This is the best attraction of the city! Caves are not my best interests but this one didnt give me chance at all. Reed Flut cave is so huge that the entire hills has got nothing inside – it was hollow to a greater extent and the stalactites and stalagmites (or simply deposits) make very peculiar designs. This limeston cave is lighted with very tastefully with multi-colored which makes the place so dramatic. We took nearly 30 mins to finish and called it a day to the city tour.

We stayed at the Shangri La hotel for that night to make the best of the town. We checked in to the hotel which lookslike a chinese palace from the exterior but all modern inside. Later, we took the stroll at the Li river that flows right next to the hotel and the fresh flood made the river to look all muddy. For a change, I felt a lot better.

This is what I wrote on my facebook that day when we were at the Cafe @ Shangri La. “.. Am with decafinated cofee and she is with hot chocolate and smiling at each other. Its been six years and counted..”.

But that never went to face no matter how many devices I tried.

Following day we took the same route Guilin -> Hong Kong -> Singapore.

I agree its one of the beautiful places on earth, but the govt has to do a lot to create confidence with the tourists to visit again.

Shangri la hotel Guilin

05 April 2013

Marks our wedding anniversary!

We kept the day for day tour in Guilin. Hotel arranged a english speaking taxi driver come guide. I have pre requested the places to be covered.

Prince City Solitary beauty Park

This is one of the tourist spot with “AAAAA” rating. This was a old fort which was burnt and renovated in the past and also houses some historical paintings and books. Also this is the only way to get to the solitary peak – an hill that sprouts right in the city with 300 oddly shaped steps. To be honest, this city is not prepared yet for foriegn tourists and practices shadow entrance fee. Entrance fee are not displayed anywhere, its almost impossible to get it by ourselves, and yes – obvisouly the guides get their fair share on that. Just that the practice might make tourists uncomfortable. I have read that the taxi drivers even for a full day free city tour and just from the tickets, they would earn enough to allow the free ride.

This attraction houses the chengyun palace, peace cave and fe restaurants with the beauty peak.

Anyhow, while she stayed back at the palace, I took a brisk hike to the hill using steps which in no time made me to take every step in the most cautious way. I had to hold on to the chains pinned to the rocks and hold camera on the other hand. When I reached the peak, there was a very small temple and offered almost 360 degree guilin city view. City is not only huge, but well planned. Li river was kind of hugging the city wherever possible.

right after those highrise buildings, the sprouts of those hills covered a good layer of layer pattern. Its green and the breeze was just cool and soothing. Lucky guys who stay there!..

Yaoshan gondola

It was one of the day where chinese people pray for their deceased ones which means literally everyones has to go near to the mountains to pray. That inturn hurts the heavy-traffic guilin to go worse. However, our guide called someone to find an alternative route and after many false navigations we reached there. This place was not in the plan but my wife convinced the guide to take there when I was away to climb beauty peak. And that turned out to be the best place we visited for the day and needless to say, she started boasting that came because of her nagging to the guide. Did I get chance to deny?

This place right at the outskirts of guilin city which offers a spectacular view of the surroudings. Only thing to worry is that its not a cable car journey but a chair-lift like skiing resorts. Its quite safe and people would enjoy for sure after few mins. There are people go on hiking but I dont really see the ‘point’ to hike a mountain that already got options. Luckily it had hardly any tourist and we felt like visiting a place that was not only beautiful but quite.

At top, this has couple of view points and some very small tracks that take you to some places in the mountains but hardly 20 mins to cover all of them. Half way while returning we have the option to continue to descend using tobbogons just like swiss style.

Our next stop was a chinese restaurant where again I had a pale face. As usual to get the energy for the rest of the day I munched some boiled rice and some vegtables.

Liu Sanjie Landscape Garden

This is the garden that has elephant hill. Ironically this was 5 mins walk from Lijiang waterfall hotel. Am starting to think the tourism authority over there took things very seriously or mistaken and charges more than $15 (sgd) to visit a elephant looking hills that has its trunk dipped in the Li river. Fee for that doesnt justify at all no matter how bit the garden is. Another way to just get the glimpse of it is to via city tour in boat which gives the tour and view of this hill for a lesser cost.

We hardly spent 10 mins for few photos and moved on to our next destination for the day.

