Tirupati, Tribeni etc.

With New Year just around the corner, I am sure most of you, who love to travel, have already started ticking those dates – long weekends, adding or clubbing those Mondays and Fridays for trips and tours. You cannot plan the long vacation just yet – it is too early for that, as office or business can be quite unpredictable sometimes.

Somehow, it is one thing to travel during weekends with friends - a quick break from Corporate life and quite another to travel home for family gatherings. Most of us have done both, particularly if you are away from home for studies or job.

There is yet another choice actually - the third option which is absolute bliss - to travel without any agenda, without the thought of returning to work or calculating annual leaves used, without the hurry to cover important tourist spots as soon as possible. You seriously cannot experience that kind of travelling unless you are on a sabbatical.

My work place has been away from home town. For twelve long years it was an exhaustive drilling exercise to chalk strategic travel plans every year - being home during festivals and also covering parts of India.

Though I am not running a thriving enterprise just yet after I bid adieu to Corporate life two years back, however I work from some of the most incredible spots - As I travel, I am building something I want to do rest of my life - creating awareness on Dementia while also - I am delivering assignments to a client in  Canada or in United States who needs support for his startup or coaching on what next in his new found venture. 

I obviously set up my shop wherever my wanderlust takes me between two major cities in India. Equipped with a laptop and internet connection, my mobile cubicle is either on a bean bag in the living room, terrace, balcony or in a train.

Here are glimpses of places I visited with hardly any plan – just spontaneous, during weekdays - with my mother (the pilgrims), or a friend (the drives) or neighbors (the locales) – anything goes.

Mayapur

Coonoor

The Art of Living Meditation Space

To Tirupati

Tribeni

Puducherry

Belur

Arambagh

Anekal, Hilltop Resort
Ramosara Foundation Proposed Location for Old Age Home

Ooty

More pictures from a few pilgrims Jairambaati, Kamarpukur, Nabadwip, Adyapith, Dakhineshwar, Jog Udyan will be added when I can source them. 

Travel when you want, not when you can

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Admiring architecture in Mayapur

Mayapur

If you are on a short visit to Kolkata and cannot manage over night stay to explore a new place, this is one trip you can have in your agenda. A train from Sealdah at 6.10 AM and you reach Krishnanagar station by 8.35 AM – Add another half an hour if that spills over due to signal clearance in a few stations. Just in case you miss this, you have one more train at 7.30 AM.

From Krishnanagar Station

A reserved auto from Krishnanagar Station to Mayapur ISKCON would roughly be around INR 350. Instead, a Toto from the station to Krishnanagar Bus stand and another bus directly to ISKON would be dirt cheap – INR 27 per person. Alternatively, to save time, the autos take you to the bank and you can cross the river to reach ISKCON.

Srila Prabhupada's Pushpa Samadhi Mandir

This is actually the memorial to the founder of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness – A photographer’s delight. When you drop your shoes in the free shoe stand, or your mobiles for a nominal charge of INR 10 or your baggage in the third counter, make sure you also visit the Radha Madhav Temple which is just a stone throw distance away before collecting your things back – or you have to do this exercise all over again.

The beautiful part about ISKCON is the feel of the place – the chanting of Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. We happened to be there during 24 hours Kirtan from 16^th to 20^th February 2015.

The Museum

Visit to the Museum is optional. The ticket will cost you INR 10. It portrays the life of Srila Prabhupada. The moments are well captured in the gallery, using fiberglass exhibits and it leaves a mark on you for its natural look.

Radha Madhav Temple

You can always take a Toto to see the place around including the Goshala, the life style of people, the local culture, saffron robed devotees but then, people’s preferences vary – why distract the spiritual seeker in local mundane if you can just sit in Radha Madhav’s Temple and absorb the quite tranquility of the place in spite of the ongoing Kirtan and accelerate your inward journey.

Lunch & Prasadam

You can choose to have lunch in ISKCON premises between 12 to 3 PM, at a nominal cost of INR 30 or 45 and pick dry prasadam for friends and relatives from the stores around who claim to source it from the temple. You can try Italian Pizza in Gourango Pizzaria or the Govinda Restaurant for light food.

If you want to pick mementoes, books and gifts, there are plenty of shops apart from ISKCON’s in-house stores.

Other Places

Nabadwip – the birthplace of Sri Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is another attraction, which is just a ferry away from Mayapur. Alternatively you can do this place on another day using the Katwa local train.

