A Backpacker in India

Day 9 @ Auli: Switzerland of India

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:08:00 +0000

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR BIGGER VIEW

(At Auli town)
It was a horrible day for me. After I climbed down the Valley of flowers, I found my wallet missing and with it all my cash. I hitch hiked from Govindghat to Auli. There was just one ATM open. To my frustration that one ATM had run out of cash. Checked in a cheap accommodation for 200 Rs a night, and promised him to pay him money soon when the ATM starts working. The man with a sorry face reluctantly agreed. I sat in front of the ATM for what seemed like an eternity. Before that I tried to visit the ropeway at Auli. For those of you who do not know, Auli is known as Switzerland of India. And the ropeway at Auli is Asia's highest and longest ropeway. The ride to and fro costs 500 Rs. I returned back feeling sorry about not being able to witness one of man's majestic creations. Feeling sorry and sad, I was staring blankly at the ATM door, when magic happened. DUDUDUDUuuuduuuu!!!!!
(THE BIKERS)
I heard roaring bullets park in front of the ATM with a screech. I was amazed. These were a gang of rugged looking guys with bullets geared fully with leather jackets, kneecaps, huge rucksacks, and helmets. They too stopped for cash. I tried breaking a conversation. But I failed to generate interest in them. There was one guy who was well built handsome guy. He was a commercial pilot at Philipines and was on his vacation. He was impressed to know that I was travelling alone in the mountains. This was the group of bikers called Himalayan Odyssey. They had been biking for one month now and covered five different states in the North and North East including Rajastan. It was their last leg of biking.
They kick started their bullets again with the engine bellowing. I felt sad to see them go. But the moment after they left, the pilot guy halted turned back, looked at me and asked, "you wanna take a ride?" Those words were like music for me in what was till now a dissapointing day. I sensed adventure. I didnt think twice before nodding eagerly.

And the next moment i was on his bike, ascending heights of Auli witnessing breathtaking view of grand snow peak mountains and the chilling winds cutting my face.

BEST PLAYGROUND IN THE WORLD. LOOK AT THE BACKDROP
One we reached atop, I felt nauseated. But it was heavenly. The boys offered me Hash, Charas they say in Hindi. I declined politely. They said it was the secret of their energy for the biking odyssey of that magnitude.
And then I heard gun shots being fired.... contd

Coming next are the videos of the bike ride...

Day 8: Valley of Flowers with Rajneesh

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:31:00 +0000

This is a series of my two weeks of tryst with the Garhwal Himalayas:
Day 1&2 : Secunderabad to Delhi
Day 3: Delhi to Haridwar bus ride
Day 3: Meerut Road
Day 3: Har Ki pauri- Haridwar
Day 4: Impressions from Haridwar
Day 4: Through Rajaji national Park
Day 4: Devaprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag
Day 5: Pipalkoti-Joshimath-Badrinath
Day 6: Mana: The last Indian village
Day 6: Adventure in Badrinath-Govindghat Road
Day 7: The Boys from Rishikesh
Day 7: Trek to Ghangaria
Day 7: Meeting Rajneesh
Day 8: Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, Nestled high in West Himalaya, is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya. The park stretches over an expanse of 87.50 km².

I would recommend you all to do an image search of valley of flowers in google or flickr. You would be enchanted by what you would see.

When I heard Rajneesh guided tourists to Valley of Flowers, I dropped my plans of going alone.

I thought I would absorb more if I had an experienced guide to go along. Rajneesh usually had a group of 6-7 tourists. But, since it was the last week of the season when Ghangaria would be closed before snow would cover the whole viallge under 9 ft , he had none. So I was the lone tourist for him.
We left at morning 6 pm. Had parathas at his hotel and packed some for lunch.

Rajneesh was a self learnt botanist and had learnt a lot about local flora and fauna.

Rajneesh crawled inside this bark and could stand straight inside much to my amusement.

It took us 5 kms to reach the valley

My first tryst with Himalayan glaciers.

The valley at its prime. The best time to visit valley is July-AUgust when the valey if filled with flowers. Every fortnight the valley is spread with a flower beds of different colours.

Though it was sunny, it was so cold that we got into the sheets on a comfortable patch of bed.

By 12 we were hungry. Stuffed ourselfves with packed parathas and caught a nap amidst heavens.

Day 7: Meeting Rajneesh: A little known celebrity @ Ghangaria

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:36:00 +0000

As promised earlier, I bring with this post a brief profile of Rajneesh. It was his neatly decorated shop with colorful paraphernalia that caught my eyes in the first instant.

I couldnt imagine how at this crazy height of 9000 ft, someone would set up a shop taking so much pain and deliberate care. And the neatly laid glasses and mirrors. Where did somone get all that with only mules to reach this height.

(Door to Rajneesh's shop)

The shop was closed. I peered into it to see curious looking stuff inside.

The door was closed and a note hanging that read:

" I am going for trekking. I will come back in the evening. Thanks Rajneesh"

( The German couple just back from the trek)

While I was still peering inside, a sturdy young man with a big pony, sporting trek shoes, walking posts and binoculars and a rucksack opened the door.

I followed him inside to be amazed to see his own world beautifully set. Many pairs of snow shoes, all mountaineering tools, few sets of tripods, lots of photographs posters that were duly signed Rajneesh.

(Rajneesh showing his rare pics when lights went out)

Rajneesh was the shop owner. And as I found out in due course of time, being all of 24, he was the guide to Valley of Flowers and most of Garhwal, a skillful wildlife photographer, a mountaineer, a self made botanist etc etc.

I was glued to him. Though many passerby and other devotees did not realise the worth of this man, I spent the whole evening chatting with him and getting amazed at his knowledge and expertise of the Garhwal mountains.

He spoke broken English but I was amazed with the way he could connect with those foreigners. I guess their mutual love for nature was the binding force.

He guides group treks to the valley of flowers, mostly foreigners. He has made lasting friendships with wildlife and trek enthusiasts from all over the globe. They keep writing to him and send him souvenirs.

(rajneesh showing a rare rock from the mountains)

He also has featured in many National Geographic programmes. During winters, when the whole village migrates 1000 mts down, Rajneesh prefers staying alone at his house, to shoot many wild creatures and birds in the wilderness.

He serenaded us (me and other german couple) with his stories of encountering wild animals.His rare pictures taken with expensive lenses and cameras bore testimony of his expertise of the wild. Though I did not have plans to hire a guide for trekking the valley of flowers, meeting him changed my mind. I asked him to take me on a tour the next day.

