http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/ Sat, 19 May 2012 21:01:47 +0000 MyBB http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-125.html Sat, 27 Aug 2011 09:11:51 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-125.html http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-124.html Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:22:20 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-124.html
My friends and I went to the Kalahatty (near Ooty) and Chikmagalur during the weekend. We had a blast! Here are some pics shot at location.

Chikmagalur


  Chikmagalur.JPG (Size: 416.59 KB / Downloads: 93)


  chik2.jpg (Size: 380.13 KB / Downloads: 93)


  chik4.jpg (Size: 235.04 KB / Downloads: 89)


  chik6.jpg (Size: 243.79 KB / Downloads: 93)

Ooty


  Ooty.jpg (Size: 295.94 KB / Downloads: 92)

Ooty- Holiday Home


  ooty_villa.jpg (Size: 397.91 KB / Downloads: 93)

Ooty- Amazing view of Kalahatty waterfalls


  Ooty_2.jpg (Size: 231.2 KB / Downloads: 94)

Kalahatty waterfalls


  Ooty_kalahatty_waterfalls_mmwyh.jpg (Size: 470.66 KB / Downloads: 87) ]]>
My friends and I went to the Kalahatty (near Ooty) and Chikmagalur during the weekend. We had a blast! Here are some pics shot at location.

Chikmagalur


  Chikmagalur.JPG (Size: 416.59 KB / Downloads: 93)


  chik2.jpg (Size: 380.13 KB / Downloads: 93)


  chik4.jpg (Size: 235.04 KB / Downloads: 89)


  chik6.jpg (Size: 243.79 KB / Downloads: 93)

Ooty


  Ooty.jpg (Size: 295.94 KB / Downloads: 92)

Ooty- Holiday Home


  ooty_villa.jpg (Size: 397.91 KB / Downloads: 93)

Ooty- Amazing view of Kalahatty waterfalls


  Ooty_2.jpg (Size: 231.2 KB / Downloads: 94)

Kalahatty waterfalls


  Ooty_kalahatty_waterfalls_mmwyh.jpg (Size: 470.66 KB / Downloads: 87) ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-117.html Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:06:15 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-117.html
  Panorama 1.JPG (Size: 174.49 KB / Downloads: 214)

---

The twilight reflected in the swimming pool gave it a heavenly aura. Not far the sails of a raft being wafted in the soft wind gave me the impression that I was standing on a beach.

  Panorama 2.JPG (Size: 249.67 KB / Downloads: 272) ]]>
  Panorama 1.JPG (Size: 174.49 KB / Downloads: 214)

---

The twilight reflected in the swimming pool gave it a heavenly aura. Not far the sails of a raft being wafted in the soft wind gave me the impression that I was standing on a beach.

  Panorama 2.JPG (Size: 249.67 KB / Downloads: 272) ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-116.html Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:51:39 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-116.html What a moment for Indians!! What a moment for the Cricket Team of India!!
Its the world cup for Sachin Tendulkar. ICC world cup 2011 is for India.

Congrats for all Indians. ]]> What a moment for Indians!! What a moment for the Cricket Team of India!!
Its the world cup for Sachin Tendulkar. ICC world cup 2011 is for India.

Congrats for all Indians. ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-115.html Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:23:54 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-115.html
Prabhakaran]]>
Prabhakaran]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-114.html Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:31:01 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-114.html
Rijosh]]>
Rijosh]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-113.html Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:42:49 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-113.html
Rohit]]>
Rohit]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-112.html Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:04:01 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-112.html http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-111.html Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:15:07 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-111.html
Ishwaro]]>
Ishwaro]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-110.html Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:55:03 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-110.html
Incessantly hurtled throughout the night, the bus dumped three of us, two journalist friends, Ajith, Ajayan and myself at Thekkadi early in the morning. Though way worn, the morning mist that painted the Periyar meadows was refreshingly inviting. The whole region appeared dreamy and unreal. It took some time to get in touch with the authorities and arrange our journey into the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve for a two nights stay. Fortunately for us, we were left in the care of a Range Officer, Mr. Manu, a pleasing young chap. By noon, we left the Thekkadi boat-landing in a speedboat, which they called ‘jet’, with Gopi, the driver, and Vijayan, who was to keep us company as cook and guide. The jet sped along the serene, glassy expanse of the Periyar Lake, dotted with stumps of trees strewn all over like fossils from an ancient time. Those stumps and the glassy water evoked memories of some oil painting. I was inclined to imagine a time when they were live trees that were home to birds and countless life forms.