Mayapur is approximately 130 kms from Kolkata and can also be reached by car or a bus from Esplanade. In train, the trip will cost you just INR 150 per person, including lunch in ISKCON premises.

Disclaimer: It is always better to read and know more about the place before you visit. Jai Sri Krishna. Hare Rama Hare Krishna are common utterances there. 

Chandannagar

Chandannagar, situated in the Hooghly district, is famous for its historical background and Jagatdhatri Puja. This place had a French colony and one can still get a glimpse of the French influence here. The famous Portuguese folk poet, Anthony Firingee (on whom a few movies have been made) used to live at Chandannagar which was earlier known as Farasdanga meaning land of the French.  

This is ideal for a one day trip as it is not even 50 kms from Kolkata. Trains run at regular intervals from Howrah to Chandannagar (Hwh-Bandel local). The other options are ferries, buses and hired cars via Grand Trunk Road. Autos are available at Chandannagar Railway Station. If you opt for a hired car, rate of an Indigo will be approx INR 14/15 per km or INR 140/150 per hour whereas a Tavera will be approx INR 160 per km or INR 16 per hour whichever is higher.

Chandannagar is also a famous picnic spot with 2-3 amusement parks – New Digha, KMDA and Chuti being the most popular ones.  

The major attractions of Chandannagar are listed below :

1.      Chandannagar Strand
2.      Sacred Heart Church
3.      Patal Bari
4.      Nandadulal Temple
5.      Buro Shivtala Mandir
6.      French Museum & Institute
6.      Nritya Gopal Smriti Mandir
7.      Amusement Parks – New Digha, KMDA, Chuti
8.      Hanseshwari Temple
9.      Bandel Church
10.    Imambara

Chandannagar Strand 

This strand was visited by the world famous kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore. From the Rail station, one can take auto to reach the Strand if one is not travelling by car. This strand has a lofty clock tower and is on the bank of Ganges from where one get a lovely view of the river with boats sailing.

Sacred Heart Church

The Sacred heart Church which is another major attraction is at a walking distance from the Strand. It has twin towers and there is a statue of Jesus in the front. The Church has beautiful stained glasses and the walls are covered with reliefs of Jesus. There is also a confession box which makes the church distinctive. One can also see the remains of the St. Louis Church.

Patal Bari

This building is renowned for its beauty and architecture. What makes this stand apart from other structures is the fact that the lowest floor of this building is sunken in Ganges, hence the name Patal Bari or the Underground House. If you are a Tagore fan, you can find the mention of Patal Bari in many of his novels. This house was visited by famous personalities like Rabindranath Tagore and Iswarchandra Vidyasagar.

Nandadulal Temple

This is another excellent piece of architecture. It is built on a rectangular base and has double sloped roof.

Buroshivtala Mandir

Another major attraction is the Buroshivtala Mandir which  is famous for its Terracotta work. This temple has a giant Shivlinga and looks beautiful with its 9 peaks.

French Museum and Institute

This glorious building was once the house of the French administrator, J.F. Dupleix, which has now been turned into a museum. It has a beautiful collection of French antiques, furniture, cannons, galleries and other items. French language is being taught in the Institute.

If time permits, one can also visit the Nritya Gopal Smriti Mandir, comprising of a library and auditorium.

Hanseshwari Temple

This Kali temple is 25 kms away from Chandannagar and attracts many tourists from far and nearby places. It stands tall at a height of 90 feet and has 13 peaks all resembling lotus bud.

Hanseshwari Temple

The Bandel Church and Imambara can also be visited on your way back to Kolkata.

Write to chaltechalteindia@gmail.com if you have a story to share about Chandannagar or if you are planning a visit, our team will be glad to assist you with a no-obligation itinerary at no cost. 

Digha - the Goa of Bengal

Digha is the one of the most favorite holiday destinations of the people of Kolkata not only for its beautiful sea beach but also because a trip to Digha does not need too much of planning. You can just pack your bags and head to Digha without worrying about hotel and car bookings as there are plenty of hotels catering to both budget and luxury groups. 

For those who are planning overnight, the best option is to go to Esplanade where buses ply frequently starting from 6/7 in the morning taking a little more than 4 hours at a nominal charge of Rs.350/- Other alternatives are trains like Tamralipta Express leaving Howrah at 6.40 a.m. arriving Digha at 10 A.M. or Digha-Duronto departing Howrah at 11.15 A.M. which takes 3 hours or to go by road to enjoy the smooth ride along 2nd Hooghly bridge and Kona Express. You can get a beautiful view of the villages in Bengal with green paddy fields and ponds on both sides. However, it is better to avoid the road during monsoon.

