Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft from sea level located in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - The misty mountains and valleys, the whispering wilds and the refreshing drizzles are a tourists' delight at any time of the year. The mountain slopes are a nicely laden green carpet of evergreen tea plantations inter-spaced by murmuring jungle streams, winding roads and Pathways.
The misty nights and the sound of silence of this high altitude mountains and valleys blessed with mother nature's riches flora and fauna make it a true paradise on earth. The satin smooth grass lands which are the abode of the rare species of wild goats known as Nilgiri Tahrs and herds of wild elephants grazing elegantly across the jungle slopes add to the splendour of this mesmerizing landscape.
Now let me begin with the beginning of my tryst with this lovely place.
It was the month of August. And it was going to be my first trip to God's Own Country. Although I had a feeling that hill stations was never the USP of Kerala. Rather it is known for its beaches, Ayurvedic spas, backwaters, Kathakali etc etc. Nevertheless I was excited and was waiting eagerly at Madivala in Bangalore to board a bus with my friend. Eventually I boarded the bus(2x2 semi sleeper) and after waking for few hours, finally dozed off. When in the morning I woke up, I could found lots of greenery outside. So I thought Welcome to God's own country. But later I realized that I was being too premature in reaching conclusions. We were still in Tamil Nadu and Border was far and Munnar further. After some time we were asked to switch to a mini bus. The reason was that only mini bus goes till Munnar. Read full Travelogue on Munnar..
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Travelogue on - Chitradurga Fort
Factfile - Information: How to reach, what to do etc etc. Chitradurga Fort
Location: This fortress lies on the outskirts of Chitradurga town located at the junction of NH-4 (Bangalore-Pune) and NH-13 (Sollapur-Mangalore ). Chitradurga is also accessible by train. There is a daily service to Bangalore and weekly services to Mumbai.
Bangalore : 200 km. Davengere : 60 km.
Places to visit nearby: Jogimatti:- Ten kms. south of Chitradurga is this hill resort, situated at a height of 3803 ft. The place is named after a yogi, who was well known for his social service. Himavatkedra, a waterfall that flows through the rocks, has created a natural cave, that has a Shiva Linga and idols of Veerabhadra and Basavanna.
Chandravalli is an ancient archeological site where painted pottery and coins from the Shatavahana empire and prehistoric times were discovered. The rock inscription of king Mayurasharma dated 450CE. discovered here gave historians much information about Karnataka's first Kannada kingdom. Read full travelogue on Chitradurga Fort.
Location: This fortress lies on the outskirts of Chitradurga town located at the junction of NH-4 (Bangalore-Pune) and NH-13 (Sollapur-Mangalore ). Chitradurga is also accessible by train. There is a daily service to Bangalore and weekly services to Mumbai.
Bangalore : 200 km. Davengere : 60 km.
Places to visit nearby: Jogimatti:- Ten kms. south of Chitradurga is this hill resort, situated at a height of 3803 ft. The place is named after a yogi, who was well known for his social service. Himavatkedra, a waterfall that flows through the rocks, has created a natural cave, that has a Shiva Linga and idols of Veerabhadra and Basavanna.
Chandravalli is an ancient archeological site where painted pottery and coins from the Shatavahana empire and prehistoric times were discovered. The rock inscription of king Mayurasharma dated 450CE. discovered here gave historians much information about Karnataka's first Kannada kingdom. Read full travelogue on Chitradurga Fort.
Travelogue on - East Coast Road (E.C.R) from Chen to Mahabs.
Factfile - Information: How to reach, what to do etc etc..
Once you land in Chennai, take a cab or a bus down the East Coast road. A couple of kms after the toll gate, on your left you first see the sign post of the heritage village and then comes the Madras Crocodile Bank.
You can also go on a night safari organised from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Wild life enthusiasts can spend more time exploring the bank and it's surroundings and the Curator in charge will be your best friend to show you around.
For further details you can contact Madras Crocodile Bank Trust.
Centre for herpetology
Post bag no.4, Mamallapuram---603104.
Tele;- 91-044-27472447/ 27472953
Email;- mcbtindia@vsnl.net
Curator in charge, Nikhil Whitaker (9840379164)
The center also conducts weekend puppet shows by the nearby village youth, followed by regular summar camps for enthusiastic kids wherein they get to interact with Irula tribes, study of crocs from close quarters, go on Nature trails and a wide many activities.
Dakshina chitra is situated on E.C.R Road, Muttukadu, Tamilnadu—603118.