Prince City beauty solitary park

Peace Cave

View from Solitary hill

AT Yaoshan mountain base

Elephant trunk hill

Weather was suppose to be doomed as T-Storms were the warning. Very half heartedly I booked the day tour from the hotel to the rice terrace. In any case, I just wanted it to be an experience. But luck played my side, we had the best weather in Yangshuo, but the route was raining cats and dogs and hardly had a visibility of 5 meters. Hmmmm.. Nature is very powerful isnt it.

We were told that a bus will drive us to till Heping and from there locally run mini buses will take us to the Huangluo Yao village (the long hair village) via Jinzhu Zhuan village. Our final stop would be at Ping’an village from where a easy hike of 30 mins will take us to the Ping’an Zhuang rice terrace. This is for single day visitors. If we get time, people hike up to Dazhai Yao village and stay which is more scenic and free from tourists.

I couldnt eat more than a spoon of rice boiled using bamboo and tried to get my energy by eating a corn cob. Later we slowly started to climb those stairs which felt like walking in a tightly packed houses on a uneven hill. For the given space, they could have really considered some distance between houses, but houses share mostly same walls at the exterior.

After 30 minutes, we reached the viewing point for Seven stars with moon place which offers nice views of rice terraces. Entire stretch is filled with shops that sell from chilly paste to soveniors. No doubt, its a beautiful place but little disappoint that its too crowded. Even for that T-storm it was crowded let alone those ‘normal’ days.

It was a long way back to the hotel.

7 stars with moon rice terrace

This is the first and top tour in the region but luckily just controled by one official tour operator who has online booking! (www.lirivercruise.net)

I had my booking – otherwise I would have got looted in the name of pickup and drop off charges. Luckily we get picked up for free if we book online and inform them when we reach there.

Boarding place handles way too much of people atleast 7~10 cruises leave around 9:30 am. And boarding all of them at the same time.

Cruises are just for the namesake but provides decent cushion seats and provide chinese style lunch. There are 2 types of cruises – a luxury one and a regular one from a different pier. Luxury one has got english audio announcement which is barely audible.

Once the cruise started, the landscape starts changing quickly. We were told that in early days the river was crystal clear to see the base but because of the number of boats flock the river spoilt it.

In my last trip to Taiwan, in the main museum, I saw few paintings which mostly were vertical. They had funny looking hills that looked they grown vertically looking mostly like pillars with lots of trees which in the midst of rivers. I thought it was very poetic imagination.

It realized I was wrong in just 2 months when I saw them in reality in this Guilin to Yangshuo cruise trip. This place looks more of a rivendale (from Lord of the rings or The hobbit movies). Numerous waterfalls, cloudy, hazy vertically grown hills with rich gree covered trees. Its more like we entered a fairyland all of a sudden.

Especially from Xingping to Yangdi section is the most beautiful. If I get to do go there again, I would skip the cruise and would opt for bamboo boat ride from Xingping to Yangdi to make it a better memory.

After 4 hours of (bit boring) journey, we reached Yangshuo. Our tour guide (who picked us that morning), offered some side tours for the rest of the day.

I initially had plans to go to Yulong River – however its strongly advised not to venture when the river runs at light brown (after rain color).

I had to skip the plan to Moon hill (a mountain that has a perfect round hole end to end) as it require hiking for 30 mins which she wouldnt like it.

That made to take up the offer to take the side tour in Yangshuo and that surprisingly had the drop-off option back to our hotel at Guilin.

After a freshly brewed coffee from Mcdonalds (yes, KFC also there in that sleepy looking village), we joined the tour which took us to a remote place which again shown the cormorant fish catching show. Unlike the previous night show, here, the birds couldnt get the fish at all as the river didnt have any. However, the fisherman used the fishes from the reserve and thrown into the river then and the birds caught them.

Shangri La Park

Our next stop was at Shangri La park which is again a small boat ride in a river or lake. It is nicely planned, its a small boat ride for some 30 mins that passes through the small streams, caves and along the way,where minotrity people shows of singing. At the end, we get to see their culture and their building styles and how they built the bridges without nails.

Later we got dropped off in Guilin and we had our dinner at Kali Mirchi – an Indian restaurant near to Sheraton hotel and took a stroll again in those never endling pedestrain streets.

Near Xing Ping

West Street YangShuo

Cormorant Bird Show

Somehow I feel am writing one after a very a very long time.

