Terrainspotter's Travelogues

Zebopping in Goa - Part III

2010-02-11T20:59:00.009+05:30

Taken at Utorda Beach - Dec 2009 while sitting and sipping golden froth in one of the many
shacks that cater to the vast foriegners and sparse Indians in this region.
Sunset at Utorda Beach.It is a great feeling to move to a quiet corner, move into the water and seep into the golden calm of the evening low tide.
I wonder what the guy whos upside down is singing - probably "Stuck in the middle with you".By the way there are two people because one is a local guide(hes alright in the pic)

(Parasailing at Utorda Beach - 800 INR(Negotiated) per ride)

Zebopping in Goa - Part II

2010-01-30T23:42:00.008+05:30

Apologies to all my readers for being away so long.I think what I developed was a "Blogger's Block".Nevertheless I am back...back with a bang.A bang that guarantees one quality post per week.Did I ever tell you that in Goa there is a place in Panaji called Fountainhas...that takes you to the laid back old days...that reminds you of the "Good ol susegad life"?

Fountainhas,which means small fountains is located at the heart of Panaji(Reach the Panaji Church and then ask someone) and has mostly the catholic community(of Portuguese Descent).The place has been listed in the Lonely Planet guide and has an amazing feel about it.

A visit to Fountainhas also means a visit to Mrs Linda D'souza's gastronomic restaurant called "Viva Panjim".The food is authentic(Please please try the Pork Sorpotel,Prawn Curry rice and the chicken cafreal), the service quite good(Considering the fact that you are in Susegad land) and the benches laid out in the narrow alley add to the rustic charm.

Goa has many thousand restaurants...but some are worth going.Here's a small list that wont let you down:

* Souza Lobo - Calangute - Prawns,Prawns,Prawns

* Fiorentinos -on way from Porvorim to Calangute - Chicken Cafreal

* Casa Moderna - Panjim(Near National Theatre) - Rawas Fish Fry

* La Pastelaria - 18th June Road - Pastries Galore

* Kamat Hotel - Panaji(Near Panaji Church) - Great Veg Thali

I guess I could be pretty pissed off about my 0900 AM to 0900 PM job schedule,grumpy about no increments in 2009,or about the fact that India again lost a cricket match...or whatever!

"But it's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much. My heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst. And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it. And then it flows through me like rain. And I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life"

(Excerpt from Americal Beauty - Narrated by Kevin Spacey)

Aint that apt?

Zebopping In Goa - Part I

2010-01-01T22:21:00.018+05:30

If you are a long term reader of my blog,then you will know by now my fascination with Goa.It is not only because I have spend my adolescent years there,but also because of the fact that Goa is truly an unique place.A place that has beauty,culture,diversity,tranquility and Unhurriedness - all in equal measure.I stayed this time at South Goa and its easy enough to notice the small differences between South and North Goa.South Goa is the true un-commercialized Goa...the Goa with those "Quiet Beaches"...the Goa with those "Empty village roads"...the Goa with those great "Local cuisine stopovers".On the other hand,North Goa looks nowadays(Especially Baga and Calangute) like Juhu Beach(with a few more foreigners actually).I stayed at Royal Orchid based at Utorda Beach,Salcete and the experience was awesome.

I stayed at this 4 Star hotel chain called the Royal Orchid(Owned by Galaxy Group).This hotel has all the luxurious amenities required to be called a star hotel,a great staff and most importantly...Utorda Beach just a stones throw away(see above).Most importantly,the hotel does offer some great deals on its rooms - more so if you are a REPEAT visitor.The rooms are fabulous,the modular bathrooms fascinating and the the room service is prompt.What more does one want?

Utorda beach is a very unique beach.At one glimpse,I does feel like you have come to a Russian Beach.Surprised?Well,I think many years back an influential Russian Man must have visited Utorda and when he went back...he just blurted the place out to everyone he knew.So now - every kind of Russian visits Utorda Beach i.e "The Couple" , "The Old and married" , "The Familyman" and the "Adventurer".So much is the Russian influence,that even "Food Menu Boards" at shacks are written in Russian.I took my best sunset photo yet at this beach and the feeling was great.