Tele:- 954114-2272603; 2272783.
It’s affliated to The Madras Craft Foundation which is a non-profit organization and conducts various courses and events to promote culture.
Tele:- 91-44-24462435; 91-44-24918943
Email:- mcfdak@md3.vsnl.net.in
It is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Tuesday holiday and the entry fee is Rs.50 per head. There is a shop attached where you can pick some ethnic attires and artifacts and books.
The heritage village conducts regular workshops to promote the Indian art and artisans from all over the country are invited to display their talent. Traditional festivals are celebrated all along the year.
You can also try your hands at pottery, glass blowing, weaving, embroidery, mask making, batik painting and many other interesting activities.
You can also visit the next door Muthukkadu lake which is a scenic spot and a boat house attached to the lake gives visitors an option of enjoying the boating experience.
Half an hours drive from Muttukadu and you are at Mahabalipuram. Here you can come across some of the best sculptors in the country and it's a treat to watch them at their art. Some centres also conduct classes in sclupting and there's a beeline of foreigners to learn this art.
You can pick some exclusive stone statues to adorn your home, from Mahabalipuram.
Of course there is the beautiful and serene Bay all along the drive and you can stop your vehicle just about anywhere and get your feet deep into the surging sea. But then yes, beware of the unpredictable Tsunami if ever she decides to appear once again.
The East Coast Road is smooth and even and beware of fast and furious drivers who tend to zoom at abnormal speeds. prone to accidents, suggest to drive safe.
Once you land in Chennai, take a cab or a bus down the East Coast road. A couple of kms after the toll gate, on your left you first see the sign post of the heritage village and then comes the Madras Crocodile Bank.
You can also go on a night safari organised from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Wild life enthusiasts can spend more time exploring the bank and it's surroundings and the Curator in charge will be your best friend to show you around.
For further details you can contact Madras Crocodile Bank Trust.
Centre for herpetology
Post bag no.4, Mamallapuram---603104.
Tele;- 91-044-27472447/ 27472953
Email;- mcbtindia@vsnl.net
Curator in charge, Nikhil Whitaker (9840379164)
The center also conducts weekend puppet shows by the nearby village youth, followed by regular summar camps for enthusiastic kids wherein they get to interact with Irula tribes, study of crocs from close quarters, go on Nature trails and a wide many activities.
Dakshina chitra is situated on E.C.R Road, Muttukadu, Tamilnadu—603118.
Tele:- 954114-2272603; 2272783.
It’s affliated to The Madras Craft Foundation which is a non-profit organization and conducts various courses and events to promote culture.
Tele:- 91-44-24462435; 91-44-24918943
Email:- mcfdak@md3.vsnl.net.in
It is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Tuesday holiday and the entry fee is Rs.50 per head. There is a shop attached where you can pick some ethnic attires and artifacts and books.
The heritage village conducts regular workshops to promote the Indian art and artisans from all over the country are invited to display their talent. Traditional festivals are celebrated all along the year.
You can also try your hands at pottery, glass blowing, weaving, embroidery, mask making, batik painting and many other interesting activities.
You can also visit the next door Muthukkadu lake which is a scenic spot and a boat house attached to the lake gives visitors an option of enjoying the boating experience.
Half an hours drive from Muttukadu and you are at Mahabalipuram. Here you can come across some of the best sculptors in the country and it's a treat to watch them at their art. Some centres also conduct classes in sclupting and there's a beeline of foreigners to learn this art.
You can pick some exclusive stone statues to adorn your home, from Mahabalipuram.
Of course there is the beautiful and serene Bay all along the drive and you can stop your vehicle just about anywhere and get your feet deep into the surging sea. But then yes, beware of the unpredictable Tsunami if ever she decides to appear once again.
The East Coast Road is smooth and even and beware of fast and furious drivers who tend to zoom at abnormal speeds. prone to accidents, suggest to drive safe.
Travelogue on Harihareshwar, Maharashtra
Fact file - Information: How to reach, what to do etc etc.. Harihareshwar
By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai 215 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Mangaon on Konkan Railway.
Harihareshwar from Pune is via Paud > Mulshi > Tamini Ghats > Mangaon > Nizampur > Off NH17 > Hariharshwar. Roads are OK with some bad patches.
By Road: Mumbai-Harihareshwar 230 kms. via Mumbai-via Panvel > Palaspe phata > Mumbai Goa Highway > Mangaon > Shriwardhan > Harihareshwar 20 kms. Bagmandala-Harihareswar 4 kms.
