BE ON THE ROAD - Travel and Photography

The Chariot at Airavateeswara Temple, Darasuram

2012-05-17T01:00:00.001+05:30

If you are interested in temples and history, then I am sure you know the 2 temples that are famous for their chariots. One of them is the Sun temple at Konark and the other one is the Vittala temple in Hampi. But, there is an unknown third one that has carved a niche for itself in one of the Great Living Chola Temples in the plains of the Cauvery in the South.

This temple is the small, but intricately carved Airavateeswara Temple at Darasuram, the third of the Great Living Chola Temples that was built by Raja Raja Chola, the third. The chariot in this temple may not be as exhaustive as the ones in the Vittala and the Sun temple, but it has a lot of similarities even in its miniature state. Do remember to check it out while in and around Thanjavur. This small temple campus packs quite a punch with its creativity.

Valparai to Athirapally: One of the top tropical motorcycle routes in India

2012-05-16T00:10:00.001+05:30

Tea estates, coffee estates, umpteen curves, dams, reservoirs, rivers, streams, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife and oodles of greenery will ensure your eyes and mind always stay fresh when you ride from Valparai in Tamil Nadu to Athirapally Falls in Kerala. Having ridden all the roads of tropical India and the Western Ghats in particular, I can easily say that this route through the Vazhachal forest is one of the best tropical motorcycle routes in India and that too especially in the rains.

In terms of distance, the destinations are only 85 kms apart. But, the meandering roads in the middle of dense greenery make you want to stay here forever. The journey in my mind is a natural wonder in itself. The scenic spots like the Sholayar dam, the Poringalputhu reservoir, the Vazhachal falls and the ‘Niagara of Kerala – the Athirapally Falls’ are the icing on the cake.

The route is simply unbelievable, but it does come with some restrictions owing to forest department regulations. This Vazhachal forest route is a part of the elephant migration corridor where the pachyderms move from the Anaimalai and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve to the Chimmony Wildlife sanctuary and the Idukki district of Kerala. In fact, this belt has one of the highest elephant and tiger populations in the country. Hence, this route is open only from sunrise to sunset and that too one has to enter vehicle and personal details at each forest check post. This is only for keeping track of visitors and to launch a search and rescue mission if required.

The entire route is a ‘plastic free’ zone. The forest department takes a count of all the plastic belongings that you carry inside and that count will be matched at the other end of the forest. But over and above these forest department best practices, I think we ourselves should be good Samaritans to ensure that the forest remains pure and pristine forever. To ensure that you have a hassle free journey, ensure you carry enough fuel on you. The nearest fuel stations are either Valparai or Chalakudy in Kerala. A good 105 kms separate both these destinations. Also, a good motorcycle maintenance kit and a first aid kit is recommended to ensure you don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere for long. Do give this place a visit if you wish to be one with nature even though you are on a motorcycle!

Guest Post: Things to do/experience while visiting India

2012-05-14T20:23:00.001+05:30

For most travelers, a business visit or a vacation to India will be one of the most memorable experiences of their lives while at the same time being something of a culture shock. Be prepared for the contrast between the modern face of the thriving commercial India, and the abject poverty of some of the population that you will see all around you as you travel. You may well be shocked at seeing beggars in the streets. That having been said a visit to India can be a rewarding and a remarkable experience. I have been twice now and I would recommend a visit to anyone. India is vast, with a very large population, and lives up to its reputation for being extraordinary in many ways. Wherever you choose to visit in India, your trip is sure to be filled with exotic flavors, colors, sights, and sounds.

Preparation and safety tips
When you travel to India you are visiting a culture that is exotic and alien to you, and the trip will require some preparation if it is to be a success. Book your accommodations in India well in advance and check the local weather for the time of year to avoid the monsoon season if possible.

Once you arrive it is necessary to remember that, even though many hotels are modern and attractively decorated, you should still take some precautions with regards to health and hygiene. The tap water in particular should not be trusted; bottled water is generally easy to find, and should be used for drinking and brushing your teeth.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid the food sold by the street vendors. Additionally, as is the case elsewhere, the water in restaurants should be bottled and should be opened at the table. It is also a good idea to carry a supply of disinfecting wet wipes to use before eating. One interesting side note: the local custom is to use only the right hand for handling food, as the left hand is considered unclean and therefore unsuitable.

