travelenz

Half day at the Kochi dog show 2010

2010-11-08T09:02:00.000+05:30

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We had a nice time, camping at Cherai beach, which is just 10 km away from our home at Kochi, Kerala

2010-11-08T08:49:00.001+05:30

At the southern tip of India (Kanyakumari)

2010-06-10T23:57:00.002+05:30

Kalpakavadi restaurant

2010-06-07T19:48:00.004+05:30

We had lunch at the Kalpakavadi restaurant, which is known for excellent Kerala cuisine. Unfortunately, the food was not that great. I liked the building and the premises than the food. Good place to relax. This comes just after ambalapuzha (after Alleppey, while traveling from Kochi), and may be the only place of it's kind on the way. The exact location is 'Thottappally'. There are two kalpakavadi's adjacent to each other. One is hopeless, where as the other one is well maintained.

honeycomb @ the alleppey light house

2010-06-07T19:06:00.000+05:30

Spellcheck !

2010-06-07T19:02:00.002+05:30

Rosanna @ Alleppey Beach

2010-06-07T18:59:00.002+05:30

Light house at Alleppey beach

2010-06-07T18:55:00.002+05:30

Alleppey beach

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@ Alleppey Beach

2010-06-07T18:34:00.000+05:30

Varkala Beach

2010-06-07T18:11:00.001+05:30

Varkala Beach

Outside Revi Karuna Karan Museum

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Inside Revi Karuna Karan Museum

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Revi Karuna Karan Museum, Alleppey

2010-06-07T14:14:00.000+05:30

Revi Karuna Karan museum has the World's largest collection of Savrowsky crystals, held by an Individual. This is situated at the Alleppey district of Kerala. An amazing collection, can easily spend half day there. Dont miss it.

Ducks!

2010-06-07T13:56:00.001+05:30

On the way to edathuva church from Quilon (Kollam)

Edathuva Church

2010-06-07T13:53:00.000+05:30

Edathuva church web site

Camera Shy! or Ducking Ducks!

2010-06-07T13:46:00.000+05:30

Ducks on the way to Edathuva church.

Breakfast on the way!

2010-06-07T13:39:00.000+05:30

We love Indian coffee house joints, when we want to have decent food at budget rates. Almost all of them are equipped with reasonably clean toilets. The Indian coffee house at Shanmugam beach, Trivandrum is an exception for it's uncleanliness.

Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thirunalveli-Kochi

2010-06-07T13:31:00.000+05:30

We are just back from our Kochi-Kanyakumari trip, and like all travels, this was also quite enjoyable, breaking the monotony. We drove down to Kanyakumari via Alleppey, Quilon. From Kanyakumari we headed towards Thirunal veli to see the Thoppam waterfalls and then drove back to Kochi. On the way back we had stops at Kovalam beach, Varkala beach and saw the Sunday mass at Thangi church, Quilon. Have taken hundreds of photographs and will be uploading them during the coming days.

Choosing a vehicle !

2010-06-07T12:55:00.000+05:30

Of course, I would have chosen a Toyota Land cruiser instead of WagonR, If I had that kind of money to spare. When it came to choosing a new vehicle, these were my criteria;

1) It should be just sufficient for 4 members to travel.

2) It should be ideal for city drives as well as long distances.

3) Should not create a dent on my pocket while buying and maintaining.

4) Should be fuel efficient and at the same time have enough power to take on the ghat sections (hilly roads)

This small Wagon-R from Suzuki met all these criteria, so I went for it. Bolero was a very close choice, and it costs more and not that city friendly.

We just completed a 1000Km tour on this vehicle, and I am quite satisfied with it. Since the driver's seat is taller than other cars, the fatigue after long drives are less and the glare from other vehicles headlights are easier to manage. This is just 1000Cc vehicle, and at times, I used to crave for more power!. That is the only wish list I have for this vehicle.