Digha is around 200 kms from Kolkata and will take approximately 4 hours to reach depending on the traffic and your number of halts. This beautiful beach can be visited throughout the year – be it to beat the scorching summer heat, or to enjoy monsoon or to beat the chill, Digha is the place for you. It is ideal not just for honeymooners or couples but also for families and friends. No matter how many times you visit, Digha never loses its charm and would make you long for visiting again.

The sea beach is full of food stalls, jewelries made of pearl and handicrafts. Beautiful ear rings, bracelets, bangles and decorative showpieces made from seashells are also available. Fish lovers would be delighted to know that fried fishes are available all over. You can stroll for hours on the beach or sit on the cement stairs of the river bank or on plastic chairs or benches, enjoy the breeze and gaze at the sea waves. The sunrise and sunset are enchanting. Those who enjoy taking sea baths should keep in mind that the sea of Digha is rough at times and one needs to be careful.

The tourist attractions in Digha are Talsari Beach, Marine Aquarium and Research Centre, Chandaneswar temple, Mohana and the virgin Udaypur Beach. All these places can be covered in half day. Evening should be kept free for the beach.

Shankarpur which is just 15 kms from Digha can be planned on the next day on your way back to Kolkata. However, if you prefer solitude, then you can stay here for a day. Shankarpur is free from the din and bustle of Digha. The sea is mostly calm here and the beach is remote.

You can also add the beautiful virgin beach Mandarmani to your itinerary which is just 30 kms from Digha.

If you are returning by train, again many options are available some of which are Digha- Duronto departing Digha at 3.35 P.M. arriving Howrah at 6.35 P.M. and Kandari Express starting from Digha at 6.20 P.M. reaching Howrah at 9.50 at night. For those who would like to return in the morning, they can take the Tamralipta Express starting at 10.25 A.M. taking 3.5 hours to reach Howrah. 

A trip to Digha/Shankarpur means the check in and check out time in most of the hotels are 12 o’clock and 11 A.M. respectively. So travel plans need to be made accordingly.

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Tagore's Santiniketan, Our Santiniketan

Santiniketan is a great weekend getaway with friends and family – just 200 kms away from Kolkata. A few years back when we had been there, as first timers – we did all the main spots. The recent visit was however just to attend Poush Mela.

Poet Rabindranath Tagore’s abode

That is how we all know this place. Viswabharati University there was founded by him, famous for its open-air classes where students attend the lectures by sitting under trees amidst nature. Indira Gandhi, Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen were from this University. Kala Bhavan (The Art School), Sangeet Bhavan (Music School)  are all within walking distance.

Uttarayan where the poet spent many years of his life and made those wonderful creations has several buildings inside that is quite a tour. It is closed on Wednesday and bags or cameras are not allowed inside.

‘Rabindra Bhavan’ is a must visit to see the wonderful collection of photographs of Tagore and his family, his personal possessions, various publications, paintings, gifts received by him, that are kept in the Museum. 

A Rickshaw tour

Hire a rickshaw and they will guide you to the important places – Chhatimtala, a huge banyan tree that was used as meditation space and to create those literary works by the Tagore family, the stores for handicrafts, the deer park, the Kopai river, Shonajhuri etc. One rickshaw can accommodate two people and will cost around INR 300 to 350 for the whole day. Paying for the rickshaw puller’s lunch is optional.

Fun Fair

If you missed the Poush Mela in December, you can plan your trip during Basanta Utsav in March to celebrate Holi. The essence of the place can be best seen during these fairs. The Khoai Mela held every Saturday offers stoles, sarees, show pieces, handbags for sale. The mood sets in when the Baul sings a local folklore. 

Extra Days

If you stay for a day you can do Kankalitala temple, one of the Shaktipiths in India on Kopai riverbank, just 10 kms away from Santiniketan or cover Tarapith, Bakreswar Massanjore.

Commuting to Santiniketan

Many trains like Viswabharati, Ganadevta, Rampurhat Express takes you to Santiniketan in less than 2 hours. Ganadevta leaves Howrah at 6.55 AM and reaches Bolpur station at 8.44 AM. By road, it takes around 3 / 4 hours from Kolkata.