( One of his pics jumping off a cliff)

Rajneesh also mentioned his love for nature surpasses everything else. He did not believe in God as such. For him God is nature. And he wants to spend his life amidst them.

Rajneesh is also in the process of writing a book along with a foreign journalist.

He made a friend from Italy who keeps coming religiously every year since last 5 years. They both trek deep into the mountains for month long.

He also narrated a story of a woman who came from East Timor who came with her two tiny kids. The three of them trekked deep into the mountains and stayed in a cave for month long. When they came back, they were all soiled and dishevelled with dirt and soot.

Such is the magic of Himalayas that draws its lovers from all over the globe.

Bhadrachalam, Papikondalu, Rajamundhry: The Godly triumvirate

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Sailing together to a little known village in the majestic Godavari is absolutely mesmerising.

If you are really looking to get away from the clutter of city to somewhere in the wilderness then let me suggest you the pristine rivers of Godavari.

The cruise sail stretch of Bhadrachalam, Papikondalu, Rajamundhry in the princely state of Andhra Pradesh which could stretch for 1-2 days is a perfect getaway for everyones looking to spend time together.

I recommend this place because the place is non-nondescript yet alluring to nature lovers. The cruise through the mighty Goadvari from Bhadrachalam to Rajamundry takes about 8 hours and crosses some breathtaking sights.

The cruise stops midway at a village called Peranta Palli and offers nice local lunch. It then crosses the beautiful Papikondulu hill range.

There are also options to stay in tented accommodation in the sandy shores of Godavari overnight and watch the shimmering river flow by under the full moon.

The place has an uncanny resemblance to the Ganges in Rishikesh. The flow of the river is just like the Ganges and sands are just like the shores of Ganges at Rishikesh

Note: Avoid weekends to avoid rush and dont expect luxury.

The Charm of Charminar!

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 06:18:00 +0000

A different angle to Charminar!

Charminar from the busy streets!

Incandescent!

The famous Chudi Bazaar of Charminar

Street
Street food at Charminar!

Sawaiyaan!!!

Ghangaria: Above 9000 ft

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:47:00 +0000

(Click on pictures to see better)

25th September, '08:
After a gut wrenching walk of 14 kms and reaching dizzying height of 9147 feet, (more so with a ruined knee), I felt at ease. Ghangaria turned out to be a hamlet more developed than I had imagined.

Multitude of ponies in Ghangaria to carry piligrims

But since it was the fag end of the season, the inhabitants were less. Within a week, the whole village would be moving to the base below to Joshimath.

Local theatre. I went in and saw a little hovel with a TV set and VCR set. Tickets were for Rs 5

And this beautiful place would be draped with snow for the next six months. My mind couldn't imagine the greenery and civilization dissapear into 8 feet snow from next month.

I hogged these gulab jamuns. They were tasty.

The first thing I did was get a cheap accommodation to park myself and get some rest. Though my heart was racing to explore Ghangaria, my body needed rest badly. I got a room for 150 Rs. Since this was end of season, rooms were dirt cheap.

The same rooms spike to 1500 Rs during summers. I couldn't get warm water here. So settled to freshen up without a bath. Soon it was dusk, and I walked (limped. I had aggravated my knee seriously) around this small village and clicked a lot of pictures.

The locals favourite pass time: carrom

Ghangaria is a busy base for all Pilgrims to Hemkund sahib and visitors to Valley of Flowers. And reasonably so, there were all sorts of basic facilities available for such tourists. The village should be having not more than 20 houses including little shops.

Locals playing cards

Gurudwara at Ghangaria. See the snow peaks.

This is how big Ghangaria is. View from top.

And then I spotted this unique shop glittering with colorfull paraphernalia. This shop caught my attention. Looked like a lot of attention and effort had gone to set this up at this godforsaken place. I ogled inside it. I was going to be pleasantly surprised meeting the shop owner.

This was the door to the shop. The door had a message pinned up which read.

"I am going for trekkking. I will come back in the evening. Thanks, Rajnish"

It was Rajnish who was to become my company for the next 24 hours at Ghangaria. I was glued to him. Next post is dedicated to the amazing man.

Soon it was dark and settled in my room snuggling into my damp blanket. The electricity is a problem at this god forsaken place. They dont have it after 7 pm. It was the first time since I set out of home alone, did pangs of home sickness struck me.
I felt lonely. I wasn't able to imagine that I was so far away from my family
in this dark, lonely and frigid place, 9000 ft above somewhere amidst mountains. I started writing my feelings to assuage my nerves.

Next Post: Rajnish, a little known celebrity at Ghangaria

Day 7: 14 kms Trek to Ghangaria

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:09:00 +0000

(Click Pictures for better view)

6 am: After relieving myself off from my heavy backback, I heaved a sigh of relief and ascended towards Ghangaria.

There was nip in the air and my leather jacket was pretty much saving me from the chill. I met a group of pony riders on the way. They offered their service. To and fro from Hemkund Saheb would cost me 1200 Rs. I declined. I had come to trek. No ponies for me. I had no idea, what was it to do a 14 km trek, from a height of 6000 ft to 9,147 feet. I was too excited and agitated to think about it.

I kept walking. Admiring the beauty around. Bliss was here. Greenery around. Amidst the mountains. Shimmering snow peak ahead of me beckoning and asking me to keep walking.

The buzz of the flowing river on your right giving you unmitigated support all through the way. Soon, the sun was up and I divested myself off my jacket. Sweat beads formed on my forehead. And heavy breathing ensued. Let me talk a bit about the terrain.

The trek though is steep, has been maintained well. Because hundreds of pilgrims follow the same route to Hemkund Sahib. But sadly only a few amongst these hundreds of pilgrims, are nature lovers.

Only a few among them, know about the beautiful Valley of Flowers. Only a few amongst them, know its relevance. I met many pilgrims along the way. They were pleasantly surprised to see a Hindu trekking towards Hemkund. I never mentioned to them that my pilgrimage was the Valley of Flowers.

How much I had read of it and dreamt of it. My mind was full of imaginary visualization of what Valley of Flowers looked like. I had read and read a lot about it. And my mind was in ecstacy that finally I was on my way to that heavenly abode. It was this excitement, that pulled me through this torturous trek. No torturous is a wrong word.