There are a number of things to do and experience in India that will help to make any trip to this enchanting land a memorable one. Here are just a few suggestions:

Visit the Taj Mahal
Perhaps the most famous and iconic destination in all of India is the Taj Mahal. Located in the city of Agra, a visit here is well worth the effort regardless of the part of the country you spend the majority of your trip visiting. Visitors walking in the grounds will admire the beauty and symmetry of this massive marble tomb. It was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, and was completed in 1653. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal lives up to its reputation as one of the Wonders of the World.

See the Golden City
When visiting western Rajasthan, heading through the sand dunes on a camel-trek will eventually bring you to the city of Jaisalmer. Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is home to a spectacular walled fortress that dates back to 1156 AD; the sunset over its centuries-old walls is a feast for the senses.

Experience Jaipur
If you like elephants then you will need to head for Jaipur, where these giant creatures are trained to ferry visitors up the hill to the castle. The ride is unforgettable, and the castle itself is well worth the visit. It is also quite common to catch sight of a local mahout – or elephant rider – riding an elephant through the city center. There are a number of other areas in India where elephants are ridden through the streets, including in the south-west state of Kerala.

Visit the Golden Temple
For adventurous travelers the Golden Temple, or Harimandir Sahib, which is located in Amritsar in the Punjab, is a rewarding and awe-inspiring sight. Located in a distinctive and enchanting part of the country, the current incarnation of the Golden Temple was finished in 1764 and is known for the gold plating and marble of its exterior, and the massive frescos and assortment of gemstones that decorate the interior.

Attend a festival
India is home to hundreds of festivals, and regardless of when you visit; the odds are that some of the locals will be celebrating a local deity or an historic event. For example, Diwali is a five-day festival that takes place in late October or early November each year; called the “Festival of Lights”, it is known for its spectacular fireworks. Holi is known as the “Festival of Colors”, and is celebrated in March each year.

This article has been written by Sam Black, a freelance travel writer.

Shyok River: A Beautiful Himalayan River from Northern Ladakh

2012-05-08T00:56:00.001+05:30

The glacier-fed Shyok river is one of the main reasons for the extremely pretty and fertile Shyok and Nubra valleys. This tributary of the Indus river originates from the Rimo glacier, one of the tongues of the Siachen glacier, flows along the Pangong range of Changthang, does a ‘U’ turn and joins the Nubra river. It is the valley of these rivers that is known as the food bowl of Ladakh, allowing exotic fruits like seabuckthorn berries, apricots, almonds, etc. to grow here.

The Shyok and the Nubra then enter Pakistan and join the Indus river. The entire river is quite a sight in all seasons, especially in the summers when it glitters in emerald colors. This picture is of the Shyok river from a curve on one of the Himalayan roads that connects Khardung la to the town of Diskit

Wild Horses from Changthang Cold Desert

2012-05-07T23:53:00.001+05:30

I am always amazed when I see animals thriving in unforgiving conditions. But, that is how nature provides for and protects all its species even in the toughest conditions. Hence, even in one of the coldest places on the planet, the Changthang Cold Desert, the wild horses seem to be perfectly at home.

Their thick fur and their ability to sniff out grass even in the driest of terrain make them survive these supremely cold conditions. While most of these horses roam wild in the cold desert, some of them are tamed by the Changpa nomads and used as ‘beasts of burden’ to transport precious pashmina wool and the likes.

Eating your way across Turkey

2012-05-07T21:26:00.001+05:30

The ancient crossroads of the East and West, Turkey has a distinct style of cuisine drawing from both Mediterranean and the Middle East influences. Local recipes date back to the Ottoman Empire, when thousands of chefs working under the sultans would take part in competitions reminiscent of Iron Chef to perfect one dish at a time. Turkish food relies on purity of flavor. Many fruits, vegetables, and meats are left standing on their own so that you can appreciate each flavorful burst of the sun-soaked local produce.