The evening time at the beach actually belongs to the shacks -and above all "Zebop by the sea" at Utorda.Every sea-food item at Zebop is Dige-licious .One must try the "Mussels Rava Fry" and "Prawns Curry Rice" to understand what I am saying.In case you want to try something more fancy in Seafood - try the Lobster Butter Garlic(1200 INR for a piece : serves 3 people) with steamed rice.

Theres lot more to write...lot more unique places...In time,I will!

The Lonely Konkan Coast - Epilogue!

2009-12-07T08:43:00.011+05:30

Looked deep into the April face,

a change has clearly taken place...

We were looking for the summer!

The eyes take on a certain gaze,

and leave behind the springtime days...

We were looking for the summer!

The Lonely Konkan Coast - Velneshwar!

2009-12-01T08:31:00.009+05:30

Velneshwar Beach is about 26 Kms from Guhagar.The journey is a green one,as there's thick vegetation all around as one twists and turns on the western ghats.The first view of Velneshwar Beach is pure magic as one sees it from a distance while coming down the ghats.

At the entry of the beach,lies the Velneshwar Temple.Built to honor the great lord Shiva,this temple is as old as 1700 years(One part only - the rest was build in 60's - 70's).I spend a lot of time there,mostly because the temple had no touts.I must applaud the Marathi Manoos for this, as in all the temples in Maharashtra I have been to,there have been zero touts,and each one has been sparkling clean.

The water at Velneshwar is definitely the cleanest of all beaches I have been to(Alibaug,Kashid,Kihim,Guhagar etc) on the Konkan coast.Add this to the fact that there are a handful of people about,one can really have a great swim in the Arabian Sea.

There is always so much not to do :-)...but just laze around when you are at places like these.Sit along the benches and feel the ocean breeze.Wait for the sun to dip in and then start the evening siesta...create a bonfire...raise a toast...to the almighty...for giving us all this beauty.

The Lonely Konkan Coast - Prelogue!

2009-11-30T08:32:00.013+05:30

This boat wreck was seen at Guhagar Beach,a desolate stretch of white sands sandwiched between the western ghats.

Guhagar lies about 280 Kms from Mumbai on route to Goa.This beach really offers all sanctity one looks in a serene and secluded beach. The invasions of modern concrete buildings are scanty in this beach. The beach offers a perfect place for sunbath, relaxation and meditation, all far far away from the madding crowds.

The town of Guhagar bustles with quiet energy,people going about their jobs without much worry.Although the town seems held back in town due to the serenity,there are stores and shops with most of the latest products.

One unique feature of the place are the countless "Supari Trees" (Betel Nut).Going by the way they spread these Betel Nuts to dry of every rooftop,these villagers must be taking their "Betel Nut Harvesting" seriously.

Also while you are there,please eat the "Pomphret Fry Thali" or the "Mutton Kolhapuri"(Very Spicy...but worth it) at Hotel Annapurna.The hotel is clean,service is prompt and sharp and the owner looks genuinely happy.

To sum it up,Guhagar is a great destination to chill off during a weekend without any stress given to you bosses,as you can be back before Monday.It's a place that also has other adjoining locales worth seeing.Will talk about them in my next post.

Bulls Eye @ Pindari!

2009-11-15T01:03:00.014+05:30

After Phurkhiya literally takes your breath away,thankfully the trek to Pindari is not very steep,but more or less up and down.Some guys may have slight trouble in breathing(Smokers beware) because of the height.One climbs from Phurkhiya (12000 Ft) top Pindari(14000 Ft).The route is just magical and makes you forget the pain,troubles,anticipations of the last six days.I had to wrap my T- Shirt on my head as my ears were paining due to cold air.

Vegetation starts to slowly disappear as you go higher and higher.More you start seeing barren rocks,with flakes of snow on them.A little away beckons the Pindari Glacier...standing Majestic in all its glory.I must tell you all here that in the hills,whatever looks near can be miles away.I remember that Pindari was still 3 Kms away when I took the photo above.Moreover,don't ask you guides how far...ever...coz they will only sat - "Thoda Door" ...i.e...just a little far away.They always say this in order to motivate people to trek happily and not grumpy faced...and gloomy...about the tough prospects ahead.

