Away from the Maddening crowd – Mandarmoni

Posted on November 20, 2012by Sohni's Mind Store

What would anyone wish after an eventful Bengali wedding occasion of having 7 days of celebration and 500 or more odd guest around you?? Silence, Serenity and a beach.

That is what I did, googled this silent beach place in West Bengal and took off for 3 odd days. I boarded the local bus, paid Rs.250/- and enjoyed the ride till Chowlkhola. The bus was an experience, the vendors selling stuffs in the bus at every odd bus stop ranged from food, books, stationery to everything under the sky. Once we reached Chowlkhola, we had to get down. From here we took this amazingly assembled and created mode of transport like a Motor van uptill the beach of Mandarmoni. It was about 45 mins ride but an awesome experience.

The beach is lined with Resorts to stay, we checked in one called Neel Nirjoney. Good place, quiet, on the beach and clean cottages at very budget cost. Once settled everything, we came out and sat at the deck chairs on the beach from afternoon to sunset. We walked down the beach, we jogged across the water hitting our feet till darkness came over. Back to the resort, we sat at the dekh chairs till dinner time talking, playing cards and reading book in the dim light.

The food was amazing, seafood, prawn was the cherished delicacy. The rice they served had an authentic taste.

The following day started with a lazy note. Later we jogged on the beach, bathed till late afternoon, did paragliding and parasailing and came back to the resort for lunch.

Post lunch we went to Mohuna, the place where the backwater ends and the river meets the sea. It was full of red crabs. With the afternoon sun, it looks amazing like an army of red or a red carpet moving across the sand. This was a beauty, an experience I would hold close to my heart for the rest of my life.

I cherished my stay in Mandarmoni, with practically nothing to do other than swinging in the hammock, reading a book or having a beer or looking onto the vast sea bordered by the horizon. No city life, no pollution, no mobile phone and no connectivity.

It was indeed the most wanted break for us.

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Off to the French Custodian – Pondicherry

by Sohni's Mind Store

Friday Evening always has an excitement geared up. This time its about visiting Pondicherry. We reached the Shantinagar Bus Terminus at about 9pm after a quick dinner. We bought out on the spot ticket for 10pm bus and were off to Pondi. The bus stopped twice by the highways to catch a quick coffee in the onset of October breeze. The roads are amazing like buttered and the buses are extremely comfortable. Something to boast about the Karnataka State transport is  their fleet of Volvos, Isuzus and Mercs. It makes my travels so much more relaxed and rested.

We reached Pondicherry at about 5am and the seabreeze called upon us. Morning walk down the market place looking around the french colony while we were searching for a place to park ourselves. We stopped by the A2B for coffee that is amazing over imagination. This place is opposite the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayaka Temple at the heart of the town on Nehru Street. Soon after we saw a beautifully decorated possession from the temple pass through the street and the centre of attraction is none other than the temple elephant. Once the possession passed, we took our way towards the sea. We walked up through the shore road and tried to get a place to stay in the meantime. The french houses were beautiful and incredibly expensive. Finally, a corner french house is what we planned to treat ourselves with. Once freshened, we walked out and went to daily bread on Nehru street for breakfast. The scrambled egg, cold coffee, pancakes, cookies and the pastries were amazing. once done, we moved out and hired bikes which are easily available around every streets on daily cost. We moved towards the M.G.Road and saw the Varadharaja Perumal Temple. It is a 16th century Vishnu temple. The best part of this temple is the water flowing continuously at the entrance, so that the visiter have their foot washed before entering. Photography is not allowed here. We kept moving towards the end of the road where stands the the majestic Church of the Sacred Heart, beautiful and a serene Basilica. Further down, right opposite to the railway station is the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges with its beautiful Indo – Gothic Architecture. We could not have missed this when in Pondicherry. In the evening we were back to the beech road, saw the Gandhi Statue, the Promenade Museum and finally went up to the terrace of Hotel Ajanta for a seaview evening beer and enjoy sunset. We then came back to our nest to freshen up and spend our evening in relaxing around the beech road. 

