A friday evening was spent how exactly not to be spent. I dont have much options that my mind considers other than heading to a movie here in Golden Village. The trailor created lotsa interest and the ever promising Johnny Depp and the Tim Burton promised me something. Trusted that and went for night show. Well, the Dark Shadows killed the mood and had anything hardly to say.

Life turns into a rollercoaster ride all of a sudden when your planner says list of things and the brain says even more and thats when heart says “all these stuff??”. I like doing them, the more you plan to do, the more you do. The more organized you are, the more gets on our way. I should keep a break somewhere.

Moved to a new place and that asked for so much of packing, moving, unpacking, fixing, re-fixing and getting new stuff. The saga continues if we get stuff from IKEA, we do more thinking we know everything. Yup, it does because IKEA writes A,B,C and tells you to read its that simple. Fun stuff. Between, IKEA are carefully designed by all aspects and approaching things from the psychological perspective. No wonder they make so much of money.

In one of those journeys to the IKEA, ended up in talking to the taxi driver.

He didnt beat around the bush, asked if he can share few things. I said, yea sure.

He asked if I have kids and I said no. Then he started and didnt stop for like 10 mins and I just wished the journey was longer. Let me try to write his voice as I heard.

“First, when you decide to move on with your life to bring kids in your life, first, you have to make your mind and then ask if your wife totally agrees with you on that. If she agrees proceed.

Then, I respect all religion, whatever your religion is, pray God. Pray God that give a happy kid. Make sure your wife never gets angry when she is pregnant. Make sure your wife doesnt frown her face. Make sure she is happy. Make sure, she talks to the kid every day. You, talk to the kid. If the kid kicks the mom post 10 pm, touch the belly and tell the kid to sleep.

Thank God, for what he has given.

Once the kid is born, see how happy he is. By the way you taught it when the mother was carrying, the kid will be always happy. Not at all adamant.When you say the chocolate last time you got still in Fridge, he will accept and will not cry.

When you take to the food stall, dont ask the kid what it wants. He will say Fish and Chips and you will say not goooood for health. So why you ask him in first place. You know whats good for kid. So you get it. (In his best singlish).

Once the kids is born, tell the kids I love you and tell your wife that I love you more as you gave me those nice kids. Always love the kids but love the wife more. If you change all of a sudden to the kids, she wont show but will cry in heart.

Dont ever forget, kids will go away, she (wife) will be the person will be there till your last breath. (My too sensitive heart made sure to blur my sight for a moment).

For sure, he is one happy person who loves his life and family. If every one in their life knows their purpose, how would the world could be?

Got a whole load of books related to Kashmir, and gonna write about them in a decade (most probably) under MyViews here. For the money I spent, I could/should have chosen a asian country that I didnt land my foot on. I had my restrictions and ended with Kashmir the best I could do in India.

I recollect one of the wise person from Kashmir said, This place (kashmir) is the wilder version of Swiss. I am happy to retweet(?!) it here. Am tempting to write its wilder where you just wish it to be wild, still not interested to dampen the interests of travellers who wish to there. Guess a backpacker will have better experience than a tourist for sure.

Well – will try to justify what I said as we move on here.

Kashmir

The big-head shaped state for India which tries to keep its head with it without losing it to Pakistan or to the China over decades. A little reading close to 2 hours made me to understand the real situation of Kashmir. Spent time reading Hari Singh era, India accession, Indo pak wars of first, second and third, sichen conflicts, line of control, Line of actual control, Kargil wars, pakistan controlled Kashmir and many more. My heartfelt support goes to Kashmiri people as they are the ones suffer because of these polictica issues. Anyhow, am for sure, gonna write a lot when I finish my books written for this region.

After paying more than double the fee that I pay for chennai-singapore ticket, I managed to secure tickets in goAir. When landed in the morning hours of April 2nd, I suspected if that airport is active. Airport was totally empty and the wind tried to freeze the lungs by all means. Loved it. Am a big fan of cold weather.