If you return on the same day, catch the Rampurhat Express at 5.38 PM. or Ganadevta at 6.29 PM reaching Howrah in approximately 3 hours i.e. around 9/9.30 PM.

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A Slice Of Life In The Outskirts Of Bangalore

If you have lived in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India for over a decade, you have probably explored all the malls, halls, temples, city tours, night life, resort hopping, spiritual centers, weekend trips in and around the place – and you begin to wonder what is left to do in this city that is so full of life.

Think again! Have you drove or rode a bus to the outskirts to taste a slice of life there? The belt between Chandapura circle and Anekal and a little beyond has a few spots of interest, which can be covered in a day.

Pearl Valley

Like any other traveler, even if you are a resident of Bangalore you want to first know if there is any tourist spot in this belt. You should be ready to walk down three hundred steps to see a stream of water flowing and capture the view around – a valley indeed. It is 14 kilometers from Chandapura Circle towards Anekal. There is ample parking space and a refreshment joint. Locally known as Muthyalamuduvu is an ideal picnic spot.

Happy Home Resort

This resort is just one and a half kilometer from Pearl Valley, which has a multi cuisine, basketball court, swimming pool and cottages to stay if you desire to stay the night. You can ask for poolside lunch with prior intimation. On request, they arrange stage shows and camps at nominal costs. The plot owners of Nature city as members, are allowed to use the amenities for free however other visitors will be charged negligible fee, mainly to maintain the site.

Exploring Temples

You can either begin or conclude your tour with a quick visit to any temple – Venkateshwara or Ram Mandir that is either on your way or a five-minute walk from the bus stop.

Shopping Centers

Residents here mainly depend on the Friday market in Anekal and Saturday market in Chandapura circle for their vegetable needs. Big Market and D Mart are two decent stores that partially give a glimpse of city shopping – discounted throughout the year and all products like home appliances, clothes, furnishing, etc are available here under one roof. With Big Market you also have the convenience of home delivery within an hour for nearby residents.

Upcoming Villas

Many corporate managers and leaders invest in real estate to save tax. If they already have a flat in the city, buying another nest in the outskirts for weekend getaway or to rent out is the prevailing trend. So, if you do not belong to the usual young college going crowd out to explore the city borders aimlessly and are here with a purpose - keen to invest, make it “must do agenda” to figure out Villas offered in just thirty Lakhs and also those worth over a crore with a private pool.

This area has a dozen going residential projects, an upcoming diagnostic center, several schools, banks and is all set to establish its value substantially in the real estate landscape. The greenery around reminds you of the laid back life that almost immediately reduces stress.

Half a day in Hospital

Your trip to this side of the city does not necessarily have to be as a weekend tour. If your appointment with the cardiologist in Health city, Devi shetty’s Narayan Hrudalaya (A few kilometers from the IT hub Electronic City) is over by noon, you can explore the area for the rest of the day.

Dining out

On your way back to the city you can stop at The Lark near Bommasandra for dinner or try Sai Vishram near Hebbagodi. You can pack something to munch from Anand Bhawan in case you want to save time, which is at a stone throw distance from Narayana Hrudalaya Hospital. Use the flyover to avoid traffic.

Yercaud

There are regular KSRTC buses to Hosur from Anekal main bus stand. Salem is approximately 190 kms from Hosur. Yercaud is just another 15 kms from Salem. You will love it for the breath taking beauty it has to offer and the mood.

Yercaud Lake. Source: Google Images 1

Abode for Silks

If you are a visitor in Bangalore and stationed near Electronic city, you can try the very new Chennai Silks and the jewellery showroom Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai in Sipcot Complex on Bangalore Highways Road, Hosur. From Chandapura circle, instead of taking a right turn to Anekal, if you go straight, you find Attibele and this outlet is just five kilometers from there.

The Chennai Silks - SIPCOT Complex 1

With time this place will have a lot more to offer however as of now, this can be a whole day program – hassle free and at your own convenience, most importantly hardly affecting your budget. 

Write to chaltechalteindia@gmail.com if you have a story to share about Bangalore or if you are planning a visit, our team will be glad to assist you with a no-obligation itinerary at no cost. 

Exploring Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, the largest industrial city of Jharkhand in India is founded by the late Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata. 