In between, wordpress and the theme ran into trouble few times and I had to do a lot just to get it back to the stage what it was.

After a real long time, we are back to a vacation in abroad to count our wedding anniversay. I had definite overheads about choosing a place thats just calm and requires less physical efforts to explore the region. Initially I considered Japan, Australia and Korea (Jeju Island) on the big scale and all of them really had enough to offer that would again change the trip to a long and bit hectic. I saved those places for a later stage and started considering Bali (Villas) and driving to Malaysia. However, she was not much interested to these and suggested China. I was bit pale considering the previous experience it gave me in 2008 (sichuan earthquake) and still brave enough to look for the options that meet my criteria.

After plenty of search, Guilin was chosen for its beauty, weather and most importantly for the english-understanding culture. Unlike other long vacations, this didnt give me real overheads to fix the itinerary as Guilin got just few things to see and do. Applying visa in chinese embassy was the quickest visa applying affair so for, for me. Pre-requisties, Flight tickets, hotel booking, photos with the application gets the visa on 4th business day for a cost of 90$(??!!) per person.

02 April 2013

We took Cathay Pacific to Guilin with the Hong Kong transit for few hours. We spent some window shopping in Hong Kong airport and got the connecting flight almost when they announced last call. Thanks for the very long and odd way to reach Dragon Air flights. Weather forecasts were shouting T-storms in Guilin for the rest of the week and I had very less hopes about sightseeing and counted high on the hotels we would be staying (both were the best hotels in Guilin. ).

We landed in no time (or 1 hour and 10 mins to be precise) in Guilin. And the domestic-only looking internation airport had no other passengers other than my flight. Which clearly helps to clear the immigration quickly. When I came to the arrival hall, I started to get the sense of Guilin – its just sleepy. My first attempt – to find the airport shuttle to the Guilin town.

First things first.

Guilin may be the most beautiful place in China – no doubt. Obviously that led to turn the country to get exposure to english (still at a scale of 2/10). However, one thing they mastered is – How to make the tourists pay the highest fee across the globe. For chinese economy, they charged higher than Singapore tourist attractions fee itself. And worst part is, its not straight forward. So extreme caution required. In any case, for a 3~4 day sightseeing, be prepared to spend around $500 (USD) for couple.

So – this expendituer may start even from the airport if we opt for Taxi or pickup options. They charge anywhere between $50 to $100. Cheapest option is to take the airport shuttle which charges 20 CNY per person to get to the town.

Even asking where to board airport shuttle cant be answered by anyone as they dont understand anything – but we managed to find as its a very small airport. We got dropped off at Guilin Civil Aviation hotel and took a taxi that charged us to drive to Lijian waterfall hotel thats hardly 1KM away for 15 CNY after bargaining a lot.

Lijiang Waterfall hotel.

This is one of the best hotels in the town without any doubts and if we consider access to the shopping and access to sight-seeing areas – this IS THE BEST.

My initial bet was Sheraton considering my comfort level with chinese food – however, ended up booking this hotel for 3 nights and kept the last night stay to Shangri-la to make it special.

On the day of landing, I considered “Two Rivers and Four Lakes” for the evening trip as the lighting along the banks of the river is pretty amazing. I should have done more reading on that. I enquired the staff and they booked it from hotel – and later realized, the starting point for that tour is right in front of the hotel (lake). Prices were not different to the hotel and the attaraction but obviously I would have opted to my choice given an option.

Two Rivers and Four Lakes

Li River just the major part of the town and anywhere you go, we are not far from the river. In this scenic place, Li river, Taohua river, Mulon Lake, Guihu lake and Shanhu lake are covered. Sun and Moon pagoda glow more than gold at night and thats spectacular thing to watch. I wished a tripod for my new 5D Mark III to steal the lovely sight!

Its basically a boat trip in circle that passes through various bridges and dedicated bankside performances. Lightings are a delight to watch. They make the place very dramatic. Somewhere I read that the investment and maintenance is still not covered by the management despite higher entrace charges. Imagine the decoration!

In the middle of the tour, there will be a cormorant fish catching show. The cormorant bird’s nect will be tied with a loose knot enough not let the bird to swallow the fish and then kicked to the water. Those fast fierce looking dive into the water and get the fish but fail to swallow completely and return to the boat. Then the fisherman gets the fish and the bird goes to the work again. Am not sure whether people still continue to fish this way anymore – but tourist are truly entertained by this act. I heard it takes years to make the bird to practice for this.

