The Gita For Children

"The Gita for Children" a book written by Rupa Pai is wonderful read. This retells the great epic conversation between Arjuna and his mentor Krishna in very thought provoking way. I feel blessed to read this book which rekindled me to read Gita in a totally different way. I have read other versions long back but was never able to correlate it with our simple life. Now I can understand that it is not a religious text but a guide to live our life in much better with self satisfaction.

The book corelates the conversion between Arjuna and Krishna to talking with our inner voice. "Talk to your closest friend - your inner voice -often and at length and listen to what he has to say".

In another chapter it explain the Arjuna's attempt to find excuses for his sudden weakness in battleground. "Its not only okay to be confused, its a damned good thing. Now that you are confused, don't look outside for help, look inside. There is no shame in admitting that you don't know what's right; in fact, it is the first step to figuring out what is".

In another lesson it explains success, reward. "Single-minded devotion to a cause - any cause - will be rewarded. Choose your cause wisely." "Success - or at least what the world calls success - does not depend on whether you are nice or mean, but on how hard you work for your goal." "Make sure the cause is unselfish and does not hurt anyone else. Make sure that you are not working on it because you want something out of it, but simply because it is right, because it needs to be done." "And you will find that the rewards that such an effort will bring you - a quiet inner happiness, peace of mind - are the long lasting". It explains very well on how demigods and demons are not very different. One can cross to divine side by just avoiding the paths marked Desire, Anger and Greed.

This is a must read book for everyone and I am sure all will enjoy The author successfully narrated it for young and impressionable audience. In her own word "I began to see just why so many people through so many generations had so many nice things to say about it. Although I can in no way claim to now fully understand the Gita, I am deeply grateful to to have a first immersion".

My France Visit

It was end of January and coldest weather to visit France. The day I landed in Paris was the coldest of the season. I had to go to a small-town Lens in northern France for a business trip. My flight from Bangalore to Paris had a stop in Abu Dhabi. The flight of Etihad Airways was much comfortable. I landed in Paris in early morning and had to catch the train from airport station itself. Waiting in airport station was very difficult due to freezing temperature though I was well outfitted and was loaded with two overcoats. To beat the cold chilling windy air, I ran inside a café and a hot coffee can be your best companion at that moment. Just fifteen minutes before the arrival time of train I went to the platform which was open outside. These fifteen minutes were extremely tough due to chilling wind. Train arrived few minutes late and once I entered, I got my breath back. This TGV train was for another station Lille. This high-speed train took fifty minutes to cover two hundred kilometres. At Lille I took another train for Lens. Soon I reached to a small station which is in a sleepy town called Lens. It was late noon. When I came outside there was only one taxi and was already booked. The driver told me to wait for some time so he will be back to pick me up. I waited for half an hour and then decided to walk to my hotel which was at two kilometres from station. Weather was extremely cold and I was cursing my decision to walk rather than waiting further for that taxi driver. When I reached, my hands were almost numb. Hotel Louvre Lens where I had to stay for next four days is one of the best in the town. Hotel is built on old houses of miners, right beside the Louvre Lens Museum. It has beautiful design, small but neat rooms, courteous and helpful staffs. Soon after getting ready, I went to restaurant to have lunch. I was greeted with a warm “Benjour” by receptionist. Selecting a food to suit for an Indian taste is difficult but I could manage with what best I could get there.

After unpacking my stuffs, I realised that I forgot the charger for my laptop and that mean I cannot work from hotel. Fortunately, next day, a colleague who was my host here, offered his spare for next three days. Next morning, I got a taxi for a nearby place Wingles, where I had to visit for business purpose. Drive to this place for next three days was comfortable though it was very cold outside. While going for lunch outside, I could get a glimpse of the town. On the way, I saw “Les Terrils Jumeaux du”, which is a very tall pyramid of mining spoil and one of the attractions for local tourists. On third day I with other colleagues had to go to another small town. On a crossroad I could see a model of Eiffel tower and we all had a good laugh. On last day my work was finished early and so I asked my taxi driver to drop me in downtown area of Lens. I had more than half day left with me so I roamed in the downtown which is not very big. “Église Saint-Léger de Lens” is a small church in the middle of downtown. Town with full of shops, restaurants and cafes, is very calm and not a busy place. Surprisingly there was an Indian restaurant “New Délices de l'Inde”, which is located opposite to the railway station. When I walked inside, a movie of Shahrukh Khan was playing on the TV screen. It is owned by a Pakistani and Afghani waiters serving the food. After having authentic and appetizing Indian food, I started walking to the hotel. In between I passed along the football stadium. Near to my hotel, Museum was located which has famous art works. I visited there to get a sight of local history. 

Next morning, I went to station to catch my train to Paris. As I reached early, station was empty but soon it became crowded for a while when football fans started arriving for the afternoon match. After waiting for few hours, the train arrived. In next two hours I reached to Gare du Nord station in Paris. This is a mammoth railway station with connection to all other transportation facilities. I purchased the metro ticket for Alma Marceau stop. In next thirty minutes, I reached to my stop. 

