my travelogue

Blended with Nature

2013-12-08T22:17:00.002+05:30

Plan

Parambikulam; When I suggested Manju about visiting there, very little did I know about the place and was thinking just an outing and a getaway from the hectic routines. The blogs or travelogues we read gave some idea about the place. I was excited about the drive. We never thought that this is going to be an experience which we can’t ever forget.

The travel to Parambikulam

We started at 5.15 am from Ernakulam. As we have seen the map I drove on till Vadakkanchery. Google map suggested to take a right turn at Alathur. I knew there is a way from Vadakkancherry to Nenmara and Kollenkode. Asked locals and they gave clear guidance. Took a turn and went thru Nenmara, Kollenkode.

Paddy fields of Nenmara

Our stomach started reminding us about the breakfast. We stopped at a small hotel on the roadside. They had idiyappam, appam and idly. We settled for idly. They served idly with chutney, sambar (that was also called sambar), mulaku chammanthi and chutney podi. It was just sufficient.

At Hotel Narayana

After 6-7 KM from Kollenkode we took right turn towards Chulliyar dam. First we thought we may go to the dam but later discarded the plan and went straight to our destination. We stopped at a place where we could see a portion of the dam, just had a look and continued.

Chulliar Dam

We drove on till Anamalai Checkpost where Tamilnadu check post people checked vehicle and bags to find out whether we were carrying liquor. Liquor is a strict no no in Parambikulam.

Entrance to Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Took tickets and continued our drive till Top Slip checkpost. It was a bumpy drive as the road is in peril. We understood from others that this road is repaired before 6 years!!!. It was amazing to see thick forest and teak plantation without a single soul for kilometers together on our way. At top slip check post we were stopped again, to verify our tickets and continued our travel.

Top Slip Check-post

There are few shops, a canteen and toilets at Topslip, which is useful. We were excited to see two deer on the way to Kerala Checkpost.

After emptying our bladder we drove on to Kerala checkpost. Parked vehicle and went to take tickets. They checked our details and guided us well. The way they were interacting was too good. They were friendly and informative.

Kerala Checkpost

Two more KM we were at the reception of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. They verified our payment details and the balance is remitted in their office. One guide came along with us in our car to the “Tented Niche”, which we had booked early.

Tented Niche

We recommend this accommodation to all those who plan to go there. Our car was parked in one parking lot and we have been provided our allotted tent “Banyan”. It is neatly furnished. They gave lemon juice as welcome drink which was refreshing. There are 7 tents altogether. Ours was on a side where forest is separated by electrified fencing.

Parambikulam experience

We walked around as our program will start only at 3PM with a safari. We saw the media room and information center and spent some time in it. We saw some uniformed guides were posing for a photo session and out of curiosity we asked the forest officials about the occasion.

That small talk has opened a “Pandora’s Box”. They said that photo session is for an award from Chief Minister which they won for best innovative way to protect environment. The price money is 5 Lakhs and this money is going to be spent for tribes in that region. When we started asking further, we were introduced to a person, Mr. Ajayan, who is also an employee there. He asked us whether we have time to listen. On hearing yes from us, he took us to one building where he opened up a world of information, which made us awestruck.

Ajayan sir started a session for us and another group about Parambikulam and its environment. We found that to be too informative and it opened an inner eye. That moment I repented not taking kids along. I decided to come back again with them to listen to Ajayan Sir and see this awesome place. If anybody visits this place after reading my blog, please ensure that you are attending the interpretation session. It may be better to do it before the trip as you will see all things though a different eye.

We had our lunch from there which is for those inmates of tented Niche as buffet. It was good food with both Veg and non-veg. We went back again to Interpretation Centre to hear more from Ajayan Sir. He was giving orientation to another group who were seemed to be not too keen. Seeing us back he started in his regular humorous way. Hats off to him as he made us aware of many things and we felt real admiration to his passion and dedication. It is understood from him that the Parambikulam is transformed to the current way because of efforts of one DFO Mr. Sanjayan Kumar. Saluting him for his vision and efforts

As planned our Safari started at 3.30PM in their own van. The drive was interesting with herds of deer and elephants all around.

They took us to two dams and for a bamboo rafting.

