tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78888573631317768072024-02-20T06:58:41.096-08:00One day @ a timeTaking things the way they come...attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-87963953285902148762012-01-30T00:49:00.000-08:002012-04-04T00:53:47.655-07:00Daily Family Prayer !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KvXXgg_1hHl2ld6ZzgYs1cnYbYBb41Y7-s_GcNjtkI0GLP0gowzChCC9Q-Ualjbi6q48II-3NDn3-uthWNRnp1UUjM7GUR4nDWvg6L6cmcJi6z5T5eW6ZQTyVfqww-f3Bl6ZbaIJm3v7/s1600/daily+pryr+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KvXXgg_1hHl2ld6ZzgYs1cnYbYBb41Y7-s_GcNjtkI0GLP0gowzChCC9Q-Ualjbi6q48II-3NDn3-uthWNRnp1UUjM7GUR4nDWvg6L6cmcJi6z5T5eW6ZQTyVfqww-f3Bl6ZbaIJm3v7/s400/daily+pryr+2.png" width="352" /></a></div>
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A family that prays together stays together. I don't think any sane soul will disagree with this statement. The only argument would be whether the big deal is really about 'prayer' or 'togetherness'. There are folks who argue that replacing 'pray' with 'bray' would invariably bring in the same positive results, as long as 'together' stays put. But there are others who vouch for 'prayer' being the key element, together or not.<br />
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Daily prayer for some, is a tool to touch base, interact with, and source energy from the divine. Ritual implementation of the same is expected to bring in blessings or benefits from a higher force; in this world or the other. For others it is an exercise that brings the family together, keeping the members focused on a common activity for a while, thereby bringing in synchronization and unity.<br />
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Actually daily prayer is an activity which both the parties can partake without any real conflict of interests. It is akin to two people engaging in a game of badminton, but for different reasons - one as a means of entertainment while the other as a mechanism for weight loss. We cannot argue that one of them enjoys the game more than the other, due to this varied approach and expectations; nor is one of them 'the right way' with respect to the game.<br />
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Benefits of doing things together have been researched and re-researched by folks for decades together, and there is no dearth of data substantiating the same. Most of us do follow these findings one way or other in our daily life as well. Why else do students and teams wear uniforms? Why do soldiers march, and not just walk from place to place? All these gimmicks - similar color or behavior so to speak - are mere tools to trick our brain into the feeling of togetherness and the comfort that comes with it.<br />
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Why would someone ever come up with weird associations or explanations like this? Peaceful coexistence, I say. Try getting married for a start! :)</div>
</div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-13312890237103299292012-01-24T10:29:00.000-08:002012-03-12T10:29:45.323-07:00Random Disjoint Thoughts !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6s5gy59Ps39j_dxNXJ0og1curp7xs4XosQrdyIRZLfB07Cok4RwRXumYvEgxwXkNNxLwKSgSb6YMYrWs6VIS_pU2edZ8zCsDJ6tAJoB_BnwGwFoXkYZkuXiZxQ_r1ZKmP1-8toPP_YjR/s1600/Random+Disjoint+Thoughts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6s5gy59Ps39j_dxNXJ0og1curp7xs4XosQrdyIRZLfB07Cok4RwRXumYvEgxwXkNNxLwKSgSb6YMYrWs6VIS_pU2edZ8zCsDJ6tAJoB_BnwGwFoXkYZkuXiZxQ_r1ZKmP1-8toPP_YjR/s320/Random+Disjoint+Thoughts.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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- Faith can make people do wonders. They walk into dangers or difficult situations without a second thought. Those who survive live to tell the tales of their bravery, throwing in the story of their visit to St. Coconut as well. The perished, who also had visited the above saint, are excluded from all the statistics. Its always a win-win proposition for the saint and the faith he represents. <br /><br />- A question is exciting anytime while the answer is always a disappointment; irrespective of whether its in favor, as expected, or is pleasing. Journey is always the pleasure, an unknown destination need not be.</div>
</div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-41882912792590754452011-12-28T22:12:00.000-08:002012-01-23T23:59:39.271-08:00Sex Flies and Videotapes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlQtd0JbYCtuq4SeoIPLoGJWM4F9EEfUC6Giy1bBDKFa7N8ddgn1KmmDFSy0XbQnK2RH8sj6StdfPPjrBJzdyb2k4LIbsR4toGlzpEe2_xzdWycQV4dS6jppMTtlJNmygXbi3XKC_k-7h/s1600/Sex+Flies+n+Videotapes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlQtd0JbYCtuq4SeoIPLoGJWM4F9EEfUC6Giy1bBDKFa7N8ddgn1KmmDFSy0XbQnK2RH8sj6StdfPPjrBJzdyb2k4LIbsR4toGlzpEe2_xzdWycQV4dS6jppMTtlJNmygXbi3XKC_k-7h/s400/Sex+Flies+n+Videotapes.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have recently moved into a new house from the one which was my home for the last 6 years. I did not 'feel' much about the move nor do I miss the place much. But I do miss someone.. cockroaches. I had written about them quite a <a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-see-roaches-dead-roaches.html" target="_html"> few times before</a>, but rarely in a fond tone. In hindsight, I wasn't perhaps spot on with my analyses always!<br />
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<b>FLIES</b>: I am no expert on cockroaches. But if sharing a living space with a few dozen of them for a few years can be construed as expertise-by-virtue-of-observation, then I think I am qualified to say a few things about them. After all these are creatures that repeatedly reminded me that I am not alone in here (in addition to the bank guys who call every time I miss an EMI) at times through display of camaraderie of the extreme kind - like getting on top of me at the weirdest hours of the night. I have seen the birth and death of generations of them in the last few years. Only at times of extreme annoyance that I have resorted to harm them in any way, squashing a few in rage using whatever that comes handy.<br />
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<b>SEX</b>: I say roaches have a healthy social behavior, especially if you observe them during those days of courtship and mating. They come out in huge numbers from hiding, making me feel like I am an alien inhabiting a planet of the roaches. I have even suspected at times that the congregation is hatching malicious plans to kill and eat me. This was in the early days when I mistook their elaborate matchmaking ceremonies as preparation for war. Only when, weeks later, I noticed offsprings running around from under every fallen object on the floor, that I realized the significance and magnanimity of those gatherings. From then on I made it a point to give them a wide berth during those nights, by shifting my bed to the other room; and they were understanding enough to restrict their amorous excursions outside of it. I started respecting roaches as a species.<br />
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<a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2010/11/conversations-with-pluto-felis.html" target="_html">Pluto, my neighbor's cat</a>, also took a while before turning into an ardent roach admirer. He used to torment them by running them over or scratching them out of their hiding places, stopping just short of having them for snack. But then he realized the power of roaches as a species during the 2010 Worldcup Football tournament, when they <a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2010/07/conversations-with-pluto-predicting.html" target="_html">predicted the outcome</a> of every match as accurately as Paul the Octopus. Much more amazing was his hypothesis of them using Collective Intelligence. Pluto is now the Al Gore of the Roach planet, crusading for honor and glory of the roaches. I have to admit I have much awe and respect for the species after this incident. Yes I do miss the roaches!<br />
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<b>VIDEOTAPES</b>: Oh, I just included that in the title for the effect!</div>
</div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-39688660180662814552011-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:002012-11-22T20:50:38.442-08:00The Amphibian Church @ Shettihalli<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqqdrxMnGnuHN3-8LzmUoFDL-kZ3v2PLHimbi_5WUdSEW3zLOaDk5PCWEgmeO5P7EAXzDyjrW5W0JhQ4_D5yjgYBxCMQZqGHRJzvc2zQ8wEw1opRnugNmPpQQeEZ4Fl-BFTG6gopQKaKi/s1600/HDR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqqdrxMnGnuHN3-8LzmUoFDL-kZ3v2PLHimbi_5WUdSEW3zLOaDk5PCWEgmeO5P7EAXzDyjrW5W0JhQ4_D5yjgYBxCMQZqGHRJzvc2zQ8wEw1opRnugNmPpQQeEZ4Fl-BFTG6gopQKaKi/s400/HDR1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENeNBCFU-jzFjPEJOlA_pkXpNHlFsRukbzf202_1CIEJxOArr8OY19raMMPeAPEaXy2ZOMzKed142x4sgTaFQdX5eqVaotMipqF_ZhWB_nLKNHoQbqG-d278eBjTYbzp_UwdWHl2woABz/s1600/HDR10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Prior to every weekend is this bout of hectic activity - searching and finding another place to visit over the two days. Though weekend trips are a regular affair in my life now, laziness does not permit to research and keep an inventory of such places handy. It all has to start around Wednesday, when even the calendar finally says WTF. And invariably there will be some catalyst for this increased activity, like a call from a friend who has nothing better to do than suffering my company. It wasn't any different with this trip to the Gothic church at Shettihalli. Sunil cancelled his weekend trip home and called in to say that he is available to go 'anywhere'. About Sunil, he is never worried about the place, as long we are traveling and not rusting our asses in the city. He is a rare breed who rates the journey a few notches above the destination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI5ZMb-JaGCQwucYoxJ4fcI_zvpxeut3vd1JzaTiVICLYNAB3r9wQ4PDCq8XY0yIcNZPObLUaH_iiIfu1rAWQXnESC2vAenZ5nOEK4vk4KIHFSrfaCwm3y8OmKRObltCjMKYikApNC0on/s1600/HDR3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI5ZMb-JaGCQwucYoxJ4fcI_zvpxeut3vd1JzaTiVICLYNAB3r9wQ4PDCq8XY0yIcNZPObLUaH_iiIfu1rAWQXnESC2vAenZ5nOEK4vk4KIHFSrfaCwm3y8OmKRObltCjMKYikApNC0on/s400/HDR3.jpg" width="400" /></a>It was a few months back that I accidentally came across a picture of this Gothic beauty on Flicker, and this trip had indeed been finalized that very moment. There was something attractive about the picture of a dilapidated church, half submerged in a water body. I could not find much information about the place in my subsequent research, but whatever little I got was fascinating enough to look forward to the trip. I wanted to time the trip properly to see the church in all its splendor, as 70% of it goes under water after the rains. After seeing the picture Sunil also agreed to go find this place, and we started as usual on that Saturday morning. We did not have a clear idea of the route, except that we have to take a detour near Hassan from the Bangalore-Hassan road to reach the village of Shettihalli. And then somewhere close to Channarayapattana we saw a signboard saying 'Shettihalli 3 kilometers', with an arrow mark pointing left. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENeNBCFU-jzFjPEJOlA_pkXpNHlFsRukbzf202_1CIEJxOArr8OY19raMMPeAPEaXy2ZOMzKed142x4sgTaFQdX5eqVaotMipqF_ZhWB_nLKNHoQbqG-d278eBjTYbzp_UwdWHl2woABz/s1600/HDR10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENeNBCFU-jzFjPEJOlA_pkXpNHlFsRukbzf202_1CIEJxOArr8OY19raMMPeAPEaXy2ZOMzKed142x4sgTaFQdX5eqVaotMipqF_ZhWB_nLKNHoQbqG-d278eBjTYbzp_UwdWHl2woABz/s400/HDR10.jpg" width="400" /></a>We knew it is too early to take the deviation, but decided to go along the side road and see what lies ahead. After driving a kilometer or so through beautiful coconut groves, we saw a huge expanse of water at a distance. We could see water lilies floating in one corner while herons and egrets were flying all along the shore; it sure looked interesting. We thought this should be the place and we would have gotten the instructions all wrong from the internet. We drove for another kilometer, entered a small village and the road hit a dead end. There we met Devarajan. He must be the village drunkard. It was hardly afternoon and yet he was already filled up to his throat with some kind of country liquor (going by the smell) He came towards us in an MJ-Moonwalk style and introduced himself. We asked him about the church and when the fourth time he said "My name is Devarajan, Glad to meet you", we decided to go look for it elsewhere :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ78-pDo2pFBnQGX-l93E3oMFrd0GzHjupmYZlD2bnrPNNT91SSIFiMLUILyJaRf1OzTuYudw6YHu_ZgV4mUhkiMx43d3ahH3pkRbOXD-GzzD-wUs2Tbx45eY8F9FMDpDU45aocvzInYZm/s1600/Screen+Captures2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ78-pDo2pFBnQGX-l93E3oMFrd0GzHjupmYZlD2bnrPNNT91SSIFiMLUILyJaRf1OzTuYudw6YHu_ZgV4mUhkiMx43d3ahH3pkRbOXD-GzzD-wUs2Tbx45eY8F9FMDpDU45aocvzInYZm/s400/Screen+Captures2.jpg" width="400" /></a>The actual deviation to THE Shettihalli village is at some 2 kilometers on the Haasan bye-pass road, the third left turn after Rajeev Institute of Technology to be precise. A shopkeeper assured us that we are on the right track and the church is another 12 kilometers from the bye-pass road. Though the instructions were clear we started getting doubts after some 10 odd kilometers. Fortunately we met another gentleman on the road who knew the exact spot and even some history of the place. And as we traveled another kilometer or so we saw glimpses of the church off the road; the water level had receded much beyond the church and the dam looked more like a pond in somebody's backyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iBHbpCEDbVz0UmIMQXRqr4AmMvv6lYuRsjjpy6TbXkpnlm6wD5jCa-xPrFyy53ZnD_5UXF-YLcn6R13WilTJUGRx7iEDXTHxRoxThG7UIQvvABYYFBcB6vu12vmWRYDUR-Iy7kbnFJv8/s1600/HDR4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iBHbpCEDbVz0UmIMQXRqr4AmMvv6lYuRsjjpy6TbXkpnlm6wD5jCa-xPrFyy53ZnD_5UXF-YLcn6R13WilTJUGRx7iEDXTHxRoxThG7UIQvvABYYFBcB6vu12vmWRYDUR-Iy7kbnFJv8/s400/HDR4.jpg" width="400" /></a>The Holy Rosary Church at Shettihalli was built by French missionaries in 1860 for British estate owners around Sakleshpur. The church was reportedly built with mortar and bricks and a mixture of jaggery and eggs - the secret sauce that helped it withstand the elements for almost 150 years. It was submerged during the construction of the Reservoir across Hemavathy river at Gorur, to irrigate lands in Hassan, Tumkur and Mandya districts. It stays submerged in water half the year and lives above it during the other half! It is difficult to believe that there was once a thriving population around the church. When the reservoir was built, the villagers were rehabilitated to Channarayapatna and Arkalgud and the whole place has a deserted look now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbB8hCCXkrB_U7V8x6slAVzGZg3cuf00Kt93CmU49V8BscuqkM6pZoBXX94qWg1FiLC-s3FyxO4eA4k8OWHXI4Pcu1w-PyhREQYBM5UA4bnzT-abl5xZhZy9Y5RvVLYwio7hvKFGgZxuU/s1600/Screen+Captures3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbB8hCCXkrB_U7V8x6slAVzGZg3cuf00Kt93CmU49V8BscuqkM6pZoBXX94qWg1FiLC-s3FyxO4eA4k8OWHXI4Pcu1w-PyhREQYBM5UA4bnzT-abl5xZhZy9Y5RvVLYwio7hvKFGgZxuU/s400/Screen+Captures3.jpg" width="400" /></a>The church is an absolute architectural beauty even in its old age. Built in typical Gothic style, it has got pointed arches and ribbed vaults. The height of the structure, judging by what remains, is considerably more than its width - another standard feature of the Gothic style. It is built in the Latin cross plan, with a long nave making the body of the church towards the western facade, and two transverse arms (Transepts) to its either side. The nave and the transepts are adorned with long pointed arches in cluster of three. There is a partly destroyed tower behind the alter, which probably had a huge bell hanging on the top. I can only imagine the majesty of this structure in its hey days, with possibly stained glass covering those big arches and windows! The atmosphere was so mesmerizing, especially with the setting sun adding its own beauty to the mix. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlbL1bIU3mAuY8DdOFiYNCuUkdIe33QvplfDms6Ykfk443gnTj5gC3vGhDkfQNToBqrATxJh6UzZ8lWBxYhbejtMQkCXu2RjW1dajqtPBXacbVNdupNdPYdEsbuxYfwv__nC7eMavmhKL/s1600/HDR8.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlbL1bIU3mAuY8DdOFiYNCuUkdIe33QvplfDms6Ykfk443gnTj5gC3vGhDkfQNToBqrATxJh6UzZ8lWBxYhbejtMQkCXu2RjW1dajqtPBXacbVNdupNdPYdEsbuxYfwv__nC7eMavmhKL/s400/HDR8.jpg" width="400" /></a>We brought the laptop from the car and played Mozart's Symphony No.40 and sat there listening till the sun went down well beyond the horizon. Apart from some Painted Storks, Greater Egrets and an occasional Brahmini Kite, the place was thankfully deserted. I think the music brought life back to the stone walls that I could almost hear them communicating with us, telling stories of a glorious past abruptly cut short. The structure had an impact on the music as well I think, never have I enjoyed the piece like I did that day. Before we knew it was dark, and frogs were out in plenty adding vocals to the symphony. It was time to get back to Haassan and find a place to crash.. had an overdose of beauty for one day.</div>
