Most of the time, my plans would be complicated.. and luckily works.. This is no exception.. Hear the plan for 4 days. I should have landed in Bangalore but my flight dont land at Bangalore on Wednesdays. So chose Chennai to land and wanted to start to Krishnagiri (my home town) that night itself. But my wife and her parents didnt encourage a night drive hence had to plan for early morning.. On Thursday morning 9:30 (early morning??!!) I started to Krishnagiri. Being the day of my brother’s Birthdady (26th Nov), day was more meaningful.

Luckily my driver hit 110+ in the tacho meter most of the time and I was home for lunch. Hardly I spent couple of hours with them and headed to Bangalore. Have to be so grateful for dad and mom for their understanding.. :-).. Having Vijay’s birthday bash, I cant be there anymore.. Started to bangalore and that was almost eventless. Bangalore is slowly recovering its traffic woes especially the electronic city to madiwala stretch. Am hoping for a good next year but who knows, if the number of vehicles going to grow, who can save the road. Coincidently, Krish started from office (poor guy travels almost 10 KMs more from electronic city from bangalore). Even though the distance between my bus and his bus was huge he told me that we would definitely bridge the gap at Bommanahalli with the Traffic Jam. And he was right. We were counting pillars and exchanging the pillar numbers to share where we were.. Good time pass isnt it.. We met in Madiwala and went home. My brother was home and I felt like am home after a longggggggggggg time.. After all, I spent almost 4 years there. I know the air in there. Seemingly, the street is getting better and better. Almost every house has got a car parked in that narrow street. Good going, I thought.

In no time, we collected the cake and decided to take it to the restaurant itself so that every one would join. Karthik and Selvakarthik came with a cool Birthday candle, we hopped on in his Verna and headed to Bagicha at Maratahalli. I recollect vaguely that this is my first ever restaurant where I had my first Team dinner 7 years back.. Vinoth, Bharathi, Joy & Kasturi, joined little later. Somehow the restaurent lost its charm I guess.. Cant help when its filled with people always. The birthday boy did cut his cake and shoved a piece to me first. Gosh, I wish to be there every year to get that piece. Then we went on hogging with the chat which would never end. Before they wanted to say its mid-night and leave, we promptly finished and headed back to home. Even before I chewed the day, my eyes said good night to me. A total dreamless sleep which always yearn for.

Whole Friday went with some long pending tasks. In the evening got a chance to visit Vinoth’s sweet home. Bharthi prepared us Akki rotti (a famous dish in Karnataka) which I never knew could taste that good. With some constructive arguments over the Indian politics and parenting, I rushed home in a Volvo bus. Honestly, Volvos are good thing but it was fully crowded. Every now and then I was crushed to the bars. For a change, I enjoyed the journey and reached home. Always there are surprises; The trip would be hectic and managing with one driver is almost impossible, so I have had asked for a backup driver. But what we got was a Tavera and just one driver for the next 3 days trip. We didnt have time to get annoyed. We hopped on to the Tavera and hit the highway. Myself, Vijay, Karthik, Krish were ones to start. Arun and Praveen were suppose to join us in Salem. With a quick dinner at my home in home town, we accelerated. At Salem, we picked Praveen and heard that Kavitha (Arun’s wife) was not well and Arun decided to stay back. Oops.

And the journey really started. With couple of tea breaks, we headed straight to ValParai. Plan was to spend till evenig there and rest of the evening for Shiva’s pre-marriage functions and travelling overnight to Dharmapuri for the Senthil’s marriage in the next morning. Well, it worked.

Some homework (at office) about the place really helped. First we had hit Pollachi and already it was dawn. We headed further and we started to see the full glory of nature. I rubbed my eyes and got ready with my shutter bug. I had no idea why am feeling light whenever I see nature at its best. I love the rocks with green fungus. I go crazy with the color. Our first stop was at the 9th hairpin bend of Aaliyar Dam. When we started with the hairpin bends, the dam looked like a small one. But the magnificient size is visible from the 9th Hairpin bend. A small view point is there and its okkay for its class. Unlike ooty or kodaikanal I didnt see petty shops and annoying noises. Exactly a private view point. As we passed those roads, road safety walls were occupied by number of monkeys. To keep themselves warm they use the strategy of forming walls by hugging. Though I have seen this in the pictures, first time I saw that front of me. And ofcourse have to say this, after the trip, whenever I saw those picture of monkey, there were some questions like why it chose that safety wall etc. Hmmm..

We headed further and the true beauty started to feast our eyes. Attakatti was on the way and Rotti kadai was the next. I thought Moonar was the best one in the view of Tea plantations. I was totally wrong. These places are gorgeous, totally gorgeous. Anyone who sees the place, without thinking would claim this is the best. The tiny hills of Tea plantations and the trees in between them (to grip the soil) were absolutely beautiful. I was so glad that it was not polluted and ‘developed’ for tourism at all. But it has every ingredent to be one the best tourist place. Heard that Tamil Nadu Govt has plans to develop, but didnt see any symptoms. Let that be that way!!.. If you have a weekend and if you have a (good) car, you can enjoy one of the best weekend of your life. Take friday off and make it a 3 day trip, you wont forget it at all, anytime.

Little dillemma whether to stop at monkey falls or not was decided to skip the place when we saw a bus with full of sabari mala tourists. Valparai is kind of located in a very comfortable zone of nature. Western ghat and hills surrounded but a secluded small little town. Honestly, town doesnt have decent hotels or resorts. Anyhow our intention was just to finish the morning chores and a bath. We got in a hotel and with all due respect to driver, requested him to sleep. I know we cant use the driver for rest of the day. Plan B time!. We got a local and settled for 1200 rs for a whole day trip in his Omni which is cheapest for the place and for the day trip. He was kind and waited till we hogged our breakfast in a super tasty mess nearby. It was excellant.

It seems the omni driver was obsessed with music. That vehicle had super bass speakers. As we started the day tour, he played songs from “Minale” a Harris Jeyaraj album. I cant explain those refreshing thoughts. Beauty of the place, friends, wits and height of it extreme quality of music. As I listened to those songs, I felt lighter and lighter. Greatness of the music especially the cinema albums is that would make us to visit the period when we listened to those much (may be when they got released). Am really not sure, but it recollected those carefree life of Bangalore before marriage. Just forgot my senses for a while.;-)

Our first stop was Chinnakallar dam, a small tiny in a secluded area. Nothing much to write about it. But if you have time its good to visit chinnakallar falls which we didnt go as we knew we would lose much time. Next stop was at Nirar dam which better than the former. Again view was good not the very best. May be evenings in monsoon period would turn you into a poet there, I guess. Initially wanted to save my DSLR after seeing “No Photography” sign, but who bothers, our guys took enough number of pics including the warning sign. Next stop was at Koozangal (koolangal) or “Nalla thanni aaru” river. It was just bigger than a stream and we were not at all interested in getting into that. But we heard that it looks smaller but has number of death trap zones. Jeez.. Next stop was at Nallamudi Pooncholai to which we had to get into a beautiful Tea-estate. From there, we have to walk a KM (easy stretch) which has a extra-ornidary view of a valley and nearby tea estates. I tried to take a snap like floating in the cloud. But with our guys, its always fun, never can be serious. We couldnt get succeeded with taking a ‘good’ photograph on cloud floating. hmmmm…

Our next stop was at the most anticipated Sholayar dam. Our driver being a local took a route which I would never forget. Even a 4×4 would have 100 problems in that route. But our driver managed to drive with the expertise he gathered in years. At times we felt like we are heading to a footpath. Sholayar dam claims itself the second deepest in Asia. When we went there, with lots of walking (thanks to our driver), reached the dam to see a small portion which was almost similar like Nirar dam. When we headed back to Valparai, we were already loosing sun here and there. Cant afford to goto Shiva’s function late. The thought was running so hard in me and the omni understood that need as well. In those rugged roads, driver didnt want to take his leg off the accelerator.

When we reached valparai, quickly checkedout the hotel and waited for our driver. He happily absconded somewhere. hmmm.. We guessed he should be in the mess where we had our breakfast and found him there. Without disturbing him we came back. Atleast now we know where he is. When he came back, we urged to speed a little where he can but definitely not until we reach the foothills. We reached pollachi and deviated to Udumalpet where shiva’s marriage will happen the next day.

