Mystic SundarBan Forests

I wondered the purpose of my life until I saw the purpose of Sun, Sand, Sea, Bacteria, Sky, Stars and every other creation of the the supreme.

Like I have mentioned in my earlier posts that I made a bucket list and have been taking it a bit too seriously I guess.

So I decided to pack my backpack and head to the mangroves of the Royal Bengal tigers with little hope to spot a tiger but everything else as royal.

Day - 1

I reached Kolkata and spent a lovely day with my friends and family. The Famous Kolkata clubs are ever inviting and the day is short to shop. Kolkata by night is a different place all together considering the Blue and White Lights which are overpowering the city. If not anything else it would definitely let down the Oxford Street by Christmas only at all times, wonder how the electricity flows through the year, only we could say - Thanx to Didi.

Day - 2

The next morning my friends from Hyderabad arrived and our trip organizer Sunny received us and we hit the road. 3-4 hours of a drive, with good music and great company passed by without a visit to the loo as enroute there were no girl friendly washrooms - Every Indian girl traveler's story. This was the easier part, Once we parked our car at a point we got our backpacks on our backs and started our journey. Thankfully there was a paid decent loo at near the car parks. A few minutes walk got us to the first junction where we got on a small boat which cost us Rs.2/- per head and in about 20-25mins we got off on our first port and after another 5mins walk we got onto a big boarded rikshaw. Now, the roads are no less than a rough terrain of a kind, and we had a worst 30 mins ride,  doing all kinds of acrobats on the rare end to save our rear ends.

 Reached yet another junction and got onto another boat and voila we reached the  Eco Village Resort - our abode for the next 3 days. So we started from Kolkata by 10ish and got our sumptuous lunch at the Eco Village at about 5pm. We decided to take it easy as it was already dark.

There is a folk music performance by the local musicians from the Village organized for the guests every evening which reminded us of a Coke studio. Under the dark skies with the stars popping out slowly and with a few lanterns and music on the background and hot tea and snacks served, one cant really want anything more. The Eco Village served us wonderful freshly cooked meals which were delicious in a simple way. The rice and the vegetables are all home grown and fish and chicken are also bred on the property. We called it an early night considering we had a long day and were scheduled to start at 5:15am the next morning. Our cottages were comfortable with all required amenities. The fear of being bitten by mosquitoes was quite deep rooted hence we were prepared with all kinds of mosquito repellents, if not mosquitoes the smell certainly wud drive away humans..

Day - 3

We were ready and on the boats set to sail by 5:30am. The twilight bloomed to dawn and soon it was a nice sunny morning. We fetched our on-board chefs from one of the islands who made us lip smacking hot breakfast, lunch and snacks during the day. It seemed quite a luxury to have on board services of this level in the middle of one of the most densely populated mangrove forests. UNESCO acknowledged the Sundarban Forests as one of their World Heritage Sites. We sailed with the currents and sometimes against however the islands and forests on either side were intriguing with the trees redefining gravity and laws of nature. The sea and the tributaries were over powering for us to see but the forests were dense enough to take over. the mangroves grew out of the land and are the only trees surviving the salt water. The Forests houses innumerable species of mangroves, birds, animals, aquatic world and everything above, below and beyond. The name Sundarban comes from the Sundari trees which are in great number in the forest. The Forests are thick and animals are clever. We spotted wild deer, boars, monkeys, indescribable coloured birds, rare sea turtles, mudskippers, snakes, crocodiles casually crossed our boat as we cross roads. Its said that dolphins and sharks are common to plot too but guess we were there on a rather uncommon day. We stopped by at 2 points from where we could spot some deer and a few more animals. Must say the Tiger reserve has very reserved tigers. That was a long beautiful day as it made us touch the vastness of the sea. We enjoyed the evening playing cards listening good music and having good conversation and ofcourse what's a night in Sundarban without a few shooting stars. By the end of day I also did manage to drop my phone and hence leaving me with no distractions. Surprisingly the signals there arn't that bad. 

Day - 4

We thought we had done it all and its gonna be a dry day, little did we know. We woke up late and stuffed ourselves and my friend made us do some yoga and then it was time for lunch and again stuffed ourselves and snoozed like the best do's on a sunday of a holiday. We were woken up to go for the village walk at around 3:30pm and we walked around looking at the paddy fields and huts and homes with their pets which soon might be eaten with their bread (Rice). Its amazing how simple life is there. One fishes, another sows, and so goes on the circle of life.