Prepaid taxis that costs 600 INR flat for any places in srinagar from the airport. I was able to identify most of the places by myself. Did good homework or its the limited places of Sringar.
Driver was courteous and made sure that we were picked by the houseboat people at the entrance. We stayed in the Butterfly houseboat for the day in Nigeen Lake. Initially thought that the houseboat was little worn just to realize later that the dal lake houseboats are even worser except the brand new ones which cost anywhere between 8 to 10 thousands per night. Anyhow, got a Innova booked for the rest our stay in Kashmir, thanks to the houseboat owner – he was kind and very helpful. We have thousands of houseboats in Dal lake like Newyork buildings right next to each other, wont promise you a authentic houseboat experience at all. Its crowded, noisy, commercial place but relatively cheaper. Nigeen lake is one forth of the Dalk lake but quite and respect your privacy a lot. Initally we thought its too isolated but, am sure, we had the best experience out there. Though its called Nigeen, its actually part of Dal lake itself. I have seen dal lake pictures with frozen transparent water looks. It looks exactly that way especially in the early morning hours. They are beautiful, calm and serene.

A little about the house boat – Its extremely rich with its art work and we learned it costed One and half crore indian ruppee to build. Its typical non-moving houseboats. It had various rooms and we got peacock room which was huge had many art works. A pretty good one for honeymooners. No other houseboats disturb our privacy and has nice place to sit and enjoy the Nigeen lake and the distance snow capped mountains.

After our lovely breakfast, our driver picked us to show the srinagar. He was polite but tougher for a driver. Its their attitude, they respect people but pride about their religion and beliefs. One of their belief is No fear, and no fear for death. Seen this numerous times with various people out there. He started with a Mosque (or Darga) which was on the Dal lake shore.

Nishant Garden

First stop, which didnt even bloom or something didnt feel right there. May be they were the best Mughal Gardens or even now at certain times. But not during April I guess. Hardly spent 15 mins and I ticked the seen-list.

Heritage Mughal Garden Shalimar

This was much better with the view of Dal lake. However, restoration works were going on and we couldnt really find anything amusing. May be not the right time.

Tulip Garden

Best part of Srinagar and we were lucky to be there in the ‘season’. Its open only for couple of weeks in the April. One of the things not to be missed.

We spent some time to purchase some Kashmiri stuff. I cant really recommend as the price varies place to place and the quality along with that.

Shankaracharya Temple

This looks not like a hill from the distance but in reality it is. Climbing 300+ steps gets you to a spectacular temple. Best part about this place is it offers 360 degree view of Srinagar. Srinagar is huge, one may realize with the view from here. Cool breeze is a nice perk you get for your efforts of winning those steps. Surprisingly, I did it very easy – may be my Hong kong 100 km trek outcome I guess. Place is pretty restricted, not even mobile phones allowed.

Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

Well – I must have to say Kashmir is beautiful but there are somethings will spoil the mood. Misguiding, Cheating-in-a-way, overcharging are quite common everywhere. To certain extend, we need to play along. Dal lake offers Shikara ride (a special boat they built for their lifestyle – used now for tourism as well) from two places. However, none of the drivers would take us to these places. But some other place, where Shikara ride will be offered and straight away they will be taken to a shopping area in the middle of the lake. “Time” is not counted inside the shopping area and you know the math behind that. Especially if you are with a person who cant make their mind but waste a good 30 minutes to open every possible dress they just like to see. Am not saying that I “had” the experience.

Am sure, it would be memorable ride provided, its done just to enjoy the lake and the breeze around that place. But its bit commercialized. Any regulations gonna change these things? I swear NO!!..

Butterfly houseboat interior – Nigeen Lake

Nigeen Lake

Is the weather gonna get better?

Dal lake

Nishant Garden

Atleast can you take one good picture?

Nishant Garden

Shalimar Garden

Algae cleaner at work

Tulip Garden

Tulip Garden

Tulip Garden

Tulip Garden

Tulip Garden

Dal Lake, houseboats and Parimahal at the distance

Shikara Ride at Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Butterfly houseboat

Butterfly houseboat

Butterfly houseboat

??!!

There are some low season, peak season and super peak season. Except the first, ticket cost doesnt vary. However, there is another ticket called express ticket (to be bought extra with the regular ticket) which would allow you to bypass the queues. We went on a public holiday and expected much queues everywhere so had these express tickets to avoid queues (I feel bit quilty too.. ). Express queues were empty and most of time, we were the only users of the ticket. But regular queues were long and tiring. Singapore weather generally will make anyone tired quickly even on a good day. I would strongly suggest to go with express pass. This express ticket costs $30 for regular days and $50 for peak and super peak days.