How can such lavish natural beauty, the lush verdant greenery, the fresh atmosphere be torturous. The pain, the rigour was only too little a price for the priceless experience that I was witnessing.

Each turn on the trek, presented a matchless view, each as beautiful as before. But the strain was too much for me to bear. I have a week right knee, due to an accident 5 years back. It showed signs of weariness.

I wasnt using a stump at all. And that aggravated my right knee. The last 5 kms of walk was unbearable. I was dragging myself slowly, asking every passerby, every few minutes how far it was.

At last these smiling girls marked my destination. And my pain for a moment was lost in their smiles. I had reached Ghangaria.

Next post: Awesome Ghangaria

Day 7: The boys from Rishikesh

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:57:00 +0000

After a close shave with life crossing the landslide, we began walking in the drizzle. Govindghat, which was going to be our halt for the night was still 5 kms away.

Govindghat is the foothills to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. It is nestled beautifully at the confluence of Alaknanda and Laxman Ganga rivers and is at an altitude of 6000 ft. Its a popular halting point for hundreds of Sikh pilgrims who visit the Hemkund sahib,a pilgrimage 21 kms above Govindghat.

I had plans to spend the night at Govindghat and climb up to Ghangaria, the early next day. Night was falling fast and we boys were walking at a steady pace to reach Govindghat.

And as if like divine intervention, an open jeep crossed us. We cried for help and the vehicle screeched to a halt. The next moment we were enjoying the ride standing on the jeep's rear. It was exhilarating again. I was getting my quota of adventure more than what I expected. We got down at Govindghat, which was teeming with activity.

Busy shops at Govindghat selling paraphernalia of Sikh rituals

Next we hogged and crashed in a hotel room. But...

Before I proceed, I cant miss describing this bunch of boys who have been sharing my company since morning today. They hailed from Rishikesh, one of the holiest places in India. But the boys who were 16-ish in age had nothing holy about themselves.
Every utterance from them were punctuated with the choicest expletives that would throb an unprepared mind to madness. I have stayed in Delhi and the MCs and BCs are not new to me, but these teenagers from Rishikesh had standards of their own. I couldn't have a good sleep that nite, because of them, as we shared the same room together.
They were at peace when I clicked the picture

[The best thing meeting them was this. They promised me a comfortable yet cheap stay at Rishikesh and provide me river rafting at the Ganges for 200 bucks. They bragged about their contacts. I fell for it.]

The next morning I hugged them bye, since they were going back to Rishikesh. I proceeded on take my courageous trek up to Ghangaria.

Will remember them!

Ghangaria is a beautiful small hamlet 14kms up from Govindghat and falls on the way to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund sahib. Situated at an altitude of 3049 meters, this place is also called Govindham.

I had a heavy back pack and i couldn't bear its weight beyond 3 kms up. I returned back, parked it at a security base and climbed back again with just one polybag.

Caution: Be sure you are fit enough to climb up the tortuous trek 14kms up. Other than the trek, its the lack of oxygen that tires you. You may hire ponies if you find it difficult. If you are walking pick stumps as it would lessen pressure on your knees.

Laxmanganga at Govindghat

Beautiful Bhubaneswar

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:46:00 +0000

Ah! I am so proud to belong to this city. A city that sweeps your feet off in its simplicity and unassuming self. A city though is coming of age embracing swift development, yet proudly clinging onto its rich heritage and flaunts it with equal elan. And it is this proud display of its cultural heritage, that makes it stand out. The pictures below were photographs taken by me on my last visit to my hometown. I was thrilled to see this happen to my city. The whole city is painted meticoulously with paintings that reflect the rich culture and tradition of the state. Each painting speaks a story which is known so little of outside the state. If you visit the city, spare some time to marvel at the paintings. It is hard to miss them.
Enjoy the pics.

Boundary of a bank staff colony

Painting below a flyover, which otherwise is usually neglected

This is a road facing side of a government quarter. Look at the creative makeover. Even the sewage tank as you can see has been made up. Awesome! isnt it?

Bonda adivasi/ tribals of Orissa

The fly over again

Day 6: Adventure in Badrinath-Govindghat road

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:09:00 +0000

Before I move on to Govindghat, let me narrate you the adventures of the previous evening while on my way back from Mana village. I was looking for a conveyance to reach Govindghat from Badrinath. It was raining steadily and no vehicles were willing to oblige. And then I found a Sumo who agreed to carry passengers on a premium. After futile attempts to bargain, we gave up and got in. As suspected just 5 kms down Badrinath, roads were blocked because of landslide. I wanted to reach Govindghat badly before dusk since it would save me a day to trek up to the Valley of Flowers.

Where's the road? Landslide ahead....

The boys in the jeep decided to cross the landslide walking. I was aghast. Since, it was still raining, I could literally see the rocks tumbling down. The younger boys from my vehicle were hell bent to cross it. I was tentative, shaking in my boots. What if a big chunk of land mass washes down taking us along to the deep gorge below into the mighty Alaknanda.

My mind was doing somersaults. I saw the boys move ahead. The next instant I gave them a shout and joined them, my heart pounding nevertheless.

Look at the tension in the man's face. They were all running.

Warning: Never ever cross a landslide when its raining. Flirting with nature can be fatal.

Interview: Arun Bhat, travel writer/photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:19:00 +0000

Arun Bhat is one of the most popular freelance travel writer based in Bangalore,India. A software engineer by profession, he found his calling in travel and photography. He has many accolades to his name in his brief stint as a travel writer. His works have been published in Mumbai Mirror, Landscape Magazine and many others. He also is a regular contributor to OkTataByeBye and BrightHub.com. His pictures have featured in UNICEF calendar too.

He blogs at http://travel.paintedstork.com/blog/

I had the honor to interview him and here is the interview verbatim. These are not made up questions just for the sake of asking. There was a genuine urge to know a few things deep inside and thus the questions. To someone who skims through his background in life, it would appear very glamorous and adventurous, but I am sure its more

than what meets the eye. I just wanted to scrape a little what lies beneath a travel writer's life. I am thankful that he obliged to share his experience with me. So here we begin:

1 I just wanted to know, why and how did you leave your cushy software
job and decide to become a full time traveller?

I am not very sure if i can call myself a full time traveller. Only, now I spend more time travelling and have given up my full time job. I do a lot other things than just travelling. Photography, either when travelling or when city, for instance. I also do some freelance work in software as and when the time permits. I quit my job, so that I have more free time in my hands to do things that I would like to do. Travel scores high in the list of things to do, but that's not all.