Without difficulties we found the marriage hall and we entered. As we had friends at both ends, it was easy to settle down to dinner as the first task. Considering the fact that we were hungry, we treated ourselves. It was a nice dinner. This side of the tamil nadu, marriages vary greatly. We didnt get any chance to see the bride and the groom together. I got hold of Shiva’s cousins (more than 6-7) and as we knew them started talking. That was the first blunder ever I did in the trip. They royally teased and ragged me. Well, kids growing. I almost ran off and settled inside the hall and we were talking to friends. Bad time follows. After a shortwhile, those ‘kids’ came inside and happliy settled down next to us. There it started. Next two hours, we will be ragged, teased, punished. My god, they are talented, quick witted and fearless. Honestly and frankly the questions whatever they asked were unanswered at our ends. They gave us nick names in 20 mins. Nobody did that to us. It was total fun and we almost forgot what for we were there. Thinking ahead, we collected ourselves and Met the Sivakumar and he got us the bride and we took a snap with the team. We bidded bye to them as we wont be there till the marriage. Kids were really attached now and they were sad on hearing us that we wont make it for the next day. It was kind of relief at our ends that we wont be there, to be too frank. Those kids didnt leave us and kept on taking photos using my DSLR and they were really quick learners with taking pictures and viewing them. Little later, we managed to leave the place and started to Dharmapuri for Senthil’s marriage. We were thinking that we would reach there just on time for the marriage. Luckily driver took us by 5:00 am. Thank god. Vinoth who didnt make it to the trip was already there in the pre-booked hotel for us. All we knew was sleep walking into the hotel and slept with the alarms set to get up early. Thats dangerous. After such a hectic trip, none were able to wokeup on time and Vinoth was taking trips to all the rooms and tried to get our guys atleast for the muhurtham. By the time we got readied, we got a call from Vinoth saying the marriage is already over. Oh noooooooooo… we rushed in a share auto. People over there didnt allow us to enter the hall first, they insisted we go to the breakfast hall. How can I explain him our sitution, we sneaked and got into the marriage hall. I met couple of college friends as well. Senthil the ever smiling with Ilavarasi made the stage to glow. As if we were good, we seated and little later, again because of the push, we entered the breakfast hall and filled ourselves. Later, we spent good time with senthil and worked a little (??!!) for his post marriage stuffs and called it a day. They didnt encourage my plan of taking our guys to my hometown for lunch. Hence we stayed back and enjoyed the lunch as well.

Later we started to our home town (on the way to Bangalore). I packed my stuff and started back to Bangalore shortly. Considering the traffic, it would be tough to take the normal routes. So we took the sarjapur route and dropped Vinoth at his home and we continued to Airport. Happily we spent long time there and called it my ‘TRIP’.

I told you it was hectic, but some how it always works..

Better quality pics are here.

26th Nov 2009. Vijay’s Birthday. Bagecha Restaurent

Aaliyar Dam

Somewhere near Attakatti

Nirar Dam

Koozangal river

Sholayar Dam

Sivakumar

Dont have answers.. So the smile..

Am a barbie girl – they sung and danced.

Sivaranjini, Sivakumar and “WE”

Staircases of faces..

at Senthil’s Marriage – Praveen and Senthil’s hyper active newphew.

Guys time to hit gym!!

The post Valparai, Two Marriages appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

She has advised long back to take leave on my birthday (5th Nov) and with little resistence I accepted. Despite the fact that am not interested to celebrate my own birthday, she persuaded me to be totally unaware of the total plan for the day. Well – I accepted that part also.

Secrets are the most interesting puzzles for scropions, but this time I went with the flow; didnt want to crack it before it comes to my table. alright!

She surprised me saying that we will board the Super star Virgo Cruise on a 2 night trip to Malaca and KL in Malaysia. Somehow they were in my list and let myself to catch the excitement. When I bragged about my opinion of celebrating my own birthday ‘these’ ways, Thenmozhi confessed a little more thing as well which was a need of a break in her hectic office life. So what, she didnt plan on some other days, she wanted this to happen on ‘My Day’..

4th Nov

Plan was to leave early from the office and check-in before 10:30 PM. I made it to home only by 8:45 PM got ready in 10 mins. With much patience, we started from home and it was raining heavily already. It good we can get a taxi without getting drenched. We got a Taxi and reached harborFront, from where cruise starts.

Have to talk about the cruise a lottttt.. But, wait.. I dont own it, so just little information. Super star Virgo is the biggest of their rest of the cruises with 13 decks of wonderful options to ‘live’ life. It has a open-sky pool at 12th deck. 5-6 restaurents, theatresm, dics, pubs, fitness centres, gaming centres, casinos and what nots of a 7 star hotel.

okay – we are there. When we got dropped off from the Taxi, I just had a quick look around and got my luggages and something was little differnt in my surroundings.. Again looked at them and found the as usual singapore of 1000s of lights around the buildings. Little I know one side was sea and the 100s of light were from the gigantic ship which is no less then a good corporate building just like the other sides. OMG – she is gorgeous. No doubt.

We quickly checked-in and got our Balcony class admission cards. (Yellow – Admiral class, Red – Balcony class, Blue – World Cruisers). She quickly ran and ordered a veggie delight personal pan pizza for me (just for me, she plays it always safe when it comes to cheese) while I negotiated some money with my card and pin at a ATM.

I felt like I was walking from immigration to another building but within 10 meters, I realized am stepping in the ship. Palace is a misleading word to compare the ship. With a welcome drink (is white wine + Champagne also a cocktail…grrrr) we headed to 11th deck. 3 massive beautiful lifts serve the place. Actually in ship, I boarded 7th floor directly.. we headed to our room. which was a small but excellant piece of ship where minute care was given to each and everything. Its really makes me to stand and salute to human engineering who made possible to these luxury ships. Its big.. really big.. 2000 people can travel on it. in no time I hogged garlic bread and pizza and slowly started to settle down. Made quick calls to mom and told I wont be around. Then sat, its kind of series of jolts when the ship is pulled by tugboat. Will remind everyone of the earthquakes only difference is excitement not the panic.

Casova cake – this is one of fav cake which is bit tough to get anywhere. Somehow Thenmozhi managed to get and am with the cake when the time ticked to 12. Great., with a stirrer we managed to cut the cake and then started worried as I realized am becoming 30.. OMG.. 30 starts.. almost of avergage Indian life is gone.. well, I am postponing this to worry later. with enough casova cake we called it a day and started sleeping with sweet pushes of ship with tides.

Offlate I had messed with my sleep again which makes me an night owl and puts me in grave danger at day time. well I thought I would sleep. I did.. for 2 hours. Then – up – totally up.. hmmm.. no internet.. came out to Balcony and sat a while. Ship was speeding now and I could feel it was almost would compete to a bus in India.

Actually am a die-hard fan of Seas. Whatever makes you to keep you interested till last, with lots of mystries in it and lots of pleasure in it, no-ways-we-would-stop-loving-them.. Seas is one of them. I love tides but seldom interested in dipping my legs in it. That would disturb me listenng to what Tides to talk to sands. And in the middle of the sea, god, I have no words to explain what and all they have. Today – with my sleep messed, I looked at the sea and the tides. Yes – Tides made by the ship as it speeds. It tears the water and takes a good breadth in expanding it and that creates a quick but streamy like tides away from the ship. They were quire impressive. The sounds, the flow, the air, the crispyness in the air, cool-warm & warm-cool feeling in the air, night, distance lighthouses of Indonesia, cargo ships – damn!! I have no idea how much time I stood there.. And slowly went back and shoved myself between the bed and blanket.

Mornings.. always beautiful.. But I never make it.

No difference today too.

9:30 am it was when I was ready for breakfast.. well after checking at couple of restaurents, we settled at mediternan breakfast.. if any form of egg, chicken sausage, potato (hashbrown or smashed) – I would say best breakfast.. Well, had greak salad some cakes, fruits, Orange juice went along with that. with a little roaming around the ship I ended back to my room to continue my sleep.

Ship was scheduled to stop in Malacca between 7 and 9 am. But didnt see it stopped there.

After little bit ship exploration, we readied ourself for the city tour. Ship stopped at the KL dedicated port of Star Cruises and there was little smaller than ours, Pisces was standing magnificently. Interestingly no Visa/Immigration processes for us. It was really surprising. Seems to save the time, Star cruise itself handles all the immigration seamlessly. That really saves time.

As we have covered the KL highlights in our earlier trips, we opted for shopping tour in which they leave us in the city center where many malls around and would pick at the end of the day. With one strong black coffee, I gained my energy for next 8 hours. Shopped till we were tired and decided to go to to pick-up point. We later returned to the ship and tried the Indian restaurant “Taj”. Taste was quite delicious and I was badly in need of that.. I ended the day with Singapore Sling and called it a day by watching the waves talking to the ships. Next day was almost eventless; We ended the trip with another round of ship exploration.

Despite all the fun, something is really haunting.. am getting aged.. :'(

Better version of pics here

Superstar Virgo

The post myBirthday 2009 appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

I know its tooooooo late in publishing this. Reason? lets keep that off the record. cant accept I was lazy..

hmmm.. It was another wonderful & perfect(almost.. :-P) Parents Trip.. Good news is its 4th time. So happy, aint we? Indeed.

It was the beautiful evening of 27th Sep 2009. Right after my second year MBA papers.. (My alter ego pinches me saying you got the results too, but not this article yet.. )..hmmmm.. With some comedies here and there I got 3 extra days in my vacation. Before I blinked twice, they were gone and we were at the Cantonment railyway station – Bangalore. When we guys meet, the place glows.. Much we had in the past we hope..

Snacks, snacks, snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks.. When did we start a trip without these things. We started and my parents have joined at Dharmapuri and Arun’s parents at Salem. Ramesh and Dinesh’s family should reach Madurai as we reach. It was as usual fun and fun and fun.. Senthil excused himself to US and Arun ‘Father’ excused himself to look after Kavitha. We missed them too as much as they missed the trip.

We reached Madurai on 28th morning and splitted to Krish and Kubhi’s homes. After refresh and rest we had the sunny Madurai all for us. Didnt want to lay lazily; picked Krish and ventured to buy some stuffs. Though the sun didnt burn me right away it had plans to burn little later, little did I know. Vinoth and Ramesh joined with as they were suppose to ‘look after’ entertainment during the trip. He did justice to the post indeed. More to come on that.