It is popularly known as the Steel City and is situated at the confluence of Subarnarekha and Kharkai Rivers. This place is ideal for those who are interested in weekend trips but do not want to travel far off as it is just four hours from the city of Kolkata. It may not lure tourists when you suggest Jamshedpur for holiday mainly because it is a business hub but once you step into the city, the greenery, the innumerable beauties, both natural and man made are sure to catch one's fancy.  The best time to visit is December to March.

Tatanagar station is very well connected and many trains are available from Kolkata. Although Volvo buses also run from Kolkata to Jamshedpur, it is advisable to go by train as the train journey is comfortable.

If one is planning a short trip, it is better to catch the first morning train which is BBN-JANSHATABDI starting from Howrah at 6.20 a.m. and reaching Tatanagar in less than 3.5 hours. 2 way AC Chair Car tickets will cost around INR 910 (1 way being INR 455) whereas 2way 2S is INR 280.

Since it is the industrial capital of Jharkhand, this city is both a business and tourist destination. Hence one can get hotels of all categories, both budget and luxury, ranging from INR 600 to 5000. It is better to stay near the Railway Station as autos and cars are available whole night. Both hired cars and auto rickshaws are available for city tours. An Indigo will cost approximately INR 1000 /1500 per day depending on the distance and time whichever is higher.

The main attractions of the city  are: Jubilee Park, Dimna Lake, Jamshedpur Stadium, Tata Steel Zoological Garden, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandil Dam.

Day 1 

Dimna Lake
Jubilee Park
Tata Steel Zoological Park

Jamshedpur Stadium (if time permits)

Day 2 

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandil Dam

Day 1

Dimna Lake 

Dimna Lake is 13 kms from the city and is situated at the foot of Dalma Hills. The lake though artificial is very beautiful and surrounded by mountains in all directions with lots of greeneries.

The reservoir built over the lake is beautiful.

One can also enjoy boating in this serene lake.  It is preferable to visit the lake in the day time as this place is not safe in the evening.

Jubilee Park

The Jubilee Park is built over a vast area and was gifted by Jamshetji Tata to the locales on completion of 50 years of the city. This park reminds tourists of Kashmir’s Mughal Garden and Bangalore’s Vrindaban Garden. It is decorated with rose gardens all over, flower beds and illuminated fountains. 

The added attractions are a lake and an amusement park. The musical laser show in the evening is a must watch. 

The Park looks heavenly during the birth anniversary of Shri Jamshedji Tata on 3rd March when the whole place is decorated with lights.

Opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.

Tata Steel Zoological Park

Tata Steel Zoological Park is situated in the adjoining area of Jubilee Park. This zoo is very big and almost all kinds of animals are found here. To avoid walking, one can also hire the ‘Baghakudar Express’ at a rate of Rs.200/- which will cover the entire zoo in a span of half an hour to 45 mins. 

This is one of the best zoos and has Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Hippopotamus, Porcupines, Butterflies, Birds to name among a few.

Day 2

Check out from the Hotel early morning and start for Asanboni which is just 17 kms from Jamshedpur. Asanboni which is situated at the foot of Dalma Hills is very calm and peaceful and you will love the tranquility of the place.

The best place to stay in Asanboni is the Hill View Resort. Although it is a little expensive starting from INR 1900), you will love your stay here and it is worth your money.

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary 

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located 10 kms from Jamshedpur at a height of 3000 sq.ft, above the sea level. It is famous for herd of wild elephants, deers and bears. The adventure lovers and trekkers would love the trek to Dalma Summit as the sanctuary is covered with thick forests. 

But before starting for the trek, one can visit the Shiva temple outside the Sanctuary but be ready for a good climb as the temple is situated at the hill top from where you can get a good view of the whole city.

Entry Fee for Adult is INR 2 whereas for Jeeps and Small Cars its INR 80.

Chandil Dam

Another major tourist attraction in Jamshedpur - This is famous for its breathtaking beauty and is just 21 kms from Dalma Sanctuary. Surrounded by green mountains and hills this is another paradise on earth and you would love to spend hours here.

You can come back to the hotel in the evening and take the morning Steel Express at 6.15 a.m. or Howrah Express at 9.35 a.m. from Tatanagar Station

OR

Add one more day and visit Ghatshila which is just 50 kms from Jamshedpur.

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Write to chaltechalteindia@gmail.com if you have a story to share about Jamshedpur or if you are planning a visit, our team will be glad to assist you with a no-obligation itinerary at no cost.