tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:56:23 +0000BengaluruadivaasApple iPod shuffle 4 GB Black (3rd Generation)BSNL - Bangalore International MarathonBalamuri fallsCasio Men's Pathfinder WatchChannapatnaDah-HanuDandeliDriveDusk to DawnFireflies All-night Festival of Music 2011Kabbinhole Reserved ForestKalavarahalli BettaKali RiverKanavaKardung LaKargilLadakhLamayuruLehMalta Mediterranean Sea Scuba Dive Valletta Gozo Comino Azure WindowMaruti Suzuki RitzMaya RavanaMidnight MarathonMurdeshwarMusicalNetrani islandNight trekNubra VelleyOmbattu GuddaOther VoicesPangong Tso LakeRam SethuRanga Shankara Theatre Festival '07Ranganathittu Bird SanctuaryRevathi MenonScuba divingSethusamudram Ship Canal ProjectShiradi ghatsShobanaSimplified LifeSkandagiriSomething RelevantSpinifex with Dr Mysore ManjunathSrirangapatnamSwarathmaThermal and a QuarterTiffen 72mm Photo Essentials Filter KitWD My Passport Essential 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External HDDWhite Water RaftingWildlife SanctuaryYodhakaabeedhallikukke subramanyakumara parvatapushpagiriI use this space to blog my experiences and my thoughts. These are completely my views, with no intent to offend any sentiments.http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Raj)Blogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-1505534530572825169Fri, 20 Sep 2013 07:17:00 +00002013-09-20T00:35:05.873-07:00 I traveled around Ladakh for the first 2 weeks of September and during that period, I ran the Ladakh Marathon on 8th Sunday. I must admit that it was truly phenomenal to run at an altitude of 12,000 feet; it’s tough but a soul connecting experience! This year was Ladakh Marathon’s second year since its inception and is an excellent drive by Rimo Expeditions to encourage the local Ladakhi http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2013/09/ladakh-marathon-2013-personal-experience.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-6294753651435994482Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:25:00 +00002011-10-21T02:36:05.953-07:00Malta Mediterranean Sea Scuba Dive Valletta Gozo Comino Azure Window[Work In Progress] How does one choose to visit a city or a country? This is one of the most frequently asked questions. And the answer would be - inspirations from another friend's travel, a television travel show, a photography exhibition, accidental online information or it could even be a movie! Yes, this time it was a Tamil movie called Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya. The cinematography was http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2011/10/truly-mediterranean-heart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)0Malta35.937496 14.37541599999997335.798434 14.182207499999972 36.076558000000006 14.568624499999974tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-949037380814119511Mon, 23 May 2011 10:59:00 +00002011-05-23T04:18:59.382-07:00Hectic work, city chaos & roller coaster life creates an urge in every soul; an urge to find a desolate natural space within the proximity of our urban occupation! A couple of us were in one such desperate search of a location, where we could escape the urban chaos; to just relax in solitude or practice bouldering or even go cycling. Thanks to my friend Swami, http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2011/05/sunday-morning-at-bangalores-forest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-8513478909556070126Thu, 19 May 2011 11:09:00 +00002011-05-19T04:09:17.193-07:00 EDUCATION can define any human personality & facilitate her / his success! I completely believe that every kid deserves this EDUCATION. This is Thyagaraj, an engineer with Sapient & an avid adventurer with Adivaas - an Adventure Travel Venture. I've realized that I've been lucky enough to be educated & to have made myself a decent living. I've also been on a consistent lookout for http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2011/05/running-world-10k-bangalore-to-support.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-1206937838512978939Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:01:00 +00002011-03-20T13:57:01.031-07:00Dusk to DawnFireflies All-night Festival of Music 2011Something RelevantSpinifex with Dr Mysore ManjunathSwarathmaThermal and a QuarterYodhakaaA stage, set under a banyan tree in an open air amphitheatre, adjacent to a lake and away from the city chaos - yes, this Fireflies Music Festival for every music lover! This is one place, one concert which promises to deliver excellent music of various genres. The organizers even call it an event to celebrate the relationship of oneness between man and earth!A few of us without much convincing, http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2011/02/dusk-to-dawn-with-fireflies-music.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-6215644153570846663Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:10:00 +00002011-03-23T02:51:15.218-07:00Apple iPod shuffle 4 GB Black (3rd Generation)Casio Men's Pathfinder WatchMaruti Suzuki RitzTiffen 72mm Photo Essentials Filter KitWD My Passport Essential 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External HDDAs the year winds up, looking back at ’09 & summing up, it seems to have been a fabulous year! Our own adventure tribe - “adivaas” kicked off in Jan with a successful expedition to Chembra peak. The year brought in a lot of great expeditions across India & Nepal. This year also reflects in making great acquaintances with a lot of lovely people, which has turned into valuable human http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2009/12/acquisitions-de-09.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-3606821978937034335Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:32:00 +00002011-03-23T02:09:04.314-07:00adivaasKabbinhole Reserved ForestOmbattu GuddaShiradi ghatsCall it a trail least taken or a trail not to be taken; adivaas successfully conquered Ombattu Gudda in the Shiradi Ghats of Karnataka this December. It was a mysterious & thrilling experience; not to forget was confusing as well. Having us in its cradle for an additional half a day than planned, Shiradi Ghats indeed proved to be a thick & tough jungle to negotiate. It tested our skills http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2009/12/trail-less-taken-ombattu-gudda.