We wanted to do the clockwise way (below is in anti-clockwise). With the express ticket this place can be covered in a day in a slow phase. We skipped almost all of the kid’s rides saving them for the future.

Initially we thought the ticket was bit overpriced (Indian mentality.. ), but realized its worth of every penny (or we got more for what we paid). Fun starts slowly and then pickup the momentum from Jurassic park ( The lost world rides),

Ancient Egypt takes it to all new level – a ride in the pitch dark – first of its kind experience for us. woww!!

Sci-fi city took it to the next level by dizzying moments with Battlestar Galattica “Human” ride. And if you dare, Same Battlestar Galattica “Cylon” will almost make you faint if you let yourself do it for the second time.

Transformer ride – am not gonna write, but trust me, the best ever experience you ever can get in an ride. We were mesmerized!!!

We spent till the evening covering rest of the rides and also the Parade that starts by 6:30. We came back to vivocity for dinner and returned to watch Crane dance. I was under the assumption that the show was inside Universal Studios but it happens in Waterfront area. Nice visual stuff. But I would have saved it for some other leisure day. Sametime, universal studios finishes it in style with fireworks.

The day was total fun!!. A must for singapore visitors.

Hollywood
*****************************************************************************************************
Show : Monster Rock 11am, 1:15 pm, 3:30pm and 5:30pm
Street Entertainment : Daddy O’s – Hang Ten Hipsters with the harmonizing boys from the beach! *Show Times: 10:45am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm, 3:15pm, 4:45pm and 6:15pm.
Street Entertainment : Mel’s Dinettes – Join the Mel’s Drive-in waitresses as they Shake, Rattle & Roll. *Show Times: 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm and 5:30pm

Character Meet : Walk of FameTM- Hollywood BoulevardTM – 10:00am – 7:00pm

Newyork
***************************************
Ride : Lights, Camera. Action!™ Hosted by Steven Spielberg
Street Entertainment : The Rockafellas Welcome to the streets of the Big Apple as NYC brings you an up close and personal taste of B-Boyin. *Show Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm
Sci-fi City
*****************************************************************
Ride : Transformer
Ride : Battlestar galattica
Ride : accelerator

Character Meet : People of Earth, DO NOT BE ALARMED – Daily Meet and Greet: 11:30am – 6:30pm

Ancient Egypt
*******************************************************************
Ride : Revenge of the mummy
Kids Ride : Treasure Hunters

Character Meet : Meet the Army of Anubis – 11:00am – 7:00pm

The lost world
***************************************************************************
Ride : Jurassic park
Ride : canopy flyer
Kids ride : Dino-Soarin’®
Amer Rock Climb
Show : waterworld show – *Show Times: 12:30pm, 3:00pm and 5:30pm
Character Meet Meet Diane, Jurassic Park’s newest addition! – Daily Meet and Greet: 11:30am – 6:00pm

Far Far Away
*********************************************************************************
Ride : Shrek 4-D Adventure
Show : Donkey LIVE *Show Times: 10:45am – 6:45pm (one show every half hour)
Kids Ride : Magic Potion Spin
Kids Ride : Enchanted Airways Character Meet : Happily Ever After 10:30am – 6:00pm

Madagaskar
****************************************************************************************
Ride : Madagascar: A Crate Adventure
Ride : King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round
Street Entertainment : Madagascar Boogie! *Show Times: 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm

As of today (4th May’12) 65K users have rated 8.8 out of 10 for this movie. Deserves? Well, am sure its mixed. I keep my expectations at bay whenever the rating of a movie exceeds 8 in imdb.com. Reason is simple, either it lives for the expectations or fails pathetically.

I enjoyed or was happy about the individual movies of Ironman, Thor (loved it), Captain America and Hulk. But when I heard the team-movie The avengers, was bit sceptical as the heroes to be seen as heroes not the team contributors. Moreover, a team with a demi God and a advance science specialist? Now you know why I kept my expectations at bay.

Well to start with, this one was well advertised. I got a chance to see it last night. A movie that runs for 142 mins – like Indian ones – didnt sound odd as the “Team Size” mattered. Movie starts without beating around the bush and got nice twists that we wouldnt expect.

