them I enjoyed my own company and headed out for a walk along the lake.... </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is one of the joys of travelling, meeting interesting people from various walks of life and getting a sneak peek into what the other part of the world lives like... :-) </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qUBxYjxoF6sFxhARYxmF2ZnHbKVS7vRiru1TrL4ug6qeM13QT-ueCMyfLv6D3LCBnNhFZ_rOPxdkfHxpEDYkSogZHOvQUw4uWyrEdSvvuw8-3cmn7Fj7QoeAXiE8qRm8CXWW7OkOZMEf/s1600/anantya1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="1280" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qUBxYjxoF6sFxhARYxmF2ZnHbKVS7vRiru1TrL4ug6qeM13QT-ueCMyfLv6D3LCBnNhFZ_rOPxdkfHxpEDYkSogZHOvQUw4uWyrEdSvvuw8-3cmn7Fj7QoeAXiE8qRm8CXWW7OkOZMEf/s640/anantya1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The sprawling open space around the cottages along the lake..</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My Cottage...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QZ1wily-rRqx_YJs8WovZLC_7HIMRxTSHZlhKBARTAQDTNwJdz7Z-Z2Zi3PhKv9USvD_VvglLSg2vx1EU16sxFABD7FePSbo41x5J3O7TzfSSfNnc48Lk2pdpAZKxgjk1xJJwC1KYDRD/s1600/IMG_5939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QZ1wily-rRqx_YJs8WovZLC_7HIMRxTSHZlhKBARTAQDTNwJdz7Z-Z2Zi3PhKv9USvD_VvglLSg2vx1EU16sxFABD7FePSbo41x5J3O7TzfSSfNnc48Lk2pdpAZKxgjk1xJJwC1KYDRD/s640/IMG_5939.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The game zone, and the dining area beyond along with the pool and spa..</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofNUPUuG5O2VOY0Pt0Pd_VrUxkgfUXt1hY2XyMf3A2iY9nA6lyZLWj580dNxxUvgeKw5eEM7OrNoFUZvoig9FSM2W0w1MAzSQm2BOzhUlGT8lp-3lToORgJO9WHk3LMYm775G0BFRRpBN/s1600/IMG_5948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofNUPUuG5O2VOY0Pt0Pd_VrUxkgfUXt1hY2XyMf3A2iY9nA6lyZLWj580dNxxUvgeKw5eEM7OrNoFUZvoig9FSM2W0w1MAzSQm2BOzhUlGT8lp-3lToORgJO9WHk3LMYm775G0BFRRpBN/s640/IMG_5948.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Artwork on a wall..</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4aZgJBcO9gQ3V4qXUhOcmAmgSZ71OW9JQrqtkAN27nTjWe6-lNvKOMWeJZTCd-oO5r8NN5-DpNwof3KZ2wFtADh-D5aHiZd8Vy3urZZ6La-qMVuQpCauSgO7NGnCusKODlaF_z_-XpCJ/s1600/IMG_5950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4aZgJBcO9gQ3V4qXUhOcmAmgSZ71OW9JQrqtkAN27nTjWe6-lNvKOMWeJZTCd-oO5r8NN5-DpNwof3KZ2wFtADh-D5aHiZd8Vy3urZZ6La-qMVuQpCauSgO7NGnCusKODlaF_z_-XpCJ/s640/IMG_5950.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Greenery everywhere you see.</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU0R-QeXFkxiwZ4k6pTgTMmuMA-7m_qRSjlW_6XVEDSwQSygMMSsdRsoCGiqMhl2KtkBOEYA3tQCabrBMipgsrA3v8C68sx7oGgpqLZXwxrF9vo_0DBf3n-B9IhOrpnkir1_gPhx4_FEP/s1600/IMG_6040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU0R-QeXFkxiwZ4k6pTgTMmuMA-7m_qRSjlW_6XVEDSwQSygMMSsdRsoCGiqMhl2KtkBOEYA3tQCabrBMipgsrA3v8C68sx7oGgpqLZXwxrF9vo_0DBf3n-B9IhOrpnkir1_gPhx4_FEP/s640/IMG_6040.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My cottage...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESzEu90YxLVm4tVQEHEUZQMEQRmHdQ2L4KFTVcq_az4uukuz4Smg8BY3nLPRu24j5NnoASZtBV5uktXS2ujKjBMRQ9bxPuu-cJGjhTP8JUlfUxRjvz2_hfix1B7AMCXP8OvFuoyrDjU7j/s1600/IMG_6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESzEu90YxLVm4tVQEHEUZQMEQRmHdQ2L4KFTVcq_az4uukuz4Smg8BY3nLPRu24j5NnoASZtBV5uktXS2ujKjBMRQ9bxPuu-cJGjhTP8JUlfUxRjvz2_hfix1B7AMCXP8OvFuoyrDjU7j/s640/IMG_6051.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The lake as the sun sets..</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXznQPBGVjOzOf7A8IQ8Intgp81gCz3jMv1GmvFmP5ZHXRB2KJrDKtth4tBOTsgu9BbS-XbVSWuUMPxAJ0iOlpp0RFgLtTUHurW_2ghLnwYfqrVKQCx5SHijmCo1v5zECORYs9n_Jr8rjV/s1600/IMG_6059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXznQPBGVjOzOf7A8IQ8Intgp81gCz3jMv1GmvFmP5ZHXRB2KJrDKtth4tBOTsgu9BbS-XbVSWuUMPxAJ0iOlpp0RFgLtTUHurW_2ghLnwYfqrVKQCx5SHijmCo1v5zECORYs9n_Jr8rjV/s400/IMG_6059.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The sit out area from the room...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLhaFBreBdAt0BjbV3rg2X0ftTrS9tBfiqjb1VhS44LJ6AJRdp6nNxdMFKnTd-K2sE4IZqYbhvJbqKUGm7tfO2JKFU2ObI-3dqurM2EjOzozilUijYfhE5O-vIPiaXA0jo9-RshqpQ5b8/s1600/IMG_20180903_091706894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLhaFBreBdAt0BjbV3rg2X0ftTrS9tBfiqjb1VhS44LJ6AJRdp6nNxdMFKnTd-K2sE4IZqYbhvJbqKUGm7tfO2JKFU2ObI-3dqurM2EjOzozilUijYfhE5O-vIPiaXA0jo9-RshqpQ5b8/s640/IMG_20180903_091706894.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The dining area..</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_krOT0kq65oUpyFE717_JIrlTBrhyphenhyphenIbSrQEx5PcOIiVH_SfqIKYzzpETjynSUGYgPcaBMOW1NS9ZaZNgikKkpmPVG31QdJpOMlZQE1HWhe4W0KEilU6xvrXujiNyQoSCgsTZyWcNRUVWL/s1600/IMG_20180903_092448202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_krOT0kq65oUpyFE717_JIrlTBrhyphenhyphenIbSrQEx5PcOIiVH_SfqIKYzzpETjynSUGYgPcaBMOW1NS9ZaZNgikKkpmPVG31QdJpOMlZQE1HWhe4W0KEilU6xvrXujiNyQoSCgsTZyWcNRUVWL/s640/IMG_20180903_092448202.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Gaming zone,, chess, scrabble, books, pallankuzhi and more..</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig3PzJJ44-Jm8-O_GYxvqcDqDuIPejvqjGZADX_ogZCzEyMJK9FHXQQ0dIYgAifkgXgIwqm3JEU71xVzBARKVDXoarcJri3LA3s60hdlhAFxaONlG48uyQPp66zh5cw0gE8K0vA_BU3Hb/s1600/IMG_20180903_132556092_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig3PzJJ44-Jm8-O_GYxvqcDqDuIPejvqjGZADX_ogZCzEyMJK9FHXQQ0dIYgAifkgXgIwqm3JEU71xVzBARKVDXoarcJri3LA3s60hdlhAFxaONlG48uyQPp66zh5cw0gE8K0vA_BU3Hb/s640/IMG_20180903_132556092_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Walkways..</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHywb97VMoxNkT561MwSTSPGjdB3rSIGHNB1o_sf3-mfcw40rXb1aDBOYg4L9tHFekswSqLV7dElMnClOJgqtURSpyi7ti-34cdySX0lGfBiGe5wj71pw8n5FH3aaEzvBqygZ6I5lhYCTF/s1600/IMG_20180903_133150685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHywb97VMoxNkT561MwSTSPGjdB3rSIGHNB1o_sf3-mfcw40rXb1aDBOYg4L9tHFekswSqLV7dElMnClOJgqtURSpyi7ti-34cdySX0lGfBiGe5wj71pw8n5FH3aaEzvBqygZ6I5lhYCTF/s640/IMG_20180903_133150685.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Breakfast/meals with a view...</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now that you have feasted your eyes, let me tell you it is a place you can go alone or with friends or family and will definitely have a blast.. They also have a court that you can use for tennis/shuttle or if basketball is your thing head over to the next space.. There are fun sitting options along the way- a low hammock or a funky hanging chair of sorts.. And if you wanna get some fitness in, grab a cycle and bike around.. You can also request a tour of the plantation, which takes about 1.5-2hrs and is good fun tour..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Address: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anantya Resort </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">State Highway 45, Kaliel Village, Chittar Lake, Kanyakumari District, Alancholai </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Phone: 044 2823 2013</span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-22618107388083981502019-04-18T11:29:00.000-07:002019-04-22T19:39:11.054-07:00Conversations about Travelling, & more...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu3WQ05bA3C9x4uF8yQ2lsYbMx_cFP_SxAcVDmYHE_oTM9gDwuy1DU4f1pHEfb-GsdBPxTu9hUuRGSbY9dkBM4Kb2kmagPEL3hktxpt4JsYRliLq2iDaHwIvyrv8dWLInZCjrMMnETs8M/s1600/general+topic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu3WQ05bA3C9x4uF8yQ2lsYbMx_cFP_SxAcVDmYHE_oTM9gDwuy1DU4f1pHEfb-GsdBPxTu9hUuRGSbY9dkBM4Kb2kmagPEL3hktxpt4JsYRliLq2iDaHwIvyrv8dWLInZCjrMMnETs8M/s640/general+topic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">I have been travelling for a few years now, more so in recent past. Infact, the love for travel began back in junior school. Luckily my parents let me go on every single trip, be it day trips or longer ones to new destinations. Even though they weren't big on travel, I got to explore the country-- Yayy for me! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And over the years, I found joy in travelling alone. Initially it was because friends were busy and couldn't take time off but over time it has become something that is all mine. I infact even hesitate to tell people am travelling for fear that they will want to come along or latch on.. Maybe I am just being cautious, because I firmly believe that if you can travel with someone, then that relationship is set for life- be it a friend or otherwise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And the one big takeaway for me with the whole travelling alone is that I have learnt so many lessons, discovered so many things not just about myself but about how to travel smart and wise, considering am into budget backpack travel and not the lavish kind. </span></span></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Few weeks back, I was working out of a cafe, rather editing pictures from a recent trip when a friend pinged me on chat. We hadn't spoken in a few months, and it was a pleasant surprise to hear from him. We started chatting and here is how the conversation went..</span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He - Hey, how are you doing? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me- Hi, am good, whats up.. This is a surprise. ;o) </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - Ah well, I do think about you woman, just that life happens and then work happens, etc etc.. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - Hmmm.. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He- So, are you in town or somewhere new/exotic? Gotta say, am so jealous of you/your life...</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - hahah.. shuddup... dont put kannu now... </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He- Nah, never.. am happy you are doing what you Love.. back in Chennai? </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me- yes, been 3 days since I got back. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - So where all did you go this time?Spill the beans.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - I was exploring in and around Gujarat this time.. Familiar places and few new ones as well. We started with Ahmedabad, then explored the regions around- Adalaj, Patan & Modera before moving ahead towards Bhuj and Rann of Kutch. It was a fun packed road trip alright. Also combined plenty of textile based village/NGO visits.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - Oh wow, sounds exotic alright. How do you manage finances when travelling? Am assuming you went through a group and they charge a fee + taxes... </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - Well, this one was actually a reccee, which means we were checking out the region, the accommodation etc so we can put together trips and bring people. But yes, when we do that we will charge them a fee plus what is called GST. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He- Wait, what is this GST? </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - Uff, well unlike earlier when we had million different kinds of taxes, today it has all been consolidated and we pay just GST [Goods & services tax].. If you wanna understand this better, head over to the <a href="https://vakilsearch.com/gst-india/">GST</a> section on the site, it has all the info you could ask for... </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - So, you pay GST on pretty much everything.. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - Yep and you gotta file GST returns periodically as well. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He- Ooh., interesting~~ Things seem to have been streamlined in India now... </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - Ya, and what is cool is that when booking hotel rooms, if the tariff comes to under Rs8000, then am charged only 18% whereas if it is beyond this rate the GST is around 28%.. This way you can look at staying at high end hotels that give you good deals as well. ;-)</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - Hmmm, and what about food? does GST apply there as well?</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - yep, in that you will see two components at the bottom- CGST and SGST- one goes to the center and other to the state, the total GST percentage is divided up equally between the two.. And on top of this, some places add Service charge[10%] as well- which is basically tips. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - oooh. okok.... Wow, so much has changed since my last trip home... What about flight and train tickets? how do they work these days?</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - they work the same as before... you can choose your mode of transport based on the travel duration, your comfort and fears.. hehe</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - Shuddup monkey.. I mean how expensive are they these days? </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - ahh that.. well, if you book ahead they are cheaper... Under the new taxation laws, the tax on the economy class is 5% while business class is 12% when it comes to flights ... For trains, GST is applicable to all categories of tickets at 5%.. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - Gosh, okay!! </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, how do I find out about GST returns filing? </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - That is for businesses, but then you can check the site I mentioned earlier. It is quite indepth and easy to follow. Infact, they even do the needful for you, all you gotta do is provide necessary information and documents. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - Wow, good to know... Ok, this is enough for today, more later.. head is swimming with info... What were you upto when I buzzed? </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me - Cool.. Was editing pictures from the recent trip..</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He - Lucky bug~~ </span>Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-37036415496992083662019-03-26T10:43:00.001-07:002019-03-26T19:35:16.677-07:00Kala Ghoda & Mumbai... <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had heard of the <b><i><a href="http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/">Kala Ghoda Festival</a></i></b> in Mumbai few years back and since then been wanting to visit the city around the time. But well, something or the other came in the way until this year.. I planned a short quick trip to Mumbai, just before the festival drew to an end. Was quite excited and so was my bestie who lives in Mumbai.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was the 1st time, I told more than one friend I was coming to the city and asked if we could meet. There are a few I know through the online world, we have been in touch for more than just a few years but haven't met yet.. But well, cant have it all right? This time managed to meet two friends and the third one continues to remain an online friend ... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I landed in Mumbai Thursday morning and Friday afternoon we decided to visit the Kala Ghoda festival. Pick up friend's son from his class and off we went.. The ride from Goregaon to Fort area took almost an hour and a half, not including the half hour break we took at Pizza by the bay [lovely place by the way, but that is reserved for another post] .. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Few other friends were also going to be there and was looking forward to bumping into them :D . That apart, another friend who had moved from Chennai wanted to catch up. Not keeping the city's traffic chaos in mind, I told him we could catch up around 7pm or so. Gulp.. [had to message him around 6 saying don't think meet possible that evening... ]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kala Ghoda Association was formed back in 1998 with the main focus of maintaining and preserving the heritage and art district of South Mumbai. The festival happens around the Kala Ghoda statue [black horse] and streets on either side are cordoned off for stalls and installations, all of which are based around the theme for the year. This year was the 20th year and they were celebrating Mumbai, the city of dreams. So the installations were all about how people come to the city with dreams in their eyes, hope, light, etc... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Was fascinating to walk around, one section was for NGO stalls and the other side was for the general vendors. The stalls change after the 1st 4 days, and then in come new ones.. and then there are talks, workshops that happen across the space, in different venues. As we wandered about, I did meet my friends, chit chatted a little bit before moving on to check out more stalls. Another lady I met , or rather kicked off a conversation with was Uma, who is from chennai and works at the <a href="https://www.chinmayaias.com/">Chinmaya IAS Academy</a>. I initiated a conversation only because I heard her speaking in tamil ... hehe..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is quite a thing! By the time we decided we were done exploring the place, and paid heed to the hunger pangs, it was 9pm.. We had spent close to 7 hours there, the longest I have ever spent at any festival.. :-) Did pick up a few things from the stalls- cloth bag to buy vegetables [it had 6 smaller pockets inside], jewellery[ friend gifted me 2 neckpieces],some herbs, freshner packets for the cupboard and so on.. I also gave my friend some time alone and helped her son decorate a light [we were given a paper light, got to use glue gun and fabrics/sheets/etc to decorate it- so much fun.. this whole installation was an initiative managed by the Goethe-Institut year on year.] Apart from this, there was a cool set of lights outside the Goethe-Institut that looked like the globe & a few displays within the campus based on science.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Must have walked a few kilometers that evening, but it was fun.. I enjoy interacting with business folks, stall owners and designers.. its a good opportunity to understand their inspirations, background, admire their creativity & just connect with people. After reuniting with my friend, we decided to do dinner before hitting the road.. We knew it was going to be atleast 2hour ride home, so dinner was thali at Chetana which was located in the same area before getting out to find the car.. :-) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phew, what a day it had been!! </span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-19106598545920875162019-01-14T20:29:00.000-08:002019-02-05T09:31:50.309-08:00Road trip, Temples, Mall.. Indore... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblM7cTsFBiVNjMheChn08qPjif3gA3A97p0-yOHq7OQ8JjO2CdSnzRWpgKTMM9qsyTZYRcNNWVLnNf2-LuOubHu3BUpATbc2CBWM-mSQ7zZe6oYQtsIcZR2Zk0GqiRfaAwX9WAzGyMOLb/s1600/winter+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblM7cTsFBiVNjMheChn08qPjif3gA3A97p0-yOHq7OQ8JjO2CdSnzRWpgKTMM9qsyTZYRcNNWVLnNf2-LuOubHu3BUpATbc2CBWM-mSQ7zZe6oYQtsIcZR2Zk0GqiRfaAwX9WAzGyMOLb/s640/winter+morning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">And just like that two weeks had flown by and we were headed to our final destination in the Explore Madhya Pradesh saga... We were headed to Indore, by bus from Bhopal. The morning dawned bright and sunny, but while waiting for the bus at Bhopal it got quite chill, and we pulled out a shrug from our wraps and prepared for the ride ahead. The bus had a screen & the movie for the morning was Golamaal Returns... *rolls eyes*... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">We reached Indore around 3pm, and made our way to the hotel, we were booked at <b><i><a href="https://www.gingerhotels.com/specials/website-exclusive-rate.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TT_Ginger_Hotel_Indore_Brand&gclid=CjwKCAiA4t_iBRApEiwAn-vt-7qbCkfC6CX2u_OtZKNqOsC40dUGU0jXJxSdoa9tiZK1vEawD3a08hoCoE0QAvD_BwE">Ginger</a></i></b>, which was right behind the Shoppers Stop store... Our room was on the 7th floor and quite swanky.. The reception and restaurant were on the 6th floor and then ofcourse there was their signature Cafe Coffee Day on the ground floor. [The last time I stayed at a Ginger, in Mysore they had only the Cafe coffee day, no restaurant.. looks like things have changed in a decade]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">That evening we decided to explore <b><i><a href="https://aromasofkitchens.blogspot.com/2018/12/street-food-in-indore.html">Sarafa Bazaar</a></i></b>, famous for street food and spent about 2 hours walking up and down the narrow lanes, sampling a few dishes that sounds unique.. Was a fun evening! Got back to our room around 10pm, and drew up a plan for the next day. We decided once again to go with zoomcar , this time hiring one for the 300kms package. Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Mandu was on our mind when we put this plan... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">The next morning, we were up, ready and done with breakfast by 8am, the car was delivered and we hit the road by 9am. I remembered to pack my powerbank and cable as well. First up, we were off on the highway towards Omkareshwar [ which was about 78kms away]. Upon reaching the town, we used google maps to take us towards the temple. We were stopped at what looked like a gate, asked to pay Rs20 for entry. And then further ahead, a guy directed us to a rough spot to park the car, and then showed us to a hut of sorts asking for Rs50 for parking. We told him we would pay when leaving! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">There was a small cluster of temples, including a Shiva temple near the parking lot. Took off our shoes and did a quick walk around, before heading down the stairs towards the Narmada river. Both sides of the steps flanked with shops selling everything from things to offer God to toys, jewellery and more. At the bottom of the stairs, was the row of boats waiting for customers. One guy managed to convince us to hire him, [after much bargaining, we agreed to pay him Rs700, he quoted Rs1200- we got a quick ride towards the dam, were shown a spot saying"triveni sangamam of Rivers Cauvery, Narmada and Tapi", a Vishnu temple and finally the mail Omkareshwar temple, which is located atop the hill. There was a bit of acrobats involved in getting off the boat, and I was glad I hadnt carried my DSLR. We had to jump into another boat and then walk down the length of that one before hopping out onto the steps.. Phew.. made it alive! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">And then once again as we made our way up the steps, men who looked like priests came over to convince us to hire them to show us to the main deity. One man showed us a ticket and said even though it was priced at Rs350, he would take us up & inside for Rs250. We dint buy his crap, but just played along. As expected as we got close to the main shrine he started with the "well, you need to go there and get a ticket for x amount for abhishekam and archanai, and then pay me Rs300 for taking you inside.. la la la..." we dint even listen to him, cos he hadnt made things any easier, we told him to bugger off and stood in line with the rest of the crowd. In 20mins, we had reached the main shrine, said our prayers and were out. And then peacefully we made our way back down the hill towards the boats. Had to wait a few minutes for our ride to take us back! Well, it was one hellova experience alright.. Even though I was sceptical about the boat ride etc, it was well worth it... Up the flight of steps and back towards the car we went. </span></div>
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It was nearly 1pm, hunger pangs were starting to chime in. Deciding to take a break before hitting Maheswar [which is 66kms from Omkareshwar], we drove towards the MP Tourism property- Narmada Retreat... The property had a similar layout to the Betwa Retreat in Orchha, located right on the banks of river Narmada with rooms/cottages scattered across the vast space. There was a pool near the restaurant and we could hear kids screaming about. We settled in, ordered lunch and relaxed a bit. </div>
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Apart from the Ahilya Holkar Fort, Maheshwar is also the centre of handloom weaving [thanks to Ahilya Holkar] going back to the 5th century, Maheshwar has been producing the exquisite Maheshwari saris and fabric. The town also holds the distinction of being the capital of Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s empire during the 18th century... We spotted quite a few places with the weavers board, and some shops as well. The first thing you see as you make your way towards the fort is a life size statue of Ahilya Holkar holding her beloved God Shiva in Linga form in her hands. There is a temple where all the shiva [lingams] idols she prayed to has been preserved. Inside the fort I spotted a huge space that was dedicated to weavers, women especially and it had been set up the Queen herself decades ago. Also located within the fort is the beautiful Akhileshwar Temple, and as you walk down the endless steps, you go all the way to the River. The entire fort and area around is quite breath taking. </div>
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After spending a few hours here, we were quite exhausted and it was then time to head back to Indore, which was 96 kms away. We got back to our hotel around 7pm and put our feet up, reminiscing about the trip that it had been. Next day after a brief outing, we decided to chill in Indore and ended up going to mall down the road, catching Aquaman and walking around a bit... Was good to relax and unwind~!! </div>
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What a trip it had been, and to think it all began with a msg from S in a FB Travel group- "Who wants to come along to Corbett & Panna with us?!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2UxzqLT1klRjOme5m7eXvyxj5N8AzQjIW49zibigqkuUxJaHuHk4PMotAK680hfRtNh94FB3fbBO_Y98jr3hLGoT0iPkGK5Aif7s1gIG4bgACassrbtaNvA8Iv0Id_8WMvipI5rsdMyF/s1600/ginger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2UxzqLT1klRjOme5m7eXvyxj5N8AzQjIW49zibigqkuUxJaHuHk4PMotAK680hfRtNh94FB3fbBO_Y98jr3hLGoT0iPkGK5Aif7s1gIG4bgACassrbtaNvA8Iv0Id_8WMvipI5rsdMyF/s400/ginger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ginger, Indore</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobLF42Olrkd-KwJ0rwRj_R0VF5gvAIcwtD9fx_f3Px3dGtxH9U-6exFWJaXt39Z_mP6S1HKg_q7RigbCM5B1nNRy8e64qWcshyqXhgSXq5gb53vEMK-BmNdfVVt7NOCyHpJjoa6monJG9/s1600/IMG_20181215_102355156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobLF42Olrkd-KwJ0rwRj_R0VF5gvAIcwtD9fx_f3Px3dGtxH9U-6exFWJaXt39Z_mP6S1HKg_q7RigbCM5B1nNRy8e64qWcshyqXhgSXq5gb53vEMK-BmNdfVVt7NOCyHpJjoa6monJG9/s400/IMG_20181215_102355156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The highway..</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToVeoCnIifJPZD1ZwshU4_cXLMwA414DQixycSDQL8O7Gh5jL4jIpLmP-Hg5tlPcSy6yW42O9SDLn5UP6hUvP0m2phKF6POstMDwOuiB8FffsyR4vNGVJGbf5ULPPezySON-QKT5K5WNM/s1600/IMG_20181215_122538738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="1280" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToVeoCnIifJPZD1ZwshU4_cXLMwA414DQixycSDQL8O7Gh5jL4jIpLmP-Hg5tlPcSy6yW42O9SDLn5UP6hUvP0m2phKF6POstMDwOuiB8FffsyR4vNGVJGbf5ULPPezySON-QKT5K5WNM/s640/IMG_20181215_122538738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The boat ride at Omkareshwar...</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9e5y6q8zu0GKZah6giI3g2ajIX8srILbKS9oHesrmq3VqPYM2-m5kD1TPEEim9X8WWuIW6vVZOLC7bAQ-8-ywOspF4m2qjSsySSpqCSloC9eCbiNxHHtUbMWW2iwfX6GCmSdVloWyIut/s1600/Indore-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1018" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9e5y6q8zu0GKZah6giI3g2ajIX8srILbKS9oHesrmq3VqPYM2-m5kD1TPEEim9X8WWuIW6vVZOLC7bAQ-8-ywOspF4m2qjSsySSpqCSloC9eCbiNxHHtUbMWW2iwfX6GCmSdVloWyIut/s640/Indore-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Omkareshwar- the Temple, the boats, river Narmada...</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnIr2-39dBQk9zgKYzWMvqVUIyDJ7yTSCJeGtb3hyphenhyphenCwJkT1TenxjYYaJ5l7HCd7Uxt5YGnUEo42hhRibRlE_ZNwTWjbF8gLqpUsmQuf7mj16NwCnv7eI0pCIRh3i9Zpb-MK9EcGR6DDiC/s1600/Indore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnIr2-39dBQk9zgKYzWMvqVUIyDJ7yTSCJeGtb3hyphenhyphenCwJkT1TenxjYYaJ5l7HCd7Uxt5YGnUEo42hhRibRlE_ZNwTWjbF8gLqpUsmQuf7mj16NwCnv7eI0pCIRh3i9Zpb-MK9EcGR6DDiC/s1600/Indore.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Maheshwar- Ahilya Holkar fort leading up to River Narmada... </i></b></div>
<br />Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-46679740697413944822019-01-13T22:19:00.000-08:002019-01-26T23:19:54.596-08:00Caves, temples and more in Bhopal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbKQ8ikbWKIRSnNvGgFjrzf9rEwphpcIOVPQZIjts6awSZWDk65-vByOWX2iatN5m6gPCl10L_LI_xV7_mX1Yr74bUynw_5KgKbPn4DROcyRPGvE5pIY0edQqlQ-jJJMnniDP7lRhbNsU/s1600/winter+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbKQ8ikbWKIRSnNvGgFjrzf9rEwphpcIOVPQZIjts6awSZWDk65-vByOWX2iatN5m6gPCl10L_LI_xV7_mX1Yr74bUynw_5KgKbPn4DROcyRPGvE5pIY0edQqlQ-jJJMnniDP7lRhbNsU/s640/winter+morning.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">From Chanderi, we took a bus to Lalitpur, just about making it to the 1.45pm train to Bhopal. Upon reaching Bhopal, we headed to Hotel Sangam , which was fairly close to the station. We booked a zoomcar for the next day since we felt it might be cheaper and easier to explore the places we wanted to go to on our own... Also we had read about the buses, most of them dropped off passengers few kms ahead of the places we had in mind. This made sense! Next morning, after breakfast, we got into the car and headed off to make the most of the day. </span></div>