The sight of the "Valley Of Dreams" will be imprinted in my mind forever.The ecstasy and joy of reaching your destination after 6 days of toiling and hiking through the terrains...is indescribable.Maybe the picture above can only sum up my feelings.

The small hutment that you can see in the picture is Pindari Baba's camp.Swami Dharmananda,is truly a unique character.He stays in Pindari Glacier almost 8 months and moves back to Khati during the peak snowfall.

Guarded by his two trusted pahari dogs,Swami Dharmananda helps you to free filling of Tea,Biscuits(Unlimited) and even lunch.An extremely friendly guy,he does sometime border of discussions that sometimes sound TRULY COSMIC:-).For example he told us that he can do the six day trek that we did within 1 day and that too till Almora(The main town).Well,I don't blame him,as he stays all alone there,and besides the occasional hiccup...Pindari Baba is a pretty great guy and an attraction in himself.

I remember after the Tea and Biscuits how we sat and seeped in the surroundings.The surrounding peaks,the humming and groaning air...they all seemed magical.

The ending shot has to be the two musketeers and a word of loving praise from my side for Mr Badru.I can bestow a true compliment on him by saying that he till date was my most compatible travel companion - No Complaints...No Issues...all cool.

God bless the terrains of India...God bless terrainspotter...I shall be back for more!

Phurkhiya - At the edge of the mighty Himalayas!

2009-11-02T08:51:00.010+05:30

It is said that Pictures speak a thousand words.This is my 100th post on www.terrainspotter.com and I won't write anything about Phurkhiya.About 5 Kms uphill from Dwali(And really uphill)...Phurkhiya is the last junction with houses before Pindari Glacier,Kafni Glacier and Sunderdungha Glacier.

From Purkhiya,the peaks can be seen with amazing clarity,and the Pindari Glacier just seems a stones throw away.There is a KMVN(Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) rest house here too,but bookings have to be done way way in advance.Thus it is advisable to bring your own tent.Eat properly before starting for Pindari the next day,as there are no dhabas or even tea stalls between Phurkhiya and Pindari.

Cheers to my 100th post.It took one and a half years to reach here:-).

Dwali - The village by the river!

2009-10-19T19:48:00.012+05:30

Dwali is about 11 Kms from Khati Village.The entire journey is done besides the Pindar River,through narrow manmade lanes cut across the hills.In fact,i strongly believe that a Khati - Dwali trek makes you understand the true beauty of the great Himalayan valley.

There are scores and scores of waterfalls on the way,water coming out of low lying holes,water falling from 100 ft,water flowing besides you as you walk and water flowing below you as you walk.The entire trek to Dwali is the easiest,full of visual delights...with the cool river breeze hitting you all the time!

There are numerous rickety wooden bridges that pass on the way,which creak precariously and freak you out as you are on them.I also want to say a thank you through this site to my Travel Mate - Mr Badru for his Never-Say-Die spirit.A quiet person in nature,Mr Badru was far fitter than me(A true desi ghee khaya hua Punjabi Mumda) who did the entire Pindari Trek terrain without a single complaint.

Evenings are a great time in the hills,when you can see the dim red light of the sun set across the nearby hills.You see the clouds pass by and rub your shoulders.It's a great time to sum up your life till now and think practically about the future.In the above photo,Mr Badru seems to be doing just that.

Dwali indulges you in the simple pleasures.As you can see from the video,even simple Dal,Chawal and a double omelette can taste like heaven...WHEN YOU ARE IN HEAVEN!

Myriad Dreams at Khati!

2009-10-19T13:54:00.012+05:30

From Dhakuri top,it's a downhill trek of 8 Km's to the beautiful town of Khati.Khati lies at a height of about 7600 Ft,surrounded by all sides by the mighty himalayas.

Khati looks like a town...that's long lost in time.10 A.M in the morning and you will see people playing cards,snakes and ladders,Carrom and have the least care in the world about earnings and moolah.The best thing to do in Khati is to sit at the wooden benches besides the stalls and sip your tea as the clouds pass you by.