Next day was early as we covered the Aurobindo Ashram Premises, the Mother’s house (MatriMandir), the a few more places by post breakfast. We went to Paradise Beach and played in the water till late afternoon. The seaside fish fry and tender coconut completed our lunch. Once back, we  freshened up and started towards Auroville. The Auroville store is simply amazing in its Artwork and the Linen Fabric is worth a buy. Evening was completed with the Hibiscus syrup from the Auroville Cafeteria. We decided to hang around Auroville that evening and hence checked in to the Bay Castle Service Apartments. Budget and extremely clean place with very good hospitality. Our dinner was at Tanto’s Woodburn Pizza and Mango Sherbat. We retired at the terrace of our service apartment and completed our candle light relaxation.

The next morning was spent in the meditation centre of Auroville. Be prepared to have a registration done beforehand else the place is always overbooked. It was followed by some time spent on the beautiful Auroville Beach.

By evening, we were ready to say goodbye to Pondicherry.

Hampi ~ The Historical Beauty

This trip is very close to my heart. It is beautiful and it is historic, leaves everyone nothing less than awestruck. We took the train at 9:30PM from Bangalore to travel 2nd class.  We reach Hospet station at around 7:30am. The breakfast options around the station look just fine. Once done with it, we walked about 100 mts and took the local bus to Hampi. The ruin city is an amazing view for your eyes.

With my usual homework done, we checked into the Shanthi Guest guest house. We hired a guide to look around the ruins and get a good glance into history.  We finished our Saturday going around looking at the historic monuments and temples of Hampi. Here, I would suggest guide assistance is a must to pour information and stories that speak secrets of the VijayanagarKingdom. We visited the vast area of 14th and 15th-century palaces and temples that was once the wealthy capital of a huge Hindu empire consisting of the Vithala Temple, the monkey temple, the elephant stable, the Sula Bazaar, the zananna enclosure, the Achyutaya Temple, the huge Ugra Narasimha Statue, the balakrishna Temple, the monolith Bull and the ganesha Temple, the queens bath and the remains of the old palace. We retired the Saturday by evening.

We were sore tired and fulfilled with the historical moments we had. Once we freshened up, we called for a break and relaxation time at the Mango Tree. Mango tree is one of the most naturally beautiful restaurants I have come across. When we walk by the river side for about ten minutes, we get a small door sign of Mango Tree. Once inside we walk through the banana plantation mud road and finally come to our destination. After the day long walking through the ruins of Hampi, this is the best that you can get in this side of the river. They served awesome food, amazing coolers and super refreshing ginger-lemon tea. I just loved seating on the bamboo mat for hours together looking onto the beautiful river and the changing colour of the sky with the sunset. With evening comes darkness and every low table is lighted with Hurricane lamps. Beautiful, nothing can be as serene as this finally when its time to go home, the host comes and talks to you and guides you to the main road with a torch through the banana plantation. We finished the day early.

The next morning was real eary at 4:30am. We were off to the Mathanga Hills to see the sunrise. It is a very steep trek uphill with tremendous wind to blow someone off the cliff results into a difficult one. There are a few steps to start with, but, gradually we found ourselves clinging onto the rocks and climbing. Proper pair a trekking shoes or barefoot is the best. Once we were up, it was completely worth it to visualize the panorama view of the ruin city, by the Tungabhadra river going alive with the sunlight. The monkeys are continuous entertainment and one can sit there indefinitely looking around. After coming down from the Matanga Hills, we finished our breakfast and visited the Virupaksha Temple Complex. Once done, we crossed the river in small boat at a minimum price and walked our way to a food joint called the Laughing Buddha. The sky turned cloudy and it was about to rain. We sat and enjoyed our Jimi Hendrix play in the background with chilled beer and awesome continental food.

6:00pm and the last ferry crosses the river to take us back as we cherish the weekend we spent in Hampi. We headed back to Hospet and took the 7:30pm train back to Bangalore.

To remember, Hampi is a no alcohol and vegetarian place. Please carry cash. There is no credit card system yet!