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attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-83224236543606756312011-10-16T23:19:00.000-07:002011-10-28T12:02:57.846-07:00Jayamamangali Blackbuck Sanctuary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VpAcbbDcxhE1uCVC8_vL0m26kmA7ZDSoKS8a-Ae9sRaNLZMzQD7x6Im6x5rigyVPdwfLFH1CVJUXMqBwVUpU_oD43PNd1wzsDYSPsiiU0QveHBwNzR1axgfgHfbumccRduuGb44CRj7V/s1600/Maidenahalli+Black+Buck+Sanctuary+4+June+20113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VpAcbbDcxhE1uCVC8_vL0m26kmA7ZDSoKS8a-Ae9sRaNLZMzQD7x6Im6x5rigyVPdwfLFH1CVJUXMqBwVUpU_oD43PNd1wzsDYSPsiiU0QveHBwNzR1axgfgHfbumccRduuGb44CRj7V/s400/Maidenahalli+Black+Buck+Sanctuary+4+June+20113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Curiosity is a necessary evil. It makes you ask questions, visit places and interact with almost everyone you meet. It was one such bout of curiosity attack that prompted Sunil and myself to visit the Jayamamangali Blackbuck Sanctuary (JBS). With a weekend ahead of us, we were looking for a destination and some random article on the internet caught our attention. JBS neighbours Maidenahalli, a small village in Madhugiri Taluk, at the north-eastern tip of Tumkur district of Karnataka state. This area is a part of the plains of Deccan plateau and borders Anantpur District of Andhra Pradesh. An 800 acre patch of grassland, home to the second largest population of Blackbucks (Antelope cervicepra) in Karnataka, after Ranibennur.<br />
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There are places you visit because of their popularity, already teeming with tourists; and then there are lesser known places which still maintain their serenity and tranquility owing to their relative obscurity. JBS is one such place you like not just for its beauty, but for its exclusivity as well. Though just about 150 kilometers from Bangalore, it is a difficult place to locate. It took us a while to figure out the route, even getting lost a few times. But there are quite a few attractions on the way, like the mountain fort at Madhugiri. Here is a quick summary of the route.<br />
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- From Bangalore take the Tumkur road.<br />
- Before entering Tumkur town take a diversion (right) towards Madhugiri.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUGKZm5FgZO7VQJiLF5W3m-xyORyauWtpq1PLkshufSKbhluxsm0-Vo_O05NnT9aopntq5FI5eO87XDVXbO_VHSChnlpySU3xzR1hbF-Dfo2kLDF7HNUxQkmXFDyDLoi-PEFywSIBEudF/s1600/HDR6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUGKZm5FgZO7VQJiLF5W3m-xyORyauWtpq1PLkshufSKbhluxsm0-Vo_O05NnT9aopntq5FI5eO87XDVXbO_VHSChnlpySU3xzR1hbF-Dfo2kLDF7HNUxQkmXFDyDLoi-PEFywSIBEudF/s400/HDR6.jpg" width="400" /></a>- From Madhugiri take the Hindupura road. About 1.5 km from Madhugiri town the road splits into Hindupur Road on the left and Chikballapur/Gowridbidanur road that goes straight. Even if you miss the left turn and go straight along the Chikaballapur road, you can take the 'Nitrahalli Cross' and get back at the Hindupura road. (You might have already guessed what happened to us!)<br />
b- 11 km from Madhugiri town just before the bridge over Jayamangali River, you will reach Puruvara village. (Yes, we did cross the bridge and had to backtrack, no points for guessing that!)<br />
- From Puruvara village you have to take another deviation towards ID Halli. After the villages of Badakanahalli and Giregoudana halli, the habitat abruptly changes into open plains. Travel this road a good 8 kilometers or so, till you find the Blackbuck Reserve's board on your right, with a dirt road leading into the vast plains. Keep your eyes open, you miss the board if you blink!<br />
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<span id="goog_1615532101"></span><span id="goog_1615532102"></span>The mountain fort at Madhugiri set atop one of the largest monoliths of Asia, is a nice pitstop on the way. A fort built by a local chief named Raja Hire Gauda and later improved by Hyder Ali, it is quite an imposing structure that is visible from a distance. A flight of steps take you to the top where there are two temples and a few other structures. We did not have enough time to climb up the rock and left it for another day and drove on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4KI0OA_Xa-XzH6LvhkUpPpDskkbGEjkI5xBPDM4u0nvUCRK5uy_FxrT3-UUwZmfqddBkK2cbDgc_MOv9AYxeS7SWonSsmRlAEwN6cF5quRkb_stKaiU4beg3FMU27sERiM8rOtSTxaum/s1600/HDR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4KI0OA_Xa-XzH6LvhkUpPpDskkbGEjkI5xBPDM4u0nvUCRK5uy_FxrT3-UUwZmfqddBkK2cbDgc_MOv9AYxeS7SWonSsmRlAEwN6cF5quRkb_stKaiU4beg3FMU27sERiM8rOtSTxaum/s400/HDR3.jpg" width="400" /></a>There is a Forest Department office and a watchtower at JBS and apart from the two there wasn't anyone or anything in sight initially. There were grasslands all around, the dried golden grass giving a nice contrast to the bright blue skies above. Apart from the vast plains of Deccan Plateau you can also see the Closepete granite hill chain that runs from Bellary to Ramanagaram. I had never seen such vibrant skies anywhere else, with prominent and well defined clouds hanging down from the blueness, almost touching the land at a distance. As we drove close to the gate we stopped to take some pictures and suddenly a pair of horns appeared along the horizon. As we watched in anticipation a lone male Blackbuck walked into view, proudly displaying his twisted horns and well tanned body. We were happy that we got to see a Blackbuck but the joy was shortlived as he sprinted out of sight in no time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErAuYkMGtEaWbEZbB3w2IbFmzmzM0kUn3QxvXyMl9SRaxRshgVzsc9Lx42MKC-P590HxMcigJdb4g_9eSkhC9eHYFs2DDrAwevExB_lFy1XUgbqZXYhrrDBwExAsaVCX31qaTU_ZDEyDn/s1600/Maidenahalli+Black+Buck+Sanctuary+4+June+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErAuYkMGtEaWbEZbB3w2IbFmzmzM0kUn3QxvXyMl9SRaxRshgVzsc9Lx42MKC-P590HxMcigJdb4g_9eSkhC9eHYFs2DDrAwevExB_lFy1XUgbqZXYhrrDBwExAsaVCX31qaTU_ZDEyDn/s400/Maidenahalli+Black+Buck+Sanctuary+4+June+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
At JBS you can park your vehicle at the watch tower and walk around the area or drive along the many paths that exist here. We took the second option, unaware of the dimensions of the park, and the mud roads looked inviting as well. It didn't take us much to encounter the first herd of bucks. There were at least 30 of them with 3 males leading from the front. We stopped the car and watched the group from close quarters as the bucks too obliged by hanging around for quite a while. This was just the beginning and we spotted many more herds as we sat down to have our packed lunch of tasty parottas. The whole experience was like the African safaris you see in the Tele, with vast grass lands and these exciting animals all around us. We ran around from tree to tree to get a closer picture without disturbing their grazing. We walked around the place quite a bit as well spotting some Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus) and other common birds.<br />
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It was fun.. like going back to those hunter-gatherer days of humankind... running around like kids, after a herd of antelopes. The monsoon clouds were thickening along the horizon and the sky turned dark, giving the planes and water bodies an interesting hue. We sat there watching the rain pouring down at a distance, and finally drove back to Bangalore before heavy rains hit the plains.</div>
</div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-38236701973974331732011-10-05T07:22:00.000-07:002011-11-26T19:25:04.475-08:00The Deutsche Philharmonie Merck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfn55EcNwFoOVTJPePXZMkAyJkXQ05za194GuKfIgBvBIgV_XhSmH1F3rRO8bxcUlfax9KUbPCTtp1wxkfmxyYYxWxrL5f-cVrM7WHqEb_osdireX-MhWZOs2wGFIrSyYDgfowdYV_fxx/s1600/Duestche+Philharmonie+Merck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfn55EcNwFoOVTJPePXZMkAyJkXQ05za194GuKfIgBvBIgV_XhSmH1F3rRO8bxcUlfax9KUbPCTtp1wxkfmxyYYxWxrL5f-cVrM7WHqEb_osdireX-MhWZOs2wGFIrSyYDgfowdYV_fxx/s640/Duestche+Philharmonie+Merck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another item ticked off my Bucket List. Watched a symphony live - The Deutsche Philharmonie Merck - at Chowdaiah Hall. 60 minutes of sheer musical brilliance!</div>
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Though I hadn't even heard before any of the pieces except two, they were all quite enthralling. Of the two I recognized, one was Brahms' Hungarian dance while I couldn't quite place the other one. The revelation of the day was "Leonore Overture No 3" by Beethoven. (I found out this later from the press release). Was quite an evening and the hall was crowded with people standing on either sides and even sitting in the aisle. Good that we got the passes (thanks to Sunil) and managed to reach the venue quite early to grab some seats!</div>
</div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com016th cross, Gayathri Devi Park Extension, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003, India13.006606655153357 77.57555723190307613.004672655153357 77.573089731903082 13.008540655153357 77.578024731903071tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-25530915017773469602011-09-24T09:46:00.000-07:002011-09-24T09:51:57.642-07:00My Experiences with Ruth - 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFTfJjHA56pj1DjRj2LROAHxFLLqKdZr4uHOxYDOqZv-x70-huCW9jWnBwO5VGH9trUrQfbDuclUqoe6XP6M9Yix6w6-gBtB1ZgNXMWAUUOJkQpl3r39qGfRQng0pVw0E48xLkr_IGAml/s1600/Experiences+with+Ruth+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFTfJjHA56pj1DjRj2LROAHxFLLqKdZr4uHOxYDOqZv-x70-huCW9jWnBwO5VGH9trUrQfbDuclUqoe6XP6M9Yix6w6-gBtB1ZgNXMWAUUOJkQpl3r39qGfRQng0pVw0E48xLkr_IGAml/s400/Experiences+with+Ruth+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Ruth:</b> Raindrops and roses and whiskers of kittens...</div>
Me: Aahaa!<br />
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<b>Ruth:</b> Bright colored kettles and warm woolen mittens..<br />
Me: Wow!<br />
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<b>Ruth:</b> Brown paper packages tied up with strings..<br />
Me: mmm...<br />
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<b>Ruth:</b> These are a few of my favorite things.. What do you like?<br />
Me: Egg Fried Rice<br />
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The End!</div>
attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-55444854586998429382011-09-18T10:02:00.000-07:002011-09-21T22:16:59.867-07:00Evolution...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXErwQVpAbdRy02dmQ8QVDlk_SDQFhE3YUdhIO-gx4fKGpKSSTq0oRnmkLXaUqMMHsD6gpnV6_o2K0nMpOK26n0B-BzDpmCknXJ7W_QadJZjOsm6ovP0Tm-mI1da7FnBgjNsAdLGlrBqfi/s1600/Machine+species.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXErwQVpAbdRy02dmQ8QVDlk_SDQFhE3YUdhIO-gx4fKGpKSSTq0oRnmkLXaUqMMHsD6gpnV6_o2K0nMpOK26n0B-BzDpmCknXJ7W_QadJZjOsm6ovP0Tm-mI1da7FnBgjNsAdLGlrBqfi/s320/Machine+species.png" width="302" /></a>We as a species depend on bacteria to run many of our life sustaining processes. If they refuse to cooperate one day, or stop doing what they do inside our body, the whole species would be gone in no time. This is not just our case, but every complex form of life survives with the help of some of these so called 'less complex' versions of life.</div>
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Let us extend this argument a little and apply it to another scenario - the symbiotic relationship between machines and human beings. The present day machines do need our help to survive, they are totally dependent on us for their existence. If we refuse to start them up or feed them fuel, they are also dead. The only difference is they can be resurrected once dead, if we so desire, unlike our deal with the bacteria.</div>
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So is it time to give machines the 'species' status and acknowledge their evolutionary advantage and better survival skills?</div>
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attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-7283266738875009282011-09-13T23:12:00.000-07:002011-09-13T23:12:54.622-07:00Mystic Talakadu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYgMVyg2kbgjPCiazLT6fIMtZuXpI_XnrPMZSv7fb-X4MSloci1NVoa0SvcZEWXVnxDxoRfbAY2pdzY5jjnY7oaqNb65H3wkZeYvKcLT4SCxyXTryQqIJ2Jd44Ji1Za9C2Xov2hacHl29/s1600/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpw9uisHqcjJjnAYVkEPrQFD5fRhGCUdmm0wTfEzkveBDmDPdhjFLmJ0D-gPyrR1zqYXMPLfwJuc6Sp2oW7nRm17n_gF3a6pXHedlhLwfqbBb111xBt5fTKhqnKRJkoWwLvoF-nV2lM4h/s1600/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpw9uisHqcjJjnAYVkEPrQFD5fRhGCUdmm0wTfEzkveBDmDPdhjFLmJ0D-gPyrR1zqYXMPLfwJuc6Sp2oW7nRm17n_gF3a6pXHedlhLwfqbBb111xBt5fTKhqnKRJkoWwLvoF-nV2lM4h/s400/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sand dunes amidst lush greenery, close to an otherwise life supporting river, hiding a couple of dozen temples, a palace and an entire township under it... the myth of a 600 year old curse that befell a village which was a cultural hub for centuries together, transforming it into arid landscape... excavated structures of architectural beauty that tell the story of the Chola, the Ganga, the Hoysala and the Wodeyar dynasties. How many more reasons do you need to visit a place? Talakadu, the temple town about 180 kilometers from Bangalore, had skipped our itinerary quite a few times when Sunil and myself bypassed it to other destinations like Somnathpur and Mysore. This time intrigued by the stories about the sand dunes and a weekend in hand, we decided to finally go there. We visited the beautiful twin waterfalls at Sivanasamudra, where Kaveri falls from a height of about 100 meters after flowing through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan plateau. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DqAV9cOF9KjPe5kULhXV76qnTq24DaBPy7XLX95q7Geaxc1tWbQ84vLVCCIjr1brQhQfFMueBrNNUYsiGFrzrPya6g3mHOztTlEPLqrzaXO9SnN8png7ZZgW7_ueRZoJUp8yLSA8A9i5/s1600/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DqAV9cOF9KjPe5kULhXV76qnTq24DaBPy7XLX95q7Geaxc1tWbQ84vLVCCIjr1brQhQfFMueBrNNUYsiGFrzrPya6g3mHOztTlEPLqrzaXO9SnN8png7ZZgW7_ueRZoJUp8yLSA8A9i5/s400/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There is something interesting for everyone in Talakadu - for the Spiritualist, the Historian, the Geologist, the Ecologist and the Rationalist. A sleepy village which is only as interesting as any other you see on the way, has but much more about it than it shows. This town used to be the epicenter of the Ganga dynasty and the proof of its past glory is all still there, but buried under 20 feet of sand. Famous for its Shiva temples, a land named after two hunters 'Thala' and 'Kadu', has about 30 temples and a palace buried in the sand. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is still busy locating, unearthing and recreating some of these. Three temples are open to devotees for worship while a fourth one is under reconstruction. It is a mystery how such huge amount of sand reached a place which is a kilometer away from the river Kaveri, and how it submerged the structures there. Like any other 'mystery' in India, there are some legends associated with this one as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo2bDogNUuvE6nKwRLBdTLRzu0Y3HGvrF0pY0B0LCw69ohR_vcXsBtJZwGC7OGnhoS6SsB0SGjESer8lwLNWEaOC2c-KBJdqDKcepeXkTFOniKtLL_ndHTj0PrRxNd68cjbPwix4eZi6p/s1600/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo2bDogNUuvE6nKwRLBdTLRzu0Y3HGvrF0pY0B0LCw69ohR_vcXsBtJZwGC7OGnhoS6SsB0SGjESer8lwLNWEaOC2c-KBJdqDKcepeXkTFOniKtLL_ndHTj0PrRxNd68cjbPwix4eZi6p/s400/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad3.jpg" width="400" /></a>There is the myth of a 600 year old curse associated with the present situation of Talakadu. The story has many slightly different versions, but the crux is somewhat like this- When Srirangapatna was under the rule of Vijayanagara empire, the king's representative there had to go to Talakad to offer worship in the temple, to cure himself of some disease. He passed away there and hearing this his wife Rangamma also moved to Talkad. The Wodeyars of Mysore took possession of Srirangapatna that time and the Wodeyar king wanted to get hold of some jewellery possessed by Rangamma. But she refused to give it and jumped into river Kavery with the jewels, at a village called Malingi near Talakad, after uttering three curses - "Let Talakad become sand ; let Malingi become a whirlpool ; let the Mysore Rajas fail to beget heirs." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYgMVyg2kbgjPCiazLT6fIMtZuXpI_XnrPMZSv7fb-X4MSloci1NVoa0SvcZEWXVnxDxoRfbAY2pdzY5jjnY7oaqNb65H3wkZeYvKcLT4SCxyXTryQqIJ2Jd44Ji1Za9C2Xov2hacHl29/s1600/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYgMVyg2kbgjPCiazLT6fIMtZuXpI_XnrPMZSv7fb-X4MSloci1NVoa0SvcZEWXVnxDxoRfbAY2pdzY5jjnY7oaqNb65H3wkZeYvKcLT4SCxyXTryQqIJ2Jd44Ji1Za9C2Xov2hacHl29/s400/Shivanasamudra+-+Talakad4.jpg" width="400" /></a>The interesting fact is that all the three curses kind of came true - the old Talakadu is now covered in sand, Mysore kings had difficulty in having male heirs and have adopted heirs for a while and there is in fact a whirlpool near Malangi! The only difference is that all these have alternate, perfectly rational explanations as well. Quite a few people have done research on this strange phenomena and have come up with plausible explanations. River Kauveri already had a whirlpool near Malangi, into which Rangamma jumped with the jewels, and Mysore kings having no male heirs is more a result of complications resulting from inbreeding as the adopted heirs were from close family relations. And the sand dunes of Talakad can be explained in Geological terms. (One impressive study was done by K. N. Ganeshaiah, a professor at School of. Ecology and Conservation, GKVK, Bangalore: http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/dec102007/1495.pdf).<br />
