The Final Journey And Aftermath

I have lived in Bangalore for fifteen years since 2002. 

I missed Durga Puja in 2002 because that was the time I joined the company and again I missed the biggest festival of Bengal in 2005 when I was sent to San Antonio, Texas for a two months training.  Every other year I ensured that I was in Kolkata with family during Puja even if it meant reaching Kolkata on the third day of five days ritual.

After Durga Puja I used to travel back to my work place with my parents. They stayed with me for a couple months and then I dropped them back to Kolkata. This has been the arrangement for close to a decade. Somewhere in 2011, my elder sister told me that she was planning a trip to Bangalore with her family subject to her leave availability. 

My father hated Bangalore. He would tolerate it for a few weeks, but immediately after he reached Bangalore, he used compel me to book return tickets. Once the tickets were booked, his favorite pass time was to start counting days. His circle of friends in Kolkata is huge who often used to call him when he stayed with me in Bangalore, making him all the more restless to return to Kolkata.

Knowing his tendency, I asked my parents to come with my elder sister in January 2012 as I was hoping to get hand over of a flat that I had booked. I could possibly manage house warming when they were in Bangalore.  

The point was, if I brought my parents immediately after Durga Puja in 2011 the way I do every year, my father would probably not stay for three months for my elder sister to join us in January the following year. He would insist to book return tickets much before that.

I remember in 2003, I tried to force dad to stay with me for roughly five months - he actually fell ill and was hospitalized. Though Bangalore was his work place, he could never really bring himself to like this city and was always fully smitten by Kolkata

The tickets were booked for 8th January 2012 to Bangalore. My mother and my sister’s family did come to pay me a visit. 

Only his seat was empty.

We lost dad on 26th November 2011.

My father’s eldest brother died in Chennai, the brother next to him died in Mumbai and dad used to always dread that he would die in Bangalore.  Usually around October-November-December every year, my parents used to stay with me in Bangalore – So had I not asked them this time to join my sister in January 2012 so that they could spend some time in the new house, he would have actually been in Bangalore in November and his worst fear would have been true – not dying in his homeland.

I know how miserable it was as I lived alone in Bangalore once I was back to work after the 13 day ritual – So under no circumstances I would let my mother and sister cancel their tickets. 

It must have been awful for them to travel however as they knew my condition was worse, they decided to visit me just for my well being. My brother in law who loved my father like a son would do, mentioned this several times and choked – It was painful to watch the window seat dad would have occupied

In that state of mind, the only solace that we found was in our anticipation to see Kotingeshwara Temple. We booked a Sumo that charged us roughly INR 2500 I think and we had so much to talk about our lives without dad, that we could not feel the distance

This temple is in the village of Kammasandra in Kolar district. Its main attraction is a huge Linga that is 108 ft tall. There are lakhs of small Lingas spread over that area of around 15 acres.

The tale behind this place is about a person who insulted Sri Manjunatha at least a crore times and when he had a change of heart he set out to build Koti which means a crore lingas in this place.

Photography is not allowed. There are CDs available which can be purchased to feel the warmth and serenity of this place back home as you watch it.

There are many small temples in the premises and the idol of Lord Nandi as well. There is water tank for devotees too.

Image Courtesy: Wikimedia

The place had a calming effect on each one of us and after the vacuum we had in our lives, the huge personal loss that we were dealing with – this experience that the place offered us, is all that we needed to restore our energy.

It Is Not Just A River. It is Not Just A Walk..

I had the good fortune to visit San Antonio in Texas way back in 2005, almost 13 years back.

It was an official trip for training. I personally have so many memories of that trip and a thousand stories to tell – The story of my visas not happening the first time I went to Chennai, a dozen tales of the mixed group that traveled with me, stories of not knowing how to handle the fire alarm in the apartment we stayed when we burnt something in the kitchen.