Unifying heroes scenes were commandable. Nicely done. Joss Whedon contributed to the script as well with the Director role. This guy has already got our attention by writing the story of “Cabin in the woods” – One thats totally off the beaten path and enjoyable till the end.

Its mentioned that Mark Ruffalo got the role of Hulk bypassing Joaquin Phoenix, I believe a better choice.

Music scores well in the first half and goes unoticed in the second half, may be we are engulfed in the movie by that time.

In contradiction, this team effort ‘works’ better than expected. Not much of transformers kind of action scenes thats too much to your eyes or GI joe stuff. But decent enough to give fresh experiences. Am sure this would be amazing in imax 3d theatres.

Scarlatt Johansson plays pretty neat for her role may make you drool if you are single.

I personally felt Jeremy Renner’s role was unique but not enough.

Overall, its a good watch and pretty entertaining. But if you ask the rating – am sure they need to be reserved for Inception kind of movies.

Agra is little excess of 200 KMs from New Delhi however it takes forever to reach. As I heard from the guides, roughly 4 or more hours. Luckily we have an alternate – Bhopal Shatabti express train takes hardly 2 hours to get us there. Its a AC Chaircar train with the hospitality of a top airlines which was quite surprising. They serve refreshments, food in the train. Its easier to spend those two hours even before realizing.

Taj Mahal

Agra, a small city for todays standards, sits on the shores of Yamuna river. The UNESCO world heritage site Taj Mahal attracts close to 4 million visitors a year. This architecture takes the best from Turkish, Persian and even Indian architectures. They have started building this mammoth in the year of 1632 and tool 21 years to finish. Built in the memories of Mumtaz Mahal who died during the birth of 14th Child in their 18 years of married life. In her death bed, she requested Shahjahan not to marry again but to look after their childer to which Shahjahan obliged. This white marble structure sits on a square blinth. Typical to their architecture design, its octoganal which looks same from all sides. External minartes are designed to lean bit eexternally to avoid that falls on the main structure when something goes wrong.

Myth (or our guide) says that Shahjahan didnt send any of the workers back to their countries fearing they may re-create or better the Taj Mahal. To keep them engaged, he started planning for a Black Taj Mahal and seems that was close to fact as many found black marbles in the yamuna river. Unfortunately ShahJahan was overthrowned by his own son Aurangzheb and restricted his access just to the palace. How I wish he accomplished the blak one.

Another version says, he wasnt interested in black tajmahal but interested in making a pool in the garden so the silhoutte looks dark. In 2006, archealogy dept tried his version and confirmed that the Taj Mahal looked the way ShahJahan described. However, there are horrific stories how the architects, workers were killed or made to sign contracts to protect this work of Art.

There is peculiar thing goin on, broken bangles are seen most of the places where silhoutte falls.

There are some replicas and the famous ones are Aurangbad bibi ka mauqbara, one in Bangladesh.

One thing I noticed was, they had high standards and their work is flawless and extremely passionate to get the outcome. Without the technologies, they built something very extraordinary no one could deny.

Agra Fort
Agra fort is the most important for of India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jehan and Augrangzeb lived here, and country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, trvellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of medieval history of India. No other for of India had this honour.

Agra for stands on an ancient site just by the river Jamuna. After Panipat war, mughals captured Agra for and a vast treasure including Kohinoor, the largest diamond in the world. Realizing importance of its central situation, Akbar decided to make Agra his capital. Hardly 30 buildings from the 500s built by mughals survived to date.
Just few kilometers from the beautiful Taj Mahal, Agra fort where ShahJahan spend his last 7 years looking at the Taj Mahal from his palace. As a exception this was not built buy Mughals but our own Indian Rajputs however enhanced by Shajahan to the current state. Like typical palaces, this has numberous halls, rooms and gardens. They lived sophisticated life and even to today’s standards, their lifestyle was super luxury.

More than half of the site is controlled by Indian army where access to public is restricted. Notable structures inside the fort are, Diwan-i-khas, Hamman-i-shahi, Musamman burj khas mahal (where Shahjahan spent his last days), Nagina masjid, machchihi bhawan, angoori bagh, Jehangir Mahal, Akbari Mahal, Bengali Mahal, Diwani-i-am, Baoli and Moti Masjid.

Fatehpur Sikri

Another UNESCO world heritage site, yes all these in 2 days..