If you are bored with the tea and the sitting a wee bit,then take a 2 Km downward trek to the Pindar river,which especially during rains...looks scary to say the least...with rapids well above level 4.(ferocity of Rapids are are identified by levels : 1-5).

In the evenings,sit on the cottage balcony and take a look at the silence around you...the occasional cattle's grazing by...the stray mountain dog looking for pieces of food on the wet grass.

One of the scariest natural things that you see around Khati are the Landslides.Imagine,you are standing on the hilly landscapes and suddenly the ground beneath you collapses.Gives me the shivers even thinking about it.The villagers say that landslides can happen anytime and there are no signs...but any ground that's loosely hangs from protruding rocks is considered dangerous.

We stayed two whole days in Khati,as we were stuck because of perennial rains.It was a great soul searching time for me in this quiet easygoing town.Khati is the last town going ahead which has solar powered STD booths.So traveller's to Pindari,Kafni,Sunderdungha or the basecamp...do make your calls here because then you get completely cut off from the world.

Do visit by for my next travelogue on the village by the Pindar rapids - Dwali

Song,Loharkhet and Dhakuri - The Lost Villages!

2009-10-16T16:57:00.017+05:30

The foundations of the Pindari Glacier trek that I undertook with Mr Badru,started from a place called Song.Song is a small and beautiful village about 199 Km's from Kathgodam(The place till where Indian Railways takes you).Kathgodam is a low lying workmanlike town and the real beauty starts once the jeep starts winding up from Bhowali(30 Km's).

From then on,you are taken on a picturesque yet topsy-tipsy-curvy ride besides river after river,stream after stream,crossing Almora(109 Km's) and Bageshwar(164 Km's) until you hit what looks like a dead end(See Photo)

The bridge adjoining Song to Loharkhet frequently collapses due to rains and landslides,and thus there's a separate solitary jeep which takes travellers 3 Km's up to Loharkhet.The ride is scary as hell as there IS no road...just a pile of rocks with a sheer drop on one side.The pahadi's(Mountain men) call this driving feature as "Mausam banake chalna"(Driving in one weather mode!).Beats me how they find humour in such situations:-).

Loharkhet gives a great view of what's to come - wave upon wave of green hills that we have to cross!Loharkhet has a forest rest house,and we halted there at night.The stay was more than comfortable(In case you are the kind of person who looks for a clean bed to be satisfied at the end of the day).Since Loharkhet is a halting place before the start of the trek,one sleeps early and gets up early,because the hardest part of the trek lies ahead - THE UPHILL TREK TO DHAKURI.

Loharkhet to Dhakuri is a continous 11Km upward trek.It's tiring,hard,neverending,but the cool air hitting your sweat buds keeps you pleasant....and Mr Badru in this photo epitomizes my thoughts.

The vegetation starts getting greener and greener as one treks up,with the temperature dropping accordingly.There are tea/maggi stalls every 4/5 km's so one can take a well deserved break.

Dhakuri top is my Switzerland of India:-).I was mesmerized when I reached here after such a long and winding road.All perspirations,fatigue and frustations vanished when I saw the above picture in real.

On a clear,non cloudy day,the great himalayan peaks like "Baijuri","Nanda Khat" "Changus" and Pindari Glacier" are all clearly visible from Dhakuri.In fact our guide told us that many people return back from Dhakuri itself,as they feel that they have seen what they wanted i.e the mighty peaks!

Obviously I amd Mr Badru did not do that and kept on going.My next post will talk about the further lost villages of Khati,Dwali and Purkhiya.Till then...keep reading this space.

The Hills are alive... - Pindari Glacier Trek (Prelogue)

2009-10-14T09:16:00.007+05:30

Near the Pindari Glacier,the wind sings its own tune and the hills seem to orchestrate the entire melody.The rocks lie cold and bored with wrinkles formed due to years of wear and tear.

The Icy peaks stand proud and upright,defiant of storms and thunders and whatever beckons.They await the next brave men who will attempt to cross their icy path.

And then as one goes far,the valley and the peaks look even more intimidating from a distance,as if daring a novice like me not to come any closer.

