A Weekend in Avalanche

Avalanche is believed to be named after a landslide in 1823. This vally is now breathtakingly beautiful with green mountains, blue skies, shola trees, emerald lake, and streams. Avalanche is about 31 KM from Ooty, a place where commercialization not yet taken over.

To one who has been long in city pent,
‘Tis very sweet to look into the fair
And open face of heaven, – to breathe a prayer
Full in the smile of the blue firmament.
~John Keats, Sonnet XIV

For quite a while, I have been toying an idea of a surprise trip …. Finally, the long pending trip is real 🙂 ..

Distance: Bangalore <> Avalanche (door-to-door): 568 KM.

Route Taken: Sarjapur Road > Hosur Road > Silk board > BTM> Banashankari > Mysore > Nanjankode > Gundelpet > Bandipur (Mudumalai Forest reserve) > Goodallur > Ooty.

One impulse from a vernal wood
May teach you more of man,
Of moral evil and of good,
Than all the sages can.
~William Wordsworth, The Tables Turned, 1798

Driving Directions: Drive towards Mysore – you can take ring road (on your right) a few kilometers before you enter Mysore town. Though you will end up travelling some extra distance, you will be saved from the hassles of strangling city traffic. Road widening activities are going on in the ring road- expect delays. You will soon pass through Nanjankode, reach Gundalpet where you will have to take the straight road, pass through Bandhipur forest area. You will need to slow down inside the forest area. Expect occasional bolting of animals on your way. Ideally you should not exceed 40 KM/hour and avoid honking as much as possible.

After you cross the forest reserve, up you climb into the winding roads in the hills of Western Ghats. At this point you have two ways of reaching Ooty. One via Masinagudi, which is of the shortest distance (30 KM), steep hikes, 36 hairpin turns – recommended for seasoned drivers. The other route is via Gudallur – this is a national highway, good road, longer distance and heavy traffic most of the time.

Pit Stops: Between Bangalore and Mysore, you have plenty of options. Kamath Lokaruchi, Adigaas, Cafe Coffee Day (Indian version of Starbucks), MTR are popular. Apart from these, you have many highway dhabas and small restaurants.

Reaching Avalanche: We choose to stay in Destiny Farm Stay, a part of Little Earth property. Drive to this place is exciting indeed as you pass through the misty peaked hills of the Nilgiris, the undulating valleys, tea gardens and the umpteen hair-pin curves on the way. However, there are no proper road after the forest check-post at Avalanche.

This kind of terrain is the last thing one would ever think of around a popular tourist destination and for same reason, my wify was absolutely clueless of what to expect in the last leg of the journey.

Way Ahead : There is literally no road after the forest range outpost in Avalanche… as soon as we crossed this point, she couldn’t bear the suspense and asked where the hell are you taking me? I knew this was coming but didn’t expect that before the truck ride. To be candid, I myself was disappointed at the road condition and grew apprehensive about the ability of my little hatchback pulling it up. I was under an impression that roads are decent till destiny parking lot.

In Transit : My wify became all the more panicky realizing that the further distance is going to be covered in a truck (yes, thats correct.. its a truck) Way ahead from destiny parking area is all dirt track, which is about two kilometers…. strictly a 4×4 trail. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes of sore bottom bumpy ride. If you are one with spinal problems, make sure you have pain-relievers handy.

Destiny Farm Stay: Destiny Farm Stay is indeed a great place to unwind. It is located in the outskirts of national reserve forest area, at about 29 kilometers from Ooty.. pretty close to Emerald lake, this place is called as Avalanche. Ooty is a popular (and often crowded) tourist hangouts is South India. However, Avalanche is considered to be the unspoiled part of the Queen of Hills… trust me, this is one of the planet’s spectacular nature destinations…….And behold.. its quiet.. far from the maddening crowd.. no honking, no sirens, no shouting of hawkers, no TV, no mobile network [don’t worry about your boss calling you up for taking status 🙂 ]… all you have here is a beautiful piece of land with fresh lease of oxygen….

wOw Factor The location is awesome and looks more or less like a European countryside. This trip, apparently turned out to be a memorable one. 🙂
Happy Feet : After mood-swings ranging from panic to anger to desperation, reaching destiny property, I saw her jaw-dropped, wide eyed, awestruck and appeared to be genuinely fascinated by the enchanting scenery around.