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<b><u><i><span style="color: #660000;"> Bhimbetka rock shelters</span></i></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r0O5PVBlCWlU6mV_Dgy-wFYAFtrfPuw2ZumrwzWvfc__oq1FEk2s1cNml8swZRMgBcKXaZ43HNvkTZ83HcIgMOHFiE_WbBebS06cb_PmeDZHzH2VRQ_MKzD5AR0dcn9CXOfE3wWLjMg5/s1600/bhopal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r0O5PVBlCWlU6mV_Dgy-wFYAFtrfPuw2ZumrwzWvfc__oq1FEk2s1cNml8swZRMgBcKXaZ43HNvkTZ83HcIgMOHFiE_WbBebS06cb_PmeDZHzH2VRQ_MKzD5AR0dcn9CXOfE3wWLjMg5/s640/bhopal.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolRaiTe4mIDjW6I-yzDx1mIDYGF_M5klWXgLB2uzmKxSbVt4o5ZUvaDtUizkoXfrufe-h-3py7lX-Uog2oGqk8Fobz14jK2W7Aq-ahk0nwvG__EacJ7wZcSG2wnW6v0D8yAPX6PfyWYom/s1600/IMG_6997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolRaiTe4mIDjW6I-yzDx1mIDYGF_M5klWXgLB2uzmKxSbVt4o5ZUvaDtUizkoXfrufe-h-3py7lX-Uog2oGqk8Fobz14jK2W7Aq-ahk0nwvG__EacJ7wZcSG2wnW6v0D8yAPX6PfyWYom/s640/IMG_6997.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Having seen a few cave paintings, I was quite eager to explore <a href="http://www.mptourism.com/tourist-places/bhimbetka-caves-rock-shelters.html">Bhimbetka </a>to see what lies in store here.. Some of the cave paintings here date back to nearly 30,000 years. The Bhimbetka Rock shelters is located at a distance of 45kms from Bhopal. These are know to have been home to humans, over a millennia ago. Located amidst rich flora & fauna, today it is a tourist spot where visitors can walk across the 3km distance and see the various rock structures and cave paintings. A path has been neatly marked to help us navigate the place and there are rocks that have been placed as steps, so it is easy to walk around. An archaeological marvel, Bhimbetka has around 243 rock shelters of which 15 have been clearly marked out. Some of the paintings depict regular day to day life, while others are on hunting, some are dancing, feature animals & birds as well. Some are white in colour while others are brown, and there are a few overlaps as well. Once you start noticing these paintings, your eyes get trained and you start spotting lot more with ease :) In a few caves you literally have to lie down to see the sketches that are on the ceiling of the rock. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Read on one of the sites that the paintings found in the rock shelters here have a striking resemblance to the ones discovered in Kakadu National Park in Australia; to the cave paintings of Bushmen in Kalahari Desert and Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux cave paintings in France.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Ideally hire a car or take a cab as the public bus drops you off nearly 3-4kms away and you have to walk. It was fairly hot even in Dec, and quite a walk through nothing but dry land. We gave a ride to two guys who had come by bus, who shared their experience of the tiring walk... You do need to get permit to go inside [it is charged per car and not per person], so buy the ticket near the main road at the office. Also carry water with you when heading inside the cave rock shelters.. </span></div>
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<b><u><i><span style="color: #660000;">Bhojpur</span></i></u></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #660000;">The 7.5mt tall Shivling</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">From Bhopal, again Bhojpur is about 45kms but since we were headed there from Bhimbetka, it was around 25kms, which took us around 45mins. Bhojpur is renowned for the unfinished Shiva temple- Bjojesvar temple, which is said to house the tallest Shiv ling. Situated along the river Betwa, Bhojpur is said to have earned its name from King Bhoja of the Paramara Dynasty. Why the temple was unfinished is a mystery, but we did see the gigantic structure housing the shiv ling. The architecture is more like a fort than a temple, on the outer walls too there are no indications of it being a temple. Beyond the temple on the mountain plains are markings said to have been made by the architects either for this temple or another one similar to this. As you walk along, you will reach River Betwa... Down the road is a Jain Temple which bears resemblence to this temple in terms of architecture. Rumour has it that it was the same mason for both places. </span></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="color: #660000;">The Upper lake and around in Bhopal</span></u></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">As the sun went down, after a quick visit to Sanchi Stupa [by then my phone & camera battery had died, managed to charge phone wee bit in the car], we decided to wind up for the day and head back to Bhopal, explore the city a bit. We drove around the massive upper lake for a while, looking for parking and then found a spot near the old part of Bhopal which was almost across the road from the lake. Parked the car and walked through the beautiful archway, down a flight of steps, and across the road to the lake. On the lake was the state of Raja Bhoj, who was loved and revered by all. Near his statue is a broken structure that could have been a part of a bigger one. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">There was also a huge "Welcome to the City of lakes" sign on one side of the lake which lit up around 6pm, as did the lights on the bridge... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">After spending about an hour or so walking around the lake, we headed back to the car. The two of us were talking about how there was so much to see and one lifetime just ain't enough. We had infact reached the last leg of our trip as well, with just Indore left.... Oh well, see as much as you can right!! </span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-61251905916154484632019-01-11T06:51:00.000-08:002019-01-26T06:52:25.524-08:00Fort, stepwell, textile and more in Chanderi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So from Jhansi, we decided to head to Chanderi... Now, these small towns have a certain charm about them, but on the other hand they are quite a pain when it comes to travel.. We had to take an auto from our hotel to the railway station, find a train heading to Lalitpur and then look for a bus that would head towards Chanderi. And from there find transport to the property we are staying at. That is exactly what we did, the last leg was an auto from Lalitpur station to bus stand and then a bus onward to Chanderi [ that took close to 2 hours, cos it stopped literally everywhere]. As we neared the bus stand, we told the bus conductor that we had to go to Kila Kothi [the map showed we were near the place], instantly the entire bus erupted in a "thats just a tourist sight seeing place, you probably referring to Tana bana which is down the road"... We literally had to calm the entire bus down, and then show them the property... After a few mins people settled down, and the conductor & another passenger[who was from Chanderi] helped us get an auto to go uphill to the place .. they were very sweet, the local guy infact helped us out a lot during the stay there :-) </div>
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This was one destination where we did not have too many choices for accommodation- it was either Kila Kothi or Tana Bana, both were MP Tourism properties. The photos and reviews of the former was what helped us decide. <b><i><a href="http://www.mpstdc.com/properties/kila-kothi-1/">Kila Kothi</a></i></b> is situated atop the hill, right next to the Chanderi Fort. It had just 4 rooms and the views were magical..Not very expensive, rooms were about Rs2500 per night... The minute we opened the door to our room we were floored, a huge four poster bed and a beautifully decorated space welcomed us in. We got a 360 degree view of the city below from the space beyond the dining area... and could also see the lit up Chanderi fort.. They are currently adding 2 more rooms! the only menace are the monkeys which deter you from sitting outside and having a meal.</div>
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<i><b><u>Chanderi Fort</u></b></i></div>
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<i>The Fort</i></div>
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<i>Johar monument</i></div>
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Next morning, we had breakfast and walked over to the <b>Chanderi Fort</b>. Spent about 2 hours exploring the grounds.. We saw the main courtyard, the rooms within the main building before heading out to explore the rest of the space. </div>
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History of this town goes back to the 11th century when it was dominated by the trade routes of Central India and so the town became an important military outpost. Chanderi Fort, a vast Mughal fort, dominates the skyline of the lovely old town of Chanderi. One of the main sights within the fort is the "Khooni Darwaza". The prisoners are believed to have been thrown from the fortification above Khooni Darwaza and their bodies shattered to pieces below. As you walked beyond it along the Fort wall, there is a mandap of sorts at the far end- called Hawa Paur, from there you can see the entire city below, including the other gates of the fort. We dint quite get the purpose of this structure... </div>
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As we walked back to the hotel, we crossed a small memorial plaque of sorts. It is the Johar Smarak is an area that is located right outside the fort complex. It is here that women from the Rajput kingdom are believed to have self-immolated in fire (johar) by throwing themselves into Johal Tal after Medini Rai left to fight the battle with the Mughals. There is a stone plaque that depicts this situation inside a canopy towering over Johar Tal. </div>
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There is a Samadhi near the Johar Smarak. This belongs to Baiju Bawra, a renowned and celebrated musician. Born in Chanderi, he was a student of Swami Haridas of Vrindavan. It is said that he was fascinated by the town of Chanderi and composed a song on it as well. </div>
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<b><i><u>Battisi Baoli</u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>We hopped in an auto we had hired for the day and told him to take us to the Battisi Baoli [ Battisi meaning 32 and this was known to have had 32 ghats for bathing].. By the time we reached the gates it had been quite an adventure, the auto went along an off beat path that was complete wilderness, with not a soul in sight anywhere around. There were no sign boards, no direction, just google maps and the auto guy's local knowledge. </div>
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<b><i><u>Kati Ghati </u></i></b></div>
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Next up we headed uphill towards the Kati Ghati. Infact few days before we landed in Chanderi we watched the movie Stree in our hotel room, and it so happened the climax was shot right here at Kati Ghati. Known to be one of the gates of the Chanderi Fort, this is basically a gateway. It has been cut entirely out of living rock, is situated on the southern edge of Chanderi.. Sher Khan, son of the then Governor had commissioned this gate to be constructed to welcome the Sultan of Malwa, Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji. Kati Ghati gate is 80 feet high and 39 feet wide. Legend has it that the mason who built this found no hinges to install a gate subsequent to which Sher khan refused to pay him and the mason committed suicide right here... Cut out from a living rock, this is a linking route between Bundelkhand and Malwa. There is a tower like structure on one side with a flight of stairs taking you all the way to the top. </div>
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<b><u><i>Koshak Mahal</i></u></b> </div>
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This majestic monument was constructed by Sultan of Malwa, originally intended to be a seven storey building, but what we saw had just three complete storeys, nothing but massive halls and arches. Mehmud Shah Khilji constructed this building to memorialise his victory over Sultan Mehmood Sharki in the battle of Kalpi. It is also said that the Sultan constructed this monument in order to provide employment to the people around the area. Open on all sides, the architecture is known to have Greek influences and is quite a sight to see.<br />
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<b><i><u>Badal Mahal Darwaza</u></i></b></div>
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We saw this structure from the Chanderi Fort and then sometime during the day we made our way to the place. There is a huge fort like wall and a door that opens to beautifully manicured garden. Almost at the end of the place is where the Badal mahal Darwaza stands tall. This gate was constructed by Sultan Mehmood Shah Khilji, the King of Malwa, in the 15th century & built to mark a significant victory. Badal Mahal Darwaza has a height of 100 ft. The structure features elaborate carvings and impressive motifs. The top of the gate features an arched design and two tall minarets stand guard on both sides. </div>
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<b><i><u>Khandargiri Temple</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cKN3mZUeK9rWiXRXAJAncSRK_-m5yFszWO-ROKrpiBcfKkBGdT07EreOnJgNPMW4a7zMfTDYu6eCt1JG2c_wkq9d-lWneKH-Jr7XJV72yYxpoe2huwpwPMQqhTRivskCws1FvHOZATAE/s1600/Buddha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1040" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cKN3mZUeK9rWiXRXAJAncSRK_-m5yFszWO-ROKrpiBcfKkBGdT07EreOnJgNPMW4a7zMfTDYu6eCt1JG2c_wkq9d-lWneKH-Jr7XJV72yYxpoe2huwpwPMQqhTRivskCws1FvHOZATAE/s640/Buddha.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What surprised me was that earlier in 2018 I had been to Odisha, where I went to the Udayagiri & Khandagiri cave temples. Here in Chanderi, I found places with the same name. We visited the Khandagiri temple, which is basically etched on a small hill where you will find the larger than life, 45 ft tall statue of the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabha/Adinath as you ascend the long flight of steps. Apart from this, we saw steps leading up the hill with what looked like more inscriptions and statues of other Tirthankaras across both sides of the hill. In total, there are 6 caves on the hill and some of the inscriptions in the caves are indication that the temple is over 700 years old. Monkeys are quite a menace here, deterring us from enjoying the place! </div>
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<b><u><i>Chakla Bawdi[Baoli]</i></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmXCLXnipRu6xzgjXj6EOUjsCGuasKLs0bOa1UYVslDSu0O-neR4za7SzReeK9vyFvq8L5y-VCZPNfkQVmbB6-F29YjQzdn6NRkA7xpXebj0sFtiLT0YcywuZfseVLzxDZ3qNthM9lSzl/s1600/Chakla+baoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmXCLXnipRu6xzgjXj6EOUjsCGuasKLs0bOa1UYVslDSu0O-neR4za7SzReeK9vyFvq8L5y-VCZPNfkQVmbB6-F29YjQzdn6NRkA7xpXebj0sFtiLT0YcywuZfseVLzxDZ3qNthM9lSzl/s640/Chakla+baoli.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we drove around town, we halted near a semi open gate that led us to another step well. Known to be among the largest among all Bawdis in Chanderi, the Chakla Bawdi is a square stepwell built during the Malwa Khilji rule. Very different from the other stepwells I hve been to, this one had not one but two tombs on either side - one belongs to Sheikh Raji’s wife while the other has no inscription. It is said that the Bawdi was meant only for the ladies of the royal household and not the common people. </div>
