Gudibande Fort- A Quick Getaway from Bengaluru

It was Byresagara lake that showed up first as we manoeuvered our way along the narrow village road. The lake was placid, had a few storks, rising mist and a lone fisherman, which made the frame absolutely breathtaking. The towering Gudibande fort atop the hillock loomed in front of us as we drove towards the village that was waking up. It was a race between the sun and us the moment we drove out of Bengaluru in the wee hours of a Sunday morning. By the time we took a detour on to the village road, the sun was had already spread its hues over the horizon.

Gudibande fort located in Chikballapur district, north of Bengaluru was built in the 17^th century by a local chieftain Byre Gowda. Byrasagara lake at the base too was built by him, who was considered a robin hood by the locals as he often robbed the rich and helped the poor. The fort is considered to be built as a replica of Madhugiri fort.

It is an easy climb all the way with a line of steps initially which turns into narrow rock chiseled pathways as you go higher. The hillock is strewn with boulders and some look precariously placed with a pathway beneath. The views from the vantage points enroute are an absolute delight with panoramic vistas of the surrounding areas. The rock cut slabs which act as steps at many places make sure that the climb is adventurous as well. A large part of the climb is a gradual ascent, with some short steep stretches.

The fort has seven levels with fortifications, ruined structures, small shrines, entrance gates with carvings, many bastions, and a rocky terrain throughout. Most of the structures are in a dilapidated state with overgrown bushes. The fort also has a few escape routes and rainwater harvesting ponds that you cross on the way up. Dodging past the large boulders, once you reach the top, the views are spectacular. Distant boulder strewn hillocks, miniature houses, Byrasagara lake and the barren brown landscape are an eye soother. Atop the hillock, there is a temple dedicated to Shiva. Though the temple isn’t attractive enough, carvings on the lamp post in the front are intricate and beautiful.

It is quite windy at the top and be prepared to face it once you reach the summit. Start as early as possible to avoid the harsh sun. While the climb took us less than an hour with multiple stops, we reached the base in half an hour. Gudibande fort is an ideal place for people who are new to treks and those who love landscape photography. It is still not so popular on the tourist’s map, and that’s another reason to visit this fort.

Travel Tips:

• Start the trek before 7 AM
•  There are no shops at the top or at the base
• There is space to park vehicles at the base

How to Reach Gudibande fort:

Gudibande is 95 kms from Bengaluru. Take NH 44 and take a left at Perasandra to reach Gudibande fort.

Taj Samudra - Sri Lanka's Stunning Waterfront Hotel

Image credit: Taj Samudra

Sri Lanka, the island nation, is a mesmerizing mix of beaches, valleys, mountains, and forests. This compact destination has a wide array of cultures and unexplored hamlets ready to be explored. Quite hard to resist, Sri Lanka has been a favourite destination for couples for a while now. Romantic walks on the beach, adrenaline-pumping hikes in the mountains, discover ancient temples; there is something for every kind of couple. Here we share a list of things to do in Sri Lanka along with accommodation options that can come handy for your next vacation.

Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Walk on the beach

It is never too late to go on a romantic walk on the Turtle or the Hikkaduwa beach. Let the waves touch your bare feet with their mellow sounds.

Candlelight dinners at the beach

Sri Lanka is popular for its sunset views on the beach. Candlelight dinners on a beach is the most romantic evening you can gift to your better half.

Go on a Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari Sri Lanka is a haven for wildlife lovers. As the country has a diverse landscape, one can go on a wildlife safari and spot animals and birds such as Elephants, Leopards, Sri Lankan Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer and many more.

Go on a Scenic train Ride

A scenic train ride with the views of the fantastic vistas of tea plantations, mountaintops and valley, will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka?

Taj Samudra: The Jewel of Sri Lanka

Since you will spend quite a few days soaking in all that Sri Lanka has to offer, your stay at Taj Samudra will add on to the experience. Taj Samudra is hands down the best waterfront hotel in Sri Lanka. This luxury hotel inColombo is located at Sri Lanka’s historic Galle Face Green. It gives one of the most mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean and the enchanting city of Colombo. This Colombo beach resort is located in the business hub and is only a short walk away from the city centre. It is located at 21 miles from the airport.

Your stay at this 5 star hotel in Colombo is filled with exemplary comforts and luxury.