Drank some mixed fruit punch (yes it was a real punch??!!, I had no slightest doubt about the fruits in it!!!). Roamed around and picked some sanity kit boxes and the stuffs to stuff in. Well, there came the afternoon. Later we had delicious food at Kubhi’s home and everyone met now. Dinesh (newly wed now.. ;-)) with Gayathri were the talk of the house. Few slept offf and rest tried some magazines. When the time came, tea came.. on time! What else we would need to get up.. We did. We got refreshed and drank big cups of tea and started to Meenakshi Temple. Dad had arranged some police personnel to get some special darshan (its possible,we are in India!!). We skipped all the queues and took had special ‘guide’ from the lovely police people.

Dusk.. We left to Ramesh’s house and almost persuaded his parents to join with us. However they had some important marriage and felt heavy in their hearts to miss the trip. We indeed consider every parents’ plans. This got slipped. Jai Ramesh!!

We enjoyed the bumpy rides of share Auto in Madurai and returned to Kubhi house. Had lovely round(s) of dinner. Then the ultimate touch of surprise; (yea, it wont be good not to have last minute surprises).. We booked a Bus and that got some ‘service’ need when it was suppose to be ready for us. After couple of hours of ‘tinking’, we accepted their offer to have a mini bus and a qualis alternatively. We didnt like the idea, but who has the other option.. hmmmm… We started..

Surprises didnt end there. I took the qualis with Vinoth, krish and Praveen, and never felt that sleepy sitting next to the driver. People woke me up couple of times and reminded me the ‘duty’ of sitting there.. (nothing else, giving company to driver).. After Theni, Bus driver told us the need of getting permit for the bus. Lovely. The took the qualis and went to get the permit saying “just 30 mins, we will be back”. At that place, I with the hell sleepy feeling, bus told me, not here dude.. well, came out of bus and there was a temple. I told not there too. Well, sat at a small milestone crossing the road and was waiting…waiting..waiting.. meanwhile people in the bus woke up and few took a walk and the nearby Tea shop at that wee hours invited them. Long later, Qualis returned; I jumped in and settled right between krish and vinoth. Praveen took the front seat. Damn, I had no idea of what happened later. There were couple of tea stops. and when I opened my eyes, it was cooler environment, it was clear dawn and we were climbing hills to Munnar. So what, again my eyes closed and went on to say hi to other dream. What happened to me??? did I get doped? yea.. post exam feelings..

again, when I opened my eyes, it was becacuse of the colder air which pinched me so hard. Its because, the great Krish.. He wanted to enjoy the views, so lowered the glass. Escaping that? na.. not possible. So tried to be up. Meanwhile I should talk about the destination..aaawww.(excuse me please).. Forest Haven was the resort we were going. After lot of analysis, this proved to be a wonderful place for this trip and it proved the same for second time. Yes – we went to the same place way back.

We reached almost by 9 and we had some quick bath and headed straight to the breakfast. We joyed the simple delicious food and resumed to our rooms for a little rest. Leaving them to take more rest? dangerous. and leaving our guys like that? too dangerous.. they will sleep the whole day the same way. So we ‘collected’ them and went to the nearby stream which was way better than the last time. This time we had a swing too. Sooooooooooooooooo big one in terms height.. Cant believe our parents.. They dipped their legs in the stream and had good time. Then their attraction turned to the swing. Believe me or not. Everyone of them tried it. Happy to see the playful heart in them.

In a shortwhile with a little rest (yes – again), it was the time for lunch. While we engaged ourselves in Table Tennis, Chess, Carom few other happily enjoyed nap. Gaythri (Dinesh) proved her skills on TT capabilities. Great she was.

We went to a nearby dam and to our dismay, they were already done for the day for speed boating. We later hit a place called echo point and had good round of snacks.

When we returned to the resort it was already dark. Campfire (bon-fire) was ready and we were all set.. Campfire is the time we always treat so special and the highlight of the trip. As we had the privilege of having both the days with camp-fire, I postponed to discuss a serious topic the day later and wanted to indulge them in a casual talk. We wanted all the parents to talk 3 things of their life’s achievement and one thing what they wanted to be which they didnt fulfill. And they took turn.. Great 2 hours ran easily..

People make our heart melt in a matter of seconds.. This time, it started with Ramesh. He said, his parents (joined the last parents trip) told him after their trip last year, “This was one of my happiest day in my life – (Kodaikanal PT-III)”. He proudly claimed, that even his elder brother didnt make them saying that, but he. The way he said, gave us the 1000% happiness of why we doing this. And no lesser, Thenmozhi Ramesh (still a new comer to our world), made our eyes a little pond by talking about how great she feels when nursing people in the hospital. Despite the job, there is satisfaction!!. And Vaishali again.. all were in good form and talked freely. The night slowly took over us.

Next day, we headed to Eravikulam national park (thinking we would see animals). After a long queue and enough waiting, we got the whole safari van to us. It climbed and climed. We passed a unknown or nameless beautiful falls and ended at a place. From there?? Its the park!! They told us to get down. That means?? No dangerous animals.. well.. what else?? just the goats. Nigirl Tar. Hmmmm.. after enough walking at that drizzling, we found many of them happily doing their duty (what else – eating).. We caught them few in our cameras and tried to walk uphill as long as possible in that clean tar road. After a KM, it was kind of end and everyone of us decided to go back to the place where we got dropped. I was hoping for a fox atleast but none.. hmmmm…

At that place, we had ice creams. so daring we were. But never do that unless thats a branded and kept as the company suggested.

We waited for longgg time and caught the safari van back to the base. At the base, again people went for the snack.. Hell with our luck, Krish wanted some Capsicum bajji which leathered a lot while cooking. Shop owner sweared thats refined oil. A very little doubt didnt save me from 1 fever day and 2 weeks need to recover. Fate. We ate.

All of them. Few vomitted.. good.. I wanted to do too.. but was really not interested in manual tries.. there goes the second chance to avoid. had something on top of it at the resort and we just the youngs caught the qualis and went to the spice garden nearby. He initially told some outrageous cost for a guided tour but later settled for a cheaper cost. He took us on a tour which was honestly interesting and it was really worth of money to learn from vannila plant to strawberry (yes!!)..

When we rerturned, tea was waiting for us, with some sips, we were ready for another rocking campfire. We played a rubberband game.. Thanks for the good time Ramesh..

Rain had other thoughts as well. So we resumed to the dinner hall and it was awesome that we played a team building game on couples. Just a news paper (1 sheet) and one pair. Nothing else required. Like musical chair at the end of every music, they have to fold the paper and still they have to stand on that (on the paper). As the folds became smaller, they not only had to squeeze in but had to hug the other. People done it beautifully and it was the exact master card “priceless” ad-time. their expressions.. feelings.. amazing.. Ramesh.. second time to appreciate for the assignment that he was responsbile.. after that there was little preaching time relating that game to our lives.. it was me..

At the end, Vinoth’s mom with the most heartfelt blesses tapped me.. I swear, nothing would stop us taking them to these trips as long as possible no matter where I am..

Before my dinner, that capsicum bajji (s#it) started working and I felt strong cues of fever. In no time, I took a pill and sunk between the wraps. When I was up in the morning, thank God, I had no fever. After the breakfast, we all posed for a group picture.. Bye-ed the resort and headed to a viewpoint on the way to Madurai. When we were returning after the late lunch to Madurai, I felt the need to urge quickly so that I can catch the flight.. But we had enough time.. Sat at the small Madurai airport, was wondering how the days ran and what would be in store for rest of the day and the coming days.. .. it was a Bluemoon….. … how often we find ourself happier than we the limits we know…. Cant wait for the next trip.

Better version of pics here

Dedicated to PT-2009

The post Parents Trip 2009 appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2009/11/22/parents-trip-2009/feed/ 0 https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/06/mt-titlis-and-engelbergv-swiss/ https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/06/mt-titlis-and-engelbergv-swiss/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:19:49 +0000 http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=57 Engelberg and Mt.Titlis +++++++++++++++++ We quickly collected our luggages from Zurich luggage lockers and caught our train to Lucern. Plan was another train from there to Engeberg. After a quick dark tunnel music concert, train bulleted out to breath normal air. We reached Engelberg around 5ish (pm). Engelberg is a Read more…

The post Mt. Titlis and Engelberg| Swiss appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> Engelberg and Mt.Titlis
+++++++++++++++++

We quickly collected our luggages from Zurich luggage lockers and caught our train to Lucern. Plan was another train from there to Engeberg. After a quick dark tunnel music concert, train bulleted out to breath normal air. We reached Engelberg around 5ish (pm). Engelberg is a small charming town. People generally stay at Lucerne and day trip this Mt.Titlis. Having much information about this place didnt allow me to do that. So at the foot of Mt.Titlis to stay. ;-). It was between cool and cold and learned that snow will be knee level at winters. Thanks that this is summer.

We took a quick walk after refreshing as the town feels sleepy after 6:30 and I wont find food anywhere. So we quickly grabbed some fruits and visited a Pizzaria (restaurent). oooh the Pizza they served was awesome and I still could say the differences. Having Italy as the border this is no wonder, but to eat such a good Pizza, we felt good and even my wife ignored her usual “Chesse again?” blames for a while.

After that, having 3 long hours to sunset made us to take small walk to the ‘ends’ of the town and to the foot of the Mt.Titlis cable car. As the cold wanted to test our tolerences further we deviated our walking to hotel and hugged our biggest mattresses.