Pathway: Entering Destiny property.

The sky, a perfect empty canvas, offers clouds nonetheless.
They shift and drift and beg interpretation… such is the nature of art.
~Jeb Dickerson

Activities: On-demand, Destiny staff may arrange guided tour of the agricultural land and their property across the vally.

Ad-Venture: You have a long list of activities to choose from – mountaineering, rappelling, trekking in the forest land, overnight camping on the banks of Avalanche lake, fishing, long walks, horse riding etc. Mr. Iksya, who is in-charge of the activities wing of the resort, gave us an orientation – on policies, do’s and do-not’s and the likes. He is a nice, friendly chap to talk to. They also have an array of non-complimentary activities, with a tinge of adventure, that may suit each member of your family regardless of age, sex and ability. He told me they are contemplating on offering more adventurous programs in the days to come.

Work for Horse: Taking the horse to track.

Horse riding track. You get a chance to ride a horse 🙂

Gears :

Speeding on a horse 🙂

Walkathon: Put your best foot forward. Nice place to walk the talk 🙂

Ride on that Horse: Horse riding track. You get a chance to ride on your favorite horse 🙂

Race course : Not so smooth a ride 🙂

Play Station: Kids, I am sure, will have great time here. Resort also has some indoor games and a decently stocked library.

Candid Catch: Stray dog landed in front of my camera 🙂

Wide View : View towards the entrance of the resort.
Flowers : & trees.
Pathway : Leads to the entrance.

: Keep looking.

Zoom View : View towards the horse riding track / golf course.

Relax? Just back after a short trek in the morning.

Golden Pond: No clue as to why is it called a golden pond. Here you can see ducks swimming when they are let out in the morning.

Bridging the Gap : Its a fragile looking, wooden bridge makes squeaky noise when you walk over it.

Emerald Lake : As seen from the resort.

Walk
Destiny Farm Stay :

Wooden Bridge :

Interior: Well kept rooms and furniture has that old aristocratic look’n’feel.

Restaurant: Food here is real good.

Madhuloka(bar): You are free to see them – but can’t taste them right here.

Madhuloka- up close: Destiny seem to have a zero tolerance policy against alcohol, you better carry your booze and enjoy it inside your room.

Wooden wine glass holder.

Furniture in the Room: Still retains the antique looks.

Destiny Farm Stay. Destiny Farm Stay
Destiny Lobby: Shot in the lobby..

Destiny Farm Stay:

Shot from horse riding track: What you see at the long end is the security cabin at the entrance.

Fishing: Fishing time 🙂

Relax a While: Near the reception.

Green Gazing: Settled down.

Get back to home now!: Workers in the farm are making a move back home after the day’s toil. The truck will picks them up from here and drops back home.

Farming: The farm is more or less self-sustaining. Excess of the veggies and fruits cultivated here go to the market. You can buy the carrots, strawberries etc from here depending on the availability.

I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
~Edna St. Vincent Millay, Afternoon on a Hill

You will find something more in woods than in books.
Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.
~St. Bernard

Bonfire: Bonfire
Lights UP: Light up the night.

Diwali 2010

My wify seemed to be brimming with new found enthusiasm this Diwali for lighting up the house. After my travel plans hit rocks and nothing planned for the weekend, it was indeed a great break to get trigger-happy. Though I am not all that religious, I don’t mind watching and clicking anything that is beautiful.
(for those do not know,) Diwali is an Indian festival of lights having great religious significance. Diwali is the condensed form of Deepa-Vali (row of lights). The light indicates the victory of good over evil, the spread of light all over to kill the darkness. For some, its the day of Lord Rama’s coming back from forest while for some others its New Year. Let it be any reason, its a holiday for sure 😉 Celebrated by lighting up the house/compound, bursting crackers, eating sweets etc, its also an opportunity to connect with your extended families, friends and brush-up your social networking skills.

