Kaziranga National Park

Many moons ago, a lad named Kazi and a girl named Ranga fell in love & wanted to marry each other, since the sands shifted, they eloped into a forest where they disappeared & hence the name Kaziranga. This was one of the etymologies of the place Kaziranga that I’ve heard from the native people but they were not certain, still it interested me.

Kaziranga is a National Park in the Indian state of Assam. It seemed a golden oldie with lots of tourists visiting all throughout the year.

A visit to the Kaziranga National Park was a little scary in the beginning, at the same time; I was also excited, because the whole atmosphere was new to me. I’ve seen Robin Banerjee’s documentary on Kaziranga but meting the lion in its cage is totally a different ball game.

“Kaziranga National Park": a reserve forest sheltered so many animals& birds, whose names I’ve never heard in my lifetime, Elephant carried me inside the jungle, it was a rum do moment for me because for the first time in life I saw one horned Rhinos. They were roaming about in a group breathing the air of ultimate Freedom; this sight cheered me up, the one - horned Rhinos were not the only pebble on the beach but there were so many other wonderful animals, like Hog deer, sloth bears and swamp deer.

This reserve forest also preserved Tigers; this world Heritage Site, welcomed new guests from other countries, during winter, Capped langurs, Hoolock Gibbours and wild Boars lighted a fire under me to explore more about the wildlife in Kaziranga. Observatory tower in Foliamari revealed the Indian Elephants, Jungle cats, tigers and Hog deer.

Darker the berry, sweeter the juice, Likewise Denser forest, cuts a dash with elephant grass and dense tropical moist broadleaf.

Kaziranga has been decked out naturally with the beauty of colorful birds. A wake of buzzards flying looked like the bevy of beauties, in a beauty pageant. About the bird life, I would like to introduce the most beautiful birds of Kaziranga, Oriental Honey Buzzards, Black kites, White Tailed Eagles; Pala’s fishing Eagles, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagles, Himalayan Griffons and many others. 

Hornbills, Weaver birds, Warblers& Grass birds added more spice to the forest. Fleet of birds from so many other countries comes to Kaziranga during winters. Bar-Headed Geese, Falcated Duck, Red Crested Pochard & Northern Shoveller were dressed up to the nines.

Other most important denizens of Kaziranga were snakes. I had a glimpse on the King Cobra the highly venomous snake that lived in Kaziranga.  Reticulated pythons and Rock pythons scared the daylight out of me.

Kaziranga Rivers had Ganges Dolphins, & the whole forest was full of tall grasses like sugar canes& Elephant Grass. I stayed in the Wild Grass Resort. The Gooseberries of the forest tasted so good.

I found a place in the sun while in the jungle. It gave me all sort of happiness, and loads of wonderful memories I carried back. 

Nowadays, it has become a moving mountain task to preserve the animals &birds in the forest. Let’s pull out the fire & help to create awareness about the endangered species of the forest.

Ganga Mahotsav 2012

Nov 25 – Nov 29 2012

Dev Deepavali celebrated 15days subsequent to Diwali, brings in the festive mood once again by lighting up the houses on the full moon day and refreshing the settled minds with more joy and heavenly bliss.

Ganga is revered as one of the most holy rivers in India, Ganga Mata gives hope to those who belong to her, and I felt a special sense of attachment and association with her when I stood by the banks.  

Diyas all around Ganga, lit my fire, it brought down a glorious image of the Almighty which promised a good light all through my life. 

For the stretch of 5days the festival portrayed a prolific atmosphere of music and art performances. Surrounded with all sweetness and light of the Benares People I was with my bells on. All I could say is the 5days ceremony is just amazing and I was filled with full of joys of the spring.

I was privileged to take bath in the banks of Ganga during the Mahotsav days because it is believed that the Gods from Heaven would come down during these days to take bath in the Ganges.

I had the time of my Life, Varanasi the cultural capital of India is a blessed destination for the Indians, You will feast your eyes on during these days of Ganga Mahotsav.  

Pushkar Fair

Indian exquisite adds to its diversity of events and unity in every occasion to its vibrant to its richness. Adding to the culture, heritage and rich meaningful traditions there is much more to add to the impeccable ideas of trade, color, fun and fashion.

