tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179433202012-02-11T21:17:34.622-08:00Some of my road trips- what I saw, what I felt & why you should also go there !Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.comBlogger361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-81252029933803619172010-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:002010-01-24T22:02:33.955-08:00

December was almost gone & I had not done any serious trips in the whole of 2009. The guilt was really high & I was asking some friends if they were keen on a road trip - anywhere from the hills to the deserts. After a lot of SMS, I realised by the evening of 26th that this was again going to be a solo trip- probably the best way to see a new place.I spoke to my bro , who is a self-proclaimed

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-31002894058804158492009-08-27T21:04:00.000-07:002009-08-27T22:01:09.833-07:00

Disclaimer: I have attended just one course and my understanding of Vipasanna might be inaccurate. I would recommend interested people to read literature on the same by Goenkaji or actually attending the course.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Vipasanna is best summarized as a meditation technique that revolves around body sensations. Sounds strange- right?

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-72149589563183027132009-08-25T03:40:00.000-07:002009-08-25T08:49:36.428-07:00

Couple of masala-teas later,when the shock of the situation had been absorbed, I started figuring out how best to utilize my time before the registration (which was to start at 1400hrs).AY had already told me about a good trek to Bhagsu village, but I needed to freshen up and dump my stuff somewhere. The chai shop owner told me that I could go into the center office once it opens at 0900 hrs and

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-64027431930003266612009-08-20T09:16:00.000-07:002009-08-20T09:51:25.823-07:00

Life is best lived if one learns to read the signs (so says the Alchemist) and most of us have at some point or another read those signs and followed em.Vipasanna was one such sign that had been staring me in the face for almost 3 years. The first I heard about this seemingly tough course was when I was back in Chennai and had met AYs mom for the first time. Not sure what prompted her to say this

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-57858292411631113562009-07-27T05:19:00.000-07:002009-07-27T23:31:21.818-07:00

Jim Corbet is one of the most celebrated National Parks in the country, but what is celebrated more is the tiger sighting- its become so rare at this park that most people consider themselves lucky if they come across one.We were amongst the bigger unlucky lot as far as the tigers go, but was a great trip nevertheless.We stayed at Dhikala- the lodge inside the park and next to Ramganga river-

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-59790114306688327252009-07-10T08:22:00.000-07:002009-07-10T09:32:45.884-07:00

Somewhere in Sikkim is this strange touristy spot- a park dedicated to the Banjhakri- or the witch doctors. The life like sculptures in the park are one helluva scary art piece.Local lore has it that the BanJhakri can cure any disease that befalls man, but its like a double edged sword. The apparently moody Banjhakri can cast an evil spell on you. Its also said that the women amongst them are

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-73626980745001243862009-07-03T21:58:00.000-07:002009-07-06T06:58:51.305-07:00

What began as a fall-back plan (with the rains playing spoil sport to the Ladakh trekking plans),the trip to kargil & Drass became one of the best road trips I had ever done.I boarded the bus around mid-night @ Leh to take me to kargil and this meant that I could not see the "magnetic hill". I pleaded with the guy next to me to swap places, so that I have the window seat and a better view.... and

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-58323598354338427612009-07-02T02:34:00.000-07:002009-07-02T03:20:33.457-07:00

The 2nd leg of my road trip from Chennai to Delhi saw me taking a major detour to criss-cross Rajasthan during the peak winters - arguably the best time of the year to see the desert state.I was doing the trip solo and sticking to my Travel Bible - the Lonely Planet- staying at accomodations for backpackers and seeing how most of these adventurous people see our country. The Rajasthan leg started

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-2644691179727878702009-06-27T02:27:00.000-07:002009-07-03T22:06:25.221-07:00

North Sikkim is a sparsely populated district, which sees really harsh winters esp in the Gurudongmar Lake area.We were doing a road trip across Sikkim and decided that instead of going to the valley of flowers (given that it was December & no flowers would be blooming), we would explore the mountainous climes of Lachen & Gurudongmar.The sun sets really early in Sikkim and this meant that if we