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There is an active fault on the earth's crust under the Kaveri basin, spread across Talakad, Shivanasamudra and Hogenakal which resulted in course shifting of the river by as much as 10 kms in the last several hundred years. Kaveri takes a few sharp right angled turns near Talakad, almost circling the village as it flows by. During floods water ignore these course corrections and flow straight into the village depositing good amount of sand on the extended banks. Once the flood water recedes, the exposed sand beds are open to the strong winds which is common in the area. The wind should have carried the sand over a long period to the village. To reduce this wind effect, Eucalyptus trees were planted all around, during the time of Diwan Vishveshvarayya of Mysore. The dancing tectonic plates around the fault also resulted in the entire Talakad village sinking way below the average ground level, making it easy for the winds to cover up the structures with sand. Even now ASI is trying hard to prevent the resurrected temples getting sucked inside, by the sinking land.<br />
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In spite of these rational explanations, Talkad will always remain a mystical place for devotees. As we walked around the place, at times standing on top of some submerged temple, we couldn't help admire the little wonders of nature and the even more amazing stories we weave around them. Soon atmosphere was filled with the quacking of a flock of Black Ibis. They were flying around the Eucalyptus trees, looking for a suitable roosting spot for the night. Probably some birds who preferred a historic backdrop to the roost than the boring wetlands at the neighboring Ranganthitu bird sanctuary!</div>
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attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-60966918951171925962011-08-07T10:23:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:45:45.001-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqzDSxXjUaAMOScF-mjBJYdLYI57iUOiNNCmH9VqOxyMqt5HhqgDWZRwrVJHhDaP6r-hg3th8YOU0OxpQz2KTdUjEYaXlnNAFe15KzSmRLaLv-v60hIftD-dJI8wiforbgCKQlsCMfq-i/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqzDSxXjUaAMOScF-mjBJYdLYI57iUOiNNCmH9VqOxyMqt5HhqgDWZRwrVJHhDaP6r-hg3th8YOU0OxpQz2KTdUjEYaXlnNAFe15KzSmRLaLv-v60hIftD-dJI8wiforbgCKQlsCMfq-i/s400/3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638167473891935906" border="0" /></a>Trips without fixed itineraries and much planning always throw up surprises; some pleasant, some otherwise. As we were traveling back to Jaipur that night, where the journey had started, we realized that we had a day in hand and not much to see in Jaipur. We had plans to visit Sambhar lake, but when the names Agra and the Taj Mahal came up in the discussion the decision was unanimous. We figured that if we could manage to start in an hour's time after reaching Jaipur, we could go visit the Taj and be back in time to catch 2-3 hours of sleep too, before heading to Sanganer to catch our morning flight to Bangalore. It was kind of a tight schedule, but then we thought it would be a fitting finale for an already eventful trip; the cherry on the cake! Thus plans were made for Agra by the time we 'slipped and slid into another dream'.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dCTORNAP7WjLZLhzoKTecXwJyU-NlXHOfo1ZvFu5xv-o3ngGVzBPpQSstnbC-6pP1vibq4oHgaVfMCLA39bl1cyzaMCcDqqO5TdPaCGu9FLgMwwVgYRBVEJnZGOpxM8vYFKiZY4S1KM_/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dCTORNAP7WjLZLhzoKTecXwJyU-NlXHOfo1ZvFu5xv-o3ngGVzBPpQSstnbC-6pP1vibq4oHgaVfMCLA39bl1cyzaMCcDqqO5TdPaCGu9FLgMwwVgYRBVEJnZGOpxM8vYFKiZY4S1KM_/s400/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638168182326460322" border="0" /></a>So according to the plan we rushed to 'Ganga Kripa' and Shailesh as soon as we got down at Jaipur, and asked him whether he can help us get a ticket on one of the morning buses. Rakesh Jain's clout once again helped us and in no time we had confirmed tickets and a rickshaw outside the hotel to take us to the bus station. We dumped our luggage in the office room as all the rooms were booked, picked up our cameras, brushed our teeth and used the restroom for the staff and were on our way to Agra in less than an hour! Agra is about 230 kilometers from Jaipur and it takes about 5 hours by ordinary bus. We pass the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) and Fatehpur Sikri on the way, two places to visit on another trip some day. Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal empire is a heavily populated city now and it shows. The number of people coming to visit the Taj makes the situation even worse.<br /><br />We hardly had a few hours to spend at the Taj before heading back to Jaipur and we were disappointed to see the long queue for tickets in front of the counters. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t0JMRsWtQX5KDWl1St00yHtBDb2uD7RgNyuHQHSc89nYi4_BuT4IzSzIyghYPq-XmDjxsrhaICjceOPSl3sPzvC18EuTZqaYQRR60BBmWX5j-vNj1Q1exwjwGTLaMtK_9Sppfl_sN-py/s1600/4.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t0JMRsWtQX5KDWl1St00yHtBDb2uD7RgNyuHQHSc89nYi4_BuT4IzSzIyghYPq-XmDjxsrhaICjceOPSl3sPzvC18EuTZqaYQRR60BBmWX5j-vNj1Q1exwjwGTLaMtK_9Sppfl_sN-py/s400/4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638168855806327794" border="0" /></a>The pace at which it kept moving made it even worse and the chances of an early entry looked impossible. But then there are always people around who knows the loopholes, and we met one such in the form of a guide. He agreed to get us in much sooner and we literally had no choice. He took us through some narrow streets, few flights of steps and some really filthy neighborhood to the South Gate of the complex. There were hardly anyone there; and though we were a bit afraid that his intentions were to steal our money in one of those shady black-holes, we found ourselves inside the complex with tickets in hand, in a matter of minutes! He had a nice mode of operation - he stands outside the complex, gets customers and pass them on to his counterpart inside the complex with tickets, who will take care of the 'guiding' part. Essentially the Marketing side of the business was independently functioning from the operational side of it!<br /><br />Set on a three acre raised platform by the river Yamuna, bordered by red sandstone walls on three sides, the Taj Mahal is probably what India is best known for, to the rest of the world. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCURyOunep79KAtGJjRs8a6RovKGLY3yebhcQIARMSdfHVw6VyyxJ6eP_wpSw5VXRLafsz-EC-m4COqWIZFaXMS_bbi_Dxcrpk4cCMMg8w7any6jKk5dbKLDq90ERIDolCg0ZZTW3ShJOn/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCURyOunep79KAtGJjRs8a6RovKGLY3yebhcQIARMSdfHVw6VyyxJ6eP_wpSw5VXRLafsz-EC-m4COqWIZFaXMS_bbi_Dxcrpk4cCMMg8w7any6jKk5dbKLDq90ERIDolCg0ZZTW3ShJOn/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638168439209673042" border="0" /></a>Apart from the gigantic tomb at the center of the building built in translucent white marble, the other thing that strikes your mind as soon as you walk in through the main gate is the symmetry of the whole complex. Our guide Akram, explained the history and the vitals of the monument with the help of a thousand numbers and dates. Apart from the fact that it took 20 years to build it with the help of a 15 kilometer long packed-earth ramp to carry the stones to that heights, nothing else registered in my mind. Taj Mahal is a 240 feet tall structure, almost as tall as a 25 stories building! Interestingly researchers are almost concluding the use of such long ramps in the making of the Egyptian pyramids as well. We took the customary snaps with Taj's reflection on the garden pools and moved forward. There was a long queue to get inside the tomb as well.<br /><br />Akram helped us in getting ahead of the queue and showed us around, the beautiful calligraphic inscriptions on the outer walls, the semi precious stones <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JyhHG1HFmtZs2Dzq_jCD2TqBKXtVna1Z0A-rN-pby3ayMuFn6Szjn5rijsWQzM8u29U0BICx37hB9YiWwbMJKaHfCsS3PKPAt4t4c1EAQw1ZaWnUr_MOjyE1cP80AKo8NSkEpRDL3KBo/s1600/6.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JyhHG1HFmtZs2Dzq_jCD2TqBKXtVna1Z0A-rN-pby3ayMuFn6Szjn5rijsWQzM8u29U0BICx37hB9YiWwbMJKaHfCsS3PKPAt4t4c1EAQw1ZaWnUr_MOjyE1cP80AKo8NSkEpRDL3KBo/s400/6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638169335780801090" border="0" /></a>engraved into the white marble and the unique acoustics of some of the chambers. He used the torch on his mobile phone to demonstrate the translucent nature of the marble and some of the precious stones, and also recommended a full moon night visit to the monument to see it in all its splendor. Limited number of people are allowed to enter the complex on full moon nights and that was news for us... got to try it the next time. The tombs of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan is right under the dome and in fact the differently sized tombs are the only asymmetric structures in the whole complex. The four minarets and the two mosques on either side and the Yamuna adds to the splendor of the Taj. It is also a wonderful sight to sit and watch the marble changing hues with the light of the sun.<br /><br />Akram also told us about some of the stories/myths associated with the Taj. You can see the foundation of a similar scale structure on the other <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wcoaV8S8BAk-er6VnQKgYv3RLI7hpctVECO_L1G4FRvRcCrrrgK5nWxHgrFQBjNDAU-4kIXUdRfBXHC45f5ZaWPprHfaSi0gS7lSLWxjzbf62Z42S_rPN0G8guBxFm5Owa1mLgzbJ7N9/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wcoaV8S8BAk-er6VnQKgYv3RLI7hpctVECO_L1G4FRvRcCrrrgK5nWxHgrFQBjNDAU-4kIXUdRfBXHC45f5ZaWPprHfaSi0gS7lSLWxjzbf62Z42S_rPN0G8guBxFm5Owa1mLgzbJ7N9/s400/5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638169101440440018" border="0" /></a>side of river Yamuna, which according to Akram was Shah Jahan's chosen site for building a black Taj for himself. Such an admirer of symmetry that he was, he wanted an exact replica across the river, but built in black marble. It was this spending spree - according to some - that provoked his son Aurangzeb to imprison him at the Agra fort and take charge of the state's affairs. We sat there for a while, watching the sun doing his bit of the beautification. A big group of saffron clad swamis came into the complex whose attire was a nice contrast to the backdrop of white marble. Like the favorite wife of an emperor dying after delivering the fourteenth child, for whom a monument of love in marble is created, is an irony in itself.<br /><br />As expected this was a fitting finale for the trip. Sowmy went directly to Delhi from there while Kannan and myself took a bus back to Jaipur in the evening. It took more than six hours for us to cover the distance and when we reached the hotel we hardly had 2 hours to sleep. Having done most of the sleeping on the bus we spent the last couple of hours remembering all the good moments, places and people we met over the last week or so. When you walk out of a place with a feeling that you are leaving a part of you there, then you know that you had a wonderful time there. Rajasthan with all its warmth and fun and excitement was much more than wonderful!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-18571953930194014792011-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:40:31.271-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkCV5JFis0w17Rvop8PCmcURWuSxWDNHMvEU-zo3aMZueF3EoXFCCO95CwXO_31Y7q-A4zqhVPX_cL1zzrWX5uEJOyyAX9pvrh1MXKhlpm15IMzxT7nBfUGq-zjbBMqQUkN5_Nj5tQxKj/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkCV5JFis0w17Rvop8PCmcURWuSxWDNHMvEU-zo3aMZueF3EoXFCCO95CwXO_31Y7q-A4zqhVPX_cL1zzrWX5uEJOyyAX9pvrh1MXKhlpm15IMzxT7nBfUGq-zjbBMqQUkN5_Nj5tQxKj/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637035005245616786" border="0" /></a>There are quite a few day trip possibilities from Udaipur - Ranakpur and Eklingji temples, Kumbalgarh and Chittorgarh forts, Jaisamand lake and Haldi Ghati to name a few. You can club some of them into a day's trip while some like Mount Abu needs more than a day. We decided on Ranakpur temples and Kumbalgarh fort for our day trip and started quite early that day. Ranakpur is almost 90 kilometers from Udaipur and the drive across rural Rajasthan in the company of Akbar Khan (Ph: 7742567154), our very knowledgeable and well traveled driver, was quite a delight. We got to see the other side of Rajasthan, the lush green fields and heavily vegetated countryside. We stopped by a waterwheel (Rehant well) to see an efficient way of getting water from wells using bullocks. A series of buckets attached to a belt is rotated using two wheels, and the water is redirected to various parts of the field through a network of canals, all without much manual intervention.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J09UfHkeo9m-sLPkrJ6YmXiS-XVWwerDxKyYk-Zav4-XgUAKYAKcZulc1ADKDbfL5CmYQa0500HNR5NQfPUIoRoGrGRvx_QdJiRcJJBlGr6Q9xkhWlN1zZsCulVrLzYOfa_m2Ybs6BdE/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J09UfHkeo9m-sLPkrJ6YmXiS-XVWwerDxKyYk-Zav4-XgUAKYAKcZulc1ADKDbfL5CmYQa0500HNR5NQfPUIoRoGrGRvx_QdJiRcJJBlGr6Q9xkhWlN1zZsCulVrLzYOfa_m2Ybs6BdE/s400/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637035105895082786" border="0" /></a>We stopped by a restaurant named 'Badal' on NH76, some 47 kilometers before Ranakpur, for breakfast and had some awesome parottas. They were so good that we packed our lunch also from there, parottas again! Ranakpur is in Pali district of Rajasthan and in the shades of the Aravalli range. Though the Jain temple built in white marble during the 12-13 century, is what Ranakpur is famous for, there is also a much older temple dedicated to the sun god. This one is much smaller compared to the main temple, but got some impressive craft work on its outer walls. Being a sun temple, all the gods are depicted as riding a chariot pulled by seven horses, representing the seven days of the week. Away from all the attention received by its bigger cousin, this temple is a tranquil place worth spending some time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKF5FTgSasGj-HwD_kUo71f7oyGNq6S1LIkIzm1UdezVPDT2TFIfsYl2PSnUzwIApzuACSro2MuPagtNNVO_x_NtSFb5J_DjGc0xKvd_ySYoERuHV1vbdG_LuC2X3SodR5LbjSbxvOr4Q/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKF5FTgSasGj-HwD_kUo71f7oyGNq6S1LIkIzm1UdezVPDT2TFIfsYl2PSnUzwIApzuACSro2MuPagtNNVO_x_NtSFb5J_DjGc0xKvd_ySYoERuHV1vbdG_LuC2X3SodR5LbjSbxvOr4Q/s400/3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637035224707825666" border="0" /></a>The Jain temple at Ranakpur is a celebration of architecture and craftsmanship, and is dedicated to Rishabha, first of the Jain Tirthankaras. This massive four-faceted structure by the banks of river Magai, is a breathtaking piece of work in marble, commissioned during the reign of Maharaja Kumbh. It has 1,444 marble pillars, each with unique carvings and designs from top to bottom. The sculptures and artwork on the walls and ceilings is an exhibition of the talent of the times. It was so beautiful that the next day when we stood in front of THE Taj Mahal all we said was "Oh Taj, so what!". Taj Mahal's beauty is all about the scale, the symmetry and the translucent marble used for construction, while the Ranakpur temple is all about fine masonry and excellent craftsmanship.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQOmH75GARGaVs4NLwlNLSZNpjUBdiriyBI1IXQ6LwcUsf6xAU5Xz5TGZtH3jRH9rLt2paX3FCFR3ttoc-h6QBLoxBZYIdVAG6Edg0nclExXUdrmeMkkZA1oIRjGa97d3fYDx2PSiWp0d/s1600/4.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQOmH75GARGaVs4NLwlNLSZNpjUBdiriyBI1IXQ6LwcUsf6xAU5Xz5TGZtH3jRH9rLt2paX3FCFR3ttoc-h6QBLoxBZYIdVAG6Edg0nclExXUdrmeMkkZA1oIRjGa97d3fYDx2PSiWp0d/s400/4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637035359446302562" border="0" /></a>You can wander about the many halls and shrines within the complex for hours. We spent close to four hours inside, going round and round, admiring the same statues on the walls, craning our neck to get a clear view of the beauties adorning the ceiling. You have to cover your legs upto the ankle before entering the temple. Unfortunately we all were in shorts and fortunately they supply pajamas in a counter outside the temple. When we finally returned the rented pajamas, the guy at the counter was surprised to see us and exclaimed what we were doing so long inside the temple! Looks like he is used to people running in and out of such a beautiful structure in a matter of minutes. There is an inscription on one of the walls here, left by an impressed Emperor Akbar, which says he will never allow the destruction of such a piece of art.