  DSC01475.JPG (Size: 77.96 KB / Downloads: 155) ]]>
Incessantly hurtled throughout the night, the bus dumped three of us, two journalist friends, Ajith, Ajayan and myself at Thekkadi early in the morning. Though way worn, the morning mist that painted the Periyar meadows was refreshingly inviting. The whole region appeared dreamy and unreal. It took some time to get in touch with the authorities and arrange our journey into the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve for a two nights stay. Fortunately for us, we were left in the care of a Range Officer, Mr. Manu, a pleasing young chap. By noon, we left the Thekkadi boat-landing in a speedboat, which they called ‘jet’, with Gopi, the driver, and Vijayan, who was to keep us company as cook and guide. The jet sped along the serene, glassy expanse of the Periyar Lake, dotted with stumps of trees strewn all over like fossils from an ancient time. Those stumps and the glassy water evoked memories of some oil painting. I was inclined to imagine a time when they were live trees that were home to birds and countless life forms.

  DSC01475.JPG (Size: 77.96 KB / Downloads: 155) ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-109.html Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:01:34 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-109.html http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-108.html Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:03:14 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-108.html http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-107.html Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:38:17 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-107.html
Thanks,
Asahwan]]>
Thanks,
Asahwan]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-106.html Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:59:01 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-106.html
Last weekend me and my friends went to Mekedatu, a place near to Bangalore (90kms). Three bikes, Yamaha FZ, Unicorn and my Enfield. The trip was not so planned. Morning 5.30 we started from Marthahalli and later two friends joined from Silkboard.


  1.jpg (Size: 186.33 KB / Downloads: 265)

  2.jpg (Size: 161.92 KB / Downloads: 230)

We were not sure about the route. Instead of going straight from NICE road junction we got into NICE road itself. NICE road is so awesome and coz of that nobody thought about the route. Throttle was full or in its maximum:-). We asked somebody and got a hard cut. Mysore road > Maddur > Kanakpura > Mekedatu. Must say, route was so awesome.


  3.jpg (Size: 260.14 KB / Downloads: 235)

  4.jpg (Size: 297.28 KB / Downloads: 228)

Sun started giving dark shadows and it was almost 10 AM. We took few pit stops. One more thing.......Itz Mekedatu in English but should pronounce mega-thedu (or something close to that).


  5.jpg (Size: 349.79 KB / Downloads: 239)

  6.jpg (Size: 319.72 KB / Downloads: 222)

  7.jpg (Size: 242.84 KB / Downloads: 217) ]]>
Last weekend me and my friends went to Mekedatu, a place near to Bangalore (90kms). Three bikes, Yamaha FZ, Unicorn and my Enfield. The trip was not so planned. Morning 5.30 we started from Marthahalli and later two friends joined from Silkboard.


  1.jpg (Size: 186.33 KB / Downloads: 265)

  2.jpg (Size: 161.92 KB / Downloads: 230)

We were not sure about the route. Instead of going straight from NICE road junction we got into NICE road itself. NICE road is so awesome and coz of that nobody thought about the route. Throttle was full or in its maximum:-). We asked somebody and got a hard cut. Mysore road > Maddur > Kanakpura > Mekedatu. Must say, route was so awesome.


  3.jpg (Size: 260.14 KB / Downloads: 235)

  4.jpg (Size: 297.28 KB / Downloads: 228)

Sun started giving dark shadows and it was almost 10 AM. We took few pit stops. One more thing.......Itz Mekedatu in English but should pronounce mega-thedu (or something close to that).


  5.jpg (Size: 349.79 KB / Downloads: 239)

  6.jpg (Size: 319.72 KB / Downloads: 222)

  7.jpg (Size: 242.84 KB / Downloads: 217) ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-105.html Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:06:29 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-105.html
  1.jpg (Size: 81.46 KB / Downloads: 64)

  3.jpg (Size: 87.65 KB / Downloads: 63)

  12.jpg (Size: 48.08 KB / Downloads: 62)

  4.jpg (Size: 67.91 KB / Downloads: 62) ]]>
  1.jpg (Size: 81.46 KB / Downloads: 64)

  3.jpg (Size: 87.65 KB / Downloads: 63)

  12.jpg (Size: 48.08 KB / Downloads: 62)

  4.jpg (Size: 67.91 KB / Downloads: 62) ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-104.html Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:45:12 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-104.html
the shopping festival has just begun... and we decided to make a quick trip to see the place.

Amazing architecture, disappointing shopping, fantastic food and cars.
the attached pics will show some of the experience.
The most interesting thing however was the freaky sand storm that took everyone by surprise...

have a look !