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-4655628794224293815Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:25:00 +00002011-03-23T03:43:13.032-07:00adivaasbeedhallikukke subramanyakumara parvatapushpagiriSituated in Sullia taluk of the Western Ghats, these mountains have the reputation of being the toughest hike in Southern India. It had a hiker totally lost for ages in the jungles to finally find himself almost dead. It is also rumored to have sheltered some of the tough naxalites. Some still fear that they would never conquer this second highest peak in the state of Karnataka. But fears are http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2009/03/situated-in-sulia-taluk-of-western.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-26892491096294778Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:39:00 +00002009-02-12T22:15:47.982-08:00BengaluruMidnight MarathonWell, if you thought I would be talking about my better half, then you are wrong! This is about my third 'half marathon' and the second in Bengaluru Midnight Marathon.I have always had fun running and never missed an opportunity to be part of marathons since I started at the last Bengaluru Midnight Marathon. This time the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon was jinxed due to security concerns raised fromhttp://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-third-half.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-4251343434753459505Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:12:00 +00002009-01-05T01:16:24.986-08:00Nineteen days in seven destinations of three nations packed with diverse cultures and vibrant people, I would like to call it "5000 kilometres of Triversity".iJag: Have you ever imagined travelling to Cambodia?Vyas: Macha, check out the pictures from Angkor Wat! Its simply amazing!Me: Yes, Angkor Wat is surely the destination! Thailand with it will be wonderful!Niki: Super le, let’s do it!Others:http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/12/5000-kilometers-of-triversity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-2339667110173746048Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:17:00 +00002008-12-18T11:01:28.846-08:00Maya RavanaMusicalShobanaHow many times have you witnessed the stage set on fire? I would get on to my knees and kiss her hand. Her dancing and naughty gestures all over the musical of Maya Ravana will mesmerize anyone; for sure I was! Shobana even in her near 40s, dances with elegance and lots of energy. Her students from Kalarpana are surely world class presenters as well. This ensemble's musical performance at Christ http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/12/mesmerizing-maya-ravan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-545563391862825507Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:07:00 +00002008-12-19T14:36:00.724-08:00Balamuri fallsRanganathittu Bird SanctuarySrirangapatnamDestination: Balamuri falls, Ranganathittu Bird SanctuarySquad: iJag, Megha and MyselfDeparture: 06:30 IST, 20th July, SundayDistance: Approx 140 KmsDirections: Bengaluru – Srirangapatnam – Balamuri Falls – RanganathittuAfter a busy work schedule and continued weekend traveling in Switzerland, the travel bug left me thirsty for more after my return to Bengaluru. So was my Nikon D80 and it was http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/08/shootout-at-ranganathittu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-1295392259800843486Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:07:00 +00002008-12-10T03:20:18.863-08:00Kalavarahalli BettaNight trekSkandagiri Destination: Kalavara Betta aka SkandagiriSquad: Nikhil, Yateesh and MyselfDeparture: 01:00 IST , 27th July, SundayDistance: Approx 75 KmsDirections: Bengaluru - Devanahalli - Chikabalapur - KalavarahalliAfter having picked up Yateesh and Nikhil, we stopped over at my place before heading out for a quick dinner. Then after a small party at a friend’s place, we were driving with a speed limit of http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/08/over-night-hike-to-clouds.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-2077985516725213713Tue, 06 May 2008 04:44:00 +00002008-05-05T21:55:08.906-07:00Clicks: http://picasaweb.google.co.in/thyagaraj.annaswamy/SultanatesOfSunderbanshttp://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/05/sultanates-of-sunderbans.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-779555076050999245Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:40:00 +00002008-12-10T03:20:19.144-08:00BengaluruChannapatnaDriveKanavaTraffic, smoke, noise; all these are the characteristics of any city; but Namma Bengaluru surely shows it all in abundance. Any weekend will beckon for a peaceful get-away; but the finances/time constraints will not support every other weekend. So this time we decided to explore the vicinity of Bengaluru, a reservoir called Kanava dam. A cool highway towards Mysore has a lot to offer; but this http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/04/worth-drive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-3089915460871899487Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:43:00 +00002008-12-10T03:20:19.813-08:00MurdeshwarNetrani islandScuba divingScribbling over the brain, easily noticeable question was "what's next?" with the inbound Easter holidays. Sunbathing at Goa beaches, flavored with adventure like trekking to Dudhsagar & scuba diving at Grande island were the immediate thoughts! But with most of the Goa doors closed around the time, exploring scuba diving at the Netrani island was THE thing to do! Thankfully BMC guys had http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/04/serenity-down-under-arabian-sea.