Just one lamp is enough to light many lamps. Wish that you be able to kindle this light in many hearts. Happy Diwali!

Diyas waiting to get cleaned up.

Washed and kept for drying.

Ready for lights 😉

Happy Diwali! | The paper bag in the picture was picked up at a Diwali sale by Samarthanam, a charity organization for visually and physically challenged. There are a lot of excellent eco friendly merchandize that you can purchase from them.

There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle ~Robert Alden

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. ~Gouthama Buddha

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. ~Kahlil Gibran

Some people are electrifying, they light up a room when they leave 🙂 ~Yiddish Proverb

Mission Light-up | My wify on her mission to light more or less 100 diyas.

There may be fairies at the bottom of the garden. There is no evidence for it, but you can’t prove that there aren’t any, so shouldn’t we be agnostic with respect to fairies? ~Richard Dawkins

No matter how fast light travels it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it. ~Terry Pratchett

If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. ~C.S. Lewis

Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in awhile, or the light won’t come in. ~ Alan Alda

Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame ~Henry David Thoreau

Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. ~anonymous

A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home. ~Author Unknown

Malshej Ghat | माळशेज घात

Malshej Ghat is in Maharashtra, India. Good time to visit is during the monsoons – then you get to see lot of waterfalls and greenery… most important – the weather will be cool. Malshej Ghat is known for its misty sky and is a popular weekend destination for most of the Mumbaikars.

Auto Singh : These guys were clipping on Thane road that misty morning!

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Amchi Mumbai | आमची मुंबई

Mumbai is considered as the financial capital of India. It is also equally famous for two other things: bollywood and vada pav (vegetarian fast food popular in the state of Maharashtra).

Gateway of India: This beautiful structure was built by the British to welcome one of its viceroys. It looks even more attractive in the night when the lights are on.

Gateway of India – Up Close: Delicate artwork in stone.

The Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai, was born out of Jamsetji N. Tata’s dream. He was the founder of Indias premier business house – the Tata Group of Companies. ~ http://www.tajhotels.com
Taj, built in 1903, is regarded as an architectural marvel (Maharashtrian architect Rao Bahadur Sitaram Khanderrao Vaidya, prepared the plans for this hotel. He was an associate of the legendary F W Stevens who built Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). Situated on the waterfront adjacent to the Gateway of India, this hotel is the landmark of the city of Mumbai. It has a huge collection of paintings and works of art, antique furniture and stands as a symbol of Indian enterprise. Click here to know more about the history of The Taj Mahal Hotel.

On 26/11/2008, a bunch of heartless souls from pakistan armed with grenades and automatic rifles were firing indiscriminantly inside the hotel, at times taking hostages( see pictures here). Though the exterior seems to have withstood the grenades, experts estimated massive damage inside this landmark structure. Furniture, woodwork, paintings, roofs needs extensive repair or replacement. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) extended their help in restoring Taj to its original grandeur.

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B E S T | I am the BEST.. I am the BEST… I am the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply & Transport

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Tell them dear, that if eyes were made for seeing,
Then beauty is its own excuse for being
~Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The Rhodora”

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The ‘in’ thing | Gen-X brands are slowly replacing Padminis, the old road-ruler for more than three decades.

Mahabalipuram | மகாபலிபுரம்

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamilnadu. The ancient rock shore temples and other structures constructed by the Pallavas are a real treat to the eyes. The monuments at Mahabalipuram are excellent examples of Pallavan and Dravidian architectural brilliance.

Shore Temple

Pancha Rathas: The Pancha Rathas (five chariots) are five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the five Pandavas and their wife Draupadi. Many structures bear an unfinished look.

Light House: This (new) light house is built on the top of a large rock with stones (I guess) and it has a red lantern dome on top. It offers a breathtaking 360 degree view of the coastline. You will also see the other monuments and caves (some of them are named: Varaha Cave, Mahishasuramardhini cave, Dharmaraja cave etc) from here.

Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse while all the others were making ships. ~Charles Simic

Lighthouses are more helpful than churches ~ Benjamin Franklin

I find my zenith doth depend upon
A most auspicious star, whose influence
If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes
Will ever after droop.
~ William Shakespeare

Fortune for just 50 bucks: “JYotSYa” is what it is called as in tamil… which means astrology (a way of predicting your future based on the placement of the stars at the time of your birth). This lady is one among the many who offers mobile astro-consultation right here on the beach. They speak only local language. Some read your face, hands (palmistry), and some will use animals (parrots and rodents) to pick a card for you. The card will have photos (mostly gods) and the predictions will be based on the photo (and your timing they say) that animal picks on your behalf. 🙂

Parrot Astrology: Parrot astrologers are not uncommon on Indian streets. Parrot astrology is featured as a value added services (VAS) in many textiles in Tamilnadu, especially Chennai. I was a bit surprised to see lucky color and stone advisory services extended in Kalyan Textiles in Calicut, Kerala. No doubt – astrology sells well in India.

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea. ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Mahabalipuram Beach
She sells sea shells on the sea shore;
The shells that she sells are sea shells I’m sure.
So if she sells sea shells on the sea shore,
I’m sure that the shells are sea shore shells.

Beetles 🙂 …. now in stripes.

The Eating Station: Can’t say food was great. You are not spoilt with choices on the ECR stretch I guess. Click here to read more about ECR Dhaba.

ECR Dhaba : The truck stops here….. Seen this inside the premises.

Relaxing Ganesha: According to Hindu mythology, Ganpathi’s head symbolizes the soul, body signifies maya ie: illusion. Ganesha holds an axe look-alike material in his upper right hand (you don’t see that here because he is in sleep mode), which is believed to eliminate impediments on the way. Lord Ganesha – perhaps, the most favored and most-worshiped god in India.

Relaxing Ganesha 2: There are several types of Ganapati idols such as Saumyaganapati, Balganapati, Herambganapati, Lakshmiganapati, Haridraganapati, Uchchishtaganapati, Suryaganapati, Varadganapati, Dvibhujganapati, Dashbhujganapati, Nartanganapati, Uttishthitganapati.. you name it they have it. Most modern and innovative varities have Ganesh with laptop and latest gizmos 🙂

The legs are the wheels of creativity. ~Albert Einstein 🙂

How many Megabites?: A good cut in stone – one sinks his teeth into others palm.

As men get older, the toys get more expensive ~ Marvin Davis

When I bring you colored toys, my child, I understand why there is such a play of colors on clouds, on water, and why flowers are painted in tints ~ Rabindranath Tagore

Wall of Sandals: Claimed to be leather you can get some good stuff between ` 350-550

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Watching clouds roll by
on a sunny day
Who needs church?
Nature is divine.
~ Carrie Latet

Pondicherry | போன்டிசெர்ரி

Perhaps the best stretch in South India would be Bangalore Chennai. Enjoy the cruise but make sure that you are alert to pick the occasional bolting of humans / cattles into your way at intersections.

Tender Coconut : You see these vendors on your way. Feel free to stop for a sip.

Good Morning Sun Shine @ Bay of Bengal: One of the good pictures from this trip .

Smart@Ginger: Ginger hotel in Puducherry is located a little far from the beach and about 17 kilometers from Auroville. The “smart rooms” (as they are called) are comfortable. Food was far from satisfying. Staff was helpful; limited parking space. Overall, I would give it a three on five.

Goubert Avenue: Resting area on the beach. Evenings are more or less crowded. In the mornings, you can see brisk walkers, joggers and people just being here for a “good morning sunshine” 🙂

Hotel Ajantha Sea View: Right in front of the beach (Goubret avenue) – A splendid location for a perfect time out. It has a lounge bar that serves your favorite french flavors and a roof-top restaurant to enjoy the breeze while you fill-in.

The best mode of transport to explore Pondy.