  IMG_6508.JPG (Size: 372.76 KB / Downloads: 146)


  IMG_6506.JPG (Size: 474.7 KB / Downloads: 121)

  IMG_6533.JPG (Size: 425.19 KB / Downloads: 105) ]]>
the shopping festival has just begun... and we decided to make a quick trip to see the place.

Amazing architecture, disappointing shopping, fantastic food and cars.
the attached pics will show some of the experience.
The most interesting thing however was the freaky sand storm that took everyone by surprise...

have a look !


  IMG_6508.JPG (Size: 372.76 KB / Downloads: 146)


  IMG_6506.JPG (Size: 474.7 KB / Downloads: 121)

  IMG_6533.JPG (Size: 425.19 KB / Downloads: 105) ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-103.html Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:03:00 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-103.html
This was quick trip to Lepakshi with my colleagues. Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur District, in Andhra Pradesh, just two hours from Bangalore. From Bangalore, it can be reached by going west at Kodikonda checkpost on Hyderabad highway NH 7. Alternatively, one could take a bus or a train to Hindupur and then travel to Lepakshi. Lepakshi is very important historically and archaeologically


  1.jpg (Size: 160.17 KB / Downloads: 222)

  2.jpg (Size: 224.31 KB / Downloads: 196)

  3.jpg (Size: 242.21 KB / Downloads: 192) ]]>
This was quick trip to Lepakshi with my colleagues. Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur District, in Andhra Pradesh, just two hours from Bangalore. From Bangalore, it can be reached by going west at Kodikonda checkpost on Hyderabad highway NH 7. Alternatively, one could take a bus or a train to Hindupur and then travel to Lepakshi. Lepakshi is very important historically and archaeologically


  1.jpg (Size: 160.17 KB / Downloads: 222)

  2.jpg (Size: 224.31 KB / Downloads: 196)

  3.jpg (Size: 242.21 KB / Downloads: 192) ]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-102.html Sun, 30 Jan 2011 07:50:02 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-102.html
Shraf]]>
Shraf]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-101.html Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:25:15 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-101.html Hampi-Utsava is happening on Jan 27-29. You guys know what exactly is going on there??]]> Hampi-Utsava is happening on Jan 27-29. You guys know what exactly is going on there??]]> http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-100.html Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:39:31 +0000 http://www.yaatrika.com/forums/thread-100.html
Now, the season is ideal in Wayanad, for a trekking to Pakshipathalam. The towering Brahmagiri mountain ranges is an irresistible invitation to any nature lover who longs for a lovely but an exacting mountain trail. We camped at Thirunelly, the night before, on the wooded shore of the beautiful mountain spring, Kalindhi. We packed early in the morning at 7, and started climbing up the mountain. The trek up was tedious, but the carol of countless birds made it an exhilarating experience. The tiring trek gave way to enchantment when we scaled the steep hillside and reached the hill-crest. What looked like a high plateau was a surprise to us because we naturally imagined a mountain peak with a valley on the other side. The seemingly endless stretch of rolling hillocks was a boundless mosaic of golden grassland and the stunted, dark green patches of rain forests called Sholas.


  pakshi1.jpg (Size: 458.99 KB / Downloads: 185)

On one side, the cloud-capped Brahmagiri peak loomed high and the rough trail took a long curve towards the rocky outcrops in the distance, which was our destination. The trail was covered with tall grass and we had to wade our way ahead. Luckily, a friend had warned us to put on an outfit suitable for avoiding grass-cut. All the way, we had been refreshing us with wild gooseberries. The grassland was dotted with a lot of stunted gooseberry trees that bore enticingly emerald gooseberries. These gooseberries gave the region its name, Thirunelly. The word Thirunelly means sacred gooseberry tree. Legend has it that, Brahma, the Lord of creations, on one of his cosmic tours, chose this beautiful place for a respite. It was then, he saw, the image of Lord Vishnu reclining on a gooseberry tree. Inspired by this vision, Brahma built a temple down the hill, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.


  pakshi2.jpg (Size: 234.99 KB / Downloads: 184)