There are stories of missing home terribly after getting disconnected while talking to my parents because the call card exhausted and I abruptly begin crying pretty loud in the apartment thinking no one is around when the bathroom latch clicks and out comes one of my colleagues wondering what exactly happened. Missing family can be a really big deal sometimes.

The unique story of the internet center we hounded in the evenings is also important – Unique because we had exactly fifteen minutes before the center closes and each one of us had roughly five minutes net time. We managed that way for two months. That was the learning we had outside the training environment – how to prioritize mails and answer only the most critical ones. I owe that to the internet center.

We also had wonderful stories of our amazing colleagues that we were trained with and got invited to their homes for Thanks giving.

An elaborate whole day shopping affair with one of the trainers and visits to dollar stores every alternate day – just like that.

I have more stories from fiesta, the incredible rides, the natural and eternal beauty of the caves that was celebrating 40 years and the air show. I am definitely going to cover all of these in a separate blogs but today it is different story of a place that is the heart and soul of San Antonio.

The River Walk

It is not just a river and it is not just a walk – it is so much more. It is all about rich history, culture and celebrations. It gives tourists an exciting way to enjoy San Antonio.

Each of us who have visited that place has different stories to tell – that of the beautiful stoned pathways that we walked with friends and colleagues, the ample shopping scope and the restaurants serving awesome food.

In the boat, our guide suddenly started singing and that was the best memory I have of River Walk.

River Walk

A Slice Of Bengal Country Life

As a traveler, blogger and a photographer - most of us capture the destination and highlight only the tourist spots for the benefit of future travelers – the ones they should definitely cover. It is mostly the same old tips on the must do and must visit list - done to death a dozen times by many bloggers

The journey is often ignored or sacrificed or shadowed while destinations steal both our attention and limelight.

There is so much in a train ride, a bus ride, the boat ride or that long walk in a new place that not mentioning about it in detail in a blog is a huge loss for the reader.

If you do not understand what I mean, take a bus ride to Shimoga in Karnataka or a boat ride to Serampore Ghat in West Bengal or boat tour in River Walk San Antonio. I personally do not slot these as activities to do in a particular place – I list them as experiences to have.

The lemon tea on that ferry from Dakhineshwar to Belur or that jeep ride from Digha to Mandarmani is not just about reaching a spot. It is that ride that makes the difference – not any other mode of transport can give you that experience.

Travels are more about experiences, than covering spots.

As a storyteller, it is different tale altogether when journeys come into play before destination.

That nature lover will love this train journey from Howrah to Arambagh (formerly called Jahanabad) now extended to Goghat.

I am not aware why the name was changed and its history - Arambagh means garden of comfort. Prominent figures from this place are Rammohan Roy, the educator Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Sri Ramakrishna, Prafulla Chandra Sen and this blog is not about Arambagh.

All you need to get the vibes and the energy of Bengal country life is a window seat in this train.

It is roughly three hours journey from Howrah station in Goghat local. Train ticket is INR 20 from Serampore station. Though it is a local train and heading towards a significantly popular place that’s close to the abode of Sri Ramakrishna and his wife Holy Mother Sarada Devi – I have never found it crowded.

Here are the glimpses:

Shot from Train

Greenery As Far As You Can See

Solitary Reaper

Simple Lifestyle

This Has Been The Theme Of My Father's Paintings - The Electric Wires

Wish I Could Go To One Of Those Houses For The Local Feel

Ideal For Cycling I Guess

Far

How many of you will want to book a cab now to do this trip? Your loss!! This view of rural life and greenery is only from a train window. Ready for window seat?

Staying In A Backwater Resort - A Photo Blog

Most of us wish at least once in our life to live in a tree house. In Kerala we just managed to stay in a cottage on stilts. That is the closest we could get so far. 

Cottages on Stilts

Waterscapes, a backwater resort of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC Hotels & Resorts)

View from our room

This resort is located on banks of Vembanad Lake inside Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kottayam district.

Our Room

The room comes with basic furniture, a television, coffee maker and is aesthetically designed.