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20hiqPGdLmXFEM9gBLL5ER3zEcrwmHxl7Mfa_b0CNOn0GbgudwNBbTi51P0al9UW0FF6EFeTFG6OA_UUKDPuSGYCPrzoxvuMBKg-ioDK1HvYXMUSDJswa1hCkLADlRAtR5yRtEWVL5g7F/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20hiqPGdLmXFEM9gBLL5ER3zEcrwmHxl7Mfa_b0CNOn0GbgudwNBbTi51P0al9UW0FF6EFeTFG6OA_UUKDPuSGYCPrzoxvuMBKg-ioDK1HvYXMUSDJswa1hCkLADlRAtR5yRtEWVL5g7F/s400/5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637035846942874626" border="0" /></a>Our next destination, Kumbalgarh fort, the birth place of the Maratha warrior prince Rana Prathap, is another 70 kilometers from Ranakpur. Built on a hilltop overlooking the Aravalli ranges and protected by 36 kilometers of perimeter walls and seven gateways, it is a formidable fort built by Raja Kumbh. It holds the record for having world's third longest continuous wall, after the Great Wall of China and another one in Iran. (Some argue that it is in fact the second longest) We regretted that we did not kept aside a full day for Kumbalgarh. There are more than 200 ancient temples within the fort walls, both Hindu and Jain. The fort is also very vast, with various chambers and shrines inside, that the couple of hours we spent there wasn't enough to get even a glimpse of everything.<br /><br />Once we left Kumbalgarh, it was a race against time. We had to collect some bags from the Udaipur city market - goodies to take home as advance payment for hassle free approvals for future trips - and then catch the night bus back to Jaipur. All went well and en-route we even hatched a plan to go visit the Taj Mahal the next day!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-4597174007136868522011-07-24T10:58:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:40:59.409-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcujZ9FmovYaPjvH_FLINejLWXyItZeMQJLtOHDwQsuTQzTDoPAwXZyUBY73eecZPI9ruDJqaCQtwfPeIsx9VwdKn4OkbxUZDbd64x57rSZCSfgae5ARuuwSncC2xz-YDLRuepRE2DDR6/s1600/8Jagdish+Temple%252C+Udaipur.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcujZ9FmovYaPjvH_FLINejLWXyItZeMQJLtOHDwQsuTQzTDoPAwXZyUBY73eecZPI9ruDJqaCQtwfPeIsx9VwdKn4OkbxUZDbd64x57rSZCSfgae5ARuuwSncC2xz-YDLRuepRE2DDR6/s400/8Jagdish+Temple%252C+Udaipur.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632984051112201266" border="0" /></a>We reached Udiapur early in the morning and without wasting much time dumped our bags in a hotel and started our city walk. Our first destination was Jagdish temple which is situated on a small hill in the middle of the buzzing marketplace. The 'poah' stalls on the way were just starting the day's business, and we had to cajole one of them into making us some quick breakfast. Jagdish temple is built in the Indo-Aryan style and is a beautiful piece of work. Devotees were rushing around the sanctum sanctorum for their morning 'darshan' and we sat there in a corner of the courtyard watching the commotion! We did get a chance to spend some time appreciating the sculptures and architecture once the rush subsided. The city palace complex at Udaipur is a short walk up hill from the temple, and it was our next destination.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The city palace is a complex with palaces built in and around the shores of lake Pichola. Only some of them are open to general public while others are run as heritage hotels now. The main palace was built as the center of activity of the Sisodia empire after they moved the capital from Chittor to Udaipur.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuCLxDeLySCKFRPvlwHBBraMIYXJpsQgj-HkaMtwsTng7ZRmJ9rG11p_jT0BIuA8uRne8Jxle9P1o9qVIxDDQOb7jkydsjAXFz5d7HI1FhNr5sgQ8a7NVBmMuKqOja6InYoz_0y5MNyY-/s1600/7Shiv+Nivas+Palace%252C+Udaipur.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuCLxDeLySCKFRPvlwHBBraMIYXJpsQgj-HkaMtwsTng7ZRmJ9rG11p_jT0BIuA8uRne8Jxle9P1o9qVIxDDQOb7jkydsjAXFz5d7HI1FhNr5sgQ8a7NVBmMuKqOja6InYoz_0y5MNyY-/s400/7Shiv+Nivas+Palace%252C+Udaipur.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632985024764891602" border="0" /></a> The complex was built in over 400 years by different rulers and it houses the government museum and the present royal family as well. In addition to the many treasures there is an enclosed garden also inside the main palace dedicated to the sun god, which gives an excellent view of the lake Pichola. You can easily spend a day inside the complex, lost in the beauty of the many structures and the exquisite collections. Tickets are also available inside, for a ride across the lake to the Lake Palace on Jag Niwas island.<br /><br />We took the boat near the Fateh Prakash palace and had a short trip to the Lake Palace hotel. You get to spend only about half an hour in this island palace, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM5JKz8mfxPvCjsTGySr2RTHg0QwtJIwDloLwHE22dcZIP8aLDclx3C6CBSVAflMDto7ScS8Vvxdvh30xlsCgP4_wVF_efYAFj9UnSFeEXX3yNW_a0lfBFPN7U24n3GJ50vS1-UVrFW9f/s1600/2lake+palace+at+Pichola.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM5JKz8mfxPvCjsTGySr2RTHg0QwtJIwDloLwHE22dcZIP8aLDclx3C6CBSVAflMDto7ScS8Vvxdvh30xlsCgP4_wVF_efYAFj9UnSFeEXX3yNW_a0lfBFPN7U24n3GJ50vS1-UVrFW9f/s400/2lake+palace+at+Pichola.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632985827762596690" border="0" /></a>from where you get some excellent views of the City Palace complex, the Jag Mandir, the Monsoon palace and the Aravalli ranges that encircle the city; not to mention the blue waters of the lake. The monsoon palace, otherwise known as Sajjan Garh is atop the Bansdara hill overlooking all the lakes and the countryside, and was too enchanting a sight to miss. So we decided to go visit the palace. We took a rickshaw till the entrance of the Sajjangarh wild life sanctuary. From here you have to either walk up the hill to the palace, or get into one of the taxis that ply up and down the hill. We took a taxi though with enough time in hand we would have loved to take a walk amidst the lush wilderness.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_0ANOoP40N0yP15OvLRH6MskmawBshHpmixmaxZGungQbWOorXgNgQPEZ9MYvsUCs4WC3UUUHZUrpXSqkwZYyPKWQCCoNptA64FTapW61JEMXkMN10DVc2bZpHjl0Q7XAfFT3Pfw-TUl/s1600/8View+from+Sajjangarh+fort.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_0ANOoP40N0yP15OvLRH6MskmawBshHpmixmaxZGungQbWOorXgNgQPEZ9MYvsUCs4WC3UUUHZUrpXSqkwZYyPKWQCCoNptA64FTapW61JEMXkMN10DVc2bZpHjl0Q7XAfFT3Pfw-TUl/s400/8View+from+Sajjangarh+fort.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632987439278289170" border="0" /></a>The Monsoon palace is an incomplete construction which rose to fame after getting featured in the James Bond movie 'Octopussy'. People in Udaipur are so thrilled about this, that even these days there are some cafes where the film is played all day! The Sajjan Garh palace offers beautiful views of the city and the lakes and the Aravalli ranges. Built as a resort for monsoon cloud watching and hunting, it is now maintained by the Forest department. We did not stay long enough to watch the sunset as we had other plans for the rest of the evening. We got back to the banks of Lake Pichola just in time for another spectacle. The waters of the lake and the city palace complex take up an enchanting saffron hue as the sun sets. We went to Hanuman ghat near Amet haveli and took our positions well in advance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGU2DYWHv6S6_j5zofMlVINA0AameP68qw4gChjk9-3hTpaUJgtvvR_jtGHxp4aFpeEWPfozuvFhuWPHg7vRsTvTGeFIjvD9LFrjNHrbBpeZJuFFrmswZCf4wEvq_shzyFZuIWujGF4bW/s1600/7Lake+Pichola+sunset.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGU2DYWHv6S6_j5zofMlVINA0AameP68qw4gChjk9-3hTpaUJgtvvR_jtGHxp4aFpeEWPfozuvFhuWPHg7vRsTvTGeFIjvD9LFrjNHrbBpeZJuFFrmswZCf4wEvq_shzyFZuIWujGF4bW/s400/7Lake+Pichola+sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632988193582352706" border="0" /></a>There were quite a few people gathered already around the ghat. Once the sun recedes after painting the waters red and darkness descends, the lights of the palace complex comes on. The brightly lit palaces along with the reflection on the lake is a view worth carrying home for keeps. We waited there till our stomach started complaining. It was time to check out some more Rajasthan delicacies. As suggested by many, we went to hotel Nataraj, on the station road, for dinner and had some awesomely delicious food. As was the case with Chokki Dhani, the only thing you can think of after having a full course Rajasthani dinner is sleep.. and sleep only. After arranging for an early morning pickup the next day, for a trip to Ranakpur and Kumbalgarh, we yielded to the temptation pretty early.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-25243139138008441882011-07-17T03:08:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:41:19.489-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5HeO9ErTqJTCHUvvjf4wrEwhdGkmQgokJxumOEgJTupLsRRqvwjkxCoZj8Q5Vkxx8vHP5GzUS3avkgdwDg4DcfkHFCRADi4YAVOMp_WYaT_4vItmCiqc8UA2eRPxgqPLciJBR8pgIbSn/s1600/Thar+sunrise.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5HeO9ErTqJTCHUvvjf4wrEwhdGkmQgokJxumOEgJTupLsRRqvwjkxCoZj8Q5Vkxx8vHP5GzUS3avkgdwDg4DcfkHFCRADi4YAVOMp_WYaT_4vItmCiqc8UA2eRPxgqPLciJBR8pgIbSn/s400/Thar+sunrise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630262959238867586" border="0" /></a>How do you like to wake up every morning? I know the 'in the hands of my beloved' track; but even that might sound a lot less romantic if the background score sounds like a fusion of the neighbor's mixer, the milkman yelling and vehicles honking on the road. That is why our Thar morning was so special, waking up to peacock calls amidst an otherwise complete silence! People in Rajasthan respect their animals and it was a common sight to find Blue Bulls roaming around in the Thaara-Meera or Ragi plantations. Om Prakash's dad was no exception and his morning routine included feeding a flock of peacocks who diligently come by the house and sound the morning alarm. These birds had grown so fearless that one of them was almost staring right at me from a fence by my bed. I did lie there for quite some time, admiring the mesmerizing colors of this awesome bird. The sun was slowly rising above the distant sand dunes, bringing the thatched huts back to life. The birds were busy having their breakfast as Om Prakash's dad stood there throwing grains all around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoa-C8mJeDm_dWf1Ryn6rjYH5QEkJwrOl2du9oPRt7BlTI4fN8rJaiqqBw9h9DhB4s4ZOgHEZswanDDF9bNZ3HTba8XAOxQwLEER5bwTm7r8U1UcA6TZu0zhjj84FEb4TpRxqaR1jbHMC/s1600/9993.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoa-C8mJeDm_dWf1Ryn6rjYH5QEkJwrOl2du9oPRt7BlTI4fN8rJaiqqBw9h9DhB4s4ZOgHEZswanDDF9bNZ3HTba8XAOxQwLEER5bwTm7r8U1UcA6TZu0zhjj84FEb4TpRxqaR1jbHMC/s400/9993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630263784098247218" border="0" /></a>After a sumptuous breakfast of Onion rotis and ginger tea we soon started our journey to one of the Bishnoi vilages near Osian. Omprakash also decided to accompany us this time. He goes to a school some six kilometers from his house and he walks all the way with his neighbor friend Nila. School has a different meaning for him and that day he decided to bunk school and join us on our journey. I envied the kid because he could make such a decision, and there was no fuzz about missing classes, dropping grades or falling behind peers. So he just tagged along, talking us through the various scenes and structures as we passed through some of the desert settlements. We met a couple of his friends on their way to school, who were happily singing "Ladai vadai naa karo, kothaka donga saaf karo" (Do not fight, but do clean the toilets after use) and running along the crest of the sand dunes. Om Prakash waved proudly at them from atop 'Manak' as we strolled past them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCSnGmLHHrKMkgpZ0egvs-wHHA9zYhxQ_l-qeyg3sZwey-J3fIKpygXtLGWla5cJ9JoSy5Ja0NTuA9WarhI7ZL7cQxgTFqQ8sHnOaqAwjWcaa_rQggKjIol6qUl_juZ5cNFTI8LhzWSD3/s1600/3Mandore+Cenotaphs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCSnGmLHHrKMkgpZ0egvs-wHHA9zYhxQ_l-qeyg3sZwey-J3fIKpygXtLGWla5cJ9JoSy5Ja0NTuA9WarhI7ZL7cQxgTFqQ8sHnOaqAwjWcaa_rQggKjIol6qUl_juZ5cNFTI8LhzWSD3/s400/3Mandore+Cenotaphs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630265739057839186" border="0" /></a>A little later Omprakash's big brother came with a few other travelers in his jeep and we swapped rides for the rest of the journey. The Bishnoi village of Kethasar was quite far from the place and the jeep safari helped us to cover the distance pretty quick. Bishnois consider themselves the caretakers of the land and the flora and fauna around them, and hence live in peaceful coexistence with them. Black bucks and Blue Bulls roam quite fearlessly amidst their thatched huts and farm lands. The otherwise endangered Black Buck owes a lot to this community for their existence in Rajasthan. We visited the house of a potter to see how he makes those beautiful earthen pots. The people were very friendly and happy to show us around their small but neatly kept houses. We left Osian to Jodhpur before lunch time and got down at Mandore, 9 kilometers before the city.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAPp0YFJ1s9sHiULwR7My58yEeDECuGbWd2bSYfEC4D0qDG_erNmzEoqmzhRuj9MedHrdH4juxVmoTG55ZveaPufN11ukLCpy6qPjohvJJftqgylalEgBrxzniOF1xzXpSmwqJLx8yVj/s1600/d.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAPp0YFJ1s9sHiULwR7My58yEeDECuGbWd2bSYfEC4D0qDG_erNmzEoqmzhRuj9MedHrdH4juxVmoTG55ZveaPufN11ukLCpy6qPjohvJJftqgylalEgBrxzniOF1xzXpSmwqJLx8yVj/s400/d.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630269493484975458" border="0" /></a>Mandore used to be the capital of the Marwar kingdom, and is now famous for the fort and the Cenotaphs there. Mandore cenotaphs, built in memory of warrior kings of the erstwhile Marwar empire, are exquisite pieces of architecture. Though they are 'empty tombs' made in memory of dead people, they look more like a display of the architectural prowess of the times. There are memorials as well as temples spread across the many gardens. You find a lot of Gray langurs here as well, sharing the space with musicians and tourists. You will find a lot of talented musicians playing the "Ravan Hattha" in and around the gardens. There is something so soothing about the instrument that we wanted to spend a few hours there, just sitting and listening to them playing. But as we had to visit the Mehrangarh fort before leaving for Udaipur that night, we quickly grabbed some lunch and took a rickshaw to Jodhpur city.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvnJPLfFFKZMuptS3-JE1FOsL56TJVX-QV3PWoBJKU8qs9UihT2kdfp3sSXnGrWh366j1WVuzlAu57u3ewHyJP51JMsGXDa8yztQKtaKjpXxM7tWL6W-uPDuNAbv7IyFRzwUcUrdifN0D/s1600/7Mehrangarh+fort.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvnJPLfFFKZMuptS3-JE1FOsL56TJVX-QV3PWoBJKU8qs9UihT2kdfp3sSXnGrWh366j1WVuzlAu57u3ewHyJP51JMsGXDa8yztQKtaKjpXxM7tWL6W-uPDuNAbv7IyFRzwUcUrdifN0D/s400/7Mehrangarh+fort.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630266064655168066" border="0" /></a>If you can visit only one place in Jodhpur, then I think that should be Mehrangarh fort, a magnificent structure erected on a hill and surrounded by formidable granite walls. This fort was built by one of the Rathore kings, When the capital of Marwar was shifted from Mandore to Jodhpur. I don't think even a full day is enough to walk around the fort and admire the many treasures there. This is one of the largest forts in India and is also a classic example of the enviable luxuries enjoyed by the kings those days. No, I am not just talking about the many beautiful wives, but the Palanquins, jewellery, sculptures and other artifacts you get to see in the fort museum. You also see the palm imprints of the queens on the walls, who committed 'Sati' by jumping into the king's funeral pyre. In spite of all the luxuries enjoyed during life, such an unfortunate death awaited those beautiful ladies!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F1jgcfvxf-NKmeptLJ_a-3XbYNuSlxVuGJ8-gIt2FO2GxoBh0ENhdusdRT2HPAouBF9f8hewkQvBA_ONwF_tvcNbiGgufKzcCaC34XW3aTk4sHKD6w0YCAfy6IiVbAPpeNNPPPevtnp7/s1600/e.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F1jgcfvxf-NKmeptLJ_a-3XbYNuSlxVuGJ8-gIt2FO2GxoBh0ENhdusdRT2HPAouBF9f8hewkQvBA_ONwF_tvcNbiGgufKzcCaC34XW3aTk4sHKD6w0YCAfy6IiVbAPpeNNPPPevtnp7/s400/e.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630266436402322178" border="0" /></a>The winding stairways, the many treasures stored, and the exquisitely designed rooms with stained glass windows and mirrors makes the museum in the fort a must watch for art & history lovers. There are huge cannons kept on the rooftop and the terrace offers some nice views of Jodhpur city as well. The famous Umaid Bhavan Palace, which is a hotel now, is also visible from there. We wanted to see the palace but there wasn't enough time. After spending a wonderful afternoon in and around at Mehrengarh, we got back to the city and took a bus to Udaipur at 10 in the night.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> </a></span><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-5399964846723687462011-07-04T08:35:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:42:41.392-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4n7FFGBRiYwJktv7bJDI4tyY_-Cr2-gYmexKonv1EroTi82HXmrF4-iyupN5NfUDp0eaYeVje8g4_ATMf0A_pzmpMM_3_nk1ra0A_il7Xnv56q4oaZWk43zvZjGAs52eNaLxs_z_25lh/s1600/999.