We wished to try the streetfood but ended up in eating in the Spanish restaurant right across the sheraton – cheaper but mouthwatering food.

Lijiang waterfall hotel has it own show at 8:30pm every day that creates waterfall from their hotel for 10 mins with milky lights which makes the whole place look beautiful.

And as if thats not enough, this place is surrounded by way too many pedestrian streets which offer suveniors to food. We took a leisure walk in that cool weather which drizzled very light to make it even bettter.

These days, planning a new year trip becoming bigger overhead – I still recollect, I didnt show progress on planning until the first week of december. Let me get away with the term called “work pressure”. Just not me, rest of the key people were in the same situation. At one point of time, new year seasonal trip itself faced questions – whether to have or not. Options like converting it to a picnic were in place. I silently listened to those comments and had one thing in my mind clear. No matter what happens, I am not going to let this practice to fall. New Year trips are precious and will never allow this pattern to fail.

After brainstorming(??!!) a lot, most of us agreed to have this trip to Pondicherry. I would have considered that as never an option under normal circumstances, but for this trip, I agreed as I mostly people agreed to it. Kannan is a new face who joined this time.

As usual, On the eve of the trip, we had a dinner meet first time in Chennai. Hotel Green Park’s “Once up on a time” and “Tulip” restaurants are my favorites for the ambience they provide. Most the guys including who couldnt make it to the trip joined and needless to say we had lovely time. Little ones had had more fun.

Next day morning, (30th Dec 2012) twelve of us started to Pondicherry in 3 cars (Vijay’s, Kannan’s, Senthil’s). Krish and Valli and me filled Vijay’s, Arun’s family with Kannan’s and Senthil & Kubhi’s families with the third. After couple of refreshing coffees, we were on our way. Our first stop was at Mamalla’s Drive-in restaurant for the breakfast around 10am. It was really early for us to reach there at that time. I see we are bettering ourselves with the times.

Our ECR road drive was not much of fun as it was quick 2 hours drive. My expectations about the views were not met. Its just a normal road which occasionally gives the faint views of the Sea. In no time, we pulled into Soorya Beach Resort. This was one of the resort that was suggested for the families. Seems the night life is too strong there in Pondicherry. This resort is quite decent and the family rooms are really clean and huge. Sea views – just for the namesake. Its more than 4 mins walk to the beach thats not private. Charges were quite reasonable. And the food offered met our expectations and they were quite accomodative when it comes to requests. They really tried to manage to refill the chicken every time we emptied.

We dumped all our lugges in one room for time being and stretched our legs with the refreshing Aircon breeze. I had a plan in my mind and our guys had a different one. I play along with them when I can be flexible. Just 2 of us didnt take bath that morning and they wished to get into swimming pool. That didnt had much of water which led them to the Sea. We soon followed just for foot-wetting and ended up spending good time enjoying the waves. They were strong and wanted to push us to the sand (beach) all the time. After a while, we were back to the resort just not to miss the extended lunch time. After another round of fresh water bathing, we had all the intentions to eat the food like the ones who stranded in the sea for 2 weeks without food.

Should I say what followed that lunch? It was one of the deepest, dreamless sleeps. At 5pm there were few calls from the restaurant and a non noontime sleeper (Senthil) about the snacks. Somehow, we got everyone to the restaurant for an average coffee and tea.

As per the plan We decided to go to the Promanade and Sunday market.

Promade

Promanade beach is on the beach road which was a typical sandy beach until a while ago. After the harbour work started, Sea started eating this beach and one point of time, to stop this any further, it was turned into a sea wall guarded. Its a stretch of 1.5 KMs that offers nice views in the evenings. Generally its crowded and when we went more than 10000 people were there. As the traffic is closed after 7pm, road is quite full. We really didnt want to be a part of that crowd, hence moved on to the sunday market.

Sunday Market
On Sundays, shops are generally closed near Jawaharlal road which enables a Kilometer of shopping possibilities for the platform shop owners. Generally clothing shops. Prices were attractive but the quality wasnt that impressive to be honest.

That gave enough for the day and the tired legs wished just one thing! The Bed.