The moment I come out of this underground station; the towering structure of one of the seven wonders of the world popped up right in front of my eyes. I walked along river front and then crossed the Seine River by Debilly footbridge. Here I bought few replicas of Eiffel tower as souvenir. The spectacular sight of the tower amidst cold weather in the verdant lawns will remain etched in my mind for a lifetime. Walk around the tower is pleasing sight to behold. After spending the splendid time here, I took the bus to airport. From bus, I got the glimpse of streets of Paris and famous monument Arc de Triomphe as well. The bus tour in this bustling city was full of amusement.

I reached the airport early and had to wait for six hours for my flight. Corona virus news has just started coming in last few days and an uncertainty was pinching inside my mind. After a long wait in airport lounge, a further delay of one hour was announced. After repeated delays, flight cancellation was announced in midnight due to a technical snag. We were sent to a hotel where we had to wait for more than a day. Waiting in the hotel was very difficult. I got acquaintances with few fellow passengers bound for India and other locations. Finally, after two days of wait, our flight to Abu Dhabi took off. From Abu Dhabi another flight to Bangalore was on time. In the taxi to home, I was overwhelmed with the mixed feeling of delayed flight, uncertain world and intriguing spectacular sights of Paris and France.

Melukote and Thonnur Lake Trip

Melukote is one of the alluring and photogenic places near to Bangalore, which always invite travellers to visit it and enjoy its serene beauty and divine destination. After planning for this place a number of times in past, I could finally visit it before the end of this year. We hit the highway early morning and soon we took diversion for Hassan road in Neelamangla. After two hours’ drive, we halted at a restaurant to recharge ourselves with delicious south Indian breakfast. After a good hot cup of tea, we started again and soon reached to the small sleeping town Melukote. 

A decent crowd was moving towards renowned “Yoga Narsimha temple” which is at hill. As our group had elders, we skipped it and moved to the Kalyani. It is one of the largest Kalyani we saw. Kalyani has a spectacular view. In addition to Kalyani, Melukote has a number of small manmade water body to restore rain water. It is one of the wonderful engineering to conserve the water naturally. From Kalyani we moved to “Raya Gopura”. This is one of the unfinished structures but being situated at height, provide a mighty view of stunning surroundings. This is a perfect place for photoshoot. A number of Bollywood songs and local movie filmized here. We went up on the Gopura to have a better view of the vicinity. 

We visited Cheluvanaryana Swamy temple on the foothills of Raya Gopura. After spending few good hours in Melukote, we started our journey to Thonnur Kere. About half an hour drive away from Melukote, this is a huge lake. We spent some time here and enjoyed the enormity of it. Place is decently crowded. We made our way back to the city now. Drive on the road is scenic with good eateries and fresh breeze make the drive more memorable.

Korea trip

It was a business trip to Korea for a day. A comfortable flight from Bangalore to Hong Kong and after waiting for few hours in Hong Kong airport I landed in Incheon airport in Seoul in late night. A pre-booked taxi helped in reaching my hotel Holiday-Inn in Central Park area swiftly. Getting a first view of twinkling and flashing Seoul in late night was fascinating. After a dinner in my room, I could get a quick sleep very fast. After getting up early in morning and a breakfast in the restaurant on rooftop of hotel, I could go out for an early morning to walk around the hotel. First impression of Korea I felt is about its amazing feet on maintaining its core eastern values and its achieved development on par with western countries. My host has sent his car to visit his facility and my full day was full on business discussions and by evening I could come back to my hotel. With two of my hosts I went to Central Park mall to buy some gifts for my family. As it was a one day trip with my return ticket on next day, there was no plan to visit the city and explore it. While coming back to hotel I got the news of possible storm on next day. I slept with uncertainty if flight will be cancelled. Next day, I got up early morning and checked my mail. My flight was cancelled and scheduled on next day. With no plan for the day and storm was expected in late evening only I decided to explore the city. 

I talked to the receptionist on hiring a taxi for visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. He strongly recommended me to use metro service. I am thankful to him for this advice as it is the best means to roam in and around the city. Seoul metro is one of the best, covering all nooks and corners of the city with multiple lines and services. Receptionist did a marking on map of metro route, with identified locations to change the train. A lady helped me in getting the ticket at first station and after that there was smooth experience. With the help of English signs on station and help of Google map, ride was smooth. 

After two hours and three exchanges between Subway and Metro, finally I reached to the final station which has exit just inside courtyard of Gyeongbokgung Palace. A number of people were in traditional beautiful Korean dress, seems to recreate the Korea's ancient culture. This palace is a beautifully restored campus with a lush idyllic ambience and good walk which make its visit worthy. From here, ancient Bukchon Hanok Village is not vary far. It is a good happy walk amidst beautiful shops and cafes attracting tourists. This walk appears to be a live meeting with elegant fusion of new and old cultures. Hanok is the traditional village settled here for more than six hundred years. Houses and its traditional architecture are pretty and perfect spot for loads of photos.

