Missing Nikki

Every time I think of Nikki I picture her sitting in the balcony watching people pass by quietly. but jumping with joy and welcoming me with her bark , the minute she would recognise me walking towards the house in the evening from office. I see her running towards the door , waiting for me to open the door , wagging her tail , waiting to lick me on my face and waiting for me to hug her In return and reciprocate the love given by her . Her unadulterated love and affection which would make you forget the daily stress. Missing Nikki today and everyday in my life.

Journey on the Road-Western Ghats

Journey on the Road-Western Ghats

The stretch from Vapi to Nasik which is some 150 km. Though the road is terribly bad and more damaged due to rains but the breathtaking views will make you  forget the bumps on the road. The scenic views on both sides really soothes your eyes for someone who loves nature and the scenery .

Similarly The Mumbai -Nashik Expressway road too  is an enjoyable drive. Most of the drive is through the Ghats Section .With greenery on both sides of the road and the monsoon weather adds  a very romantic touch.On the way you  pass Igatpuri which is supposed to be a picnic spot with waterfalls and all.

For someone who loves to drive himself/herself would definitely recommend Mumbai-Nasik Expressway.

Confessions on a Valentine Day

 Confessions

Meeting you is fate.Though we are two different people with completely different views ,so opposite in nature,confusing sometimes,irritating at times.We may have met some 3-4 times,not spoken daily but you have struck a chord in me and stirred up my emotions like no one before. And no better day than today to confess what i feel for you.  I do not really know what you feel for me but i did not want to regret not telling you this. Would want you in my life forever.Would want you to be my Valentine forever. Happy Valentine Day.

Trip to Guhantara

Trip to Guhantara

Finally got  something to write about. Its really been a long time .This time it has been an official trip. In fact we , I mean our team has been planning an outing from the last 2 weeks but nothing concrete was happening. But as this time was a long weekend we really did not want to miss the chance knowing it will be difficult to plan another outing considering we work on Saturday’s. We had actually been planning first on Wonderla, them Kabini which was a better choice ,as I really love nature. Finally came down to Bheemeshwari as the budget also suited all of us as we were looking for an overnight stay. But as one of our colleagues did not want a night out we had to plan only a day out. I was beginning to wonder whether the plan  is going to materialize also or not as there had been too many objections in between which was actually beginning to irritate me. With me it had always been proper planning and sticking to the plan. But with 5 people in the team with each one having their own views it was definitely bound to happen. At last at 6.30 pm on Friday,23^rd Jan we booked Bheemeshwari  for the next day. I was really excited. Mrudula had booked a driver for Sharavana’s brother in law’s car and we were supposed to meet in one place at 9 am so that we can reach at 10 am at the place.

But the next day morning Mrudula sent a message to all saying everyone to meet at PES college that to half an early.I asked Sharavana to come with me as I was not aware of the place.Later when we met he told that the driver had backed out and that we were leaving in Mrudula’s car only.By the time we both reached PES,both Tahaseena and Mrudula were waiting for us and it was already 9.30.And by the time Bharath came ,whose place was the nearest from PES it was already 10.30 am.We were wondering if we should have picnic in the car itself.Finally we left from there a took the NICE road to reach Kanakpura faster.It is some 100 kms from Bangalore.We were on our way.

On  the way we stopped in between to have breakfast at MTR .It was actually a first outing with thewhole team. I had recently joined ,almost a month back. Sharavana was 4 months old in the system. Bharath is almost 1 year old. Mrudula has been here from 2 years. Tahaseena is the oldest with 7 years . The trip was actually necessary which served as an icebreaker for all.As our work profile is such that everyone from the time you come and sit in the office , one hardly has time to talk to each other. And the time goes off so fast that it becomes time for all of us to leave. We hardly had time to know about each other.