The Prominade: In this stretch, traffic is restricted from 1730 to 2130 hours.

Les Hibiscus: Heritage hotel. I haven’t stayed here. For more information, visit http://www.leshibiscus.in

Le Cafe

Le Cafe: Be here with a cup of coffee to hear the sea crashing against rocks and experience awesome views of the eastern coast.

Le Cafe: Back side of the restaurant

Om Shanti Om! : He seems to be meditating.

I cannot drive; but I have the drive: I was watching this guy desperately trying to start the vehicle.. having failed to do that, he seems to be content with the next best thing he can do with that tiny road star – moving the handle.

Discussing the plans for the day?: Traffic cops in the Gobret avenue.

To pick a flower is so much more satisfying than just observing it,
or photographing it … So in later years, I have grown in my
garden as many flowers as possible for children to pick.
– Anne Scott-James

Some of us are like wheelbarrows – only useful when pushed, and very easily upset
– Jack Herbert

Hampi Travel – Part 3 | ಹಂಪಿ ಟ್ರಾವೆಲ್ ಪಾರ್ಟ್ – ೩

VITTALA TEMPLE :

Eastern entrance gate of the Vithala temple.

This is the most splendid monument in Hampi with 56 musical pillars. This shrine is now designated as World Heritage Monument by UNESCO. This temple is situated along the banks of Tungabadra, stands in a large rectangular enclosure, sport characteristic Vijayanagar style of craft. The mandapa (open area in the front) features granite musical pillars. You can gently strike the pillars to produce sound notes on a musical scale (security will not allow you to do this). In front of the temple, towards the east, you can see representation of the processional chariot carved in stone.

A long shot: Vithalla temple

Chariot Wheels.

Chariot in front of Vithalla temple: Represents the wooden chariot that is normally used for processions. It houses an image of Garuda (god Vishnu’s personal vehicle). The wheels are now cemented.

It is said that the wheels were once revolving, now fixed using cement..

Road to Vithala temple.

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VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE :

Virupaksha (also called Pampapathi) temple is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra (also called Pampa-nadi or river Pampa ) and close to the main parking area, this temple is still an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva. The sprawling temple complex is inside a large rectangular enclosure and has several sub shrines. The eastern entrance tower (from Hampi Bazaar ) is about 56 meters (nine storied ) tall, leads you the first courtyard of the temple complex. You can also see a pair of cow horn like projections on top – this entrance tower is also one of the most photographed structures in Hampi. If you take the eastern gate, you directly enter into the first courtyard which mainly houses a pillared hall called 100-column hall. You need to shell INR 50/- if you want to carry your camera. It is open to public from 6 AM all days and usually crowded.

The nine storied entrance tower in the east.

The 100-columned hall seen on the left.

Giant bells seen inside the temple complex.

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PATTABHIRAMA TEMPLE :

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SARASWATHI TEMPLE :

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SHIVA TEMPLE :

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HAZARA RAMA TEMPLE

As the name suggests (hazar in hindi means thousand), this temple is known for its thousands of Ramayana panels. This temple is no more worshipped and located in the royal enclosure right in front of the Mohammadan Watch Tower and the Nobelman’s Quarters. It is believed to be the king’s private shrine. The exterior wall depict horses, tigers, elephants, dancing women, wrestlers and soldiers in procession displaying valour. The inner walls exhibit scenes from Ramayana (the Hindu epic). This structure is a great example of the brillant craftsmanship of Vijayanagara’s sculptors.

Inside the temple: Walls depicts characters from Ramayana.

Carvings on the wall: Elephants in a procession.

Exterior wall.

Exterior wall.

A dancing women (is she playing with snake?).

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KRISHNA TEMPLE :

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KINGS BALANCE
This 5 meters plus tall structure is located near the Vittala temple. It is believed that the kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor on special occassions. There are three loops on top of this balance into which the balance can be hooked

wOw! that balance! Tourists at Kings balance
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Talarigatta Gate

This damaged structure (Talarigata means tollgate) was one of the main entrance points into the urban centre of the capital from the riverside. There is a small Hanuman (monkey-god) shrine is located in front of the gate.