Auroville – City of Dawn

Auroville is one finest themes for a city I have ever visited. I didnt even get the chance to explore in detail but the hints made me to yearn to get a place like. This is an experimental town – founded by Mirra – The mother. This place is considered to be nuetral ground irrespective of country, religion and any other biased reasons.

Matrimandir

Right at the center of Auroville, a dome like structure sits. This requires permission to be obtained specially 2 days prior to visit the dome. However, public can go to the visiting are almost 100 meters near to the temple. This place is quite and beautiful. This almost lookslike a golf course and at the center a huge golden ball fitted with golden buttons. Its architecturally stunning by all means. The Heliostat placed on top of the temple reflects a ray of sunlight down into the Chamber to touch the crystal at center. This travels straight down throught the different levels of the structure to touch the lotus pond below completing the link between sprit and the matter. Around the structure rise the twelve petals, in red sand stone circling the matrimandir. Twelve gardens will emanate from where the Petals taper out linking the matrimandir, the Banyan and the Amphitheatre to create utility.

Followed by lunch, we had plans to go to Paradise beach from Chunnambar boathouse. However, due to new year celebrations, paradise beach was restricted to public.
Half heartedly we left the place.

We utilized rest of the evening by visiting the Aurobinda Ashram and few other places.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram
This ashram doesnt need any introductions – one of the richest and well known. This was founded by Sri Aurobinda Gose who is the spritual guru for 12 of his disciples including Mira Richard also known as The Mother. We loved being in this place. Its small quick visit but am very sure its mandatory to anyone who goes to Pondicherry.

Manakula Vinayagar temple

Just 2 mins walk from the ashram and from the beach road (Promanade), the famous Manakula Vinayagar temple can be found. We didnt enter the temple as we munched enough chicken that afternoon.

After spending little time at the promanade again, we had some cat and mice games with Kavitha & Valli as they went shopping while we assumed they lost and sent a team to search them. Finally we found them in the Titanic a casual attire shop near the JN road. Fun time!!

Unlike other new year eves, we didnt have 1) a camp fire, 2) a round of talk about the year. We managed to get a cake and Krish got the chance do the honour.

Had to start early on the first day of the new year morning to home as our granny passed away. am not gonna get into details.

Other than that, trip didnt go bad and cant push to the failed list. Many of us agreed that a complete private homestay evevn without electricity could have given more joy than a Beach resort on the highway with satelite TV connections.

Anyhow, we will be back!.. 2014 is not that far!!

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

“Once up on a time” restaurant Hotel Green Park, chennai

Promanade Pondicherry

Matrimandi model Auroville

Matrimandi Auroville

Matrimandi Auroville

Sri Aurobinda ashram

French Consulate in Pondicherry

Promanade Pondicherry

Promanade Pondicherry

Promanade Pondicherry

Manakula vinayagar temple

Am writing this for just one purpose. Just to read this review when am old. Just for the sheer purpose to know how much of joy I got out of this movie and to realize how (much) I felt while watching this flick.

I tend to write just good about those movies deserve a place here. And I generally ignore the smallest mistakes they do as I just consider the overall experience.

Here, gonna be bit rude to one of my most favorite director, Gautam Vasudev Menon! Without any doubts he is one of the finest directors in India.

few scenes are boring. Really boring. Or it definitely missed to amuse the mass and even draws open criticism right at the movie hall.

I didnt care. I believed in him and will believe him again. And the outcome of the movie is one of the best of the movie watching experience.

Am sure, many of them would have felt the real warmness of their tears rolling down when that flooded uncontrollably. Its definitely not crying but the act of our heart acting like a kid which is wanting to get superman powers while watching a superman movie. Its desire! Beyond the measures.

Jiiva, he is choosy about the projects he work and did an awesome job in these. Its hard to believe those transitions from school to college and as a fully grown youngster. His acting was just perfect and had no loose ends.

Samanta fits even cuter. She fits the school dress and fits the grown beautiful woman’s role at ease. She is cute and and her acting is matured. Its hard to believe she is new entrant to this arena. And in the second half, every time she cries, our heart melts. Hmmmm..

Even when Gautam’s first film Vaseegara didnt make huge waves, many agreed its a nice romantic flick of the year and the music was definitely a hit. Harris Jeyaraj and Gautam gave many hits after this. Gautam this time, joined the Maestro Isai Gnani Ilayaraja. Again, without any doubts, as Gautam claims, its a musical film but am sceptical whether this could have got any better or not. In simple, it worked.

