Round up of the trip that was.... Phew!!

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]. 

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.... 

And around end Nov, the trip itinerary changed, it extended by 10+ days where two of us would explore the state of Madhya Pradesh.  :-) 

Finally, this is how the trip panned out.... 

2nd Dec morning- I flew out to Delhi

2nd Dec night- train to Ramnagar from Delhi cantt [ 4 of us]

3rd & 4th Dec- Corbett - 4 safaris [2 morning, 2 afternoon] [Stay at Corbett Machan resort]

4th Dec - Night train back to Delhi 

5th Dec- Spend the day in Delhi 

5th Dec - Night train from Delhi to Khajuraho [ 3 of us]

6th Dec- Explore Khajuraho and head to Panna [Stay at Panna Tiger Resort]

7th & 8th Dec- Panna- Afternoon safari, Night safari, and Morning safari 

8th Dec - 1 traveller was heading back home, and 2 of us were off to Orccha 

[Cab from Khajuraho to Orchha] [Stay at Betwa Retreat]

9th Dec -  Orchha sightseeing - Around noon we left to Jhansi by auto... Night stay at Jhansi [Stay at Hotel Bhundelkhand Pride]

10th Dec - Jhansi sightseeing and off to Chanderi, 2 nights stay there 

[train from Jhansi to Lalitpur, auto to bus stand and bus to Chanderi..Stay at Kila kothi, property near Chanderi Fort atop the hill]... 

11th Dec - Local sight seeing in Chanderi  

12th Dec - Travel to Bhopal- [Take bus from Chanderi to lalitpur, auto to train station, train from Lalitpur to Bhopal - Stay at Hotel Sangam, near the station]

13th Dec - Bhimbetka, Bhojpur temple, Aashapuri and back to Bhopal 

14th Dec - Travel to Indore, take the bus from Bhopal to Indore. [Stay at Ginger in Indore] - Night food market in Indore 

15th Dec - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar  & back to Indore

16th Dec - Ujjain - Explore Indore and chill in Indore.. 

17th Dec - wind up.... Fly out of Indore... 

                 I flew to Delhi.. Spent 2 days there and flew back to Chennai on 19th Dec... 

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.... 

The blue blue skies in Leh

A few days back a friend pinged and asked how my Leh trip was, how much did it cost, how many days, etc etc.... She went on to ask if there was good wi-fi signal there, and that made me chuckle. Cos once you are up in the hills, mobile connectivity is dicey, leave alone wifi. Told her the same and she gasped, asking how we survived there for ten days with no connectivity...  

I told her the blue skies and long stretches of roads, the local people, food, activities kept us busy and we were all happy to be lost in the hills. Well, here are some of the blue blue skies that came along with us during the Leh trip... 

And then there is the other group of people who ask me "Why did you go to Leh, Ladakh?", "What is there to do there?" 

To them I say "If you are looking for botanical gardens or zoo or maybe a whole bunch of churches, temples or beaches like Goa, then dont go to Leh.. Leh is all about the hills, what you see beyond the horizon, the endless stretches of roads, the monestaries, the few palaces and the millions of other sights that will leave you breathless.. It is not a destination you go expecting a zillion fun activities, but then it is fun if you like being in the middle of nowhere, walking aimlessly following the snow capped mountains, or sitting by the river/lake freezing your butt off and clicking pictures... " 

For me it is the sheer joy of being away, away from the city, away from the craziness of daily routine, an opportunity to experience a new town, meet new people, try their local food, enjoy their culture and to just unwind ..

What is your kind of holiday? Have you been to the Hills? What did you think of them?

Angalaamman Kovil, Mel Malayanur

About a week ago, sometime during the day a friend messaged asking if I would like to come with her and her boyfriend to a temple near Gingee. I said "sure why not. Is anyone else coming?" She replied saying one of her other friends was also coming along. Glad that I was not going to be a 3rd wheel I confirmed my presence.

Saturday evening we met for a show, and subsequently did dinner as well. That is when she told me they had booked a cab that would come to my place around 6 am, she & her boyfriend would land there by then. I was up and ready by 5.45, he came around 5.50, the cab came at 6 and she reached within minutes. We were off and on the road when she mentioned her other friend wasn't coming as her son was unwell.. [mental voice- oh no, dreaded 3rd wheel situation, hopefully not very awkward] We stopped for breakfast at the Motel Highway Inn, had hot idli, dosa and coffee and were on the road within an hour. We reached the temple around 9, looked around making sure there wasn't too much of a crowd [ am kinda allergic to crowds]. The temple gopuram was a bright yellow and there were women and men dressed in various shades of yellow and red. We were at the Angala amman temple in Mel Malayanur. 

The Angala Parameswari Temple [another name for the same temple] is located at Mel malayanur, about 32 km from Gingee in Viluppuram District. 

The main deity worshipped in this temple is the "Sembadavars". As we entered the temple sanctum, the 1st section housed an ancient snake pit. You go around it to see the main Deity. This Goddess is known to be very powerful, anything you wish for you get! 

