Arriving in India: Ignorance is bliss gets a whole new meaning

Most foreigners who lands up in this sub-continent makes New Delhi or Mumbai their gateway. More than often this people get a rude shock on their arrival which kinda shapes their rest remaining trip(1st impression is the last impression). If this is your first visit to India then here are some little things you should keep in mind before you step into our soil ensuring to avoid that rude shock

1.Most major airports in our country including Delhi and Bombay has been modernized or newly built confirming to International standards. However make no mistake as soon as you step outside the terminal building you are about to face the real India. So if no one is coming to pick you up on your arrival then it would be wise  to book a cab from the recognized cab company like Meeru,Avis,Easy cabs all of whom has booking office inside airport. This will ensure a hassle free travel to your destination since they are professionally managed and nullifies the possibility of getting cheated .

2. As soon as you come out of the terminal you will be bombarded with touts offering sweet deals ranging from "taxi sir/madam to cheap hotels need?".What you have to do is very simple: IGNORE

3. If you are not already aware of this already then let me enlighten you !we are the craziest drivers on the planet. We have minimum regard for traffic rule so do not expect a smooth ride. Prepare yourself as if you are getting into a rollercoaster. Car,bus,autorickshaw(tuktuk),bullock cart,people will come from all sides of the road. People will attempt to overtake your vehicle from every possible angle, and even though roads have lanes earmarked they do not mean anything to us apart from unnecessary paint wasted to decorate streets. Try to divert your attention by plugging your Ipod and reading some magazine or newspaper or taking a nap.This way you won't realize how close your car came to banging on to that  bike  and you  will be at your destination before you know it.

4. Sightseeing: Departing from airport when your vehicle makes a stop at the red light (traffic :) ) you will notice both grown ups and children looking dirty and malnourished banging on your window asking for money or wants to sell something like incense sticks. You might feel pity and part with few Rupees thinking your money will let that poor kid buy some food. WRONG!!! Your money  in all probability will be used for drugs or taken away by their gang leader.So you should know by now what you have to do :IGNORE
( if you want to make a donation or volunteer for the economically under privileged contact registered NGOs like CRY,Save the Children,Pratham etc)

5. Now that you have reached your  hotel there are certain things you should always keep in mind if its a budget accommodation ,Always have a look at the room before checking in. Pay attention to toilet with focus on the functionality of flush and availability of water 24/7. Also look out for bed bugs and mosquitoes which can be a major nuisance .

6. Now that you have settled in and can't wait to explore the city keep in mind certain things before venturing out :
a. Never carry too much cash and even if situation forces you to do so make sure to divide the money i two - three equal amounts and store it separately.Example : If you are carrying Rs 400 in hundred denomination make sure you have two hundred rupee notes in your wallet and rest somewhere else like backpack or even socks/underwear.
b.Always carry your own bottle of mineral water. Avoid drinking water from roadside eateries to avoid  infections.
c. If  its summer and  day time then do not forget to apply sunscreen lotion and carry shades/ umbrellas. It can be hot and when i say hot i mean scorching hot!!!

This is all i can think of right now if you have any queries regarding anything...write a comment here!

Orchha: where time stands still

Sometimes you visit a place and then there are times when places visit you. This holds perfectly true for this little known place called Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. Orchha's grandeur and its rich history is engraved in its stone and time echoing its legacy.

Description: In Orchha time has made an exception and did not unfurl  its destructive forces,hence most of the palaces and temples built by the Bundela rulers in 16th and 17th century still lies in perfect state.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris(umbrella). From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular.

How to Reach:
Orchha lies in the state of Madhya Pradesh( Middle State) where infrastructure is not the best in the world but still situation has improved lot lately and though air connectivity is not available at the moment but rail and road provides a sufficiently comfortable access to this magnificent ancient city.

By Rail :
Nearest railhead at Jhansi (16 km ), on the Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Madras main lines. All major mail and express trains stop at jhansi.

By Road:
Orchha lies on the Jhansi-Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orchha with Jhansi.