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-68804404712891091492009-06-22T03:31:00.000-07:002009-06-22T04:46:14.042-07:00

I have always been a firm believer that best of the trips happen when you dont really plan them, when you have the freedom and time to take the path that unfolds itself to you.It was June in 2005 and I was supremely depressed during my 15 day leave, coz I was not able to do the "Chasing the monsoon (CTM)" trip. CTM was supposed to be the highlight of my adventurous life wherein I would drive up

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-64586386709163009852008-12-11T22:31:00.000-08:002008-12-17T03:55:49.449-08:00

Nestled between China, Nepal, Bhutan and West Bengal is the small and beautiful state of Sikkim...With a population of barely 6 lakhs residing in 7000 sq Kms, its indeed one of those few places (in India) where man has not yet tarnished the natural beauty. Infact in Sikkim , it seems we have found the right way to co-exist. The state has been completely organic in its agricultural activities

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-41393386588640647292008-09-18T05:07:00.000-07:002008-09-18T05:16:55.336-07:00

Was on my way home from the airport when I saw a Maruti car in Delhi sporting a sticker "Bobby Jindal for Congress !"For a second I thought it was my lack of sleep playing games... but then I checked again... amusing as it was, I tried to come up with plausible explanation(s) for this. here's my take on what could have happened...Case:1. The car owner is related to Bobby Jindal and is happy to

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-77939764582380275792008-05-20T03:24:00.000-07:002008-12-12T14:07:49.792-08:00

Just managed a hectic but fun filled day trip to Rishikesh... Its about 220-240 Kms from Delhi and can be reached in about 6-7 hrs.Rishikesh is famous as a pilgrim destination and the place is dotted with numerous temples and ashrams all along the Ganges.You can drive all the way into the city and would then need to cross over to the east-side bank through the Ram or the Lakshman Jhoola- these

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-67622982974752732332008-04-01T09:11:00.000-07:002008-12-12T14:07:50.113-08:00

Murud Janjira- is an island fort along the Konkan coast. Its about 50 kms from Alibaug & the drive from Alibaug to Murud is so picturesque that it would be criminal to do that stretch during night.You are on a hilly stretch with western ghats on your left & the Arabian Sea on your right. This sparsely populated area has some good beaches on the way- the favorite being Kashir Beach. My advise-

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-33752839809779997782008-01-26T05:40:00.000-08:002008-12-12T14:07:50.867-08:00

I was at my first Republic Day parade today & was pleasantly surprised to see the Karnataka tableau inspired by the Belur Temple. The float had the Hoysala Emblem at the front & the rest of the it was designed as the temple complex. So I thought its only apt that I should write about the Belur Temple today.Located in the Hasan disctrict of Karnataka- this temple is one of most impressive

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-60916006912763829032008-01-20T21:28:00.000-08:002008-12-12T14:07:51.108-08:00

The Indian creativity has now found a new canvas- the truck rears ! Gone are the days when the only thing you saw while trailing a truck was Horn Please or Buri Nazar wale tera muh kala.The interesting ones that I remember are- Singh is King !- Buri nazar wale - ankhen theek kara le !- Call on mobile # for side (enclosed snap)- Kela(i.e Banana) King !!!!!Shall keep updating this with more...

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-87732947703926074462008-01-18T01:55:00.000-08:002008-12-12T14:07:51.612-08:00

If you have travelled extensively in India and you love to capture those moments on your Canon/Nikon...... I am sure you would agree with me- that some of the best potraits are those of Sadhus. These men of god have long been the ambasadors of our country(the land of mysticism) & they surely havent disappointed.So what is it with these sadhus- that makes em so photogenic- their bright colored

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-48465654207601479562008-01-16T22:10:00.001-08:002008-12-12T14:07:51.836-08:00