South Goa

Route: Bangalore – Tumkur – Sira – Chitradurga – Davangere – Ranibennur – Haveri – Sirsi – Mirjan – Ankola – Karwar – Canacona – Palolem Beach

We left Bangalore around 7:30PM and thankfully drove through a few known side roads to hit Neelamangala. The NH4 roads got deserted while we stopped for the roadside Tea. The no stop journey went on till the toll plaza @ Tumkur. The roads are superb and just built. The road sign let the speedometer keep to constant 100-120 kmph. Around 9PM we stopped for a delicious road side Dhaba dinner and tea. The chill of December was catching up. We cleaned the windshield post dinner and started off again with a change of driver. Drive through Sira-Drive was a breeze and we covered 250kms in 2hrs.The road continued till Davangere in no time and we walked into the Reliance A1 Plaza at Ranibennur. We munched up some yummy Dosa and Chai, tanked up the car and hit the road with a change of driver again. in 1:15hrs we were in Haveri. From Haveri we look a left into the village road through the cotton and sugarcane plantations on either side. The road was uneven and the speedometer took a slower verge.

From Sirsi, we headed through the Kumta road- smooth road soon showed us the Devimane Ghat’s beautiful Road. It is a dwindling single Lane and a cherished drive. We stopped to enjoy the fresh air and the chill mist past us. Change of driver again and we hit Mirjan through the NH17.This was the awesomeness surrounding us. There was greenery in one side and sea in the other. We stopped again since it was about to be dawn at the Rabindranath Tagore beach, very close to the Kali bridge and enjoyed the sunrise. As morning started getting brighter, the roads got narrowed and we were in Goa border in no time. Within half an hour the narrow yet beautiful roads led into Canacona. The hilly beauty slowed us as we stopped here and there to be photographed and finally reached a roadside shack for a munch. The homemade hot bun and coccum curry was yum!! What a delicious welcome to Goa. We started again and in another 10mins we were in Palolem. Felt like home. We got our shack @ the Fernandez’s and food was the usual amazing. Grabbed a bite of Goan fish curry and rice and then said Welcome to the Land of “Kings”.

corners of the world catching up on our life and where each of us is heading to. The great time  finally came to an end and it was time to say goodbye, till we meet again!!

Back to our shack, we caught a quick 5 hours sleep followed by dumping the luggage into the car. It was time to go back to the world of computers and networking. The gas was filled and our journey back started again to home sweet home!! On the way back, we spent most of the time debating our next trip.

Ladakh – Celebrating Awesomeness !!

Ladakh is by itself a mystical paradise in its unique natural existence over decades. The vastness of the cold deserts, in the beauty of dry, razor-sharp and unrefined mountains with peaks at thrilling altitudes, mesmerizing azure blue waters of the stand still salt lakes, in the life line rivers like Indus, Shyok forming vast green valleys, people who survive extremities of weather, the communities continuing the perseverance of traditional and strong culture…. and in many of the facets which is not be describe-able in words.

This journey was a challenge to myself. The land where the earth meets the tranquility of the sky challenged me again and again to face the tests of rigorous strength and fitness nurturing the strange cryptic in its air that touches the immortal soul profoundly.

Buddhism strongholds the atmosphere of Ladakh, the prayer flags sway in the wind to transmit the hopes and pulsations all throughout the beautiful valleys where one can soak up in the supreme calmness and peace on earth.

 

Ladakh is an adobe to one of the world’s unique and endangered species like snow leopard, black necked cranes and variety of avian fauna that passes during migration.Situated at a very high altitude and spread across a vast mountainous terrain measuring 60,000 sq. feet, oxygen levels are extremely low; a day in hand is always recommended to regularize our lung and oxygen intake with the altitude. Summer is season to visit Ladakh, the night are still appreciably cold. Praise of landscape, wildlife attractions, people and culture of Ladakh has reached to all corners of the world and hence Ladakh is most sought after destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, trekkers, bikers and photographers. We flew from Bangalore to reach Leh via Delhi cutting down a big chunk of our travel time and accommodate some more time for the eventful Ladakh. During the travel, we enjoyed amazing aerial view of the extended Himalayan range spread across the horizon, covered with snow and reached Leh at 10:30 am.