Another shot at Dubai Duty free

2006-07-02T22:11:00.000+05:30

Dubai duty free - great place to shop

2006-07-02T22:07:00.000+05:30

A shot at Coimbaore - See the Nilgiris mountains at the background

2006-06-23T14:49:00.000+05:30

A shot of Dubai Creek

2006-06-23T14:44:00.000+05:30

Rosu & Me at Wonderla, Bangalore

2006-06-21T18:08:00.000+05:30

The wonderla amusement park is just 40 Km away from Bangalore city, on the Bangalore, Mysore highway. It may not be one of the largest and at the same time has enough to enjoy for a day. Has some very interesting rides. What I liked the most about the place is it's cleanliness. I bet, when it comes to cleanliness, it is one of the best in the world itself. I went there with my daughter Rosanna, and at the end of the day, the glow in her eyes said it all.

Rosu and Me at Wonderla

2006-06-21T18:04:00.000+05:30

The giant wheel at the top !

Rosu and Me at Wonderla

2006-06-21T18:02:00.000+05:30

Me and Rosu at Wonderla

2006-06-21T17:59:00.000+05:30

Rosu & Me at Wonderla, Bangalore

2006-06-21T17:52:00.000+05:30

The daredevil Rosu is full of apetite for adventure sport. If Iam right, she got into this ride 10 times, to the surprise of the operators. As per them, probably she is the first girl to do that !

Rosu and Me at Wonderla, Bangalore

2006-06-21T17:49:00.000+05:30

Rosu and Me and Wonderla, Bangalore

2006-06-21T17:38:00.000+05:30

About Madikeri

2006-06-19T21:15:00.000+05:30

Madikeri/Coorg

252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu(originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.

Local Sights

Madikeri Fort

This 19th century fort, in the centre of Madikeri, houses a temple, a chapel, prison and a small museum. The fort offers a beautiful view of Madikeri. Raja's Seat According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. But what's unforgettable about Raja's seat is the spectacular sunset that one can enjoy from here.

Around Madikeri

The most visited tourist spot in Coorg is the Nagarahole National Park which is known for it's wild-life population. One can find elephants, tigers, leopards, sambars, spotted deers, and bisons in plenty. There are facilities for over-night stay inside the Nagarhole park next to water-holes. Madikeri or Mercara is the main town of Coorg and is also a well known hill station. Some of the important places to visit around Madikeri are Raja seat-a well maintained garden with a great views of the hills, Abbi-Falls a beautiful waterfall, Bhaga-mandala and finally Tala-Kaveri-the birth place of river Kaveri, is an astoundingly beautiful place which is surrounded by mountains.

Talakaveri:

River Kaveri which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu scriptures, originated at a place is called Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills, at about 4,500 ft above sea level. This place is marked by a kundike from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring, but flows underground again to emerge a short distance away.
There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya.

Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day (approximately on 17 October) Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred teerthodbhava. This occasion is marked by the sudden unsurge of water in the kundike and is considered very auspicious

From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, where the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna. From the peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, tourists can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills.

Iruppu Falls :

There is a sacred spot called Iruppu in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama and Lakshmana, warrior Gods, passed this way while searching for Rama's concert, Sita. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for him. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being river Lakshmanatirtha.
The river descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through natural forest. This place can be visited from Gonikopal on the way to Nagerhole National Park by taking a detour after Srimangala, situated in the Kutta Road.

Abbey Falls

A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 kms from Madikeri. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera when you go there.

Dubare :

This is mainly an elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest Department, at the edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of river Kaveri, on the Kushalnagar - Siddapur road. The largest land animal is captured here with the help of tamed elephants and local tribals - the Kurbas - and is held captive for upto 6 months in large teak wood cages.

The tamed elephants attend to various jobs during the day and in the evenings they come down to the river to bathe and to be scrubbed clean by their mahouts. Afterwards the mahout obliges eager tourists for free elephant rides within the camp. In the evenings, all the elephants are offered a special treat of ladoos made of ragi and jaggery, each no smaller than a cannon ball!

Nagarhole National Park :

The place derives its name from the winding river - Nagarhole meaning "snake river" - which flows through the park. The 640 sq km of gently undulating terrain at the foothills of the Brahmagiri hills is covered with thick tropical forest, grassy swamps and numerous rivers and streams. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve". The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can be sure of seeing the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals.

