And the trip begins....

First destination - Amritsar



Flew to Delhi from Mumbai a night before and boarded a early morning train - Shatabdi to Amritsar. It starts at 7.30 am and reaches Amritsar by 1.30 pm.



Few clicks from the train-

I was so looking forward to this 2 day trip to Amritsar...one of the many reasons was to meet @pbkulkarni . He was to join us for the trip up till Rishikesh. But a bad luck he missed the train by just 15 minutes and there I could see a lot of plans being canceled and hoping the trip moves on as planned. We even had a awesome lunch which @realin  got for us at Ludhiana station :) Yummy it was - Amritsari parathas :p  Oh and it was such a pleasure meeting him and his wife after knowing him for so long :)

Not that we had great plans..as the train was to reach in noon so we planned to visit the famous Wagha border that evening and later in the night visit Golden Temple.


The hotel we choose was a walking distance from the Temple. We stayed in Hotel City Heart Amritsar - www.hotelcityheartamritsar.com  and an hour and a half drive to border.


A very decent, simple, clean and non expensive stay it was. We checked in and freshened up and were ready to leave for Wagha border.


What can I say about this place... less said the better...maybe I would just let the pictures do the talking:

Escape Aspired ............ !

Been long that I had been planning for a holiday and finally made it.

The most difficult thing to plan is where to go...not so easy to pick a place. Being a Club Mahindra member I know I need to plan much in advance. Last minute trips are kinda difficult with them. So there I started to plan a little differently this time.

Since a while I had the urge to visit Golden Temple and thats when it struck me why not plan going there. Weather would be awesome and a beautiful place to visit and feel blessed.

While I was planning up for that a thought came to my mind, now that I am going up so far already why not add a few more places to the trip..so eventually a trip for just 3 days landed up being for 9 days :-)

It was so much fun planning for this trip, as I saw to it that I do have a few train travels, as its been like years I would have traveled long distance in train. A few things I kept in mind while I picked the places to visit were :

Spiritual
Train travel
Adventure Sport
Camping
Scenic
No mobile connectivity (at least for a day)

And believe me..I got it all :) 

Spiritual - Golden Temple and Haridwar
Train Travel - Did 3 long distance train journey
Adventure Sport - Managed to do River Rafting
Camping - Jawarna Near Dhanulti
Scenic - All the places
No mobile connectivity - Yes managed in Jawarna while camping ( no connectivity for 24 hours)

Not getting much in to detail here is my trip itinerary -

Started my trip on Dec 2 - Flew in to Delhi
Dec 3  - Took a morning Shatabdi train to Amritsar (arrived at 2 pm)- Spent the day in Amritsar
Dec 4 - Late night train to Haridwar ( arrived at 8 am ) - Spent the day in Amritsar
Dec 5 & 6 - Haridwar & Rishikesh
Dec 6 - Evening left for a small hill station called Chamba in a car we hired (2 hours drive from Rishikesh)
Dec 7 -  Left in noon for Jawarna which is near Dhanulti (2 hours drive from Chamba)
Dec 8 - Left in noon for Mussoorie. (1 hour drive from Jawarna)
Dec 9 - Left in noon for Dehradhun (  1 hour drive from Mussoorie) & boarded a late night train to Delhi
Dec 10  - Arrived Delhi at morning 6 am. Day well spent in Delhi and trip ends with a late night flight back home

And the trip ends :(

Well next few posts am gonna write about each place I have been and all the things I did :-)

Stay glued :D

Coorg - Through My Eyes...

Quite a lot can be said about this beautiful, quite and a calm place. We took off from Mumbai to Bangalore via an early morning flight. As we were going to stay in the Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley, Coorg property, we had our taxi pre booked from them. It was a nice and beautiful drive all the way to Coorg. It would have been an approx of 280 odd kms. But the entire 4 hours of drive was fabulous and the rains made it more fantastic.

The Mahindra resort was so welcoming. Located amongst luscious greens. We were gonna be there for about 4 days. We reached around noon...had a fantastic lunch in one of their open air restaurants.

We then checked in to our room...had taken their 1bhk room. It was just great..especially the back view from the room was wonderful.

The pic above is what we had right from our room there...the walk in these greens was wonderful. The day was well spent in the resort. A few glimpses of their resort...