What would anyone look forward to from a dry land other than stretches of sands and sand dunes, possibly an oasis and people who live by livestock…  what a holiday in a desert land can quicken you other than quick stand???!!!

Here is what took me aback!!! As I sketched my road through the dunes in India I beacon you to join the roads!!! The road to Pushkar,  a lively town in Ajmer a district in the state of rajasthan. A land I discovered as I travelled was known for a site of pilgrimage for Hindu devotees. There are these fascinating tales I learnt about like the pond at the “katas raj temple” which seems to be filled by lord Shiva’s tears at the loss of his wife Sati.

The land stretches on the shore of the Pushkar lake. The list of places you can spool from the web… What I thought I’d ebb is about the stunning fair I landed at. The venue was “Pushkar fair”. This birthed with my partial knowledge that a traveler like me could explore the dunes of the Thar Desert on the hunches of the desert ships.

“Pushkar Mela” as addressed by the natives (mela – meaning fair) is 5 long days of celebrating other than just trading all means wrought from their livestock. Especially caramels, it is said that about 50,000 camels from all around is brought to the fair all clad and adorned to be displayed as pride, win the pageants and earn an errand.

All I see is people in all sizes with stunning colours drapped more busier indulging with their bread winners drapping the tall four limbers with goodies and glitters, hues and drapes embodied with the Indian touch. Hitlisted to be the largest camel fairs in the world starts on the time of full moon in the month of November attracting with all its hospitiability of over 3,00,000 spectators every year.

If you think there is no gradeur in the  great terrains of the sands… there is more to sink in other than quick sand… go on and decipher to know “matka phod”, “long moustache” and “bridal competition”. 

Mysore Palace

The South Indian TajMahal giving room to 2.7 million tourists round the year is the Amba Vilas Palace Mysore. Yes! I’m talking about the Mysore Palace built by the Wodeyar Kings. 

A palace built with the architectural passion and with the poetic blend of Gothic, Muslim, Hindu and Rajput styles invited me inside its three – storied building.

The indigenous sculptures of Goddess Gajalakshmi and her elephants above the central arch looked majestic. This magical building designed by Henry Irwin with the combination of gray granite and deep pink marble domes raised the fervor for art in me. The facetiously wonderful façade had 7 big arches with 2 small ones on either sides of the central arch.

As I marched on, more surprises awaited me; I passed through a beautifully carved rosewood entrance which led me inside the presence of Lord Ganesha. The strikingly large Ambavilasa stood out with its luxurious stained glass ceilings and ornamental steel grills. The nave of the room had golden columns.  Imagine how the floor of a palace would be? No wonder, it was adorned with precious stones showcasing the florally embellished chandeliers.

Cruising along, a splendid dignified marriage hall called Kalyana Mantapa with peacocks on the floor and ceiling hung the moon, Walls shed light on the antiquated celebrations and splendid processions via oil paintings, this enriched me with historical vibrancies.

Saving the last for my favorite place in the Mysore palace, the very entrance houses a wide variety of dolls from history; the best among them is the Elephant Howdah. It looked so amazing ornated with 84 Kilograms of Gold. 

There were several other rooms that were mind-blowing like Armory, filled with weapons used by the royal kings, Royal Wedding Hall, Public Durbar and Audience Chamber. 

The 12 temples present were nothing short of peaceful environs.

As I prepared to leave the palace, Shakespeare’s lines hit my mind, “You can never be old, and such seems your beauty still.” Yes, the noble beauty and the magnificent aura of the palace will never be old.

Diwali - The Festival of Lights

Sparks of love, lightening of laughter, crackles the gloom, rays of riches, horde of happiness displayed as arrays of diya is all together Diwali.

Celebrated to commemorate the victory of Rama over Ravana brining, Sita back to Ayodhi after 14 years of exile. Added is the deliverance that people clenched after Narakasura was killed.

Authentic glimpse of traditional rituals, tickles to your sweet tooth, sheer joy of lighting up lamps to welcome goodness and Bangs of thundering crackers to drive away evil that possibly keep you awake past dawn. There could be tons of reason one can pen to bring kith and kin together and flag up reunions.

