Trip to God's Own Land (Kerala)
During the 3rd week of August, I had the chance to visit God's Own Land. As a part of my pilgrimage to Sabarimala I also visited some temples between Thissur and Sabarimala.
On 14th evening my journey started towards Kerala, by the Thiruvananthapuram Mail. My destination in Kerala was Sabarimala, but we headed towards Thissur so that we can visit few temples on the way to Sabarimala. We reached Thissur by 04.30Am, we refreshed and headed to the nearby Ramar Temple. As per our plan the temple to be visited was Vadakkunnathar in Thissur and then head to Guruvayr to visit the Krishna Temple. We were able to complete both these places by 8.30Am, after which the Guruvayur temple will be closed for morning poojas for 30mins.
Then we headed to Mamiyoor a Shiva Vishnu temple. This temple is also famous because of our TamilNadu CM for presenting a baby Elephant 4 years back. We visited the Triprayar Ramar temple on our way towards Kaladi. This is the birth place of Adi Shankaracharya the founder of Advaita Vedanta School. After a short break and a dip in the near by river we headed to Chottanikara to visit the Bhagawati Amman Temple. When we reached there we were told that the temple will be opened after 4Pm we were chit chatting about all topics that come into our mind. After our prayers at this temple we then headed to Vaikom Mahadevar temple, which is a Shiva temple. Then we headed to Kaduthuruthi, which is also a Shiva temple. The last temple that we visited for the day was Ettumaanoor which is another Shiva temple.
The number of temple we visited on a single day was 10 and to be frank I don't remember a single deity I visited. The reason is all images look same with very little difference that one can notice. After a good sleep in the night we got ready for the next day to visit another set of temples. The first temple we visited for the day was Ambalappuzha which is a Krishna temple. After a good darshan at this temple we headed to Haripad which is a temple for Subramanyar or otherwise called Murugan. We also visited the Hanuman temple next to this one.
As we wanted to reach the river Pampa by 1.30Pm we skipped all other temples on the way and headed directly to Pampa. After a quick bath at Pampa we started our journey towards the Aiyappan shirne by 2.30Pm. It is a 7km stretch on the ghats with steep climbs and slippery way we managed to reach the temple gates by 4.30Pm. As the door of the temple was opened at 4Pm after a month’s closure we had a good darshan with fewer crowds. Around 5.30Pm we got settled in our rooms and planned that we will visit the temple once again by 9.30Pm for the closure of the doors. When we came out by 9.30Pm we were shocked to see the crowd. With the help of a Bank Manager we were able to visit the Head guru of Sabarimala and also a close view of the god.
As the crowd was very high the next day we planned to get down eary as possible. We started back by 7.30Am and reached the base by 9.00Am. After a quick breakfast we headed towards Kottyam for our return journey towards Chennai. Since one of our travelmate had to catch the 1.30Pm Train we had to reach Kottayam without stop. We were able to reach in time because of the driver. From 1.30PM we were in the station to catch our 5.30Pm Chennai Mail.
Even though the journey was a hectic one, we were able to visit lots of places. It was a treat to eyes as everywhere it looked green beacuse of the heavy monsoons. The next day when I travelled from Chennai to Trichy it was opposite to that of Kerala. Everywhere dry land and it was looking like a desert with no greenaries. The only satisfying moment was when I saw river Cauvery was filled with water. It is told that after 3 yrs there is water in Cauvery.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Capital Punishment
After 15 years tomorrow India will witness a person under going the Captial Punishment. Dhananjoy Chatterjee the 39yr old convict for rape and murder of a 14 year old girl is the 55th convict to undergo the punishment. It has taken 13 years for the family of Hetal Parekh to witness the death of the murderer.
Will this be a lesson for everyone to avoid this crime?
Will the punishment for Koli be the same for rape and murder of Foster?
After 15 years tomorrow India will witness a person under going the Captial Punishment. Dhananjoy Chatterjee the 39yr old convict for rape and murder of a 14 year old girl is the 55th convict to undergo the punishment. It has taken 13 years for the family of Hetal Parekh to witness the death of the murderer.
Will this be a lesson for everyone to avoid this crime?
Will the punishment for Koli be the same for rape and murder of Foster?