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To read Part-1 of this photostory, click here.
To read Part-2 of this photostory, click here.

Hampi Travel – Part 1 | ಹಂಪಿ ಟ್ರಾವೆಲ್ ಪಾರ್ಟ್ – ೧

Hampi, once the capital of Vijayanagara empire, covers an area of 26 square kilometers on the southern bank of Tungabadra river in Karnataka. History of Hampi has mythical references to “Kishkinta Kshetra” in Ramayana (religious story book of hindus). The ruins spread across this area showcases some of the brilliant specimens of medivial Indian architecture. These monuments include civil, military buildings and religious structures. You need atleast four days to cover all the places in detail. If you are pressed for time, you can opt for the whistle-stop tour organized by KSTDC which will cover all the important structures in one day.

Distance: Bangalore <> Hampi(door-to-door): 790 KM.
How to Reach: Drive towards Tumkur (NH4) from Bangalore and continue via Nelmagala and reach Chitradurga. At Chitradurga, take right and drive till Hospet. Hampi is about 17 KM from Hospet.
Indiranagar > Old Madras Road > Nelmangala > Dobbasapet > Tumkur > Hiriyur > Chitradurga > Hosanahalli > Hospet > Hampi.

Road Condition: In your 6-7 hours of drive, you will encounter good roads, under construction roads, bad roads, hard to manoeuvre roads and disappointing truck traffic. Don’t be surprised if you feel your presence on the road is ignored by “never-law-abiding private buses”, state transport buses and mini lorries. Excellent six lane road from Tumkur to Chitradurga (GQ). Bad streches starts from Chitradurga and continue through Hospet (watchout for potholes and unmarked speed breakers – a few kilometers in this stretch, no road at all).Few shots on the way.

.And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain,
My friends, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case of which I’m certain.
I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve travelled each and evr’y highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.
~~Paul Anka

A shocking accident as seen on the way – The “man on wheels scene” and the hoarding close to that truck made me shoot this.

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Pick a few words to describe a typical mess… noisy, crowded, congested etc and multiply them to the power of five or ten, now you get what is Hospet and beyond….. you will see cycles, bikes, bullock carts, cattle cutting you from all the sides and guys reading newspaper in the middle of the road. The following snap is one from the many such instances.

In the medivial times, Hospet was the gateway to the imperial city for all visitors and merchants coming from Goa and the west. It is said that Krishna Devaraya (the King) had created several townships and brought in infrastructure improvements that the entire stretch was once a buzzing business street. You will not see any traces of those ancient glory though.
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Where to stay: There are a few good hotels in Hospet. Hotel Malligai, Priyadarshini and Karthik Pampa Villa are well known. I would suggest not to waste your time staying in Hospet, unless you can’t get anything in Hampi. You will end up spending more time on one of the horrible stretches than exploring the ruins. We stayed in Hotel Maurya Bhuvaneshwari [KSTDC], Kamalapura. This place is a little detached from Hampi (3-4 KM)… highly recommended if you are with your own vehicle or hired one. It has a garden, restaurant, huge parking space, and a bar 🙂 The rooms were clean, but the food was below average I would say. You can make your reservations online at www.karnatakaholidays.net … there is no peak-season rate hikes they claim.

Maurya Bhuvaneshwari parking lot.Ethnic decorations inside the hotel.
If you want to stay close to the ruins, there are guest houses available close to the main parking area (near virupaksha temple). These are houses which double up as hotels and provide you the basic facilities (some have AC rooms)… feel free to check a few but all of them has more or less the same facilities I hear.
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Parking area close to Virupaksha Temple. There are small shops near by that sells cool and hot drinks. Opposite to this place you can find a few guest houses and eating joints..
This is the entrance gate on the main road to Hampi ruins which passes through the Krishna temple campus.. .
Hemakuta hill

We reached Hampi at 1615 hrs, checked into the hotel and decided to head towards the ruins after refreshing. We climbed up Hemakuta hill for two reasons: You get an excellent view of the ruins; it has a number-one sunset spot (western edge) in Hampi. This “three-peaked” hill is situated just above the Hampi bazaar (close to Virupaksha temple) and accommodates several shrines (that are not worshipped anymore). Few of the most photographed monuments are around Hemakuta hill. We spent an hour and a half admiring the ruins and watching the sunset.