Diwali is pitched in the mid of October – November of the Gregorian calendar. The festive mood etched along for five days from Dhanteras.

Let this Diwali fill your houses with lamps of Love and Prosperity.

Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is celebrated a day after Diwalli.

The day is celebrated is being celebrated with two ideas in mind based on very interesting mythological beliefs and has become a prevalent tradition in North India.

The term Govardhana pooja is also termed as Annakut – which means a heap or a mountain of food grains. This is to honor nature thanking God for rain and its reap. People build heaps of cow dung to replicate the Govardhan hills and worship the cattle and their lands for the yield.

It is celebrated almost in every Indian States.

Govardhana also bares another meaning, “Go” means cow and “vardhana”’ means Krishna and is belived that as his devotees increase their devotion to him will attain divinity. On the whole a day to extend the reasons to celebrate… more joy, more warmth, more food and thankful times of togetherness!

Muharram

November 15, 2012 to December 13, 2012

It’s an over the moon moment for the Muslims to see the moon rise for the Islamic New Year or for the commencement of the Holy Month because it promises the moon and gives hope for all those who have cried for the moon. Muharram brings the sense of pietistic recall with regard to the remembrance of the Hussein ibn Ali – the grandson of Mohammad. Sects of Islamic people mourn for Hussein who has been martyred.

Muslims fast on the day of Muharram. The amazing fact is that “The tenth day” of Muharram is considered to be Holy even for the Jews and the Christians. 10th day is called the Day of Ashura in which Prophet Musa (Moses) delivered the People from the captivity of Pharaoh Egypt. Muslim friends fast the day before and the day after of the day of Ashura just to be more deliberate than the Jews and Christians who also fast on the same day. Muharram is observed throughout India.

The Shias, Sunnis, Dawoodi Bohras all observe Muharram; they all memorialize the death of Hussein ibn Ali and his family at the Battle of Karbala. It is envisaged that the world will be got done on the 10th day (ashura Friday). The 10th is so auspicious that the earth, paradise and the whole universe is created on that day.

Prophets regarded on this day: Prophet Adam, Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Musa, Prophet Issa, Prophet Nooha, Prophet Yunus and the Prophet Yakoob.

Muharram Dates for the following 3 years:

4 November 2013 3 December 2013

25 October 2014 22 November 2014
14 October 2015 12 November 2015

“Bal Diwas” – Children’s day

What a beautiful reverberating memory it is to think of the Children’s day we had always looked forward to! Contests, prize distributions, sure of sweet distributions, cultural festival displays and the buzz in the schools that never faded right from play school to finishing school!!!

Children’s day is being celebrated globally to honor children and to protect them from laboring lengthy hours amidst risky circumstances and to encourage children to be educated. The United Nations general assembly recommended agreed to declare the rights of children of their basic welfare and education which was proposed in 1954 and adopted in 1956. Latter the Convention of the rights were rated by 191 nations on the November 20th in 1989 to be a global Children’s day.

In India Children’s day is celebrated on our first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday. He emphasized on giving love and affirmation to little children, whom he saw as the bright shining stars of India. The love he displayed for children and the way he stole their hearts still moves our hearts while we fondly remember him as our “Cha Cha Jawaharlal Nehru”.

Dhanteras

       There is no halt when you land in India for all the fun and festive adornments. Every celebrated date, hour and time is presented with a vast purpose with added a glaze of myth. “Dhantera” a festival much known in Northern parts of India is significantly one that peaks up for every business man than any day of insouciance.

The Word Dhan means wealth and Tera is 13, which tales for itself to presides on the 13th day prior to Diwali on the Hindu lunar calendar on the month called Karthik.

 Buying bounties like gold, silver and utensils is believed to inflate more wealth while praying to the God of death for prosperity and protection.

A fabled tale to the visual fluid line to the principal tribute is the tale that goes like this, King Hima’s son who was to die on the 14th day of his marriage was saved by his clever wife who saved him from Yama the God of death by keeping him awake all night telling him stories while Yama who took the form of a serpent was listening to her all night spared his kill.   

Kodagu - The Beautiful Coorg

   Looking to escape from routines and longing for indulgence, tired of red lights, mad honking, meeting deadlines, draining the soul!!!  “Go green!!!” was the text that caught my eyes!!!