Next day morning we headed to Mt.Titlis with the hope to have clear weather and it was at it best. Thank God. The best thing about the Swiss is, they are dedicated for tourists and they have too many ways to inform tourists. One is Live channels to hotels which telecasts nearby peaks, places weather with Live cam feed. Whatelse I need.

First trip to Trubsee a small meadow and the the journey with a slow rotating gondala which can hold 40 persons but thats not so great these days. Bad thing is the windows of the gondolas are not any more crystal clear. They have scratches and I think they need to replace now. Still the view was breathtaking and I didnt bother about the scratches on those gondalas.

All of a sudden, cold breeze hit us and we took our weapons. Windcheater, glows, snowcap and most importantly UV filtered goggles. I repeat they are very important.

View was awesome and breathtaking. Worth every penny we spend for the cable cars. Swiss is famous for their adventurous projects like this everywhere. They drill hillls, run railway or keep cable cars or cog wheel trains. They makesure we can reach easily. :-p

There is a snow park. Where you could play with Snow tubes and other Snow toys at free of cost. Snow tube was most thrilling. I wish I had my guys to double the fun. And a Ice flyer on which you sit like sitting on a bench and travel almost a mile and thats more thrilling especially when you carry heavy DSLR and a bag with tripod.

It was totally good time we spent there. Then we got some lovely(?!) Indian food right at Mt.Titlis (ofcourse at highcosts). Then we went back to Trubsee and took Trotti bike to the base of the Engelberg. That even more thrilling and a must do for all travellers. Its very safe, easy to ride and funny. Views are breathtaking all the way. It was awsome, however my wife fell once and the rest of the day she blamed me for that. saying, I didnt “teach” her.

Hmmmm.. Having such good experiences we started to Interlaken from Engelberg. There were 2 trains from engelberg to Lucern at just 11 mins interval. I was so curious to know why this hourly service and 11 mins gap between two. Later I learned that both the trains are same, just to reach foothills they run it as two trains and once it reach foothills both the trains to be joined. Interesting isnt it?

Catch you at Interlaken one..

Better version of images. Download at Mt.Titlis

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Zurich to Engelberg

Near our hotel

Damn crane

Mt.Titlis

There is a cross at top, almost at all nearby peaks.

Time is 9PM and I took a walk not to miss the cold breeze.

Engelberg

Engelberg town

Engelberg park :))

Titlis at focus distance..

Testing my skills

Testing my skills

Testing my skills

Testing my skills

Testing my skills

Testing my skills

“Its late and cold. I cant pose”

okay – for orkut sake..

well – I have a huge penthouse there and I would like to rent..

Engelberg

Engelberg outskirts, in 5 mins walk. But sweet little charming town.

No way I get the name of the flowers.

Engelberg

Engelberg

Early morning.. on the way to Mt.Titlis

@Mt.Titlis

Snow groomer at its work.

We with the shutter..

Well – cant afford to show this pic to Tom Cruise as he might loose next MI.. (ok… no more tomatoes)..

In reality Snow is strong and one hit you could really feel the pain.. :))

@Mt.Titlis

@Mt.Titlis

@Mt.Titlis

Ice Flyer

Trübsee and Jochpass

Trübsee and Jochpass

Glacier park. We with Snowtubes.

Glacier park. We with Snowtubes.

Glacier park. We with Snowtubes.

@Mt.Titlis

Just saving myself not get hit with a snowcake.

View from the Rotaair cable car

View from the Rotaair cable car

View from the Rotaair cable car

From Trübsee.

From Trübsee lake

From Trübsee lake

Trotti bike.

:->

Poor girl, fell down once and Grrrrrrrrr with me..

Trubsee to Engelberg

Trubsee to Engelberg

View halfway

View of Engelberg

View of Engelberg

View of Engelberg

One for the road!

The post Mt. Titlis and Engelberg| Swiss appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/06/mt-titlis-and-engelbergv-swiss/feed/ 1 https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/05/rhine-falls-zurich/ https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/05/rhine-falls-zurich/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:37:14 +0000 http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=56 RHINE FALLS ^^^^^^^^ Let me start from the interesting point here.. 😀 Hope you are finished reading Paris the previous article, ‘coz this continues from there. Having done with the nasty kiddish work of Air-France with our Luggage, we wanted rest of the trip to be smooth and so good. Read more…

The post Rhine falls | Zurich appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> RHINE FALLS
^^^^^^^^

Let me start from the interesting point here..

Hope you are finished reading Paris the previous article, ‘coz this continues from there. Having done with the nasty kiddish work of Air-France with our Luggage, we wanted rest of the trip to be smooth and so good. Infact It was. Little uneasy start but rest were awesome. Great infact.

We reached Zurich around 8:30 PM on 19th of July 2009. I got my Swiss first class saver Swiss rail pass activated for the next 8 days. Buy Swiss pass from the country you start or buy online which is upto 40% lower than there. Interesting fact is Europe (EU) citizens cant use these Swiss passes, just we could. ;-). As it was a new place, I was hoping for newer things eventhough I was well equipped personal timetables, train numbers etc. But Swiss railyways are the easiest and simplest ones in terms of understanding. Note Gate (gleis), Time thats all you need at stations. Then if you have first class (like us), stand near the right wagon to hop on easily.

We had our reservations at Hotel Atlantis Guest house. Note Atlantis Hotel was there 5 years ago which was Sheroton’s chain. Now its being run by others. Guesthouse acts as hotel now and the old hotel for the past 5 years as asylum. I had google maps, navigator apps, printouts of hotel, hotel path and what not. This sweet hotel is 3 mins walk from Triemli station. We reached Triemli station around 10:30pm and it was pitch dark. (I wish I made it by 9:30 or bit later before the sunset). We walked little further and crossed the tracks and as it was so dark, couldnt identify the right route (yes, for 3 mins walk).

Luckily 2 youngsters came and we just told them we are going to Hotel Atlantis guesthouse. They didnt speak english but managed to understand that we were looking for the hotel. But what they told us back was… “They dont open for tourists.. Its asylum now. Only for refugees” with their slaughtered english. I was still little confident that they misunderstood and trusted my google map images and addresses. We walked uphill for 2 mins at pitch dark. Nearby was a stream and I was not sure what it adds to my ears. :D. Then we deviated to the rough path towards a very big building and all the way those lovely youngsters were talking with us and offered to take Thenmozhi’s suitcase. Poor girl having almost lost to Air-france told she is okay to drag at that mud road which was quite steep. I understood that big building (old Sheraton chain hotel) is now a asylum and swiss govt uses it as refugee camp for those who cross the borders wihtout valid papers. They allow few of them to get proper papers to work there. One of the guys who told us that we are lucky to get those guys because those others in the asylums are drug sellers and the list went on. I was comfortable even after and learned that they were from Cerbia. Interesting. We passed that big building and saw signs to our hotel. These poor guys walked again almost a KM for us to safely leave us in the hotel. It was very funny to recollect that we took 15 mins of walk uphills and mudroad route for a clean 3 min walk from station. Those lovely guys, were caring and walked long at that time for us and made sure to drop us at the hotel. No matter what, few are very good by heart despite their outfit!!

Next thing.. Swiss is expensive. Expensive enough that even a European or American will say Swiss is expensive. :-p. Who bothers. Swiss lives to all that beauty. Ask yourself what are you for here. And you wont even bother about the cost. ;-). And the hotel was I was looking at lower ends (around 3 stars) and sounded so much to me when I booked. Note, star hotels costs upto 1000 USD per night here. dont get bothered. Do your home work to get a good hotel. And Atlantis Guesthouse was soooooo good. Quite compact and it looked so fresh and new. Thats all I require. We called it a day with the dreams’ of following days.

Morning we laughed at each other to see how close it was to station. We checked out and dumped our luggages at Zurich lockers (Station). Its so helpful to have coinbased lockers to dump our luggages (almost all your luggages). They cost 7 Swiss franc for larger luggages which can hold a lappy, a big suitcase and a small one. We dumped them and caught the next train to Schaffhausen where river Rhine has a little pit to turn that into europe’s largest waterfalls.

In 48 mins, we were at the Schaffhausen station. We avoided 2 hours of walk along the river by catching a bus (1,6 goes there) (with swiss pass everything is free.. ;). We got down at Neuhausen and then we gotto walk for 5 mins. You know what, Swiss people are proud and happy. Their words might sound rugged but its totally of their proud nature.Yet very kind to tourists. At the station, a granny came to us and told us that the bus will stop little away from us where the “door” of the bus could stop. We were just 10 foot away,still she wanted to tell us about the bus, in German. I was touched. And at the bus stop at Neuhausen, another aged couple got down, waited till we were got down from the bus and told us the direction to the falls. We didnt even ask a question. How lovely & caring people they are.

It was a quite simple walk from there (Follow the yellow foot marks), to reach the falls.It looks small (obviously because of its “height”). But trust me guys, I have never seen any falls at that height with such a force. Gosh! Its a real thril. Its massive. Thats the right word.

Falls is soo beautiful and I swear if you are there when the night falls on evening it would be the best sight of all your wild imaginations. We walked along the water and reached boat-house to go to the roch which is right at the centre of the falls. It was a simple ride of 5 mins to reach there. At top of the rock, it looks scary, unbalanced and “we are nothing” feeling. Great nature. Wont forgive as well if you take it granted.