2. How long have you been a travel writer?

I don't think the time has come to call myself a travel writer. I am only trying to be one, and it's not the only thing that contributes to my income. But if I can take my first published story in print as a reference, it is roughly two years now, since that has happened.

3. How does a travel writer make his ends meet? What are the avenues for a travel writer to earn money?

Again, I don't manage to make ends meet with travel writing. And from what I hear from people, it is not easy. The way to go, as I hear from others, is to work hard, write often and be professional and well managed. What is working for me well is a good online presence, a few continuous revenue streams combined with some revenues from publishing articles and photographs.

4.What are the cons/dangers of a travel writer? How does one manage family, because a travel writer is always on the move ?

Another question I really do not have an answer for, since I can't call myself a travel writer. I do not have much of family commitments.

5. Can you narrate one Aha! moment in your travel stint, that is memorable and close to you?

There are many good moments, though, if I am asked to quickly say of one, I can't think of one. It is easy to have many memorable moments when you are travelling. Like the moment I saw, after a long and tiring journey, a small blue strip of Pangong Lake lurking through the arid mountains of Ladakh. Like standing atop sykes point in Dandeli and watching the sun's last rays lighting up the valley of Kali River. Chasing a Cutia with its brilliantly colored wings and nearly falling off a cliff in Arunachal. Walking along the rocky shoreline of Gokarna and suddenly stumbling into a thick mass of purple flowers. Watching small children slip into devotional ecstasy as the aarti lamps swayed on the bank of Ganga in Rishikesh. There are simply too many.

6.Who are our favourite travel writers?

Stephen Alter and Pico Iyer, to name just two out of many.

7.Any plans to publish a book?

Yes and No. I do have a few book idea that I have in mind. But its a long process and a long journey. Non Fiction writing is an intensive activity and only way to go about it is to find a publisher first, manage to get an advance, spend time on research and eventually build a manuscript. It's a long journey before I can get on to do all that. I am not on a hunt to look for a publisher today, but if I find someone willing this moment, I don't see why I would not jump in.

8. What advice would you give to a budding travel writer?

Again, it would only be a rookie advising another rookie. I have nothing to say.

9. What next? Your future plans? Projects?

It is going to be a year or two more while I continue freelancing in the area of travel writing, hoping to establish myself in the industry. In the meanwhile, I hope to build a few more book ideas than what I already have, zero in on the best possible project and try to find ways to work on one.

Thanks Arun :)

Day 6: Mana, the last Indian village

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:41:00 +0000

This is a series of my two weeks of tryst with the Garhwal Himalayas:
Day 1&2 : Secunderabad to Delhi
Day 3: Delhi to Haridwar bus ride
Day 3: Meerut Road
Day 3: Har Ki pauri- Haridwar
Day 4: Impressions from Haridwar
Day 4: Through Rajaji national Park
Day 4: Devaprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag
Day 5: Pipalkoti-Joshimath-Badrinath

First let me state this very clearly. I travelled the whole of Garhwal, saw many snow peaks, travelled Valley of Flowers. But nothing was like Mana. Words fail to describe it. As I write this post, my heart is pining for it. To travel again to Mana and stay there to my heart's content.

Mana is the last village in the Indian territory beyond which lies Tibet.

Road to Mana from Badrinath

The view of the valley on the stretch between Badrinath and Mana is spell binding. Vast open space surrounded by iced cap mountains. Its a stretch of 3 kms. I decided to walk the stretch. I walked around half a km when I spotted a BRO truck. I waved and it stopped. The open truck had some workers in the back. I gleefully handed them my backpack and hopped onto the back of the truck. The feeling of travelling on an open truck amidst the mountains is second to none.

This pic is taken on the BRO ruck. You can see the winding road leading to Mana

Mana Village

Mana village holds a lot of mythological relevance and you can actually see traces of Mahabharata scattered across this tiny village. Here are some of them:

Veda Vyas Gufa: This is where Veda Vyas resided and composed the whole of Mahabharat to Ganesha.
Ganesha Gufa: This is where Lord Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata as dictated by Ved Vyas
Bhim Pul: This is a massive rock that forms a bridge near the fountain of Saraswati river. Legend has it that when Pandavas were crossing the river, Draupadi found it difficult to follow. Bhim lifted a huge rock and placed it over to form a natural bridge.

Entrance to Mana Village: Isnt it lovely?

The inhabitants of Mana are the last generations of Mongol tribes and look very cute, esp the kids. They stay for a period of six months at Mana and then in winters move down to Joshimath.

A Mana kid. He was too shy for a pose. Came out so good

A sadhu near Bhim Pul

Bhim Pul: As I mentioned the rock is suspended and clearly looks as if it has been fixed deliberately.

Ganesh Gufa

Veda Vyas cave: As it is wriiten, it is 5111 years old cave

There is a Vasundhara waterfalls around 11 kms from Mana towards the mountains. I trekked along with a couple of other boys to the falls. You should attempt it if you want to witness some breathtaking scenery. Legend has it that the Pandavas took the same path while on their way to heavens. You would meet many sadhus taking the same path.

I met a group of Naga sadhus on the way. They did not allow me to take pictures, but I managed to talk to them. When I asked them how they survived such extreme cold clothless, they said they smeared 'Bhasmi', which has godly powers. The icy peaks do not provide wood or food. They survive by taking flour mixed with water and crushed raw potatoes. According to them, the idea of food is only to survive. Anything in excess is considered sin. They believed in frugal existence. I was amazed to see a small boy(around 7 yrs) among them.

Chausath Yogini Temple: Hirapur

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Frontal view of the temple

I redeemed myself off from the ignominy of having been an unworthy ignorant Odiya all these years. Being born and bred in a diverse and culturally vibrant state, I possessed little knowledge of what my state had to offer. I meandered all through my growing up years blankly. But today, after all these years, the subdued spirit has ignited and wants to learn more about its rich homestate Orissa. And thus started my journey . Because its never too late. And I started with 64 Yogini Temple, Hirapur.

The archedway displaying the 64 yogini statuettes

The 64 yogini temple at Hirapur, which is just 15 kms from Bhubaneswar, hides within itself deep mysteries and untold legends. Its uniqueness can be gauged by the fact that it is only second of its kind in Orissa and one of four such temples in the world. The temple is hypaethral, that means it is roofless. And the circular archway dons 64 statuettes of yoginis.