The next morning we were welcomed with nice rains and temperature was down to just 14 Degc. We then had planned to visit the very famous Talacauvery which is around 50 kms from the resort. It is the original source of Cauvery river and is located in the Bhramhagiri hill at 1200m aprx above the sea level. It is believed that taking bath in Talacauvery is very sacred and can relieve the man from all the sufferings.   

There is a small hill which once walked up had amazing view..actually breathtaking..

    

We had a wonderful day out there...got back to the resort and let the day end. The next day we had something very exciting for us to look forward to. It was a trip to Dubarey Elephant camp. A place where we can give bath, scrub and feed elephants. An amazing experience with the elephants which I have never had as yet. 

 

  

I had a wonderful experience out there and thanks to the team of Club Mahindra to make it more memorable. The next day was another different kind of experience which again I had for the 1st time. We were headed to a Tibetan Monastery - Golden Temple. It houses over 250 monks as on date.

Stepping inside the temple feels like walking in to another world altogether. There are three beautiful golden Buddha statues each of 40 feet namely Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amityaus look down at visitors above the altar. 

                  

An absolutely stunning place. A place where I would feel like going back again and again. With a visit to this place our trip was almost at end. The next day we had a flight back home from Bangalore...The trip was wonderful and more over the Club Mahindra has a fantastic resort out there..

A must must visit for all...

Journey of the Heart....

It was just about a few days they both had met...but this day, the moments spent in Khandala had got them close. Rudra and Abha reached their place in anticipation that either of them would call and so they could talk for some more time till they could call the day off. 

Just then her phone rang.... and it was him...she had so much to talk about the day to him... but when they started talking...silence took over...they both wanted to say so much about the day, but just couldn't. As both had to be at work early next morning, they decided to call it a day and both hung up the call to a restless night. 

Up early morning, both of them did hardly sleep that night.. and were now just waiting to speak to each other. Abha who was impatiently waiting for his call..decide to make a call her self. Beautiful conversations took place..they both wanted to say a few things to each other but just couldn't. In the end they planned to meet in the evening. Rudra asked her out for dinner...for which he had made plans when they were returning from Khandala. He knew he would not be able to tell his feelings to her so easily...all he knew was the feeling were mutual, which gave him enough courage to plan a surprise for her. Abah with the thought of meeting him was super excited. Hardly could work all day, eager for the evening plans.. 

On the other side Rudra also could not work all day and kept on planning a few things for the evening. He wanted to surprise Abha and gift her a very special evening...And the clock struck 5.30 pm ...he called her and told her that he would come and pick her up from her work place by 7 pm. She inisted on knowing where they were heading for the evening..but he just dint wana disclose. Time was just killing Abha with the suspense.. 

Rudra as punctual reached her office by 7 pm and he saw her waiting at the gate..looking radiant then ever... he saw her from far and knew she was the girl he wanted and waited all his life... he drove down close to her and got down to hug her...To Abha`s surprise he had got her most favorite flowers i.e. Lilies... she recollected that she had shared with him once how much she loved them. It was beautifully wrapped in an elegant purple floral paper... 

She freaked out with that bouquet..and kept wondering whats next. He then made her sit in the car...and started to drive out... He played in a cd which had all her favorite songs. She was so touched and kept on realizing what all she had shared with him in all these days and he did remember almost every minute things. She had no clue on how to express her feelings back to him...all she did was held his hand and said thank you for this beautiful evening..  In turn he said there is so much more to come honey..  And he could see her blush...

He had planned to take her for a drive and all but he now couldnt hold back his feelings much and so he drove down to the restaurant where he was gonna tell her all that he felt for her. The dinner was planned at a restaurant called Sidewok at Nariman point. They had this beautiful candle lit dinner table well reserved for them, which Rudra had booked well in advance. The restura is quite popular for their food, ambiance and karaoke... She was feeling at the top of the world.  As they sat down...all Rudra did was kept looking at her..and had a beautiful feeling every time he saw her blush and smile. He now knew whatever he has planned for the evening wont go waste...he knew she was the one..he could see a friend and a companion for life in her..

They in the meanwhile just ordered a few drinks and starters...and suddenly Rudra asked her to excuse him as he wanted to just head to the wash room... Rudra just wanted to be alone for a minute and re think what he was going to do...he just pulled up himself and knew that it was just perfect...he then walked out...and straight headed to the karaoke area.. Abha just kept wondering whats happening as she had no clue on whats next and wondering whats taking him so long in the washroom. 