Turkish Cookery Staples
If the bread in Turkey tastes heavenly, it may be because Ottoman bakers believed that the archangel Gabriel himself passed down the art of bread making to Adam. You'll find bread in any number of delicious permutations when you take cheap flights to Turkey, and always warm from the oven. Pide and lavash are popular flat breads which can help sop up sauces or wrap around any number of delectable fillings, particularly Middle Eastern favorites such as hummus and baba ghanoush.

Yoghurt is a Turkish creation, and its creamy tang is used to compliment grilled meat kebabs, fried eggplant, or dished up alongside bread and olive oil for a simple yet satisfying snack. Rice, olive oil, and seafood are common ingredients in many dishes, and both meat and vegetables are usually grilled to bring out a greater intensity of flavor.

Top Foodie Regions
The benefit of a gastronomic tour around Turkey is that the cuisine will change along with the landscape. You can start in the Mediterranean region with Dalaman flights. Fresh cheese, almonds, and seafood are all typical bites in this area. Midye dolma are a popular seaside take on the classic stuffed grape leaves known as dolma. Instead of leaves, mussels are filled with spiced rice, closed back up, and then steamed and served with fresh lemon. This region is also filled with olive trees, so you will find that the best dishes are those which are glistening with fruity oil.

From there you can move inland to Central Anatolia, which features heartier cuisine including meat stews and dumplings. Mantu are dumplings stuffed with spiced meat and served with yoghurt, pepper, and sumac on top. Further north in the Marmara region, which includes the capital of Istanbul, you will find the greatest Ottoman influence. Expect to see a heavier use of rice and more elaborate spice blends in this region.

Hopping a bus and sampling your way through the various Turkish markets and taverns in these regions is a great way to get your taste buds acquainted with the local offerings. If you can't bear to part with Turkish cuisine at the end of your holiday, there are numerous cooking schools to teach you how to roll the perfect dolma.

Abstract Photography: Solitary!!

2012-05-06T22:27:00.001+05:30

At Ladakh, the landscape photographer is spoilt for choice. Beautiful frames can be formed almost anywhere here. The sensational locales here nullify the importance of a good camera and/or a photographer. All frames taken here seem to be good.

This is such a frame that I took near the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. This solitary tree was standing against the barren mountains and the clear blue skies. This landscape photograph also looks like abstract art or at least that’s what I feel.

The Votive Stupas of Ladakh

2012-05-06T20:38:00.001+05:30

A typical traveller to Ladakh notices a lot of miniature stupas at every nook and corner of this trans-Himalayan region. These are not the typical relic stupas that are very well known for their religious significance.

Instead, these are the votive stupas that are constructed by the locals to commemorate their visits or to gain spiritual benefits. Locals keep sacred texts and other goods of religious importance like a prayer bowl or a prayer wheel inside these votive stupas as offerings.

These votive stupas are found across the entire region of Ladakh and more so at the site of prominent stupas, which are regularly visited. The smallest of these votive stupas can be an assorted pyramid of stones, while the large ones will be the more well constructed and organized that look like miniature stupas.

These votive stupas offer the typical traveller a great feel of the rich Buddhist culture and add an interesting flavour to Ladakh’s barren landscape.

Blue Skies of Ladakh: A Landscape Photography Series

2012-05-06T00:11:00.001+05:30

The Western Himalayas are blessed with beautiful blue skies nearly all 365 days of the year. Its dry weather and low atmospheric water vapor levels ensures that the lighting is nearly always good here. So, be it summer or winter, the blues in the skies are a plenty.

It was such a series of blue skies that I saw when I went there on a winter backpacking expedition. These are some of the SUPER BLUE moments!

Sunset Moments from Leh Town

2012-05-05T21:36:00.001+05:30

A cold evening at Leh saw me and my friends climb up Shanti Stupa as part of our acclimatization program. The short, but steep climb is a great way to get adjusted to the high altitude. This was the idea when we climbed, but when we reached the top, we were pleasantly stunned by the aerial beauty that was on offer.