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-8467784734366555855Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:13:00 +00002011-04-14T00:32:48.218-07:00DandeliKali RiverWhite Water RaftingWildlife SanctuaryShashi's wedding invitation read Belgaum as the venue. What's close to Belgaum? What can be adventurous there? These questions sparked almost instantaneously. Got the vacations approved at work, did a lot of research and finally zeroed on Dandeli. Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali River White Water Rafting are the best it can offer. Following reservations were made: Onward train ticket reservation on http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/03/dandeli-adrenaline-rush.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-2346851003962025743Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:07:00 +00002008-02-25T02:10:38.452-08:00As some of you already know, I'm planning to be in Dandeli on 29th (Fri), 1st (Sat) & 2nd (Sun). Dandeli is well-known for its Wildlife Sanctuary & white water rafting. I want the friends to join me; best for all 3 days, else atleast on 1st & 2nd of March. I have done some homework & its all here. Please let me know your interest & I would try making arrangements for all the http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2008/02/dandeli-wilderness-planning.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-2877086003119227698Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:19:00 +00002008-12-10T03:20:20.343-08:00BSNL - Bangalore International Marathon'16th December 2007’ marks an important fete in my life history - this line describes the great feeling of completing the BSNL - Bangalore International Marathon, non-stop in 130mins. Non-stop completion was the target; the legs tearing apart in pain did not hinder my will power. The drive behind this fete was just 2 words and they were - ‘Keep Running’!It was a Sunday and I got up at 5AM. This http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2007/12/keep-running.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-7618629247608571968Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:28:00 +00002008-12-10T03:20:20.508-08:00Coffee! Someone who has watched the Hindi movie “Pyaar Ke Side Effects”, would guess that the actual topic is SEX; but thats not the case here! I will now pen down my love for coffee as I sip at a cup of it . . .My childhood mornings would start with someone waking me up with a cup of coffee. Then I would just gobble and start sipping. The taste of it would actually kick start my day. During http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2007/12/wanna-fetcha-cuppa-kapi.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-3139763704499785108Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:23:00 +00002007-12-26T10:57:34.014-08:00It's always fun to be part of a pal's wedding and if it requires more than 2000km of drift, its truly a unique experience! It took me less than a week to confirm my presence at Deepak's marriage, after he confirmed his wedding dates. It took about one sleepless night to decide the trip itinerary and later the train tickets were booked with ease; thanks to IRCTC. Ramakanth and Jyothi were my http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2007/12/love-affair-with-northern-winter-chill.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-866548417912481011Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:47:00 +00002007-11-12T09:05:01.309-08:00Simplified LifeToday I read an article on Mobile Television, which South Korea and Japan have been quick to embrace; and is slowing capturing certain other parts of the world including India. Times have changed which when said is now a cliché and everyone is aware of it. But I would still like to tell that I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful journey, and would love to pen down couple of thoughts/http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2007/11/gone-are-days.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-3693426208920327074Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:01:00 +00002007-10-30T11:47:51.006-07:00Other VoicesRanga Shankara Theatre Festival '07Revathi MenonIt was an intimately set living room, in the attic kind of a place of Ranga Shankara. The act meant to have no start and no end; but to leave an everlasting impression for the "suppose to be small 25 people strong" audience. Not a word to be spoken, the only option was to watch in utter silence. The presenter had no experience of what she was doing and "it was flawless" would be an http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2007/10/intimate-with-other-voices.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-5188454767060151959Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:04:00 +00002007-10-03T03:10:24.353-07:00Ram SethuSethusamudram Ship Canal ProjectThoughts sparked reading few articles about the so called 150 years old dream of Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project. Is it really of national economic interest or is it a collateral damage to the national heritage? No doubt the project is cent percent for the national economy; but the current alignment of dredging through Ram Sethu will jinx the Indian heritage.India has a peninsular coast with http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2007/09/deserves-to-be-preserved.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004282352035078055.post-8598515902621881937Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:00:00 +00002008-12-10T03:20:22.628-08:00A 50 km smooth ride from Chennai on the ECR highway leads to Mahabalipuram, also called Mamalapuram. Home to beautiful Pallava architecture; Mahabalipuram has lovely marble and stone structures diligently maintained by the archaeological authorities.The monolithic temples called Five Rathas are termed as Pancha Pandava Rathas though they have nothing to do with Mahabharata. The fact that each http://thyagaraj.blogspot.com/2007/08/charms-of-pallava-architecture.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Raj)0