 

I had to walk back to the nearest metro station at earliest as storm was expected in late evening. By the time I reached to hotel, storm has arrived. I went to my room with a pleased mood and was watching the rain and wind outside. This storm provided me a day to get amazing and unforgettable experience. Next early morning I took the bus to airport to catch my flight back to India. It was still drizzling and moist weather, my flight was delayed by more than a day but I was happy.

Dandiganahalli Dam Trip

Recently I went through a beautiful picture of Dandiganahalli Dam. After exploring about this place I realised that it is one of the least discovered places around Bangalore. This place is located in a serene natural dwelling just ninety kilometres outside of Bangalore. On a beautiful Saturday morning, we started the drive for this less known place. On the way we stopped at a famous restaurant “Paratha Factory” for getting the taste of yummy parathas and hot refreshing tea. We passed through the bustling town Chikkaballapura. Drive of last five kilometres was though narrow lanes of villages and secluded hills. When we reached, we were welcomed by a slice of untouched serenity. Nestled in between green hills, the reservoir reverberates with peace and calm and is the best place to relax and rejuvenate. There is a long wooden bridge built that stretches out to the water and boasts of beautiful views of the surroundings. 

The place is great to have some good photoshoots and walk in the lap of nature. Dandiganahalli Dam makes for the best day trip and a perfect escape from the chaos of the city.

Day Trip to Shivanasamudra and Talakad

When my sister and her family visited us during Dussera holiday, we were looking for a short one day outing from Bangalore. After a lot of discussions we decided for the trip to Shivanasamudra falls. With kids very excited about the trip, we hit the road early morning. Once we were out of Bangalore, we stopped at a small eatery in Kanakpura road. We had south Indian breakfast and tea before we started our journey once again. Road was well maintained and morning drive was good. Our first stop was at Barachukki waterfalls. After parking our vehicle we had sugarcane juice before everyone started walking towards the fall. One of the monkey snatched juice glass from hands of my five year old son and having feast upon it on roadside. After having a loud monkey laugh, mood was on high. It got elevated when we reached to the viewing point. Fall was not at its peak but still it was full flow of water pouring down from the rocky cliffs. It was a first visit to falls for my nephews and they were delighted. Our next stop was Gaganchukki falls. We passed along river Kaveri passing some old bridges. Soon we reached to Gaganchukki falls which is much bigger than Barachukki falls. There is a view point downstairs. A loud noise from gushing water makes the view more memorable. The greenery around the falls and milky white mist water are the sights, to be remembered for long. From here I could see the first hydropower plant of India built by GE. Karnataka tourism maintains a nice resort and restaurant here. A delicious lunch here makes the trip complete.

After an hour rest we started for Talakadu which is at further half an hour drive. Roads were beautifully laid and one will get to cross few bridges which will give a beautiful view of Kavery river flowing in full brim. We could also enjoy beautiful paddy fields along our drive. The place is famous for sandy river bank. It was a big crowd when we reached. It was a feel and ambience of beach there. We had a coracle ride in Kaveri. It was a lovely place where we enjoyed in the water. The drive back to Bangalore was full of talk about beautiful pictures we took and moments we enjoyed there.

Jog Falls Trip

It was end of September and Monsoon was finished just a month back. Our family planned for Jog falls trip. It was a trip after a long time. We had late night train from Bangalore and anticipating traffic on the weekend we started little early for station. We had to wait for few hours there. My son was carrying his tiny toy car and so he started playing with his grandfather. Train came on time and we were settled comfortably in our berths. Next morning when we woke up we found the train halted at a small station for long. There was some problem on track ahead due to night long rain. This station was too small and there was not even a tea shop. Fortunately it was near to the state highway and there were two small roadside eateries nearby. We had tea and packed some idly for our breakfast. Train started after few hours and reached to its last destination Talaguppa late. This was not a big station as well but one can easily get taxis. We hired one to reach our resort.

We had bookings in Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa which is placed just in front of Jog falls. When our taxi reached to the resort, we could clearly hear the magnificent sound of falls and could smell the cool breezes in the atmosphere. This is the best place to stay in Jog. Rooms have a very clear view of falls through its fifteen feet wide open windows. All the rooms are too much comfortable to give a relaxed and soothing holiday experience to the travellers and the tourists. After getting ready we went to cafeteria first as we reached late and everyone was hungry enough, to not wait for a view of falls from nearby. Cafeteria was housefull and we had to wait for long to get seat. Once food was served the complaints of waiting vanished as the food was delicious. After the lunch we went to the viewpoint. Falls was not at its peak as monsoon was passed sometime back but still magnificent. The drop from so high cliff to very down in the valley is mesmerizing. There are so many segmented falls part of Jog but four are the main; Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer falls. For some of us it was a first visit to any falls. We had some good clicks there and my son also displayed his new photography skills. We set at viewpoint for more than an hour. Weather was hot and humid. After a tea we went to our room and had a sleep. I woke up just before evening and went for a walk outside falls area. In late evening we went to the musical fountain in the resort campus. It was not a great show but a good addition in the list of a tourist. In dinner cafeteria was almost vacant and we had delicious dinner again. We had another view of thundering falls in dark night before going for sleep.