Rooms & Suites

Taj Samudra, the exotic hotel houses 300 rooms and suites. These are nestled in 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. All the rooms have enhanced comforts and stylish design elements. The rooms also give a panoramic view of the sea line. The rooms are divided as Deluxe, Luxury and Taj Club rooms. Taj Club rooms come with a host of extra benefits such as separate check-in, free access to Taj Club Lounge, complimentary hot breakfast, etc. The suites are divided into Executive, Deluxe, Luxury, Grand Luxury, and Tata Suite. The suites come equipped with wooden flooring, pantry area, balcony, living area, and heightened comforts. The rooms and suites in Taj are apt for a romantic rendezvous on the days you just want to laze out under the sun, with the views of the sea.

Image credit: Taj Samudra

Dining Experience

Taj Samudra offers a variety of dining experiences from traditional to contemporary. Latitude is an all-day diner serving global cuisines. Steak and Grill House serves the finest gourmet food that one can complement with an exquisite wine. Golden Dragon serves a wide selection of Sichuan cuisines. Navratna serves authentic Indian delights. For Japanese exquisites such as Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki and flared cocktails, YUMI is the place to be. For those who have a sweet tooth can head to Pebbles for relishing a dessert. The multi-cuisine restaurants are the ideal options for honeymooners to enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxing ambience.

Image credit: Taj Samudra

Taj Samudra, the best hotel in Colombo, is the best bet for couples who want to have a rich taste of Sri Lankan hospitality. Make your honeymoon memorable with your stay at Taj Samudra.


P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

Lone Fisherman

A lone fisherman going about his daily routine early in the morning at Byrasagara lake, near Gudibande fort in Karnataka. March 2020.

Mandaragiri- Tucked Away from Tourist Map

A nondescript detour off the Bengaluru- Tumkur highway led to a narrow road with intermittent tarmac that meandered its way past open lands and a few scattered houses.  In a few minutes I was at the base of Basadi Betta, a popular hillock which is also known as Manadargiri.

A few meters before Mandaragiri hill, stands the tall statue of Thirthankara, welcoming people to his land.  A popular Jain shrine, Manadaragiri has caught the attention of travellers with the beautiful Guru Mandir which is in the shape of an inverted Pinchi (a peacock feather fan) next to the statue of Thirthankara. This 81 feet tall structure with its hues and the art works which made a pretty frame took my attention away from the statue of Thirthankara. Guru mandir was built in memory of a Jain saint, and the inner walls have stories and paintings from Jainism.

Manadagriri which is also known as Basadi Betta is a hillock with a few Jain shrines atop it built between 12^th and 14^th century. More than 400 steps lead to the top of Mandaragiri. It was a quick climb and I scaled it in less than half an hour. Though not spectacular, the aerial views of the surrounding areas were a delight as I walked up. To the left of the temple is a pond with boulder strewn hills all around. However, the view behind was a stunner with the blue Mydala kere lake slowly revealing itself and gleaming against the brown backdrop. There is a narrow trail that leads down from the hillock to the waterbody. Strolled around for a while and headed back as the sun got harsher.

Mandaragiri is a nice short getaway from Bengaluru and remains not so popular on the tourist map.

Travel Tips:

1. Mandaragiri is 65 Kms from Bengaluru. It is ideal to travel in your own vehicle.

2. There are no restaurants nearby, so do carry water and energizers.

3. It is highly recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun.

Panchapalli Dam: Soaked in Serenity

It was a pleasant drive on the first day of 2020 to Panchapalli Dam, tucked away in the forest stretches, south of Bengaluru. A detour from Anekal led to the town of Denkanikota, which falls under Krishnagiri district. The traffic thinned as we drove past the road side shops, and the road turned narrower as well. Dark clouds hovered throughout the drive with intermittent sprays, a dash of petrichor and fresh air.  Farm lands popped up on either side, and it was a delight to see them interspersed with boulder strewn hillocks as we travelled deeper into the hinterlands of Tamil Nadu. Large colourful sculptures of godly figures stood out amidst the beautiful landscape.

Denkanikottai is known for its popular Betraya Swamy temple which has a colourful stepped pond adjacent to it. The winding road from Denkanikottai to Panchapalli dam is a gradual incline with the farm lands and tiny settlements giving way to hills, empty lake beds and forest stretches. The picturesque Panchapalli reservoir slowly opened up as we drove further. Engulfed by hills and greenery, Panchapalli reservoir and the dam have gorgeous surroundings and it was a delight to soak in the tranquility of the place. Despite the water levels not being high, the placid reservoir held its charm with the encapsulating vistas.