It was not easy reaching all the way up there,as shown in the photos.It took 3 days of trekking and a bit of lady luck,combined and spiced with danger and the occasional adrenalin rush.Read this space for more on that.

Learning to fly!

2009-10-02T09:30:00.005+05:30

Into the distance, a ribbon of black,

Stretched to the point of no turning back.

A flight of fancy on a cloudswept field,

Standing alone my senses reeled.

A fatal attraction holding me fast,

how Can I escape this irresistible grasp?

Cant keep my eyes from the circling skies,

Tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit I...

I took these mesmerizing photos en route to Delhi for my Pindari Glacier Trek.Looking down at the earth below,with the sea of clouds...with the half shining,half fading horizon...makes us realise how inconspicuous we are...in the bigger cosmic scheme of things!

The Sea beckons from the hilltop-Utan

2009-09-05T21:54:00.007+05:30

Imagine a place from where you can see the Arabian Ocean's vast expanse - left,right and centre.A place located on a hilltop with Coconut trees lined along the gravelled path,swayed to and fro by the strong wind that the Sea brings.Utan is a small fishing village located near Bhayander and I went there Friday night with three of my office colleagues.

The unique thing about Utan is that,there is no beach.The road runs along with the Sea,with 100's of fishing boats(Large,Small,Elaborately Designed,Plain)...waiting to get to the deep waters - so that the Koli fishermen can bring the evening's catch for their families.Wild Hen's,playful dogs and mischievous kids all run amok on the narrow broken down roads,and once a while they look up to the strangers entering their town.

Utan Resort is a exotic getaway build on a hilltop(about 75 Mt's high) overlooking the vast expanse of the Arabian sea.The owner as I was made to understand is a dentist from Mumbai - and I must say that the man has done a great job.The resort is tastefully done - wether in terms of the ambiance,Furniture or the quality of food. There are three kind of cottages - Double Bed Cottages,Double Bed Cottages with Balcony or Bungalows.The Bungalows I heard are used for shooting Bollywood movies.The basic charges for the Double Bed Cottages is 3000 INR and that's worth it,because the rooms are clean,the outside ambiance lush and green.Moreover Utan Resort definitely has a fantastic cook in the Kitchen.We tried the Prawn Koliwada and Pomphfret Curry along with Yellow dal and Rice - and it was fresh and extremely delicious.The most important thing is that the staff is extremely friendly and courteous.I had to check my e-mails and they told their back office girl to stop her work and allow me to surf.Now that's what I call - "Pleasing the Customer by making him King".

The Terrainspotter strongly suggests Utan to those who are looking for Quality - not Quantity.It's definitely for those with a great taste for aesthetics - wether man made or natural.

The Details to get you there:

Location : Utan Village,Bhayander(West),District Thane

Place to stay : u-tan Sea Resort

Things to do : Nothing:-)

Contact Number : 9821759882(Mr Morris)

Photo Courtesy : Mr Elton D'souza

Gastronomy Divine!

2009-09-02T14:06:00.021+05:30

In Mumbai,there lies a place called VT.In VT,there's an area called Fort and in and around Fort are Gastronomic delights.Delights - that - give - your - stomach - the - taste of Malwani,Gomantak,Parsi and even classic Chinese and Indian Veg cuisine!It's been six months and I thought it's time to list out some of the best places to eat at Fort,Mumbai.

Hotel Fountain Plaza(Malwani Cuisine) - Malvani cuisine is the standard cuisine of the Konkan region of Maharashtra,Goa and northern parts of West Karnataka. Although Malvani cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian delicacies also.When in Fountain Plaza,try their Chicken Biryani,Standard Fish Thali(Rs 50) and of course Porota and Sukka Mutton/Chicken.You can go for normal rice or red rice(the fat rice with a slightly red colour).

Pradeep Gomantak : This place really is unique.It looks like a staff canteen,there's hardly any place to sit and the restaurant owner looks at you with glaring eyes.Add to that a long queue of people waiting for their turn,the initial feel would be a sickening one.But rest assured,once you have the Pomphret Thali here(for an unbelievably cheap Rs 70) you will be coming out singing praises of this Gomantak food joint.Gomantak Cuisine is the cuisine of Goa specifically!