With some pics and OMG moments, we got down and waited to take the boat to the bank. We felt as if we were on a leaf in front of that massive falls. With something in the name of lunch, (you will get french fries and chicken nuggets everywhere. And great pizzas from the neighbor who introduced it, what else you need??) we headed back to Zurich.

Catch the Interlaken entries next!!

Better version of images. Download at Rhine Falls

Zurich to Schaffhausen (Rhine falls)

Schaffhausen : Sweet little town

They are known for these and the best unknown is their punctuality. Trains leave exactly at the planned minute.

NDTV news reporter : (almost the same – my wife).. :))

Nat Geo traveller : None shot and none telecasted.. poor me.

World traveller : Passport free people.

Honey taster : Happy at his work

Rhine falls. Biggest of Europe . Its 150 Metrers wide end to end.

Rhine falls

Duck : Mom, save me shark is chasing meeeee!!!

Who dares a plunge here?

Snow capped mountains’ courtesy.

We are just on a leaf to the might of the falls.

Well time to pat on my photography.. But for me? :(((((

Am wondering what it would be beneath the boat with a oxygen cylinder..

When am on it, didnt realize how scary is this.

Little touch for dramatic effect.. :-p

Trees are still thinking to change to brown shirts..

The post Rhine falls | Zurich appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/05/rhine-falls-zurich/feed/ 1 https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/03/paris-france/ https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/03/paris-france/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:11:55 +0000 http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=55 We at Paris ~~~~~~~ Well my much anticipated, worked out trip is here. What you see is just the start the longgg trip. In paris we spent 2 days. We then spent most lovely 8 days at Swiss. Read the other article. Infact, this was the plan for “II Anniversary”, Read more…