On the way ,the Kanakpura road itself Mrudula showed us the Art of Living which she had visited  for a couple of satsangs.The place is huge. We also came across Go Carting ,a place called Roadways Motorsports which had just opened some 3-4 months back.It was Mrudula who suggested that on the way we might as well try  as while coming back from Bheemeshwari it could become late.I and Mrudula was game.Tahaseena was hesitant as she has never till date had any kind of outdoor activity exposure.The boys were like no-no. So  finally Mrudula coaxed Tahaseena also to give it a try.So we 3 ladies went Get ,Set and Go.Tahaseena kept bumping some 5-6 times into the tyres.I thought I too would do the same as the last time I did go carting was in 2002-3.But I completed all my laps without any accidents.We did 5 laps each for which they chared Rs 150.The go carting guy said he was planning to expand the area with paintball and other activities which might start sometime in April.It was around 11.20 am now.Sharavana told we  also will get Guhantara on the way .So we decided to have Coffee , see the palce and then quickly leave for Bheemeshwari .Once we reached Guhantara ,a resort,the guy showed us around and told told the tariff for day package which turned out to be cheaper than Bheemeshwari. We all looked at each other .Then we all decided to spend the day at Guhantara  only. As the name suggests the place has been artificially made  to look like a cave. We explored the place.it has a lot of outdoor adventure activities which are charged extra. There was a couple of rope activities which I was dying to try as I was in an adventurous mood. Hence I took the tickets for 3 activities which include one which was sliding down from a top. The second one included a rope bridge which bounces a lot when you move and requires  balancing. The 3^rd activity which was a commando type rope bridge with one single rope on top and one rope down and you have to move holding the top rope .This was very strenuous of all as you lose balance and which requires a lot of balancing and concentration. There was this guy who was standing down who, said to slide my feet  along the rope  which actually helped me cross the hurdle better.I was very hungry after this activity. We all had lunch at the buffet which was arranged and part of the package.It was already 2.20 pm.There was a rain dance scheduled from 2.45 to 3.45 pm  and both Mrudula and Tahaseena wanted to be  a part of it. We had very little time before that so we decided too visit the poolside .But we were not allowed to enter as we were not in the attire. So we just sat by the poolside soaking our feet and enjoying seeing others swim.

It was time for the dance. So both Mrudula and Tahaseena led us to the dance floor. Both of them danced in full josh with me and Bharath in between giving them company and Sharavana catching us all in video. But  for me Tahaseena took the  title of queen of the dance floor as she danced full bindass enjoying herself to the core. It was very evident from her expression. The DJ played the music till 4 pm. By 4 pm we were served tea and snacks.We also had booked spa services in the resort and had decided to try the body massage.But when we reached there we started thinking whether we should or not.In between Tahaseena already went in and started getting her massage done.Then mrudula decided t go for neck and shoulders massage wherein I decided to go for a foot massage.The common factor for me and mrudula was steam bath.The foot massage was very good and relaxing and the steam bath  really did wonders for my skin. I was glowing by the time I came out of the saw and glowing more because both sharavana and Bharath complimented me. So I guess it was worth it. J.

Finally it was time for us to leave.We left the place by 6.30 pm.Though we were there for a very short period of time but it did serve as a icebreaker for all as we came to know a lot about each other.We came back with a lot of snaps and lot of memories to cherish.

Coffee Paintings- ( Pls check my page - www.facebook.com/sweetkalps786 and contact if interested to buy )

"Vidyaarthee Lapthey Vidyaam

                                                             Dhanaarthee Lapathey Dhanam
                                                             Puthraarthee Lapathey Puthraan
                                                             Mokshaarthee Lapathey Gathim"