Since my relocation to Delhi about a year ago- I have felt guilty that I know nothing about Delhi. So as part of my lost list of 2008 resolutions- I have now started visiting the various monuments/museums in Delhi. Red Fort is the start of this "Know about Delhi" series. Situated in the heart of Old Delhi (some call it Delhi 6) the Red Fort symbolises the Independent nation that we are, coz its

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-53190349691490326802007-12-22T21:53:00.000-08:002008-12-12T14:07:52.263-08:00

North india's famous bird sanctuary is having a tough year. With lower than normal rain, most of the Bharatpur's lakes etc have dried, which in turn has resulted in a steep fall in the visitor count.Informed people at the park say that it has been one of the worst seasons they have seen....but we didnt know any of this when the sudden weekend trip was planned :-)All we knew was Bharatpur needs to

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-22010356689766610102007-12-14T08:58:00.000-08:002008-01-16T01:34:18.555-08:00

Every visitor to Agra is advised to also visit FS- which could have been its twin city.Fatehpur Sikri is best known for the Buland Darwaza- Considered to be the highest door in Asia at that point of time, it was built by Akbar to commerate victory over a battle in Rajasthan. There was a time when a daredevil used to jump off the Buland Darwaza into a small pool at the steps.... i couldnt see that

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-92183804844519581232007-07-03T23:26:00.000-07:002008-12-12T14:07:52.406-08:00

JCNP is the most celebrated of the Tiger Reserves in India but we failed to see the celebrity cat... all we managed were a few pugmarks and the warning calls of the barking deer- rubbing it in, that we missed yet another close encounter.But the beauty of the jungle & the numerous other species (birds,deers,elephants,reptiles etc) more than makes up for the elusive Tiger. If you ever go there make

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-84245368257857958262007-05-04T23:32:00.000-07:002008-12-12T14:07:52.723-08:00

Situated right next to the holy Sikh shrine of Darbar Sahib - Golden Temple is the Jallianwala bagh.The board within the complex says it all....But what was really depressing was that the insensitive visitors to this place- have left graffiti on the walls which are still riddled with the bulltes that were fired by Gen Dyer's troops ! At least show some respect to the martyrs!

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-25866820581860225992007-03-01T00:57:00.000-08:002007-05-13T22:35:45.057-07:00

Some of my fav snaps from the Rajasthan road trip. I somehow feel that black/white gives a sense of depth/feel to a moment.... what do u think?

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1167722671917068322007-01-01T23:05:00.000-08:002008-01-14T01:52:03.873-08:00

Witnessed one of the most beautiful & peaceful sunsets that nature can pamper us with.... The view was so spectacular coz theres nothing to obstruct ur view - for miles its just the desert sands on your west & somewhere beyond, the land of Pakistan !Was lucky to be in Jaisalmer on that day ....I was on the last leg of my road-trip through Rajasthan and wanted to start the new year at a truly

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1167412406987587532006-12-29T08:31:00.000-08:002008-01-16T01:28:43.335-08:00

Finally !!! got to see the tower @ Chittorgarh... this was one of the few images etched in my mind about Rajasthan.This 8 storeyed construction is as amazing from inside as from outside. My apologies for not having any snap of inside as I gave my camera to a frnd who stayed down, while I climbed up...hoping that I would step into one of the balconies & wave to her to get a pic that would say "I

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1167409778925659672006-12-29T07:43:00.000-08:002008-01-16T01:29:19.778-08:00

Having a good breakfast on a roof-top restaurant with a lake view..... one of the finest way to start ur winter mornings in Udaipur...Make sure to - catch the sun-set at Sajjangarh....just picture perfect !- see the introduction to Rajasthani dances at Bagore ki Haveli @1900 hrs- Walk around the various ghats... will get a glimpse of real India..