One such Yogini statuette

Legend has it that a demon king Raktabija had a boon that for each drop of his blood spilled on the ground, he would multiply his form. When his existence became intolerable, Goddess Durga waged a war against him. Durga took the help of the yoginis and directed them to drink all the drops of blood before it could touch the ground. Thus the demon was killed.

The village Hirapur though being so close to the city has its rustic charm surrounded by open swathes of paddy fields and a small pond in front of the temple.

You have to cross this Kuakhai river bridge to reach Hirapur.

For more information on 64 yogini temple, read the, HINDU article which featured a story on this little known temple.

Day 5: Pipal Koti- Joshimath- Badrinath

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:51:00 +0000

This is a series of my two weeks of tryst with the Garhwal Himalayas:

Day 1&2 : Secunderabad to Delhi
Day 3: Delhi to Haridwar bus ride
Day 3: Meerut Road
Day 3: Har Ki pauri- Haridwar
Day 4: Impressions from Haridwar
Day 4: Through Rajaji national Park
Day 4: Devaprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag

3 am: My eyes opened at 3 in the morning. I found myself coiled up inside the blanket shivering. It was chilling. I couldn't make out if it was cold or I had a fever. I confirmed and was glad to find was the former. For the next two hours, I lay in bed staring blankly contemplating the next course of action.

6 am: I check out of my room feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead. And what do I see outside? I am surrounded by green peaks around. I am amidst the mountains. There is no feeling more enthralling than this. I take tea from the dhaba and go for a morning stroll. I have no clue of the land slide is cleared on the road ahead. But its lovely. I can also hear the gushing sounds of river Alakananda far below.
I ask the conducter to pick me on the way once the blockade gets cleared. I leave the place and walk along the road.

I took a lot of pictures of the morning scenery.

I then reached the spot of land slide. The BRO official was busy maneuvering the roller to clear off the road. I saluted him for his duty that took more than 2 hours.

I kept walking ahead and met some local kids. The kids showed me around and posed for a lot of pictures.
I kept walking ahead. Each new turn on the road, presented a new panorama, a new landscape as beautiful as the other. I would have walked for an hour now, but wasn't feeling tired at all. nature's effect may be.
And then I took another turn...
My eyes met something. I shouted at the spot. I howled, I shrieked at the top of my voice till it ached. I saw the first snow cliffed mountain in my life.

I looked around to share my excitement. There was no one. Only the valley and me and the barren road. I kept shouting and jumping. Frantically tried my cell, but of no avail.
The view looked heavenly. Also a little scary. I do not know why. It was so high touching the sky and actually looked like God's abode. The morning walk was worth taking. I experienced a special moment of my life.
Meanwhile a volley of vehicle's crossed me. I think the road blockade was removed. I looked for my bus amongst them. Then it came. And it crossed by me without stopping. My backpack was in there. The driver couldn't recognize me. I gave a shout and waved frantically. A moment later it screeched to a halt. I had my heart in my mouth a moment before.

9:20: We reached Joshimath. The driver was in a hurry to cross the town early for some reason. Alas!, he couldnt. The checkpost in Joshimath was closed at 9:30 am. And would open only at 11:30.

Joshimath to Badrinath

Joshimath to Badrinath road remains open for 6 months (April to October) and closed the other 6 months. During active months, the traffic is managed with gate systems that allow traffic only one way in phases. The gates open at 6:30, 9:30, 11:30, 14:00 and 16:30.

Tip: If you are travelling through Joshimath, remember the gate timings.

We missed the gate by a whisker and were to be stranded for 2 hours. I was in no mood to wait doing nothing. I got down, had some aloo parathas and got to my business of walking. I walked and walked and walked for the next 2 hours amidst breathtaking views again.

Met a gorkha on the way who chatted and walked along with me for a while. Crossed an army cantonment. I walked around 10 kms in 2 hours. And then my bus came and picked me up.

The first 15 kms of the 50 kms stretch is uneventful and amidst peaceful valley. What comes after that will make you shudder. Words fail to describe the roads and the ghats that come next. Atleast I dont have the ability to describe. The roads are so narrow that a faintest lapse of concentration or a lack of sense of measure would land you into the Alakananda below.

The ghats stood in ominous pose on either side of the Alakananda. This was the first time in 2 days of travelling amidst mountains, I was petrified. The older travellers in the bus were chanting prayers to calm themselves down. With numerous blind curves that crossed many water streams, we kept gaining altitude. We reached Badrinath at 1 pm.

Day 4: Devaprayag--Srinagar--Rudraprayag--Karnaprayag

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:58:00 +0000

On the way to Badrinath

(click all pictures for better view)

Soon after crossing Rishikesh, starts the upward ascend to the mountains. Rishikesh nestles in the foothills of the Himalayas. I give Rishikesh a miss now as I intend to visit it on my way back from Badrinath.

Tip: If you are travelling for the first time beyond Rishikesh to Badrinath and want to view the scenery all thorugh the 8 hour journey, sit on the right hand side of the vehicle. This side will open you picturesque view of the Ganges and mountains.

10:10 am: Reach Vyasi, a little Hamlet

At Vyasi from a distance, I saw many small tents (click pic for better view) which served as resting points for many adventure sport agencies, who mostly deal with river rafting and trekking.

10:20: Reached Kaudilya

10:30 am I am so high above in the mountains. I do not know what height, but we have covered a lot of height. The interesting thiing is all through the route, the Ganges gives you company flowing mightily along. You wont be away from its view even for 5 minutes.

11:25 am Reached Devaprayag

Devaprayag is considered one of the most holiest places on earth, because the sacred Ganges is formed here. River Alakananda and river Bhagirathi meet here to form Ganges. Thats why this place holds a huge significance for millions of Indians. This is exactly where the two rivers: Bhagirathi and Alakananda meet. See the change in their color. Left one is Bhagirathi that originates from Gangotri and right side is the Alakanda that originates from Badrinath.

The bus stopped for snacks and I used the time for some pics.

12:55pm Reachged Srinagar.

Disclaimer: No this is not the Kashmir waala Srinagar, but nevertheless beautiful and a busy tourist place.

Srinagar looks like a very developed and busy town. Scanning the map, I learn that Srinagar is the hub to all important toruist attractions around. Its connected to Pauri , Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Deveparayag

I can see a lot of young crowd. And the girls here are so pretty.