Just then she heard a harsh voice asking for attention...and to that instant she knew it was him ...she looked around and saw him with a mic...she knew nothing of whats coming up next.. He then said... I know I don`t have a good voice to sing...but then this would be the best way to tell my Abha what I feel for her...so here it goes Abha just for you... 

Mujhe Teri aankhon ki gehrai mein doobne de

Mujhe teri baahon ki jannat mein khone de
Tere bina yeh jeewan
Jaise suna Sapna
Tere bina tujhko har pal
Dhundhee yeh dil mera

Mujhe Teri aankhon ki gehrai mein doobne de

Na Na nahi jana pyaar kya
Nahi jana hota hai yeh intezaar kya
Teri aankhon ne sab kuch kaha
Kyun na kahe teri zubaan

Mana mana mene pyaar hai
Kaisa chaya dekho mujhpe khumaar hai
Mere sang zameen aur aasmaan
Phir kyun hai khoyi meri har dishaa

Mujhe Teri aankhon ki gehrai mein doobne de

Abha had never imagined a guy would sing for her like this...but she knew this was the same she did feel for him... and so she got up and went near him...took the mic...and sang...

Woh Pehli Baar Jab Hum Mile
Haathon Mein Haath Jab Hum Chale
Ho Gaya Ye Dil Deewana 
Hota Hai Pyaar Kya Isne Jaana

He was so touched...he dint just let her complete the song..and hugged her..they were in a world of their own..and suddenly they could her claps...and realized the other guests and the waiters etc were clapping for them.. Rudra..just bent on his knees and said... Be mine forever.. And she just replied...And forever...

They then got back to the table...holding hands... looking at each other...They knew this was the evening they could never forget in their life...dinner got thru...and the beautiful evening was coming to an end...he dropped her home...and just when she got down the car...he hugged her again...and whispered ... I love you .... she did the same.. They bid goodbye and as good things come to an end...so did the day....

(To be continued.....)

Journey of the Heart....

Rains had stopped, but non of them had realized....as they were so engrossed looking deep in to each others eyes... Rudra now knew how beautiful Abha was...he kept staring at those hazel eyes which kept blushing and looking back at his... He felt she was the one who he kept on looking for all his life..and was hoping she would feel the same...but he dint wana tell her so soon. The same time Abha had million thoughts running thru her mind, but at first she was hoping he would hold her hand as that would so confront her indirectly that he really liked her..as much as she did.. She too dint wana say anything about her likeness to him.

Both kept quite for long...looking at each other on and off.. stealing those side glances. Suddenly a thunder broke the silence...and he said to her... shall we walk down to have some hot tea and grab something to eat?   She dint wanna say yes...as she still wanted to be by him sitting like that on bench for some more time...So she let her mind say yes. They got off the bench and started walking down the small hill.. suddenly Abha started feeling cold coz of the strong winds. The moment Rudra saw that...he took no time in holding her hand again..and this time more firmly. Abha just looked at him for a few seconds as she dint knew how to react..just then he smiled and said lets walk down together...

They walked down to a nearby restaurant...ordered for some tea and snacks... they sat opposite to each other..silently looking into each others eyes. Just then the snacks arrived..and conversations started... they shared their likes..dislikes..all about their family..their past relationships..there was just so much to share for them.... They now knew so much about each other which was enough to keep them together..

Just then Abha saw Rudra feeling a bit low..and she asked him if everything was fine...his face had gone quite pale..and in a harsh voice he said...babe its time to leave..the train to home is in the next hour... Abha just never wanted this day to end ever..but she knew it had too. They started walking down to the station...and this time..Abha went ahead and held his hand firmly. They knew by now that the feeling was mutual of being with each other not just for the day but for many days ahead....They reached the station..and still had half an hour for the train to arrive.. they just sat down  on one of the planks there...still holding hands. Both of them knew...some feelings are better left unsaid...Rudra then suddenly asked her..did you have a nice time with me? Abha knew this was her best day ever spent...she just smiled and answered his question by just resting her head on his shoulders..he was feeling on top of the world... he then kept his hand over her shoulder...Time just flew...the train just entered the station..both of them moved towards it and entered their compartment.. The compartment they got their seats in was already occupied with a family of 4 kids..They did manage to get a place to sit by each other..but were not so comfortable as it was way to noisy for them. The journey was just of 2 hours so Rudra asked her...how about standing near the door and talking? Oh she just jumped to that idea...she just wanted to run away from everyone just to be with him.. 