Next morning we woke up early and went for a walk. Walking around the falls when sun is still not upon us, gives very refreshing joy. Today water in falls was more as water was released from dam for some maintenance work. It was better and bigger. We checked out from resort and hired a taxi for local sight seeing. Driver took us to Shravathi nature camp where we did boating in the dam. We also visited Raja stone and hanging rope bridge before driver dropped us back in resort. We had plenty of time and so we just sat in front of falls for few hours before going back to Talaguppa station. This small journey goes among water bodies and beetle orchards. Near station we found a decent small restaurant and got the food packed for night. Train started and reached Bangalore on time. In early morning, heavy rain just like Jog welcomed us at station and we found difficulty in coming out and getting a taxi. Once we reached home, we were with sweet memories of Jog trip.

So You Want to Know About The Environment

I received the book "So You Want to Know About The Environment" as a surprise courier from my brother. Reading it wasn't in my plan. Out of curiosity I went through few pages to understand the context of the book but once I started I could not leave it in the middle.

This book written by Bijal Vachharajni is a delightful and informative read. This is a must read for people who wants to know about Climate change, Food, Waste, Water and Wildlife. Book gives enough information to understand the linkage between our habits and changes in environment. It communicates clearly that its up to us to save our planet and each of us are able to make some contribution from our end to keep our environment green. Author should be appreciated for bringing the facts with lighter notes, stories and jokes. I sincerely wish that this book should be added as part of curriculum for children. This will inspire them and everyone, to bring change that will save our Earth.

Trip to Bandipur Forest

It was a cool Sunday morning. We started our Bandipur trip in early morning so we could skip the city traffic. By seven, we were out of city and on Mysore road. Next two hours morning drive was soothing for everyone. Mysore road is full of good eateries and we stopped at one to have breakfast and tea. In next one more hour we reached to Srirangapatna town. Our first stop was Tipu Sultan's summer palace which is also known as Dariyal Daulat Bagh. Next we went to Tipu's tomb, where Tipu breathed his last during war.  After interaction with Tipu,'s history we were back to road to Bandipur. 

After five hours of drive, we reached to MC resort which is located just at the start of Bandipur forest area. This place is having very calm ambiance and in between small hills. We got four cottage rooms which just have everything one need. Room was not highly spacious but sufficient to give comfortable stay. Room opens into open veranda, a perfect idling place. Ambiance inside is clean and resort has children play area, swimming pool and a good restaurant. Food has lot of variety and were delicious.

After an hour of rest we went to Jungle safari reception point. We booked open jeep for jungle safari. Near reception, monkeys were the point of attraction. They were quick enough to snatch food items from visitors. Safari took us inside jungle which has number of wild animals. Heard of deer can be seen in any corner. We could see peacock, lizards, elephants and other animals and birds. At one water body we waited long for tiger, but we were not fortunate to see this majestic animal of jungle. I believe morning safari has better chance to have a glimpse of them. After two hours of safari we were back to reception point. Then we came back to resort.

Next morning we got ready and enjoyed roaming in the resort before having a heavy and tasty breakfast. We checked out from resort and after an hour long driving we reached to Mysore palace. I have visited it before but for most of the people in our group it was the maiden visit. They were impressed with the beauty and architecture of the palace. Kids enjoyed the elephant ride in the palace backyard. After visiting the palace we had our lunch in a restaurant in downtown. After lunch we started our journey back to Bangalore. Drive on Mysore road is always joyful. Our next stop was at Ramanagaram which is famous for wooden toys. No one can leave these wooden toy shops without being impressed with its craftsmanship. After a tea there, our car was again on the road but it was slowed to minimum once it entered into Bangalore city. Traffic was huge and it took a lot of patience driving in the middle of concrete jungle we have in the city. We could reach home after evening and it was time to appreciate the great trip of Bandipur forest we just finished.

A visit to Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary

"Kanwar jheel" as called by local people or "Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary" as named in government documents, is about fifty kilometers only from my hometown Dalsinghsarai. Still I never got a chance to visit it before. This lake is also very near to the village of my relative. So when I visited them this time I could get few hours to have a quick visit to the lake as well. 

The Kanwar Lake is located in the Bengusarai district of Bihar. It is 30 Kilometers from Begusarai and 7 Kilometers from nearest railway station DSKS Nagar Garhpura in Samastipur- Khagaria railway. As information available in mu sources, it is the largest freshwater oxbow lake in Asia and is thrice the size of Bharatpur Sanctuary. 60 migratory birds from Central Asia migrate to the lake in winter. About 106 species of resident birds have been recorded. It is a must visit for the bird watchers and nature lovers. There is famous Jaimanglagadh temple in the midst of the sanctuary. Unfortunately wetland area is shrinking, being captured by locals and dying due to pesticides. In last thirty years it shrink-ed to one third. 