The entire town of Leh with its barren tree cover could be seen from the top of Shanti Stupa. The Himalayan mountains surrounding it added to the aura. And as the evening set in, the rays of the setting sun dressed these views in splendid gold making for some fantastic sunset moments from Leh.

The barren Western Himalayas, the Leh town and the army camps below, each seemed to shine in the golden light making for some treasured views of the Leh town. These beautiful views more than made up for the puffing climb to the top of Shanti Stupa that included climbing over a steep flight of 200 to 250 plus steps.

A word of caution though; Don’t get confused by these bright scenes, which give a feeling of warmth. In reality, it was a good 15 degrees below zero or even lower when we saw these spectacular sunset moments.

Sand Dune Mountains

2012-04-24T00:19:00.001+05:30

There are always times when we come across weird things in the weirdest of places. And some of these weird things can form some of the most interesting experiences of your travels. If you happen to be in Ladakh, such interesting experiences are bound to be ubiquitous. Ladakh’s magnetic hill is such a well known natural wonder. But, have you ever heard of a mountain that is made of sand dunes?

These interesting formations, such mountains can be seen in and around the town of Lamayuru in the Western Himalayas of Ladakh. They are quite a sight. But, if you next to these sand dunes and try jumping on it, you will find out that these sand dunes are in fact as hard as the mountain and very unlike the sand dunes that we see in the deserts. And this is in spite the fact that they look very much the same.

Why you must visit Washington DC

2012-04-23T23:49:00.001+05:30

Washington D.C. is a cosmopolitan and eclectic city where visitors encounter stately monuments scattered amid swinging nightspots that feature every kind of music from blues to rock and roll. This is the kind of city where people stroll through the National Gallery of Art by day and spend their evening dancing at the Eighteenth Street Lounge on Dupont Circle. Washington is as elegant as the cultured traveler could desire and as vibrant as hip urban partiers could wish. In a unique city filled with fascinating experiences, it’s possible to fall in love and gain a whole new perspective on the changing landscape of American culture.

Washington is a city known for monuments, and no trip here could be complete without visits to a handful of the renowned landmarks. The Lincoln Memorial offers an atmosphere of awe while a trip to the top of the Washington Monument provides a sweeping view of the mall and an opportunity for some unforgettable photographs. Guided tours of the White House and Capitol are available and no one should pass up a trip to experience these landmarks firsthand. For an especially spectacular experience, consider seeing these monuments by moonlight. After the sun goes down and the artificial illumination comes on, these edifices are cloaked in romance and majesty. View it all best from a Potomac Riverboat cruise.

Anyone visiting the capital on the weekend should make a point of visiting the Eastern Market. This Capitol Hill staple has been in operation for more than 100 years. It’s the place to find fresh produce and baked goods or to barter for flea market bargains. The Market Lunch Counter boasts to-die-for blueberry pancakes that the locals swear by. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a slice of authentic color. Georgetown is probably the best place to find eclectic shopping. People spend hours browsing through antique stores alongside designer clothing and one-of-a-kind boutiques.

As a center of government and tourism, Washington offers a stunning array of accommodation options. Foremost among these is the collection of Doyle hotels in Washington. The chic, upscale and luxurious property known as The Dupont Circle Hotel provides unparalleled service combined with excellent location. For a superior experience, reserve a room at Level Nine where guests enjoy only the best service and amenities. With comfort and elegance to spare, The Dupont Circle Hotel is the last word in Washington luxury accommodations.

Planning your Boston Adventure

2012-04-23T23:40:00.001+05:30

Boston is a city where colonial charm echoes amongst modern high rises. Its charming streets are filled with historic landmarks, renowned cultural attractions and a wealth of fine shops, cafes, restaurants and nightlife establishments. Planning your Boston adventure takes time and plenty of research on the city. For those who are well prepared, Boston is one of the most fascinating and unique cities in the United States.