We hopped onto the boat and went for a little evening safari in the interiors of one of the island bays. The canopies created by the mangroves were pristine and the wonders of nature never stops fascinating me. The sail was smooth, we plotted some snakes and various colours of crabs. The Boat man brought us to on of the mushy lands and asked us to get off the boat and it was that creepy feeling that hit my stomach with the knowledge of crabs and snakes and insects in those mushy lands and not to forget it housed crocodiles and mudskippers, it was like putting me through the fear factor tests. We got into the mushy lands of the untouched Sundarban and felt the pure mud onto our legs and it was another terrain. We walked around and someone picked a big crab to show us and another shrieked as they slipped. It was a whole different level of over coming my fear. We got back onto the boat and  dangled our feet happily to wash off the mud also not to forget crocodiles could smell us yummy meet.

We got back to the resort all excited and had a wholesome meal waiting for us. Star gazing is becoming my favorite hobby especially in places where shooting stars are seen. We gazed at stars for awhile and it was time to go for the night Safari. This was the mother of all safaris I thought. Pitch dark, moon not yet out, Stars flirted with the sky with little twinkling beams and we on the boat in the dark cold night. The black waters were creepy so I decided just to lay down on the boat and have the star-studded sky as my view. What a view, must say!! And just then my friend and I spotted a shooting star!!! My Moment!!!  Soon we were asked to put our hand in the water, which was so scarry - almost like being a bait calling out for the crocodiles but it was amazing what was in store for us - there were little glowing Planktons- bacterias which on disturbance and friction glow.. There were little glowing moving dots in the water when I moved my hands and they glowed for 2 seconds when u hold them in the water and this my dear friends is called the Shaking Hands with the Planktons in the Sundarbans. It was unbelievable to see shooting stars above and below with me floating in between. I felt one with the nature and made me realise how tiny we are. The little bacterias were shining below and the mighty meteors were shooting and twinkling above in the vastness and we the mortals were lucky to witness the phenomena - like Fritjof Capra said the Dance of Shiva - might I add my twist!!

Day 5

Last morning, last breakfast in the Eco Village of the grand Sundarbans and we took it easy. We headed back and we  were all excited for our Boat, rikshaw and boat ride and the 3 hours of drive back to the city life- this time it was the victorian Kolkata.....and then back to base to Hyderabad. If its not the wild its just about any city!!! 

Bangkok Traveler

U know u love n respect art more, 

when u choose to visit a monument over shopping (which u once missed out for shopping :/ ).

U know u hv turned into a traveler from a tourist,

when u overcome the insecurity of missing out on something that doesnt interest u, 

U know u r not afraid to explore n learn,

when u dont give urself the choice but hold the harness tight n trust it to zip u from one tree to another.

U know u r a traveler when u make ur own bucket list n not follow some1 elses :) .

I am amazed at my own transformation,

There was once a time I went mad shopping in Bangkok and wasn't still satisfied and this time, 

I was at peace when I bot a Thailand Plate as souvenir for my Plates collection from d night market. 

I had no greed, or want, nor d patience to go thru the trouble of running into the malls and buying 

things n hold heavy packets n run from one shop to other not to miss out on anything and 

bother myself with packing and  over weight bag full of things only to stack my room up..I wonder how miserable it would be to have miss out on the uncrowned marvels of that part of the world. No regret to bring back most of my exchanged currency or not bringing back all those lovely shoes, clothes and goodies.

I sat at a local cafe there, calmly observing the people around, the streets, the traffic and the pulse of the city to ensure I blend in the aura of d surroundings for a while.

 With all that rush of life - at work and d trip - with office deadlines and an itinerary to follow with the group until d previous day, had drained me down physically as I was sleep deprived and vegetarian food deprived.

The few precious moments of just sipping on d hot cup of Tea and letting it rejuvenate me from within was far more worthy than possessing a few more temporary goodies. 

I went in a group with a planned hectic itinerary, hence I wasn't able to visit the places I had included to the existing list, but destiny let me go to the  The Golden Budha Temple. 

It just gave me the sense of how I could do anything and be anyone I wished to be... 

My boss on the trip seeing my enthusiasm about traveling said I cudnt travel like before as I am a "Professional" now- I simply said I always have been a "professional" and shall continue to travel!! It wasnt blunt nor arrogance it was just simple conversation.

They say What happens in Bangkok stays in Bangkok but for me what happened in Bangkok was what I brought back in the form of realising how free I can be. not that I have always adhered to people or not done what I pleased but mere realisation and acknowledgment of that fact and a reminder - that I have the power to be ME is what I brought back, which for some reason seems like an achievement in itself.. 