Almost near to Rajastan this city stands to date to tell the stories of Mughals. Jodhah Akbar movie was shot here. Akbar when he was 28, started building this palace as he decided to move the capital to this place. Initially this place was called Fatehbad. This palace is surrounded by a 11 km wall on 3 sides and the fourth covered by a lake.

Buland Darwaza

The very next building which means Great Gate in Persian. This was built buy Akbar to celebrate the victory that he got over Gujrat.

Taj Mahal or Mumtaz Mahal

Sleepy face 1 and 2.

Just to emphasize on their artistic skills

River Yamuna

A replaced rain drainage unit

Agra Fort

Jehangir Mahal

Taj Mahal from the Agra Fort

Marbles thinned so that it can observe the light

Khas Mahal

Fatehpur Sikri

King’s Bed

Thats a dragon. Someone please link the chinese here – yes -serious

Turkish Sultana House

Buland darwaza

Here, in particular, gonna just talk about New Delhi and the Taj Mahal deserves another Article here totally.

One thing still I hard to believe is that 6 of the flights (in total) perfectly on time and had no delays. My alter ego which spent for a annual travel insurance sarcastically smiled at the end. I must go by the crowd and would definitely recommend GoAir flights which is most reliable next to Jet Airways and they got a huge network. Our early morning flight to Delhi from Chennai was on time and we found ourself snoozing a bit. Just 15 minutes short of 3 hours is the standard flight time and we landed bit early thanks to the clear weather. It was my first time to New Delhi. Air already smelled the weather’s intention to smoke us alive – Its just April and I didnt dare to think about May out there.

Caught a pre-paid taxi and my Hindi really wasnt helping. Surprisingly, my wife spoke decent and I left the job happily to her. I dont compete where I dont hold the ground. . Plan was to stay 2 night in New delhi so that we use the first day to local sight seeing and the next for Taj Mahal tour in Agra. I wished to keep the stay near to the railway station so that the next day we could catch the agra train easily. That left us with the options of the hotels in Karol Bagh. It decent place I heard. After days of reading reviews in agoda, I ended up in getting Hostpitality Homes Bed & Breakfast which was rated very high. But it was not even closer to any of the 3 star hotels I stayed abroad – not to boast – just the fact. Finding this hotel was too much for the driver, I just called the hotel manager and gave the phone to him. Job done. Its located in a small lane and has a pathetic entrance but the rooms are okay and decent – looks recently renovated to look brand new – may the be reason behing good ratings. Hotel people were friendly.

There are many travel operators are nearby, one which shown by the Hotel manager was good and I just used them for hiring a car for rest of the day to visit local sightseeing places. After refreshing ourselves, we first went to Red Fort.

Was on road for very little time and I realized that this part of the country has nice influence and left overs of Mughal culture everywhere. The same great Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal built this fort too; Started building by 1638 and lasted for 10 years. It was called Shahjahanabad those days and replaced agra as the capital for his empire. World’s biggest diamond called this place as home before looted. This fort is on the banks of Yamuna river. Like most of the Mughal palaces, this has Diwan-ee-aam and Diwani- Kaas and some private apartments. If I can say in simple words these kings are known for their luxurious lifestyle. Their buildings were sophisticated and air-
conditioned. Yes – thick walls were filled by water and the air-inflow was chilled the least I can quote.

Full Name – Badshah Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun. Just to rekindle our history knowledge, he is the son of Babur – the first Mughal emperor. Humayun is Akbar’s father. Humayung is recollected as very gentle and saint type person. This was built by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begam in 1562 which is a UNESCO heritage now. Again this is also on the banks of Yamuna river. Babur the first Mughal emperor started the tradition of being burried in a garden and that continued for long. Most of their monuments are designed by Persian architects. Later it fusioned with rajastani architecture and other indian styles. I really marvelled at their talent for building these tall structures with heavy weight materials and the best part was they still exist and looks new and very pretty. Marbles were brought from many places and used here. Otherwise they worked with red stone. In Humayun’s tomb windows faces Mecca as per their practice. Actual graves lies below the earth not the ones we see. I heard someone saying thats to avoid someone crossing the path where people burried. These marble works called as Mihrab or Mirab. Their style is Octogonal so that the building looks same from any side. Persian style Char Bagh garden keeps the tomb at distance from the roads. This is one of the famous mausoleum in Delhi.