Chikamaglur Trip-16th-18th May,2014

Chikamaglur Trip-16^th-18^th May,2014

It all started one Friday morning when my youngest sister who was on leave called us and said lets go to Chikamaglur. My elder sister comes every year and stays for a couple of months. And both of us meaning my younger sister  and me travelling she has been always complaining that this time you all take leave as she also wanted to travel. I could not as I already had taken some 10 days leave  in April and my new company certainly would not give me leave within a span of one month .So I was really not sure whether I should go or not. In fact my family had travelled to Coorg and Mysore and came back two weeks back without me. But this time I was tempted to as it was a weekend and I had not till now seen Chikamaglur. So I decided to buy time and suggested we leave in the 2^nd half preferably after 4 pm as I would have finished my work too. First my younger sister Kala did not agree as it would be late by the time we reached as she was the one who was supposed to drive and the second thing was we were only ladies travelling this time three sisters and my mom. But the most important thing was to first check out the place where we had to stay as it was an impromto decision and none of us was first of all ready and also did not know the place where we could stay so booking was out of question. Kala and me were  busy calling friends and checking  out the best place to stay. Finally she suggested a couple of resorts which I checked out which were a little costly but then as there were ladies only in this trip we said okay. But then the last minute I too remembered one of my contacts and then called him .He suggested a place which was not listed in the website but I knew it will be the best as I trusted him . Kala wanted to go to her choice of resort and I wanted to go the one which my friend suggested. Finally we decided at least to leave the house first and on the way we can decide which place to go.

We all four of us left late around 3:30 -4 pm and we started calling all the places that Kala had decided first. Luckily for me all the places were booked in advance and hence no rooms were available in any of her place .So finally it came to me. I called up my friend and had the rooms booked in the place called Bagmane Heritage. Chickamaglur is some 280-300 kms from Bangalore and the place where we were going was another 25 kms from Bangalore. We took the Hassan Highway as that was the best route and I had travelled earlier in that road when I had been to Kalasa, another place near to Chikamaglur. One  of the best  highway roads travelled I must say. Whenever I have travelled this road  I have  enjoyed as there is no  traffic ,smooth road and you feel that you are the only ones on the road .Good we took that route as we could reach faster as we had left late. We reached Hassan in an hour and a half and Kala also is a good driver. From Hassan we took the Belur and Chikamaglur route.  We did not stop in between which I wanted to as the scenery on the way tempts you to stop and enjoy and take snaps which I had done last time I travelled with Mushtaq and Suma to Kalasa which is the same route by the way. By 6:30 we had reached Chikamaglur and from there we still had another 25 kms to go and it was getting dark. I started calling Krishi who was the owner of the Homestay who gave us directions but then we got a little confused .And the network was also getting weaker as we were in Ghat section. So we took a u turn and came back to a place where I got network, called up Krishi again and took directions once again and continued. This place where we had to go is in Mallandur  and we reached there by 7:30 pm .The Homestay is still in the interiors and we had to continue  for another half an hour  in a badly maintained mud road .My mom and sisters got scared as it was dark and we could not see one single person on the road. And in these places which are mainly coffee plantations each house is very far from another one. Also there is no proper lighting. Kala was losing her cool  blaming me for bringing us to a place where there is no proper roads and getting scared and all that driving had exhausted her as well and she started telling that we will go back .Plus there was no network  in any of our mobiles to call Krishi and recheck once again. All around us was only forest and mud road ahead with not a single soul in sight. We did not know what to do and as this was the first time we ladies only were travelling we decided to turn back and head towards Chikamaglur. We had almost gone some 5 minutes that we saw one car coming behind us .He started honking his car horn and kept following us. Kala was panicking I do not know why .I told Kala to slow down saying it could be Krishi .Well it was Krishi who had seen  our car lights from his Homestay and saw us reversing and came behind us.He told us to follow his car we took a u turn once again and followed him. To our surprise, we  saw that the place where we had backed out earlier  was just 5 minutes from his Homestay. So we finally reached Bagmane  Heritage at around 8:30 -9 pm.