Hampi trails

It was a phase which would be  best for it to pass by unharmed.
In such time my very hard working friend needed a short yet luxurious getaway, to some place not very far, cheap and unexplored.
My friend's from Bangalore and I am based in hyderabad. After a lot of options we thought of meeting at HAMPI. It was mid way for both of us in an over night train journey and our trains reached the Tornamangalam station in a difference of 20 minutes.
SO here we were checking in at Hyatt Hampi - on a friday morning all set to have a lovely weekend.
The hotel was absolutely luxurious and the staff their was excellent at spoiling us  with their hospitality. The hotel package included one day's complete sightseeing in an A/c cab. We went to the Lotus Temple, The Elephant Stables and the temple and the other famous ruins. The ruins surprisingly are in very good shape considering their age. The 1000 pillared temple is a musical marvel and is quite cool as compared to the weather outside. Every stone pillar has a different sound to it and it is said that the musicians used to play drums on those stone pillars and the sound of it is still heard off them. There is a lot to see and the history is so rich that one just came ignore the glory of the royal times.
 The next day we decided to be a bit more adventurous and were on our own. We went to the city in a cab and hired a bike  to go to this place which was a little far called the Anjaneya Hill and its also said that it is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
There is an art and craft center there where the women of the village make hand crafted products made of banana leaves.
WE again decided to have lunch at Mango tree and trust me their Mezze platter with hummus and all was far better than many hotels.
We reached the hotel by day end and decided to take a dip and soon it was time for the yummy dinner. It was the Earth day and the hotel followed the Earth hour by reducing the power usage and we were using candles and torch lights which was fun. The next day we were chilling at the hotel itself and explored the area in the campus where they have a temple, theatre and a few shops. the hotel was kind enough to give us a late check in as our trains were only by late evening and also gave us a drop to the station.
It was that time again where we had to  bid the lovely Hyatt and the city of Hampi adieu. Every time I visit a new place I leave a part of me and carry a part of it within.. It was nice knowing the lovely little city..

Mysore Dusshera Festival!

Since last 2 years I was planning this trip for Dusshera and due to other trips it got pushed to the next year.
The festivity brings out the Beauty of a city  on a whole different level, the city is rejoicing on the whole celebrating a festival as big as Dusshera.
A dear friend of mine is based in Bangalore so I landed in Bangalore and after some random mall walking and restaurant nik nakking we packed up for Mysore and Bandipur forest.

Early next morning we jumped in our car and hit the road. After about 1:30 min of driving it was time to change guards and for me to take wheel but not on an empty stomach, so we stopped over at the popular Kamat Lokaruchi restaurant which was quite crowded even on a week day morning. They have a buffet system with a fixed menu with a plate full, including puri-subji, fresh hot idly, wada and dosa, fruits,  typical pongal and sweet rice, and not to forget juice, tea coffee and milk and top it up delicious pineapple halva. That menu is just for breakfast and is sinfully yummy and high caloried but also would be a sin to not taste the Karnatik cuisine.
With a mission to reach Mysore in time for the festival we hit the highway, which was a great drive. We collected our passes from an acquaintance and checked in to our hotel and rushed off in a auto to the Mysore Palace. Today was the grand finale day of the 10 days Dusshera festival and the whole city was invited. The road diversions the well lit streets, the hustle bustle and the security check were all adding to the fun. We reached the palace in good time and probably were the last to enter and we ran passed the grand corridors of the palace, going through various levels of security checks. We got lucky to get passes for  the tent just opposite to the grandstand and a direct front row seats to see the procession and the performances. It is a mini parade with dancers, musicians, and huge tablos heavily decorated depicting the advancements in the city over the year. This parade is a mini version of the 26th January parade that happens in Delhi. In the Finale there are 3 well embellished elephants and on one of them the Chamundeshwari Devi is seated on a small golden temple like throne which is magnificently escorted by the women and men cavalry who march pass at the tune of the typical army beats. The march pass parades to the end of the field and on their return they stop at the King's stage where the King paid his respects and offered some flowers. It was an experience.
The crowd is well handled and were quite organised in their descent after the programme. In the evening we couldn't resist visiting the Lalitha Mahal Hotel where we took loads of pics over tea. The grandeur of its presence is maintained and it still has the old rustic chram. The brightly lit Mysore Palace by the evening was a marvel to watch (Its lit up for only one hour). There is a fireworks show and another parade by the evening at a different venue. 