There are 2 roads one from within the town market area - this is a better option, the roads are better, wide, with some steep stretches.
The other is a longer route via Lonere Phata the road is winding, narrow, with steep patches, but relatively with lesser traffic.
Buses are available to reach Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan from Mumbai and Pune..
Things to do:
Close to the MTDC Harihareshwar resort is the famous Kalbhairav temple. Pradakshina round the temple is highly recommended. Please check the timings of the high tide before venturing out to sea. The pradakshina leads from the temple circumventing the sea through rocky legdes on to the other side and back the rear entrance. It is a must do for all the pilgrims and tourists alike.
Visit the nearby Srivardhan beach and Diveagar Temple. At Harihareshwar, visit to the ruins of Bankot fort is worthwhile. To reach the fort, you need to take a boat from the village of Bagmandla.
Food : Local food is best here. There is a variety of konkan food both veg and non-veg. The MTDC caters to both. The Khanavals near the temple complex serve veg food only.
Parking near the temple complex is ample. A small fee is charged.
The right time to visit : January to April.
Fact file - Accommodation: Hotels, and Where to stay at Harihareshwar
Resort Harihareshwar about 8 kms is a deluxe hotel.
MTDC Resort is on the beach with reasonable rates and good rooms. A good option. Choice of deluxe, AC and non AC rooms is available. Dining room is an open tent. Room service is available. Veg, and nonveg food is available here. Food quality is OK.
MTDC Harihareshwar, Contact Number : 02147-226036. Charges: 250/- to 1200/-
Resort Harihareshwar, Telephone : 02147-228025, Near Hilltop. Chargest: 500/- to 700/-
Caution : Beach is not very safe for swimming especially during low tide. It has lots of undercurrents. Some areas have sharp edged rocks. Read full travelogue on Harihareshwar.
By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai 215 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Mangaon on Konkan Railway.
Harihareshwar from Pune is via Paud > Mulshi > Tamini Ghats > Mangaon > Nizampur > Off NH17 > Hariharshwar. Roads are OK with some bad patches.
By Road: Mumbai-Harihareshwar 230 kms. via Mumbai-via Panvel > Palaspe phata > Mumbai Goa Highway > Mangaon > Shriwardhan > Harihareshwar 20 kms. Bagmandala-Harihareswar 4 kms.
There are 2 roads one from within the town market area - this is a better option, the roads are better, wide, with some steep stretches.
The other is a longer route via Lonere Phata the road is winding, narrow, with steep patches, but relatively with lesser traffic.
Buses are available to reach Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan from Mumbai and Pune..
Things to do:
Close to the MTDC Harihareshwar resort is the famous Kalbhairav temple. Pradakshina round the temple is highly recommended. Please check the timings of the high tide before venturing out to sea. The pradakshina leads from the temple circumventing the sea through rocky legdes on to the other side and back the rear entrance. It is a must do for all the pilgrims and tourists alike.
Visit the nearby Srivardhan beach and Diveagar Temple. At Harihareshwar, visit to the ruins of Bankot fort is worthwhile. To reach the fort, you need to take a boat from the village of Bagmandla.
Food : Local food is best here. There is a variety of konkan food both veg and non-veg. The MTDC caters to both. The Khanavals near the temple complex serve veg food only.
Parking near the temple complex is ample. A small fee is charged.
The right time to visit : January to April.
Fact file - Accommodation: Hotels, and Where to stay at Harihareshwar
Resort Harihareshwar about 8 kms is a deluxe hotel.
MTDC Resort is on the beach with reasonable rates and good rooms. A good option. Choice of deluxe, AC and non AC rooms is available. Dining room is an open tent. Room service is available. Veg, and nonveg food is available here. Food quality is OK.
MTDC Harihareshwar, Contact Number : 02147-226036. Charges: 250/- to 1200/-
Resort Harihareshwar, Telephone : 02147-228025, Near Hilltop. Chargest: 500/- to 700/-
Caution : Beach is not very safe for swimming especially during low tide. It has lots of undercurrents. Some areas have sharp edged rocks. Read full travelogue on Harihareshwar.
Travelogue on Dandeli, Karnataka
Factfile - Information: How to reach, what to do etc etc.. Dandeli
From Panaji there are two routes. (If you look at Eicher's map of India, there seem to be three, but don't pay attention to the middle one, it peters out in the minefields of eastern Goa). The northern route goes straight east on NH-4A past Ponda. But cross into Karnataka and hit Anmod, and the highway turns into pure hell: red mud and potholes that SUVs comfortably sink into, where trucks rumble along unmindful of minor annoyances like our Tata Indica. Fortunately, it's only 2km of hell, after which there is a turn to the right, and then a partly good, partly dirt-track trail past egrets and through villages to Jagalpet and on to Dandeli.