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1164792528826017052006-11-29T01:19:00.000-08:002008-12-12T14:07:53.183-08:00

Finally got to do ph1 of my much planned (& always shelved) drive along the west coast of India. The excuse was that needed to shift my car from Chennai to Mumbai. And thanks to VJ, the road trip became a reality. We travelled a distance of over 1700Kms covering Blore, Mlore, Udipi,Bellur,Karwar, Goa etc etc.... and got to tick off almost all the places mentioned in Lonely Planet.My top favs are

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1155329992105015572006-08-11T13:40:00.000-07:002008-01-16T09:23:36.114-08:00

...Zara aank mein bhar lo paani...You will surely be reminded of Lata singing these lines once ur in Kargil or Drass.Its an avalanche of emotions that hits you- absolute patriotism gives way to questions about how can someone think about fighting in such a beautiful place. and then the realities of war surround you- Tiger Hill, Tololing and the Dras War Memorial- all remind of the young men who

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1155328753629456192006-08-11T13:36:00.000-07:002008-12-12T14:07:53.464-08:00

The Leh valley as seen from inside a monastery.Nothing prepares you for Ladakh- its barren yet so beautiful. Something in ur head will tell you this can't be correct- beautiful places need to have liberal use of the green hue in their color pallete.My decision to go to Leh/Ladakh was quite a rushed one. I had come to Delhi on a 15 day break & got really bored sitting home, twiddling thumbs...

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1129557956759564522005-10-17T07:03:00.000-07:002006-11-29T02:10:33.383-08:00

We were on our way to "Yelagiri"... a hill-station close to Chennai... & suddenly on the highway we came across this "thing" carrying an amazing # of ppl.... we couldn't resist what we used to do as kids---- waving. And look at the reaction we got...smiles & waves all around.....Amazing photography by AY...we are planning to send it to the Discovery Channel :-)

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1129896832286745772005-09-17T05:09:00.000-07:002008-01-19T09:13:09.052-08:00

This is how I inspired the gang to go to Yelagiri....a nice small hill-station in Tamil Nadu... Remember the scene from "The Mask of Zorro" when our dude lights up the hill with fire in the shape of Z?There are 14 hairpin bends (on the road to Yellagiri) on the mountain... which are actually visible from the highway itself..& the first thing that came to my mind when I saw that was Zorro !

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1130158529807302942005-09-12T05:51:00.000-07:002005-10-24T05:55:29.813-07:00

Another good moment captured by our resident photographer AY.What u see is the Vellore fort, which is really well maintained in the heart of this town where the local economy revolves around the Christian Medical College (CMC).

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1129725376260898312005-08-16T05:25:00.000-07:002005-10-19T05:36:16.263-07:00

There is a lot of history to be read & discovered on the East Coast of India.... In and around Chennai... once can see the remnants of some forts or rather trading posts...

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1129530683806661832005-07-16T23:26:00.000-07:002008-12-12T14:07:53.699-08:00

And am sure u would too... With perfect sea, sand & sun- who wouldnt?...Located about 150 Kms from Chennai- Pondicherry was a French occupied city & there are still a lot of French influence in the culture there. Nothing stands out as prominent as the strange hats of the policemen there:-)The Drive from Chennai to Pondicherry is amazing on the wonderful ECR (East Coast Road)- with the highway

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1129898737543244232005-04-07T05:39:00.000-07:002008-01-14T03:08:26.187-08:00

Gingee is a place worth spending a day just admiring the efforts taken by the rich rajahs to build a palace (would rather not call it a fort) in such difficult terrain.The Gingee fort is spread over some 3 hills... the climb which looks easy..can be tough during a typical bright sunny day... so carry ur fluid supplements:-)

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17943320.post-1129897383485812232005-04-07T05:15:00.000-07:002005-10-21T05:26:09.010-07:00

Yes... and I am told that this is the only "other" place in India apart from the Sunderbans to have backwater Mangroves...Whats fascinating is to see the vegetation just jutting out of water...& the close mesh these stems (or whatever it is thats above the water surface) make.This place is Pechavarram... which is beyond the temple town of 'Chidambaram'.U can enjoy a leisurely boat ride amongst

Wribhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209826445427264073noreply@blogger.com2