There is a small open area in front of the cottage - This was clicked from the stairs of our cottage

There was a small water body adding to the beauty of the place.

Walking Lanes

We were actually living in the woods with lots of walking space.

Cottages on Stilts

So that is our home in Waterscape which comes with a hammock too, from where you see greenery all around.

Hammock Time

This was a beautiful place to relax. Many travelers advised that instead of the resort we should have opted for Munar. 

Like I said, if not the tree house, at least a cottage on stilts was the most we could experience. I am personally not a resort person at all. I would prefer home stay or farm stays any day.

The tranquility of the place stays with you and that makes the place worth the visit.

Gifting Travel Experiences: Some Places Are About People..

I somehow used to always feel guilty if I do not visit my home in Kolkata to meet my parents, relatives and family before I do any trip elsewhere.

When you are working for Corporate, your leaves are limited. I used to save all my leaves to be in Kolkata during Durga Puja (First Priority) and then take my parents along with me to Bangalore to stay with me for a couple of months. Then plan a visit to drop them home.

I missed Kolkata so much that sometimes I used to visit this place thrice a year. The usual arrangement was train (4 days to and fro) and 5 days stay. That was good enough to restore my energy for the mundane in Bangalore. So if there was a holiday, I took 4 leaves that week, clubbed the weekends and managed a quick Kolkata visit. This has been the standard pattern for over a decade.

So when friends planned trips, I had to first ensure, my leave for Kolkata trips are intact before I committed for any other trip.

Now a friend in Jhansi booked a flat there and she asked if I can visit her anytime soon.

I never quite had Jhansi in my agenda. She kept pitching me the idea that we could do Agra etc. (which she had done multiple times already) I thought my leaves are too precious to be wasted for this destination sacrificing Kolkata. But my friend was definitely worth a visit and she had a wonderful cute daughter I would love to spend my time with.

So here is what I did.

Bangalore – Jhansi – Agra – Jhansi – Kolkata - Bangalore by train.

I reached Jhansi around three thirty in the morning and my friend had come to pick me up in her car. We chatted to glory, we had a history and were partners for many ventures. I spent the whole day exploring Jhansi – her daily life.

They drove me to the layout where they had booked their flat

Jhansi - Palm Court

In the evening we took an auto and went like forever to a place for some shopping. I picked Kurtis and sandals as usual. While I thought in the morning, the weight of my luggage is down after I downloaded all the gifts I had taken for the family – these purchases shot it up again.

I was invited for a get together for dinner which was well spent meeting some of her friends and a fairly decent Bar B Que. I chose not visit any tourist spot because this trip was more about people than the place.

We boarded a train to see Agra. I remember the long queue and just wanted to go back home.

Finally,

My first click of Taj

If you see the image, you can see the crowd - That lot was in the queue. And it was a sunny afternoon. Imagine the ordeal.

My cherished memories are more of Jhansi than Agra. The single best memory of this trip was the Gajar ka Halwa that my friend prepared and even packed for my mother as I was leaving for Kolkata from Jhansi.

My friend's experiment to click through the hexagonal pores

I did not have the patience even for Agra Fort after Taj, let alone other spots.

I am glad I did this trip in the pre-selfie era - so you can see people clicking images of the structure. If I go today, I will want to run back home even faster.

Key takeaway of this trip - Avoid Summer.

Gifting Travel Experiences: A Monsoon Elsewhere

I had been to Mumbai almost a decade back. I remember vaguely I descended the train I had boarded from Kolkata much before the train reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) Railway Station.

It was probably Dadar where we got down, switched to another local train that took us to Andheri, got into a hotel there, prepared ourselves for job interviews, visited consultants the following day, attended a walk-in interview in a firm somewhere in Powai, loafed in Santacruz and streets of Mumbai, strolled in Juhu Beach and it felt like we almost belonged there.