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<b><i><u>Raja rani mahal</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPPxVTJ6ePAaV1M9GQjwF85basehc6NeFSpnlAdiA1udv3tIuA2lv3ObDZZvwNEeRfL-dxdnW4UYy5JAao7ZlNfda-wkzTrmlOIIcOgoJhMs7PjmaDWMIXuWW266uqs-1aDOXboKGb4SF/s1600/raja+rani+mahal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPPxVTJ6ePAaV1M9GQjwF85basehc6NeFSpnlAdiA1udv3tIuA2lv3ObDZZvwNEeRfL-dxdnW4UYy5JAao7ZlNfda-wkzTrmlOIIcOgoJhMs7PjmaDWMIXuWW266uqs-1aDOXboKGb4SF/s640/raja+rani+mahal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These two palaces stand side by side.... Raja Mahal is an imposing seven storey building while Rani Mahal is a two storey structure. Both the buildings are constructed in different styles therefore both would have been constructed in different periods, featuring architecture from around the 15th century. Unfortunately the palaces are in quite a sad state, and we saw quite a bit of repair work going on. It is said that Chanderi once had nearly 260 palaces, of which only 43 have managed to survive. With elegant stairways, a huge courtyard and ornate carvings on the walls, these must have been quite a sight back in the day.. </div>
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And with that we headed towards the last stop of our trip, meet weavers and maybe do a bit of shopping. The guy who had helped us in the bus was out guide, we met him, he took us to his home and to another weavers' home. They were so hospitable, offering us chai and showing us so many of their creations. Must have spent about 2 hours before we finally made a small purchase and headed back to the hotel to wind down for the evening. </div>
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This was the view we got from the open balcony behind our room of the city below. It was truly magical and we were glad we had booked a room at this property!! Next morning we packed our bags and drudgingly made our way downhill to find a bus to take us to Lalitpur bus station and onwards to our next destination by train!! </div>
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Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-66114435872725069322019-01-10T19:11:00.000-08:002019-01-24T08:00:21.427-08:00Exploring through the streets of Jhansi... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_MgaHFEjPbaiTZeIkpxkCNOjI-vrQAx5qI02RsazhipVlTOhzvKbhVf6KXntj9-8gZQNhhew-9Rtaz6OGZB-D5fEf8emb8yUHAp6XtospNp1FM9P62vzSAcEPqLmOucF5r8S-RgBZtRp/s1600/winter+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_MgaHFEjPbaiTZeIkpxkCNOjI-vrQAx5qI02RsazhipVlTOhzvKbhVf6KXntj9-8gZQNhhew-9Rtaz6OGZB-D5fEf8emb8yUHAp6XtospNp1FM9P62vzSAcEPqLmOucF5r8S-RgBZtRp/s640/winter+morning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From Orchha, we were headed to a town that was a short 18kms away... We were going onwards to Jhansi, a historical city that is regarded as the gateway to Bundelkhand.. Situated between Betwa and Pahunch Rivers, Jhansi is a small town that was once called Balwant Nagar and was the seat of the Chandela dynasty. Infact, history has it that the region got its name from the fort built by Raja Bir Singh Deo, in 1613 CE. According to legend, the Bundela ruler could see only a shadow (Jhansi) of this fort on a distant hill and thus the fort and the region came to be known as Jhansi.</div>
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<b><i>Jhansi Fort </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RpzAhViVW9TuxZZvKJHs_DZbI6GPZfKl803nrVITKWGHMFF7PCpGKmyQSY4cURaby6PZJPeSTzGRjYXY6U9hC6sy07junRinYa4WR0hL04sydlCtcPmBeAGL2_L1w9O1AB1HkRbk_6Ww/s1600/Jhansi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RpzAhViVW9TuxZZvKJHs_DZbI6GPZfKl803nrVITKWGHMFF7PCpGKmyQSY4cURaby6PZJPeSTzGRjYXY6U9hC6sy07junRinYa4WR0hL04sydlCtcPmBeAGL2_L1w9O1AB1HkRbk_6Ww/s640/Jhansi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After checking into the hotel, <a href="https://www.goibibo.com/hotels/bundelkhand-pride-hotel-in-jhansi-6484823145261809859/">Bundelkand Pride</a>, we decided to start out at the Jhansi Fort. After checking with google maps, we headed out towards the <b><i>Jhansi Fort</i></b>, which was less than 2kms from the hotel... Situated atop Bangira hill, Jhansi Fort was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha in 1613 CE and served as the base for the Chandela Kings from 11th to 17th century AD. In the 18th century, Jhansi served as the capital of Maratha province and later the Princely State of Jhansi from 1804 to 1853 CE. This fort was also the residence of the great Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, who fought the British East India Company during the 1857 War of Independence. </div>
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Sprawling over an area of 15 acres, the fort is built in the north Indian style of architecture - granite walls and several bastions with mounted cannons. The wall of the fort had ten gates but many of them have disappeared with time, but some still stand tall across the town.. One of the most popular things within the fort is the Karak Bijli, a lion headed canon measuring 5.5mts by 1.8mts. There is also the Panch Mahal, which was the place where Rani Lakshmi Bai lived with her husband Raja Gangadhar Rao till his death. While walking along the fort wall, you can see a board that is the place where The Jhansi Rani jumped on her horse with her adopted son. </div>
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As we walked in, a guy who was busy sweeping the place came over and told us he could give us insight into the place but then wasn't allowed to call himself a guide nor were we allowed to tell anyone outside the place had a guide... It was very amusing cos he would tell us stories, and then move on to sweep another area and then continue once we were done walking around and got to the area where he was.. As we left the fort, we decided to walk further ahead to the Rani mahal, the home where Jhansi Rani stayed awhile... </div>
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<b><i>Rani Mahal</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedVH9nv-IES0M6SrS5Tsg0FIJY__RcgY-NeAD0X7wiksuZ0ec7MFpN2yfsLvcBYLU2aWA0S63vvG-AqI9x5m6oZB_-8Fn4b_m5Eoh4hl7xLFpyISDXTneE-qfRi4UKJR-2BGTVMcINyf3/s1600/Jhansi-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedVH9nv-IES0M6SrS5Tsg0FIJY__RcgY-NeAD0X7wiksuZ0ec7MFpN2yfsLvcBYLU2aWA0S63vvG-AqI9x5m6oZB_-8Fn4b_m5Eoh4hl7xLFpyISDXTneE-qfRi4UKJR-2BGTVMcINyf3/s640/Jhansi-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Rani Mahal is located about half a km from the Jhansi Fort. Built in 18th century AD by Raghu Nath-II of the Newalkar family, this is where Rani Lakshmi Bai resided in this palace after the death of Raja Gangadhar Rao.While it looks like a standard house, the interiors are quite beautiful, with the courtyard, the water fountains and beautiful architecture all around. A major portion of the place was damaged by British during the 1857 War of Independence. There is also a Durbar Hall in the second floor fitted with a beautiful wood-paneled ceiling. Apart from that, the walls are all decorated with exquisite motifs of peacock, floral and geometric designs. Today the place is almost a museum that houses various paintings, sculptures and objects collected from Madanpur, Barua Sagar, Dudhai and Chandpur dating from Gupta to Medieval period... </div>
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<b><i>St Jude's Shrine</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Kq2kzIZ0sUOJ8IgnHNOfkNjsQwhzlcotDqKj8NI_usYsLCzoW6iIfZcSV4w257_x8NK5HCcdMMTrDhADma3968yDszU43V6lfRQRkFB5YNJ6mIiag-bSAxrVuKPnA6jbem-n2SZDidc1/s1600/Jhansi-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="900" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Kq2kzIZ0sUOJ8IgnHNOfkNjsQwhzlcotDqKj8NI_usYsLCzoW6iIfZcSV4w257_x8NK5HCcdMMTrDhADma3968yDszU43V6lfRQRkFB5YNJ6mIiag-bSAxrVuKPnA6jbem-n2SZDidc1/s640/Jhansi-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.stjudesshrinejhansi.org/">St. Jude’s Church</a> is located in the Civil Lines of Jhansi, and having read about the place, I was keen on visiting it. The building is huge and quite different from other Churches I have been to. Along the way, we walked past a few beautiful bungalows, and the church is situated at the end of the street. The devotion to St. Jude Thaddaeus was practically unknown in India, and it was the late Bishop F. X. Fenech who started it in Jhansi, which was a Prefecture Apostolic in those days. It was not easy to do especially during the World War II, but Bishop Fenech was a man of great faith, he made a promise to St. Jude that if he helped him, he would build a Shrine in Jhansi in his honour. </div>
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[<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br7TMW6H5lh/">My instagram post </a>]</div>
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Well, time to head over to the next destination.. stay tuned for more.... </div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-92082431173365117572019-01-07T22:22:00.000-08:002019-01-11T06:40:20.865-08:00Architecture, history and more at Orchha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8AKZZNwelizrvZZBRHn_VKgsqfFPcOalALCJqXdymk9MDgPg_b2NaQQvlprWJCR4wLaoUDu0kv9IrxVd-a0R3QuP5NLhtbEisNYfa3OGY9qfUxGslWt8K-H_8PHmLGps6TJFBv2lgW8T/s1600/winter+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8AKZZNwelizrvZZBRHn_VKgsqfFPcOalALCJqXdymk9MDgPg_b2NaQQvlprWJCR4wLaoUDu0kv9IrxVd-a0R3QuP5NLhtbEisNYfa3OGY9qfUxGslWt8K-H_8PHmLGps6TJFBv2lgW8T/s640/winter+morning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">The historic town of Orchha, [the capital of the Bundela Rajput Kings] situated right along the banks of River Betwa, was founded back in the 16th century by Rudra Pratap, the Bundela Rajput Chief. We had booked a tent at <a href="http://betwa-retreat-orchha-mptdc.hotelsgds.com/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Betwa Retreat</a><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>[it is a Madhya Pradesh Tourism hotel, the place is very good and I highly recommend it], near the river. Since it a small town, most of the sight seeing worthy places are within a kilometers, with the Cenotaphs [ Chatris] just around the corner from the property.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We decided to spend the evening exploring the property and area around, and next morning was set aside to explore the town... Some of the interesting places to visit while in Orchha are, </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Raja Mahal [ Orchha Fort]</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;">The Raja Mahal is a fine example of Mughal architecture with typical stone jali (lattice) work and multifaced arches at the entrance. The palace is in the shape of a perfect square that is further divided into two courtyards. The main courtyard is flanked by the palace which has a four-storeyed building at one end of it.<br /><br />The other three sides have five-storeyed apartments. The Raja Mahal's facade is simplicity personified with hardly any ornamental detailing, but the interiors house some splendid paintings. The outer courtyard has some beautiful arches arranged in floral patterns and carved out in lime mortar. </span><span class="Travel-head1" style="color: maroon; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;"></span><span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;">Inside the Mahal, the two places worth a look are the Durbar-e-Khas and the Diwan-i-Am. The Durbar-e-Khas, or the Durbar Hall sits on the 1st floor of the palace <br /><br />The Diwan-i-Am is an assembly hall where the king often held meetings with his council of ministers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;"><br />The hall has three platforms, and from the highest one, the king held forth on affairs of the state. The Diwan-i-Am has massive columns and the ceiling has been decorated with paintings belonging to the Mughal and the Bundela schools of art. The exterior of the palace is decorated with elephant and lotus-shaped brackets. The entire architecture of the Raja Mahal is exquisite and speaks loftily of the stone carvers who sculpted it.</span></span><br />
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<span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also inside the same complex is the <i><b>Jahangir Mahal</b></i>..This property was built to honor Jahanghir on his first visit to Orchha. Similar to the Raja Mahal, the fort consists of some breath taking sculptures, hanging balconies, delicate trellis and chhatris, topped domes, etc. Built in 17th century by Bundela ruler, Bir Singh Deo, this palace is the symbol of friendship between the Bir Singh Deo and Jahangir. During the first visit of Jahangir in Orchha, this palace was built in his honor. Right next to it is a smaller building which has a room that used to be the Maharaja's bedroom. Today it is Hotel Sheesh Mahal, a hotel that also belongs to the same group that owns Betwa Retreat with Sound & light shows in the evening.. </span></span><br />
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<i><b>Raja mahal</b></i></div>
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<b><i>Jahangir Mahal</i></b></div>
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<span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lakshmi Temple</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;">Located atop a hill, near the Raja Mahal, the </span>Lakshmi temple is very different from any other temple you would have visited. There was a guard at the entrance who told us that the main idol had been stolen few years back and some renovation was going on, so we had to be careful walking around the place. The place is a mix of Hindu & Islamic style of architecture, with long rooms on all 4 sides that are filled with interesting paintings on the walls and ceilings [these are called "Sgraffito",a kind of art work<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a;">]</span>. Apart from the vibrant canvas, there are these scratch paintings, which form a different section of art in the temple...the walls are painted brown with the design scratched off the walls.. There is also a tall tower of sorts along with a small tomb. </span></div>
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<b><i>Lakshmi temple</i></b></div>
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<span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chaturbhuj Temple: </span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;">The Chaturbhuj temple at Orchha is a beauty.. We spotted it from the Fort and knew we had to visit. It is located right next to the Ram Raja Temple... The temple is built on a massive rock platform, and you need to climb a flight of steep steps to reach the main sanctum. The story is that the temple was built by Raja Madhukar in the 16th century for Lord Vishnu, who has four arms which is why the name. Legend has it that it was </span>originally meant for Lord Rama, but that the King got overthrown and the idol now sits in Rani Niwas, the private residence of Raja Madhukar’s wife- Maharani Gansh Kunwar... </span><br />
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chaturbhuj Temple</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chhatris [Cenotaphs]: </span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These were my first glimpse into Orchha, featured in a Maaza ad. Instead of being captivated by Katrina kaif, I couldnt stop looking at these that were the backdrop. The cluster of the Chhatris along the Kanchana Ghat of the Betwa River are structures that will have you curious and excited. They are memorials of the rulers of Orchha [going back to the 17th and 18th century]...There are about 14 cenotaphs inside one complex with structures similar to each other, some bigger and others with far more detailed intricate work on them. The one that stood out was Bir Singh's Cenotaph - it features Islamic style of architecture as well.. Today these cenotaphs are also home to the endangered Indian Vulture specie... We spotted quite a few, some sitting inside the mini structures and others on the spires and the walls around the place. </span></span><br />