The fellow traveller tells me that Srinagar boasts of having the Garhwal university.

1:45 pm: I am 12 kms from Rudraprayag and it starts drizzling. It looks awesome. Mausam yeh awesome bada...

2:15 pm: Got down at Rudraprayag.
This again looks a very busy place. I am starving. I see a non veg hotel offering fresh fish. I get attracted and hog.

I then try to get my next conveyance to Joshimath, where I have to stay overnight and then move for Badrinath early next day.

3:00 pm Its almost an hour now and I am still at Rudraprayag doing nothing but waiting for a commute to Joshimath. No one is willing to take me to Joshimath. I finally latch on to a Sumo that would take me till Karnaprayag. I have to catch something else once I reach there. In all probability it seems that I wont be able to make it Joshimath before dark.

Tip : If you want a direct commute till Joshimath from Rudraprayag, reach Rudraprayag before 2 pm. Thats what the locals said.

4 pm: Crossed Gaudhar. Another small town.

4:25 pm: Reached Karnaprayag. And I am dumbstruck with its beauty. In hindsight, I feel happy that I am taking these break journeys. Because I am able to spend some time to see each of these places.

Each of these places are jewels in themselves.

I am tempted to stay overnight at Karnaprayag. But I cant.

For the next half hour I run helter skelter and capture as many shots as I can.

This tunnel was amazing. The iron bridge that you see below lead to this tunnel, which in turn led you to this beautiful town. I ran across the tunnel to catch view from the other side.Can you see the bridge I am talking about? (click the pic for better view)

As the pic shows, Pindar river joins Alakananda here. Thus the place Karnaprayag.

4:45 pm: Got a mini bus to Chamoli. Its getting dark fast and I am still 85 kms from Joshimath.

6:30 pm: Reached Chamoli. The driver said I would get a commute from here to Joshimath which was still 50 kms away. But everyone I asked said its too late to get a vehicle. Few suggested not to go ahead as the stretch was dangerous and unsafe at night. Though I was tired and famished, I wanted to reach Joshimath anyhow tonite. I was hoping against hope to catch something, atleast hitchhike.
And then came a minibus. I frantically waved and the driver obliged. Climbed in. The bus reeked of womit. I felt bilious too. The stains at the window confirmed it. The bus was mostly carrying piligrims, elderly and middle aged alike. I darted out my deo and got myself a spray before my nostrils adapted to the stench.

The conducter said, it would take 2 hours to cover the next 50 kms to Joshimath. And I stand all through. My eyes were on the widshield. I could see nothing on either side of the road besides what its headlight bared. But I was aware that the left hand side of the muddy road was steep gorge and the might Alakananda flowing beneath.

7: 30 pm

We were welcomed with a queue of other vehicles ahead of us. The BRO police had blocked the road as the road ahead was blocked by a land slide. I got excited. Landslide was new for me. I smelt adventure. We couldnt move till morning, till the time the BRO cleared them off.
The place where we were blocked was Pipal Koti, again a small town with few hotels and shops. i checked into a cozy little double bed room for 100 bucks.

Had my dinner at a dhaba and went into a deep slumber cozily inside the room blanket.

Day 4: One the way to Badrinath: Rajaji National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:02:00 +0000

8 am: The first bus that I got for Badrinath was ready to leave. I asked the conductor to get me a seat at the front adjacent to the driver but the bus was full. Though there were seats at the back, I wanted to take the front seat to view the route upfront.

I caught the following bus. But this was to go till Rudraprayag. From there I had to make some other arrangement. I hopped in and settled comfortable at the seat near the windshield. Meanwhile, i saw some hawkers selling warm gloves and caps to the bus passengers. I asked them if I will need the gloves and cap. They said the weather at Badrinath would be freezing. I picked up a pair of gloves and a monkey cap and a raincoat. The raincoat cost me Rs 10. :)

8:10 am: We cross Rajaji National Park.
We are driving amidst thick jungle and winding roads. It has started drizzling. I do not want that.
8:35 am: We are still in the national park. The bus is trundling ahead crossing various ravines, rivulets and streams.

It am ecstatic to find myself in the wilderness. My first time in a national park. I wish I could stay here for sometime in the guest house and see the wild animals in jeep safaris. But I will save that for next time.

I see numerous boards saying :

"Elephants crossing, go slow"

Peering hard into the woods, I hoped to catch a glimpse of the elephants through the window of my bus. The lady behind me is dozing. Preposterous! I mean how can one do that? I mean I know everyone is going to Badrinath. But how can you miss the charm of the journey.

And then magic happens. My concentration paid off. I spot a herd of elephant at a stone's throw distance.

8:45 am: We cross Rishikesh

Day 4:Some more impressions of Haridwar

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Dharamshalas(rest houses for piligrims) and Ashrams (hermitages and places of meditation) are synonymous with Haridwar. They have been established by various swamis and yogis and religious institutions over the years. I wanted to stay at a dharamshal in Haridwar but couldnt get a decent one there. I stayed at one in Rishikesh though.

Milk made sweets and delicacies of Haridwar are famous like, rasmalai, rabri and halwa. All hotels and restaurants at Haridwar serve vegetarian food. Alcohol is prohibited.

These mirror artifacts shops dot the busy streets of Haridwar.

You would find many such beads and malas in many shops in the streets of haridwar.

"Gangaji main tel sabun lagakar nahana kapde dhona sakhth mana hai. Aisa karne se paap lagega."

This is what the wall message reads. I smiled when I read it. It means, "Taking a bath at the Ganges with oil and soap is not allowed. If you do so, you would be cursed by the Gods". Nice ploy by the authorities to coerce the sentimental devotees to keep the Ganges clean.

The busy Haridwar

Lord Shiva manning Haridwar

Day 3: Har Ki Pauri- Haridwar

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:37:00 +0000

Its 5:30 pm. I am sitting besides the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri. I secured a vantage point from where I would be able to witness the Aarti clearly. Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, of which I had heard so much about. My stopover at Haridwar was only to see the Aarti. All the reading and research that I did about Haridwar drove in one point: Do not miss the aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
And so I am here today in flesh and blood to witness the same. I can sense the ascent in the speed of the flowing river. I am careful to keep my shoes away from the waters, since it is considered disrespectful. I am waiting to get dark. People around me are gradually perching themselves over plastic sheets waiting for the Aarti to begin.