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4n7FFGBRiYwJktv7bJDI4tyY_-Cr2-gYmexKonv1EroTi82HXmrF4-iyupN5NfUDp0eaYeVje8g4_ATMf0A_pzmpMM_3_nk1ra0A_il7Xnv56q4oaZWk43zvZjGAs52eNaLxs_z_25lh/s400/999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625522954150688866" border="0" /></a>We woke up to a beautiful morning at Jodhpur. Our plan was to cover a few places outside town the first day and explore Jodhpur the next day. Though Rajasthan is at times called the region of death, 'Marushtali', owing to the Thar desert, most of us go there to see this very arid landscape. No different was our situation and we headed out to Osian early in the morning. Osian is an oasis in the Thar, 65 kilometers from Jodhpur towards Bikaneer. Lacking time to include Bikaneer in the itinerary, Osian was our best bet to get a feel of the desert. Camel safaris are available from Osian which takes you into the Thar and let you spend a night in one of the camps or huts there.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLjtRHGi3p4_JX6QHegfeGXN9HMVuaIwlEFTkmZainlTaS036I_-5l-DLvsLLtzHV4DTWJcAKiy7O1f0l4XwpowQCbmp7jaABdZtROoxl7J_JfSvkVGNql56KZMTc7kYT2oWmxkQCA9WB/s1600/j.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLjtRHGi3p4_JX6QHegfeGXN9HMVuaIwlEFTkmZainlTaS036I_-5l-DLvsLLtzHV4DTWJcAKiy7O1f0l4XwpowQCbmp7jaABdZtROoxl7J_JfSvkVGNql56KZMTc7kYT2oWmxkQCA9WB/s400/j.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625523457342534370" border="0" /></a>There are frequent buses available from Jodhpur to Osian from the main bus station. Osian is also famous for the two ancient temples, one Jain temple and the other dedicated to Sachayi Matha. Both are exquisite pieces of architecture worth spending some time at. The most famous personality in Osian is Babloo guide, whom we met as soon as we got down at Osian. He arranges camel safaris and has been mentioned in articles written in Lonely Planet and Outlook Traveler. Soon we struck a deal with him for a safari and a night halt inside the desert. Having half the day to spend at the temples, we soon headed out to the Sachayi Matha temple. The temple is situated on a hill on the either side of the road to the Jain temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmly-YQ10bVNLzh767L8clBJa0D3Lk5aUbBi6TVSdz6EL3IuADlanGCZao2Xk-WxPQsx2BCZZB2eeFa61Ij0ExlA4H3P7LJzkIylwkm9d5TMSEwHyf8WBhLnHGbcFny9iRRKi5_NCk9wnL/s1600/99992.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmly-YQ10bVNLzh767L8clBJa0D3Lk5aUbBi6TVSdz6EL3IuADlanGCZao2Xk-WxPQsx2BCZZB2eeFa61Ij0ExlA4H3P7LJzkIylwkm9d5TMSEwHyf8WBhLnHGbcFny9iRRKi5_NCk9wnL/s400/99992.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625523737575407298" border="0" /></a>The temple, supposedly dedicated to Sachi, one of the wives of lord Indra, is a place of worship for both Hindus and the Jains. The temple complex is pretty big with awesome views of the distant sand dunes and Rodea trees adorning the courtyard. The carvings on the ceiling are truly fabulous and the outer walls are full of well detailed sculptures of Hindu and Jain deities. The guide who accompanied us had already fled the scene suggesting that we spend way too much time at every point; he is probably used only to the slam-baam-thank you mam kinda tourists. Anyway, we were better off without him as we could linger around the amorous figures as long as we wanted! We even found a villain figure with resemblance to Shrek, which made us hypothesize that the story of Ogres originated in India.<br /><br />After spending quite some time there we walked towards the Jain temple. This one is in no way behind the Sacahayi Matha temple in terms of architectural splendor. There are a few serpentine figurines portrayed all along the outer walls and there is even a small shrine dedicated to the entwined serpents or dragons or whatever they are. Time flies when you are roaming amidst these ancient monuments and we soon realized that we had to catch some lunch before reporting for the safari. Fortunately we found a brightly colored house just outside the temple where they serve lunch on request and we barged in without further delay. After a simple but tasty Rajasthani lunch we headed out with Babloo to a place just outside the village center, to meet our ride for the rest of the day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYF9RM5vb2jwyySd9P3AyrBr7_aT4zzwpTeNyGzFNmWKkpyAmiouZSAm2ZICYy_adPEd1Z6eaNpo-iwSTq2w70_fGyJEqZPTJKEEyFnTMj16uanGJBPh9pe92G_VdILt2IkruWCSwCgSj/s1600/99994.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYF9RM5vb2jwyySd9P3AyrBr7_aT4zzwpTeNyGzFNmWKkpyAmiouZSAm2ZICYy_adPEd1Z6eaNpo-iwSTq2w70_fGyJEqZPTJKEEyFnTMj16uanGJBPh9pe92G_VdILt2IkruWCSwCgSj/s400/99994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625524146505309442" border="0" /></a>Mahipal and his elder brother Rajesh were ready with the camels when we reached there. One of the camels 'Heera -The Diamond' was quite a celebrity since some article on him got published in some travel magazines. But he had none of the egos we normally associate with celebrities. The other two camels Manak and Pappu-Don were equally fabulous animals. Soon we started our journey and it was quite an experience. You have to hold on firmly to the animal when it sits down and gets up as you are lurched forward when it stands up on its hind legs first. You also need to get used to the rocking motion as they move and let your body sway with it than trying to be stiff. The guys we were riding on were quite well behaved animals, except for an occasional charge towards a low hanging branch of the Khejri tree. Mahipal was quite a talkative kid who kept on talking throughout the journey about life in the desert.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F5ZZitxoTNhyphenhyphenay54A1NNV5GOWvDiNOAU6Pwr-sZcWAw5sm9J64Vhh_ISSb7tP8w7n9FH7xYzbxTEZLCBAt4FwW8G6wvyG-D_O2VRiZK5w4A7A11OOwd28zNucCYFUu7IMxVMMrg_LM4N/s1600/9Tha+Thar.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F5ZZitxoTNhyphenhyphenay54A1NNV5GOWvDiNOAU6Pwr-sZcWAw5sm9J64Vhh_ISSb7tP8w7n9FH7xYzbxTEZLCBAt4FwW8G6wvyG-D_O2VRiZK5w4A7A11OOwd28zNucCYFUu7IMxVMMrg_LM4N/s400/9Tha+Thar.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625523953211063970" border="0" /></a>As we marched on the vegetation grew thinner and sand dunes took their place. There were occasional shrubs and Khejri trees with Black Bucks and the Blue Bulls running amidst them. We also spotted few quails and peacocks running across the camel trail. Apart from these the only other inhabitants were the desrt rats who peeped from their tiny holes and went down the instant they spotted the caravan. We stopped by Mahipal's elder sister's house on the way for some hot tea and red carrots. We reached a big sand dune by evening and decided to watch the sunset from there. Mahipal's house, our night halt, was visible at a distance from there. Leaving us there to spend some time playing with the sand Mahipal and Rajesh went home taking the camels with them. We ran up and down the dunes and posed for pictures with the dunes and the setting sun in the background.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFSpeQuBJ9jAWdAlX_sTnW3kexSOwGpyNNKA-2HSoWT0OQ_OhYyyFj6fFFsNkzkpfMIv170_l-1KhCvDb7WFNHqirEO8U475Wb7Q4cSpL9CyI8Wfp-armv8eI1-oX8FJAPVc8rb8jo5gc/s1600/8Sunset+at+Thar.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFSpeQuBJ9jAWdAlX_sTnW3kexSOwGpyNNKA-2HSoWT0OQ_OhYyyFj6fFFsNkzkpfMIv170_l-1KhCvDb7WFNHqirEO8U475Wb7Q4cSpL9CyI8Wfp-armv8eI1-oX8FJAPVc8rb8jo5gc/s400/8Sunset+at+Thar.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625524389399192578" border="0" /></a>By the time we reached the house Mahipal's elder brother and Dad were also back from work. His family consists of his mom, an elder brother and an elder sister as well. We were offered cold beer, an offer quite tempting to reject in-spite of the chill that had befallen the desert as the night walked in. Lying down in desert sand, sipping beer and watching the multitude of stars in the open sky.. this is truly the stuff dreams are made of. After a simple but tasty dinner with the family we decided to sleep out there in the open. As I snuggled into the comfort of the mattresses I envied the life of the people in the deserts, in-spite of the all the perils they might have in their daily life. I was soon overcome with the satisfaction of a day well spent and in no time sleep was over me!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> </a></span><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-53066878702857822872011-07-02T23:18:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:42:53.306-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXnC_uAf7Bzj-uF-KrU8XI-kApEztzG8VuvVbM7yHSat4Nl2P63VkaU5a7bL12aBe5znkubdLxDOSvlYfUM5xIin5v2Jn5reNs-OPU_HGZN9akJ_9E2S_80ojQvb4jHOX2xelWbREkX2S/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXnC_uAf7Bzj-uF-KrU8XI-kApEztzG8VuvVbM7yHSat4Nl2P63VkaU5a7bL12aBe5znkubdLxDOSvlYfUM5xIin5v2Jn5reNs-OPU_HGZN9akJ_9E2S_80ojQvb4jHOX2xelWbREkX2S/s400/IMG_0464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625016133714438994" border="0" /></a>Spotting the ultimate beast in its natural surroundings was one of the items on my <a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-bucket-list.html" target="_html">bucket list</a> for long. Ranthambhore figured in the Rajasthan itinerary precisely to fulfill this desire only. One of the well known tiger sanctuaries nestled in the valley where the Aravallis meet the Vindhyas, I had read many a stories about travelers encountering these fearless beasts there. So if I say that I woke up with stripes in my brain and mind, it is definitely not an understatement. Though the sanctuary is a few kilometers from Sawai Madhopur, the forest office from where the safari tickets are issued is just outside the town. Charged with anticipation, we woke up quite early and reached the forest office at 5:30 in the morning and met Rajesh, the contact arranged by Rakesh Jain.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuvqTSDqAbdxPSNgcmMUyo71gFrgm-K7zW0v0HzNrrcWxQMbStbMrMDat5uRZ7xwbDdC4gM0X0U_B8l6_0qMwgHzUygFDR1HFr6aYhycxDE_q1SRhex_zrDbr1uHxL8IynTCMFHZyZWJG/s1600/9998.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuvqTSDqAbdxPSNgcmMUyo71gFrgm-K7zW0v0HzNrrcWxQMbStbMrMDat5uRZ7xwbDdC4gM0X0U_B8l6_0qMwgHzUygFDR1HFr6aYhycxDE_q1SRhex_zrDbr1uHxL8IynTCMFHZyZWJG/s400/9998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625018894535651762" border="0" /></a>Ranthambhore sanctuary is divided into different zones for the purpose of tiger safari and only a limited number of vehicles - gypsies & canters - are available in each zone. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the reserve, thank goodness for that! Some of the zones, for example 1 and 2, are considered the best ones for spotting the striped beast and hence there is a rush to get tickets for these. Though the tickets are supposed to get allotted in random, if you know the right people you can get tickets to the right zones. We did not get tickets for the gypsies, but we did get them for zone 1 with the help of Rajesh. The morning tea tasted much better after securing the tickets and by 6:15 we started with 12 others in the canter. Rajendar had reached the forest office early enough to ensure that we get the tickets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAkyJoYyuXpzuFJ7rwYkQxe01RqhaIdR4de0ksjh0QXVEv9cm-X4AkBF458FdRzU3k6M0tYulWI9gPg5FIdCuwfkhYtE2nkSUgcj3HrxO7HLCdSZD5Xt6lzuqWSohC8IbPU77yIKnEa2w/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAkyJoYyuXpzuFJ7rwYkQxe01RqhaIdR4de0ksjh0QXVEv9cm-X4AkBF458FdRzU3k6M0tYulWI9gPg5FIdCuwfkhYtE2nkSUgcj3HrxO7HLCdSZD5Xt6lzuqWSohC8IbPU77yIKnEa2w/s400/IMG_0448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625017444416827330" border="0" /></a>The safari was like a card game, in spite of having the best hand we did not win the game.. his highness the striped beauty did not turn up! Perhaps he decided to have an extended nap; can't blame him considering the chill in the morning air. The 3 hour journey was through exciting terrains, and we spotted herds of Spotted Deer, Sambhars and Nilghai. There were quite a few early riser birds too - the Jungle Babblers, Lapwings, Cormorands, and a white owl. Like many other places in Rajasthan we found that the Tree Pies were quite fearless here also. Unlike their shy cousins down south, they flew around the low hanging branches which were literally inches away from our heads. We waited around the waterholes for quite a while, expecting a tiger to come out of the bushes to have a drink, but all we got to see were the crocodiles and an occasional herd of Sambhars.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncEo1FPaSp7CJ5WmLYaWrLa20ddECEgu1vN7lCvElv7PY9x9cAYMeTiVEVc9epqChDn7akZQsL4Zd4KHsDd8wyS0lS_J6jI9eyWpbLOyTsnvWalgo5nKGzYTUU3ntFTTX5DzKDLtZPFFt/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncEo1FPaSp7CJ5WmLYaWrLa20ddECEgu1vN7lCvElv7PY9x9cAYMeTiVEVc9epqChDn7akZQsL4Zd4KHsDd8wyS0lS_J6jI9eyWpbLOyTsnvWalgo5nKGzYTUU3ntFTTX5DzKDLtZPFFt/s400/IMG_0474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625026954164154546" border="0" /></a>Adding to the hurt some co passengers started telling their own tiger stories, how a tiger smiled at them the last time, how close it came the day before that they could smell its sweat, and so on. Though initially I felt like stuffing deer shit in their mouths, I realized I would have blabbered quite the same way if I had ever spotted a tiger! I would have dedicated one full paragraph in this post to describe how I had goosebumps when the tiger stared at me and all that. So I patiently listened to the stories. The driver told us that there are only 30 odd tigers in the sanctuary and spotting one is not an easy thing. Barring the tiger disappointment, the safari was enjoyable and by the time we got back we were damn hungry. We had to catch the 2:30 train to Jodhpur and we hardly had enough time to catch some brunch, vacate the room and rush to the station.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeCDzwEHrUag87Yk_9xV15PDgb2KHlvJIvZJ5Cx5buyoFrlghqoNaXaPUNyT3TFa6RGmxdHLwbmwHoqk8RUt0PgLAgwvurK2jTePuWIUzd_uOP2KU_A_Vc77WquubWU6sHYbE9HXcCE75/s1600/IMG_0511.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeCDzwEHrUag87Yk_9xV15PDgb2KHlvJIvZJ5Cx5buyoFrlghqoNaXaPUNyT3TFa6RGmxdHLwbmwHoqk8RUt0PgLAgwvurK2jTePuWIUzd_uOP2KU_A_Vc77WquubWU6sHYbE9HXcCE75/s400/IMG_0511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625027344315910210" border="0" /></a>It is an eight hour journey by train from Sawai Madhopur to Jodhpur via Jaipur, Sambhar and Makrana. Sambhar salt lake looked beautiful as the setting sun cast its spell over its waters. We would have loved to get down at Sambhar to see the Flamingos but time constraints forced us to keep it for the next trip. In the train we met Mukesh, who was traveling back to his hometown near Makrana from Jaipur. Overhearing our exclamatory comments on Rajsathan and the people there, he decided to join in the conversation. He was an interesting chap who told us stories about the haunted town of Bhangarh, the marble industry of Makrana, shape shifting ghosts in his native village and so on. Had we agreed he would have taken us to his village to prove us that ghosts indeed exist and they are not just figments of imagination! It is always good to have local company during long journeys like these, as you get to know interesting aspects of places you pass through.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwx8fBSUjykiavIp84tDYyXQM-STb8lsuxlOm-s9fEAdo0vWrb_e6oy3iH-nh2QtuXDcZ03X-Zj-FnfY-KJVBQHY-3mHTHGFq9MZHUgG0y2FGj7ROh5u96U5Ko3uh-x3VlzNS8czBfzoT/s1600/Jodhpur+morning.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwx8fBSUjykiavIp84tDYyXQM-STb8lsuxlOm-s9fEAdo0vWrb_e6oy3iH-nh2QtuXDcZ03X-Zj-FnfY-KJVBQHY-3mHTHGFq9MZHUgG0y2FGj7ROh5u96U5Ko3uh-x3VlzNS8czBfzoT/s400/Jodhpur+morning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625027680496497458" border="0" /></a>Finally we reached Jodhpur by 10:30 and found an interesting hotel 'Shanti Bhavan', right across the railway station. This was an old haweli of the local administrator which was converted into a hotel later. It had more than 50 rooms at three levels! We got a nice three-bed room with a huge balcony overlooking the busy street and the railway station at Rs.600 a night. It was a nice sight to watch the moon shining right above the clock tower of the station with a beer in hand! We had dinner at a nearby hotel named Kalinga and it was a rip off; but we hardly had any choice at that time of the night. With another exciting day in the offering, we soon retired to the room. To spot the striped beast in the jungle, still remains an item on my wish list!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> </a></span><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-50825715816921372232011-07-01T09:07:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:43:05.520-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqfUrB1LVt_SbUL4z1_zTWs3TZBs20Wo_lovxPqTE9-h1Uz8D3qcCP5CSEU-50noD_MkiaIWdFA0Yg4f5ZDO242wbSQgsSuKeRvZCx66KlusA6tHj8ZUTCDgaDRdTawwNIQK2IScZkQ04/s1600/995.