Ideal Restaurant : From Malwani to Gomantak to Parsi now...ahhh...in Gastronomic explosiveness,Parsi food has no other equal.Also the right style is to take starter,then food and end with dessert.So start with "Bombili Fry"(Bombay Duck fried in Rawa),move on to the Achari Chicken with Chapatti and then dive later into the Lagan Custard.Although Ideal is far costlier than the other two mentioned above.A meal for two hungry people can come for about 350-400 here!

Aaaram Veg Restaurant : Once in a while,after a hard nights party and too many Non Veg meals later,you long for simple Veg food and Aaaram gives you that.Bang opposite to VT station,Aaaram is filled to the brim with people between 1-2 PM.Try out the plain but tasty Puri Bhaji,Veg Pulao and the Batata Vada.Prices not to mention are super cheap.By the way,beware of the angry and defiant waiters,who dont like you calling them...hehe...they come to you.Aaaram has been there at VT for Donkeys years and it runs on word of mouth only.So please leave your ego aside when you go in!

Shaan Chinese Corner : Run by a Musalman,ironically this restaurant makes some mouthwatering Chinese Dishes instead of Mughlai.Bang opposite to the Bata Showroom in Fort,try out their Schezwan Fried Rice with Chicken Hot Garlic.It's quite a treat to the tongue!

Well,now you know what I have been doing in Mumbai between 1 -2 PM all this while!The other two guys in the picture are my fellow office Gluttons:-)

P.S : Fountain Plaza,Pradeep Gomantak and Ideal Corner are all behind Times Of India Building!

Days and Nights in the Forest-Satyajit Rays Genius Unfolded!

2009-08-29T22:51:00.007+05:30

I have been writing about travels and terrains for the last two years.Is there a movie that defines the urban middle class's search for solace and tranquility in the jungles,in the still of the night?In 1969,Satyajit Ray directed "Aranyer Din Ratri"(Day's and nights in the forest).It was a movie that pitted four urban youths against the rural heartland,the rawness on life and the lust for it!It was a movie that showed the "Urban Middle Class" in search of that elusive answer.Soumitro Chatterjee(Asheem) as the main protagonist -the urban middle class model man,Hari(Samit Bhanja) as the rebel,Dhuli(Simi Garewal) as the lure and Sharmila Tagore(Aparna) as the ideal match for Asheem.Subendu Chatterjee(Sanjoy) defined the hesitant urban middle class - confused over following his own heart or his own inner fears - etched in the scene in which Kaberi Bose(Jaya) tries to seduce him.

The movie makes you think.After all,what is life?Is it an unknown journey or a quest?Is it a void that is filled with daily chores - of joy and sadness?Or is it all mapped in our palms...our paths decided...our destiny written?Is it friendship,relationships,affinities...that withers away?or is it a maze of paths that we choose that decides the outcome?Is it our missed chances or the lack of it?Are we all victims of our own karma?Or are we cursed to be living a life in which we have our physical needs fulfilled in this middle class urban psychobabble and our self actualisations unfulfilled?

I don't know because if I did...I guess I wont be asking.

Comfortably Numb!!

2009-08-23T21:06:00.004+05:30

Hello,Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me...
Is there anyone home?

The Mental Orgasm Theory - Part 9(Satiated)

2009-08-16T23:36:00.009+05:30

The beauty of the Western Ghats in the rains can only be understood once you visit them.

Just stand beside the edge of the cliff,take a whiff of the fresh air and seep in the wonderful sight!

Moreover the roads are a joy to drive on!You feel like stopping after short spurts of driving and get out of the car to feel the hills and savour the view!

Come October!

2009-08-09T22:48:00.005+05:30

I am going to the heavens in October.A heaven where there is peace...tranquility....and an ultimatum...that this life is for living.

I am going where the chosen few tread.A place which awes you...and holds you breathless!!!

and most of all...I am going with my chosen few!Athos,Aramis and Porthos!

Photo Courtesy : Was lying in my hard disc for years.It's not shot by me.But it probably is captured by some of my older group i.e Mr Handbomb,Mr A,Mr V.Whoever it is,thanks for the lovely pics!