Yutaka, from Kyoto, Japan

I have a bunch of foreigners besides me who are getting restless waiting. I tell them, "Another 1 hour". They sigh. Meanwhile we click pictures and share information about each other. They are in India for an internship program in an NGO.

I look back and am stunned to see every inch of the ghats occupied by milling crowd. I felt elated to be occupying the front row.

And then the Aarti began with the rendition of "Om Jaye Gange Maate". I get goosebumps instantly when the whole gathering joins the aarti aloud. The whole of Har Ki Pauri reverberates with the chants. The experience is soul stirring.

Even the most hardened soul would begin to get the pious and sacred vibes within himself. I felt the same. The dark banks were now illumined with hundreds of diyas which were being offered to the Ganges.

I spent a quiet moment absorbing the experience. After the Aarti was over, I bade farewell to my foreign friends and strolled back towards my room.

DURING THE DAY at Har Ki Pauri:

Earlier at noon I had taken a quick dip in the Ganges before visiting the temple.

I had slowly and consciously touched the waters, realising the sanctity and relevance of the place. It was cold.

I was also scared to get into it. For some reason, the flow of the Ganges is too strong and mighty at the ghats in Har ki Pauri. I held on to the iron fetters and stepped into it gingerly. The waters stung me like bolt. I took a deep breath and took a full dip inside. It was invigorating. I braved the dip twice more and came out. Its widely believed that a dip here at the Ganges would wash away all your past sins. I felt cleansed. I felt really ;)

Day 3: The wierd looking tempos on Meerut Road

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:27:00 +0000

Soon after you hit the Meerut Road from Delhi, you will witness them dotting the roads and sideways rather imposingly. It looks terribly ugly, with its hood cover open laying bare its inner contraptions. When in motion, you can actually feel its interiors snorting, whishing, puffing and swooshing in comical orchestration.

I am not sure they were manufactured that way, or the hood has been removed. But they werent just one or two, but many many of them.

You wouldnt find them again after touching Roorkee. These species only inhabit this part of the world and may be are on the verge of extinction.

Day 3: Delhi to Haridwar on Bus

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:29:00 +0000

(Delhi Nizamuddin station)

4:40 am: Reachd Delhi Nizamuddin station. Got down the train rather groggily as I had slept like a log the night before. The kind TC had bestowed opon me a berth inspite of me not having a reservation. Though a bribe of 100 Rs did the trick, still I am very much thankful to him.
Getting a bath at the station waiting room got me fresh as a daisy for the day ahead. Meanwhile my gaze fell on the newspaper headlines:

"40 dead in Islamabad blasts"

Not a good note to start the trip to Haridwar. I shook myself out of it and caught an autorickshaw to ISBT bus stop, from where I would get my bus to Haridwar.

(ISBT Bus Depot)

6:30 am: Purchased a bus ticket to Haridwar for the Uttarakhand Pariwahan bus. It cost me 116 Rs. There was a tinge of chill in the air and with it the familiarity of the city. I have always loved Delhi. I have stayed here for two years. Got my first job here. Memories came gushing. A quick munch on 'chole bhature' and then I sat plumly in the front seat adjacent to the driver, snugging my leather jacket a little tighter and enjoying the early morning ride.

(Meerut)

7:10 am: I crossed Meerut and am dissapointed that it is raining. I ask the driver and he said its been raining since a week. The newspaper carried a piece mentioning about 20 people being killed in land slides due to incessant rains in Himachal. Though I am not heading to Himachal, still not a good sign again. Lets see if I can salvage something good out of it.

( Kathauli)

9:05 am: I am at Kathauli. A busy town and its still raining. 20 minutes stop at Cheetal Hotel. Sipped tea and clicked photos.

10:00 am: Sky has cleared. Mist around. Feels good. Mood is ebulient. Can see sugar cane fields on either side of the road. Children on their way to school. As I write, the Sun is out beating down hard.

10:20 The milestone reads, Badrinath 399 kms

11:20 am: Enter Uttarakhand border.

11:50 am: Reach Roorkee
Roorkee to me is synonymous to IIT. Have heard about this place since ages. On face value it looked a very neat and planned town. Could be because of the army cantonments.

( Haridwar)

12: 15 am: Wow I am at Haridwar.

Day One: Secunderabad to Delhi

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:51:00 +0000

What a start to the much hyped trip of mine! At 8:30 pm at Secunderabad station, when I asked at the enquiry, on which platform Sampark Kranti would arrive, I invited a godamn-you-good-for-nothin look. I sensed danger. The guy smirked and said, "Sampark Kranti left at 5:30 pm already". I was flummoxed. It cant be. I had seen the ticket timings atleast a dozen times and registered in my mind. In a frustrating bid to prove him wrong, I pulled out the neatly folded sleeper class ticket and thrusted onto him. He gave me an even meaner look. "Dikhte to padhe likhe ho"(seem like an educated one), he retorted. I scanned the ticket again and realised my folly. I hadn't looked a bigger fool than now ever before. I had mistook the time of purchase on the ticket for the train timing. I beat a hasty retreat from the place, gathered my wits and pondered my next course of action.

I cancelled my ticket and picked the next following train, Dakshin Express at 11 pm without reservation.

My adventure had begun. But this was uncalled for.

The Great Himalayan Odyssey begins tomorrow!

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Ok the D-day has finally come. I would be on my first ever solitary voyage to the mighty Himalayas from tomorrow which would last for the next 15 days. I would be away from the civilization surrendering myself completely to the laps of the great mountains. My excitement in all these days of awaiting has reached its zenith and is now mildly replaced by tentativeness. Because I havent travelled this long ever alone. But even that feeling is tantalizingly alluring. The reason I picked Himalayas was because of its enormity and magnanimity. The stillness and giantness of its presence is so self assuring that you would want to see it eye to eye and get all your questions answered from it. That’s exactly what I intend to get. To find answers to all my questions that have been plaguing me all my life. Because its the Himalayas who have seen it all for 5000 years. The bear testimony to the changes in civilizations that have come and gone. Be it the Aryans Be it the Mongols or the Indo Europeans. I want to recharge my batteries and come back afresh to lead the next course of my life. To shake myself up of all the drudgery and mediocrity and start living again in all its truest sense. A big influence for me to take this trip the book, “Autobiography of a Yogi”, which speaks about the great sages and yogis of India who walked these mighty mountains and glorified India. I hope to meet someone from their lineage and attempt to gain some sagely wisdom. But I am unsure if mortals like me can actually be blessed with such divine serendipity.