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chhatris [Cenotaphs]</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mytext2" style="text-align: justify;">What is interesting is that we bought an entrance ticket of Rs10 per person of Indian origin </span><span style="text-align: justify;">[Rs250 for foreign visitors]</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> at Raja Mahal and this ticket was valid across Raja mahal, Jahangir Mahal and Lakshmi temple as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We we walked back to our hotel, the only thought on my mind was "damn, the past was packed with all kinds of adventures, wonder what it must have been like to live in that era...." well, it was time to pack our bags and head over to the next destination... Any guesses where? </span></div>
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Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-46178986849923655142019-01-03T04:49:00.002-08:002019-01-03T04:49:41.299-08:00Chasing tigers again... Panna National park, Madhya Pradesh.. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">After spending a few hours at Khajuraho, we headed towards Panna National park.. Time for more tigers, atleast hoping to sight a few!! :D Checked into the Panna Tiger Resort, which is located right next to river Ken [original name is Karnavati, which the British changed to Ken].. It is a beautiful property, with tents and rooms beyond the reception area. </span><span style="color: #0c343d;">They have a restaurant on the top floor and a canopy area to chill in the evening, that faces the river. We switched rooms [moved to a much bigger room for the same rate, as we were three & needed an extra bed plus some space to walk around], to one that had a view of the river as we stepped out and settled in as our safari was only in the evening 3pm.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soon, we had changed into safari gear [T-shirt, pants, cap/hat for the head, shawl for the neck and sweater/shrug to keep us warm].. Even though it was afternoon, it was cool and there were strong winds ... We reached the safari gate entrance and waited for the formalities to be completed and a guide to be assigned. And soon we were inside.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i>What is unique about Panna</i> is that few years ago all the tigers here had been wiped out, thanks to poaching.. In 2009, a Tiger [T1] was brought here from Bandhavgarh..and then one more.. all this initiated by Field officer Sreenivasamurthy.. They then brought a male from pench.. but he ran away from here [nearly 450 KMs away]... The hunt began, and finally heard of a cow killed . </span><span style="color: #0c343d;">The tiger must have run 60-80kms a night. He was brought back and kept in enclosure and now lives in Panna. Of the 40 odd tigers at Panna today, about 12 have collars, so the officials can track their movements and ensure they are protected. There is T141 [a tigress who has cubs], T152, and few others... The numbers have been assigned in this format, if the code name is T111- The tiger is from another park[translocated], first tiger first litter first born [Mom number, litter number, baby order number] </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each park is different - the landscape, the layout, and of course the way animals are tracked. Here too we did quite a bit of birding, while listening for calls and watching out for signs to tell us there were tigers around. But alas, that evening we saw none other than deer and the usual monkeys... We did spot quite a few exotic specie of Vultures, I even spotted few Indian grey hornbill and other birds which made it worthwhile.. The terrain here is very different from Corbett- some parts are open and dry, some with tall brown grass, while others are thick with trees and then some parts are green all over... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to do a night safari, a very spur of the moment decision. Had about an hour to refresh before heading back on the road. This time though the area we drove into was different from the morning one. We were 3 of us plus a guide, another forest safari official and the driver.. It was pitch dark, jeep headlights and powerful torch was all we had and we scouted around for anything that flashed and was red [ animal's eyes].. Spotted quite a few Wild boar, Jungle hare, 2 Civets but nothing more.. It was exciting, and there were moments when we stopped the jeep, turned off all alights and just sat still. The sky above was gorgeous, lit up with stars, it was like a carpet with little drops of silver... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow, what an experience it was... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next morning we were again out and ready for the Safari, and that morning proved quite lucky. Within minutes of entering the park we saw an animal hop across, knew it wasnt a hare/rabbit, and well, it was a Jungle cat.. Such a cutie, did not scurry away...We managed to stop and click a few shots of it drinking water and sitting around waiting for something to snack on... </span></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After about an hour inside, we heard from the tracking guys that there was a Tigress out on the prowl within a 3-5km radius... And then we saw a jeep drive ahead and stop. Pausing near them, we spotted the Tigress walking in the tall grass, she was well camouflaged and we could see her through the binocs. There was some movement in the grass indicating that she was walking along towards the thick portion of the forest. We watched her go and soon she disappeared into the thicket.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> It was then that the guide suggested we go see near the watering hole , as we drove along we saw fresh paw prints and heard animal calls as well. We waited for quite a well, until it was almost time to head out to the exit. As we drove down towards the exit gate, there was a open piece of land from where we got a full view of the water body below. We spotted another jeep and the guide called us over saying there was a tiger below. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Woah, it was an amazing sight to see- the Tiger stood near the water and within a few yards from her stood a Nilgai, both absolutely still. After a few minutes, the tiger began drinking water and the Nilgai slowly moved away, inching literally. We stood there staring at them for a while, but had to make a move as it was time to exit the Park. The parks are all fairly strict about timings and if you default, it might not reflect well on the guide or the driver... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, all in all I must say it was good run for me .. Two national parks, 4 tigers sighted apart from a zillion other birds and animals... As we left the park and made our way back to the room, the one thought on my mind was "I wonder what life must be like for these creatures, what they did all day and what they thought of us humans who came looking to spot them"... Oh well, it was time to pack and head to Orchcha...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGst13MrQvpGSaEPVfQv6duxTDjpR7eDepHUQfkM3jxCsLlIg_m6W3yQdvzV4Ps-yxm415FPHUC6pMK0XPfSB0D32Kp6BMvZ4DhuL03IJRzHw8vv0OmK-7WIeWfUYhBZ4OT9Q1jJBQ0vTr/s1600/IMG_6589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1030" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGst13MrQvpGSaEPVfQv6duxTDjpR7eDepHUQfkM3jxCsLlIg_m6W3yQdvzV4Ps-yxm415FPHUC6pMK0XPfSB0D32Kp6BMvZ4DhuL03IJRzHw8vv0OmK-7WIeWfUYhBZ4OT9Q1jJBQ0vTr/s640/IMG_6589.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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S<b><i>erpent crested eagle</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOEoHMbm2M3WUBI0vk2wpimk__G2dKBoPu1dfh681nVvQzmPyasPZ_m_XknPxW_5BNhOqxMuI6m4gM7Vs92FF580H9i_I2IvbhW8HPyFX8Nlj05FtuZs8QxMfTJnmoNRAA7PR75cN-ZRX/s1600/IMG_6614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOEoHMbm2M3WUBI0vk2wpimk__G2dKBoPu1dfh681nVvQzmPyasPZ_m_XknPxW_5BNhOqxMuI6m4gM7Vs92FF580H9i_I2IvbhW8HPyFX8Nlj05FtuZs8QxMfTJnmoNRAA7PR75cN-ZRX/s320/IMG_6614.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Palm Civet </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kYQ4jT1EORkxokBFS3bP7BxZyXhRXCuiaezK_hK8BpyzAt_KTnxMFSDWjV24gu1ahadzXd-h1Dq-837v-ELYL0CMk-hc94STc2p-k-pbPm1MSZnVKfmFZP3ho0nNMuIag9nvoKKsWoXa/s1600/IMG_6625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kYQ4jT1EORkxokBFS3bP7BxZyXhRXCuiaezK_hK8BpyzAt_KTnxMFSDWjV24gu1ahadzXd-h1Dq-837v-ELYL0CMk-hc94STc2p-k-pbPm1MSZnVKfmFZP3ho0nNMuIag9nvoKKsWoXa/s640/IMG_6625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTJRxScAZv4P7eH7jnxO66S5jP27ixw3bvHUPIW7nE0Bv-cgFEqhyphenhyphenB19JNLZfM49v4jweUQnrSsiBe5LB_8JrPBm_GPx9f_aAZex_I9CfnR6ez-PI2mJOEzyEiW7G23CwzcYeinyN6SOf/s1600/IMG_6633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="499" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTJRxScAZv4P7eH7jnxO66S5jP27ixw3bvHUPIW7nE0Bv-cgFEqhyphenhyphenB19JNLZfM49v4jweUQnrSsiBe5LB_8JrPBm_GPx9f_aAZex_I9CfnR6ez-PI2mJOEzyEiW7G23CwzcYeinyN6SOf/s640/IMG_6633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i> Spot the tigress... there she goes.. ;o) </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwNQtlKZIs0-vRDk1SW9XIUPQEE087GXtavuPZ_CIpfdIUJFA0RwyYvg99ag2b6toAJJnWienwwZ8QvyLNQz3LgWECQkHFa_Dz5VsKYPgPHX0nfgbvliF1wYdceXwgvN90_PtYntLT3Sm/s1600/hornbill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwNQtlKZIs0-vRDk1SW9XIUPQEE087GXtavuPZ_CIpfdIUJFA0RwyYvg99ag2b6toAJJnWienwwZ8QvyLNQz3LgWECQkHFa_Dz5VsKYPgPHX0nfgbvliF1wYdceXwgvN90_PtYntLT3Sm/s400/hornbill.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The Grey Indian Hornbill</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZRrpyXK7pSAq4EEEFH3AqsMEVSUVi15OUyp892kT1A-iJNc6ZR0HS9ttJDbirga2wfvjHe1ccoJ4Y88Hy8rs0hyphenhyphenD3ejq89MsIS1N63VktZoPfENXHA46BQsy9vWMqi757V_j2ULO6whS/s1600/IMG_6577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="622" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZRrpyXK7pSAq4EEEFH3AqsMEVSUVi15OUyp892kT1A-iJNc6ZR0HS9ttJDbirga2wfvjHe1ccoJ4Y88Hy8rs0hyphenhyphenD3ejq89MsIS1N63VktZoPfENXHA46BQsy9vWMqi757V_j2ULO6whS/s400/IMG_6577.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3nACJge78VI8mS5ojlwR3KZjHrBxgBEZKXWjrFG5D1P6hUTNq7PCVHm9TVMNH87GGkH9mnXZQLxWh7a4_BtQnPxDciTs6OmtoVeRaoZMt-3WYsyObwe9GK45ImTyREdopZA5JDhi5Mtn/s1600/IMG_6637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3nACJge78VI8mS5ojlwR3KZjHrBxgBEZKXWjrFG5D1P6hUTNq7PCVHm9TVMNH87GGkH9mnXZQLxWh7a4_BtQnPxDciTs6OmtoVeRaoZMt-3WYsyObwe9GK45ImTyREdopZA5JDhi5Mtn/s400/IMG_6637.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pB1ynkWgq3WAUBBbv9CuQiAIobOqDO4Toaa7y7eHSAhTODs9257wVHd7tj1nlxrOy-fZ4xNRAghjcpY-tJYROn0LIg7fV21HKmC1YS6gAVePimXO977-plkwHSDEKqinr_vqtlkdDBG3/s1600/IMG_6639+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="635" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pB1ynkWgq3WAUBBbv9CuQiAIobOqDO4Toaa7y7eHSAhTODs9257wVHd7tj1nlxrOy-fZ4xNRAghjcpY-tJYROn0LIg7fV21HKmC1YS6gAVePimXO977-plkwHSDEKqinr_vqtlkdDBG3/s400/IMG_6639+%25281%2529.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Vultures- Red headed,Himalayan & Long billed</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mVQDkyDhFB3cfh369H1xoHZ7hdzsat3-6qygUhSjg_paZFWnDoNxUuLFR_VgxYTBnz_e6FHtMPe9aFKo4PToPn7P18GGoS4IFkgOrJo4kc21ePQf5VNOO1gRueSf69dHZwFxhO_jJ01m/s1600/IMG_6655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mVQDkyDhFB3cfh369H1xoHZ7hdzsat3-6qygUhSjg_paZFWnDoNxUuLFR_VgxYTBnz_e6FHtMPe9aFKo4PToPn7P18GGoS4IFkgOrJo4kc21ePQf5VNOO1gRueSf69dHZwFxhO_jJ01m/s320/IMG_6655.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Bear claw marks on a tree..</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjWTieNw61uuUk_EusfixJLvi0YBMNePVDDb041fZJDTvYM6ESZu6etyo7joruT1wM4HVhalVXbPtYZ553Tjb9bNURghIifa8yqMagV6HZaQKVpdKzMXju6TK2Lk3AIMkreBN6kJx7RKG/s1600/IMG_6656+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="745" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjWTieNw61uuUk_EusfixJLvi0YBMNePVDDb041fZJDTvYM6ESZu6etyo7joruT1wM4HVhalVXbPtYZ553Tjb9bNURghIifa8yqMagV6HZaQKVpdKzMXju6TK2Lk3AIMkreBN6kJx7RKG/s640/IMG_6656+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A Sambar deer duo crossing to the other side...</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp-oKuE2Rrwt3rFBwMxID3NNhb7kiBIH9sx6PeWbXu3rH9ebuMFVp6oey0GV1S5MZ0SAizBtjhyphenhypheniI6GULZTU6-dMS5Eh8Je7zekXslMdl4yA7wH833hJuZy26XzMIpaJZtWZJql41VAZC/s1600/IMG_6691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="644" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp-oKuE2Rrwt3rFBwMxID3NNhb7kiBIH9sx6PeWbXu3rH9ebuMFVp6oey0GV1S5MZ0SAizBtjhyphenhypheniI6GULZTU6-dMS5Eh8Je7zekXslMdl4yA7wH833hJuZy26XzMIpaJZtWZJql41VAZC/s400/IMG_6691.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The jungle cat</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VLBE7_tXMwM2sO1YFGCqyHVNE_iNCAwCPssFGDAcv1SATjvziJEksNHBmvfzJGAZOKyaV2w1sCX6WW33ag4kjr1OyWHsr68AJYG-vLsddO4oNwPReFcTL6CbGlENs_IS6rqZr633vDAY/s1600/IMG_6693+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="899" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VLBE7_tXMwM2sO1YFGCqyHVNE_iNCAwCPssFGDAcv1SATjvziJEksNHBmvfzJGAZOKyaV2w1sCX6WW33ag4kjr1OyWHsr68AJYG-vLsddO4oNwPReFcTL6CbGlENs_IS6rqZr633vDAY/s400/IMG_6693+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The jungle cat</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3hlHywryaBXN9DDVL_SD9CWT5GHdQzqzlfr_mjP1jUMLv_MuHWpbISZgpbaOguZfV5yI0lh9j7Ek4cf8e_RP35ud_OoM_k748dT-khFtqq5LS-rJw72Omix4P62BovxZULclsEUFSnh5/s1600/IMG_6699+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3hlHywryaBXN9DDVL_SD9CWT5GHdQzqzlfr_mjP1jUMLv_MuHWpbISZgpbaOguZfV5yI0lh9j7Ek4cf8e_RP35ud_OoM_k748dT-khFtqq5LS-rJw72Omix4P62BovxZULclsEUFSnh5/s640/IMG_6699+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3rgWKxANjU1nti3zVFIyVb7U5YiQZbaAQwKt_Rf5hZIgecWVqmCsoTtpHccvAASwdhFU2KvmEEBtCd1w0wmUtYxVh1ugOLprYJRxXltTsKPWYSMGEAAtuBlCvDBGOWeZ5bGC9xLFshlJ/s1600/IMG_6702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="1280" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3rgWKxANjU1nti3zVFIyVb7U5YiQZbaAQwKt_Rf5hZIgecWVqmCsoTtpHccvAASwdhFU2KvmEEBtCd1w0wmUtYxVh1ugOLprYJRxXltTsKPWYSMGEAAtuBlCvDBGOWeZ5bGC9xLFshlJ/s640/IMG_6702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spot the tiger- Standing on extreme left and then there is a Nilgai on the right side..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HxQqhA9ICod08G4dp1ZLEZJ86RqTZWzMFlMgqroI3u6UgeC5-_rcYY-ic3s-BDGBmcoHGmIXla-CzEWp4zVcXiO6b6IlA7gyHW5hyphenhyphenKFOTkxVDMiF0waXbcOij01ylNhxvrVhbE4aQoNu/s1600/Panna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="1280" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HxQqhA9ICod08G4dp1ZLEZJ86RqTZWzMFlMgqroI3u6UgeC5-_rcYY-ic3s-BDGBmcoHGmIXla-CzEWp4zVcXiO6b6IlA7gyHW5hyphenhyphenKFOTkxVDMiF0waXbcOij01ylNhxvrVhbE4aQoNu/s640/Panna.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Nilgai standing to eat leaves..</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Online Booking for safaris - http://www.pannatigerreserve.in/</span></span></div>