On the way our guide gave us another surprise. He stopped at an apparently flat ground and declared that the spot was a one-time tennis court. It was a reminiscence of the British rule and a people who celebrated their life indulging in all that the times could offer. Well-armed teams came up the mountain to play tennis and to enjoy the cool misty haven that offered plenty of chances for hunting. The area is still wild with animals around. Our guide spotted a herd of bison grazing in the distance. We really had an uneasy feeling when he showed the droppings of leopards. It is common knowledge that the region was home to a wide variety or animals and birds.
It took more than 3 hrs to reach Pakshipathalm, a rocky area of natural rock caves and caverns that are believed to have been the shelter of sages and god-men who made an abode of this sacred place. The word Pakshi means bird and pathalam means bottomless abyss or the nether world. The formations must have got the name Pakshipathalam because of the presence of the avian colonies, especially the bats inside the dark tunnel like pits. We crawled down the narrow and tricky passages that lead to a dark cave-like formation. After a time it was impossible for us to proceed any further because of the darkness and the slippery slops. The droppings of the wild bats, that made a home of these caves, made it impossible and dangerous, as a wrong footing could be fatal. We came out with a sense of satisfaction beyond words.
The way back was through another trail down the steep valley. A healthy trekker will find it comfortable to trot down slowly than the miserable walking that can be hard on the knees. On the way down, we found a rich mountain stream to wash away the weariness and the fatigue of a hard trekking. The crimson glow of the setting sun had begun to settle like a song over the dark woods. The forest was beginning to come alive with a host of calls and cries that followed us all the way, as we ambled back to our camp. At the camp, I mused on the day as a memory to cherish all my life while my friends danced around the bonfire.]]>
Now, the season is ideal in Wayanad, for a trekking to Pakshipathalam. The towering Brahmagiri mountain ranges is an irresistible invitation to any nature lover who longs for a lovely but an exacting mountain trail. We camped at Thirunelly, the night before, on the wooded shore of the beautiful mountain spring, Kalindhi. We packed early in the morning at 7, and started climbing up the mountain. The trek up was tedious, but the carol of countless birds made it an exhilarating experience. The tiring trek gave way to enchantment when we scaled the steep hillside and reached the hill-crest. What looked like a high plateau was a surprise to us because we naturally imagined a mountain peak with a valley on the other side. The seemingly endless stretch of rolling hillocks was a boundless mosaic of golden grassland and the stunted, dark green patches of rain forests called Sholas.


  pakshi1.jpg (Size: 458.99 KB / Downloads: 185)

On one side, the cloud-capped Brahmagiri peak loomed high and the rough trail took a long curve towards the rocky outcrops in the distance, which was our destination. The trail was covered with tall grass and we had to wade our way ahead. Luckily, a friend had warned us to put on an outfit suitable for avoiding grass-cut. All the way, we had been refreshing us with wild gooseberries. The grassland was dotted with a lot of stunted gooseberry trees that bore enticingly emerald gooseberries. These gooseberries gave the region its name, Thirunelly. The word Thirunelly means sacred gooseberry tree. Legend has it that, Brahma, the Lord of creations, on one of his cosmic tours, chose this beautiful place for a respite. It was then, he saw, the image of Lord Vishnu reclining on a gooseberry tree. Inspired by this vision, Brahma built a temple down the hill, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.


  pakshi2.jpg (Size: 234.99 KB / Downloads: 184)

On the way our guide gave us another surprise. He stopped at an apparently flat ground and declared that the spot was a one-time tennis court. It was a reminiscence of the British rule and a people who celebrated their life indulging in all that the times could offer. Well-armed teams came up the mountain to play tennis and to enjoy the cool misty haven that offered plenty of chances for hunting. The area is still wild with animals around. Our guide spotted a herd of bison grazing in the distance. We really had an uneasy feeling when he showed the droppings of leopards. It is common knowledge that the region was home to a wide variety or animals and birds.
It took more than 3 hrs to reach Pakshipathalm, a rocky area of natural rock caves and caverns that are believed to have been the shelter of sages and god-men who made an abode of this sacred place. The word Pakshi means bird and pathalam means bottomless abyss or the nether world. The formations must have got the name Pakshipathalam because of the presence of the avian colonies, especially the bats inside the dark tunnel like pits. We crawled down the narrow and tricky passages that lead to a dark cave-like formation. After a time it was impossible for us to proceed any further because of the darkness and the slippery slops. The droppings of the wild bats, that made a home of these caves, made it impossible and dangerous, as a wrong footing could be fatal. We came out with a sense of satisfaction beyond words.
The way back was through another trail down the steep valley. A healthy trekker will find it comfortable to trot down slowly than the miserable walking that can be hard on the knees. On the way down, we found a rich mountain stream to wash away the weariness and the fatigue of a hard trekking. The crimson glow of the setting sun had begun to settle like a song over the dark woods. The forest was beginning to come alive with a host of calls and cries that followed us all the way, as we ambled back to our camp. At the camp, I mused on the day as a memory to cherish all my life while my friends danced around the bonfire.]]>