This is a worship hall for any religion but commonly seen as bahai itself a religion. This building was inspired by lotus flower and generally called as Lotus temple for its design. Opened in 1986, this is a famous tourist spot than a temple of worship. For this Architecture, the architect Fariborz Shabha received many awards. One interesting fact is, this is the most visited building in the world, even surpassing Taj Mahal according to CNN.

It was pretty hot and extremely crowded even at that time. We really wished that we skipped this place. It might looks good with the lights but I dont think it could look better with the crowd that gets. Also parking facilities are pathetic and we had to walk longer than we had to. And the shoe storage – let me not even talk about that. I got a sack of different shoes and I almost gaveup on my Timerland hiking shoes. Luckily I got them back. I just wished they allowed the sandels.

Another deserving UNESCO World heritage site, which is 238 feet tall built by marbles and red stone. This is conceived by Qutub-din Aibak (1192- 1210). It claims to be tallest in the region. Well – this tower used the materials demolished from 27 Hindu and Jain temples and this has be scripted well in the entrance in persian. This cylinderical tower is not that beautiful on the first look but upon inspecting closer, am sure no one will have words. Carvings are very detailed and unique. It would have taken years even to do the smallest portion of the tower. It would be nice to have a good pair of binoculars to enjoy this site. For statistical facts, this is still 5 feet shorter than Taj Mahal.

Called as Viceroy’s House in British period, largest house for the head of Govt in the world. From the road one is not allowed to park any car unless they are interested to answer the Army. President’s house is hardly visible from road because of the angle of the road which I learned later that I was not the only one felt that way but the governor generals of India too in British period. Two of the best architects different opinion is the reason behind this. . Again a persian inspired building. Not bad for a 360 room building I guess.

Best part is, entering this road makes us to feel all of a sudden we are transported to a different world. Its that neat, clean, beautiful and huge in size. Very next to these building, many notable govt offices including Parliament is situated. These buildings face the India Gate which is also a major attraction. Its best to watch the sunset from this place. In February, Rashtrapati Bhavan Mughal Gardens is open for public.

The same architects behind the President’s house had the hand here and the outcome is the best and actually a war memorial for more than 90,000 dead during British period (inclusive of World War I).

" Lakshmi Narayan temple (Birla Mandir) "
Built by RR Birla and inagurated by Mahatma Gandhi as the Birlas agreed to Gandhi’s quest that the access to the temple should not be restricted just to Hindus. This is in connaught place in New Delhi.

Akshardam is one of the things we missed. But heard it would take half a day to explore. Iskon temple, Gandhi’s Raj Ghat memorials are the other attractions that one should not miss – We missed.

Red Fort

Rang Mahal Red fort

Moti Masjid Red Fort

Humayun’s Tomb

Lotus Temple

Qutub Minar

Ratrapathi Bhavan

India Gate

Parliament of India

India Gate

Well, back to 3, even for the name of the movie, its not standard in Tamil movie industry. This out of the herd efforts start from the title itself and goes all the way to the end of the movie. Exception to our temple opening scenes in typical movies, this starts from a funeral scene.

3 Kudos to 3 persons in this movie. First to Aishwarya R Dhanush, where were you all these days? I wouldnt have felt to write about you had you given a super duper commercial hit. But this one! A touch of hollywood for tamil movie goers. A story that captivates people to their seats. A direction thats almost flawless, yet bringing the best from the husband. Half of the world knows who is Rajinikath, and soon, Tamil Nadu will know her . Way to go. The topic that  she took for her first movie is not very convincing, but honestly, she wins last. Few scenes reminded a bit of “Mayakkam Enna”, may be because of the Dhanush and his best from combo played there too. Not over hyped like in other movies about thrills, she gave simple visualizations in fluorescent light and those scenes still in my mind to scare a bit. In simple, hats of to your direction skills.

Second goes to Anirudh. I dont have write anything about the Kola Veri dee song which went to the places and inspired other people to try something. Well, thats just the start of it. I always felt, other than songs, background music to be given by AR Rahman or Harris Jayaraj even to be recognized when you are in the theatre. Here is new kid on the block. Sharp and crystal clear music a bit over played though, but much needed for this genre of movie.  Not once or twice, my thoughts ran towards recognizing the music even at the tense, gripping part of the story. Again, well done. Cant wait to ‘hear’ more.