While we headed out of the main sanctum doing pradakshanam, I noticed a ritual of sorts going on in the outer ring. There was a man who looked like a priest throwing vermilion at a girl's face and saying something which she repeated. I was told people come here when they are possessed to chase away demons and so on.  And the temple is crowded to the brim on new moon day, cos that is a day when such incidents are way too many. I dont really believe in these, but it was interesting to witness the process.

And with that we were out and back to Chennai [we had a blast through the drive and nope, I did not even for a second feel like the 3rd wheel]. 

Apart from the crowd and the temple itself, I was once again appalled by the attitude of the people who worked here. The lady manning the Snake sanctum looked at me and instantly said "You should empty your wallets to God before giving me kum-kum and a lemon", and as we made our way to the main sanctum behind this one, there were 2 priests allowing people to go inside near the Deity for a price. A couple ahead of us paid Rs 10, while we were told "pay Rs100 and you can go inside"... Wth!! I know it is a temple and all, but such discrimination!! To top it off, they even say put the money in the plate and not in the Hundi box [ya right, don't we know where the money from the plate goes] Quite sad seeing such behaviour... sigh... 

Well, I did pray for all and here's hoping the year ahead is great!

To know more about this temple, visit this site

Kalady- The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya

It was my friend's birthday and I had decided to lane there as a surprise. Her husband knew of my plans, but she did not. That eventful morning I landed in Kochi, it was pouring. I reached the entry gate and waited for my friend's husband to come pick me up [ navy area, so he had to come with a pass to allow me entry]. There I stood nearly drenched with my bags as he pulled in near the small passage. Hopped into the car and got a quick update that my friend was fairly mad and pissed off with him. Why? She had wanted to visit Kalady temple that morning but he kept putting it off saying he shall take them that afternoon. She had huffed off to the shower while he left for "work" aka to pick me up. 

I got home, was greeted by their kids who upon seeing me began screeching with excitement. Took all my might to get them calmed down. The little one was unable to zip her lips, she went running screaming "ma, look who's here, look who has come.. come out fast...".. hahaha... It was nearly half an hour before my friend stepped out of the room, all dressed up and muttering under her breath about how her husband couldn't fulfil her wish even on this special day. She turned into the living room, saw me and stood still zapped. Phew!!What a memorable moment that was.. :-) Once she was convinced I was really there, she couldnt stop screeching, told everyone who called about my surprise visit and then we got to making a quick lunch. 

Around 2pm, we were all piled into the car and on our way to Kalady, a place I had been wanting to visit forever but yet to. My grandparents, mom dad, uncle etc had all visited the place. And finally, it was happening. Kalady incidentally is just about 6kms from Nedumbassery Airport and the nearest station is 10kms away-Angamali railway station. Infact, we had to cross the airport and go down the road to reach Kalady. 

It was a fairly small village town that was nearly silent when wee reached there. We pulled into the parking lot near the temple and made our way to the temple. I noticed there were 2 temple complexes, one straight ahead and other on the right side. Friend told me the way to the river was between the two. Apparently there were steps leading to the river from the temple, but it had been sealed shut few years ago. 

We had to cross a small bridge of sorts to get into the temple, in the pond below were quite a few fish and turtles that had the kids excited. There was one shrine dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya as Dakshinamoorthi and the other is dedicated to Goddess Sharada. the temple is maintained by the Sringeri Mutt. 

On the left hand side, near the temple entrance is a black pole, which is said to be the exact place where Adi Sankaracharya was born. There is also another spot called "Brindavan", where Shankaracharya's mother Aryamba was cremated. There is a light that burns day and night here in the lamp within the box. 

The river here is referred to the "Crocodile Ghat". This is the place where the young Shankaracharya once got caught by a crocodile. Legend has it that his mother was dead against his taking Sanyasa and so went into the river and refusedd to come out till she agreed. This is when a crocodile got hold of him and would not let go. Once the mother gave him permission to take up Sanyas, the crocodile let go of his leg.   There is also a large hall in the temple where homams and small functions are held where the ceiling is lined with the entire story of Adi shankaracharya in image format. The paint was wearing off, letters fading away, we wished someone would maintain this better. 

As you walk to land from the river, on the left you will see the Shri Krishna temple, the family temple. Built in true Kerala style, this temple was beautiful. But because of the rains, we beat a hasty retreat to the car, had a quick hot cup of tea and headed back on the road towards Kochi. 

Legendary beginnings [Source: Wikipedia]

Legend holds that one day, the widowed mother of Little Sankara, Aryamba, fainted after walking three kilometers for her daily bath in the Periyar then known as Purna river. Feeling helpless, Little Sankara prayed to Lord Krishna. The tears of the child moved Krishna, who blessed him thus: "the river will flow where your little feet marks (കാലടി വരയുന്നിട്ത്തു നദി ഗതി ആവും). The Purna river took its new course in the place marked by the little boy's feet. That place came to be called Kalady.