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Small shrines on the top of the hill. None of these are worshipped anymore.
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.Softly the evening came. The sun from the western horizon
Like a magician extended his golden wand o’er the landscape;
Twinkling vapors arose; and sky and water and forest
Seemed all on fire at the touch, and melted and mingled together.
–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Horizon turning to a shade of pinkish blue. We stayed some more time on top of the hill and finally decided to call it a day..
Eating Joints in Hampi
There are many eateries around the main parking area and in Hampi Bazaar. Some of popular ones are New Shanthi Restaurant, Trishul, Shiv Moon, Sangameshwara, Venkateshwara, Ravi’s Rose, Raju’s Roof etc. However Mango Tree is the much talked about terraced garden, open air restaurant located along the banks of Tungabadra, nestled in the banana plantation.

When you are in Hampi, plan to spend a relaxed evening out here after a hectic sightseeing schedule.For a change you sit on the floor (on straw mats) overlooking the river under a huge sprawling mango tree. You see anything from israeli to oriental to continental on the menu. Food is good (served in banana leaves)…. staff is informal and friendly….. but don’t expect your orders to be served quickly.

You go late in the evening for a lantern-light dinner…. listen to the gushing sound of the river, chirping of crickets and meet as many frogs you like.

It is advisable to carry a flash light as you have to walk your way through the plantations in pitch dark.

To read Part-2 of this photostory, click here.
To read Part-3 of this photostory, click here.

Hampi Travel – Part 2 | ಹಂಪಿ ಟ್ರಾವೆಲ್ ಪಾರ್ಟ್ – ೨

Mathanga Hill: We had planned to clamber up this boulder hill is located in the east of the Hampi Bazar to see the sunrise. But the sun was up and rising before we woke up. However we went half-way up the hill and spent some time clicking. This hill is located more or less in the center of the ruins. There are a few paths leading to the top. Most of the guys prefer the stepped one from the east end of the hampi bazaar street…. this is the ancient paved pathway … its quite steep and winding way up.

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Hampi Bazaar: As seen from the Mathanga hill. This bazaar is about a kilometer long, starting from Virupaksha temple and ending at the foothill of the Matanga Hill in the east. You see both sides of the street lined with old pavilions. These structures were once part of a buzzing market where traders from west used to sell their gears. The stretch towards the Virupaksha temple (western end) the pavilions are now converted into shops, restaurants etc. You can enter into this street from the main parking area which is close to Virupaksha temple. Vehicular movements is restricted in the bazar street (two wheelers allowed).

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This part of the pavilion is protected by ASI – no encroachments allowed.

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Queen’s Bath: Queen’s bath is the first structure you get to see as soon as you enter the Royal center. It is believed that the queen used to take bath here. Not sure why the queen was so generous though. This building has a veranda facing the big open pond at the middle.
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The balconies are ornate and decorated with tiny windows.

The flight of steps that give access to pond.

Beautifully sculptured domes. Every dome has a different design.

One of the aqueducts terminates in the pond.

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Lotus Mahal:
Lotus Mahal is also one of the least damaged structure located inside the Zenana enclosure and this structure is not in typical Hampi style of architecture. This place is belived to be used by female folks in the royal family for their social networking activities [Royal Woman Action Network (r-WAN)? 🙂 ].

One of the three watchtowers seen at the corners (southeast, northeast and northwest ) of the enclosure.The three-tired elaborate base structure of the Queen’s Palace (only the foundation is visible now) located at the middle of the Zenana enclosure.
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Elephant Stable:This is one of the least destroyed structures as well. Elephant Stable is a long building with 11 inter connected domed chambers in a row. This was used as a shelter to the royal elephants. The center dome is huge and decorated. You can access this place through the Zenana Enclosure. Diagonally opposite to this structure is Guard’s Quarters which is now converted into a museum.