Though there isn’t much to do around the dam, one can soak in the serene views. More than the destination, it is the drive to Panchapalli dam that keeps one engrossed. There is a small tea shop further ahead on the road, which leads to Bettamugilalam and Seimeri lake.

Travel Tips:

• There are no restaurants or rest rooms on this stretch beyond Denkanikottai except for a few tea stalls.
• Denkanikottai has fuel stations and a couple of restaurants.

How to Reach Panchapalli Dam:

Denkanikottai is 65 kms from Bengaluru, and Panchapalli dam is a further 20 Kms away. Take the right at Anekal on to Denkanikottai road.

The Most Spectacular Temple Towers in South India

Temple towers are generally the large entrance gates of Hindu temples in southern India. Also known as Gopurams, they are probably the most striking attraction of any temple. The taller and more colourful the Gopuram, the more spectacular it looks. Add to that the stunning sculptures and these Gopurams are absolute head turners. Though it is mostly the main entrance gates that take all the attention with its magnificent art works, some temples have multiple entrance gates which have equally impressive works on them. The gopurams which are often richly decorated in typical Dravidian architecture, have a passage and have many storeys that taper as it goes higher. The sculptures are mostly of Hindu gods, mythological characters and figurines. More the works or higher the gopuram, indicated that the kingdom was a prosperous one. Every dynasty and its king wanted to outdo the earlier one in this perspective, which resulted in spectacular architectural creations over centuries. Here is a list of my favourite temple towers from South India.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam

Sprawling over 156 acres, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is the largest functional Hindu temple in the world. Located on the river island of Srirangam, which is carved out of the rivers Cauvery and Kollidam, the temple is one of the prominent Vishnu temples in India. Ranganatha temple was first built in the 3^rd century CE and was rebuilt over the next many centuries until 17^th century CE. There are 7 decorated colourful gopurams to pass through to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The south facing Raja gopuram which is the main entrance gate stands tall at 239 feet, and is one of the tallest temple towers in Asia. Sri Ranganathar, a form of Vishnu in a reclining pose on a coiled serpent, is the main shrine here. A narrow stairs near Ranga Vilasa mandapam goes up to the roof and offers lovely aerial views of all the gopurams. Please check Srirangam temple timings before visiting the temple.

Ekambareshwarar temple, Kanchipuram

Sometimes referred as Ekambaranath temple, this was built in the 9^th century by Chola dynasty and is one of the most popular Shiva temples in Kanchipuram.  Spread over 40 acres, the temple’s main attraction is its glorious 11 storeyed magnificent Rajagopuram (entrance gate) with impressive carvings. The tower might lack the colours, which are synonymous with temples across Tamil Nadu, however, the 190 feet tower is still quite an amazing creation.

Murudeshwar temple, Murudeshwar

The 123 feet tall Shiva statue at Murudeshwar temple is the second tallest in the world, and the temple complex also houses a 20 storied gopuram. The impressive Raja gopuram or main temple tower was opened in 2008, making it the youngest in this list. Though it lacks the art works like others, at 237 feet it is quite an intimidating structure, nevertheless. The top floor of the gopuram which can be accessed by a lift offers breathtakingly beautiful vistas of Murudeshwar beach and the unending Arabian sea. 

Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Dedicated to Shiva, Nartaraja temple was built during the Chola period in the 11^th century CE. The temple which has Shiva in a dancing pose as its main deity, has extensive Chola sculptures and exquisite architecture across. The temple has four gopurams which are seven storeyed, have a height of 140 feet, and are adorned with some of the finest works with colourful exteriors and sculpted interiors. Intricate sculptures of gods and mythological figures embellish the colourful gopurams.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple is one of the most popular temples in South India. The 7^th century temple built by the Pandya dynasty is located in the heartland of Tamil Nadu. The four tall colourful entrance gates with extensive carvings are a major attraction of this temple. The tallest one stands 170 feet high. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar, which are forms of Parvati and Shiva, respectively.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site was at its prime in early 16th century during the Vijayanagara empire when it was ruled by King Krishnadeva Raya. It was ransacked in mid 16th century, and Hampi lay in a state of ruins and excavations until it got itself on the UNESCO list. What remains are the reminiscences of a glorious empire. Located by the Tungabhadra river, almost all the sites are spread across the sacred centre (mostly temples) and royal enclosure (palaces). The two most popular temples here are Virupaksha temple and Vittala temple. While Vittala temple is known for its famous stone chariot, Virupaksha which is a functional temple has a majestic entrance tower (gopura) with intricate works and is dedicated to Shiva. The 166 feet tall gopuram stands out amidst the boulders and is an elegant structure standing tall with the ruins scattered all around.