It was me and my colleague who wanted to try Mumbai Job market for some god forsaken reason then. The only memory I have of that trip was that we returned home jobless and decided to focus on our existing profiles with deeper interest if we have to try our prospects anywhere else in near future. That was the only single most important memory associated with that trip – a sinking feeling of being incompetent.

A few years later, I read Gregory’s Shantaram that stirred my interest for Mumbai again. In 2009, I watched Wake up Sid and all over again I fell in love with the city - The way Sid was promoting Mumbai Monsoon in that movie- It is something to die for and all.

I decided to have a short backpack trip on my own and spend some time clicking snaps of Marine Drive and just sitting there without any other agenda to visit the city - Mumbai monsoons only

I had to decide on accommodation – Hotel, relatives or friends? The first option was ruled out as I would offend both my relatives and friends in Mumbai as I did last time and got a mouthful for it. Ruled out.

Staying with relatives was an equally bad idea as they will not be able to absorb the fact that I am travelling to Mumbai by train, taking leave from my corporate world, just to click some snaps of Marine Drive and see the monsoon. Ruled out.

So I finally settled for a friend’s place – someone I knew for over a decade.

One day before the trip, my friend called me to advise that I should just get down in Kalyan, which comes forty five minutes after Karjat and she will pick me up from there. I suggested I will be able to come to her place in Thane all by myself.

One of her colleagues offered to pick up in his car (Bless Him).

My friend knew my agenda was to see Mumbai Monsoons. That is all. Nothing else. She mocked it is not a good idea to watch monsoon with luggage. I looked around for the car and all I could see was the crowded, busy Kalyan station.

This generous and jobless colleague of hers offered to show us around the length and breadth of the city the next day.

Next day, he was ready to pick us up sharp at ten thirty in the morning – drove all the way from Thane to Gateway of India

After lunch at Leopold Café, we headed towards Haj Ali.

On our way to Leopold Cafe for lunch!! Santaram and the attacks made this place worth a visit.

As we were exploring the Dargah and wished it was better maintained. It began to drizzle after some time. I enjoyed the monsoons.

Dargah

The view from Haj Ali of the infinite stretch of water around was amazing. The Sufiana and Qawwali tunes added to the mood and stays with you for quite some time.

I ordered juice for all three of us, from the store which I hear is quite famous here.

And finally, what I was here for - the marine drive

I promised myself I will be back again. I will

On my way back, I picked some stuff to gift my sister. I left my friend's place early next day to visit an aunt before I left for Bangalore, my work place.

The best memory of Mumbai was really not the movies or spots (That is superficial) - It is the people

The first time I went to the city, I was floored to see an extremely handsome guy get down from Scorpio and help an old lady with a huge bag cross the road as it rained, while I guiltily watched the whole episode from an auto.

In the same trip, when I asked for a particular local station, the woman I spoke to knew only Marathi and offered to walk till the station with me.

I dropped my wallet in a telephone booth which had my return ticket. When I realized I ran to the booth. He just asked me how will he know that the wallet is mine. I gave my name. He checked my cards and returned. Everything intact.

I can safely say, my friend generously gifted me this trip. Some trips are short (just a day) but etched in memory for ever. This was one.

My First Solo: Over 2500 Monks Chant Here..

Three of us had been to Mysore and seeing the palace was not the goal.

One of us had to sit for a bank exam – Yes, some people do crazy things like that – travel to be tested for mental intelligence. That trip was a huge waste for me – We saw the Palace glitter from outside the gate because we were late. We were late because of the exam.

In fact my role in that trip was mostly of an aunt in vigilance – The other two thought more is power, more people means more safety.

I paid for the trip for one big zero experience. Just that they are awesome people. So I could survive this pathetic episode.

So to compensate for that sad experience we enthusiastically planned for Namdroling Monastery in Kushal Nagar.

When they dropped out in the last minute for some reason, the traveler in me was already out wandering in the streets of Kushal Nagar – I was mentally all there virtually touring and I literally could not bear to sit at home after all that research, planning and anticipation

The point is I hadn’t planned for this Solo trip.