When we reached Kanwar lake, it was late afternoon. Our car reached up to temple crossing the narrow lanes. There was no clear information on lake entrance so we took help of google map satellite view to reach to the water body. We passed through slum to reach the lake where number of fishermen were coming back from lake. One fisherman offered us the boat ride in lake in two hundred rupees only. He gave enough time taking us to the far ends of wetland or lake and talked about lake, birds, flower and fauna around. It was not a planed visit and we did not have DSLR camera so we could not take pictures of birds but we enjoyed the beauty of lake and nature around. It was a mesmerized feeling altogether. Hope we can conserve it for next generation as well.

More information and pictures are well captured in below links:

https://bangaloreataglance.wordpress.com/tag/kanwar-lake/

http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/kanwar-lake-birds-paradise-lost-44693

A Day Back in Vidyapatidham

When I was a kid, an outdoor trip mostly means to Vidyapatidham. Vidyapatidham, also called as Bajidpur or Vidyapatinagar is a historical Nirvana place of great Maithili poet Vidyapati. It is only at ten Kilometers from my hometown Dalsinghsarai. I remember visiting this small temple town almost ten times with my brother, my cousins and other relatives. Some of these trips were by bicycle and more than twenty years back. After darshan in temple, we used to eat puri-sabji or chana in small eateries outside temple. Sometimes we used to buy some wooden toys and famous Badh lai (a sweet dish) as well.

Vidyapatidham is believed to be the place where the renowned poet breathed his last in search of Maa Ganga. Due to his failing health, he was not able to reach the banks of Ganga. Local stories says that the Ganga river changed its course to reach him to fulfill his wish. There is a famed temple of lord Shiva in Vidyapatidham in commemoration of this great poet and devotee of Lord Shiva. A statue of Vidyapati is placed in the middle of the town. This place can be reached by train and there s a tourist bungalow as well to host people.

This year when I visited my hometown on Durgapuja holiday, we planed to visit this small rustic temple town again. A family trip to Vidyapatidham temple was always in the wish list of my mother. We hired E-rickshaw which charged us two hundred rupees for both side journey. Reaching there doesn't take more than half hour. When we entered in the temple premises, I felt the time is stuck and there is no major changes except newly painted boundary walls.. Flower vendors are sitting on chowkis with big umbrellas above them. People used to wash their legs from same well before entering into temple. Devotees taking walk in numerous temple around the main red colored Shiva temple. After puja, we came outside temple premises. Walking in temple lane reminded me my old days in Vidyapatidham.

A. Lincoln: A Biography

After doing extensive research to find the best book on Abraham Lincoln, in Amazon and Flipkart; I decided to buy the book "A. Lincoln: A Biography" by Ronald C White, Jr. For my delight, I selected the best book to read about Lincoln's biography. After reading this book, I don't agree more with USA today that "If you read one book about Lincoln, make it A. Lincoln."

This book is well researched, voluminous but interesting read, covering all aspects of his life with details. While reading this book, a reader feel like going through that age and being the witness of social and political development in Lincoln era of US. How United states was developed, how the colored people struggled to come out of slavery and how a leader can win a war and peace together. The book focus well on his upbringing and give full understanding of how he could become president in completely fragile country, divided into pro-slavery and anti-slavery states. His leadership skills of taking enemies along and being a good learner to deal with war just after becoming president, is well presented. This book delivers complete justice to one of the finest politician who not only successfully removed the evil of slavery from the country but was able to build the union back from division. His leadership is awakening for the whole world and this book is a must to read for people who has interest in history of United States or in life of one of the greatest political leader ever.

Unwinding in Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey houseboat was always in my traveling bucket list. Backwaters of Alleppey or Alappuzha was fascinating me from long time and finally I could plan it this year. Apart from its beautiful houseboats, tranquilizing backwaters and green countryside its equally famed for its boat race which used to be organized on second Saturday in the month of August every year. I planned accordingly. On Thursday night I had my train from Banswadi station in Bangalore for Changanassery station in Kerala. Next morning it was slight rain when train entered in Kerala. In the journey, a tree was fallen down on track before our station so it took some time for rail officials to clear the track. Train was little late when we reached to Changanassery station. Our taxi driver was waiting there for us. Once the taxi was out of this small town and on road to Alleppey it was a pleasant drive among mesmerizing sight of greenery. There is water body on mostly either sides of road and these water bodies and greenery is almost not troubled by human intrusions. People of this countryside know living with nature and unlike most of the other parts of India, environment is preserved in its best way. Kerala teaches us respecting nature and living with it. In the next one hour, we reached to the ferry point where most of the houseboats starts its journey for the day. Hundreds of houseboats were dangling around the shore. I booked a lavish houseboat through India vacationz Houseboats. These people were highly professional and helped in reaching there and arranging tickets for boat-race as well. Their houseboat named as "Anthem of the Lakes" was one of the finest and it has more than what one may need for a luxurious visit. This boat was having two floors, five rooms, one terrace and one kitchen. We settled in our room quickly. By the time boat started its voyage in the backwaters, we got freshened up and came upstairs to sit in terrace gallery. 