Now to the most important, the Director himself. Everyone knows he gave some of the best romantic moments in the silverscreen. They are all very practical and just real life examples. He came out and gave an all out effort and the outcome is breath taking. It starts in school days, finishes to a nail biting end. Ofcourse at times scenes were bit saggy, unfortunately they are real life scenarios – so no dramas in them. Apart from that, it just worked. Especially – the last 45 minutes of the movie, would make anyone cry. It works best because everyone falls in to the screen and starts to believe it as a real story which NEED to have a positive end.

How can I write about them without getting into the details?! Honestly, its sheer pain for the viewers just as the pain of the Varun and Nithya face it the movie. We weave along the movie and all we wish is them to unite again. Those moments, the flora and fauna, the scenes, the drive, the music, the moment, hmmm.. Best of the best to put in my least of expressions.

I will definitely would wanna see it again. Its only for 2 categories, to those who had good time in their school days, and to those who had been just as audience. It wont make sense to anyone else. No other movies would make sense to them to be honest.

I recollect a lyric from somewhere, “Love is the pain of feeling separated.. even for a moment..”.

Pray it should be made in your language if Tamil isnt your mother tongue!

No matter how hard I try not have an entry to a trip that counted my birthday, I endup writing one at times. A cancelled parents trip, kept me thinking to get something to my parents and ofcourses with the loved ones. Arun okay-ed the plan and I didnt look back. Knew it would be a beautiful trip. I planned a very simple pressure-free trip. Drive to Coorg, laze around at a homestay.

However, zeroing in on a homestay at coorg is not an easy job if you are picky as me. Either all looked beautiful or made me to compare. Coorg has all sorts of ranges starting from a zero star to 7 star homestays.

My search didnt go in vein. I found Palace Estate homestay. I found the pictures beautiful, and read that hosts are known as the best when it comes to hospitality. I called Prasad and he was kind and friendly. Most importantly, remember names, no matter how many people in your team.

Our Journey

A sleeper coach got us to Bangalore and quite surprisingly, we all were ready by 7:30 am which was little hard to believe. Guess thats the magic of travelling in small packs. Its Me, my wife, Vijay & Aarthi, My Parents and Arun & Kavitha with the cute Zinia. Just 2 cars.

What one thing I would have changed about this trip given a chance was the car I drove. I should have got i20 or better rented a 4×4. But a spark?, too bad. And Vijay tried his level best to drive super-slow his Punto to cope up with Spark. We had our breakfast in the suburbs of Bangalore and my wireless walkie talkie played a cruicial role in the whole trip. Its definitely the way to travel.

We drove slowly for obvious reasons. Even before we reached Madikeri, it was lunch time. Ate at a hopless place and continued to Madikeri. Road till Madikeri is okay and everything in the name of road goes bad from there. If the car had the power to speak, we would have heard the worst of its kind spoke.

By the time we reached the place after numerous calls to Prasad, it was dark already. Prasad called us many times to ensure we are taking the right route. I never had any such experience in any of my previous homestay experiences. Final stretch from the Palace Junction bus stop was hilarious as we knew where it would take us to. Otherwise, it looked like a haunted, mysterious, scary road that takes you nowhere. And it really asked for the best driving skills. I often worried I would rear bump the other car and relied on handbrakes once in while. However, when the cute little home stay comes to your view, we forget all.

We parked our cars and Prasad greeted us. I will never be able to finish saying thanks to him. He is such a host!

A little about Palace Esate homestay

It is actually situated at Kakkabe which can be reached either from Virajpet or Coorg. I strongly suggest to get the Coorg as the roads are really bad after Coorg. Last stretch of 20~30 KMs are nothing but a serious stress test on the wheels. But everything is just worth. Place lives upto pr more to our expectations. Driving route is Bangalore, Kengeri, Bidadi, Ramanagaram, Chanapatana, Maddur, Mandya, Srirangapatna, Mysore Ring road, Yelwala, Hunsur, Periyapatna, Kushalnagar, Madikeri, Bettagiri, Napoklu, Kakkabe, Palace Junction bustop and a hilly road that goes to the estate.