The last program was a dance by tribal women, which we found not so interesting. The highlight was the return trip in night to our tents. We could see plenty of animals all around. Deers, rabbits, sambar, Gaur and elephants…. This is the reason why I recommend the stay ay Tented Niche. This trip is only for the people in the tent. The food was served around 8.30, which was delicious again. It was too calm and the weather was very pleasant and cool. We could only hear sound of birds and animals once in a while.

Morning we woke up hearing the sound of deer herd. We were glad to see a big group grazing around our tent. We could hear birds singing and whistling all around. We took off for trekking along with one guide immediately after tea served at 6.30AM. . We opted for a long trek, which is 6KM through the forest.

The interesting part was the trekking through the Ever Green forest. It is read in books that light does not fall on ground due to the thick vegetation on top and hence no grass.

We were lucky to see that and understand. There was a slight fear in back of mind about encountering wild animals. Luckily or unluckily we couldn’t see any. We saw the "Malabar Hornbill" (Vezhambal) flying away with a big sound and many more birds. It is known that Salim Ali had spent a few years at Parambikulam due to the presence of various types of birds.

We concluded the trip with the walk and then breakfast.We are determined to come back with our children as soon as possible. The place is so enchanting that you would stay back there forever!!

Some facts

I wish to share some interesting facts about the whole place. It is the Tribals in that region who protect the entire forest along with the Forest department officials. The tourists are taken care by these tribals and they are doing driving, catering, housekeeping, reception and what not. It is really amazing to see the depth of knowledge of these people have. A guide, who accompanied us to the forest for trekking, knew the scientific names of all species of trees and shrubs on the way. I don’t think a MSc Botany person will know so much. It is understood from many bloggers and websites that you see Bison in Parambikulam, which is totally wrong. The animal that is seen is Gaur (Katti) which is a specie of Cow.

Panchavadyam from Pakal pooram at Ernakulam Shiva Temple

2013-10-04T21:32:00.001+05:30

Exploring Pune Day 3

2012-06-03T10:20:00.002+05:30

Shankarwadi

Our third stop was Shankarwadi near to the Somatne Toll booth. I have heard from friends that it is a Cave temple having Lord Shiva as deity . I was curious to climb the hill and see the cave temple.

We started the ascent around 5 in evening. It was a pleasant evening. The temperature was not really affecting us due to heavy winds that time. But I was exhausted and sat down after the first flight of steps. I drank some water and also washed face, which brought the energy back.

Then a steady climb brought us to a junction like place at mid of the hill. When asked a person who seems to be Poojari over there, he gave directions. The way to left is for the Shiva temple and the right side way is leading to a Ram temple. We went staright to Shiva temple first.

The temple / cave is carved out of single rock. The entrance is made of cut rock pieces. The rooms are rectangular in shape. I prayed silently in the Shiva temple. There are few pond like holes in the rocks nearby, which are filled with water. People who visit there have made the pond dirty by throwing all sorts of waste in it.

In the second temple we saw a swami sitting and reading a book. On enquiring he said he resides inside that temple itself. It was really cool inside the cave in contast to the heat outside.

IPL stadium seen from the hill

We had taken few snaps around and was about to walk down. It was then we noticed two young guys climbing the hill above there. That prompted us also to follow them. There was no defined way to go to top. It was not a difficult terrain to climb but lack of a defined path made the climb slightly difficult.

A steep Climb

To our surprise midway of our climb we reached at a courtyard of a house. There were two old people sitting there. We asked them what is ahead to see and they said it’s a flat surface on top and nice to walk around. Most amazing thing we have seen was another big pond in that height with plenty of water inside.

Sumesh was feeling bit tired and was reluctant to climb further. My earlier tiredness has vanished and I was daring to venture as much as possible. It took another 10 min climb for me to reach the top of hill. It was an amazing sight from there.

I could see Pune, Talegaon, Exp Highway, stadium, Dehu road Ayyappa temple, etc, etc… My binocular had come really handy. I walked around a bit and found that I had enough company on top of the hill. Sumesh also caught up with me without much delay.

The flag post is bend due to strong winds...

We both were in agreement that it would have been a great loss if had left without climbing to the top of the hill. We waited there itself till the sun set. My camera has captured all those images that could swallow by that time.

It was almost dark by the time we reached down on plains.

Exploring Pune Day 3

2012-05-30T20:30:00.003+05:30

Ganesha statue near to Somatne Toll booth on High way

When one goes to Talegaon or Mumbai from Pune through the old highway, the most striking thing is the tall Ganesha statue on the right side of the road near to the toll booth. Every day when I travel to my factory I see Lord Ganesha and move with a silent prayer. Its sight has become a luring factor to climb the hill and see the statue from close range. Today the second spot to stop was this place.