The post Paris | France appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> We at Paris
~~~~~~~

Well my much anticipated, worked out trip is here. What you see is just the start the longgg trip. In paris we spent 2 days. We then spent most lovely 8 days at Swiss. Read the other article.

Infact, this was the plan for “II Anniversary”, however the season at April made us to postpone all the way. However wait for worth. Having Paris at the near border of Swiss, I couldnt take my eye of the Eiffel tower and Monalisa. I drew the plan with 2 days at Paris and rest at Swiss. After so much of plans, readings (so much.. :(), the day came!.

We avoided stopover flights from Singapore to Zurich to save times and SQ offered a lovely 3K SGD for 2 for return. It was the nicest start. Get on the plane. Watch couple of movies, eat couple of meals, snacks and a nap. Now you are in Zurich. that easy, 12 hours straight.

We refreshed at Zurich and relaxed. The non-stop rain at Zurich literally made me concerned. Zurich is known for lowest of rains, but that day it poured non stop as if the sky opened. I recollected my weather readings that they stayed good and convinced myself as I was heading to Paris. At the afternoon, we boarded Air-France flight to Paris for a short glide to Paris. View from sky is amzing. While Zurich was beautiful, Paris stayed neutral to eyes. And we landed. Air-France safely sent our luggage to Barcelona (using Swiss Airlines). We complained at airport and by the time, evening started falling, but recollect, Europe has the sunset at 10PM around at July.

Well, with the handluggages, we headed to City which is an hour train journey from Airport. Gosh.. Paris Airport to City, the trains, the route, the help we could get, ALL at its WORSE. Eventhough I prepared enough, I had to get little help which I couldnt get. Thanks. French is like India, they hated English it seems. Everywhere French. I had mobile version of translators, convertors etc.etc.. But the thrill of visiting a place almost like Mumbai slum, will make you uncomfortable. And Paris is known for pickpockets, thieves. Half way at the train, the unplanned Plan “B” came into picture, because rest of the route was “Not on Service”.. and the scary french tunnel railway stations.. Luckily after 3 attempts to speak english, a local couple helped us finding the alternative route to City. We waited for the bus at the Norte Dorm Cathedral and reached Invalides. My Google maps printout, softcopy all redirected me exactly to the other side of the road and we walked 15 mins in vein. Eventhough it was beautiful, tiredness, loss of luggage and no hope of getting them back didnt make it good.

Atlast got to the Hotel De L’Alma Hotel which I booked. Gosh.. Lifts are pathetic (everywhere at Europe), you can feel the moving wall when you go up or down.. How is that..;-) we enjoyed still. Room was soo small but comfortable enough for a day. After a quick refresh, we headed to Eiffel Tower as that was the only thing to be waited in the queue for everything else I had passes delivered to the hotel.

All of a sudden it started to drizzle that means less visibility. With half hearted queued at the Eiffel tower which is just 5 mins walk from my hotel. Drizzle brought wind and am with my lightest T-Shirt.. Still, the place is gorgeous. Honestly, at first sight, Eiffel Tower wont look so great for your eyes. It wont stand out of the earth, it wont live up to the hype. But just feel the rest, to know why its hyped.

Drizzle was playing with us with breeze and we bought the ticket upto the Third level (thats the highest point). First stop was at Level 2 (skipping level 1). Well, our tram loaded with a bunch of french teenage girls. Oh My God.. They talk.. and it just deafens our ears. and the topic is all rubbish. They laugh for nothing. However, considering their age and country, just you could accept that.

1 hour queue at the base and another 45 mins queue at second level to reach top that too at that bad weather (which was becoming good). So thought ourselves lucky and continued. Clouds got cleared but not to a great level. But the heavy wind started kissing bones. I acted as if not affected for some time, but after that, started moving fast at corners to avoid that killing cold breeze.

Second level has great view but nothing beats the top floor view at a normal day. We enjoyed a while and wondered Gustav’s dreams and the lift and everything.. everything is jaw dropping. Greatest efforts of history I could call. read rest at http://www.tour-eiffel.fr

After quick wandering through and shutter clicks, we descended. This time to Level one. They have shops, restaurents, cafe’s at first and second levels. Second level restaurent cost per person is sky high.. We caught a coffee at one of the cafe and got down. Rest of the plan for the day – at Invalides, night view of Champ de Elysees everything we had to skip as we were tired and the sun happily went to sleep. We sat at the ground and watched those mesmerizing lighting for a while and ran to hotel to skip the weather.

After a good night sleep, we had Louvre and few others for the day. We went to Arc de Triomphe in the morning which was built by Napoleone Boneaparte for his brave soldiers which he promised before the war. Its not only huge but faces the most beautiful street in the world “Champ de Elysees”. Daytime its good, but at night the street just sparkles. All famous sites, theaters call it home here.

We took Metros (which are weird at my eyes) to Louvre Museum. Believe me, Museum has two metro stations one at the end and another at the start. Think of how big it is. With the self guided thematic trail (from the official site), we tried to checkout all the most important works of the museum. Either Website is outdated or the works are misplaced. And at few places just the french names.. Art has no language atleast the name (not even the description), could be printed at english so that dumbs like me can read and wonder, wowww this it..

After checking out my most wanted Monalisa, Venus de Milo and few other important works, which literally took 3 hours we headed to river cruise. Again a longggg queue. We waited and its really not worth the waiting. Just skip if you have to. It takes 1 hour with less informative pre-recorded audio.

With that we called a end to Paris. We headed back to Airport and upon querying them, we found out that my luggage is safe at zurich. I told them, thanks, and dont even touch the luggage at Zurich in the name of transporting, we will collect ourselves. :-P. We got it at Zurich and the long Swiss exploration awaits us.

Better version of images. Download at We at Paris

Bienvenue à Paris.. (Welcome to Paris)

First sight of Eiffel Tower from Ecole Militire end.

Merci! A lovely couple offered to snap..

By the time we stood in queue and got to 2nd level, lights set aflame those steels.

Lets check your eye-sight.. At the end top of the mount – is
Sacre Coeur Basilique du (in simple, a church)

Other view – now try for golden dome – Invalides

Invalides – War memorial for those brave French..

The popular view. At the end you see Montparnasse tower. Very Unique.

Now at Level 3. Couldnt remove the glass shadow.

The highest place one can reach. Wind tried to inject ice for free outside.. I couldnt even take a pic at that wind.

Back to first Level. The metal carcass, as the french critics call.

Back to ground after a much desired/deserved coffee at level one.

Just dont have words to appreciate Gustav Eiffel who build it to last for 20 years but stands 200+ years

Isnt it a flawless piece of gold.. Well – find the rays.. Its also acts as a lighthouse.

That pale white ghost is me, my cam likes the tower than my face so am out of focus..

Arc de Triomphe. Napoleone Boneparte built as promised to his military.

Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe.

Champs-Élysées – the most beautiful avenue of Paris. Starts at Arc De Triomphe and ends at Louvre Museum

The scary Metro tunneles of Paris.

..and Tyre based Metros? First time for me.. I read NY metro also old.. do they have this??!!!

“Je ne sais pas” – I caught you!!.. That means I dont know.. :))

One the biggest museums which houses all you “knew”. Louvre de Musee (Louvre Museum)

I read both Da vinci code (& Angels and demons) for others, this is entrance tower of the museum.

Well – one worked..

Mmuseum is soooooooooo big, you need 7 days to finish to explore.. and God, French loved Arts. Nude in more.

Museum itself has rich history.. I just covered best of the Museum in 3 hours.

Greek Art. Venus de Milo.

laurels, kings

Just wondering, they are so backdated when technology didnt penetrate the churches.. How did they do it.

The Wedding Feast at Cana – this has its own history. again read da vinci code.

World renowned, best of rich,dark history girl. The Monalisa (Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo) by Leonardo da vinici

She “Lives there”.. find her at the wall..

The Coronation of the Emperor Napoleon I and the Crowning of the Empress Joséphine in Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 2, 1804

Winged Victory of Samothrace – Another greek statue

I have no idea.. I had to sensor other pics.. God, they loved nuditiy!!!

Outta Museum.. Breathing most romantic place on earth’s Air? well, no. Smell of Banana chocolate pancake. :))

..and me.. Eiffel tower from Travercodo side.

One for the clear sky!!

River.. River full of bridges.. Bridges full of statue, Art.. list goes on.. They all lived/living their “Life”!!

…tinking..

Musee de Orsay.. another best museum of Paris.

.. at river cruise.. something caught eye..

another bridge. Another work.

Just wish to view it sooooooooooo close..

Like this.. (recollect : Invalides)

Another river cruise tour boat.

Intentionally darkened..;-)

The post Paris | France appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2009/08/03/paris-france/feed/ 1 https://rainyhills.com/2009/04/11/langkawi-malaysia/ https://rainyhills.com/2009/04/11/langkawi-malaysia/#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:25:45 +0000 http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=54 Before you read.. Download this Best of Langkawi ooooh… Its two years.. Since I lost my ‘Bachelor’ title.. Time runs soooo fast.. 😉 Langkawi is a small island with minimal but very attractive places to explore. Langkawi is situated some 500kms north west of Kuala lumpur (Malaysia). We have planned Read more…

The post Langkawi | Malaysia appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> Before you read.. Download this Best of Langkawi

ooooh… Its two years.. Since I lost my ‘Bachelor’ title.. Time runs soooo fast..

Langkawi is a small island with minimal but very attractive places to explore.

Langkawi is situated some 500kms north west of Kuala lumpur (Malaysia). We have planned for 3 days and knowing not many things to explore, wanted to get into a good resort so that we could relax more and explore little. Berjaya Spa and Beach resort was a one which I never thought one would exist.. Believe me I have fantasized about Bora Bora resorts 100 times and thought in my life time I would not make it. After seeing Berjaya, we decided not to look for other ones.

And the Day Came.

3rd April 2009

We started early morning. Langkawi has minimal flight access and I ended up in booking two flights just to reach there. Bad time, there was some delays with both the flights. But not really too bad. Around 3 we reached the resort in Langkawi.

Resort lived up to its fame. 500 acres of hotel and 4 restaurents and one of them in sea, one with sea view. Its just Hill and sea. Almost no shore. And the hill is straight steep and these guys have cottages all the way up hill and totally connected by roads where shuttles(??!!) operate 24 hours. Its extreme rich and so thematic. They literally run a govt there. Its beautiful and people are courteous and hight of hospitality. None else needed for me to celebrate my 2 years of LIFE!

And to the best of it, I got a Premium Water chalet right into the Sea with great view and balcony. Sea is all visible from your bath tub.. So soothing to listen to the music. Waves give most warm hugs, even with their sounds..

Crystal Yacht

We have pre-booked a Sundown dinner cruise with Crystal Yacht. The theme awsome. They take you on their yacht where you are treated as if we own the yacht. 18 course BBQ dinner with free flow of alcohol drinks. If you are interested salt-water jacuzzi nothing but sailing along with the ship on a net and hold your drink if you can. After a quick settle down in the resort these guys came and readily waiting. We caught a shuttle and half-way I recollected I left wallet in the chalet. I just ran back (1km+ and collected ( I had to pay rest 50% of pre-booking fee ..:P

Met new friends Mark and Xaviera from Bristol (UK) and they were real friendly and in Yacht we got couple of more Malaysian friends (and their names are Pearl and…. )

They took us in a small boat and transferred to the yacht. Yacht is small but it wasnt over-crowded that day. It sailed on the beautiful western sea lines near tiny islands. Some time in Water, some time with beer and much with nature the evening started fade. Sea is very beautiful and that was my first time to see it when the dusk touches liquid metal colored waves. With some dinner, we settled for chit-chats with other people and made the evening so meaningful. It will stay for quite long in our memories.

4th April