This homestay sits at the very base of Tadiandamol Peak – makes it the best base camp for the trekkers. Tadiandamol, undoubtedly one of the best peaks in the whole of Karnataka which challenges and teases and finally lets you to get the most picturesque views.

Homestay is built at a small mountain and has stunning views. I have never seen an homestay that offers that kind of view. Mornings are the best. Get up early, even before the sunrise, and the mesmerizing show of clouds and their love to the never ending hills of the western ghats. No matter what I write, it will never be enough just for that morning show.

As if thats not enough, culinery skills of Vincy(Host) and her team is just imcomparable. They are unique, tasty and will make you feel you got all that you need to be happy.

To talk about the rooms, they are again, unique and has all the touches of antiques or nature in them. Overall, an experience no one will ever forget. This place will make you to come back again and again!

We just dumped our thing in the rooms and got back to the varanda in the first floor. As it was dark, we couldnt see anything outside. We talked for long with coffees and I gave some test to my new external flash (of DSLR).

Dinner was served and the tired souls wanted rest too badly after the heavy dinner. Next day, I got up early and still I missed little. Though the sun didnt rise – still saw the rays. Cloud formings were too dramatic and the last night slight drizzles gave a spectacular touch to that area. We didnt rush but mostly people got out and loved the morning coffee with the nature.

My desparate tries to get to Tadiandamol following day failed as it asked whole day and leeches were not seen as compromising things by many in my team. This is the second time I failed to get to this peak. Its teasing! There is a waterfall nearby the homestay, however, we didnt venture that one. We got some suggestion to explore a chembara falls and the Iggutappa temple. We loved the idea and got the engine running. We had no idea we drove such a long bad road before we got to that Palace Junction bus stop last night.

Chembara I guess thats the waterfall name (one of the reasons why I need to write quickly after the trip). Unlike other waterfalls, this is a easy 10 mins walk and gets you to a decent cascade thats beautiful. As usual I kept the waterline just to my ankles. Am comfortable somehow that way. Just to let the cold to be felt by the foot. Or someday I need to let myself loose.

By the time I managed to get my guys out of the falls, it was little past the lunch. Our next stop was at Iggutappa temple which is nice fusion of Kerla and Karnataka’s architectures. Loved their free food honestly. It was late, still they served just for our group. Didnt expect that in a temple thats tucked inside the hills.

Nalknad palace

This is just within walkable distance from the homestay. To make the experience better, a local guide who looked after the palace, spent time to talk about the place. It was built by DoddaVeeraRajendra in 1792, safe in the depths of this dense jungle at the foot of the Tadiandomol – highest peak in Kodagu district. Its a elegant two storeyed palace served as the last refuge for Chikka Veera Rajendra before he surrendered to British in 1834. Ornamental pillars and Verandah with carved windows and doThe rooor frames are its notable features.

Right after that, before we head to the homestay, wished to drive till the end just to see where does that road takes us to. It was never ending, tough, leechy and dangerous 3 kms and we gave up. Incidently, its the same place where our very first trip that had tadiandamol in the itinerary and a place where I ran crazy back to the car just to get my axe deospray to get the leeches off my shoes (not even on my skin). Saw same 2 inch size leeches and without making a scene, we decided to go back to the den.

By the time we reached, it was dark. We got into a room to avoid nosy chilling wind and talked a lot of stuff. Seriously, was wondering how the small pack works really better than the big ones. While I wished to escape to bed after another lovely dinner, my people had some other plans. Still managed to get to my room, just to hear the knock right by 12:00am and to see my guys singing Happy birthday with a cake. My eyes glistening now, but then, was in mixed mode, as I totally wanted to avoid any such practices for me. I would be able to accept a verbal wish in the morning in the best case. But with the most loved ones around, you really cant escape. Am lucky to have such souls around me.

Next morning, while weather was sleepy, we said bye to Prasad and thanks uncountable number of times.

On our way back, we had a little pit stop at Tibetian Monestry (Golden Temple), coorg and spent couple of hours. As usual, it got me few questions about their culture. Without giving much thoughts, we picked some stuff from Madikeri and headed to Bangalore.

I tried my best and nowhere I was able to hit higher than 92 KMPH, thanks to the car and the traffic. I realized after a lot of disbelief about the car, it was not 4 passengers (and little Zinia) caused the car to go slow, but the backpack which almost looked like a filled sleeping bag of Arun’s did it. Laughed our best and by the time we reached Bangalore it was near to 10pm and had very little time to catch our coach to chennai.