What to See :
1.Fort Complex: The fort complex is one of the primary attractions at this town. It is the main Palace complex comprising of multiple buildings divided into three parts.
 2.Chaturbhuj Temple: Major temple complex with exquisite stone carvings depicting life of Lord Rama,a Hindu mythological god highly revered  by people.
3.Laxminarayan Temple: Another well preserved temple from that era noted for its  wall paintings.

4. Phool Bagh: Literally meaning flower garden this was a popular summer retreat for Bundelkhand Raja's.Unique indigenous engineering has ensured swift water flow throughout the complex resulting in a cool enviornment.

Places to Stay:

1. Orchha Home Stay ( Highly recommended by travelers as one of the best budget place to stay in orchha)

Lakshmi Mandir Road | Behind Power House, Orchha 472 246, India

  

2.Hotel Ganapati ( Another small but well appreciated hotel with breath taking views in this magnificent town)
Main Bazaar, Orchha 462011, India

3.Hotel Sunrise( Budget hotel with a satisfying service record. Cleans rooms with nice view)

Please Note : These are all budget accommodation as this blog is specifically meant for budget travelers . There are hotels for the more affluent mortals namely sheesh mahal and the exclusive Bundelkhand Riverside.

LAKSHWADEEP ISLANDS(not a typical backpacker's place...but still out of this world)

Lakshwadeep Islands which literally means "millions of island" is located  around 300 kms off the cost of Indian state of kerala and is geographically and culturally similar to Maldives because of its proximity to theisland nation .These Islands form the smallest of all union territories of Indian Union. Laskhwadeep comprises of  12 atolls,three reefs with total of thirty six islands,out of which only 10 are inhabited.

Important facts:
The main islands are Karavatti(capital),Minicoy,Agatti and Amini.
Tourists are required to obtain an permit for visiting Lakshwadeep which can be easily obtained from mainland. Foreign nationals are barred from visiting some islands.

How to get there:
Lakshwadeep can be reached from mainland either by ferry or by air with services from Kochi and Bangalore  by Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines. The airport located at Agatti is the sole airport in Lakshwadeep Islands.

Where to Stay :
Agatti Island Beach Resort: is situated in one of the most serene and picturesque surrounding in the Agatti Island,. the shining bright coral reefs surrounded by coconut palms presents a pretty picture of the resort. The resort offers a private beach and a lagoon offering one of the best swimming beaches in the world. The guest friendly and warm-mannered hosts are always there to take care of the guests.

Bangaram Island Resort: presents 30 tiled-roof independent huts and four bungalows. The facilities within the rooms include palm-thatched porch, ceiling fan, fridge and attached bathroom. The bungalows are bigger than the huts and offer more privacy.

Other popular resorts are like Kadmat Beach resort and karavatti Island Beach Resorts.

Laksh Advantage: I believe lakshwadeep has a huge advantage for people like me who does not appreciate the excessive commercialization . Unlike Maldives,Mauritius or Koh Samui,Thailand where people in millions are thronging every day...Lakshwadeep has limited number of visitors saving it from overcrowding  making it perfect for your personal Ursula Andress moment !!:D

Christmas Gateways!!!

It's that time of the year again!!! Schools,colleges and offices are about to be shut down for the biggest holiday season in the world.It is a great time to bring out that backpack and hit the road!!!  Now like every year the most famous and popular  destinations in the country will be choc-a-bloc with both domestic and international travelers.Flight and hotel fares touches the sky and still getting   a room or seat in the plane becomes a matter of sheer luck! So i decided to bring out some fab destinations in the country which are breath taking yet will not cost a hole in your pocket or keep you worrying about vacancies on train/plane.

1.B.R Hills(1400 m abv s.level)
Located in  south eastern part of Karnataka,near Tamil Nadu border this hill range is known for its exotic flora and fauna. It is in fact a  protected wildlife sanctuary protected under law. The BR hills links the eastern ghats with the western ghats hence allowing animals to move between them and facilitating gene flow between populations of species in these areas. Thus, this sanctuary serves as an important biological bridge for the biota of the entire Deccan plateau. 
Flora and Fauna 
B.R Hills is know for its exotic flora and fauna. Recent studies have revealed there are more than 17 tigers in the sanctuary along with leopards,wild dogs and sloth bear.Elephants are common and widespread throughout the region, so are sambal.chitar and barking deer.More than 254 species of birds are spotted in this locality including the White-winged Tit.