       After a day of unending contemplation on the list of dreams to be my destination, I settled to Go Green…. Go Coorg!!!

    Bubye to the Chaos, tailing traffic, rotten routines, mundane list to do… here I come packing my dreams to soothe my being, pamper my palates., strolling up the ghat roads here I am all drenched with the magical splendor of the Serene beauty of the stretched hills and valleys below, I see coffee, oranges and vanilla tickles, spices and silver oak all the way, lost in the tranquility of the natural luxury surrounded by mountains, greens of a large degree… no doubt but is the Scotland of India.

      Sights of every evolution along the infringed beauty personify the aged glamour, carried culture and significant architectural magnificence besides the extolled peaks and overlaid curves. Good old Kodagu hills otherwise Coorg which is about 180 years old is known for its camouflaged shrubbery and unraveled wild life, serene beauty of the silver shimmer of the crystal clear waterfalls and the serenity of the whispering tree souls. Coorg lies a 100km west of Mysore in the Western Ghats with its eastern environs stretching to the plateaus, jungle and yes kept fields here and there at the feeding of nature.

The interminable clicks would drive anyone crazy amid the unflappable climate, the sterile climate itself might become just the reason for doing nothing, yet, there is a million reasons to drag your feet to the outdoors to feed your eyes of the many beliefs that were carried through generations and some tale baring blocks like the home of Rev. Rictor, an early missionary to Coorg during the colonial rule. The ancient iron bells stand witness to his presence at this soothing place that also is a home to an unseen range of birds and animals.
  Starting from where you mark get lost in the woods and the scenic paintings of the makers perfection! A gallant trekker can explore the less frequented routes for an implausible jaunt. I suggest stay soulful to let the place linger in its innate purity.

After the soul search in the woods just laze gazing at the lush blush with a hot cup o coffee – a never to miss and of course the delicousy of spicy servings if you would spare your diet…

Here you go with the choicest list you could do with,
Nisargadhama: An atoll and picnic spot near Kushalanagara, formed by the river Kaveri.
Iruppu Falls from the Brahmagiri hill range. The Lakshmana Tirtha River flows nearby.
Abbey Falls: a sight to steal your breath away
Dubare: mainly an elephant-capturing and training camp of the Forest Department at the edge of Dubare forest; on the bank of the river Kaveri along the Kushalanagara – Siddapur road.
Nagarahole: a national park and wildlife resort.
Bhagamandala: situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi, is said to join from underground.

How to get there
By road - There is a good set of road connections to the east and west.Tellicheery-Coorg road links Kodagu to Malabar region of the neighbouring state Kerala
By Train - The nearest railway stations are Thalassery,Mysore and Hassan.
By Air -  nearest is Mysore Airport, 90 KMs away as an option Mangalore International Airport is around 180 km away. Kannur International Airport at Mattannoor is 55 Kms away from Virajpet.

Hampi Utsav

Hampi Utsav, the festival of Karnataka jubilates the cultural revue of the city. This is celebrated for three days in the month of November. Hampi a perfect international tourist site stages the monumental days of the Vijayanagar Reign. The artistes of the city execute dance and music performances, which directly pictures the wonderful culture of the place. One of the best traditional states which I admire the most is Karnataka. 

The Raja Marga nearby to the Virupaaksha Temple looks splendid with the decorations exactly like the Vijayanagar Kingdom.  This Hampi Utsav attracts the tourists from all over the world; the tourists enjoy the festive atmosphere with the music of pipes and drums played throughout. 

Now let me point out a few parts of the event which I really enjoyed when I took part. 

Puppet Shows exhibiting the richness of the golden era (Vijayanagar Era) and the brightly colored Handicrafts enlightened me with the artistic flavour of the ancient Vijaya Kings.  

Men of the city dressed in Yellow, Red, Blue and White personifying the Vijayanagar Militants forming Gopuras along the lanes of Hampi, is such a sight which seemed an arm and a leg to me.  

Classical ragas sung by exceptionally talented singers and the folk songs sung by the natives was so fetch that awe – inspired me.