The southern route is easier, though much longer. Go south on NH-17, through Canacona into Karnataka. Turn left well before Karwar and drive up into the hills on a scenic, only occasionally bad, road. Takes you through Anshi straight to Dandeli.
What to do: Morning tour through the Dandeli Sanctuary. Whitewater rafting. Ride in a coracle (small round fishing boats). Kayaking. Mountain biking. Plenty of birds to interest even the casual birdwatcher. Long walks.
Fact file - Accommodation: Hotels, and Where to stay at Dandeli
Many choices of where to stay. Dandeli Jungle Camp, Kali Camp Resort, HP Resort, all come recommended. Check www.dandeli.com for options.
We stayed at Dandeli HomeStay, actually inside a once-operational mining operation (Dandeli Ferro Pvt Ltd). www.dandelihomestay.com. Contact Manu Patel, danddeli@gmail.com (yes, danDDeli@gmail.com). Dandeli HomeStay food was so good that we felt no need to explore outside. Read full Travelogue on Dandeli
From Panaji there are two routes. (If you look at Eicher's map of India, there seem to be three, but don't pay attention to the middle one, it peters out in the minefields of eastern Goa). The northern route goes straight east on NH-4A past Ponda. But cross into Karnataka and hit Anmod, and the highway turns into pure hell: red mud and potholes that SUVs comfortably sink into, where trucks rumble along unmindful of minor annoyances like our Tata Indica. Fortunately, it's only 2km of hell, after which there is a turn to the right, and then a partly good, partly dirt-track trail past egrets and through villages to Jagalpet and on to Dandeli.
The southern route is easier, though much longer. Go south on NH-17, through Canacona into Karnataka. Turn left well before Karwar and drive up into the hills on a scenic, only occasionally bad, road. Takes you through Anshi straight to Dandeli.
What to do: Morning tour through the Dandeli Sanctuary. Whitewater rafting. Ride in a coracle (small round fishing boats). Kayaking. Mountain biking. Plenty of birds to interest even the casual birdwatcher. Long walks.
Fact file - Accommodation: Hotels, and Where to stay at Dandeli
Many choices of where to stay. Dandeli Jungle Camp, Kali Camp Resort, HP Resort, all come recommended. Check www.dandeli.com for options.
We stayed at Dandeli HomeStay, actually inside a once-operational mining operation (Dandeli Ferro Pvt Ltd). www.dandelihomestay.com. Contact Manu Patel, danddeli@gmail.com (yes, danDDeli@gmail.com). Dandeli HomeStay food was so good that we felt no need to explore outside. Read full Travelogue on Dandeli
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Travelogue on - Mandu
Factfile - Accomodation: Hotels, and Where to stay at Mandu
Reaching: 99kms from Indore, also the nearest airport and railway station with good connections to most important towns/cities. Direct buses from Indore, via Dhar. Best time to go: Obviously, the monsoons – aim to be there between July and September for the best experience!
Accommodation: MPSTDC runs 2 resorts in Mandu – the Malwa Resort and the Malwa Retreat; other options are private hotels like Rain Basera and Hotel Rupmati; the Jain and Ram dharamsalas are other alternatives.
Eating options: Besides the food served in the resorts and the hotels, other restaurants in Mandu are Relax Point, Krishan Restaurant and Hotel Shivani.
Mandu had kept its promises. It’s one of those journeys that takes you to that lost corner of the heart that is just waiting to be discovered. Lets find out how to reach Mandu
Reaching: 99kms from Indore, also the nearest airport and railway station with good connections to most important towns/cities. Direct buses from Indore, via Dhar. Best time to go: Obviously, the monsoons – aim to be there between July and September for the best experience!
Accommodation: MPSTDC runs 2 resorts in Mandu – the Malwa Resort and the Malwa Retreat; other options are private hotels like Rain Basera and Hotel Rupmati; the Jain and Ram dharamsalas are other alternatives.
Eating options: Besides the food served in the resorts and the hotels, other restaurants in Mandu are Relax Point, Krishan Restaurant and Hotel Shivani.
Mandu had kept its promises. It’s one of those journeys that takes you to that lost corner of the heart that is just waiting to be discovered. Lets find out how to reach Mandu
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