 After reaching Leh, we checked into one of the budget hotels & followed by a breakfast and a solid 6 hours sleep till evening for acclimatization. Acclimatization is utmost necessary at high altitude places.In the evening we walked around the Samkar and Shanti Stupa and enjoyed a panoramic view of Leh town from Shanti Stupa.

Ladakh along with all snow caped regions of India serve us with variety of teas, the famous being Masala Tea, Namak Chai and Butter/ghee Tea. We embraced ourselves with tea and noodles at Shanti stupa cafeteria while watching the sunset and a movement of life in the busy valley.

The relaxed day was called off with early bedtime calling. The next morning we had planned a busy day. We rented out motorbikes and topped them with fuel before we started our footprint tour. Shey Palace, the 15th century summer palace and monastery of Leh’s Royal family; the 800 year old gompa at Thiksey built on a hilltop and modelled on the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa and later the Hemis Monastery hidden in a gorge, the largest and wealthiest gompa in Ladakh was visited. After a short break, we visited Stok Palace Museum. By evening, we were done, thanks to local habitats, which are extremely helpful and great in directing tourist through shortest routes.  We retired the evening making small talks and hanging around our hotel.

 After Breakfast, we drove to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft). We reached Deskit by Afternoon and explored Deskit monastery, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village.

We had joined a group of 14 trekkers on our way and spent the night camping with them, in the valley.The next day, after our breakfast, we visited a few Monasteries and spent time with our photographic skills. By afternoon, we started our drive back to Leh…leaving Nubra – The Valley of flowers. On our way back, we crossed Khardungla Pass at 18280 feet altitude, we stopped for a quick grab at the Rinchen cafeteria, the highest cafeteria of the world. We were in our highest spirits, riding the world’s highest motorable road. We reached Leh around 8pm marking one of the best days of our life.

The very hectic Nubra Valley and Kardung La was followed by a easy day with visit to Alchi, on the banks of Indus River. The Dharma Wheel monastery of Alchi is a very auspicious and peaceful place on the whole. The walls are engraved with beautiful paintings of different Madalas and they have deep tantric interpretations. This is one of the oldest shrines in Ladakh and dates back to 1024AD. En route, we visited the Likir Monestery, famous for its gigantic statue of Maitreya Buddha and its numerous old Tankhas. We then went to view the union of the Indus and Zanskar rivers followed by the Magnetic Hill & Military Hall of Fame.The next day was the beautiful day of the azure blue Pangong Lake. After crossing the infamous Changla Pass at an altitude of 17500 ft , we saw the lake to the east of Leh.

Pangong is a huge lake in the Himalayas spreading out across and area of about 140 kms in length and 3-10 kms in width of azure blue crystal clear water. This is again the photographer’s paradise. We halted that night in a camp with our new trekker friend group besides the Pangong Lake. The beauty of the lake over bounds during the evening and it’s a moment to cherish.

Next day, after our breakfast at the camp, we drove through the wildlife of Changthang, the cold desert wildlife sanctuary all the way back to Leh. Evening was around the leh Market, café, local food and shopping memento from the paradise.

Next day, with memories of the beautiful trip and love of new friends from the trekker camp and the local people, we packed our bags and checked out for Bangalore via Delhi.

Belur - Halebedu

The 12th century remains of the Hoysala Empire in the Hassan District are a absolute excitement to get a grapple in the History of India.

Haleebidu is situated in the HassanDistrict; Karnataka. It is 216kms away on road from Bangalore. As our every visit, the travel was estimated to about 4hours. We left as early as 6am to take the Peenya Industrial Area route. Current condition of this road is bad due to elevated highway construction. If we plan to take this road, the early we leave, the better it stands. We chose the Magadi route via Yeshwantpur, Chord Road and finally turned right onto Magadi Road. The drive was fast, the road was good and clear. We stopped in a roadside tea stall for some refreshment and I have to say that the coffee tasted like heaven, a perfect energy booster. We crossed Magadi Road and Kunigal in no time to touch the NH48 near Hassan. The new 4 lane highway offers a great drive down the road. Hassan is a crowded town but looks well planned. As we moved further, we would get to see road signs that points to Belur. The roads are good once we are out of the town but drive needs to be slow since there are too many cows on the road.