I learned from different websites that this is the tallest Ganesha statue around Pune. This copper plated RCC structure towers 54ft on top on the small hillock resting on a platform which is around 18 ft. tall. The statue is made by Birlas. In contrast to different Birla Mandirs that I had visited(Jaipur, Bhopal, Hyderabad) this does not have a temple like structure . This massive will dwarf you due to its humongous size when you go near by.

It’s a beautiful sight in the night when it is illuminated with good lighting system. A lawn is made around the statue but the gate to that area is kept locked. The security was so strict that they did not allow me to go on the lawn to take few snaps from there.

It may not have big value in terms of tourism but being in Pune, its a must visit place.

Exploring Pune Day 3

2012-05-28T14:06:00.002+05:30

Today I had a companion. My colleague Sumesh. As he came to Pune very recently, he was very curious to see places. His company has made the short trip more enjoyable.

Parshwanath temple near Talegaon

I started from my home late today as it was really hot outside. Picked up Sumesh from his house and went to Parshwanath Temple, which is very near to Talegaon. It can be seen from the old Mumbai Pune Highway. It is temple complex of Jain community. The temple is yet to be completed fully.

The most striking elements in the temple are the pillars carved out of sand stone and the ceiling. Each pillar is different in design. The pillars are decorated with figures of different gods and goddesses.

Many of the gods are from Hindu Mythology. But there are lot of variations in compared to the knowledge that we had.

The floor is completed with exquisite marble inlay work. As a whole it is really looking good but if we look from an angle of an expert in interior construction industry you can find lot of flaws. The center dome is marvelous.

Dome

I have seen similar decorative domes at Akshardham Temple, Delhi (Strictly speaking this is incomparable with Akshardham). The roof of all the structures are similar to that in Orissa.

It has lot of resemblance to the roof of Puri and Konark. The surrounding complex with statues of different deities looks great with its pillars.

There are lot of work going on in the complex. It will become a must visit place in Pune for all tourists.

Exploring Pune: Day 2

2012-04-30T22:52:00.002+05:30

One more Sunday, 29th April…. I had an aim on this Sunday, ie; to explore more of Pune… I should say I was waiting for the Sunday. Along with different places, this time, I wanted to explore some good restaurants also.

Almost 5 years back, I had been to a restaurant near to M G Road along with my friend Sujit. They had served Rajasthan Thali. Thought about tasting the same again. Hence I declared holiday for the kitchen and started slightly early. I parked the car in SGS mall parking lot and walked to Thali Restaurant.

Nothing has really changed after all these years. They had welcomed me with courtesy. They served the full plate Thali. The rate is hiked from 100 to 180 in last 5 years. The unlimited supply was too much for me. But the food was tasty and delicious.

Shinde Chhatri

After the sumptuous food, I started to see Shinde Chhatri. It is in the Camp area. There are no sign boards available to this place on road. Even though I consulted Google map, in the cantonment area I lost the way as almost all roads looks similar. Finally with the help of Autorickshaw drivers, I was able to reach there. I can give a tip for those who wants to visit the place. In the Camp area ask for Shinde school on Prince of Wales Road. Near to school and on the opposite side of road, there is a toll booth of Cantonment board. Take the cross road close to the toll booth you will find the monument within 100 meters on your right.

Incidently, I found that many people in Pune is unaware of this beautiful historical building.

It is a memorial (or temple?) constructed in the memory of Mahadji Shinde Commander in Chief of army of Peshwa's.

There was a guy at the gate who issues entry ticket to the place. I am sure that he would have cursed me to spoil his afternoon nap by asking for ticket. I was too surprised to find that I was alone in the whole complex. It gave me ample opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the monument. I had understood from net that the place is maintained by the family of Gwalior Kings, Scindias. It was confirmed when I found portraits of Late Rajamata Vijayraje Scindia and his son Late Madhav Rao Scindia along with Mahadji Shinde.

The most captivating feature of this monument is its exquisite architecture. I had a feeling that these details are similar to those palaces at Rajasthan.

Inside architecture beauty

Marble flooring

In contrast to the colourful rectangular main structure the sanctum sanctorum is much simpler inside and its been made with black granite stones.