People 
The region has been habited by soliga tribe an ethnic semi-nomad tribe hundreds of years. Coffee was introduced in the region by an Scotsman during the British raj and the region is still known for coffee plantation along with famous Chicmagulur.

Must Do


Jungle safaris in jeeps and on elephant back are a must in this resort. When out on safaris in the forest, one could spot a herd of elephants or a langur, panthers, tigers, sambar deer, sloth bears, bison, wild boar, barking deer, porcupine and more.
Bird watching is another important activity here . You might spot birds like the large Indian parakeet, racket-tailed drongo, hill Myna, crested serpent eagle, chestnut-bellied nuthatch among 225 species already mentioned.
You could also go for long walks and trekking.



Festivities

The most famous festival in the region is the Annual car festival held in the month of April,which brings in thousands of pilgrims from the region and is quite a spectacle.


How to Reach
It is 226 km by road from Bangalore via Mysore and Chamarajanagar.
Frequent buses and trains are available to Mysore. From Mysore, it is 85 km by road via Chamarajanagar, Nallur and Navodaya School. It is suggested that you take a taxi from Mysore or directly from Bangalore.


Accommodation


As the place is not a typical tourist spot hence accommodation facility are limited. The best bet is Jungle Lodge and Resort a Govt enterprise resort which is located in the heart of the sanctuary.Accommodation are in the form of tents and there is no electricity post 10 pm,when hurricane lamps are lit at the camp bringing an amazing transformation to the place.


Important Advice :

• Language is an issue here, so carry a Kannada-English phrasebook. This is available all over the footpaths of Bangalore and costs about Rs 30.
• Carry some dry snacks that you prefer just incase you suddenly feel the need for some junk food.
• A wide-angle camera is a good idea
• comfortable and rough clothes for those rugged safaris
• Best season to visit: Its open throughout the year, but the best time to sight the wildlife is during the month of November uptill January. For people who love to see that lush green forests then the time would be between the months of July and october.

                                                        Spectacular views of the hills

                                                             Brown owl

                                                        Jungle Lodge huts in the sanctuary

                                A Leopard Spotted in the forest (photo:K.Verma)

                                      Sunrise

Shivsamudram falls!!!

Shivsamudram is a place of  a majestic waterfall forming a spectacular sight for nature lovers!!!Situated approx 130 Kms from Bangalore City, its a perfect place for day trip for that weekend you wanted to spent doing something memorable.Here the sparkling waterfall flows through the sylvan forest  of Karnataka and plunges 320 m into a gorge forming clouds of mist.It may also be noted as the first place of hydro-electricity generation plant which was commissioned in 1902. The best time to visit is between June-September when the water looks full and the view is at its grandest. There are limited accommodation facility available on site. Only one resort existed during my time of visit( can't recall the name) and it looked good from outside.

mist of water

on the way

Gokarna -the new Goa

Hey readers!!!
Finally managed got some time to write.This is all about Gokarna a fantastic beach retreat which has come into prominence in last 5-7 years. Located in North Karnataka near Goa border this small religious town has transformed into a hippy idyllic gateway from the rush and commercialization of Goa . Thanks to its fantastic beaches and cheap accommodation on the beach it has become a frequently visited place for Israeli, European backpackers specially the gap year students and people who competed compulsory military service in their country. So lets get all the info needed on how to reach this tropical paradise

HOW TO REACH
Gokarna is located approx 453 kms from Bangalore,240 kms from Mangalore and about 200 kms south from Panaji(goa).
Regular buses are available from Bangalore(Karnataka), Pune(Maharasthra)run by both Govt Bus companies and Pvt companies.Train is available on Mumbai to Managalore route so please
Note: No train directly from Bangalore).
For online bus reservation to Gokarna from various indian cities please check the following sites:,,

Beaches

Gokarna is known for its fantastic beaches full of coconut trees idyllic for swim and hang out.