Driving Through The Sea Link!

2009-07-28T08:56:00.005+05:30

The countless stainless steel cantilever wires greet you as you enter the Sea Link.The wind is tremendous and hear it's buzz as you drive by.The Initial Five days were a pain as the Sea Link was open to all.So all you co

uld do was drive at 10-15 kmph and admire the Mega Structure!Nevertheless,the view from the bridge of the Mumbai Skyline with the dark clouds hanging about is an experience in itself.

And in the night,it's a amalgamation of lights...bright,faint,sudden sparkles...all happening with the sound of the fierce wind buzzing and the roar of the angry sea below.

The Holy Shrine,An Emperor's Passion & The Highway!

2009-07-26T20:30:00.016+05:30

I am sure there would be hundred's and thousand's of articles on the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. After all they are World Heritage sites and part of the existing wonders of the world.Well Readers,what I believe I do well as a travel blogger is to tell people the best ways and means to enjoy/seep the place.This blogpost will be such an effort.

The best time to start for a Fatehpur Sikri/Taj Mahal visit is before sunrise.There are two reasons for it.One reason is that you avoid the crowded road from Delhi to Faridabad(Which can be a nightmare after 9 AM).The second one is that post Faridabad,this highway is a real treat for the eyes especially during early mornings and during low traffic.It's less wider than the Delhi-Jaipur highway,but far more greener.

I had the good luck of the rain god's being benevolent,due to which the drive became twice more enjoyable.It's a great feeling when the rain furiously hits the windscreen,while you are driving at 80 Kph and you see the wet road pass by - just like the moments of your life gone by.

Fatehpur Sikri at 7 Am in the morning :

The rain has passed,and the clear sky greets you as you enter awestruck this great Mughal creation.Fatehpur Sikri,a city and Municipal board created by Akbar(The greatest Mughal emperor) served as the empires capital from 1571 to 1585.

Akbar had inherited the Mughal Empire from his father Humayun and grandfather Babar. During the 1560s he rebuilt the Agra Fort and established it as his capital. With his Hindu wife Mariam-uz-Zamani he had a son and then twins, but the twins died. After this heartbreak,they consulted the Sufi Saint Salim Chishti who lived as a recluse in the small town Sikri near Agra. Salim predicted that Akbar would have another son, and indeed one was born in 1569 in Sikri. He was named Salim to honor the saint.Salim would later rule the empire as Emperor Jahangir. The following year, Akbar, then 28 years old, determined to build a palace and royal city in Sikri, to honor his pir Salim Chishti. The tomb of Salim Chishti, "Salim Chisti Ka Mazar" was built there within the grounds of the Jama mosque.

P.S :One thing that I really want to point out through my blogging is the pathetic money making that goes on in these holy and pristine monuments.There are touts roaming all round,always trying to pull that fast one on you.If you lay 100 bucks(2$) on the Chisti shrine,they say the almighty would be angry.Please!if any senior Bearuacrat ever reads this...do something about it.BAN these friggin touts.They give our country a bad name and spoil the fun of seeing something truly historic.

The Taj in all it's glory:

There's an interesting analogy that I want to give here.We Indian's are so close to one of the eight wonders,that we feel that it's just another monument.Ask any Indian - so,you've seen the Taj mahal??? and he will say -"Of Course,yeah!".You wont hear about the mind boggling calligraphy or the artistic carvings.It's once you land up at the Taj Mahal and see the hordes and hordes and hordes of foreigners queing up to buy a ticket...then you realize...man,I am visiting a marvel.Think about guys-The Taj is a national Heritage,let's give it more respect.I plead all my readers to write about the Taj mahal,or talk about it.Every year 200,000 foreign tourist visit the Taj Mahal.If we all try hard enough,then we can increase the inflow.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the Taj Mahal in these very words :

Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator's glory.

A view of the Taj from the Banks of the Yamuna(Made famous now by Danny Boyle of Slumdog Millionaire Fame) is a Mental Orgasm in itself.Also if you are there when the sun sets down on the Yamuna waters,it will linger in your mind forever.