Friday, August 06, 2004
Place Visited Last Year
Shimla & Kufri
After the trip to Nanital we stopped traveling during the month of December and January due to bad weather. We started our travel once again during the month of February. The first place I visited during Feb was Shimla. I went there to see and feel the snow fall, but I was able to see only snow all over the mountains. From Shimla we went to Kufri which is 19Km and tried some snow skiing.
Amristar & Wagah
During the same month we visited Amristar, the city of Golden Temple. I was amazed by the temple and the lake surrounding it. Payed a tribute to Jalliavalla bagh and then visited Wagah Border. One should not miss this great opportunity of viewing the army parade.
Jaisalmer
Again after a months rest we went to Jaisalmer, the Thar Desert during the month of April. A group of 4 dare devils went to feel the heat. We enjoyed the camel drive across the sand dunes for 2 days, was unforgettable and amazing.
Ranthambore
In the same month we visited the most tiger populated sanctuary of India. This time we were able to see the tigers. Here we had the option of viewing a Tigress with its cubs.
Dharmasala, McLoed Ganj & Khajjiar
Visited the little Lassa during the month of May, where His Holiness Dalai Lama has his home. We tried to sneak in for a blessing from him but were not able to do that. Then we headed to Khajjiar which is 1x1Km stretch of green grass surrounded by huge pine trees and mountains.
Ganothri & Gomukh
End of May we went to Gangothri. Ride on the Himalayas at a height of 3600mts was wonderful. During the summer months Ganges was trying to fill itself with the melting Ice from Gomukh. The 18Km walk to Gomukh at 4000mts was a breath taking walk. The most enjoyed place in all my tours was this one. I should thank each and everyone who accompanied me for this trip making it as the most admired and enjoyed one.
Delhi
Last but not the least, visited all the important places in Delhi before leaving to Hyderabad
Gangothri was my last trip in North India, since after this I got transferred to Hyderabad. Just geting transfers will not stop me from traveling.
Shimla & Kufri
After the trip to Nanital we stopped traveling during the month of December and January due to bad weather. We started our travel once again during the month of February. The first place I visited during Feb was Shimla. I went there to see and feel the snow fall, but I was able to see only snow all over the mountains. From Shimla we went to Kufri which is 19Km and tried some snow skiing.
Amristar & Wagah
During the same month we visited Amristar, the city of Golden Temple. I was amazed by the temple and the lake surrounding it. Payed a tribute to Jalliavalla bagh and then visited Wagah Border. One should not miss this great opportunity of viewing the army parade.
Jaisalmer
Again after a months rest we went to Jaisalmer, the Thar Desert during the month of April. A group of 4 dare devils went to feel the heat. We enjoyed the camel drive across the sand dunes for 2 days, was unforgettable and amazing.
Ranthambore
In the same month we visited the most tiger populated sanctuary of India. This time we were able to see the tigers. Here we had the option of viewing a Tigress with its cubs.
Dharmasala, McLoed Ganj & Khajjiar
Visited the little Lassa during the month of May, where His Holiness Dalai Lama has his home. We tried to sneak in for a blessing from him but were not able to do that. Then we headed to Khajjiar which is 1x1Km stretch of green grass surrounded by huge pine trees and mountains.
Ganothri & Gomukh
End of May we went to Gangothri. Ride on the Himalayas at a height of 3600mts was wonderful. During the summer months Ganges was trying to fill itself with the melting Ice from Gomukh. The 18Km walk to Gomukh at 4000mts was a breath taking walk. The most enjoyed place in all my tours was this one. I should thank each and everyone who accompanied me for this trip making it as the most admired and enjoyed one.
Delhi
Last but not the least, visited all the important places in Delhi before leaving to Hyderabad
Gangothri was my last trip in North India, since after this I got transferred to Hyderabad. Just geting transfers will not stop me from traveling.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Places Visited Last Year
River Rafting
Tried River rafting in Ganges at Rishikesh, a week after the Agra trip. We were 7 people and got a good bargain in our river rafting and night stay. The stay was in tents on the banks of Ganges. Heart throbbing experience.
Sultanpur
After 2 long trips in a month we decided to visit this bird sanctuary near Delhi. Was good but it was not as amazing as Bharatpur.