Morning plan was to Sevel Wells water falls (telega Tujuh) and the late evening to Cable car. However to our luck the weather was so dumb (still too high humidity) and it was searching for Sun to shower its rays on us. Seven Wells named because the water fall formed 7 beautiful pits on the rock over the longggg years and cliamed Fairies used this as their playing pond. Its indeed beautiful but not from the top. A most tiring 638 steps (so steep) and I was with a low waist sturdy jean. Great right after our tooo heavy breakfast we started climbing. I was totally aware of the toughness of the climb but it was lesser infact, my bad time with the Jean made it toughest to climb. Atlast we made to the top where only one pit that too a small one with pristine water with some flows. I hadnt had a plan to take a dip, but that sweat made me to get into the water. woww.. it was soooo chill. From there Cable car view was good but in longgg distance. And a perfect Sea view. No wonder fairy tale stuffs are there..

Shortly we left the place and still sun was behind a thick forest of clouds hence we headed to Cable car.

Cable car

Cable car is 708 Meters at top station with breath taking views. Sometimes they claim Thailand is visible. Any how there are Base station, Middle station, Top station. The journey is sooo great and while nearing the top, the angle is 45 degree. Thats too scary for a one. From Top station, we can go down to take a cool walk on the “Curved Hanging Bridge” which is really a master piece of architecture at that height.

At times these too tested my strength as I had to climb down and up much at the top station. Anyhow, the fruit is soo much of worth so nothing to complain.

As we got the evening for ourselves, we went all the way to Eagle Square (Jetty Point) where Langkawi is connected via Sea route.

Nothing great but a cool place to hangout with friends in the evenings. We spent little time there and in a mall. (Langkawi Fair – largest mall in Langkawi : Island is duty free.. )

5th April 2009

Yahoooooo… Its the day!.. Great survival of 2 great years..
Well, we had covered the place we had in mind and got whole day time ahead of us. So we went to Under water world which is just a aquarium. Soon we ran from that place. Langkawi has got great snorekelling and diving places; hmmm, I have to teach my wife swimming before my next trip so that I could stick to few of the divings..

We spent some good time in the Spa and a late lunch; the day gone!!

We reached Airport much early and spent here and there and wasted some Starbucks Chai Tea and got our flight. Back to my den in 2 hours. A good trip got a good end, still my home is the greatest place!!

[flash https://ardentsage.rainyhills.com/wperpLangkawiTripVideo_NEW.flv]
Google Earth video of our Travel

Berja Spa & Beach Resort, Langkawi – Malaysia. (Pic copy right Berjay Resorts)

Berja Spa & Beach Resort, Langkawi – Malaysia (Pic copy right Berjay Resorts)

Berja Spa & Beach Resort, Langkawi – Malaysia (Pic copy right Berjay Resorts)

Berja Spa & Beach Resort, Langkawi – Malaysia (Pic copy right Berjay Resorts)

Berja Spa & Beach Resort, Langkawi – Malaysia (Pic copy right Berjay Resorts)

Before the Sunset Cruise..

Dont I look like a Crew worker?

Not now atlest..

Salt-water Jacuzzi..

Those small Islets

I wish……

Cant take my eyes off that beauty..

okay, back to pose now..

Cant try “Titanic” poses there. and I just can save myself..

Her name is Thenmozhi

Sunset but no golden orange, thats how I like to see..

Little, but more!!!!

Ah, thats gone!

Shot from the cruise end, shivering for balance between beer can and Camera..

My most lovely picture this time!! Shot with night view & high aperture and 100 kisses to my H1 Sony cam

Premium Water Chalets

Shadow still, but my cam is so intelligent to process colors.

At top of Seven Wells falls

Man its me with heavy backpack..

Oriental Vilalge. Cable car base station

While queuing for Cable car

now, IN cable car.

From Middle station

Oriental village and all those are Yachts..

Well, wondering its strength.

Engayo patha maathiri irukke..

Its had to smile to at that humid and hight..

My beautiful India is behind somewhere..

Testing its strength. Conclusion : Yes it is.

Wish am a bird, so that…..

On my way to top station

Curved Hanging Bridge

Find where sky meets sea!

Seven Wells water falls from sky view

Eagle Square : A rear shot

What if am sky diving and if I land on one of these??!!

The Great Eagle! Just the ultra mega size

Near Dusk at boat Jetty

The other side, just the clouds minus

Looks good really…but

Lobster alive

and in 15 mins.. poor fella..

Water chalets at night

Meee after that longggggg evening..

Pahn-Thai in-sea restaurent at the resort

Morning!! Curious Eyes

Its me with sleepy morning eyes.

late morning : Underwater world. A lion head gold fish

A copy cat Parrot

They were busy in checking their colors.. :-p

Good for a wallpaper.. Lookout for small fishes

My experiment..

Sea dragon as they call. In simple terms, a Sea-horse!!!!

Got fullly tanned ..Airport, saving memories!!

The post Langkawi | Malaysia appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2009/04/11/langkawi-malaysia/feed/ 3 https://rainyhills.com/2008/09/30/bali-indonesia/ https://rainyhills.com/2008/09/30/bali-indonesia/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:59:34 +0000 http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=51 Bali – Indonesia 20 Sep 2008 One thing before I start my actual travelogue.. Most of the Asian countries have rich religious history and still show the fragrance. Everywhere. Beautiful blend of Hinduism in a adorable way.. You could smell from the words, temples, people and even their names.. Okay, Read more…

The post Bali | Indonesia appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> Bali – Indonesia
20 Sep 2008

One thing before I start my actual travelogue..

Most of the Asian countries have rich religious history and still show the fragrance. Everywhere.

Beautiful blend of Hinduism in a adorable way..

You could smell from the words, temples, people and even their names..

Okay, now your question is, “whats your problem with that?”..

Well, I know our cultural history especially southern one.. My million dollar question is, how this is spread to Most of the Asian countries? and how come the language, culture, temples and even names has the core of our Tamil culture.. Did we go there in old times? if so, why did we lose the orgininality?

If am right that ‘connection’ was totally vanished.. and sadly still now, but the advancement of technology bringing the bridge which am least intersted..

Well, this was started running when I came here and Malaysia for my honeymoon, continued in my Thailand trip and am started thinking in this Bali (Indonesia) trip.

You call me crazy and continue reading..

My Journey

Bali, just like that has been chosen as Vietnam and Cambodia sounded overhead to me.

20th Afternoon we started to bali and we reached in the late evening. Just we got time to check-in and dinner (2.5 hours from SG).

First things first. Bali a great destination and that has its toll in its beauty a little. Money (Rupia) is 1 Indian rupee equals 200 Rupia or 1 SGD equals 6400 Rupia.

Calculating money was the hardest part.. I converted to many millions for our stay..

Having done my homework for Bali by searching cheap Bali Hotels online and the tour attractions. I didn’t want to use the whole 3 days for some package daily tours. We rented a car for full day and just guided him where to go. It was totally fun. Initially I had a thought to drive around which I realized later a bad idea as Bali don’t have friendly roads and drives. Believe me, Bali don’t have Bus, Train.. Only the Private tour buses for tourists.. Then what ‘s for the local people? There is the ‘Bemo’ a Maruti Omni kind of vehicle. In the city it takes 30-45 minutes to pass 5-10 KMs. So think of the Traffic. In simple, it’s like our very own country..

21 Sep 2008

Bali is known for the tag “Island of temples”, to be numeral it has 10000+ temples.. And the best of Bali is, Artistic skills. I would say it cant be beaten. They show extreme skills in the simplest things. Watch anything there will their touch.. You cant miss..

We decided to explore Western and middle part of Bali and Day 1, Eastern part on day 2, and Watersports on 3rd day.

First day we started almost in the morning and Mengwi was our first stop. A small temple. Quickly we visited and continued our journey. On the way when I got down for a rice terrace shot on my Cam, I have been invited by a Komodo a reptilia class. One step, back!! Then the friendly person (to that komodo) persuaded me to take a picture with that.. Then he offered Bats.. I said, no thanks.. Then he offered a Python.. My god, how many times I have to tell, no snakes in my life again!.. Literally I ran into the car.. We headed further to Bedugul.

Its hilly and the temperature was cooler than the city and the weather was not bad at all.. better than SG infact..

Bedugul means ‘A temple in the lake’.. Brator lake sits comfortably right next to Mount Bratan and Mount Catur. We spent a little time there again and then headed to the falls called “Git Git falls”. Its one of the best falls in Bali.. I bet the view would be very beautiful in the morning as well in the evening.. We got in there when the silhouette of my own tried to hide under my foot.. It was mid day.. Still view was too good and the best thing is I can get into the water!!!..

I did..

You know, I had that falls all to me and just to me.. :p Thenmozhi stayed back on the rocks.. It was measured 110 feet from top and the force of the water was .. God.. too much.. I tried my level best, still didnt make even near as the water and the powerful wind kept me away.. Then lethorgically continued my way back which was tiresome for 20 mins..

The driver was a good person and took me to lunch which had a spectacular view of rice terrace on a valley and on the other top we had our lunch.. I didnt bother about the dishes (Indonesian buffet), I just took my own time with that lovely view.. One my best lunches..

Balli has few hot springs.. And we visited one of them.. They had taste and they had built that with a common pool and many private small pools (larger than a double bath tub). I got a room to me.. The hot sprint water reaches that mega bathtub and overflows.. Water was really soothing hot.. Very lite.. And it tasted so funny.. and once in a while air bubbles from those spring holes gave me a little fear.. Just think, it has somewhere connection with a volcano..

By that time it was 4pm+.. And as per our plan next stop was at Tanah lot. Which is a sea temple offers spectacular views of sun set.. Am always a fan to that golden orange color.. With lots of hope we reached the temple before the sunset.. The temple is on the sea rock which some times fully covered by sea water making it unaccessible. The temple can be seen from outside and not into that as it worn out below ‘safety’ levels.

We sat and ready to watch the sunset.. Breeze was cool and the sea rocks gave a different sound of waves..Those green tinted rocks were playing very well with the waves.. And I did too for some photo snaps..

Well, my badluck there was a damn cloud set which spoiled the sunset for last couple of important mins. Still it was a good view.. Just those last special minutes were missing.. hmmm…

Then we headed back to our dens in the city (Hard rock hotel). Thematic hotel which is known for its rock bands and biggest swimming pools.. It has its own FM channel and a million dollar audio system.. And the live band telecasted to the TVs in the hotel..

22 Sep 2008

We were ready for another eventful day..

First stop near Ubud (oooboodh), a monkey forest with a temple. We got into that forest..

Monkey were fine till they saw my tripod and they looked scared.. fine nothing to bother.. took photos..

Monkeys were very friendly. If you sit there, they will come near, will examine your bags, will get on you and the smaller ones will get on your shoulder it will do its ‘business’ on your head. I sat and two of those monkeys came near and sat on my lap. I was scared but who shows the fear in front of his wife?.. I didnt.. But that monkey was so cool.. It rolled on my lap.. While another examining my bag, other got my goggles.. Thats the worst thing to happen to that goggles in its life.. :((
When I tried to get that back it showed his teeth and a big fellow joined the action.. Well. I stood, took 3 steps and was waiting.. This damn over curious monkey did all things with my goggles, it understood the purpose and it checked the vision with and without goggles.. Many times.. I accept they have brains..

It was so skilled and carefull not miss my goggles and made sure to attack when a European tried to get that for me.. But who wins with that long tailed menace. I waited some more time and a native came and shooed those monkeys. Fortunately that devil dropped my goggles and ran away. With a thanks I ran away from that place..

My advice is, never ever mess with a monkey unless you are ready to fight that..

Ubud is a village! But artistically, its incomaprable. Almost for 4 kms of stretch they have handicrafts where you cant afford to close your eyes for a second. If you do, you will miss something precious. They are dead cheap.. All you need, bargain skills..

After that we had a small travel break near a rice terrace field which had a thematic views.. We had a tender coconut with one of the best views just sitting on a mat with a nice lunch table..