Third, its our very own Dhanush, a star, somehow I liked from the very start. The more higher he goes, he looks more simpler and gets more fan base. For his, a well deserved National Award could have done something to his head. But he is cool, composed and delivers movie after movie. In this movie, not sure whether the story actually required or the pressure from the national award, I felt like his action scenes were bit stretched. May be its the director or the camera angle or its the reality of the diseased person. But its hardly noticable and the climax, its gripping and the when movie ends, it even slowed my heartbeat along with the heart beat music. He contributed, perfect. Be it the pimples for his teen-age look in the first half, or the post marriage looks in the second half, nothing more could be expected from actor.

3, may not give you happy ending, but definitely will kindle your thoughts after movie for few days. Am glad, these movies are coming in our language.

Am extending my writing towards non-travel related stuffs too. Just whatever caught my attention even its for a brief, here it is.

Watched Marina movie last night (ofcourse this was released in Feb 2012) and wished I should write something about the daring efforts to get the real Marina and their lifestyle to our eyes. This is about the people live in Marina beach (Chennai). Pandiraj the short but stands out of the “masala” crowd already proved his worth from his previous venture “Pasanga” a movie about schoolgoers.

This movie starts like a documentary in a very pleasant way and before the question “how its gonna have story” pops out, characters weave a nice story to listen. Though Sivakarthikeyan claimed as debut hero, actually Pakoda Pandian the kid is. Still Sivakarthikeyan fills the screen nice with his scenes and our hearts. Am sure, he is gonna go to places, no doubt.

Oviya as her name sounds, is beautiful and fits the bill exactly. Music – fails to leave notable feelings. It could have been better.

What best is, Pandiraj’s efforts to collate all possible information and gets in to a story that has all feelings a movie could have. It leaves no loopholes and gentle for a family to watch together. Wish he doesnt join the crowd and makes quality movies in the same way.

Aerial show agenda was – RSAF performing aerobatics using F16C and F15SG. Blair Aerosports solo aerobatics using Rebel 300. RMAF using a MIG 29, USAF using a C17 and B52 and finally RAAF using Roulettes.

Exhibition comprised much of engineering side of airplanes. Am sure we had very less to watch but the crowd was consuming the last bit of oxygen out there.

During Aerial show, it was really giving goosebumps. I was totally jealous of those pilots. Just like others there, I wished I was a jet pilot.

Download Airshow slides here

Madurai is becoming one of the most visited place after my home town these days. This place being the hometown for most of my friends, I suspect at times that I have their accent. We dedicated 29th Dec 2011 for Irwin’s marriage at Madurai and kept following 3 days for New year.

on 27th evening Vinoth hosted a dinner party at his home. We hoped everyone including those who gonna miss the trip might join the dinner and they did. Following day

On 29th, the “core team” reached Madurai and we had nice time as usual. Made sure to escape periodically to the mess ( small restaurants – but they price their items near 4 star hotel restaurants). As usual we made it to Irwin’s marriage just in time (or just-missed-sorta). We compensated by staying late there.;-)

30th Dec 2011

Actual trip had started around 7ish. Kubhi’s brother helped us changing the vehicle at the last moment as we were not in need of a tempo traveller. This is not the first time he helped us. Hadnt we changed it to Qualis we could have ran in to big troubles. You will know them why below.

We had our breakfast in one of the highway restaurants and reached Ambasamudram by 11ish. Our guide/friend gave us the letters for the stay in Mundanthurai and Kudiraivetti. Our actual plan was to stay both days in Manjolai. Singampatti zameen palace wasnt making our final list as the charge per head sounded more of a higher end. We later decided to go with Kudiravetti and had our reservations. However, some political guy wanted to have a day on our first day and promptly got that done. So we had to settle with Mundanthurai (papanasam) govt guest house on day one and the Kudiravetti for the following night cap.

We got our lunchs packed (which took ages) and went straight to the Guest house. This time, we wanted to bunglows and had them. Just then we realized we hadnt taken our bath for the day. So we decided to find a place where we can take a dip and eat. Agasthiyar falls seemed to be over crowded for our standards. We need the waterfalls all just for us. Later we drove towards Servalar dam and found a decent place to sit where monkey poulation seemed to be out of control. Good that human being civilized from our ancestors.