Stop to shop at Hampi when you are in need of accustomed stuff. I tell you I was all over the shop till I dropped. 

I heard that the specialty this year would be the Elephants marching majestically at the Hospet Town called “Jumbo Savari”.

Don’t wait for the grass to grow under your feet, Join the fest and create memorable moments in Hampi. 

Karva Chauth

More than a Historical festival Karva Chauth is considerd to be a Romantic festival in the present days. At least I feel that way!! Instead of Satyavan – Savitri and Draupadi – Arjun, Amitabh Bachan – Hema Malini and Shah Rukh Khan – Kajol are seated in my mind whenever I think of Karva Chauth, The effect of Baghban & Dilwale Dulhaniya Le jayenge, whatsoever, I love this festival not because I like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol but because of the intense motive behind celebrating the festival. 

It strengthens and deepens the relationship between the Husband and Wife. Women of history Savitri, Karva, Draupati and Veervati being Pati - Vrats fought their beloved husband’s lives and saved them from the hands of Yama. Pati – Vrats are the married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the good healthy fettle and long life of their husbands. It is lapped up that even Yama is panic stricken at the Pati – Vrats.

Nowadays even unmarried women fast for the good health and longevity of their betrothed, not only women, men (obviously unmarried) also have started to fast for their loving honewale brides. All Kidding aside, let me explain how our elegant Indian ladies celebrate Karwa Chauth.

Starting from Puja thali to beauteous jewelry everything is purchased beforehand and kept decorated, the pre-dawn meal is prepared by the Mother – in – law which the daughter – in – laws eat with all love and respect. The fast begins with the sunrise, at the commencement of the fast the abstinence is maintained by not even tasting a drop of water. 

The women finish their fasting at the moonrise after a series of evening ceremonies like the narration of historical events of Karwa Chauth, men are restricted to this kind. 

Adorned with heavy jewelry and dressed up in orange, red and golden lehangas, salwars or saris the ladies stand before their husbands, drink water for the first time of the day from their hands and break their fasts. Another very beautiful part is that the wives using a sieve look at the chauth (full moon) followed by seeing their spouses with the same sieve. An immense feeling of attachment and love flows between both of them; husbands also give gifts to their wives and enjoy seeing the joy in their faces. 

There are reasons and cultural explanations behind each and every festival that we celebrate in India. Karwa Chauth builds the family and refreshes the family members to continue their family life with love beyond words.  

Whiling away in Wayanad

More of style, more of flamboyance, a district that stands out to portray the real beauty of Nature is Wayanad. Once I stepped inside Wayanad, it seemed very difficult for me to breeze away from there, because everything around me were lushly green. I bet Wayanad will never fag you out and you would enjoy each and every inch of it as I did.

First and foremost, the climate of Wayanad is welcoming, next comes the luxurious treat to the eyes. I enjoyed to the fullest in Pookodelake. It’s not only a visual treat but also a place to have fun, we went boating, ate the delicious fish curry and shopped till our pockets pulled.

Next to the Pakshipathalam, I went trekking along with the clan, it was a complete joy. The KuruvaDweep delta, Soochipara, Kanthapara and Meenmutty waterfalls showed their outpouring landscapes, which I’ve witnessed somewhere in the art work of some artist, but seeing them in real gave the purpose to my existence. The city of magical fascination was found surrounded by so many temples, mosques and churches. Thirunelli Temple the Kasi of the south, and Karat Siva Temple pleased me terribly.

Pallikunnu Church was another age old Pilgrim centre which gave me essence of True Peace and Joy. I’ve always had the passion for paintings and carvings, the Edakkal Caves with its amazing art work felt like a million bucks to me. The breathtaking SulthanBathery Fort was flawless.

It is worth your salt to take a tour to wayanad. Even though I left the place, the echoes of the nourishing green pastures and wonderful lakes remain in me. If you are suffering from no end in sight, pack your bags to Wayanad. You will be filled with lots of energy to go a long way towards life.

Marwar Festival

Marwar Festival is that one festival celebrated in order to pay homage to the heroes, Maand the name in itself brings the joy of Folk songs and dances by the native artistes of Rajasthan.