Before visiting Boston, be sure to conduct proper research online. Try to familiarize yourself with the city’s culture, climate, history and demographics. When booking your hotel, make a point to shop around online for the best deals. Doyle hotels in Boston are an affordable and practical option for many visitors while the Back Bay hotel offers convenient access to the fine shops of Newbury Street and the Charles River. There are a wide range of hotels in the city suitable for every budget and personal taste. Lastly, be sure to carry a map with you during your visit and to dress appropriately, as the city’s weather is notoriously in flux.

Once you’ve done enough research and planning for your Boston adventure, it’s time to get out and see what the city has to offer. Boston boasts the largest collection of colonial and Early American landmarks in the United States. A great place to start your adventure is the Freedom trail, a walking tour of 16 of the city’s most renowned historical sites. A must-do activity for visitors, the Freedom Trail takes adventurers to sites of interest like Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, the Massachusetts State House, the USS Constitution and much more. The city’s premier attraction, the Freedom Trail is both fun and fascinating.

Elsewhere in Boston, visitors will find a plethora of museums, theaters, historic landmarks and other sites of interest. The sprawling New England Aquarium is one of the city’s top attractions, home to a vast array of marine life to see. Boston also plays host to historic and architecturally stunning neighborhoods worth visiting such as Back Bay, Beacon Hill and Chinatown. In addition, the city holds many world-class museums and cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Other top landmarks and attractions in Boston include Fenway Park, the Arnold Arboretum and the Boston Public Garden.

Boston is home to a wealth of shops, restaurants and nightlife spots too. Fanieul Hall and Quincy Market are home to a wide array of great restaurants and stores while Downtown Crossing is Downtown Boston’s retail epicenter. The city is also renowned for its fresh seafood and vibrant nightlife, especially in the Allston/Brighton neighborhood.

With so much to see and do, your Boston adventure is sure to be fun and memorable.

Enchanting Edinburgh Awaits!

2012-04-23T23:27:00.001+05:30

It has never been easier or more affordable to travel from Manchester or London to grand old Edinburgh. A city that blends the best of both old and new. A gorgeous mix of medieval buildings in the Old Town combines with the slightly more modern and majestic Georgian architecture in the New Town. Edinburgh is the thriving pulse of the arts and culture scene, formerly known as the Athens of the North, the city has a wonderful array of activities and festivals all year round.

In the Old Town, discover a wonderful array of medieval relics. Visit the Abbey and Palace at Holyrood House. This is one of the Queen's official residences and holds the Royal Collection of Art. This site was also where Mary Queen of Scots lived during her reign.

Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile is a magnificent and enormous fortress that was built on top of an extinct volcano and it has been the epicenter of life in the capital for the past thousand years. Home to the Edinburgh Tattoo, military museum, a chapel and many layers of history to be peeled back at a visitor's leisure. Entry is £15 for adults, then purchase a headset for £3 to get a guided tour.

All along the Royal Mile are dotted tartan shops, cashmere wool retailers, high-end pubs, kilt-makers and distillers. The area has many stand-out restaurants and pubs that really show people how to have a good time. Wander downhill to the Mitre, where they have excellent grub and a good selection of whisky. Another good place to rest the weary bones after a day of sight-seeing is Café Truva, a wee café where the coffee is good and the service is friendly.

For those with a shopping itch to scratch, head across the bridge over to the New Town, where Princes Street has a usual fare of High Street retailers and George Street is teeming with specialist boutiques, high-end fashion retailers and stylish restaurants. Take a stroll down to the exclusive Stockbridge area and discover eclectic antique and designer shops and the leafy and lush Water of Leith trail. Edinburgh is a collection of treasures waiting to be discovered, and there is something for everyone to love!

Baker’s Falls: An Exquisite Waterfall in Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains, National Park

2012-04-22T20:20:00.001+05:30

It is always quite an experience to see waterfalls in full flow and it gets even better if the entire setting is tropical. It was such a setting in Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains national park where the Baker’s falls is located. One can reach this remote waterfall by going on a hour long tropical trek.

I have been to this waterfall a couple of times, but this time around, the weather was different with a lot of rain and thus this beautiful waterfall was in full flow. I would have preferred blue skies too, but had to do with dense mist and grey skies.