The main four beaches of gokarna are :
1.Om Beach
2.Kudle Beach
3.Half moon beach
4.Paradise Beach

Om beach is named so because of its 'OM" shaped coast designed by rocks.It happens to be the most popular of the four beaches
Om being the most popular of the all four beaches has better accommodation facilities compared to other beaches. Accommodation ranges from basic hut with outside toilet to small cottages.Price ranges from 100 per person to 600 per person depending on the type and season.
Namaste cafe on this beach is the most well known and reliable place for accommodation on the beach. It has a pretty good in house restaurant serving Indian and continental cuisines at reasonable prices.

Kudle Beach

kudle is the neighboring beach to Om and is accessible only by trekking.

Paradise Beach
Paradise beach as the name suggests is a beautiful beach accessible only by boat or a long trek over the hills. Its an ideal beach for people who wants to get a tan discreetly or some private space all for themselves.Temporary accommodation on this beach from Nov-March :cafe Paradise

Half Moon Beach
Half Moon beach like Om is named so because of its half moon shaped coast and like paradise beach its too is inaccessible by road. There is No accommodation facility in this beach and any beach cafe is also temporary and may be set in for high season only.

Eat& Drink
Expect fresh fish from the sea at your palate every evening while you see the sun set and trance music being played at the back.Food is little steep at the beaches compared to in town but there is more option on the beach in terms of variety and quality.
Alcohol is not widely available but its easy to grab a beer on the beach to compliment your prawn masala and promphet fry!!!

                                                               Kudle Beach          
                                                    

                                                              Om Beach  

                                                        
                                                      Paradise Beach

Visite à Pondichéry

FRENCH FLAVOR IN INDIA:PONDICHERRY

History!!!
Pondicherry is an union territory comprising of four isolated small places called mahe,karaikal,yanam and the biggest pondicherry.While rest of India was ruled by the British Raj,Pondicherry managed to retain its French rule till the year of 1954 when it joined rest of India. Pondicherry is very distinct in its French favour even after 50 years of Independence. It has distinct white town and black town each with its own distinct features. It has the unique bi-lingual status where French is a official language along with Tamil.
French street names( Rue de xxx) and an excellent sea promenade it is quite a place worth visiting!!!!

Places to visit!!!
AUROVILLE:
Auroville is also called the city of dawn. This city is still being built. Work on it started in 1968 under the guidance of Sri Ma, the companion of Sri Aurobindo, the great spiritual leader and freedom fighter. The city is a unique venture. It strives to be a model city where people from all communities from around the world will forget their differences and live in harmony as part of the same community. At present the city spreads over 50 square kilometers and is inhabited by about 1700 people, though the capacity is of 50000 people. A circular cover of green surrounds Auroville. The center of the township is marked by the Matri Mandir (temple of the Mother). It serves as the spiritual center of the town. The chief feature of the structure is a 30 meter high globe. The town of Auroville is divided into industrial, residential, cultural, and international zones. Two areas are marked as Green area and Peace area. Auroville is one of the highlights of tourism in Puducherry.


Located on the outskirts this place should be visitied by all religious or not!!

LE CAFE':
This iconic cafe/restaurant has existed on the pondicherry promenade for more than five decades now.Opens early at 4.00 am, its an excellent spot for relishing on that fresh tea and croissant with the Sun rise to all its glory!!!!

PARADISE BEACH:
Located 10 kms out-skirt of the main town ,this is a pristine beach accessible only by boat!!! The 15 min boat ride will take you to this strip of golden sand where one can take bath in sea!!!

Notre Dame de:
Located on Mission Street, this cathedral, which bears a strong resemblance to a church in France, was built in 1791 in the place of a former church. The imposing façade presents paired Doric columns below and ionic above. In front of the church is a statue of Our Lady with the infant Jesus in her arms. The interior design consists of eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight circular openings.

French War Memorial:
The French War Memorial on Goubert Avenue is solemn reminder of those brave soldiers who laid down their lives, for their country during the First World War. Every year on the 14th July (Bastille Day) the memorial is beautifully illuminated and homage is paid to those brave martyrs.