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Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-82554654315599481482018-12-28T03:04:00.002-08:002018-12-28T03:04:40.103-08:00Lost amidst Gods in Khajuraho... Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #0c343d; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSjEZkH8_UzGR-HV1urdfMwuTuRVo6tjxAR_vG7YQyzhG8k80jYl69diOt5d0N9ItLKtFzKpKR6Nzod4kCdJ2xMrnp5WW_w4osODFn4Np5tvOBApklGR94-lEHRyFAYl6lonAzPONl_Pa/s1600/winter+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSjEZkH8_UzGR-HV1urdfMwuTuRVo6tjxAR_vG7YQyzhG8k80jYl69diOt5d0N9ItLKtFzKpKR6Nzod4kCdJ2xMrnp5WW_w4osODFn4Np5tvOBApklGR94-lEHRyFAYl6lonAzPONl_Pa/s640/winter+morning.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Corbett, we headed back to Delhi as the next leg of our journey was in the other direction. We took the night train from Delhi to Khajuraho, went to a property near the station - Pace Resorts to freshen up before heading out to explore the town... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided to spend some time soaking in the temples in the western side, there are about 11 temples within one campus here.. Bought the entrance ticket and then came the ordeal of dealing with a guy who badgered us about hiring him as a guide. He would not let go, so much so that after about 20mins, one of the girls said "chalo, lets ask him to take us around and then pay him what we think is fair"... The architecture, the intricate carvings and of course the grandeur of the place is what catches your eye as you step into the gates... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though Khajuraho is known for the erotic sculptures, there is more to the place and even the erotic pieces tell quite a few stories... Since it is an ASI property, it is well maintained, with manicured gardens and plenty of benches to rest on, along with a small tea shop to refresh yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>LAKSHMAN TEMPLE : </i></b>This striking temple stands facing the giant Varaha Mandap. It is one of the three largest temples of Khajuraho and the western group of temples and is considered to be the earliest ( c.AD 954 ) built by the Chandella rulers. The temples faces the east and is dedeicated to vishnu, though it goes by a rather inappropriate name of Lakshman, the brother of Ram, the hero.. The temple faces the east and is dedicated to Vishnu, by a rather inappropriate name of Lakshman, the brother of Ram, the hero king of Ramayana. The temple is as tall as it is long, measuring approximately 25.9 metres in length. lt sits on a high platform which also has some interesting sculptures (royal processions, Court scenes) that you can see before ascending the temple stairs. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KANDARIYA MAHADEV TEMPLE : While you may think all temples look the same, they store something that surprises you... This Temple is quite large and I would say magnificent, when looking at the details.. There is a small Mahadev shrine and the medium - sized Devi Jagdambi Temple, thereby accentuating its height and grandeur. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>DEVI MANDAP </i></b>: Opposite the large Lakshman Temple are two small shrines. The one directly opposite is called Devi Mandap... The structure and cemented roof tells us it might be one of the newer ones.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>VARAHA MANDAP :</i></b> This Mandap stands on a tall platform, with a roof that is pyramid in shape capped with an amalaka and kalasha </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>DEVI JAGADAMBI TEMPLE </i></b>: One of the smaller temples in the campus, this one has a set of balconies, but only one mandap and no inner pradakshina path. Shorter in height, this and the Chitragupta Temples are quite obviously all about honouring love and conjugal harmony, with erotic sculptures of the divine couples and others depicting every mood of love. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>MAHADEV SHRINE :</i></b> Between the Kandariya and the Devi jagdambi Temples is a small shrine called the Mahadev Shrine and consists of a small open - pillared porch and sanctum. A figure of the rampant lion fighting with a kneeling figure [the lion looks very different], presumed to be the emblem of the Chandellas, has some reason been installed in the porch. there are two similar rampant lion figures on the platform of the Kandariya Madadev and Devi temples.</span></div>
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Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-79283242773367801522018-12-25T17:52:00.000-08:002019-01-04T17:54:09.659-08:00Skies across Uttarakand to Delhi and beyond... <br />
Some gorgeous images of the sky while up in the air and during the safaris across <a href="http://travellerspeaks.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-first-real-safari-jim-corbett.html"><b><i>Corbett</i></b></a> & <a href="http://travellerspeaks.blogspot.com/2019/01/chasing-tigers-again-panna-national.html"><b><i>Panna</i></b></a>....<br />
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<br />Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-57877221012350643812018-12-23T05:36:00.000-08:002018-12-26T05:57:37.741-08:00My first real Safari- Jim Corbett National Park,Uttarakhand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #073763;">From the word go, this trip was something I was quite excited about. I hadn't been to any of the National parks in the North, actually I hadn't done any Safaris yet.. We reached Delhi at different times on 2nd and met at A's place around evening, chit chatted a bit [ I was meeting the 3 of them for the 1st time, so there was some catching up] and then left for the station around 7pm. We were taking the train from Delhi to Ramnagar, which is few kms from the Jim Corbett park. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">After a good night sleep, I was up and ready by 5am as the train pulled into Ramnagar, Uttarakand. Woke the others up, grabbed our bags and headed out to look for some transport to take us to the property we were staying at- <a href="https://www.corbettmachaanresort.com/">Corbett Machan Resort</a>. Found an Innova taxi and within minutes we were at the resort. Checked into our room, freshened up and were ready by 5.55am for the morning safari.. Our jeep was there [ S had organised the Safari, booked them ahead of time through the contact she had and he was the one who was gonna be taking us for the Safaris.. The Cost was 20k for 4 of us for 4 safaris]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">We were all bundled up, just that I hadn't carried anything to cover my head, and that was a big lesson learnt. The jeeps are the open kind, and it took me a minute to figure out how to haul myself into the seat, and thereon it was smooth sailing... The morning was cold, brrr cold, and there was mist dew everywhere... Add the open jeep setting and you get the picture right... hehe .. All we carried along was our wallet, ID cards and camera apart from winter wear... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">After completing formalities at the gate, show your ID, Safari confirmation etc, we were off for our 1st Safari.. The girls were as excited as I was, and I was secretly hoping to sight a tiger... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Jim Corbett National Park is India's first national park and known to be the most popular apart from bing the most attractive Park as well. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the midst of lush greenery and uneven mountains with varying heights, ranging from about 1300 feet to nearly 4000 feet. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">As we rode along inside, some parts were open with short dry grass, while others had trees and tall grass, and then there were some sections that had water flowing across... It was breath taking... The guide took different paths, zig zagging going left, going right, coming around and some more. It was fascinating.. And then came the part of spotting paw prints on the sand road, I learnt how to differentiate between male & female print, which direction they were headed at and if it was a new one or old one... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">The morning safari we did was at <b><i>Bijrani Safari Zone</i> </b>was from 6am to 9.30am, and the evening one is 1.30pm to 5.30pm. The first morning, we sighted plenty of spotted dear, Nilgai, monkeys, few tuskers and plenty of exotic birds, but no tiger. Oh well, thats how it works... Got back to the resort, had a lazy breakfast, and chilled in our rooms a while. And by 1.30pm, we were once again ready and set for the evening Safari. After about an hour or so, we reached a point at high altitude that had a watch tower, paused there a while. And then, we got off to explore another area when a jeep we met told us a Tiger had been sighted near the watch tower. So vroom vroom went our jeep, and we spotted quite a few others there as well. Joining the long line, a guide from another jeep told us a Tigress was lying nearly hidden in the grass.. And we all pried through the binoculars to spot her. I could make out her head and ears.. We waited, waited and soon she got up and started walking away.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Thinking she would go back near the watch tower, our guide zipped across and parked near a clearing. Within minutes, we saw the Tigress make her way, she literally walked straight towards our jeep.. Phew.. We were all standing, holding our breath, slowly pulling out cameras to click when we heard more jeeps pull in. She soon changed her path, and crossed our jeep and walked into the jungles. She was Sharmili, a 12 year old gramma...I was shaking with excitement, and couldn't believe my eyes for a long while after she had gone... The others were quite zapped that I got to see a Tigress, a head on during my 1st Safari.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">After about half hour we were headed out when we heard there was a male tiger lounging at a distance. We could make out the body, but he was quite a distance away, at a height. Oh well, I was happy to have seen not one but two beautiful creatures within few hours. The next day we did 2 safaris, of which one was at <b><i>Jhirna Safari Zone</i> </b>, but did not see any more tigers, just plenty of other animals and few exotic birds... We did hear tiger growling, and a jeep that followed us few minutes after we got out told us they saw one cross their jeep .. Sigh!! It's all about timing and luck! I did hear that Dhikala is the most popular, but we hadn't planned for Safaris in it... Always a next time... </span></div>
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<b><i>Tigress- Sharmili...</i></b> [above 4 photographs]</div>
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<i><b>The Male tiger.</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>Lessons learnt from the Safari-- </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>1. Carry extra warm clothes</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>2. Make sure to carry a cap/hat and another to cover your ears</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>3. Sunscreen lotion & lip balm</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>4. Water & snacks </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>5. Camera and something to cover the lens [ cos the dust levels are crazy]</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>6. Sober coloured clothing- nothing bright/ loud/ shiny.. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>7. Socks and gloves [ if you are the kind who cant stand any cold at all] </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>8. Plenty of patience!! :D</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Website- http://www.corbettnationalpark.in/</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Zones at Jim Corbett National Park- Safari Zone, Bijrani Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone and Durga Devi Zone... </span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-83425136443225952162018-12-19T08:56:00.000-08:002019-01-31T20:41:09.369-08:00Round up of the trip that was.... Phew!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #20124d;">This year has been good, especially with travels. I began the year with a trip that was focussed on the Textiles and ended it with the majestic Bengal Tiger and plenty of history & culture.. The last trip that I took ended on 19th Dec, and was spread across 18 days. Yep, it was probably one of the few long trips I have done [ the longest being my US trip last year for a whole month plus]. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Sometime in November, I spotted a post from a traveller on the only FB group am active announcing that she & a friend were planning a trip to 2 National safaris and asked if there were others who would be interested in joining the same. Since I hadn't been to any of the National parks in the North, I replied and soon there was a Whatsapp group where plans were being made, and dates being finalised. There was quite a bit of juggling, dates changed, one person who was to join couldnt make it on the changed dates, another chimed in and well, enough to say the weeks flew by with details getting sorted out slowly but steadily. I must mention that the other 3 who came along were quite experienced in the Safari circuit, and so knew what it was about. I was a newbie, who was gung-ho about travelling and quite excited, since I dint know what to expect.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">And around end Nov, the trip itinerary changed, it extended by 10+ days where two of us would explore the state of Madhya Pradesh. :-) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Finally, this is how the trip panned out.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">2nd Dec morning- I flew out to Delhi</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">2nd Dec night- train to Ramnagar from Delhi cantt [ 4 of us]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">3rd & 4th Dec- Corbett - 4 safaris [2 morning, 2 afternoon] <i>[Stay at Corbett Machan resort]</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">4th Dec - Night train back to Delhi </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">5th Dec- Spend the day in Delhi </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">5th Dec - Night train from Delhi to Khajuraho [ 3 of us]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">6th Dec- Explore Khajuraho and head to Panna <i>[Stay at Panna Tiger Resort]</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">7th & 8th Dec- Panna- Afternoon safari, Night safari, and Morning safari </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">8th Dec - 1 traveller was heading back home, and 2 of us were off to Orccha </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">[Cab from Khajuraho to Orchha] <i>[Stay at Betwa Retreat]</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">9th Dec - Orchha sightseeing - Around noon we left to Jhansi by auto... Night stay at Jhansi <i>[Stay at Hotel Bhundelkhand Pride]</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">10th Dec - Jhansi sightseeing and off to Chanderi, 2 nights stay there </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">[train from Jhansi to Lalitpur, auto to bus stand and bus to Chanderi..<i>Stay at Kila kothi, property near Chanderi Fort atop the hill]... </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">11th Dec - Local sight seeing in Chanderi </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">12th Dec - Travel to Bhopal- [Take bus from Chanderi to lalitpur, auto to train station, train from Lalitpur to Bhopal - <i>Stay at Hotel Sangam, near the station]</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">13th Dec - Bhimbetka, Bhojpur temple, Aashapuri and back to Bhopal </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">14th Dec - Travel to Indore, take the bus from Bhopal to Indore. [<i>Stay at Ginger in Indore] - </i>Night food market in Indore </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">15th Dec - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar & back to Indore</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">16th Dec - Ujjain - Explore Indore and chill in Indore.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">17th Dec - wind up.... Fly out of Indore... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"> I flew to Delhi.. Spent 2 days there and flew back to Chennai on 19th Dec... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Phew! Well, now that I have gotten this out of the way, time to get cracking and do posts across the amazing places we explored. .. Stay tuned.... </span></div>