Lucky people may see a tiger or panther or even a King cobra. Both trekking and going by private vehicles is allowed, though permission has to be taken first. Huts have been built for those who wish to stay in the wilds.

Valanoor

Valanoor, 30 kms.from Mercara,the back waters of river Cauvery is one of the most beautiful Angling sites in Karnataka. Types of fish include Golden-Masheer, Maral and Mapp. Licence / permit can be arranged by local tourist agents.

Nisargadhama
Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of 3 rivers (the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi). The temple here, built in Kerala style, has smaller shrines dedicated to various gods.
Nisargadhama Known for its calm, serene beauty, this place is an ideal picnic spot visited by hundreds of tourists throughout the year.

Harangi Dam is a great picnic spot 36 kms from Madikeri.
Essentials

Kodagu can be reached only by road, as there is no railway or commercial air services that serves the area. The Mysore - Mangalore high way passes through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.
Where To Stay Hotel Coorg International,Convent Road,Madikeri-571201.Phone: +91-8272-29390, 28071, 28072.
Hotel Crystal CourtPhone: +91 8272 - 221543, +91 8272 - 221870Email: hilldalecrystal@sancharnet.in
Shopping:Coffee, honey, cardamom, pepper and oranges ( season).
Local Food Specialities:Pandhi, Koli and bembla curry, kadumbuttu, noolputu, voti and excellent coffee.
Climate:Pleasant all year round. The monsoon is from June to September.

Vacation@Madikeri - me with Budhist monks

2006-06-19T20:36:00.000+05:30

vacation@madikeri - a bell outside the budhist temple

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Vacation@Madikeri - A wild flower, near our cottage

2006-06-19T20:24:00.000+05:30

Vacation@Madikeri - A stream

2006-06-19T20:17:00.000+05:30

vacation@madikeri - Hanging bridge at Abby falls

2006-06-19T20:11:00.000+05:30

vacation@madikeri - Inside the madikeri fort

2006-06-19T20:03:00.000+05:30

Vacation@Madikere - A big bell at the Budhist temple

2006-06-19T19:57:00.000+05:30

Vacation@Madikeri - Inside the Budhist temple

2006-06-19T19:53:00.000+05:30

Vacation@Madikeri - Sunrise

2006-06-19T19:47:00.000+05:30

Me and Rosu climbed a small hill, just behind our cottage, very early in the morning, to get a glimpse of this view. We spent most of the time, in silence. We did not talk much and I think that was the time, when we communicated the most. A few precious monets, where me and my daughter were together in absolute silence, enjoying the nature. Iam sure that I will never forget that moment in my life.

Vacation@Madikeri - Budhist temple at Bylacupe

2006-06-19T19:39:00.000+05:30

Vacation@Madikeri - Abby falls

2006-06-19T19:35:00.000+05:30

Vacation@Madikeri - Rosu with baby elephant

2006-06-19T19:32:00.000+05:30

Vacation@Madikeri - Tree Tree Go Away - Road work on the way

2006-06-19T19:29:00.000+05:30

Vacation @ Madikeri - An elephant and it's calf, at the elephant camp

2006-06-19T19:25:00.000+05:30

Vacation @ Madikeri - Nun on a bike, taken on the way

2006-06-19T19:17:00.000+05:30

Vacation @ Madikeri - A valley

2006-06-19T19:14:00.000+05:30

Vacation at Madikeri - Jessy, Rosu and the host

2006-06-19T19:09:00.000+05:30

Vacationing at Madikeri - Inside Skoda

2006-06-19T19:07:00.000+05:30

2006-06-19T19:03:00.000+05:30

Rosu with some dalmations and a vintage 1935 model skoda at Madikeri

Vacation at Madikeri (Coorg) - the cottage where we stayed

2006-06-19T18:55:00.000+05:30

It was a place with zero decibels. It took some time for me to adjust with the surroundings. Absolutely no noise at all, except the birds songs. It is the middle of the estate. The best way to reach madikeri is to drive down from Bangalore, which will take approximately 6 hours.