Jodhpur is the centre of celebrations. Singers sing about the valiant and able heroes who lived once to prove their courage and lion-heartedness  just for the people.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh forts which stand as the symbol of power and supremacy are the important locales for the celebrations.

Folk dances include Pot dance, and various other forms which are more entertaining and inspirational.  Horse riding and Polo are the other major attractions. The performances mainly focalize on the passionate lives of the Rajasthani Rulers and other Mahabharata stories like Sathyavan Savitri and many others.

The Marwar Festival originally called “The Maand Festival” evokes the spirit of dauntlessness among the today’s generation and helps them learn values from the featured performances.

Lakshmi Pooja - An Auspicious Day

An auspicious festival welcoming the Goddess of Wealth to our Homes is Lakshmi Pooja.

Almost all the festivals that we celebrate in India, portray our gratitude to the Gods and Goddesses, who has showered blessings upon us in various forms. One of the most vital aspects of life is wealth, Nobody among us will deny this fact.

I am no exception, I prepare myself to clean the house and I get fully involved to welcome the Goddess of Wealth by keeping my tidings spotlessly clean.

On the Amavasya Night, we as a family surrender ourselves at discretion to Lakshmi, chant hymns awaiting her presence. Its such an amazing sight to see the houses lit with the lamps of light on this day.

Let me bring to light in short on the steps to be followed during the pooja.

1. * Spread a brand new cloth on a high platform,
2. * Keep a golden or silver Kalash on the grains in the middle of the cloth. It is to be filled with water, betel nut, rice grains, a coin and a flower,
3. * Decorate the kalash with mango leaves or five kinds of leaves,
4. * Place a dish on the Kalash  filled with rice grains,
5. * Place the idol of Laxmi over the rice grains of Lotus drawn with haldi,
6. * On the right, Keep the idol of Ganesha. Begin the puja after placing the things related to business and education.  Light the lamp and offer haldi, kumkum and water. Summon to the Goddess to arrive and bless,
7. * Recite the mantras whole heartedly. Imagine Lakshmi being showered with gold coins with elephants by her sides, call her by name, Offer the flowers to her,
8. * Now bathe the idol of Laxmi with water and Panchamrit by placing it on a plate. The water usually contains Gold ornaments or pearls. Wipe it and place it back on the Kalash. Sprinle Panchamrit on Laxmi with a flower now and then.

Follow these simple steps to be filled with prosperity and wealth in Life. Invoke HER presence and enjoy a bright and wealthy Future.

Fun in the Pearl City - Hyderabad

I would like to snap my fingers on my visit to one of the richest princely city in India, Hyderabad. Hyderabad is in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. I was all eyes to see how the city looked. So much of bustling energy floating around me the Hyderabadi’s made me feel one among them. Pieces of art & architecture all around me; I am falling out of words to express the euphoria. 

The tourist spots in Hyderabad took away my breath with its amazing architecture. The Chowmahalla palace, Charminar, & Golconda were some among the notable witnesses of Art.

To all intents and purposes, the capital city Hyderabad is an established and an esteemed place which serves well with lots of bazaars, libraries & sporting institutions. My first day in Hyderabad took me to the Ramoji Film City. The long and short of this studio is that, most of the South Indian & Bollywood movies I’ve seen & not seen have got the sets from this world’s largest film studio. With all the fun in Ramoji, We headed to HITEX, & certain other theaters like Ravindra Bharathi & Lalithakala. To my fortune the Hyderabadi’s were performing a musical concert in ShilpakalaVedika auditorium. The magic of Marfa Music they played was every inch enjoyable. It flowed like river and filled the hearts with joy. Unlike the noons evenings were cooler; with the perfect Night lights the city looked filmy.

Enriched with bags & bags of energy I was in the middle of the orchard of opportunity, and I couldn’t wait for the fruit to drop. For Hyderabad had so many historical sites filled with art & architecture, Charminar with its four towers, Mecca masjid, Falaknuma Palace, Salar Jung Museum & the Nizam’s Museum took me to the top of the world.