But, irrespective of the weather, this waterfall along with its pure setting captivates one and all. One can just stay here and relish the surroundings for hours together.

Trek to World’s End

2012-04-22T19:15:00.001+05:30

There are quite a few places in Sri Lanka that make you feel that you are in ‘paradise’. One such place is World’s End, where the terrain drops into a 1000m drop in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. A nine kilometer trek through grasslands and tropical forests lead to this massive fall in land. But, the best part is that one hardly expects this drop until they reach Mini World’s End, which is like a preamble to World’s End.

Both these places offer unparalleled views of the lush green cover below, but my personal favorite is when the clouds float in between. And this happens when there is a slight drizzle in this tropical terrain. Both these places inside Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains National Park make you feel that you are truly in heaven.

The trek that leads to both these large drops is also quite a sight as it meanders through grasslands, ponds, waterfalls and tropical forests. Overall, a tropical trek to World’s End is definitely a must-do activity in Sri Lanka if you wish to enjoy paradise in its most beautiful form!!

Frozen Indus River in the Changthang Cold Desert

2012-04-22T00:13:00.001+05:30

The Changthang Cold Desert is a real special place. It’s extremely low oxygen levels, its remoteness, its barren look, its mighty Himalayan ranges, its blue skies and its snow fed rivers make it one of the best sights in the world. You hardly see any living organism in this terrain! Such is its tough nature.

The place gets even tougher during the winters, but that is when me and my crazy friends ventured into this pristine terrain. After visiting the Pangong Tso, Tangtse and Tso Moriri side of Changthang, we were headed towards the remotest parts of Changthang Cold Desert, which include Hanle, Lyoma and Nyoma. This is also a sensitive area as the Indian Army has set up base to patrol its border with China.

The drive from Chumathang to Hanle took us through some of through some of the best sights we have laid out eyes on. But, unfortunately, we could not enjoy all of it in the open due to the extremely cold weather. But, we did manage to see some fantastic views of the meandering frozen Indus river surrounded by the mighty Himalayas. Sights such as these are truly heavenly. We even managed to walk a good distance on the frozen Indus river. I will share that experience in a separate post.

Blue Fin Bungalow: A Fab place right on Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka

2012-04-19T00:04:00.001+05:30

The Unawatuna beach is one of those beaches where the shacks or hotels are located perilously close to the waters of the ocean. But, that is one of the greatest thrills of the Unawatuna beach, a cove beach located on the west coast of Sri Lanka.

And if you are planning to spend your beach holiday at Unawatuna, there are great properties to pick and choose from. Personally, I stayed at the Blue Fin Bungalow, a private bungalow that is adjacent to the famous Lucky Tuna restaurant. This bungalow is pretty simple, but swanky in its own right. It comes air-conditioned with 2 double beds, a LCD TV, a large bathroom and a very large sit-out, which is my personal favorite.

The large sit out comes with 2 hammocks, a couple of large tables and lots of sitting space. This is ideal for your own private candle night dinner on the beach. And at ten large steps to the sea, the waters are never too far away for a short dip or a long swim. For immediate food n beverages, one can leverage the services of Lucky Tuna restaurant and if you have oodles of time, you can explore the other beach shops and the town around it.

Landscape Photography: Passing through Leh Market in the high Himalayas

2012-04-18T23:34:00.001+05:30

Ladakh is one of the top places to shoot landscapes and the best part is that it is open all year round for the landscape photographers. One need not be in any special place in Ladakh to capture it’s pristine beauty. In fact, a relaxed walk through the markets of Leh can also throw some interesting sights.

Such a sight it was when I saw this view of a frozen Khardungla river with the mighty, yet barren Western Himalayas in the background and surrounded by leaf less trees. And all this while me and my friends were strolling through the Leh market on a very cold winter morning.