Arunachaleshwar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Arunachaleshwar temple is dedicated to Shiva, and has a beautiful setting spread over 10 hectares, making it the second largest temple complex in India. The temple was first built by the Chola dynasty and later rebuilt and expanded during the rule of Vijayanagara empire. Though the gopurams are devoid of colours, they have numerous carvings of various mythological characters. At a height of 217 feet, the main entrance which faces east direction is the tallest of the four gopurams that the temple has.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Srirangapankajam.

Hostel Raahi, Jodhpur- Review

Tucked away in the residential area of Ajit Colony in Jodhpur, Hostel Raahi might for a moment beguile you as another house around the corner. Apart from its serene location, it is just 4-5 Kms away from Mehrangarh fort, the biggest attraction in Jodhpur, and less than 10 Kms from Mandore gardens. Hostel Raahi which was earlier a house has been converted into a hostel with both mixed dormitories and dormitories solely for women. True to the state’s character, the hostel is a colourful one with hues and wall art. The common areas of the hostel are a great place to meet fellow travellers, read books, watch television or play board games. Hostel Raahi also has a roof top cafe which offers continental cuisine. The rate for mixed dormitories starts from INR 210, which is an absolute steal.

What I loved:

Common Areas: They are spacious, colourful and have a nice vibe.

Staff: They are friendly, helpful and know the city well.

Price: The bunk beds are priced very attractively.

Location: Peaceful surroundings and not far from all attractions.

What I did not like:

Rooms:  The rooms can be a tad tidier, though not a deterrent to pick this place.

Address:

Hostel Raahi, Ajit Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan- 342001

Phone: +91-9950111259

Five Apps to kill your Travel Boredom

These are the days when travel is inevitable. There are many apps available to keep yourself occupied if boredom sets in during those long journeys or layovers. These apps are good for killing your spare time, and make your journey pleasant and entertaining. Most importantly, they also reduce your travel fatigue. While you might start off by blaring your audio sets in your car and singing along, eventually after some time you need to give your vocal chords some rest.

If you are someone who would like to be told a story, there are apps which would allow you to do so. In fact, there are so many apps out there where the authors themselves narrate their story in an interesting way. If you want to catch up on the series that you missed on TV or someone who loves watching soap operas on the OTT Platform, there are apps which would allow you to do so. In this post, we shall have a look at those 5 entertaining apps that would kill your free time during travel.

1. Audible

Are you a bookworm? Want to read a book so badly but you hardly get the time for that? Audible is your one-stop destination for listening to the audio version of an e-book. Available on Android and iOS, the app is free to download on Android and iOS devices. The app is free to use for the first month and viewers have an option for one download audiobook. After the trial period, you can use the app for $14.95 a month.  

2. Spotify

Are you a music buff? Do you like to listen to music non-stop without commercials? Then Spotify is one of the must-have apps on your device. For just $9.99 a month, you can use the app to stream unlimited music on your device. The best part about this app is it doesn’t occupy your memory space.

3. Netflix

So your schedule is hectic that you didn’t have much time to catch up on the series that you have been watching on TV. Why not make use of the opportunity to catch up on the missed show by downloading the app and installing on your device. Additionally, they have a lot of original contents in their app that are intriguing.

Netflix is the world’s premier subscription service for watching video content. From TV shows to carrying exclusive programs like series, movies and travel shows, Netflix has an impressive array of programs. This Netflix app delivers the best user experience anytime and anywhere. All that you need to do is to purchase a subscription to access thousands of programs in Netflix.

4. Online Games

What better way to kill the travel boredom than by playing your favourite online game on your mobile devices. Card games are gaining rapid popularity across the world. Of all the card games that are popular across the world, online rummy deserves a special mention.

With simple rules and easy game play, the rummy game download has gained so many followers of late. With numerous rummy mobile apps available for Android and iOS, you can get started in a go.  Playing rummy online is a super fun way to stay occupied during a long travel.

5. Apps that make your smarter

Want to spend your extra time on something that will make you more productive? There are numerous apps available on Play Store and Apple Store such as Elevate, Lumosity, and Brain test that will test your cognitive skills and increase your attention span

Experience these effective mind games which will allow you to polish your genius. Bid farewell to boredom and make your mind sharp enough to enhance your cognitive skills and decision making during your free time while travelling.

So do you know any other apps that will drive away travel boredom?

P.S.: This is a post is in collaboration with Deccan Rummy