The view from houseboat porch was amazing. The sights of everlasting lake, calm backwaters, passing by houseboats, green banana leaves, lengthy coconut trees, aroma of fresh air and serene landscape was heartwarming. Allepey claim itself as Venice of East. I have visited Venice and so can confirm that it’s not less gorgeous than Venice. It’s alike Venice with rustic rural state and in the lap of mother nature and greenery. Shortly we got the lunch in traditional Keralite cuisine including rice and fresh fish. After the lunch we just sat there for few hours idling around. Boat took a visit to Vemband Lake which is alike a sea having no end in sight. Houseboat started its journey back. On the way, Houseboats were blustering horns to get sideways from houseboats. In backwaters, view of unending rows of banana trees on both sides of the canal and coconut trees kissing the ground were amazing. My son was busy playing building blocks and carom but quick to make noise when other houseboats were passing by. When houseboat reached to ferry point it was evening by then and we got tea and snacks. These four hours in backwater was astounding and lifetime experience. In night after having dinner we went back to our room. From window we could see the backwater outside our room and endless houseboats hanging around and far. 

Next morning, we got up early and after getting ready we roamed outside for a while to see the scenery before clicking some of the incredible pictures in picturesque background. When it was breakfast time, houseboat gusted the horn for the short journey in backwaters. While we were having breakfast, boat was having ride along waterways refreshing the amazing experience we had yesterday. After two hours of ride it came back to the start point and we had to say goodbye to this elegant houseboat. 

Now it was the time to explore Alappuzha town and seeing famous boat race. We hired an autorickshaw and soon we reached to the town. We had to walk for few kilometers to reach the venue. Walking in the town was astonishing as well. Grid of canals or waterways is passing through most of the town, same as Venice. Ferryboats are giving tourists a joy ride. We bought a toot for my son which is mostly used during boat race by locals for cheering up their teams. Soon we reached to the finishing point of Nehru cup boat race. Ambiance was amazing there with loud noise and cheerful crowd having fun. We were early and it was time for qualifying rounds. Huge snake boats are unique in Kerala and one boat is rowed by almost fifty people. When these long boats were near finishing point, trying to surpass each other, sound and energy level of crowd was going to the peak. Soon crowd was very high and mercury was at its peak so we left the scene early but not before watching enough rounds of boat race. After walking back along the beautiful canals, we took autorickshaw to reach Alappuzha railway station. We had few hours and so after lunch we moved into waiting room. In evening we boarded our train for Bangalore with our bag full of memories.

Drive to Yelagiri Hills

It was end of June but not typical summer for Bangalore. Despite a cool weather in Bangalore, we thought of going to Yelagiri hills just for a nice drive and family outing. Yelagiri is a very small hill station but due to short distance from Bangalore it is a good drive for outing. Most of the drive is on Chennai highway which has great road except considerable wait on toll plazas. There are number of good eateries on this road. The restaurant where we stopped was full of tourists and so we could have coffee only. From Krishnagiri we took left and drove on AH45 for next twenty kilometers. This road was again good. Then we left highway and drove on village side roads for next ten kilometers to reach a small town Ponneri which is at foothill for Yelagiri. From here drive of next ten kilometers which has fourteen hairpin bends is scenic and eye catching. Traffic on this road was not high but there were tourists vehicles stopped at haipin bends to capture the lush green beauty in their cameras. Each hairpin bend offers a different view of green valley down under it. After three hours of drive for one hundred and fifty kilometers, we reached on top of Yelagiri hills. It was ten o'clock by now and first thing we had is, a great breakfast just near to the lake entrance.

After a satisfying breakfast we went to lake. Lake was not so big but well maintained. There were number of boats and a long queue. Boating was little costly but this is the main attraction of the place. I guess lake was not so deep. We spent half an hour in lake and then we roamed around. There are some rides and well maintained park in lake premises. Kids had fun in park whereas parents went for a refreshing walk. From lake we moved towards Nature park. On road from lake to Nature park, there were numbers of  road side shops selling jack fruits and fried fishes. Nature park has good landscaping and well made scenery but still there is a miss of Midas touch in the park. Yelagiri hills is not very big but worth visiting due to its cool ambiance and less exploited as it is less popular. There are number of resorts and homestay. I knew about the good track to Swamimalai peak and Murugan temple on top but we happily skipped these as we had senior citizens in our group. After staying in Yelagiri for four hours we started our journey back for Bangalore. This time we changed our route and drove via Jolarpettai. After crossing Krishnagiri toll, we stopped at an eatery for late lunch. In next two hours we were back to home with happy moments of Yelagiri hills trip.

Winston Churchill: A Life

Book "Winston Churchill: a life" written by historian John Keegan is a short biography of Churchill but it gives the complete details about his life, his thought process and events around him when he led his country in second world war. John Keegan seems to be unbiased while describing the character of Churchill. Churchill used his reach to press to glorify himself in wars. Churchill never had a great opinion about India and its citizen, simply because it never fought war or never shown serious resistance towards British.

Book clearly presents the picture on why Winston Churchill was one of the finest prime minister of England. He shown hope to its countryman when everyone was sure about German overtaking the county. He could pulled Unites states in to the war by untiring efforts. Not only this but when German was loosing how he traveled a lot despite his illness just to keep its county head high during negotiations going on between "Big three" countries including Russia and United States.