I loved the place instantly as it reminded me of Nammane in Kalasa .This place was even ancient than that place. The front portion of this place is 250 years old and the back portion is 300 years old.I am always fascinated by ancient homes, scenic beauties, no network,  farms, a typical home stay where you get the feel of staying in a home and not a hotel  with all the basic facilities and comforts  being provided so the minute I entered I knew I was going to love my stay here. This place is in a very secluded place.My mom too liked it. But the problem started with both my sisters Kala and Vandana. Kala is someone who would opt for a nice resorts with hi tech facilities . Vandana was okay but this time she was influenced by Kala. Anyways we could not do anything that late. So we thought of deciding tomorrow. Meantime Krishi  introduced his family, His wife Pallavi, which we learned after someone is an excellent cook, his two kids Akyan ,son and  daughter Prakyan and 2 dogs Bingo , a 3 year old German Shephard and Ruby, one and a half year old local breed. I instantly fell in love with Ruby who is very active and a naughty one and also  extremely jealous if we petted Bingo .The family is very hospitable. As we were all tired first we had tea. After sometime, Krishi arranged for a bonfire in his estate. Then he offered us betelnut wine which had an excellent taste. Usually I take a sip but this time I had the entire glass. In fact all of loved the wine. We invited Krishi’s family also to join us but because Pallavi had to cook dinner for us , she went to the kitchen. Meantime we had a good time around the bonfire enjoying wine and starters, taking all kinds of funny snaps. By the time we finished it was around 11 pm. We had our dinner by 11.30-12 am .Pallavi had cooked biryani, chicken, mutton ,rice ,sambar ,rasam and  raita  .We were famished. We ate well and retired to bed. Before going to bed krishi had told us about the next day itinerary. He wanted us to take us for a small trek in the mountain. I was ready but the challenge was to make Kala and Vandana agree as they had their inhibitions of staying there and they wanted to decide that first. I told Krishi I will inform him tomorrow and we all went to sleep.

Next day morning Vandana started to like the place and by the time Kala also agreed to stay back it was already 9 am. I heaved a sigh of relief. So we went off for a plantation walk in Krishi’s estate. But before that Krishi got some toddy to taste. This toddy is made from Byne tree which he later showed us in his plantation. I had never tasted one so was tempted to try it. It tasted somewhat like buttermilk  and I had one big glass .Krishi said it should be tasted in empty stomach. If tasted in the evening you start getting that high. It is some 300- 400 acres of his land where he has grown coffee, pepper which are the main crop here. He showed us two different varieties of coffee –Robusta and Arabica out of which Arabica yields higher returns. In his plantation we saw different varieties of beautiful, poisonous mushroom. He also showed us Bison marks-wild buffaloes which were quite common in his plantation he said. Well the walk lasted for an hour. After we returned we had a heavy breakfast of dosa, idlis, chicken etc which was very well prepared. We also saw around the house which has everything which will now be an antique piece from an old Palki. We saw Krishi’s old collection of coins,old brass and copper vessels. Upstairs there is a large hall which can house some 25 people and has a large open window where you can have a lovely view of the mountains. Behind their house they have grown lot of spices.I saw a Cardamom plant too. Now that we had only one day in fact half a day, we had