The Purna river began flowing through Little Sankara's home garden. Sankara then installed Lord Krishna into the present temple, and marked the occasion by reciting his famous Ätchutha Ashtakam.

Thus 'Kalady' signifies the love of an innocent child for his beloved mother and the blessings of Lord Krishna[citation needed].

Skywatch Friday ... Racing ahead

It has been a week since I got back from a relaxed break. I spent a good 5days in Kochi with a friend and her family, doing nothing but unwinding.  One evening we headed out to the club but since it was raining, there were shamianas with seats beneath them. But luckily, made another trip to the place with friend another day when the Rain Gods were taking a break, and there was just a gentle drizzle through the 1st half of the day. 

The last time I was here, the water was way below this level, and flowed down slowly. But this time, since it was monsoons and crazy rains, the water was brimming to the top and raving ahead, taking with it anything that came in its way. 

These were taken near the make shift jetty near the Navy Institute.

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday... Dutch live on

After ages, am back on the Skywatch Friday wagon today... All thanks to a conversation I had with a friend about Tranquebar. It has been over 2yrs since I was there last, and I do wish I get to do another drive down the Coromandel Coast... [Fingers & toes crossed]

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi as it more commonly known) is a small town in Nagapattinam district, about 45kms from Chidambaram and 15kms north of Karaikal. The name literally translates to "a place of the singing waves". It was a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845, and today a getaway destination for many. There is a Danish Fort, Church and the Governor's Bungalow to see, apart from the shimmering ocean. 

The architectural journey of Tranquebar can be traced back to the 14th century Masilamaninathar Temple built during the Pandya Regime. Then come 17th century colonial fort and 18th century churches. 21st century sees the crumbling heritage structures being restored by INTACH. This involves The Bungalow on the Beach , Gate House, Shiva Temple, façade restoration of St. Theresa’s Convent, former Danish governor’s residence and Goldsmith Street houses. Entry to this town is through an impressive two hundred year old Town Gate built with a Danish allure.  [Info courtesy : Tranquebar.in]

Canon facing the ocean in front of the Fort

 The Dutch Fort, as you enter the complex

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday, The sun rises over Tranquebar

I havent done Skywatch in weeks and so decided to resume today. Last year around this time was when i did the Coromandel coast trip, and what a journey it was. I spent a few minutes reliving the memories through the pictures and these few caught my eye. 

I was in Tranquebar, and it was the day before my Birthday. Woke up early [for some reason, i always rise earlier than usual when am travelling] and was standing in the Balcony looking at the ocean, and caught a peek of the Sun as it was rising. Quickly rushed down to the beach to see if i could capture it all as it happened. 

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi as it more commonly known) is a small town in Nagapattinam district, about 45kms from Chidambaram and 15kms north of Karaikal. The name literally translates to "a place of the singing waves". It was a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845, and today a getaway destination for many. There is a Danish Fort, Church and the Governor's Bungalow to see, apart from the shimmering ocean. 

The architectural journey of Tranquebar can be traced back to the 14th century Masilamaninathar Temple built during the Pandya Regime. Then come 17th century colonial fort and 18th century churches. 21st century sees the crumbling heritage structures being restored by INTACH. This involves The Bungalow on the Beach , Gate House, Shiva Temple, façade restoration of St. Theresa’s Convent, former Danish governor’s residence and Goldsmith Street houses. Entry to this town is through an impressive two hundred year old Town Gate built with a Danish allure.  [Info courtesy : Tranquebar.in]

The Bungalow on the Beach, the Neemrana property is so palatial, it had me feeling like a Royal Princess- a 4 poster bed, huge room, high ceiling, antique furniture and every room opened out to the ocean. What a beauty the place and experience was.

 

The property from the beach.

As i walked along the shore, letting the waves wash over my feet, the sun rose slowly and steadily. It appeared as if the sun was emerging from the waves going up into the sky. Was quite a moment.. The cool breeze, silence all around me [apart from the few kids who were running around]. Was a magical moment, i was lost in my own world... almost like floating away in a bubble.

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday... Touching the skies

This past week has been quite hectic, work , travel and generally been busy! The travel bit was exciting, as it was a last minute plan.. Tuesday early morning, we hit the road to Coimbatore, a journey that took nearly 8hours, with a few pit stops... We were tired, and felt like we had been on the road forever. But good company, music and scenery kept our spirits high. It was more so on the return journey, the path chosen was different, which offered a plethora of colours, and vivid skies. 

As we cruised along the Krishnagiri Chennai highway, the skies were clear, clouds white fluffly like soap bubbles, and the mountains seemed to be playing with them, probably bouncing them around to see who could push the clouds higher up in the sky.... 

Both were taken sitting inside the car, that was cruising at nearly 90kms an hour... What a ride it was... :-)

For more beautiful skies visit Skywatch Friday