Accomodation near these famous monuments :

Unless and until you have got deep pockets(150$ - 200 $ per night),it's better that you come back after seeing these two moments.The reason is very simple.Agra and Sikri as a place are quite crowded and it makes no sense to shell up big bucks unless and until you can see the Taj from your hotel window.There is one hotel that gives that privilege though - The Taj View Hotel.For more information please visit : http://www.tajhotels.com/.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it:-).Come hell or high water - will keep writing.So keep reading this space!

Data Source and Photos : from Wikipedia

Good Morning Mumbai!

2009-07-04T18:28:00.017+05:30

It's been 4 months in Mumbai now.It's tough...this city...the rains...the local trains...the jams...the crunched timeline's.But one thing that Mumbai really offers for early risers is the "Great mornings".I work in an Advertising Agency at VT,and for me every morning is a treat while going to office.

7 A.M : I start for Malad station and get up on the train coming from Borivali to Churchgate,It's unbelievable to see the crowd at even 7 A.M - as if mumbai never sleeps.

8 A.M : Reach Churchgate station,and start a 1 km walk through Khao Galli towards VT.I prefer the walk as it's a nice exercise.Khao Galli is an absolute treat,with its Juice/Shake stalls,Bhel Puri Wala's and the Puri Bhaji points.Nevertheless,if you are in Mumbai,you better make your daily bread the "one and only - Vada Pao".

Vada Pao is best had piping hot.The whole taste though lies in the chutnies used.The Red dry "Garlic Chilly Powder" and the "Coriander Chutney" are added in between the Pao to amplify the gastronomic effect.

0845 A.M : After reaching VT near Sterling Cinema,my office is a stone's throw.But wait,there's
still time.I mean,there's still time to have the "Keema Pao" at Cafe Excelsior.

Cafe Excelsior is the place to be in case you want "Parsi Non Veg Food" . I am listing below some of the Parsi Specialities :

Keema Pao : Finely grated Mutton with green chillies galore and two Pao(bread) to accompany along with it.

Salli Boti : Mutton Pieces put into a spicy gravy and "Grated Egg yolk and cheese" put on top.

Chicken Farcha : A tender chicken leg piece with a full coating of egg all over it.

I always used to think that "Mughlai Food" rocks.But after having Parsi Food,I have second thoughts.Would implore my readers who are Non Veg lovers to think about it too!

There's more to the mornings.Read On!

I have been working in Advertising for the last six years.In all my past assignments,the one thing I yearned for was a good office location.First in Delhi...it was the crowded Nehru Place,then came the cacophonious ITO .Wait!Nehru Place and ITO were "Foriegn Locales" when you compare the office location of my last company - HAROLA VILLAGE in Noida...yes guys...Harola.The name only sounds so shady!Anyways now that I am in Mumbai I look back at the 2 years that I spent at Harola Village - Noida and shiver at the thought of the Heat,the dust,the lack of greenery.

Guess one of the best things about my mumbai life is my workplace.With a view of Sterling Cinema and its latest movie poster and the lush green surroundings,I get an extra urge to rock my clients with some good work.

Also with the rain gods blessing Mumbai and the boon supposed to continue for next 3 months,the dark clouds in the horizon add to the overall effect.

Eat to Live or Live to Eat?

2009-07-04T14:54:00.003+05:30

This photo was taken at My Malad Home kitchen slab.In the picture,there are Small Prawns(frozen),minced Mutton,Swiss Sausages and Two Eggs and a freshly washed/clean chicken breasts!Yummmm!!!

Hmmm...Live to Eat...I Guess:-)

The Mental Orgasm Theory - Part VIII

2009-06-24T08:59:00.007+05:30

Tunnel Of Love

And the big wheel keeps on turning,

neon burning...up above!

And I'm just high on the world,

Come on and take a low ride with me girl...

On the tunnel of love.

- Dire Straits

The Mental Orgasm Theory - Part VII

2009-06-15T15:27:00.004+05:30

MONSOON COMETH

Here comes the rain again,

Falling on my head like a memory.

Falling on my head like a new emotion.

I want to walk in the open wind,

I want to talk like lovers do...

I want to dive into your ocean...

Is it raining with you?

- Eurythmics