So it was an early 7:30 AM Bus from Majestic. I reach Kushal Nagar – Book an auto and the first place I visit is the Monastery.

I have personally been to Bandel Church in Kolkata, Gurudwara in Ulsoor, Bangalore, a dozen temples, and I eagerly wanted to see over 2500 monks chant in this Monastery.

My hopes soared as I entered the monastery and I was not disappointed at all.

Namdroling Monastery

Bylakuppe is where you can see Tibetan settlements.

Is this why this Monastery is also called the Golden Temple of Karnataka?

It was simply beautiful to be standing there, alone. This trip was destined to be solo for a reason and the reason was this moment of pure bliss.

As I stood there, who do you think calls me? The friends who missed this trip. They did not even know that I had ventured out all by myself.

The Monks And Their Prayers At The Monastery

I do not understand much about Buddhism except the noble eight fold path. The chants were soothing and added to the energy of that place.

His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche came here with a few monks and the Monastery has over 5000 monks practicing Buddhist teachings.

Pure Trance

I explored the monastery for some time, picked a memento from the store and headed to find the auto who will take me to the next spot.

There was something about the tranquility here

Near Harangi Dam

Then I headed towards Nisargadhama.

On The Way To Nisargadhama

I was tempted to do the elephant ride. However the minute I was up on it, I felt extremely guilty about the way the elephant was treated. I immediately wanted to get down. I coupled my ears that day - never again. This was the only sad part of the trip.

Seriously, It should be fun and hell lot of adventure to stay here in the night.

This trip was so satisfying that I forgot all about the sad Mysore experience. Everything happens for a reason.

My new hashtags #GoSolo #GoSlow just remembering that trip.

Originally Published Here

Gifting Travel Experience: A Tour To Hill Top

We started early in the morning to reach Anekal. The destination was a resort close to Pearl Valley, just one and a half kilometers away.

I had been to this resort with my friends earlier and they loved this drive so much that they now wanted to take their families now. It was a 45 kms drive from home. So it was very much a one day trip without any plan to stay in the resort cottages.

One Can Seriously Sit and Compose Poetry Here..

This place is actually in Tamil Nadu. You have to practically pay for the toll before they let you in from Bangalore outskirts. INR 30

As I own a farm land near by and as part of that deal, I had access to the amenities of this resort for free. We only had to pay for lunch. We just had some snacks and coffee.

This image is again from one of my earlier trips to the same place - I loved the flowers.

We chilled out in the cottage for some time and then the whole group explored the area, major photography session and loads of enthusiasm, regardless of generation. Not to forget, there were three generations in this group.

We were a group of nine, a toddler and a six month old baby. As I had visited that resort several times with friends and my family, I chose to be the baby sitter.

This was when I went with my own family.

My friend had her in laws too for this trip. When they were having fun in the pool and I was taking care of the little one, I noticed my friend's mother in law was very rest less. After some time she went to the cottage, changed and got into the pool. Then I knew why she was restless. She was dying to jump into the pool with the rest. And she did.

Greenery and Tranquil Atmosphere

There is a multi cuisine restaurant inside and a large dining space just opposite to the Kitchen area where you order food. However every time I went there I chose to have pool side lunch. The estate manager arranges that with prior intimation.

This is like a ritual - If you go there, you have to play.

From Anekal town, it is four kilometers. Another interesting tourist spot is Pearl Valley also locally know as Muthyalamaduvu. There is a food joint within the premises where you can some basic snacks.

To get to the waterfall, you have to descend roughly 300 steps.

Our group was tired of all the swimming and playing, so we did not bother much about Pearl Valley.

Now the Dam near Pearl Valley looks beautiful. I had been to this place again with my mother and my neighbors a couple of years back. We spent considerable time near the Dam.