They stood opposite to each other...and kept talking...never realized that they have reached dadar.. As V.T was coming close their faces were turning sad. The compartment got empty at dadar...and still half an hour to reach V.T.... so Rudra said...lets sit now as its all empty.. They sat by each other very close and just took her hands in his...and same moment she asked him..how did your day go by? She knew the answer but still wanted to know from him. All he did was took his hands near her face..got a bit closer and kissed her forehead...and said..It was one of the most beautiful day I had ever spent and would love to spend many such  moments with you... Abha nodded her head agreeing to what he said...and rested her head on his shoulders.. It was a very long day for them and even bit tiring...they dint realize when they slept of in each others arms... and suddenly they woke up to a sudden jerk.. realizing that they have reached V.T. and was time to bid goodbye...

Both were sad...dint leave their hands even while getting off the train..they just dint want to leave each other....but they knew they had too... Abha had to take a cab to home..and Rudra would have to take a train back home.. So Rudra thought to drop her off till the cab... They came out of the station..he hunted a cab for her...still holding hands...very firmly..he then made her sit in the cab...but just before she sat..he hugged her and bid good bye.... this was the most painful moment for them...The cab took off...their hands parted ways...but Rudra stood there staring at her and so did she from the cab... till the cab disappeared in the crowd....They knew as all good things come to an end ... so did the day....

(To be continued.....)

Journey of the Heart....

It was 5 in the morning.. Abha just couldn't sleep all night as she feared not being up on time for the most beautiful day she could have ever thought off. It was a day when she was to spend the whole day with her new found friend Rudra...who in just a very short span became very special to her. All the time as she waited for the alarm to buzz at 5.30..memories kept crossing her mind about how they happened to know each other ...which was just 7-8 days back.

They happened to interact over the internet and with that first interaction they had this spark flying within them. Things went beyond just chats to phone calls..and in just 4-5 days they planned to meet for dinner. As they met for the first time...sparks were getting bit low as to what it was over the  calls and chats..she found him quite amazing..tall, dark and handsome..she couldn't have asked for more. Abha was more prettier from her heart and soul then appearance but still that never let her down. Her amazing persona and electrifying smile kept her going all along. Rudra found her more amazing over calls and chat...then seeing her face to face..or maybe it was the first time they were meeting and hence bit of hesitation had taken over Abha. Yet the evening went amazing and before they departed they did land up making a movie plan. Abha somehow was getting attracted to this very intellectual and handsome guy. She couldn't keep her eyes off him and even after getting home she could feel his scent and aura around her which kept her dreaming all while. She wasn't sure if he ever felt that for her. Calls and chats went on till they met up for the movie. Things started changing here. Seems Rudra really enjoyed her company, her smile, her style kinda everything. In just a few conversations that day he asked her to spend a day with him. As it was month of August and in Mumbai  the weather is beautiful as it rains :) She went in for a surprise...as she felt Rudra dint like her as much. But within herself she couldn't think of saying no to him. As this would be the best way to spend and know him more. She promptly said yes. And then they planned a day in Khandala the coming saturday.

And the alarm buzzed...her heart was beating like never before. She knew this was the day. She had never ever spent a day like this with anyone. She kept thinking whether what is happening is right or wrong...but she went with her heart which wanted to spend the day with him. She got up..got dressed and was ready to leave for V.T station where he was to meet her and then they would take a train to khandala. God had hand picked that day!!! He showered all his blessings in the form of rains and beautiful romantic weather. As she reached the station...she kept thinking what if he doesnt come...it would be very heartbreaking..and just then a tap on her back..as she turned around she saw him dressed in a causal tee and torn denims and a jacket to add on. She kept on drooling. And he smiled and so did she..and for once she now knew the day is all theirs. Abha did feel now that Rudra definitely liked her company else why would he even think of spending a day with her. They got their tickets and the journey of 2 hours started.

They got the window seat..and sat facing each other. Amazing conversations were taking place...2 hours of knowing each other.. she couldn't have asked for anything more. The rains were also helping their bit to keep them going. By now she knew the liking for him was just increasing with every second they were together. Train halted at one of the stations where amazing vada pavs are available. Both of them jumped with the thought of having one and realized both of them love it a lot. They got 2 for each of them..and loved it..and the conversations continued.. 