Another thing to be cautious: Bargain on anything to the worst level.. No concerns.. If you are not sure you like it or not, better dont buy.. I bought carved wooden pair of goddess kind of stuff.. When they said that price it was around 120,000 rupia (600 rs) per one piece. I bargained for 20,000 rupia then we settled for 50,000 for two. Right after that another one right next to him offered 20,000 for the same pair.. hmmmm… bad fellas.. so always dont convert to your country price.. convery to their owns.. anywhere..

Next stop was Kintamani a Volcano facing town. That volcano(on Mount Batur) is still active. The land near to that is a devasted dark land.. We had another best lunch with the volcano view. Nature is extremely powerful.. We are just nothing infront of it.. No matter what our technologies..

Later we drove down to the Batur lake right next to the volcano.. This is the biggest lake of bali almost 6kms in length. After viewing the lake and hardened lava, we headed further to Besakih temple which is mother of all temples in Bali. Sits on the base of Mount Agung the highest mountain and a inactive volcano of 3000 mtrs. 1963 had the last eruption and killed many thousands people and still this Besakih temple had very little damage. Guarded by Gods.. As they say.. This temple has yearly festival, 12 years once and a 100 years festival. Next 100 years festival in 2079..

We have to wear sarong (A cloth worn from your hip till the calf) to get into this temple. This temple offers the best view and I learned that 21 temples reside in the same temple.

Later that day on our way back Klungkung another pass by town with a temple invited us. With that temple we headed back to our hotel.. Booked Jetski, Parasailing and diving for the next day..

Spent some time with the live band and it was rocking!!.. I just wished my people were there..

23rd Sep 2008

Morning we had a quick Jetski ( they dont give it to us as you see in movies.. ), then the parasailing with a good view of eatern bali.. As it was a package, I used both the divings to myself. With some classroom lessons for diving we headed to the diving zone. Snorekelling is one the best to see below, but diving with the oxygen cylinder is much more fun and thirlling.. I didnt feel like it was my first time and I was pretty comfortable with my breathing.. The world is quite beautiful below, those colorful fishes, coral reefs were breathtaking..

Later of the day we checked out hotel and ready for calling it a ‘trip’.. Flight was on time and around 11pm I was back to my sweet home in SG.. ( I went to office after that, thats a different story.. )

…and now presenting you with the photos..

Mengwi Temple
Mengwi Temple
Mengwi Temple
Mengwi Temple
Mengwi Temple
If you are not sure the name of the flower leave India..
A reptilia class.. Who knows its name?
Rice terraces
Bedugul. Lake Bratan
Bedugul (A temple in the lake)
Bedugul (A temple in the lake) (Balinese term)
Coupugul (A couple on the lake)..(my own term)
My alter ego wont allow to write comment.
Same bedugul
Another view
Those levels should be odd always..(11 here)
Flowers
all I need is, a permanant place on the first floor..
Git Git falls.. another nature lover
110 Meteres of force
A proof that we went there..

Thats me and the whole falls to me..
thats the last one..
Where we had our lunch



Hot Spring entrance. Ang seri
Hot spring bath.. I swear you dont need this pic with me..
Thats tree.. But good enough to scare me.. :((
Tana lot Sea shore temple
Sun set with gorgeous waves
Nature at its best!!
Me at my worst (pose)
Golden Orange Sun and those Damn clouds
Tanah lot’s other temple on a cliff
Ubud. Monkey Forest.
They are artistic.. Here is a proof..
Showing no fear is okay.. But leaving my goggles to that?? Stupidity!
See that damn curious ______ with my goggles..
Any idea??

Need a punch?
Still my face showing anger for that monkey’s action
Snack time with Rice terrace views

Mount Batur. Active Volcano. Below the devasted Land
At a safe distance, my lunch..
Near Lake batur, base of Volcano
hardened Lava
Lake Batur. Biggest of Bali. (6Miles)

Besakih. Mother of all temples
Mount Agung behind 3000 Mtrs of high. Cloud covered
Me with Serong, with this dress I will be allowed to enter temple

Half of Bali
Main temple

at the start of 21 temples


Klungkung temple

Hard rock Hotel, Bali



Kuta Beach. Surfers world.
Me, feeding fishes..



Just the cylinder was heavy. If you swim, its easy


Its their beautiful world…
Above is mine..

[flash https://ardentsage.rainyhills.com/wperp/Gallery/Bali_files/w1.flv]
@ Jetskiing
[flash https://ardentsage.rainyhills.com/wperp/Gallery/Bali_files/w2.flv]
@parasailing
[flash https://ardentsage.rainyhills.com/wperp/Gallery/Bali_files/w3.flv]
@Diving

The post Bali | Indonesia appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2008/09/30/bali-indonesia/feed/ 3 https://rainyhills.com/2008/09/01/airforce-open-house-sg/ https://rainyhills.com/2008/09/01/airforce-open-house-sg/#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:05:35 +0000 http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=49 Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) August 30, 2008 One of the things I like about Singapore govt is how they execute programmes. RSAF open house was advertised and my curious eyes didnt miss it. Paya lebar is the airbase ground for RSAF and open only during these times. Just Read more…

The post Airforce Open House SG appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

August 30, 2008

One of the things I like about Singapore govt is how they execute programmes. RSAF open house was advertised and my curious eyes didnt miss it. Paya lebar is the airbase ground for RSAF and open only during these times. Just wanted to have a pleasant evening and some cool pics so I planned a evening visit to this show. Shiva too joined us and we went to the show. Free shuttle took us to the grounds. RSAF museum too here, but visited generally by school students. Having grown up, didnt stop me looking at those. So we quickly checked out and headed to the base where Aerial display show to see machines at act.

Little rain too shown interest in it, so visited. But the Aerial show thought the other way. Show delayed due to rain. Meanwhile, we were exploring battle machines. There were hot balloon rides, Free ride in their cargo helicopters but only to those selected via lucky draws and filtered to PRs and Citizens. But they were good enough to allow us to take a seat in the real fighter jets and pose as if we were driving. And we went to nearby a jet for that and the pilot politely told that to see a long queue at the back waiting for the same. On a second thought I wanted to take the pic and joined the line. Shiva and Thenmozhi were exploring the rest ignoring my idea. When my turn came, they casually (??!!) joined and took snaps. hmmm… They werent quite interested at my initial thought to take a pic like that. So what, when the queue bypassed, we will..

By the time we were done with that, Aerial show started. First time I was seeing what it takes to start the jet. Almost 5 minutes of great roaring, jets were starting. And in act I must tell you they were scintillating and jaw dropping. In minutes, they were doing magics in the sky. Battle helicopters joined them. In no time cargo helicopters which carried a load of people with 2 military jeeps came in. Before they were dropped to the ground there were kinds of bomb blasted. To see it live the same ones in the hollywood films show in action movies; am dumbstruck to see it 100 meter distance and the sound was just heart shaking. Shortly, soldiers got down from the heli’s using ropes and the jeeps were landed. They were simulating some attacks and the ‘rut rut’ of machine guns started. In reality the sound is really much than the movies and bit scary too.. With that Jets again landed back and the drill (simulation) was completed. I felt like I was just out from a live war field. hmmmm… I wish I own a jet and driving permit for the same.. I know what you saying..

With that we concluded a worthy evening.. Isnt it our jobs are nothing infront of theirs?

The post Airforce Open House SG appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2008/09/01/airforce-open-house-sg/feed/ 0 https://rainyhills.com/2008/08/23/newyear2006-coorg/ https://rainyhills.com/2008/08/23/newyear2006-coorg/#respond Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:47:20 +0000 http://www.rainyhills.com/?p=46 N E W Y E A R – 2006 COORG Life is lovely with friends.. Just one of the fine chapter is being revisited here.. It was just the start 31st December’2005, we the team (Vijay, Vinoth, Krish, Arun, another Vijay,Sridevi, Nithya, Shiva and Me) were ready for the new Read more…

The post Vintage : New Year 2006 appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> N E W Y E A R – 2006
COORG

Life is lovely with friends.. Just one of the fine chapter is being revisited here..

It was just the start 31st December’2005, we the team (Vijay, Vinoth, Krish, Arun, another Vijay,Sridevi, Nithya, Shiva and Me) were ready for the new year trip. Kubhi missed the trip because of exams and few others with their own reasons. My dad strictly warned not to venture even picnics for the new year as we had rumours of bombs at the neck of the moment. However, we fled. (guilty pleading later to dad was a different story).

We generally prefer right next nature, so homestay takes priority than the resorts. We booked one, however, we had to stay in another one of the same owner. It was 14 kms from coorg on road, then 2 kms of walk to the homestay. Well, we learned that the homestay lives in the forest; so, to see one two legged human, we have to run 2 kms plus whatever on the road which depends upon the luck. After couple of morning teas in the ‘Raja seat’ at madikeri we were taken to the homestay which was just little lesser to the ‘haunted mansion’. We even named the next house which was used to store wooden logs as “Chandramukhi House”. Well, after lazy baths, we went to madikeri for lunch. Later, we went to some of the hill grasslands and spent rest of the year (it was 31st ).

When we reached back, it was pitch black and after the headlights turned off, we felt we had been blinded. And eeerie sounds to add to, town is 14kms and the house 2kms of forest walk with just candles. We went home to realize there is no power. Lovely. Gently I have to say to ease the pain, it was wonderful feeling to feel that we are totally cut off to the modern busy hectic world.

We started camp fire, and it was hot, I mean the topics. But the weather was cool. When it was nearing 12, we started preparing new year dishes (exactly 20 items), most of them bought, many are fruits, and a lovely New year Cake. Vijay was the lucky one after the lucky game to get the chance to cut the cake. We started it wonderfully.. the 2006.. without knowing how much the year will teach us all in good and bad things..

The next morning, early birds(including me, only in trips) ventured near by places and after a steep walk down on the hills we found a small house. The lady gave us a hot tea and was happy to see us. They had some coffee plantations and the man of the house was working in Army. Just this lady and her small boy. How brave they are!!..

How Brave are we.,
Last night when Vinoth had to go out for the nature call, he woke up Vijay for company and went. Next day when we were playing cricket he revealed what happened then. At the back of the house the restrooms were, so when reached there, he saw a heavenly body floating like milky white just above the human height. Having scared to hell, he quickly finished the task (or half way) and returned to bed. When he wokeup next day and the same nature call again he went there; Just to realize what he had seen was just a white towel hanging. We laughed until it started to hurt..

After that we vacated the home, headed to Bagamandala (where 3 rivers join). We passed thru some small reservoir, took snaps. After the Bagamandala temple visit, we headed to Tala Cauvery, the birth place of Cauvery. Being Jan it was dry, bit hot. Not a very pleasant one.

On the way back, we visited Nisargadama (500 acres of bamboo island made by splitting Cauvery into 2 artificially). Those river facing cottages are one of the best experiences and I still cant forget some special memories..

This time we explored, took snaps and headed back. On the way we covered Tibetian monestry which is 2kms from the Nisargadama. After that we had dinner and headed to Bangalore.

One another wonderful trip, ended..

We are readyyyy, where is the vehicle?

Raja Seat View

Wait, am yet to feel awake totally..

okay, now am..

Those 2kms walk

Vinoth and another Vijayyyy

Hungry look..

Vinoth wont put his hands in pocket..

Krish, color matters..

Vijay..

Vinoth, a favorite pose..

taking my snap??!!!

Well, am jealous and you know why..
Take a good photo, or get a good kick..

Last sunset of 2005

before getting ready for the auto snap..
Start of the campfire..

Thats chocolate cake!!!!

New morning, cricket to start..

It Arun and meeeeeee…

Walk to that lady’s home, coffee planation
Enough of that home, bye to that..

Fast click please, its sunny!!!

That chota reservoir

Well, its hot, so the walk..

Bagamandala Temple

Talacauvery

Cauvery starts at the base

Vinoth, flying..

Nisargadama: Ever wondered why the elephant Vinoth sitting has cracks??
Tibetian monestry : Battery drain so without flash

The post Vintage : New Year 2006 appeared first on Travelogue of a daydreamer.

]]> https://rainyhills.com/2008/08/23/newyear2006-coorg/feed/ 0