The Hoysala temple Architecture is simply astonishing. One has to be the person to view the splendid work on the stones and the sun playing on the curves to relish the reality of beautiful history. One should have an excellent camera to capture the beauty on stone work and give way to no repentance later. This place is definitely the photographer’s delight. Time flies and we spent 4 hours there clicking every corner and finally it was time for sunset. There was no end to what needs to be a photographic capture. The sun playing on the stones every minute till it gets dark beautifies the place. One the premises come to the darkness, one of the temples have the worship and the Sandhya Aarti offering and this is again a delightful experience of peace and serenity. After we viewed the sunset there and grabbed some snacks outside the premises. Our mind felt pure and poised.

It was finally to go home. While on the way, we clicked around the sunset over paddy field and stopped in one of the Kamat Yatrinivas for food. Food was fresh and good as usual but no delicacy as such. We hit the roads again, took the same way back to Bangalore. The drive back was again 4-5 hours.

Chikamagalur - Karnataka

A weekend retreat close to nature just 4:30 hrs of drive away from the city hustle was the beautiful Chikamagalur. The plan was sudden and we bag packed on a Friday evening to leave around 11 pm and take a 2 days getaway. We returned by Sunday evening.

My Travelogue will be small this time since I do not want to get away from describing the beautiful estate.

Hence, the road map is here. We took the NICE and Neelamangala Toll road to join NH48. The road joined to the Mangalore highway and connected to Hassan into Chikamagalur.

We reached the Homestay by 3AM.

The estate was as big as a beautifully painted picture. The early morning mist was running through our spines when the caretaker welcomed us with hot filter coffee. We were shown our way to the Tree house and wow….there were branches transformed into racks.

Tired, as we were, we called it a day and retired.

8:30am and I woke up with the chirping of the birds and sound of life walking through the twigs, outside. I heard a strange bird. I asked the owner later to find out it was a peacock.

The tree house was cold as the wind kept seeping in through the logs. I opened the door and I screamed with awe “Goodness Gracious Me”…just loud enough to wake up the other and grab attention of the caretaker, He asked, “Madam, Coffee??” And I enjoyed my coffee and the beautiful mountain range right in front of me.

A five spread South Indian breakfast was followed by coffee again. There was a trek tour post breakfast through the estate of Coffee, Sandalwood and Pepper. The estate owner had stories of competitions, challenges and good and bad time. Done with the trek, we were back basking in the sun. I got a good 2 hours of reading a book. While I kept myself drowned in “The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cell Phone” by Shashi Tharoor, the others got good time to photograph, wander around and play with the estate puppy.

Then came a wonderfully spread Malnad lunch with 8-9 courses of delicious food, followed by which we planned to drive up to the Mullayangiri Range, the highest peak in Karnataka. The peak is 1930mts high. They are also called Chandradrona Parvatha Shreni or ChandradronaMountain range as they form the shape of a crescent moon. The up road is a single lane beautiful journey. While driving through one has to keep an eye on the left for a sudden in-route to the peak. Once missed it become difficult get a place wide enough to take a reverse and get back. We reached the last spot for vehicles around 4:30PM. The Sun was still bright and we could see a long trail of steps going up to the peak where the shrine sits. We climbed 468 steps trailing round to the peak. It is scary when we look down but once we were up, it was majestic. The Sunset was amazing and while it was still light, we saw the tiny cars leaving from the parking area taking slow move down the circling range. The mist started catching up and we made a move.

The drive down the hills and the mist following us left us numb. Once back to the estate, we were handed our favorite coffee cups while campfire was being lit up and music being played. We enjoyed the evening talking and dancing and drinking. Dinner was spread out late during the night and finally we retired post dinner with some home made wine.

Next day early morning was the day of return. So we had a lazy morning, looking around the estate and talking to the owner. The estate has an end to end environment friendly setup. Cooking is through woods, water heating and lighting is through installed solar, the bio waste is used for gas and the vegetables, coffee, milk and cereals come from the estate farming. What a wonderful breath of freshness and 2 days closest to nature we had spent.

As we left to be back to our concrete days of connectivity and internet, I wished I could stay in the estate forever.