The next day we were scheduled to reach our resort at Bandipur but it would be a shame if we had left without taking a tour of the Mysore Palace. So we took the tour and it was heavily crowded right from the start to finish, but absolutely worth the wait. The Palace is well maintained and has an absolute royal feel to it. The chandeliers, the flooring, the walls, the carpets, the staircase and everything there was. The stands from where the king appeared the previous day- were huge and the view was panoramic.
We hit the road once again to reach our next destination which was Bandipur forest. We had chosen Windflower Resort for the weekend. We got all settled and after some time decided to go have some tea at the Serai Resort which was about 20 mins from where we were. The drive to go was easy and our hot chocolate and snacks were refreshing after the long day. The return drive to our resort was a bit shaky as there is no signal nor light and it was in the middle of the jungle and we got a little off the track but, nevertheless reached the resort safely. We were asked to get into our condos before 8pm - which we figured out why- there was a herd of deers who were passing by and we rushed into our rooms.
 The next day we first went on a trek which was quite exciting as just the previous day a wild cat the size of a leopard was spotted. but as far as it went for us - we only saw some birds and fox. Later I got into the pool which was not only my way to relax but also a pond for the deers who came there silently to quench their thirst as I quietly floated.
We took the 3pm jungle drive where we were lucky to spot a pair of cheetah besides a herd of elephants, wild bulls, ox, peacocks, snakes and deers are the most common animals to see there.
It was our last day and we just wanted to relax, so my friend chose to go on the trail trekking and I got into the pool. We had an unwinding day and didn't do much.
Next day we were all set to leave by noon and reached Bangalore by evening.
The highway was a bit clogged but we managed.
We were back to the hustle bustle of city life and routine. Next day I took a flight back to Hyd and that was a memorable end to a much awaited Dussera vacation.

Pondicherry - Madurai - Chennai

Pondicherry - Chennai – Madurai

Aim – Reunion with an old friend !!

So I decided to visit the Tam land and filter coffee after a lot of coordination with a lot of people. Airfares were good and so seemed my plan. I was eyeing the pictures of Madurai Meenakshi temple for quite a few months and the painted ceilings were too inviting to resist. Realized that there were too many interesting places around Chennai and in Tamil Nadu but alas tickets were book and time was of the essence.

I read somewhere – behind every successful plan is a chat with ur girlfriends; so was it in my case.

After booking Chennai and Madurai tickets, I upon having an after thought was cribbing to a friend, as to why I ignored Pondicherry; so this dear friend of mine has spent a considerable number of years in Chennai - suggested me to take a day trip to Pondy and my other dear friend adding fuel to the fiery idea rescheduled the Madurai going tickets and was kind enough to offer her reliable driver and car ensuring my safety as I would head off to Pondy the moment I landed.

I took the morning flight to Chennai, reaching there before 9:00am, and the driver took me straight to Pondy. It was a 2:30 hours drive with a pit stop for a filter coffer break, until we reach our first stop at Auroville Village, where an artist on campus awaited to take me around. It was luscious green and colourful flowery place, spreading a sense of peace and curiosity and to my good luck Chennai dint stand up to its reputation of having a sticky and sultry weather on the contrary there was a slight drizzle. I chose to take the 2km walk to the Auroville Matrimandir Golden Temple viewpoint since I had missed the chance to go inside as it closes by noon. The walk was pleasant and I came across many unusual trees, which seemed like they loved to hug each other and many flowering trees and plants. At every few meters there were Stone hedges painted with flowers and their significance placed reassuring us that we are on the right track. There were beautiful huge trees having their barks hanging to the floor and well rooted. The viewpoint of the Matrimadir area is very serene and I sat under the trees on the bench to absorb the positivity. The amphi theatre and the holy tree next to the Matrimadir are visible from there. The wind had its presence and so did the Sun by now and my stomach growled for something yummy but only this time we hopped onto one of their shuttle busses, which took us back to the main area. We decided to go have lunch at the Auroville Village restaurant, which dint let us down and we had a Pizza, a ratatouille and a veg pie, which were rewarding and delicious. It was lovely and a lucky day as the monthly pottery exhibition was going on and I must say that it’s a must see as the cutest curios and things which I could never imagine to be made out of clay were made and sold there and I did modestly get some. I looked around at the museum and the few shops (bought the wooden handcrafted dolls which are exclusively made there) before I left Auroville with a promise to return someday.

My next drive was to the Pondy city center where I first went to the Aurobindo Ashram and then drove through the French Colonies. By which time I needed to slow down and relax so sat down at a very French Cafe called the Café de’ Art which had a bright view, a collection of lovely coffee table books and a life size cut out of the south indian super star Mr. Rajnikant to add to the zing. After that nice rejuvenating hot cup of masala chai it was time to treat myself with some famous Pondy dessert at Baker Street where I opted for a fresh strawberry tart. After all that indulgence it was time to get back to exploring Pondy and I hit the Beach so we went to the White Town Beach. It  was time for sunset and the walk on the beach relaxed my feet after a long day and it was time to hit another café to sit back with my fav green tea and a book with the perfect background music of the waves and the wind. An absolute picture perfect day. Alas it was time for me to prepare to leave and as I head to back to the car I stumbled at Anokhi Boutique who after seeing my taste also guided me to another lovely boutique where I got beautiful block printed cotton dresses. After all the indulgence of yummy treats and shopping in a lovely new city I formally called it a day and head back to Chennai - a much happier person.