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqfUrB1LVt_SbUL4z1_zTWs3TZBs20Wo_lovxPqTE9-h1Uz8D3qcCP5CSEU-50noD_MkiaIWdFA0Yg4f5ZDO242wbSQgsSuKeRvZCx66KlusA6tHj8ZUTCDgaDRdTawwNIQK2IScZkQ04/s400/995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624418001029361618" border="0" /></a>Jaipur, the Pink City as it is often referred as, is a wonderful place to walk around. It is one of the best planned cities in the country, where the entire space is divided into six quarters linked by wide roads and walkways. Most of the buildings are still painted in Pink, and even the name boards of shops are all in black font on a white background. There is an underlying order to the structures and activities, in spite of the filth and crowd that has come about with modern times. Even after Shailesh's warnings that we cannot walk and see the city but to take a cab, we decided to give it a shot and walked into the Tripolia street.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl_dZKrrJXhm7VkXlU208AID00OcNPrif3I5Te33rBOCS-d6PvkUNUhUpRKXj9tV10vF2b1aA5CQ6XqULnrLFSTv_riZJklcEx9T2mLTe3adtXeJUCEbzJXznK3ckXMC40FvhNxO59mwV/s1600/9997.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl_dZKrrJXhm7VkXlU208AID00OcNPrif3I5Te33rBOCS-d6PvkUNUhUpRKXj9tV10vF2b1aA5CQ6XqULnrLFSTv_riZJklcEx9T2mLTe3adtXeJUCEbzJXznK3ckXMC40FvhNxO59mwV/s400/9997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624419616497198530" border="0" /></a>Passing the shops selling ironware and brass-ware we came across a Krishna temple. Taking a flight of steps we stepped into the courtyard and the priest there was happy to invite us in. He even let us climb on to the terrace by a stairway behind the temple which also doubles up as his house. He had an art & crafts store operating adjacent to the temple and he showed us the fastest moving item in his collection - palm leaf scrolls with Kamasutra paintings on them. A priest selling Kamasutra as memorabilia by the temple, that is today's Jaipur for you! We then walked towards Hawa Mahal, another landmark structure in Jaipur. Built to look like a honeycomb, with more than 900 windows, this is another example of royal eccentricity. Story is that this beautiful palace was built for the royal women to watch the festivities on the street!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qN6r2ASyQ9hhXLxLoIHN16e1Bj2fQYIGEDshCutxv0dR4wZHmJuFZjcCACR7vNYtaKS2Xn_-leHaDhiK1bNpHZ8N0d38IE-FydBXoT1YkwmC16TFc3tLnzvFzVZw1MVc906iMpq7vs4C/s1600/91Hawa+Mahal%252C+Jaipur.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qN6r2ASyQ9hhXLxLoIHN16e1Bj2fQYIGEDshCutxv0dR4wZHmJuFZjcCACR7vNYtaKS2Xn_-leHaDhiK1bNpHZ8N0d38IE-FydBXoT1YkwmC16TFc3tLnzvFzVZw1MVc906iMpq7vs4C/s400/91Hawa+Mahal%252C+Jaipur.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624420083432901458" border="0" /></a>Bang at the heart of the commercial area, built of red sandstone, this five storied building is a formidable structure and provides a good view of the city and Jantar Mantar, our next pit stop. It is an understatement to say that Raja Jai Singh, the king who built Jantar Mantar was an Astronomy enthusiast. You should see the elaborate structures in the observatory for predicting eclipses, position of planets etc to understand his serious interest in the topic. This is the largest of the many Astronomical observatories he built across his empire and it also houses the world's largest sundial, standing 27 meters tall. Local astronomers use these instruments even now, to predict local weather.<br /><br />In the morning as we came out of the rooms at the hotel, Rakesh Jain was waiting to give us his daily dose of expert opinions and tips. Hearing that our plan was to leave Jaipur that evening for Ranthambore Tiger sanctuary, he sent a man out to fetch Rajendar. The nearest railway station to Ranthambore is Swai Madhopur and Rajendar was a native of Sawai Madhopur who had a mechanical shop in Jaipur. Rakesh arranged for Rajendar to get tickets for the evening train and accompany us to Ranthambore. In spite of our best efforts to discourage this arrangement, Rakesh insisted that we should take Rajendar along, as he is very resourceful around there, and indeed he was! A jolly good fellow who sweetens up after having a peg or two in the evening, Rajendar readily agreed to the proposition and asked us to meet him at the Railway station that evening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw-_9EmhLfnWnklUkXcuycXaoo5iQblP60oAnDvP_re_oOqMxASy3_xH1Rk9C8DYdrg6TRG9Jk4U88s_a-x35OwAf2tY61l1qiE2K4Fh_of-XFPb8HeDVEa_aXyMrEiei7aFcNvY8DTkH/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw-_9EmhLfnWnklUkXcuycXaoo5iQblP60oAnDvP_re_oOqMxASy3_xH1Rk9C8DYdrg6TRG9Jk4U88s_a-x35OwAf2tY61l1qiE2K4Fh_of-XFPb8HeDVEa_aXyMrEiei7aFcNvY8DTkH/s400/IMG_0421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624421225038812482" border="0" /></a>So after visiting Jantar Mantar we vacated the hotel room and by that time Rajendar came with the tickets. It is a 2 hours train journey from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur and the train was crowded like hell. We managed to get in with much difficulty, but the journey was comfortable unlike we expected. We reached Sawai Madhopur by 7 in the evening and soon realized Rajendar is indeed a Lion in his home turf. Everyone from the cobbler on the street to the shop keeper knew him and exchanged pleasantries with him. He was kind of a somebody out there, someone who made it to the big city and making a living there. He showed us around and introduced us to some of his 'important' friends. He walked into an eye-wear shop, picked up a sunglass and told the shopkeeper that he will try it for a while and pay afterwards.. now you get the picture!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95QCQ6WIC7T3ejDVEzoYWJYHOkKjgKirRRpILeDknIawpSWUsugkFxvdXXOfld_176ZhMDn9ClfwAlefChhoVcRi8Ycr9y6dFYZ4fiJ1C0P_-H05wsOi1KmAdIk8FTJhMcRb8a7GcRUOE/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95QCQ6WIC7T3ejDVEzoYWJYHOkKjgKirRRpILeDknIawpSWUsugkFxvdXXOfld_176ZhMDn9ClfwAlefChhoVcRi8Ycr9y6dFYZ4fiJ1C0P_-H05wsOi1KmAdIk8FTJhMcRb8a7GcRUOE/s400/IMG_0321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624425323529701730" border="0" /></a>We wanted to take the tiger safari at Ranthambore park the next day morning and we did not have tickets. But Rakesh had got us in touch with the manager of one of the resorts at Ranthambore, who could arrange tickets for us. Rajendar also agreed to come with us to collect the tickets early morning the next day. So after putting us in a hotel he left to meet his friends for dinner. we had to get up at 4 the next morning, walk up to the forest office 2 kilometers away, meet a person there to collect the tickets and then go for the safari at 6. With such a busy day on the cards, we did not waste much time to hit the sack and in no time we were roaming with tigers and deer in our dreams. Rajendar was also somewhere there.. wearing his cool new shades and riding a tiger!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> </a></span><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-81123295747678885172011-06-28T12:34:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:43:18.012-07:00Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBp5EX3cOK230NMHCPD3L17y6OHguA6OMY3VSsitSPPzxiqIbq96pkUCMtzHFBRuACrteiVtqwBOneJ_pG3SDOml2-L7z7tnuTqfc3xH5siq3NZbrybzhH5JU-7PLsDe9K1peIn2UchAG/s1600/9991.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBp5EX3cOK230NMHCPD3L17y6OHguA6OMY3VSsitSPPzxiqIbq96pkUCMtzHFBRuACrteiVtqwBOneJ_pG3SDOml2-L7z7tnuTqfc3xH5siq3NZbrybzhH5JU-7PLsDe9K1peIn2UchAG/s400/9991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623360608739277362" border="0" /></a>I had fallen in love with a Rajasthani girl once; now I have fallen for all that is Rajasthani. Don't know whats with me and Rajasthan. Probably I was the court jester in some Mewar court in my previous life, who got beheaded for calling the queen a fatso. Whatever be the reason, I cannot help talking about the place after I returned from a 10 days trip there. A land where the people are equally interesting and colorful as the costumes they wear; a land that hides its lushness behind the Aravalli ranges, carefully camouflaged with the arid deserts. There is much to say about this land, where the past still lives on in the company of the present, and I'd rather do this by introducing some wonderful people we met.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Kannan and myself; we reached Jaipur that Friday night with a return ticket and an open mind. Sanganeer airport, which is about 14 kilometers south of Jaipur, looked too quiet for an airport and we were more than happy to land into nothingness than a crowd. Unable to find even a tea shop in the vicinity we soon left for Jaipur. We had to pick up Sowmy from the station who was coming from Chennai via Delhi. We found a small hotel very close to the station and that is where we met Shailesh. From the first moment he reminded me of school masters; not sure whether it was his indifferent but piercing eyes or the insistent nature. He was managing the small motel for his master and for him checking-in was equivalent to letting him make decisions for you for the next few days. He told us what to eat for dinner, where to go the next day and so on in the first 10 minutes itself. We were indeed happy to accept his suggestion regarding dinner as there was no eatery open at that time of the night, and soon we were treated to hot chapathis and daal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CQS-RoyEom2KOkLUdM26SHsBLlQ7rYEHNQ8GacdR_WUmZtNm9sjQ2KOlJFsfT_YOyNjgGGaoMNXlCEVwRFuGzNwQMXnJH45PQPXysqWfmATn8dne7-5y1m_dxoYILzzZulVRPVqIXtvM/s1600/1Albert+Hall+Museum%252C+Jaipur.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CQS-RoyEom2KOkLUdM26SHsBLlQ7rYEHNQ8GacdR_WUmZtNm9sjQ2KOlJFsfT_YOyNjgGGaoMNXlCEVwRFuGzNwQMXnJH45PQPXysqWfmATn8dne7-5y1m_dxoYILzzZulVRPVqIXtvM/s400/1Albert+Hall+Museum%252C+Jaipur.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623357236987959810" border="0" /></a>The next morning we had plans to elude Shailesh and go ahead with our exploration of Jaipur, but a bigger hurdle was waiting for us at the reception in the form of Rajesh Jain, the owner of the hotel. If Shailesh was a bully Rajesh was a steamroller. He didn't waste any time in telling us about his acquaintances across the country. He even called one Javed bhai from Bangalore on his mobile and gave the phone to me without any introduction and said 'talk'! Having learned from the movies that it is offensive to not treat a 'bhai' with respect, I spoke to him. Looks like he was equally surprised at the sudden move from Rajesh. We exchanged our whereabouts in Bangalore and quickly ended the conversation. Though Rajesh was a bit of a show-off initially, his connections did help us a lot in the coming days.. more about that later. Hearing about our itinerary for the day Shailesh quickly arranged a cab and a driver for us and thus we met the next character - Bheem!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_knytJYy39JIFPttiqUVd1nkFSM6bSaAmTuAZ6V1XNmNvAJK8lPy35Z2kGgXdD4SRa4LiqdxXzJBmZVgF1KxuK7vqDbDJJ21qQsYFebSCjYU-UERqskW1zYwK5BpwyU7jN75BR3X2SN5g/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_knytJYy39JIFPttiqUVd1nkFSM6bSaAmTuAZ6V1XNmNvAJK8lPy35Z2kGgXdD4SRa4LiqdxXzJBmZVgF1KxuK7vqDbDJJ21qQsYFebSCjYU-UERqskW1zYwK5BpwyU7jN75BR3X2SN5g/s400/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623358433514120722" border="0" /></a>Unlike his name, Bheem was a lean and courteous guy. Soon we started the Jaipur tour under his guidance. We first visited the Albert Hall Museum, a treasure trove of art and crafts, jewellery, sculptures and paintings. There is a huge collection of Egyptian and Indian murals & paintings there, not to mention the collection of musical instruments and weaponry. You can spend half a day in the museum without getting bored. Our next stop was the Rajasthan Tourism Department's warehouse, supposedly the best place to shop for Rajasthani textiles and craft. Folks there will explain the process of dyeing and block printing if you are interested in knowing the process behind those beautiful garments and designs. The price you pay for this education is the Pashmini shalls and kota saris you might end up buying from there; not a bad investment I say!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh79soOCRGR-3FkH3PgpKZc2aKEk9EKSKmakPdKY3wARsYapQ0fZDRXiU1LGd7ahrvBIaZmj2F3Qo0tjEl5-tHUychkOu5SSdtubGW3F6bD6ZnMrlrNN-cowNCPOXEVAo18DWTWC6b96JF/s1600/4Amer+Fort.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh79soOCRGR-3FkH3PgpKZc2aKEk9EKSKmakPdKY3wARsYapQ0fZDRXiU1LGd7ahrvBIaZmj2F3Qo0tjEl5-tHUychkOu5SSdtubGW3F6bD6ZnMrlrNN-cowNCPOXEVAo18DWTWC6b96JF/s400/4Amer+Fort.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623358822606798178" border="0" /></a>Our next destination Amer Fort, is some 10 kilometers from Jaipur and is a majestic four-level construction atop one of the hills of the Aravalli ranges. It overlooks the Maota lake on one side and Jaipur city on the other. Right above Amer fort, on another hill is the Jaigarh fort and you can walk up to it from Amer. There are dozens of Gray Langurs all around the place who keeps you company and at times entertain you with their antics. Every wall and ceiling at Amer fort is embellished with mosaics and sculptures. On our way back we stopped by Jal Mahal, a palace built in the middle of the Man Sagar lake. It was surprising to know that such a beautiful palace was constructed with great effort in the center of a beautiful lake, for nothing but duck hunting! Weird are the ways of the royalty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZDent5eDeAxmevIjfo7e5TAIQbo_99sm2dZUt9iUU40JPMNAthw3c235OJKjmsjElcYpXkbrdhSnfe94fpFq0RxScgnjcMlYEEVPNJ7KFuCpU6eMd1TdC4syJaiWA0Eyqv5tSprpW6yu/s1600/6Jal+Mahal.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZDent5eDeAxmevIjfo7e5TAIQbo_99sm2dZUt9iUU40JPMNAthw3c235OJKjmsjElcYpXkbrdhSnfe94fpFq0RxScgnjcMlYEEVPNJ7KFuCpU6eMd1TdC4syJaiWA0Eyqv5tSprpW6yu/s400/6Jal+Mahal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623359435085804002" border="0" /></a>On the way back to the city we stopped at the garment factory ran by the Maharani of Jaipur. The jewellery store there had a palmist who had a pretty neat trick to persuade you into buying some semi-precious stones. This guy will give you a lecture initially, on the cost of precious stones and how difficult it is for someone to purchase a piece of their birthstone. But then he has a solution to the problem - alternate birthstones! These are semi-precious alternatives for your original birthstones. And to identify your stone, there is another trick. The guy puts a few drops of water onto your palm, and mixes a special paste -made in Rishikesh by a great sage- in it. This is done when you are holding a stone in your other hand. When this is done if the color of the water changes to pink, then the stone you are holding is your alternate birth stone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85KLvX0iY3tplTeUxREje0Rn_ZNzFwjkpSMH4926ymbS9pprkGnnM3BQAK7T1I6OTAy96qaBxNNJDNZTSP9V6lKAcOTNAG1T0GsAg-7cwHsGbihr2JasnU8YB4lK3BE0cTy21PxNYryXu/s1600/9Who+doesnt+want+to+know+the+future.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85KLvX0iY3tplTeUxREje0Rn_ZNzFwjkpSMH4926ymbS9pprkGnnM3BQAK7T1I6OTAy96qaBxNNJDNZTSP9V6lKAcOTNAG1T0GsAg-7cwHsGbihr2JasnU8YB4lK3BE0cTy21PxNYryXu/s400/9Who+doesnt+want+to+know+the+future.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623359645333744226" border="0" /></a>If it doesn't work the first time, you change the stone and try again. I tried with a few stones and finally with yellow topaz the water turned pink! This entire show is pepped up with generous servings of palm reading. He looked at my palm and said I have a loose character. Somehow he got the idea that I am married and advised me to stick to my wife and not to wander around looking for other women! These guys generally have a good sense of humor and you can't help but laugh at even the most outrageous comments they make about you :) In Rajasthan you see palmists, magicians and traditional musicians in every street corner, not to mention the forts and other tourist destinations. We somehow escaped the factory without buying anything but the palmist's advice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEmouBtbE92kJ7UwEqyIEBljprKX8L7Tpkngrc98AGPrwcS0uv2lZgaYYWe1j5Y952DRdv5uYKNCS9We_T4L3EZ5HsmcaIMxN-rhpYk0Ywh93DQdh-qMYuCnfxgkhoDo6UgSoocUfhegc/s1600/98.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEmouBtbE92kJ7UwEqyIEBljprKX8L7Tpkngrc98AGPrwcS0uv2lZgaYYWe1j5Y952DRdv5uYKNCS9We_T4L3EZ5HsmcaIMxN-rhpYk0Ywh93DQdh-qMYuCnfxgkhoDo6UgSoocUfhegc/s400/98.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623357871160486786" border="0" /></a>Our last destination for the day was Chokhi Dhani, a Rajasthani village themed resort, some 20 kilometers outside the city. The highlight of the place is the Rajasthani food they serve. The friendly waiters serve you till you fall, with all kinds of sweets and other delicacies made in pure ghee. There are many stages and amphitheaters there, where traditional Rajasthani arts and dance forms are presented all evening. This is a place better suited for those who want to get a feel of Rajasthani culture and cuisine in a few hour's time, without traveling across the state. By the time we got out of the place the only thing we wanted was a bed to sleep, such was the power of the food! We got back at the hotel by midnight and with much effort evaded the numerous questions Shailesh had on the day's experience. With another long day ahead, we slept off in no time.