to plan our itinerary well. After taking an hour break, Krishi took us to Kavikal Matha which is on very high altitude with nice scenery on top. Normal cars cannot go as it was a very steep climb so we had to hire a jeep which took us there. I must say it was a lovely view on top where we could view Mulyanagiri hills on the opposite side. But definitely not like the one we saw in Kalasa. Kalasa was excellent. We took a small trek down the hill , took snaps and came back on the top. By that time it started raining. While returning we visited the Matha which worships Shiva. Krishi told us that there is tale of how if one does not leave slippers at the designated place, the bees which reside in the hills beside the temple come and sting those people. The temple was closed and the idol had been moved to the priest’s home .We prayed, took coffee in the priest’s place and returned. It was around 4 pm when we reached the Homestay .We had a late lunch which Pallavi had prepared .By that time Krishi had taken permission from the wildlife sanctuary .Our next trip was to Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary located in Mutthodi forest. It is a reserve for tigers. The entry is Rs 400 per person. I was hoping to see one as I was not able to see it in Ranthambore, Rajasthan. The entry timing is from 3 pm to 6 pm. By the time we finished lunch and went there it was 5:30 pm. The last jeep which takes visitors had gone inside. I was not sure if we could go inside as there was only one jeep and by the time it came back it would be closing time as it is a one and a half hour safari inside. Krishi somehow managed to arrange for a jeep for us which was not a safari jeep but the one that the forest ranger uses. By the time we left inside it was already 6 pm. We all were excited hoping since it was evening we might sight some tiger as it is a nocturnal animal. As it not an open jeep ,it was covered on both sides and top by the plastic sheet. So it was a fight between 3 of us sisters to sit in the corner where we could view and take pictures. I did not budge .So Vandana gave the other seat to Kala. Kala had her Zoom camera and I was clicking pictures from my Tab. The only animals we saw in abundance was only Bisons, not even one single peacock. The funny part was that there were a lot of fleas around in the evening and in the jeep and they were all biting Kala only. Krishi told her that these fleas usually come near Bisons, wild buffaloes. The entire journey the fleas troubled Kala. She was busy slapping her body everywhere. I just could not control my laughter. We were highly disappointed. But the journey still continued as we had paid. By 6:15 pm it was already dark. Both my two sisters are Big Darpoks. They were so scared of travelling in the dark inside the jungle.in fact they kept telling me to close the plastic cover in the back of the jeep for the fear where some predator might jump at the back of the jeep as it was open. But I did not. So Kala who had been fighting for her seat in the corner kept sliding slowly from the corner to the middle and finally to the other corner just behind the driver’s seat. It really was a funny scene to watch. In fact it was really pitch dark inside the jungle and the driver also drove very fast putting the flashlights of the jeep only later. Finally we made it to the entrance at 7:30 pm.The driver told us later it was the first time that any visitors was so late in side the forest. I guess it makes our first Night Safari in our Lives.But like I told very disappointing as we did not sight any animals except Bisons. We came out of the santuary by 8 pm and you can call it irony we sighted Sambar Deer on the main road. We paid Rs 400 for seeing nothing in the forest.