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Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-38679059687994946842018-10-30T07:27:00.000-07:002019-01-02T20:02:33.957-08:00Of Flying & Airports... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I am always fascinated by people.. And my favourite hobby is to watch them, observe them... not stare or oggle- mainly at airports, train stations and bus stops... Some are anxiously pacing about, some are glued to the screen [phone or laptop] and others caught up with their kids [controlling them, making sure they are within eyesight range, or trying to feed them/change diaper etc].. You get the drift.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Now, over the last few years when I began travelling, I have taken flights quite a few times, especially when it was to the Northern parts of India or the handful of international trips I have done. In most airports, except one or two, the security check counter for women would be at the far end and just 1-2 counters. We would all rush, wait near the conveyor that swoops our hand bags away, making sure our bags don't go way ahead before we go stand in line for the security check. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Before the actual flying..</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">During the last few flights I took, I have done more ground staff work than any of the ground staff at the airport.. I have told people to go put their phones, water bottles, shawls, wallets, handbags before coming to the queue.. In most places, there are no boards telling you to dump everything but the boarding pass when going through security check. So, these lost souls will hold on to their wallets, purses, handbags, mobile phones,water bottles etc and then get sent back by the lady/guy at the booth, and go through the circle again.. clueless!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I wish there were sign boards telling people to dump it all.. with images of the things in case they cant read english/hindi/tamil/whatever other language is the local one...<br /><br />I also wish the folks at the security check were more approachable & not so stiff [they are in most places, I get that their job is mundane and they deal with millions of people etc.. but still] ...<br /><br />I wish people who are travelling ask others [either in their family/friends circle or the guards at the airport], gain some knowledge before they land up causing delays for others...<br /><br />I wish most airports add extra check in counters for women, considering the number of women travellers is quite high these days..<br /><br />I am not a pro, but I do pay attention and am constantly observing others, plus I don't hesitate to ask questions [no matter how silly or vital] while travelling.. It has always helped and the staff has smiled as I thank them and walk away!! This has made me confident while travelling and helped me help others... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">So, when headed for security check, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">1. Put your hand bags, no matter how big or small in the conveyor belt.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">2. Remove laptop and place it in a separate tray </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">3. Place your shawl/jacket in another tray</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">4. Do not crowd the area and wait for your bags to move ahead before heading for the queue...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">5. When going into the security check area all you need is your Boarding pass.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">6. You will get priority if you have a baby/toddler with you [ so move ahead]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">7. Women & men have separate counters.. Pay attention and follow the herd... ;-) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">8. Within India, you can carry water bottles in hand baggage... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">9. Put your wallet, phone, passport/other ID cards inside your handbag when going for security check</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">10. Wait for your bags to come out of the security conveyor and don't get antsy waiting for it... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Boarding and Flying</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">These days most airports are "silent airports" which means no railway station like announcements.. So, do check the screens displaying departure details, note the Gate numbers.. Sometimes there are changes in Gate numbers which are shown on these screens.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Airlines also send SMS about flight delays and Gate changes, so check your phone.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">When boarding, listen to the staff.. They usually board zone wise or certain rows, before moving to the next.. Give preference to people with kids, elderly and handicapped/physically challenged... Flight ain't gonna zip away without you, unless you are lost/busy in the duty free store/bar!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Once you have boarded the flight, just find your seat, make sure to make way for others.. Yes, I get that you have 35 small bags that need to be stored away, but it can wait a minute.... Sigh~ </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And if you have middle seat, but the passenger occupying the window seat hasnt come in yet [could be me], do not buckle up and get comfortable.. We are gonna need you to get up so we can squeeze in.. literally.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Also, do not do the "Do you mind sitting in the aisle seat, we are two of us but have this and that seat, we want to travel together.... ".. err, no, I refuse, cos I have fought for the window seat and just cos am single does not mean you bum me around... scoot over.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The arm rest is to be shared.. do not hog it and show face when our hand leans on it... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Kindly do not lean over me to click a picture through the window.. If you ask nicely, I will do it for you... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">For those who use the restroom in the flight, and that is exactly when the staff are serving snacks.. Well, how about waiting wee bit so they can move so you go back to your seat? Most of them will prance about like their seat will disappear if they do not rush and grab it...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">When the flight lands, wait a few minutes before turning on your phones.. jeez, you would think they would die if they don't see the whatsapp messages or call their whoevers.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">When the flight has halted and you have reached your destination, wait up!! The doors shall open soon and you can fly out to the airport to relieve your bladder and wait for your bags...Shabba, how all the folks line up like the flight will take off to the next destination leaving them stranded.. this is not bus or train where you miss a stop ya.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Oh and when standing up, if your co passenger is still siting, make sure to keep your hands down, or folded, do not raise your arms, showing off your armpit and stinky BO is no fun for them... :/ </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Make sure to hold on to you bags and not cause harm to the person walking behind you.. Don't slam em with your backpack .. it is painful~ </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Psst.. Do not lean over and grab a sealed bottle of water from a seat ahead when walking out of the plane... You are holding up the line... ;o) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Alright, off you go... Have fun travelling~!! </span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-65171949334900210722018-10-27T03:42:00.000-07:002018-12-21T23:13:11.656-08:00To travel or not... <span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GpPqZUE69ou01whFeS6vWz5gvqq14DJlvTz7jvHsdUhW8plbfZhjkaKZgA0pmRoPhdM3EIwMkkHwfSfMCfUmimAFt_qOmZqKXqbPE8VYnPS-5RPA0Pk5OQAAtB8bRloltC2vgNjBevMp/s1600/Live+your+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GpPqZUE69ou01whFeS6vWz5gvqq14DJlvTz7jvHsdUhW8plbfZhjkaKZgA0pmRoPhdM3EIwMkkHwfSfMCfUmimAFt_qOmZqKXqbPE8VYnPS-5RPA0Pk5OQAAtB8bRloltC2vgNjBevMp/s640/Live+your+life.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">If you were to fill a room with people, a random group of people and ask them the question "Do you enjoy travelling or not?", am sure you would get mixed responses.. Well, that is humans for you.. Each one has different thoughts, interests and methods of dealing with their life... </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">When I asked a bunch of people this question, here is what some of them shared</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">"I love travelling, exploring new places, just visiting the popular sights in that place and coming back with stories.."</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">"I enjoy getting away, sick and tired of city life"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">"I travel on work, and when am away, it is mostly airport hotel office and back. I pretty much live out of my suitcase"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">"It is the only opportunity I get being physical and doing stuff, other than staring at the computer. So I plan a weekend trek and test my fitness levels"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">"I enjoy running, and so I take my car, drive out to the nearest beach or mountain and run for a few hours... It gives me such a high"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">"I dont really enjoy travelling. The thought of packing - my stuff, the kids, etc, is tiring... So holidays arent really holidays for me.."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">"My holidays have all been planned by the husband and activities lined up are what he enjoys.. So, I just go along, pretend to enjoy.. Given a choice, I would just go to a quiet place, and unwind"</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">"My kind of holiday is staying at a resort, lazy lavish breakfast, swim in the pool and chill" </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">"I love the hills and would ideally getaway and just cut off from the world"</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">"I don't travel, my idea of fun is to go to the mall, do some shopping or a movie"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">"Travel - Goa, Pondy, Bangkok... these are the places I love... go, grab a few beers, some beach fun and find a hot chick.... *wink wink"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b><i>Well, what is your answer to the question? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>As for me, I love to travel - it is all about discovering new places, meeting people, learning about cultures, testing my limits with activities and spending time with myself above it all.. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">I don't have a bucket list, but just hope to visit all the states in our country and few outside.. So far all the trips I have been on have been amazing, fun, adventurous and challenging... </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Most of my trips have been solo, and I honestly have no qualms about travelling on my own.. If you were to travel with a friend/partner/family/someone else, it becomes dicey.. You need to have similar tastes, mind set or one person hold the reigns and other tags along.. That said, I have done a few group trips, 2/3 times they were good, and I came back alive... :D </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #660000;">The most recent one was with women I did not know- connected with one through a Facebook travel group, and the ball rolled on from there.. Met the others at Delhi, and we survived each others' company, had a good time and everyone went back with good happy memories.. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #660000;">Infact, one incident I remember from years ago was when my parents were desperately trying to get me married off.. There was this guy who came home with his parents, aunt- uncle and after a while,we were sent off to get to know each other.. After a few mins I realised this guy has lived his entire life in 5km radius in Hyderabad [ pre partition era], and hadnt gone out of that zone at all.. he was puzzled with what I did, he did not understand why I liked going out.. At the end of the day, things did not work out [doh] and it dawned on me there was a whole world of people who were content not stepping out of their comfort zone... </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Another incident was not so long ago, it was with a guy who was also from Hyd, had travelled once to Mumbai on work [ airport, office and back] and wanted to do a weekend away.. He had zeroed in on Hampi. When I asked why, all he had to say was "Friends have been there and said it is a nice place".. I quizzed him on his interests, if he was into history, heritage, and he had no idea about it, but was keen on going there.. We reached Hampi, did an hour around Vittala temple, and he was like "is this what the rest of the town is gonna be like? How boring...! He did grunt and moan when I said lets go to Virupaksha temple, but the minute we reached there, he halted in his steps and said "you go ahead, Its a temple, am not coming inside" Am like "Wtf dude...I have been to Hampi before, but then went ahead spent time wandering around...." The trip was cut shot and i literally couldnt wait to get on the bus and bid his horrible company good bye... Sigh! </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i>Well, I get that many dont like to travel or dont get why others do... it is perfectly fine if you don't enjoy travelling or haven't travelled much, just don't diss others who do things differently... </i><i>Do not tell others "whats the point, or why are you wasting money...." What people do with their time/money is their personal choice... </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Why do you travel or what do you do for fun?