Next morning I was treated to some authentic South Indian breakfast with dossas and idlys and the filter coffee. I then went to Anokhi and Amethyst boutiques which are a must go for people who appreciate art – may that be clothing or paintings or accessories and yes it has a wonderful café too.

A nice day passed by in Chennai and it was time to take the train to Madurai that night and the Chennai Station was architecturally elegant and shouted out the British influence but also was relatively clean to my surprise. It was a late night train and we reached Madurai early next morning, in good time to  check into our hotel and get ready for the morning Pooja at the temple.

As we walked towards the temple I was having goosbumps. My Tamil friend knowing the place inside out could translate all the stories that the poojaris told us. The grandeur of the temple was magnificent. After the pooja I sat there enchanted looking at the high intricately painted ceilings with perfectly aligned carvings and architecture, wondering how people back in the olden days without the support of technology managed to imagine and create such wonders. Madurai Meenakshi Temple as the name suggests is a Goddess Parvati’s Temple primarily with having a Shiva temple in it. There are spectacular images carved of Lord Shiva and Parvathi depicting various stories. There is a 1000 pillar enclosure with Lord Natraj idol area within the big temple campus which is beautiful along with a mini museum. I have seem such temples in Hampi but this was just perfect and one would have only seen it in movie sets. There is a parking lot with ceilings as high as 50ft which are locked and latched well and some of them even today have the Lordess's rides parked in such as the chariots. It is said that the lordess's army with huge horses, elephant and chariots used to be parked in. Further there is a grand huge hall with the ceiling very intricately and symmetrically carved in wood with a border or wooden frames arranged having various paintings orderly painted within them. The Mandapan at the end of the room is said to be the place where the Lord Shiva and Parvati had got married and Lord Vishnu had given her away. Even today every year the wedding of the idols takes place there. Just the day before we reached was a festival at the temple as I read it in the paper where about a lakh of people were present and the idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati were taken out for boating at the big pond which is present in the centre of the Temple campus. It is amazing as to how the festivals take place and so much emphasis is given to the details.

We proceeded to the Murugan (Lord Shiva and Parvati’s elder son) Temple who is a popular deity in southern parts of India, which is about an hour away from the main Meenakshi Devi Temple. About 5 mins ahead there is a Vishnu temple, which has similar carvings as that of the Meenakshi Temple. Just at the entrance of the temple the ceiling has a beautiful bright painting of Lord Vishnu along with Lordess Lakshmi and if you spend time you can see the complete Mahabharatha carved on the walls inside. It is clear that even Lordess Paravati kept her brother Lord Vishnu in close proximity.

After this we went to the Mahaal as they say it there which is pretty much an abandoned palace. It is one of the most royal palace structure's I have seen. 

The Mysore Palace is well kept but for a palace, not having the financial support or any infrastructure, this palace archaeologically and architecturally stood very tall, grand  (would be an understatement) and royal (as it would have been back in the day). I loved the palace - it has a huge centre courtyard with very tall pillars all around it and the tall ceilings are painted brightly. The palace has a huge room where there use to be performances and the intricate carvings are breathtaking. It is a pity that such a magnificent structure is being ignored and left unattended to delapitate slowly. Besides the little finance that they get from selling tickets there are shootings that happened rarely. The ceilings, the pillars, the hight, the carvings, the coloured glass and everything about the Mahaal was royal and I just sat there to breath and thanked my stars to have brought me there and my friend ofcourse.  

There are many known nice places to eat and stay in Madurai. South Indian food isn’t bad at all, we had a scrumptious South Indian meal thali for lunch which was sufficient to keep us going all day.

The Madurai Airport is new and very comfortable to be traveling into or out off - so yet another day in a new city was absolutely satisfying. We were back in Chennai late that night and it was time for me to enjoy some urban life drama. I finally met my friend and did what one can do, in one day, in the City of Chennai – like visiting the ECR beach side and flocking myself at this very green and easygoing boutique restaurant called the Amethyst- where shopping, dining, catching up and relaxing was all included.The best part about it is the lawn are where you will invariably find some happy flowers fallen on the tables from the trees in the compound. I had to say goodbye to this beautiful city and my friends to catch a flight back to the good old Hyderabad.