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click</span> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/Rajasthan" target="_html">here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">for more pictures!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> </a></span><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/06/rajasthan-stories-day-1-jaipur.html" target="_html"> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Rajasthan Stories - Day 1: Jaipur </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-2-jaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 2: Jaipur </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-3-ranthambhore.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 3: Ranthambhore </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-4-osian-thar.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 4: Osian & Thar </a><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-5-mandore-jodhpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 5: Mandore & Jodhpur </a></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/07/rajasthan-stories-day-6-udaipur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 6: Udaipur</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-7-ranakpur.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 7: Ranakpur & Kumbalgarh </a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/08/rajasthan-stories-day-8-taj-mahal.html" target="_html">Rajasthan Stories - Day 8: The Taj Mahal</a></span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-29288217755928275952011-06-19T03:37:00.000-07:002011-06-19T04:03:47.793-07:00Fast Forward !<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpK94MXhKH0A8n0jBvSyI6MbeSiepte9g1xMroQj2P53hZUTyz10pMjODLYiHzIYpTUhne4kZOHBKu2FCtdZ9bxUkPGfCQrBcvUHWgWlVKLXlUuPZbXvvuTFpSIWpl6fU4lLs2MXwoGZF/s1600/Fast+Forward.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpK94MXhKH0A8n0jBvSyI6MbeSiepte9g1xMroQj2P53hZUTyz10pMjODLYiHzIYpTUhne4kZOHBKu2FCtdZ9bxUkPGfCQrBcvUHWgWlVKLXlUuPZbXvvuTFpSIWpl6fU4lLs2MXwoGZF/s400/Fast+Forward.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619880981289079570" border="0" /></a>At the drop of a hat every Johnny is turning to satyagraha or fast unto death these days, the so called non-violent ways of getting things done. It is said that everything is fair in war and love, but then some wars are outright pointless because of the silly reasons and some fights are ridiculous due to the methods employed. Not much different is the case with these new age Johnnies who quote Gandhi and resort to shameless acts like these. For them non-violence is restricted to not raising arms and spilling blood. The thought that emotional blackmailing is perhaps the cheapest of violent tricks doesn't occur to them.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />In a democratic setup or even in any other sensible political system, if you have a difference in opinion with the way things are done, you sit down, talk about it and make changes as required. An alternate view point does not give you the right to hold the government at ransom with emotional blackmailing. Taking out a demonstration to get attention of the machinery in an attempt to get an audience is understandable. But resorting to fasts unto death to get things done according to an individual's agenda is lunacy; especially when the requests are as noble and constructive as declaring 'Mosquito' the national bird. Gimmicks like these of-course gets them an undue advantage over the opposition who is forced to bend over seeing the clout of the fasting leader.<br /><br />Anybody with some fan following feel these days that they can start an agitation and get any of their whims and fancies made the law of the nation. For some this has become a<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2009/07/baba-gone-bad.html" target="_html">habit</a>. Due to fear of vandalism from supporters of these thugs, even governments refuse to take a tough stand... after all they too dream of coming back to power after the elections. The unfortunate thing is that every other Joe with a perverted political ideology or who swears by God has a decent fan following these days. Even shit attracts flies! Media-support for someone who fasts for the good of common man, but flies to the place in a chartered plane beats me. They fast for new states, they fast for abolition of currency notes and now what?<br /><br />Then there are a few other rats who cunningly take mileage out of these situations. These are the local politicians and wannabe-gurus who come up with posters supporting the campaigns, pasting their pictures alongside the campaign spearheads. This is probably the only legit way for most of them to ride the wave and get some publicity. Most of the people I talked to had a favorable opinion towards the recent fasts against corruption, understandably so. Nobody is excited enough to check out what precisely are these protesting leaders talking about issues like corruption. They just assume that it should all be benign. And why blame them, who in their right mind would think that abolishing currency notes is the best way to prevent corruption!<br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-6371217203485907802011-06-06T10:17:00.000-07:002011-06-19T03:57:05.958-07:00Meetings & Creativity !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n-Eb_pY5K8PKvLW5Znp1hb-jyENLAXuxtTC4gqgqjh3VmwtL8w0z75NW0ks1Y66eW0_KQRCut7c7Wh2Uj_RFk2K0bIj7hCzpPifsEUehf5SiVz8uFJoQmUewe7Ic0hRT4thqw8cU-_7Q/s1600/beardy.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n-Eb_pY5K8PKvLW5Znp1hb-jyENLAXuxtTC4gqgqjh3VmwtL8w0z75NW0ks1Y66eW0_KQRCut7c7Wh2Uj_RFk2K0bIj7hCzpPifsEUehf5SiVz8uFJoQmUewe7Ic0hRT4thqw8cU-_7Q/s400/beardy.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615157678807912082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Who said meetings are a waste of time?<br />Not when you have a piece of paper and pen around!<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">When I was walking up the stairs</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">I met a man who wasn't there</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">He wasn't there even today</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">I wish.. I wish he go away</span>"attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-82120212493178278822011-05-22T04:03:00.000-07:002011-06-19T03:55:06.742-07:00My Experiences with Ruth - 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTWQksJ0f1_S-gP7ojjnJeo4sPGzgwZm_w1xyP1eXEg84nix4B4v5UHgYYDRBgxQEvLPc1ggiaqT1ZVvFq_XiGVrYhNZFAX7zFEFfg2bzHDy60bOy0ikIInOX9M8DH-O1PG5FtulGHpXr/s1600/Xperiences+with+Ruth.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTWQksJ0f1_S-gP7ojjnJeo4sPGzgwZm_w1xyP1eXEg84nix4B4v5UHgYYDRBgxQEvLPc1ggiaqT1ZVvFq_XiGVrYhNZFAX7zFEFfg2bzHDy60bOy0ikIInOX9M8DH-O1PG5FtulGHpXr/s400/Xperiences+with+Ruth.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619882434844272354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So we walk up to this place and sit down to eat.<br />I try to make meaningful conversation.<br />And meaningful it turned out to be!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ruth</span>: Are you alright sweetheart?<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Me</span>: I think so, pumpkin.<br />(yes.. pumpkin, the most romantic of all fruits!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ruth</span>: Making others happy makes me happy.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Me</span>: Fried chicken makes me happy.<br />(so thoughtful and profound..)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Ruth</span>: I don't get sleep when I am either too sad or too happy.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Me</span>: I don't get sleep when it's too hot or when there are mosquitoes.<br />(she quivers a bit, but sits through the dinner)<br /><br />Moral of the story - My brain and mouth cannot work sensibly at the same time.attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-56631534407328283652011-04-16T11:09:00.000-07:002011-06-06T10:38:00.860-07:00What men talk..<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2sjrzZhLynUNtmk47Gn2Wiu5DZx3asnctZRq0K5q6lUIjCL5sVGL2J6AbhyLKhfJziPf5gj7skkFsdLzBorvROISbMzTlg1bObDIk_J1r8S9sk_lL7B4-oL5XfSObakrl2qRBWUX-9rH/s1600/What+men+talk.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2sjrzZhLynUNtmk47Gn2Wiu5DZx3asnctZRq0K5q6lUIjCL5sVGL2J6AbhyLKhfJziPf5gj7skkFsdLzBorvROISbMzTlg1bObDIk_J1r8S9sk_lL7B4-oL5XfSObakrl2qRBWUX-9rH/s400/What+men+talk.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615162116287192290" border="0" /></a>What men talk is not as exciting a topic as what women want or the hole in the ozone layer. In fact it is weird to the extend of making sense only to bedbugs and other jobless men. Below are few presentable excerpts from conversations between members of this species.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Religion, Evolution and the Wife</span><br />And coming to the point, congregations are the best way to control.. unlike the common belief that individuals are easy to control than a crowd. Like molecules/atoms balancing each other in an equilibrium.. the various conflicts cancel out each other perhaps...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- You mean to say religion was invented as a control mechanism?</span><br />what else..? size was the only differentiating advantage groups had in the past.. right? Religion was a perfect tool to keep people united and thus benefit from the 'grouping'.. by keeping enemies at bay. Religion was in fact made to make this togetherness happen with the God/fear/safety/protection mix...its actually this evolutionary advantage that religion provides.. that made it such a successful 'pathogen' which was happily carried forward thru generations by the 'Carriers'. Else with all its stupidity and baselessness.. it would have collapsed long back.. survival was a valid reason to keep it alive..<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- what happened to the rational thinking of people then ?</span><br />Emotion and urgency always get preference over rationality..another evolutionary programming. As an animal when you hear a sound, its always better to run, than thinking whether its a branch cracking or a predator. That is why rational thinking is not the 'norm' but a deviation...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Its a complicated world out there.. my liberal ideas are coming in constant clash with my wife's :)</span><br />I can very well imagine.. :) Well, you might think 'why isn't she thinking my way, isn't it simple & more logical' and all that. it IS NOT! Comprehending simple, straightforward logic is the hardest thing.. twisted logic appeals to you more because your mind shuts down after the first few lines due to complexity, and decide.. 'what is complex must be true'<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- precisely... any way, don't tell I haven't warned you :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">God and the QWERTY key board</span><br />And mind you ... its "vOcabulary".... not "vAcabulary"<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Well the A and O are far apart on my Keyboard you see ;)</span><br />That's precisely why you don't have both the hands from the same shoulder... God created us with the QWERTY keyboard in mind. He was indeed a visionary. Anyway.. good talking to you dude... rarely I find people who can understand both 'English' and 'humor'<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Well, do u expect the same compliment from me</span><br />I tried.. with that second sentence.. Now can you help saying nothing?...like 'rolling stone gathers no moss'.. or something...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- May your tribe multiply and divide!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roaches & the essence of life</span><br />I don't hate cockroaches.. we generally coexist without problems.. they are kind of cute.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Ya I know.. its a nice feeling to realize that you are not alone within the four walls !! Rare situations where you see how all life is the same life.</span><br />All life is not the same, but there are moments when you realize whether its 3 legged or 2 legged or 8 legged, living / nonliving is the real differentiators. Then you get into a higher state (of consciousness perhaps) where life itself is not an issue.. existence / nonexistence will become the differentiators then. The first stage psychologists call 'Delusional' - where you consider cockroaches equal to humans.. the second stage they call 'madness' when you think stones equal human beings in value :)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Life by all means is equal, but the approach to your own and others-not-necessarily-human is the difference .. it's ones own perspective and view .. life has but two variations ..MINE and OTHERS</span><br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-80615188417238524732011-04-04T20:30:00.000-07:002011-04-22T02:43:44.374-07:00Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal - Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eJP5kGOMpxnUWmXMz8R-Map1W_8qRRAZAuKvToFE-YvxdYAEexdpwP7WcrraRkwEF8Tim53OLwlL16OqxgvyN7RVIRFYBnd_xE09BcpRYUD9ZXam_FO-izWRT1YuVwbnhz36Yj0O68jq/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eJP5kGOMpxnUWmXMz8R-Map1W_8qRRAZAuKvToFE-YvxdYAEexdpwP7WcrraRkwEF8Tim53OLwlL16OqxgvyN7RVIRFYBnd_xE09BcpRYUD9ZXam_FO-izWRT1YuVwbnhz36Yj0O68jq/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591937757619738546" border="0" /></a>By daybreak we were already on the road after a quick breakfast of idlis and uppma. It was a kilometer's walk to the cave temples from our hotel. We were the first ones to reach the cave temples for the day, giving us ample time to enjoy the sunrise and the main caves without any disturbance. The crowd generally sticks to the one or two major temples and if you cover them early in the morning then you can spend rest of the day walking around the so called 'lesser' temples. Badami got cave temples carved into the red sand stones and the structural ones like Aihole and Pattadakal. Most of the temple complexes are situated around the Agastya lake and some on the surrounding cliffs.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVHJ0EXc_RmUQxPKDqhMvMC1YtK8ek_4zl5P8amojTLWDMaGeiautDbmKX3K9p5rfP8en7UtNHASIDORYPnRwFAl4TnwBZYoqcAuXCSt_Ca9dU3btJeB8YBnW1p4xBkPTEg6PCRKTY97c/s1600/8.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVHJ0EXc_RmUQxPKDqhMvMC1YtK8ek_4zl5P8amojTLWDMaGeiautDbmKX3K9p5rfP8en7UtNHASIDORYPnRwFAl4TnwBZYoqcAuXCSt_Ca9dU3btJeB8YBnW1p4xBkPTEg6PCRKTY97c/s400/8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591939352161607250" border="0" /></a>All of the cave temples have exquisite images of gods and goddesses carved into the red stone walls. They also feature a hall with numerous pillars and a sanctum sanctorum carved deep into the hill. The four cave temples also show the religious secularism practiced by the Chalukyas; the first three of them are dedicated to the Hindu gods, while the fourth one is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The view of Agasthya lake from the cave temples is magnificent, especially during the sunrise and the sunset, when the fiery horizon gives that extra glow to the red rocks. After spending quite a bit of time on the cliffs we climbed down towards the Agastya lake. If you take a short walk amidst the houses you can reach the banks of the lake which is filthy as a spit pot, but the green algae somehow manages to give it an emerald sheen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLOlXRa-lFh5HLGAbxoPq9j4yDGqCjhn1gNUKy1szNW12ScoUhqWko0-ucDkGcP5ywim3brMbprGvBRR68j0HbXU2LkPY3H0lU5flyhMkRS0Xs1UyN5f5YvOIKRU0bz5iqqaTdzYUkHxq/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLOlXRa-lFh5HLGAbxoPq9j4yDGqCjhn1gNUKy1szNW12ScoUhqWko0-ucDkGcP5ywim3brMbprGvBRR68j0HbXU2LkPY3H0lU5flyhMkRS0Xs1UyN5f5YvOIKRU0bz5iqqaTdzYUkHxq/s400/6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591939747943781026" border="0" /></a>The Bhootnath group of temples are built right into the lake on the other side and on the way to it, round the lake, is the museum of the Archeological Survey of India. The museum is worth a visit and it was amazing to hear that they are continually discovering and excavating new sites and structures even to this day. The museum has some interesting statues and landscape models, especially a statue of the goddess of fertility. It is a pleasant walk along the lakeside to the Bhootnath and Mallikarjuna group of temples. These temples are beautifully constructed, but rarely visited by the mainstream crowd. We met local kid Anusha and her four cousins there; who had come to take a stroll along the temple alleys. We sat there by the waterside for quite a while, while Anusha talked about the pleasures of growing up around such wonderful pieces of history.