Hyderabad seemed an obvious city of Art. Paintings found here educated me with a lot of new things from History. The blend of colors used in the paintings, no doubt gladdened me, Gold and White was a beautiful sight of Golconda style paintings. Hyderabadi styles of paintings were a mélange of Deccani, Vijayanagara as well as Mughal. Bidriware & Kalamkari craft designs from the City of Pearls were a delightful sight for they were all handmade. The Hyderabadi’s are tremendously talented. They were not just art, but fine art, the sharp minds of Potential people. 

I always enjoy a particular thing everywhere I go. Guess what? Food! Yes, Hyderabadi food is delicious. The famous Hyderabadi biriyani & Hyderabadi Haleem tasted wonderful in the native. The taste of the biriyani stayed in my tastebud the whole day. Believe me, there is magic in the Hyderabadi Cuisine, Flavors of Arab, Turkey, France & Iran brought the real joy of eating. Among the famous South Indian, Italian, Chinese, Continental & Mexican, I enjoyed Hyderabadi Biriyani the most. It was yummy.   

I realized that this city of Andhra Pradesh gave hope to so many youngsters; the city is all about Mind & Matter, with so many IT hubs & Life Science Research centers. I also got an opportunity to stay in one of the wonderful homestays, where my stay was made comfortable and cost-effective.

Along with all the fun, I had learnt a lot of new things from the Historical Places & from the Hyderabadi’s. The Telugu speaking people were so friendly and amiable. Finally cutting to the chase, Hyderabad is one such place worth its weight in Gold. Take the goods the Gods provided, and visit the place. I am sure you would enjoy this small world of fun & Education. 

Darjeeling Memories

A visit to Darjeeling during summer filled my life with cherishable picturesque memories. The Himalayan city is a renowned tourist spot for People throughout the world, surrounded by high peaks & Snowy Mountains lays the most beautiful city in the Indian state of West Bengal - The Darjeeling. 

A Tidal wave of happiness rushed through my veins and Breezy cold air started to rub my face as I stood to watch one of the world’s highest peak Kanchenjunga, I was like a ship struck in the fog and all I could do was to just blow my horn. The view of the mountain range from the Himalayan city is that one thing, I could never forget in my life. The added beauty of the place where the sight of the tea slopes and the smell of the tea leaves; I completely lost myself when I stood to see the clear sky which showed me the most promising view of Mount Everest. Believe me, I wanted to stay there forever, because Darjeeling seemed a different world to me - a dream world. Truth be told The whole world looked beautiful from Darjeeling. 

The hilly region of Darjeeling takes its place on the Jalapar range; this puts me in mind that the range looked Y-shaped. My spirits went high when I saw how the range looked. Standing on the observatory hill it was a real pleasure to see the mountain range which stretched out its two arms towards the north.

Fully refreshed with the beauty around me my heart felt so light like a feather. I finished my first day in Darjeeling with loads of dreams for the next day.

 A sip of the world famous hot black tea early in the morning gave me a great start to my fresh new day. We headed to the Lloyd’s Botanical Garden to see the rare species of flora. Himalayan plants also were adorable. Nestled within the evergreen forests of oak Sal & alpine, Darjeeling enjoys the temperate climate. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park preserved a wide variety of rare species of Himalayan plants which amazed me with a lifetime impression. 

A ray of sunshine hit me at the sight of the wildlife of Darjeeling. Red pandas, I was all at sea for I didn't know whether the pandas were painted red or naturally red. Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary showed hog deers, rhinos, elephants, leopards and many more.

To mention about the foodstuff here, Tibetan Momo, It tastes like more; steamed meat served with clear soup & achar is Momo. Above all I loved the tea of Darjeeling. 

Altogether I was over the moon in Darjeeling.

 It not only serves as the best tourist destination but also a centre of Administration. The People of Darjeeling and the crowdy school children in their uniforms looked as pure as the driven snow.

Reaching Darjeeling is no big deal bus services & train takes you here safely. To head for the hills, it is advisable not to visit the place during the monsoons. If you are, then you are skating on thin ice. Darjeeling experiences heavy & concentrated precipitations, which leads to the loss of lives & properties. It is safe to book your vacation to Darjeeling during summer.

I returned from Darjeeling with heart full of memories. Even though I wanted to stay there forever, I had to get my facts right and so I got ready to face the rigors of my routine. Though the aspect changed the essence of the enticing cold breeze still remains within me forever.