So where all I intend to go. I have no fixed agenda. There is no fun in planning when you visit such places. You should follow your instincts and surrender to the force. I would take a train till Delhi. But after that I have no prepared plans. Bus, hitchhiking, biking, walking? I have no clue.

So here is where all I plan to visit.:

From Delhi—> Haridwar—>(give a miss to Rishikesh on my way up)—>DeoPrayag—> Srinagar(nope this is not the Kahmir waala Srinagar)—>Rudraprayag—>Chamoli—> Joshimath—>Auli—>Valley of Flowers—> Badrinath—>Mana

Of the above places, Deoprayag is the place where Alakananda and Bhagirathi merge to form the Ganges on the way to Badrinath.

In Rudraprayag, Mandakini and alakananda meet.

Joshimath: The religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath,

Auli is a skiing resort which hosts the skiing festival every year.

Mana village is the last Indian village before Tibet . Mana village has the Ganesh and Vedavyas caves, where veda Vyas penned the Mahabharata.

From Mana—> Joshimath—>Gaurikund—>kedarnath—>Uttarkashi

I will give their details when I be there. But with whatever little I researched , each of these places are special and exciting in their own ways.

Ramzan, Hyderabad and Haleem : Deadly combo

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:21:00 +0000

I am sure most of you would have heard about Haleem. Haleem is the buzzword and the flavor of the season for the holy month of Ramzan.

(A haleem counter)

Haleem is a non vegetarian dish made with either minced chicken, mutton or camel meat. It takes somewhere around ten hours to make this dish.

( A Pista House outlet at Mehdipatnam)
I fell for it last year when I had a chance to try at Bangalore during Ramzaan. But I was told that Hyderabad is the place to have Haleem if one has to appreciate it honestly.

(waiters who serve people on the road. they walk upto the cars and deliver them, without the customers having to go till the counters)

And as luck would have it, I am at Hyderabad to witness its magic all by myself. I was eagerly awaiting for Ramzaan to begin. I was growing curious to see the whole city being decked up like a bride as the days approached. Building and shops were spruced with decorative lights. And numerous new makeshift stalls are installed that read "Fresh Haleem available". Shops had set up counters that counted number of days left for Ramzaan. I picked up my camera to record this fervour. I was told by a fellow Muslim colleague to visit Charminar old city to catch the mood. And that too just a day before Id, that marks the end of the holy month. But sadly i would be in my Himalayan odyssey during Id. So I picked last Friday. I was disappointed because I couldn't the crowd that i wanted to see at Charminar. And I wish I could be here during Id which turns into an ocean of people. Shops stretch to the roads. vehicles are blocked with barricades. People throng to the streets with their families to shop and gorge on delicacies of all varieties. (See the pic above)

(Hotel Shadaam )

I did my bit of research on Haleem and came to know that Pista House has been a brand at Hyderabad for delivering quality haleem year after year. The other famous Haleem offerings were from Hotel Shabad, Hotel Medina, all from Charminar.

( Hotel Madina)

I got a taste from Pista House at Charminar and was not disappointed. A word of caution though. Haleem is a high calorie dish, rich with fats and is so filling that wouldn't feel hungry till the next day. I found hundreds of other Haleem shops dotting the city around.

( Medina staff)

Never have I seen such fervour in any other city as Hyderabad during Ramzaan. Not even Delhi. Njoy the pics.

Veg Haleem for a change ;)

The orginal Pista House Outlet

sawaiyaan!!!!

Srisailam: 600 kms in one day

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:23:00 +0000

Destination profile: Srisailam
State: Andhra Pradesh
Travel: Hyderabad to Srisailam
Distance: 240 kms
Mode: Bike
Number of days: 1

Ok. So did your jaws drop. Yes Srisailam is 240 kms from Hyderabad. But I drove an extra 60 kms after taking a wrong road towards Vijaywada while on our way back.

So let me begin. It was the Ganesh Puja day, which we picked to visit Srisailam. And we executed the plan with clockwork irregularity ;). We planned to start at 5 am. But we couldnt make it till 7:30 am. Once on the road, we thanked the gods for the amazing weather that day. (Have a look at the white clouds all through the pics)

(CLICK THE PICS TO ENLARGE)

(Hyderabad International Airport)

Picked the Shamshabad Srisailam road crossing the International airport. The whole stretch covering the airport would easily passoff as freeways in the US. Awesome.

( Had a quick breakfast at Dindi)

Dindi is around 100 kms from Hyderabad.

( Gypsies from Rajasthan)
( A mini dam on the way)
( Road leading towards the Nallamalai Ghats)

( Srisailam Tiger reserve)

The drive on the Nallamalai hills is most interesting of the entire journey. The roads are winding with jungle either side. It gives a creepy feelign and you cant help realising that you are all alone in the jungle. Occasionaly a car or a bus would cross you. But no two wheelers. Not everyone is mindless ;). But again, the feeling of biking on such roads is matchless to nething else. Car or a bus would kill that effect.

( Road from the top)

( The Annamalai Ghats are infested with monkeys.)

I was focussing on one monkey for a photo. I didnt realise all the while I was being sorrounded by a swarm of other monkeys.

( Srisailam Tiger reserve)

The Srisailam Tiger reserve at Nallamalai hills offers daily safari services. We did not have the bandwidth to go for it. But surely will someday.

The roads on the hills are dotted with billboards on, "Project Tiger" and "Save Wild Life".
( First view of Srisailam lake.)

We went to see the model of the Srisailam dam. The engineer was cordial to talk us through the intricacies of the giant engineering marvel that man has made. The facts that he shared with us were startling. One cannot marvel the site just by the look of it. It was a lesson for us to learn how mankind has tamed nature for its own welfare. It took 22 years to construct the dam and the tunnel below that carries water is a circtutous 70 kms stretch. Isnt it amazing. The dam takes care of 90 % of state's electricity needs. ( Reached Srisailam at 1 pm)

(Front view of the temple)

Photography inside the temple premise is not allowed

You can cruise on the Krishna basin with a launch. A ropeway carries you to the basin.

View from the launch

Isn't it amazing!

Back home with wonderful images and a painful ass.

Ganesh Puja: Captured on road

noreply@blogger.com (Ravi Kumar) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:29:00 +0000

Caught the festive mood on my way to Srisailam on bike. Enjoy!