We parked the car and I let out a unsual whoooohooooo to mark the completion!. While bidding bye, at Zinia’s turn, I kneeled down on one leg, asked “Give me a hug dear”. She didnt think twice, she came running and gave a hug. I forgot few things already about this trip. But that hug, will stay. Forever. Just whispered in my heart myself, “Just for that hug, my dear, I wont hesitate to drive the worst roads of India without sleep”.

They are powerful. Get a natural hug from them!

@ Palace Estate Home Stay

Chambara Water falls

Chambara Water falls

Kavitha and Zinia!

Nalknad Palace

Nalknad Palace

Nalknad Palace

Tibetian Monestry (Golden Temple) – Coorg

Khan came back. This time, with a gripping story anyone would fall for. Its dark, intense drama which wont allow you to yawn even if you have skipped two nights of sleep.

Aamir always surprises. This time, for a change, without bothering about any ‘messages’ to the society, he gave a entertainer. Pleasantly surprised – even when I relied on the English subtitles most the time. 

Its totally Khan’s show. A little extra stress on his character would have turned this drama into a a depressing-movie genre. Its neat to that extent.  Characters are crafted meticulously and everyone did their part just perfect. Khan’s acting is perfect and so does Rani Mukherji’s. Kareena Kapoor’s is poetic. She is gentle and soft like the waves of a calm lake on a cloudy night. Comforting. Or is it the character?

Music – songs definitely catches us. Or atleast weaves seamlessly with the movie.

Movie is definitely not for the school-goers, a matured theme but never makes our faces to go  frown. I guess this was adopted from a novel or could be an inspiration. In any case, it came out pretty.

Go without any expectations, let it get you!  You will think of the story line atleast for some time.

They won, you see!

Life of Pi is an exception. The booker prize winning novel of Yann Martel came to silver screen and I tried hard to keep my expectation low. This is one of those books got places in my top lists for books. I went on even to buy one for my friend.

Life of Pi – The Book!

“Books” still exist for one good reason. They give wings to your imagination. So any book you read, comes alive right infront of your eyes with the way you want it, imagine it. This varies person to person. But when majority of the people are impressed, these kinda titles hit really big and win Booker prize. Someone told me once, these books help really to get quick sleep right after second page.

When I read this book, not only I finished in the quickest possible breaks but started thinking about life’s existence and some evolution related questions. Yann Martel won!. To put it very mildy, this book went on and gave a picture of intense, deep, emotional and illusion (or close to hallucination). If its possible, read the book first, then the movie. (Thats a spoiler).

Life of Pi – The Movie

First, salute for the effort. Next, for not giving me headache.

Let me try the usual way of what impressed me there.

IMAX 3D

Well, if there a good movie, it must be watched with the best of all qualities. Even Dolby ATMOS wouldnt convince me for this movie watching experience, so watched in IMAX 3D here. The same place where I went and slept during the Transformer movie.

This is TRULY an experience. Awesome sound quality and big picture at a better seating (H row, SHAW IMAX, SG) – it cant get any better. I jumped at few frames, screamed inside few moments, sunk in to the movie all the time. IMAX is really the maximum our eyes could catch.

CGI in the Movie

Just one of this could be right, CGI was incomparably top notch, or they tortured a full grown Bengal Tiger. Only animal enthusiast would know animal behaviours at this minute level. The details given for the “Richard Parker” Tiger is amazing and am almost sure that team is goin to fetch Oscar for visual effects. Its real, cunning and mesmerizing. Phylosophical parts were amazing. It felt like we were in a meditation hall at times.

Visual effects – definitely they bettered the climax scenes of Titanic, Poseidon etc.

There are some things lack too

While the book was serious, dark and intense, the movie is light (except those lifeboat scenes) , short. I know it would definitely a miss if I would expect it to cover all parts of the book. Suraj Sharma did a decent job but very long way for “acting”. Iffran Khan soothes that pain. Tabu looks prettier than ever.

Am sure, if anyone watches the movie without reading the book, they will be pleasantly surprised.

So you got a chance, read the book, watch the movie – Think whats missing!

Or, watch the movie, read the book – Think what could have been added.

In any case, you are going to watch it!