Finally Khandala came.. it was time to get down and explore the place with a new found friend. It kept raining nonstop since morning. They planned to walk down to a point there. It was a 20 minutes walk..but the best Abha could have imagined. They were completely wet inspite of the jackets they were wearing. But non were complaining as they were so engrossed in each other...they kept walking and suddenly...their hands brushed each others...a lighting sort of a feel gushed thru her and she just moved a little far. She could see Rudra feeling the same but he dint move far instead he in a surprise just held her hand. She just dint know how to react but yes she knew one thing that she dint wana leave his hands. He clasped his fingers with hers. For her this was a moment she would never forget. He looked at her as if he wanted to say a few things...but kept quite...for the next ten minutes they kept walking quite...just one thing they could hear was the rain drops. 

Alas they reached the point. It was a breathtaking view from there. Beautiful mountains and valleys is all you can see. All looking so fresh coz of the rains. It was a moment so meant for them. They were still holding hands and stood at the edge of the cliff enjoying the weather, the company, the rains. Silent conversations went on for quite a while..all which spoke were their eyes and their smiles. Just then they saw a bench nearby. They sat there quite close to each other but still it was as if they were miles apart. This was the best way they could have known each other. She somehow wanted to hold hands again...and just in that moment he just turned bit towards her and kept his arms over the bench..almost very close to her shoulders..as if he just wanted to rest it on her arms. 

Moments passed by..close to 2 hours...and none of them realized..sharing life..sharing everything about eachother in their conversations. Guess he had started liking her a lot...she could see it in his eyes..which hardly took away from her. Those sideway glances were wow for her.  It was a moment they never wanted to end especially Abha...but as all good things come to an end...so did the rains....

(To be continued.....)

Go Goa.... & Bondla Experience...

Been to Goa a lot of times...but this time it was bit different. Took an noon Indigo flight to Goa. Thankfully it was on time. I always enjoyed taking snaps of clouds. So did this time too. 

Loved the view from the sky....its a bliss sight... We landed in an hours time..and straight we drove in to Club Mahindra Varca beach resort. One of their best resorts I must say. Been to their Coorg, Munnar & Kumbhalgarh resorts. But Goa happens to be one of its kind.

Club Mahindra was aweesome..they had their private entry to the Varca beach..so never bothered to venture out on other beaches as it was quite hot and humid. Food is always awesome :) A huge buffet always awaits you there. Spent the rest of the evening by the beach & clicking every shade of the sky..

Next day we headed to meet a friend of mine ...spent some good time... He only had recommended a visit to Bondla. Then headed to the most famous church St. Francis Xavier. Been there a couple of times. Feels nice when am there always..

Day ended well...Next day spent time in the resort..Booked up for a nice rejuvenating therapy at their Svaastha Spa. Felt fresh like never before :). 

The next day we headed for Bondla Sanctuary. Around 2 hours drive from Varca beach. The drive was awesome. Just wished it was some other month either September or something..it would have been more pleasant. Bondla Sanc. is located deep in the woods. Away from all the hustle bustle of the world. They have 6 cottages..which would just cost around Rs. 500 per room.

A 15 mins drive from the cottages is the main Mini Bondla Zoo... we just reached on time for the visit to their mini zoo.. it was fun... saw tigers..bears..and couple of more wild animals..

Then we headed back to your cottage..small but beautiful..

   

 A place disconnected from almost everything...no noise..no mobile connectivity...no TV :) 

For once I enjoyed the calmness...away from the rush of life in Mumbai..Dinner was done in a small canteen they had, where in they would cook as per our needs. Food was yumm and made in the typical village style..simple and yet yummy.

Dinner was led by a small walk in the forests of sorts... all we can hear is insects buzzing and suddenly it started raining heavily. Poured for an hour almost which help the temperature to calm down by 4-6 degrees. Then the weather was awesome. Cold winds kept flowing and can hear the trees enjoying the breeze. 

The next day...we were up early and went for another small walk where we spotted a Deer on the road. By the time we could get close..it went off back in to the woods. But the site was awesome. Had never spotted it like this before..the enthusiasm in me was just like how a kid would have.

Good things always come to an end...and so was my short holiday... It was time to head back to the airport...and a flight back to Mumbai.. 

As I am back to Mumbai now...my mind is working out another holiday plans... so typical me :)