We reached Bagmane by 8:30 pm. All of us had tea and coffee. By that time Pallavi had prepared some nice kebabs for starters. This time she had also prepared some desserts along with the dinner. My stomach was really full from a heavy lunch so I had only desserts for dinner. We again had a late dinner and by this time Kala’s mind had also changed because she was chatting a lot with Pallavi and taking her recipes. We slept of late.

Next day it was time for us to leave. We had to check out at 8 am as we had plans to see Belur and Halebid on the way to Bangalore both of which are Heritage sites and also Kala wanted to reach Bangalore before evening for fear of getting struck in traffic. We took leave of the wonderful family of Krishi’s who were excellent hosts after taking few pictures with them. This time Kala took Krishi’s number. I am sure she will have plans to visit this place again as she had really enjoyed. Visiting this palce once again with my friend’s definitely is in my Itinerary.

Trip To Rajasthan-Ranthambore

Day 3 and 4-Ranthambore
Wildlife had always attracted me.That is one reason Kunal included Ranthambore in my itinerary. I reached Ranthambore by 3 pm.That was where Narendra was to give a last drop to me and head back to Jodhpur.
Well I reached Ranthambore Regency where my booking was done and checked in. The lunch which was a buffet was  served at the hall was closes at 3:30 pm.So I freshened up and had  my lunch.Kunal had arranged for 2 safaris ,one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. I could have gone in the same day I checked in as the safari starts at 3:30 pm. But I decided to relax that day and informed the reception I would do the safaris tomorrow.i was tired and retired to my room ,a very nice and pleasant room and watched some tv since they served us dinner which starts at 7 pm to 10 pm.After having dinner I slept off early as the morning safari starts at 5:30 am. I asked for a wakeup call though I am used to waking up early.I was up and ready by 5:30 am where they served us tea and biscuits and when the entire group arrived ,we boarded the canter which was supposed to take us to the wildlife sanctuary. Canters are like army trucks which can seat some 20 people. But the tops of the trucks are open .One can opt for open jeeps or canters.Jeeps are much more costly.
 Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. It is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, about 110 km northeast of Kota and 160 km southeast of Jaipur, Ranthambhore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. Ranthambore became a national park in 1980. In 1984, the adjacent forests were declared the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary, and in 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include the Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.
Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle. Tigers can be easily spotted even during the daytime. A good time to visit Ranthambore National Park is in November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common.
Well we reached the santuary by 6am .Each canter and jeeps are accompanied by one naturalist who will show us inside the santuary.We reached the entrance where the naturalist took permission for entering and we made our way in. The core park area has been divided into several zones and the safari vehicles go on one of those zones. Since there is a good chance of not sighting a tiger in one outing, people usually take more than one ride.In fact I felt lucky as the very first turning of the forest, the naturalist made us listen to the warning sounds of Sambar deer which we sighted after some 5-10 minutes on the opposite side of the hills. Everybody was excited that they might sight the tiger.After screening up and down the hill we were able to see the leopard just a few hundred metres from the 2 sambar deers.We waited to see whether it will attack the deers or not. But I think it was not hungry as it quietly walked away from the deers. That was the first and last of the carnivorous animals of the cat family that we all saw. After that, the safari which is of  almost 2 hours took us all around the forest but we did not see any tiger but we were able to see the pug marks of the tiger right in front of our vehicle. In between we were able to see the spotted deers and peacocks and baboons which were in abundance. The naturalist stopped the vehicle in between so that we could click some pictures of the deers and the peacocks and the baboons.In fact a peacock came right in front of our vehicle and spread its beautiful wings.We waited and watched till it danced and took a 360 degree turn and then walked away. A beautiful sight.We also saw the Antelope ie the Nilgai which is one of the largest Asian antelope. The mature male appears ox-like and is also known as the blue bull. A blue bull is called a nil gai or nilgai in India, from nil meaning blue and gai meaning a bovine animal (literally 'cow').We finally made our way back to the resort and reached by 9:30 am.I had breakfast and there other groups were talking that they were able to see the tiger.
I was hoping to see the tiger in my afternoon safari .The weather being hot, it is natural for animals to come out near the water bodies. I went back to my room took bath and relaxed. Lunch was served at 1 pm but I was not hungry as I had breakfast late.so I had little. Soon after it was time for us to go for our 2^nd round of safari. By 3:15 pm everybody had assembled and we all left once again by 3:30 pm.This time there was a different naturalist who made us all sign one paper saying we would be solely responsible for ourselves  in case  anything happens. Once we had signed we all entered the santuary. This time also we were not able to see the tiger.The weather was very very hot.I had taken a stole to cover my head.We sighted the usual animals that we saw in the morning and in addition a baby crocodile relaxing on the rock near a pond and a mongoose.In fact the naturalist stopped at 2-3 different places in between and we kept watch for some 15-20 minutes in each place as the forest authorities had told the the tiger had gone that way since morning.We were there in the santuary till 5:30 pm  and then we headed back.I was disappointed.We reached our resort at 6 pm .I took a head bath as the forest track was a dusty track .
I Relaxed for a while till I was called for dinner.I befriended a British old man who was on a 2^nd vist to Ranthambore with his son. He told me that yesterday they were able to see the entire tiger family. I became more disappointed.We had dinner together  and then took leave from my new friend and retired early as I was to checkout early morning by 6:30 am.
My train to Delhi was at 7 am. The kitchen staff had packed breakfast for me on the way which was in my package .The hotel arranged for a car to take me to the station and see me off. I had requested Kunal to arrange for somebody who could help me find the platform and train to avoid any last minute confusion.I took leave from Ranthambore. The train arrived at 7:30 am.The car driver helped  me keep the luggage inside the train and went away.The train was there maximum for 10 minutes at the station and started moving towards Delhi. I came back to Delhi with a lot of wonderful experiences of my Rajasthan trip.