Sariska
After doing some bird watching we went for tiger glimpse at Sariska. After a 4hr trip inside the forest we were not able to site any big cats. We then headed to a hot water spring and spent the night at the lonely guest house in the forest.
Pushkar & Jaipur
We visited Pushkar for the camel festival during the month of November. We were told that one can see around 500 to 1000 camels at a time. Since we went at the end of the festival we were able to see around 200 camels. Then we headed to Jaipur to visit the pink city.
Nanital
During the same month to enjoy the winter cold we went to Nanital. I was told that the time we went was the start of winter, but all of us were shivering in cold.
River Rafting
Tried River rafting in Ganges at Rishikesh, a week after the Agra trip. We were 7 people and got a good bargain in our river rafting and night stay. The stay was in tents on the banks of Ganges. Heart throbbing experience.
Sultanpur
After 2 long trips in a month we decided to visit this bird sanctuary near Delhi. Was good but it was not as amazing as Bharatpur.
Sariska
After doing some bird watching we went for tiger glimpse at Sariska. After a 4hr trip inside the forest we were not able to site any big cats. We then headed to a hot water spring and spent the night at the lonely guest house in the forest.
Pushkar & Jaipur
We visited Pushkar for the camel festival during the month of November. We were told that one can see around 500 to 1000 camels at a time. Since we went at the end of the festival we were able to see around 200 camels. Then we headed to Jaipur to visit the pink city.
Nanital
During the same month to enjoy the winter cold we went to Nanital. I was told that the time we went was the start of winter, but all of us were shivering in cold.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Places Visited Last Year
In another 2 days I am completing 1 year of traveling. When I was in Delhi, I kept telling to myself that within a year I should see 50% of places around North India. Today when I see my list, it looks like I have achieved my target.
The places that I had visited in North India are
Mussoorie & Rishikesh
Mussoorie a small hill station in Dehradun. Two of my colleagues asked whether I am ready to join for the trip when I entered the office. The place and time of visit was unforgettable. On our return we visited the temples of Rishikesh and then traveled back to Delhi.
Vaishnavo Devi & Patnitop
The second place we visited was Vaishnavo Devi and Patnitop, situated in Jammu. The 14Kms walk to the shrine, with heavy security was a thrilling experience. We also visited the silent valley called Patnitop which is on the Srinagar Jammu high way.
Agra
During the month of September, I had the chance to visit the most spoken place in India, The Taj Mahal. For this trip we were around 9 people jammed in a Scorpio. The drive to Agra was simply superb, thanks to our Ex-prime minister. I need not explain anything about Taj Mahal. During this trip we also visited Fatehpur Sikri, Bharatpur, Mathura and Vrindavan.
More to come...
In another 2 days I am completing 1 year of traveling. When I was in Delhi, I kept telling to myself that within a year I should see 50% of places around North India. Today when I see my list, it looks like I have achieved my target.
The places that I had visited in North India are
Mussoorie & Rishikesh
Mussoorie a small hill station in Dehradun. Two of my colleagues asked whether I am ready to join for the trip when I entered the office. The place and time of visit was unforgettable. On our return we visited the temples of Rishikesh and then traveled back to Delhi.
Vaishnavo Devi & Patnitop
The second place we visited was Vaishnavo Devi and Patnitop, situated in Jammu. The 14Kms walk to the shrine, with heavy security was a thrilling experience. We also visited the silent valley called Patnitop which is on the Srinagar Jammu high way.
Agra
During the month of September, I had the chance to visit the most spoken place in India, The Taj Mahal. For this trip we were around 9 people jammed in a Scorpio. The drive to Agra was simply superb, thanks to our Ex-prime minister. I need not explain anything about Taj Mahal. During this trip we also visited Fatehpur Sikri, Bharatpur, Mathura and Vrindavan.
More to come...
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
?!
For past few months I have been reading some blogs and whenever I see a blog with a black background, it is more less belongs to a female. I am wondering why do they keep themselves in a black area. Are they trying to hide themselves in the darkness?
Is anyone out there to enlighten me on this...
For past few months I have been reading some blogs and whenever I see a blog with a black background, it is more less belongs to a female. I am wondering why do they keep themselves in a black area. Are they trying to hide themselves in the darkness?
Is anyone out there to enlighten me on this...
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