Statue of Mahadji Shinde inside the sanctum sanctorum

The sanctum sanctorum looks beautiful externally too. The scorching sun was making it difficult for me to look at the building from outside. I had to find shades to see the building thru camera and take few snaps.

The architectural style of the sanctum sanctorum is similar to that of temples at Orissa even though the shape is slightly different.

After finishing a full round of the building I found some people - few children who came to play cricket in the compound.. :-) Atleast few found some use for this place....

After completing the Shinde Chhatri, I had planned to visit David's Synagogue. But Alas it was closed with police protection outside. I asked the policeman outside why this blockade and he did not bother to answer me...

Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple

I differed my plan and decided to go to Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple at Budhwar Peth. I thought I can visit and take few photographs but could not do it. I removed my shoes and stood in queue to enter the temple. It took only 5 minutes in queue. I did not feel any devotion as the priests were shouting something in Marathi and grabbing (I felt so) things from devotees. The photography was not allowed inside.

The external door was covered with a transparent glass. Due to the intensity of light outside nothing was visible inside. That compelled me to take few snaps from outside.

By this time I had consumed almost one bottle of water due to the heat and left the place after walking around a bit in Lakshmy Road

Pataleswar Cave Temple

It is rock cut cave temple in Shivaji Nagar, Junglee Maharaj Road. There is a temple for Junglee Maharaj and the entrance to the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is from there. The whole temple is cut and made out of a single rock formation. It is an incomplete temple. There is a marvellous statue of Nandi in the mandapam in centre court yard.

By evening Sun God has drained my full energy and I was fully exhausted. As soon as I reached home there was no option for me other than to hit the bed and sleep like a log... :-)

Exploring Pune: Day 1

2012-04-22T22:11:00.000+05:30

All the Sundays in Pune used to be aimless for me. Just wasting time by simply sitting at home. When my family came here, I realised that I am not aware of any places at Pune. This made me to think and I decided to explore Pune on all Sundays if am here.

So that's it. Today it is the first day of exploration. I scanned through various websites and finally choose three places to go and see. Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada and Parvati Temple Hills.

Aga Khan Palace

It is easy to reach this historical building. It is on Nagar Road. I reached there following the directions of Google Map. There is parking space inside the compound. There is a minimum amount of Rs. 5/- to enter the palace. No charges for still camera.

Aga Khan Palace

I was not knowing anything about this history till today. It has an important role in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. During the freedom struggle, many of the leaders stayed at this palace. Mahatama Gandhi's wife Kasturba and his secretary Mahadev Bhai Desai died during their captivity at the Aga Khan Palace at Pune. The room where they have stayed is kept intact and well protected. I had a respectful feeling seeing that room and the simplicity of it.

Room which is used by Gandhiji and Kasturba Gandhi. She died in this room

The samadhi of both of them are kept with due respect and devotion. Its a good place for a history student to catch glimpses of incidents that took place during the freedom struggle.

Gandhiji's ashes are also kept nearby

The palace is surrounded by a sprawling garden. It is green and clean. The serene landscape will keep your mind calm and at tranquil. Its a good place for a half day get away at Pune.

Greenery around the palace

Shaniwar Wada

It is situated in the busiest part of the city. Pune Corporation has kept boards at many locations with directions to this place. Hence it is easy to locate. The parking can be done at stipulated parking spaces near to the fort entrance or on the side of the fort. Here also a nominal entrance fees of Rs. 5/- is charged by Archaeological department to enter the fort.

Inside view from top of main entrance

Shaniwar Wada is a magnificent fort built by Peshwa rulers of Maratha dynasty. It is a grand structure to look at. The base is constructed by rubble masonry and the high rising walls by brick masonry with some earthen mixture to hold the bricks together. The main entrance of the fort is armoured with sharp pointed spikes for the protection from enemies. There is a small door that can be opened to let a person go in.

There are steps leading to the top of the main gate structure. The wood work on the top level is still intact. The walk way on the top of wall is well maintained and it is possible to walk all around the fort through this.

The windows / holes on the fort wall should have been made to accommodate cannons.

One of the ponds inside the fort is really eye catching with its symmetry. I was curious to know its use but the board with its description was missing.

There are incomplete buildings inside the fort. From the information provided by Archaeological department it is understood that the buildings inside the fort is destroyed in a fire. There was even a seven storied building inside the fort.

