Sunday, July 02, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Rosu & Me at Wonderla, Bangalore
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 & Me at Wonderla, Bangalore
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 !
Monday, June 19, 2006
About Madikeri
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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, 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.
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 - Sunrise
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 at Madikeri (Coorg) - the cottage where we stayed
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.
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