This Book is one of the best for reading enthusiasts who would like to know about the great statesman of England or hero of second world war.

Day to Day Economics

This post is about the book "Day to Day Economics" written by Satish Y Deodhar. It is one of the business books published by IIM Ahmedabad. This explains some of the day to day macroeconomic and microeconomics activities very well, with very simple, sharp, and practical examples. 

One of the excerpt from this book explain the economics activities of government and private sector very well.The existence of pure public goods, natural monopolies, and externalities are clear cases of market failures. In such situations, the private sector either cannot provide goods and services profitably, or provides them with a disregard of social costs. Therefore government has legitimate reasons for undertaking the economic activities.

Similarly other chapters on Budget, Banking, Free trade, Inflation, Govt's monetary policy and Share market explain the key words of finance with clarity. Book not only goes beyond the facts and terminology but helps reader in understanding it in very enjoying way. This is highly recommended for people not having economics background.

A Pleasant Trip to Kovalam

Though a travelling enthusiast I could visit Kerala for first time after spending almost ten years in south India. It was a trip to Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari in February end and weather was still expected to be mild. On Thursday evening we left office early and went to Krishnarajpuram station to catch Kochuveli express which reaches Kochuveli station in Thiruvananthpuram in morning. We quickly moved to Kovalam beach which is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Kerala. We had booking in Hotel Neelakanata which is on the beachfront only. Hotel is two hundreds meters away from parking but this is not a problem as they send trolleys for luggage. The walk to hotel was interesting along the seafront. Ambiance was not hot but humid. We reached early so rooms were not ready. We had breakfast and then we checked in to the room. Room was clean and comfortable. Quickly we came out to beach and went into water. Our kids were having fun in making sand castle. After a fun of few hours we came back to room. We had a great lunch in hotel's restaurant which serve very appetizing buffet. Then we had a short sleep before going for the plan for rest of the day.

In evening we planned for visit to Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is in the center of the town. This temple is one of the wealthiest and dedicated to lord Vishnu. Like most of the renowned south Indian temples it has magnificent gopurams, dravidian style of architecture and high walls. Approach road to temple entrance was very tranquilizing effect on visitors, with a big pond on one side and old palace on opposite. Men can enter the temple in dhoti and bare chest only whereas women can go in sari. After drashan of deity we had a walk in beautiful and very pleasant premises. A team of girls were performing ritual dance. After coming out we had a short walk in town before we started back for our hotel in beach. It was late evening when we reached back to beach. Soothing sound from sea was making the ambience joyful. All the restaurants on the beachfront were attracting tourists with the fish in display and other items on their menu. We had dinner in our restaurant and then we came out for a walk in night. It was an amazing feeling to walk between calm sea on one side and busy restaurants and bars on other with flashing lights. Lighthouse was showing its powerful torch light on the calm water in sea. We sat near lighthouse for a brief before coming back to hotel for a perfect sleep.

Next day plan was to go to Kanyakumari which is around hundred kilometers from Kovalam. Just after coming out of city our first stop was at Poovar. we hired water taxis or small motor boats to go to Poovar island. Boats were passing though mangroves picturing a perfect greenery schenic place. This drive went through beautiful riverbridges, small jungles, green water and riverside unending coconut trees. In next thirty minutes we reached to island where we spent sometime before return. We headed to Kanyakumari again. It took long three hours as road goes through numerous towns and not very wide. We skipped Padmanabhapuram Palace which was in our itinerary and reached to Kanyakumari in late afternoon. After having a simple but satisfying food near boating dock we reached to dock to catch ship for Vivekananda rock. Wind was blowing mildly. In twenty minutes we reached to Vivekannda rock island which is marvelous, standing tall amidst high wind. View of Thiruvallurar statue is magnificent. After having imperturbable time amid calm breeze, we came back to dock by ship. We went to sunset point which was not very far. Place was a happening abode with every inch occupied by people by time of sunset. After sunset we started back for Kovalam and it was night when we reached to hotel feeling tired but excited.

Next morning I got up early and went for a walk on seafront. Weather was pleasant. After some time we came to restaurant to have delicious breakfast. Fishers's sound was on peak and they were pulling out their net which they put into water on last night. Seeing them fishing was another fascinating experience. We spent a decent time in beach and enjoyed the waves before going to swimming pool of hotel. It was almost noon and we packed our bag and checked out. We moved to Kochuveli station where we had evening train. Waiting room was vacant and we made ourselves comfortable there for next five hours. We had lunch in railway canteen which was surprisingly good. As we had ample time so few of us came out of station and took auto-rickshaws to go to the nearby Veli lake which is another attraction of the town. We just had a walk and few clicks before coming back to station. Our train was on time and we boarded it with lot of foods packed from canteen and nearby dosa shop. Train journey was comfortable. We reached back to Bangalore in next morning with lot of amzing memories and pleasant moments captured in amazing photos from the trip.