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLO-gV7NNM2Df5jbKg08Y-ncuwFwQZwazz5pzMMsLb9uYbgiBq2l3pVqyXbm8gAL7ZLv0RfmG3ZD8yNKSoaPHUWRVyltilbyBsrhfWsfvcsrO6MG5LbX9GuzI-6vKHLfzJCtN23xRL8qK/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLO-gV7NNM2Df5jbKg08Y-ncuwFwQZwazz5pzMMsLb9uYbgiBq2l3pVqyXbm8gAL7ZLv0RfmG3ZD8yNKSoaPHUWRVyltilbyBsrhfWsfvcsrO6MG5LbX9GuzI-6vKHLfzJCtN23xRL8qK/s400/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591941290625739970" border="0" /></a>The red sand stone cliffs all around the place are sculptures themselves, chiseled to perfection by the craftsmanship of the wind, air and water. They were so inviting that we decided to shun the artificial structures for a while and take a walk to the cliffs facing the cave temples on the other side of the lake. The path used by the goatherds and the shepherds took us to some awesome spots, from where the views were to kill for. It was a great sight to watch the sun rolling behind the mountains after the day's shift. As we walked back to the hotel it was already dark, and the huge trees on either side of the road were looking like demons in the moonlight. Our train was more than an hour late and we sat there at the station talking on and on about the good times we had. Like most of the other places we have visited, this one definitely deserves a repeat visit; probably another three!<br /></div><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/04/badami-aihole-pattadakal-part-1.html" target="_html">Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal - Part 1</a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/BadamiAiholePattadakkal" target="_html">See more pictures here</a>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-86239581162301933322011-04-04T18:33:00.000-07:002011-04-22T02:41:15.576-07:00Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal - Part 1<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiv3006k3foHlXhj-lQah6IPfl58NSpDYWt_dIIY6VZSy5n7hhRi-uWe3-MMN-NltegCazQ0EYKyiLXR6pzSXJzXqDqkVTp6OSlqfF3C9T1yeVneSyNPjzczh91lxb5cirKaRk49FJdc9Z/s1600/95.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiv3006k3foHlXhj-lQah6IPfl58NSpDYWt_dIIY6VZSy5n7hhRi-uWe3-MMN-NltegCazQ0EYKyiLXR6pzSXJzXqDqkVTp6OSlqfF3C9T1yeVneSyNPjzczh91lxb5cirKaRk49FJdc9Z/s400/95.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591935759118624738" border="0" /></a>A visit to the temple towns of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal is literally like traveling back to the 7th or 8th century. The moment you leave the dusty roads, sugarcane fields, interesting people and move into the confines of the cliffs and temple walls, you feel like getting transported to a surreal space. This is a world where decapitated statues of gods and goddesses tell you stories of enterprising kings and their conquests; where huge blocks of stones tastefully huddled to form structures of awesome beauty tell much about the skill and commitment of the artisans of the time. Badami, named after the evil demon Vatapi, who according to the legends was killed by sage Agastya at this very place, is in Bagalkot district of Karnataka.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7O0o4rfDjBKav-WXeHTj-5G9gxw5A5DBeTBpxceSppsoq2M0j0B224JStVv9jDJZ0DcbSrSM0inEwW77ZskM1NQlmq4ystdGhinyeAnc8bR49mrB8FLg3zvH_CIRfgjDZ_bkAAa6UPGe/s1600/98.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7O0o4rfDjBKav-WXeHTj-5G9gxw5A5DBeTBpxceSppsoq2M0j0B224JStVv9jDJZ0DcbSrSM0inEwW77ZskM1NQlmq4ystdGhinyeAnc8bR49mrB8FLg3zvH_CIRfgjDZ_bkAAa6UPGe/s400/98.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591908562780367874" border="0" /></a>Kannan, Tanmoy and me reached Badami railway station quite early in the morning and in another 10 minutes found a rickshaw guy who agreed to take us around to Aihole, Pattadakal and Mahakuta. We only had 2 days with us and our plan was to dedicate the second day exclusively for Badami and cover the rest of the places on the first day itself. You actually need a day each at Aihole & Pattadakkal to get a decent look at the 50 odd temples there, but time wasn't on our side. So without wasting much time we started for Aihole and by the time we reached there crowd had already started trickling into the temple compound. It is better to visit these places on weekdays when you get to roam around without negotiating around the crowd.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uJxYelfQM8EXY6tmiw9wxlorocaNxq4gZbEIFEOe4tp7PBstxCzKjBS_aRv3PLSbr39MUfKndInZJrN5zkmoEyIJ-KvHsE2hf90NXLc-ulJv6wZTcEban8vg91-21zKUoxKuX0Asis4-/s1600/993.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uJxYelfQM8EXY6tmiw9wxlorocaNxq4gZbEIFEOe4tp7PBstxCzKjBS_aRv3PLSbr39MUfKndInZJrN5zkmoEyIJ-KvHsE2hf90NXLc-ulJv6wZTcEban8vg91-21zKUoxKuX0Asis4-/s400/993.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591908932260266434" border="0" /></a>Our first stop was at Aihole, the first capital of the Chalukyas, some 20 kilometers from Badami. The story is that the Chalukya kings experimented with temple architecture, fusing the North Indian and South Indian styles, and built over 100 temples here. Some 50 odd temples are still standing within a 10 kilometer radius, though most of them are in various states of destruction. It was with the experience gained with the Aihole temples that the Chalukyas later built the magnificent structures at Pattadakal. There are temples built for all the prominent gods in Hindu Mythology from lord Shiva to the Sun god. Some of these temples have beautifully built tanks associated with them. Around the main temple complex you can also see Buddhist and Jain temples.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnFXA4K5JSGjJU4kWK0al89DrMH6o4gfVMw76vyngs0nyqwcMa-8MkfCUfUcMkP34wT1LihjTDPQ9eoAJyYleRbS5VZlQjNwvzE6Ws_cGUEE2jGfeVkJvX9BG_CyQ151u3yPSPaNEX0Sr/s1600/93.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnFXA4K5JSGjJU4kWK0al89DrMH6o4gfVMw76vyngs0nyqwcMa-8MkfCUfUcMkP34wT1LihjTDPQ9eoAJyYleRbS5VZlQjNwvzE6Ws_cGUEE2jGfeVkJvX9BG_CyQ151u3yPSPaNEX0Sr/s400/93.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591909855876688818" border="0" /></a>The two storied Buddhist temple on the nearby hilltop provides an aerial view of the many structures scattered all over the landscape. Though human settlements are not allowed in the vicinity of monuments of archeological importance, you see a lot of houses sharing a wall with some of these temples. People and cattle treat some of these temples their own and share the space with the gods for their day to day activities. One cow even asked me with much frustration 'what monument?, what the heck?' as I pushed it aside to get a better camera angle. We bumped into the Aihole under-12 cricket team practicing on the roof of the Buddhist temple. They agreed to let us play with them and also provided guide service to the hilltop in return for a photo session. After lunch we started for Pattadakal, another 10 kilometers from Aihole.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7831XSluvwnLorw8w2YNYygVP87w9vtLm5h-EoEyo2cg0qdCBT90SkTn5gtXUdBG7LT5dLODL6h5z0QZ6HG5HsE9m0VF1DIFEzsEwN6fB00b34RifH0xJ26Gz-a8ePE1MZJQoQH6Czb7d/s1600/9.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7831XSluvwnLorw8w2YNYygVP87w9vtLm5h-EoEyo2cg0qdCBT90SkTn5gtXUdBG7LT5dLODL6h5z0QZ6HG5HsE9m0VF1DIFEzsEwN6fB00b34RifH0xJ26Gz-a8ePE1MZJQoQH6Czb7d/s400/9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591909379248772402" border="0" /></a>Pattadakal, a world heritage site, also known as the cradle of Indian architecture showcases some of the best works of the Chalukya period. There are magnificent temples in the traditional North & South Indian styles and those that feature the fusion 'Vesara' style (also known as the Chalukya style) as well. The main temple complex is by the banks of the Malaprabha river. If you like architecture or history or if you are interested in Hindu mythology, this is a place where you can spend a few days, lost in the many treasures hidden within those walls. We met an amazing painter Mounesh, who sits inside these temples and make beautiful sketches of the gods and goddesses all day. You can buy his pencil,pen or acrylic sketches at a nominal price.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPVMsW-KEGZqdj0OCm4e7UPY1RKgAy1z3xXm4DvjHSZuO7VStaCDq9dA4-JwUak3P66qisLQFG9WqgSShOxt0kKW9A9hXDTtsJdPMkd4KnAUMjBVU2sDK557PHQLEk1gS9bn9QtQeTyzy/s1600/997.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPVMsW-KEGZqdj0OCm4e7UPY1RKgAy1z3xXm4DvjHSZuO7VStaCDq9dA4-JwUak3P66qisLQFG9WqgSShOxt0kKW9A9hXDTtsJdPMkd4KnAUMjBVU2sDK557PHQLEk1gS9bn9QtQeTyzy/s400/997.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591935393217845266" border="0" /></a>By the time we reasonably satiated our sense of wonder and awe, it was already late to visit Mahakuta. But our rickshaw guy agreed for a quick stop on the way back to Badami. While the Aihole and Pattadakal temple complexes are devoid of any vegetation, temples at Mahakuta are built amidst huge trees, many of which have grown over and into them. The evening sun gave a quite charming look to the big banyan trees, giving the place an Angkor Wat look. There were langurs running all over the place and many snakes enjoying an evening swim in the ablution tanks. One interesting temple here is dedicated to lord Ganesha, which is built in the middle of a tank, and you have to walk in waist deep waters to reach the sanctum sanctorum. We left for Badami before nightfall, booked into a hotel and decided to sleep early considering the long day that lay ahead.<br /></div><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2011/04/badami-aihole-pattadakal-part-2.html" target="_html">Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal - Part 2</a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/meetdisney/BadamiAiholePattadakkal" target="_html">See more photos here</a>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-72579736915750992212011-04-01T02:55:00.000-07:002011-04-01T03:04:45.886-07:00Roaches in Arms !<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEvUQS0wq-3jxKVqY_j71hcSi9Wk945IG3g-q8OV7DkSnoXvD_Tn1poO0xwDK6pUpT96Zz3PepkW6ZyfbB82xM76sZxOHnNJ6GfWHdaMdfVgy4mlrTnRRsreqd8S8q2n6KMp2t7ZdrUmz/s1600/Roach+Attack+%2521.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEvUQS0wq-3jxKVqY_j71hcSi9Wk945IG3g-q8OV7DkSnoXvD_Tn1poO0xwDK6pUpT96Zz3PepkW6ZyfbB82xM76sZxOHnNJ6GfWHdaMdfVgy4mlrTnRRsreqd8S8q2n6KMp2t7ZdrUmz/s400/Roach+Attack+%2521.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590553382807251362" border="0" /></a>It was around midnight that I felt this tingling sensation on my neck. Though I wished this was one of those beautiful young ladies from the dream I was having, soon I realized it felt more like a cockroach making his way over my body. Unlike ants, who take a turn or go around, roaches just walk across, even if its along your open mouth. I started getting the same tingling sensation around my left foot as well, and it didn't feel good. I threw the blanket aside, stood up and switched on the light. I was startled to see at least 15 roaches all around the room.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I knew roaches lived in the house, and a lone crusader running from under the pile of dirty clothes was never a nuisance for me. But seeing so many of them around my bed was quite a different feeling. Their demeanor - lazing around without the slightest regard for a superior species (arguably)- was irritating. So I picked up the weapon of mass destruction (my slippers) and unleashed the fury over them. In a matter of minutes I was piling up dead roaches in one corner of the room. It took a full five minutes after this for me to realize that they didn't even try to run away as I approached menacingly with the slipper in my hand. Now that was perplexing! I am no expert on the social behavior of arthropods, but the fact that so many of them came out of their hiding places only to succumb peacefully to my blows was beyond commonsense.<br /><br />Anyway, I went back to bed, this time snuggling a little more into the comfort of the blanket. But in a matter of minutes I could hear the creepy crawlies running over me once again. Now, this is serious business, and I got up once again to find another 10 odd live roaches in the room. I wasted no time in meting out the same treatment to this battalion as well. Somehow I got a feeling that this war is far from over and I decided to play a little game. I switched off the lights and waited quietly in the bathroom. While waiting for the guerrilla warriors to present themselves I started thinking of this unusual phenomenon. I had never witnessed anything like this in the last 5 years I've been staying at this house. Was this some kind of a roach ritual or ceremony that I accidentally gatecrashed into?<br /><br />Were they trying to eat me alive? I had held roaches in high regard so far. Though I have <a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-see-roaches-dead-roaches.html" target="_html">written about them</a> a few times here, it was always in good humor and with pure intentions. Even though <a href="http://badattidude.blogspot.com/2010/07/conversations-with-pluto-predicting.html" target="_html">Pluto had warned me</a> once about their collective intelligence, I never suspected that they would hatch such a plan to attack me; even during the worst famine. I have heard of weird animal behavior prior to natural calamities like earthquakes, floods and volcanic explosions. Considering the recent earthquakes in Japan and Indonesia, even this came up as a reasonable possibility. Both the hypotheses were equally terrifying! I eagerly listened for any corroborating evidence from the dogs in the neighborhood; but they were all unusually quiet that night. It is highly unlikely that only the roaches got warned and not the dogs; and that did calm my nerves to a large extend.<br /><br />Or is it that they came to know about the rebel uprisings in Egypt and Syria and are trying to pull one against me? For them I might be this giant who cohabits their territory? Putting an end to the uncontrolled wanderings of my mind, I switched on the lights and found another 5-6 roaches around the bed. There were a few in the kitchen as well. In short, I had about 35 kills by the time I finally got back to bed that night. I am sure this should be a record of sorts for one night! Fortunately the roach army receded for the night, probably to recoup and organize another attack some other day. I slept like a baby for the rest of the night though in my dreams I saw monster roaches attacking me with their gigantic mandibles; trying to push me off some cliff as I ran for my life.<br /><br />Fortunately there wasn't any sign of roaches by the time I woke up in the morning. But I had anyway decided to launch a counter attack, once I replenish my arsenal with some anti-roach missile sprays and bombs. If what they want is a war, I will give them one. And as I do not have any oil reserves I am sure the US will not poke their noses in this 'civil unrest' (even though we are talking about American cockroaches, 'Periplaneta americana').<br /><br />Victory will surely be mine!<br /></div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888857363131776807.post-57985868377755897282011-03-25T00:47:00.000-07:002011-03-25T00:49:19.850-07:00Dop-a-minded !<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPYYAtK5OOPpnAUtOtXSjmg3Jtn4fF1biIGCj1MPZGfNq6hlgr1BOUwCuCWdV6oY4ae9hXcA0uB6nDSm3cG-EMYEldjoKQBaaKf4S7cKCo_qkHRtNNBsa2apWEUlPabR2xa2BsOFpYanT/s1600/Dopamine.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 385px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPYYAtK5OOPpnAUtOtXSjmg3Jtn4fF1biIGCj1MPZGfNq6hlgr1BOUwCuCWdV6oY4ae9hXcA0uB6nDSm3cG-EMYEldjoKQBaaKf4S7cKCo_qkHRtNNBsa2apWEUlPabR2xa2BsOFpYanT/s400/Dopamine.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587921396544699682" border="0" /></a>My parents always had this doubt about us kids. How come all the four kids, of devoted Christian parents, raised in reasonable religious awareness, turned out to be skeptics who question the highhandedness of religion on a regular basis. All attempts to show this as a 'healthy' and 'normal' behavior had so far been as successful as the India-Pakistan agreement on Kashmir.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />But now, looks like I have identified the culprit. After all, what we need is a sacrificial lamb to blame everything on, and then crucify it to let us off the hook. Our villain in this case is a chemical called Dopamine (no relation to 'dope' or 'wine' what so ever!). The story starts with the not so recent discovery that interpretation of causality has a biological foundation. So if you are one of those who believe the recent earthquakes in Japan and Newzealand are signs of end times fast approaching, you cannot really be blamed! The blame should go to those little strands of polypeptides inside you, which increase your propensity to believe in 'seemingly interesting & rewarding' ideas like religion.<br /><br />Lack of Dopamine in the left hemisphere of the brain, among right-handers, can bring down the authority of belief systems. This makes them more vulnerable to pattern recognition, separating the casual coincidences from the so called 'miracles'. So this should possibly be our guy. All our transgressions into the unquestionable territory of religion is perhaps the result of Dopamine deficiency. But the question is how can we blame something for the consequence of its absence?<br /><br />Ahem! Any answer suffixed by a why is a new beast.</div>attiDuDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712421058438214450noreply@blogger.com0