Inside the chamber, you can see the metal hooks that are used to lock the elephants. Also at the back side of each chamber there are small openings for the mahouts to reach into the elephant chambers.

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Royal Enclosure
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Royal enclosure holds Mahanavami Dibba (ceremonial platform), King’s Audience Hall, Stepped Tank, Underground chamber etc.

Mud road in front of the Royal Enclosure (you can see the entrance on the right hand side).

The royal enclosure area is an open ground with very few shelters. It is ideal to visit this place either early morning or evenings as you have to do a fair amount of walking to explore…. vehicles has to be parked outside the compound. Plan at least an hour to roam around this place.

This Mahanavami Dibba, which is also called as the “House of Victory” is laid out in three ascending levels with stairways on both sides leading to the top. The sides are covered with beautiful carvings of dancing woman, artists, elephants, horses, soldiers in battle etc.

The king is belived to have used this platform to watch the army power-shows, sports, musical performances and Navrathri celebrations (the nine day-nine night state festival).

The sides of this layered platform is designed with chains of sculptures. These sculptures and ornamentations depicts the royal ceremonies, battle scenes etc.

Stepped tank is one of the most beautiful monuments in Hampi and is located in the southeast part of the Royal Enclosure. There is another tank close to this which is used as a bathing area. You walk a little further you see another huge tank.

Aquaducts and water canals: There was a huge network of irrigation canals in Hampi of varying sizes connecting temples, tanks, agricultural lands, palaces to name a few. I shot this inside the Royal enclosure; you can see a number of stone aqueducts connecting several wells and ponds. Though most of them are in the ruined state, you can still notice how advanced (with limited resources) was the water supply system existed then.

To download a panoramic view of the Royal Enclosure, click here.
To download a panoramic view of the Aquaducts in the Royal Enclosure, click here.

Mohammadan watch tower is the largest of such structure in the Hampi ruins. It is situated in the northwest corner of the Danaik’s Enclosure. A balcony of the watchtower overlooks the mud path that passes around the corner.

Sunset (shot somewhere on the way back from Royal Enclosure)

To read Part-1 of this photostory, click here.
To read Part-3 of this photostory, click here.

 

Calicut Beach | കോഴിക്കോട് കടല്‍ തീരം

Krishnakumar, Dr. Manoj and I spent an evening at this beach (just another place for aimless wander) during my last visit to home town. Kozhikode beach is about 3 km from the city towards the west. This beach is not suitable for swimming but you can lesuirely stroll munching roasted peanuts.

Here is what I have seen through my lens 🙂

The sea pronounces something, over and over, in a hoarse whisper; I cannot quite make it out. ~ Annie Dillard

Quite typical of a weekend-evening. Children seems to be enjoying their experiments with kites.

wOw! that sun set. This guy was running back after loosing his kite… awestruck at the beauty of the sunset? or perhaps thinking of getting another kite 🙂

The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea. ~Isak Dinesen

Dr. Manoj: getting ready for yet another shoot …

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about. ~Angela Schwindt

The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant and let the air out of the tires ~ Dorothy Parker

There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don’t be bitter because you can’t record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is! ~DeGriff

Water is life’s mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water. ~ Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

All for that little kite: Mom joins her children to fly kite.

You must love the crust of the earth on which you dwell more than the sweet crust of any bread or cake. You must be able to extract nutriment out of a sand-heap. You must have so good an appetite as this, else you will live in vain. ~Henry David Thoreau

At work, you think of the children you have left at home. At home, you think of the work you’ve left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself. Your heart is rent. ~ Golda Meir

Watching the shades of green and aqua blue…. and the thousand hues the sea is painted with… this shot was least expected – Krishnakumar

Its me standing 🙂

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. ~Ansel Adams

When you photograph people in colour you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in B&W, you photograph their souls! ~Ted Grant

Dr. Manoj getting trigger happy!