</span></i></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-91687897266843343182018-10-15T23:03:00.003-07:002018-10-15T23:31:35.569-07:00The birthday getaway tradition... <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7FWUAZKaCJg3rgKAL3nIQj4Leij8hyphenhyphenBnAUPN9MqDHAPxQCCyKh1oUS_ddzOyspfXpM5dMqI09t6Lkofs9GeSG2usZZ2B1ErWRcOJiPQpi-anlLmqvlSIytuVhOD56gUZy4BGhpxo0ZDs/s1600/birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="779" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7FWUAZKaCJg3rgKAL3nIQj4Leij8hyphenhyphenBnAUPN9MqDHAPxQCCyKh1oUS_ddzOyspfXpM5dMqI09t6Lkofs9GeSG2usZZ2B1ErWRcOJiPQpi-anlLmqvlSIytuVhOD56gUZy4BGhpxo0ZDs/s640/birthday.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">A few years ago, I was on a road trip with a cousin of mine and it so happened that on my Birthday we were in <b><i>Chidambaram</i></b>. I got to visit the Natarajar Temple and it was the 1st time I heard/saw the Chidambara Ragasiyam. Was quite an experience, especially cos we were taken around by a priest an aunt knew of. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">He infact gave us special permission to click some photographs of the outer area and pillars as well. It also happened that most friends had moved out of Chennai, and I was alone on the birthday, and sometimes even just cooped up at home, not doing anything interesting. It kinda got to me, and thus began the tradition of my Birthday getaways. Year on year, I make sure to be away from Chennai on the birthday, anywhere! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Over the years, I have been on a couple of holidays around the birthday.. Once I was off to explore the towns of <b><i>Tanjavur</i></b> and <b><i>Kumbakonam</i></b>... That apart, I have done day trips to <b><i>Pondicherry</i></b> on the birthday [mainly cos I would not have had more than 2 days to spare]... Last year was quite amazing, since we were getting back to Delhi from <b><i>Leh/Ladakh</i></b> on the birthday and then I spent the day with a special friend who surprised me with a cake and wine. Each trip has been fabulous and filled with memories... </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">And then there was the one birthday which had me puzzled only to turn out to become the best among them all.. August mid arrived and I knew I wanted to get away, but was confused. I spent a few weeks trying to zero in on the place, having discussions with friends until I finally cleared my head and made a decision. That was that, once the destination was finalised, I kinda knew it was going to be the one time I was ready to indulge, after all it was my special day! I spent 3 days near Kanyakumari [also close to Kerala border].. There was a property a friend had shared images of [must have been sometime last year] but it came into my mind, and that is where I was headed... secluded, situated around a lake, the property boasted of cottages that had the lake view, and the highlight was no cell service[ atleast no Airtel] but did have good wifi service.. I borrowed BSNL sim from a friend [just incase]... More on the property in a separate post... :-) </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">I remember starting a discussion on the one travel group am part off on Facebook and so many responded saying they get away with a friend /spouse for their birthday/anniversary or have the custom of once a year trip somewhere special... </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">What do you do for your Birthday/Anniversary? Any such tradition?</span></div>
Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-80185176271845591342018-09-07T04:47:00.000-07:002018-09-07T04:47:01.543-07:00Interesting Encounters on the train -1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXPSnShh3M_LhogitlxCmqRV94wjk9_OGfWXkNHBUa-pl07OmpzyyLPMxa8hSA0dTA6VI0e8bTksRDY_6DFwT5CccE6ugHiaGdfZwOxyRBAy81nsLfrz7HoN6QkTS77woUvVjWvuITVgV/s1600/IMG_20180902_165330720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXPSnShh3M_LhogitlxCmqRV94wjk9_OGfWXkNHBUa-pl07OmpzyyLPMxa8hSA0dTA6VI0e8bTksRDY_6DFwT5CccE6ugHiaGdfZwOxyRBAy81nsLfrz7HoN6QkTS77woUvVjWvuITVgV/s640/IMG_20180902_165330720.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hNzMW9WuClC7B9n0-i7nKQy803cj4gF8He9PfJtTpsnQTMuT6YgOHyj5a-OSp-glxpL_GodjHjxSBCGz2ZLg-yhwuRxIjv73jzPUZ0tLWiicPprs4ZSHfQWKOPwFRLoS8YD3KKWlSz4P/s1600/IMG_20180721_125132550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hNzMW9WuClC7B9n0-i7nKQy803cj4gF8He9PfJtTpsnQTMuT6YgOHyj5a-OSp-glxpL_GodjHjxSBCGz2ZLg-yhwuRxIjv73jzPUZ0tLWiicPprs4ZSHfQWKOPwFRLoS8YD3KKWlSz4P/s640/IMG_20180721_125132550.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Train journeys are so much fun, especially if like me you travel alone. You can sit reading a book or plug in your headphones and tune out the world. Another awesome thing about train journey is the opportunity to observe the world around you, the people who are waiting on the platform, the hawkers, the passengers, and the railway staff..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Many a times I tend to reach ahead of time, and will sit/stand near the train watching people around me. Some have a calm energy while others are nervous and fidgety, some prance about while others worry where their seat will be, and then there are those who are on the phone giving running commentary as they walk towards their compartment, down to the crowd related details and what they drank or bought. It is quite amusing, and entertaining. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Decided to do a series on this.. Here is the 1st one from a recent trip.... </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">This time, I was on a passenger train, an overnight one at that. Since it was a last minute booking, I got the absolute Last Side Upper seat, and well the train was full, so I had no choice. I was used to upper berth, just dint like the last one cos it is right next to the loo and the door, which people tend to keep slamming every few seconds. Sigh..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I settled into my seat, and dug into my box of salad that I had picked up earlier that day. I looked around and noticed a family of four make their way in-2 small kids, and 2 big suitcases. They settled in and no sooner did the TT come bearing news that they had been upgraded to A2. Poor guy had to lug the bags down 4 compartments while his wife sat with the kids and then they all left. Soon after came another family, a large one of about 9 members [ yes, i counted] included 3 kids- 2 girls and a boy. I figured one guy was the kids' uncle, cos they were close to him and kept asking "mama for the phone"... One girl was whining to her mom that she had tamil exam the next day and dint want to go to school. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The boy kept running up and down, bare foot that kinda got me telling him to wear his footwear as the train was dirty. They were all from Tirunelveli, and kids were going bonkers over the mobile phone that the uncle was holding out. There was another Malayali family in next compartment who got close to this lot and during dinner time they all shared food. [no I did not eves drop, they were loud enough to be heard and seen]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Around 9pm, at the station a girl hopped into the train with her father and took the seat next to mine. She was going to her college [Ayurveda college] at a town near the final destination. She asked me where I was from, where I was headed and how come I was alone [sans family]. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">This girl and the older girl from the other family started chit chatting with me.. They were both amazed that I was travelling alone and that too for a holiday where I was gonna be alone. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Girl1: [from the earlier family] asked - unga daddy irukkara neenga pora edathula ? [was my dad waiting for me at the destination]</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Me: no no, nobody is there</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Girl 1: Then you have friends who are there?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Me - No, it is just me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Girl 2 [the other one travelling alone to college]- From Chennai you are going all the way to a place to be alone.. ? </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Me - yes. I do this regularly and enjoy it</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Girl 2- Your daddy lets you go alone far away?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Me - Yes.. I don't need his permission anymore.. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Girl 1's mom - You really travel alone?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Me - Yes i do :)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Girls and the mom - wow, first time naanga ippadi oru ponnu paakkarom [ first time we are seeing a girl like this].. they then share this ingo with their spouse/family who then smile at me and say "enna kannu, yen ma thaniya pora.. [why child, why are you going alone?]</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Me - Pudichirukku [Cos i like it]</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Girl1- *continuing with puzzled look * So, who is there where you are going?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Me- Nobody I know.. I go spend time on my own and come back to chennai..</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">The entire lot smiled and just shut up.. guess they were lost and dint know what to make of it.. </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"># I realised they were unable to wrap their head around this concept of a girl travelling alone to do a holiday alone and was happy about it.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Ever had any such instances? </span></div>
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Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06286121748131889485noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377426054200803872.post-4308865733884906022018-08-03T02:42:00.000-07:002018-08-03T02:42:07.631-07:00Sharing travel stories... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zwZPMehPQ2bldplCzISRH8Ay9YQmJdsGKLm6cqm6pus9drx3qmmOFJK7Zv67k9l1u2ZNSjeBufisIzeNTxG_TDeMVkj9A9BoGjaDjC3TbeiqRML0oZPNOt7sWU5IcMv24UkNNqoDRMh/s1600/soul+window.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1075" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zwZPMehPQ2bldplCzISRH8Ay9YQmJdsGKLm6cqm6pus9drx3qmmOFJK7Zv67k9l1u2ZNSjeBufisIzeNTxG_TDeMVkj9A9BoGjaDjC3TbeiqRML0oZPNOt7sWU5IcMv24UkNNqoDRMh/s320/soul+window.png" width="308" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Travelling is super fun, I love it. And even though I haven't travelled as much as I would like to, am still glad I am doing what I can. I do manage to get away once every few weeks/months and go somewhere new. It has become a habit of sorts, I don't go back to the same place more than once unless the company requests, or if there is a new festival or event happening that I am keen on experiencing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I come back and am constantly sharing stories and my experiences with friends and family. Some are just plain curious, while others are the "Oh I don't think am gonna go, but shall live through your experiences vicariously" and then there are others who wanna hear so they can compare stories ... it is always exciting and fun, cos I get to relive my experiences all over again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">About a month or so back, I got an email from <b><i><a href="https://thesoulwindow.com/">The Soul Window </a></i></b>and they wanted to know if I would be interested in talking at one of their events. The Soul window is a travel start up, they are into providing experiences, and building communities through dialogues... quite an interesting duo... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I was zapped, touched and overwhelmed when I saw the invite email. I wrote back asking them what the event was about, and what they were looking for from me. After a few exchanges, we decided to meet to see how we can take this forward.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I met the two ladies from The Soul window, we spent about 4hours yapping about everything from the event to general travel and personal experiences and stories. Time flew by, conversations so interesting and fun, that at the end of the meet it felt like we had known each other awhile!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was decided that they would roll out a Save the date, get people to register and we would have the event 2 weeks from that day. I put together a small note for them to use, and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>we kinda chalked out a map for the talk…<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The audience would be max of 10 people :-)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The D-day arrived, it was a warm Saturday evening and I made my way to M’s house where the event was happening. I did not have butterflies in my stomach, but did wonder who would be coming and how it would be. A friend of mine also joined in, which was nice! Soon it was time to begin, and the next few hours just whizzed by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After a round of introductions, I opened with 2 interesting incidents from my travels, and then spoke about how travelling happened, and has evolved over the years. There was plenty of interaction, comments, insights, and fun elements thrown in from the others who had come… We had coffee, some cookies and soon the evening drew to an end. The ladies gave me a personal Thank You note along with a book- <b><i>Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TvKo6FKEL._SX358_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TvKo6FKEL._SX358_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>From the event -</u></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlAsOahFo4g/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=j2k84opiy23x">Photographs </a></div>
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Videos [recorded by friend]</div>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki6Ot8ofQFA&feature=youtu.be</div>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZkptr8UP4o&feature=youtu.be</div>
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