Stay in Greenville

I visited Greenville in October on a business trip and stayed there for two weeks. It was my second visit to States and my flight was via Paris again. Unlike last time it was a smooth transition in Paris to take flight to Atlanta. From Atlanta my flight was after five hours but thanks to Delta Airways, they accommodated me on an early flight and I landed in Greenville at least four hours earlier than scheduled. From Airport, taxi took half an hour to reach my hotel "Staybridge Suites".The hotel is situated in outskirt of the town but was near to my workplace. Also it is very near to shopping centers and eateries. The appearance of the hotel is decent and reception was helpful. I asked for a room on first floor. In the lobby there was an uncomfortable smell, may be due to pets. Room was very decent and comfortable for long stay. Breakfast provided is appreciable for a lot of varieties. Dinner in hotel has limited options but fine. For Indian food, nearby 'Saffron' restaurant is the best which serves true and authentic Indian cuisines. I visited this restaurant four times in my two weeks of stay as food there was with a feel like home.

On weekend I went to the downtown. Ambiance of downtown was soothing. I went to Falls bridge which is major attraction of the city. A circular cantilever steel bridge standing high on the falls is perfect photo point. I went down to the falls which is a small spring. This is located in the heart of the town. Walking on nearby roads was mesmerizing experience.

I could meet few people on this trip, had talk about ongoing presidential election, learn about customs in different societies. That is the beauty of traveling when you learn and unlearn so many things about the world you never thought exists.

Kumbakonam Visit

I visited Kumbakonam on a business trip in April end. Kumbakonam is around four hundred kilometers from Bangalore and nearest airport is Trichy which is again hundred kilometers far so I traveled in KSRTC Airavat bus which is luxurious and very comfortable. We stayed in Sara Regency hotel which is very good for stay and in very quite place but not very far from heart of town. Hotel rooms are great and staff is very courteous. Hotel lobby is decorated nicely. We had great breakfast in the restaurant. Kumbakonam and nearby locality is dependent on agriculture and the land is known for its fertility. After a long work day we could get few hours off in evening so we planned to visit the town. Town is famous for its temples and it can be called a beautiful temple town. We visited Airavatesvara temple first. This temple is recognized in UNESCO world heritage site. This Dravidian temple has unique architecture and beautiful sculptures. The temple courtyard is very big and well maintained. After a short time, we visited Adi Kumbeswara temple and Sarangapani temple. The town is very clean and calm. I had a late night walk in market near bus stand as well before I took my bus back for Bangalore in night.

Gir Somnath Trip

I could visit Gir in April this year, after having it in my list for long. It was a family trip to Gir jungle and Somnath temple. We flied to Ahmadabad and went to my sister's place in Nadiad. From Nadiad we took train. On early morning we alighted at Junagadh station and went to cab which I booked online. Having car booked before reaching, is always good and one can skip bargaining with touts and save time. Cab driver was a decent person and helpful in accommodating us and guiding. In next two hours we reached to Sinh Sadan in Gir which is almost at sixty kilometers from Junagadh. Sinh Sadan is the reception office for Gir forest where safaris are being allotted. Booking need to be done in advance which we had. They have three slots and early morning slot is the best to spot a lion. I booked late morning slot as we had small children in our group. As we reached early I inquired about accommodation in Sinh Sadan but they don't take request on spot so we went outside. Just opposite to Sinh Sadan, we talked to one small hotel named "Hotel Annapurna". This was a very basic hotel with clean bathrooms and rooms. You cant expect much from them. Not highly recommended for stay but as we needed it for few hours for getting refresh, it was good for us. We got two rooms in fifteen hundred rupees. In next one hour we took shower and got ready to explore nearby locality. We had Phapda-Jalebi and other stuffs in breakfast. On our designated time we reached to reception and got two Safaris allotted to us. Open jeep safari were decent ones and a guide also accompanied us.

Gir is the only sanctuary where Asiatic lions are present. There are different routes in jungle and we were taken to one. After entering into jungles we could see numerous peacocks, dears and other species. We passed through number of routes to spot a lion. Safari drivers were asking returning safari drivers if they spotted one. Finally we reached a place where three four safari jeeps were waiting. Guide told us that a lion and a lioness are behind the tree which was little far. We waited for long but could got only a very unclear view of lion once it moved. As it was day time and sunny we were sweating a lot. After more than two hour of jungle trail we came back to reception. It is highly recommended to book early morning slot if one want to watch a lion roaming. Anyway we were satisfied with a distant view and a trip to jungle. We visited nearby Crocodile center also. After coming back we started our journey to Somnath which is at forty kilometers only. Once we reached to Somnath town we had lunch before going to temple.

We reached to Somnath temple in late afternoon. Temple view was magnificent which is located at the coast. It was very hot. Standing outside the temple was tough so we quickly moved inside. Sitting inside gave the great relief. Sitting in temple premises is always very soothing. Architecture of temple is monumental in itself. After spending one hour inside the temple we went to coastal side of temple to sit along seaside and spent another hour sitting peacefully watching sea. It was evening now and then we moved to Veraval station to catch our train. Before boarding train we got dinner packed from an outside restaurant. Next day early morning we reached back to Nadiad with beautiful memories of Gir and Somnath trip.