On your way back, if you want to stop at A2B for some snacks, it is just after Chandapura. We had two kids in the group, so we did not stop anywhere and headed straight home after a hectic day, but well spent.

I indicated the trip cost as INR 2 because I did not spend for transport. I came here in my friend's car.

Buses are till Anekal stop. From there I have seen autos ply till Pearl Valley Dam. However I have not seen any auto near the resort. The last mile connectivity can be bit of an issue, without a car or an alternative.

Alternate Living: House Boat and Cottages on Stilts

I needed a break from office. Work schedule was hectic. It was the same case with my friend in Chennai.

Day 1

I boarded the train from Majestic station in Bangalore while my friend joined me directly at the destination. Her train reached Kottayam just half an hour after mine did. We had been planning this trip like forever.

I planned the whole trip – a day in house boat, watch the sunset in Alleppey Beach and some laid back time in a resort

My dad used to talk about backwaters often. I had it back of my mind always to visit this place some day. As I am particular about my fellow travelers, this trip had not happened earlier.

My guide for this trip was Kerala Tourism.

Day 2

We got picked up by car from the railway station and were connected to the house boat. We were greeted by two people – one who will sail the ship (I mean boat) and another who will cook for us. We were greeted Kerala style with this.

         

Cool Na?

We made ourselves comfortable, clicking a thousand photographs, exploring the rooms, absorbing the views and thoroughly happy that we finally made it.

         

The Bedroom In The House Boat

I do not how many people do this. We both actually called our homes from the house boat. This is an ideal trip with family too. So deep down we both wished they were with us for this wonderful trip.

         

We were served amazing food in earthen bowls and glass ware. I loved the fish preparation. By the end of the lunch, I casually told my friend – We Bengalis have a sweet tooth and most of us usually want our lunch and dinner to end with some sweet dish.

After some time I see the chef coming with a plate sweets made out of Banana. It was such a thoughtful gesture and I loved the sweets. I did not even realize he understood what I said because I spoke to my friend in English. May be he got the hint just by the word “Sweet”

         

Another important memory of this trip. My friend is an artist. She clicked a lot of flowers and during this trip she drew a beautiful painting and gifted to me.

         

Our Living Room For The Day

The beautiful sun set in Alleppey Beach was a fantastic highlight of this trip.

         

Alleppey Beach

Day 3

The boat dropped us in the resort. It had cottages on stilts. It was a heritage site overlooking the Vembanad lake

         

We lived in One Of These in Waterscapes Resort - There is Hammock too

We loved our room. We felt at home.

         

Waterscapes Resort

We had breakfast here. The view from there was breathtaking

         

This is Where We Had Our Breakfast

We were not keen for the water sports because the back waters and the scheduled Motor ride was more than enough water adventure for us. Moreover we wanted to do water sports in Goa. We did not bother for SPA or bird watching either.

We spent some time on the Hammock

         

Hammock Time..

We both are nature lovers so we preferred a long walk. We walked the whole place in the afternoon after lunch.

         

Our Afternoon Walk

The best part of the Motor Boat ride was this – It was just two of us for almost an hour. I do not think we would have enjoyed the ride to this extent, if there were other travelers and families. We did not sit in the seats meant for people. We got to the top of the boat. 

         

The Motor Boat Ride..

When we were in the middle of the ride with water all around us – What did we do? We sang Bollywood songs. 

         

Who cares how bad we sing, who will listen to us here?

Next day, after we left the resort, we explored a fair near the railway station for quite some time because we had enough time before we boarded our trains.

Another good thing the House Boat guys did was to bring one of my clothes that I had dropped in the boat by mistake - to hand it over to me in the resort.

Many travelers advised me later instead of opting for the Resort stay that had fancy, superficial stuff like SPA, Motor boat ride, Bird watching etc, we should covered Munnar – Lesson learnt

We did enjoy our stay in the resort. No regrets there.

Click Here To Join Tripoto, an active travel community to publish your travel stories and get credit to travel