Upcoming Travel: A Solo Ride after close to three years

2012-04-04T23:57:00.001+05:30

My last solo motorcycle ride was my ‘India on a motorcycle’ trip. And it’s been close to three years since that trip. In fact, I haven’t gone on any solo trip since then even though they are sometimes the best form of travel as you can explore to your heart’s fill without any commitments or distractions. Apologies to my fellow travel buddies if you find this statement a bit harsh, but I think you would tend to agree with me at some level.

This time around, I have 5 days with me from April 5 through the 9th. I plan to leave home tomorrow morning around sunrise and head west into the cooler climes of the Western Ghats. Initially, I wanted to go visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Anshi National Park and Nersa on the Karnataka-Goa border, but then later, after putting in some thought, I have decided to go aimless (no sense of destination planning). The reason is pretty simple. I have been to most of the places in Karnataka and have traversed through all of its highways. Hence, this time around, I intend to travel west and drop by any interesting place that I find on my way to the western ghats and back. A simple thumb of rule would be to follow the Karnataka Tourism signboards, but then a session with the locals opens up more options.

And regarding the route, I am planning to take the really small roads that pass through the smaller towns and villages of Karnataka. I simply hate to ride on the 4-lanes and hence this decision. I hope that this will be an interesting trip for me in spite of the increasing temperatures. Hopefully, I will have loads of stories and photographs to share once I am back. Cheers till then…

Spectacular Galle Coastline

2012-04-03T23:51:00.001+05:30

The best place to admire the Galle coastline is from the top of the bordering Galle Fort. This ancient fort, which prevented the 2004 tsunami from hitting the Galle town offers stunning views of the waves hitting the rocks below.

The entire Galle coastline can be easily seen from the fort. In fact, a leisurely walk ensures that one can see different aspects of Galle from old Galle to fishing towns to lighthouses to beaches and many more. I am sure it is an even better sight during the monsoons when the seas are rough.

How to Spend a Year Planning for the Trip of a Lifetime

2012-03-29T23:47:00.001+05:30

We all have our list of foreign destinations we’d love to visit. Along with it, most people attach a list of excuses why they can’t take the trip. But whether it’s the finances, a lack of free time, or uncertainty regarding the ultimate level of satisfaction derived from the experience, the ostensible roadblocks can almost always be removed with the right amount of planning.

If you have doubts that go along with your dream destination, take one full year to plan accordingly. By adhering to the following steps, you’ll soon discover that your outrageous travel plans are surprisingly possible and certainly affordable:

Step one (12-10 months before departure): Pick three potential destinations. Don’t focus on one specific place just yet, as variables may ultimately disqualify that choice. Instead, decide on one ideal travel destination as well as two alternates.

Step two (11-9 months before departure): Start acquiring airline miles. If you don’t already own a credit card with a miles bonus, get one through a credit card company you already do business with. Capital One Venture, for example, is a great miles deal for folks already working with the bank.

Step three (10-8 months before departure): Narrow your choices down to two. Start researching flight prices as well as any and all caveats that may come along with using credit cards with no foreign transaction fee in these places. Before making the final choice, find out how much each costs.

Step four (9-7 months before departure): Establish a travel savings fund. Start putting money for your trip away. Instead of simply slipping it into your ordinary savings, establish a unique account. It makes your upcoming travel plans more official, which increases the chances of them coming to fruition.

Step five (8-6 months before departure): Pick your destination. You’ve done the research and crunched the numbers. You may be no finance major, but your conclusions are undoubtedly reliable enough to base your decision on. With that said, do not “settle” on a destination – pick the one you want the most.

Step six (7-5 months before departure): Learn the language basics. The pleasure of your experience will increase tenfold if you take the time to understand the native language if it’s not your own. Directions will make more sense, service will be much more concise, and people will be more polite.

Step seven (6-4 months before departure): Collect sight-seeing ideas. Research in detail your destination. Don’t just follow the game plan of some traveller on TV, take the time to find the various locales, restaurants, and shops that you feel are worth visiting. Consult the unending array of online advice for travellers, such as this blog, for unique and out-of-the-way ideas.

Step eight (5-3 months before departure): Book your flight(s) and hotel reservations, and apply for your passport. Six to nine months of building up airline miles with your credit card should result in a fair sized chunk of your travel costs being covered. In addition, three to five months before your arrival is the ideal time to confirm hotel bookings in popular destinations, especially if you plan on traveling during peak tourist season.