It was a nice long big rock which ended at the river. We opened our biriyani packs hoping monkey wont look for non-veg stuff. Just that day we realized they eat non-veg and eat very neat. gosh, then what! we had extra and served periodically to keep them fighting or eating or both.

Little later we were warned to get out of water as the dam was to be opened for that day. That raised our curiosity to watch the controlled flood. We walked a while to get to a open bridge thats built to see the dam from the distance. While I sat there and looking for peacocks that fly high, our guys joined later. After a while, we started sensing the water level was raising and in reality the water flows relatively slow and you can see ‘that’ actually happening. Only disappointment was the dam gates were not opened but the overflow gate which is not visible.

Later, we settled in our bunglow and waited for dinner. Post dinner, we went out night safari, however we couldnt find anything other than deer, nila and a large scorpion. Anyhow the fun and thrill driving in a forest at that night was great. We specifically requested to shut the lights of the car juts to see the stars. Words wont be enough to express them and I would need some extreme end DSLRs to get those shots.

Next day it was drizzling when we wokeup. We had our breakfast and went to Manimutharu Dam. This time we had to park or vehicles and had to take the govt vehicles. By the time we reached there, it was still morning and couldnt believe the way the place looked. This time, water level was pretty high and the places we walked last was nowhere visible. We got into the boat and started looking for crocodiles as we saw one last time. Waterfalls was guzzling and very noisy. We were nicely showered by the water mist couple of times before we said okay to return to the jetty.

Our next stop was at Manjolai and the weather was at its best. We started feeling the chillness in the air. We stopped for tea at Manjolai and continued our journey to reach the kudiravetti. But by the time we reached Naalmukku (the place where you get food but not any further in this road) it bit dark. We quickly got something and continued our way to Kudiraivetti. We requested them to prepare food at the restaurant and had the plan to pick late.

Kudiraivetti.

This is one of the place none of our guys gonna forget. The road is the worst of its kind and almost it would looklike haunted after the sunset. Mist gave us enough troubles. However, our driver had the patience and drove carefully. Everyone of us were looking pale due to the road and the dense of the forest. It was eerie and the feeling that we were in the middle of the forest was making us really uneasy. Few expressed and few acted that they didnt worry. Finally we reached a place where the faint light of a bulb came into picture. We realized thats the guest house. Luckily the guards were still there and expecting us.

Kudiraivetti guest house.

Tastefully built at a very nice place with nice view. Perfect veranda to park a bus and cozy 3~4 rooms. Couldnt ask for better place. Now the bigger question came, who is gonna go back to Naalmukku to pickup dinner for us. somehow we convinced our guide to pick it for us as we had to get into our yearly camp-fire talk minus the camp-fire this time. This time, we went a step ahead and wrote the goals for 2012 and the best/worst part of it, its in a time-capsule kind of place which will be opened in 2013 new year trip.

Little later our dinner came and even more with pale faces. Driver said many of the animals came and blocking their way and stuff. While we missed, for sure, we didnt had any interest to see them there. It was that kind of environment!.

01-Jan-12.

In the morning place looked bit friendly and the valley looked beautiful. At distance, a watching tower was there. After like ages, we were ready and went to the watch tower for our photo sessions. Clouds had little intention to show the rest of the dam from that place which could have been really beautiful.

Later, it was our plan to visit the Kodayar dam the last place on our way before we could return back to base. This place looks haunted even during day time. Hardly couple of buildings which are in the TNEB control. I have never even heard of a sub-dam fills the main dam so that the hydro power we get from the main dam is more. Well – that system exists and works here. Its place to sit and watch when the sun sets. Am sure that I would kill for – really. I should start working out a detailed plan for retiring in the next 20 years. Lets see where am gonna be.

Later that day, we reached madurai and caught our train. Should we even say another memorable trip it was?

New Year 2012 slides here

Vinoths home – party time

Excuse me just this time

Irwin and Beula

Madurai Street

Kalakkad mundanthurai forest sanctuary

road towards servalar dam

Is it me?

I was just wondering if this could be a good shot

Manimutharu dam

Manimutharu Falls

Manjolai

Kudiraivetti

Kudiraivetti forest guest house

Watch tower

Lower Kodaiyar dam

Upper Kodaiyar dam