The statue of Bajirao Peshwa in front of the gate is really majestic. It depicts the royal power and his valour.

Archaeological department has a sound and light show in the night. I decided to see that on another day as it starts only at 7PM and seats were fully booked for that day.

There are lot of trees inside and it is giving good protection to the visitors from the scorching heat. It was a beautiful sight to see two “Kanikkonnas” with full flowers on.

Parvati Hills

I have heard about it from my colleagues and wanted to go there. It’s a nice place for a half a day outing. It’s near to Swargate and Saras Baug. You can see the hill from a long distance itself. During summer its better to go there in evenings. There are few Vada Pav centres at the foot hills. I had Vada Pav, Coffee and prepared to climb around 5.30PM. Took a bottle of water along as I was not certain about the availability of water on top.

The climb was only 10min. But that made me exhausted. There is a place to keep your foot ware at the entrance to the temple. There is no prescribed charge for that. You can put any amount you wish in the hundi kept nearby. I sat down to remove my shoes and keep in the racks. That brought my breath back.

I was thinking that it is temple devoted to Devi Parvathy. But its main deity is Lord Shiva. Due to the heat, the floor was like frying pan. It was difficult for me to walk around the temple after removal of my shoes. I took the help of shadows and did a “pradakshinam”. Did my worship and started look around the temple.

Parvati Hills temple

They charge a token amount Rs. 5/- to go to the top of the building surrounding the main temple. It’s worth going there, as you can see a good part of Pune from there. My binoculars, which I had carried along, had come handy there. I think it should been a great sight after the dusk. I did not wait till then.

View of Pune City from top of temple

There is a museum nearby called Peshwa Museum. It’s a place nobody should miss, if happen to visit this place. It has big collection, which is kept cluttered in a small place. The vessels, ornaments, instruments, head gears, weapons etc.. of the Peshwa Era is displayed there. The most amusing collection is that of coins. It will be really a marvellous opportunity for any numismatics person.

Peshwa Museum

As they do not allow photography, my camera was used only outside the temple and museum premises.

Recent trip to Lonavala...

2012-04-18T15:07:00.001+05:30

Lonavala is a favourite destination for those in Mumbai and Pune. I had made a short trip to there on April 7th.We started from Pune around 2PM. We choose to drive through Mumbai-Pune Express Highway to have a feel of it.

A section of Express highway

I knew that it is a wrong time to visit Lonavala. The nature is still green compared to Pune. We did small shopping (ofcourse CHIKKI). We drove with the help of a small map dowloaded from a website. Took off to see duke's nose. After driving for few kilometers we were getting frustrated due to heat and also lack of information about route. Some young guys on the way has told us about the place and immediately we abandoned that plan. Then it was decided to change the route to Bushi Dam and Lion's point

Bushi dam was almost dry and we did not even get down from our car to see it. We drove on to Lion's point. It was a beautiful sight but the heat took all the josh from us.

Lion's point

We continued to drive after lion's point. After almost 5KM enquired to locals about the way and attractions on the way and got to know that there in only Ambey Valley of Sahara is ahead. Hence decided to return and go to Karla Caves.

While passing through the town again visited a chikki shop and bought some more chikies and some fudge.

After filling diesel we set out to Karla caves. The building on the hill is visible from far away on the highway. 5KM fron town we reached the junction to turn to Karla. Kids were hungry. We decided to hit a small tea shop at the foothill. The tea shop owner advised us to climb and reach as fast as possible since the caves will be closed by 6PM. IT took us around 15 min to reach as we climbed very slowly. It was an amazing sight

First sight of Karla caves

I was wondering about the effort those people took in that era. It was an awesome sight inside the cave

Inside the cave

It was the symmetry of the structure that cathes the eye. It is a precision work. Really amazing.What might have been their techonological knowhow in this...?

There are other caves too in the same area. View from top is great. Our binocular has come handy there.

As informed by the teashop guy, the caves were closed promptly at 6PM. We came down by 6.15. There ia an Uduppi hotel at the foot hills. Misal Pav, Dosas and Vadas were found to be very tasty as we were famished by that time.

Sun set seen from Karla

We were back to home at Pune by 8.30 PM through old Mumbai Pune highway.

Let me try to experiment with this blog

2012-04-18T14:32:00.000+05:30

Am an amatuer in this... I would like to share with all my friends, what I find during my travels and thought about starting a blog. This is the result of it....