Step nine (4 to 2 months before departure): Get into shape. Your vacation won’t be any fun if going up a single flight of stairs has you winded and looking for a place to sit down. Increased exercise will not only make you feel better, it’ll also make you look better in those photos you will show your family.

Step ten (3 to 1 months before departure): Wrap up plans and prepare to depart! If your passport application was rejected, then six to eight weeks is plenty of time to re-apply. If some aspect of your plans must change, there’s time to do so. By doing the aforementioned months in advance, you allow yourself plenty of time as you near your trip to take care of any and all unexpected factors at play.

Almost all of us wish to see the world, but very few of us are able to climb out of our sea of excuses to make it happen. However, chances are good that your seemingly impossible travel plans are perfectly practical so long as you give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Spending a year on arrangements is a small price to pay when we’re talking about the trip of your lifetime.

Lucky Restaurant serves the best Biryani in Mumbai

2012-03-27T22:38:00.001+05:30

Founded in 1938 by Sayed Ali Akbarul Huseini, Lucky Hotels and Restaurants is one of Mumbai’s best Biryani joints. The Lucky Restaurant situated at suburban Bandra and next to the Goregaon flyover (east) is the name that every Mumbaikar mentions when you ask them for a Biryani restaurant suggestion.

I got a first hand experience of this restaurant when I dropped in at their Bandra joint one evening. The place, which was running full had a pretty decent ambience with both non-air-conditioned and air-conditioned facilities. The first floor, which is their air-conditioned section is shaped like a igloo with a small entrance and very low ceilings. But, once you get settled and look at the menu, you are spoilt for choices. But, since this was my first time around, I went with the recommended meal of Biryani, Raita and Irani chai.

But, whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, whether you are going for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the options that the Lucky restaurant are phenomenal. And all this at a very reasonable price. A full meal with dessert and a hot cup of tea or coffee would cost you between 250 and 300 rupees. A lot of celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar and Sanjay Dutt have also visited this place and have endorsed their food. I would definitely recommend this place for a great Biryani treat.

Wildlife Photography: Blackbuck Series from Maidenahalli

2012-03-25T19:17:00.001+05:30

Jayamangali Blackbuck reserve situated about 150 kms from Bangalore is a great place to photograph blackbucks. The early mornings and late evenings are ideal as that is when the blackbucks graze the open grasslands and/or indulge in some horn-locking extravaganza.

The soft golden yellow light of the early morning and the late evening hours provide the best light to photograph these rare breed of antelopes. And during the afternoons, one can see these blackbucks resting in the shade, which doesn’t offer much activity due to the heat and also compromises on the lighting.

While shooting these blackbucks, refrain from making any sound and stay at least 40 feet away from them for an undisturbed photography session. The above and below images are part of a wildlife series of the Jayamangali Blackbucks shot at Maidenahalli. In this a blackbuck couple is walking these open grasslands when they notice my presence to check out the intruder. Then, after staring enough, they bolt and disappear from my range.

Tomatoes can really be very sweet!!

2012-03-24T23:38:00.001+05:30

I distinctly remember savouring sweet tomatoes while I was vegetable shopping with my mum a couple of decades back. It has been a while since I tasted such tomatoes anywhere. The ones we get at the market are more tangy than sweet and one cannot enjoy tomatoes like a mango. I think it is the new generation of fertilizers and pesticides that take away the true taste of this fruit/vegetable.

But, I again got an opportunity to taste real sweet tomatoes when I dropped by an organic Tomato farm situated next to the Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve at Maidenahalli. In fact, I was on a wildlife safari, but lost my way and ended up here at the farm. While I was checking out the tomatoes here, the tomato growers invited me and my friends to taste their farm’s produce. As I dug in to the warm and sweet tomato, my childhood memories flooded back and I asked for a couple more to relish this taste for a longer while. Only the lord knows when the next such opportunity will come by…unless we start growing more of such organic products.