Category: Travel

Trip to MegaMalai


Last week went for a days outing with my friend who wanted to introduce me to his Friend who wanted to invest in some Software Company. Since that person was in Theni we thought having a meeting in some adjoining hill station would be a nice spot and we freezed on Meega (Cloud) Malai (Mountain).

We started from Madurai by around 5 PM on thursday and we reached Theni by 6.45 PM. There we picked the investor friend and brought all snacks, food and spirits from Theni. En route to Madurai was a highly scenic with Lust Green Fields, Mountains, Lake and in-between small towns where in you can get all local stuff. I came across this Karupatti Mittai (Chocolate) which is hand made and famous in this District. Then there was this temple where every vehicle which passes by stops and offers prayers and donation.

By the time it was 8 o clock in Theni and we proceeded to MeegaMalai which was some 4 KM from there. On the plains of the Hill there was a Check post set by forest department and we were told entry is closed after 6 PM onards. Since one of my friend is an Advocate we were let in because Advocates in Tamil Nadu enjoy unrealistic benefits. We were told road to the hill was bad but after driving a certain distance we found that there was litrally no road at all. Then we were caught on another place where there is a Panchayat check post where in they collected Rs.50/- for entry. Still i cant figure why we paid that money as we found there was nothing done by Panchayat.

Then we reached the hill top by 10 o clock and we had to wake up a Hotel Owner whom we were asked to contact to get a room. Then he took us to a Panchayat Guest House and we were told that was the best guest house in the place. We paid Rs.500/- for a day and the room was mediocre. That day we slept after having Dinner.

Next day we went to Pechiammal Hotel and had our Breakfast. Then we went to a Dam and from there we went to a Tea factory. This factory and the entire hill was leased by Brooke Bond and subsequently it was sold to some Indian company. There are nearly 5000 people working in this factory and they were given facilities like houses, schools, medical aid, subsidized food etc. This entire hill belongs to the company until 2046 when the lease expires. We were told roads and facilities were of high standards when it was under the control of Brooke Bond. Today there are litrally no roads.

Also the company is not interested in developing infrastructure which will lead too much inflow of tourist. So, until this company is there this Hill will always be isolated. But in general we were happy as we were given access to explore the factory run through plantations and then we also had business discussion and there was noting for me to complain about.

The very evening we reached Madurai and it was business at night as usual.

Experience in Train


Normally i’m a unplanned person and i never planned my travel ahead. So, most of the time i’m left with no other option than to travel in Bus. Also the distance of Railway station from my house in Chennai and Bangalore made me not to even think of traveling in train.

But in Madurai my house is less than a KM from the Railway station and also my friends say Train travel is much cheaper. Only then i realized Train is 300 – 400 times cheaper to Bus travel.

Then i booked my tickets to Madurai a day before in Tatkal and thankfully my tickets got confirmed. I was such a nerd that i didn’t know any nuances of railway terms and for everything i had to call my friend and disturb him.

Then i got a parcel for my lunch and i boarded my train. It was so crowded that people were standing and traveling and every time i got to stand near the door to stretch my legs i return to see someone sitting in my seat.

Then it was time to befriend fellow passengers and talking to them about their profession, where they belong to etc. Then we exchanged phone numbers and not even a single person has called me ever since.

In eight hours train reached Madurai and the Journey was mixed bag as i didn’t have any like minded fellow passenger. But i enjoyed the experience of traveling alone in a Train.

Trichy Experience


Had to drive to Trichy on Saturday to take my Granny & Mom for a condolence. Again it was an electrifying experience. 

  • Started from home by 7:30 AM. Woke up early thought I slept only by 3 AM & had just 3 hours of sleep.
  • Reached my uncles house in 4 hours and drove non stop.
  • After a short nap had to go back to my granny’s village.
  • There was Jallikattu (Bull Taming) which was restricted only to villagers. I’m watching a Jallikattu for the first time. Sadly I forgot to carry my camera to shoot the experience.
  • Had good time with tiny tots & I became their favorite as I got them ice-creams and chocolates.
  • Had dinner in my granny’s house.
  • My granny’s village is on the shores of Kaveri River & spent some time in the river as it had some water.
  • Got back to my uncles house in Trichy and went to sleep.
  • Again went to village early in the morning for condolence.
  • Had breakfast and went back to my uncle’s house.
  • Then returned back to Chennai accompanied by 2 more cars and there was race.
  • Had lunch in a hotel attached to a petrol pump.
  • Reached Chennai and went to my aunt’s house to offload some fruits.
  • Then there was an invite from my cousin for dinner and we had dinner and had nice time pulling each other.
  • Then returned home by 12 o clock and checked my email and crashed as I was too tired to write a blog.

First temple visit of 2010 is Tirumala


A long time plan to visit to Tirumala with my parents, Raghu’s family, Ravi’s family & Prasad’s family got momentum during last week of December. Then after confusions because of Andra volatility things got sloppy and we did know if this trip was on till last moment. Anyways Prasad asked me to make it anyways. Since my parents were unable to make it I came along with my friend. 

So initial plan was to start by 6 o clock from Chennai in Indigo Marina and hand over the car to a driver so that he can pickup raghu and prasad’s family in the morning. Owing to lot of official work we started from office in my Zen by 8.30 and had to fix my puncher wheel. Since the tube was torn we had to replace the tube. I asked Suresh to drop me in my house and asked him to fix the puncher. He returned back by 9:30 and my father parked Indogo Marina in my uncle’s house as some household work was going on. So unable to take Marina out and we had to settle with Zen. 

Then while filling petrol I remembered that I forgot to pick my data-card. Then went back to home collected it and returned and we had dinner at Motel Highway in Poonamallee. Once when we were out it was 11.30 PM. Then got a call from Prasad and he said Tirumala road will be closed between 1 – 4 AM. So we decided to drive slowly. We were driving at 40 Kmph and still we reached Tirupathi by 2.30. We decided to  sleep in the car and we thought we can pick raghu and drive to the hill. 

En route Suresh wanted to know my entrepreneur journey and I was narrating my experience till date. Since I didn’t sleep the previous night I was tired but restrained from sleeping because I didn’t want to make Suresh drive alone. On reaching Tirupathi I slept immediately. We started taking snaps on reaching Andra Border. 

As a surprise Prasad arranged for a VIP darshan by 7 o clock in the morning. We had no time to relax and we all got ready in 30 min and we all went to temple. We had very good darshan where in we were able to see the lord at a distance of 5 – 8 feet. We were blessed to get the arathi & able to see lords feet. Also we had a glimpse of lord for 5+ minutes. It is all a blessing as these opportunities are not easy to come. Also we had a bones of worshiping along with actress Rambha. 

Then we were very tired and we slept for six hours and we missed a visit to goto Tiruchanur and worship Thayar. Again by 6 o clock we had another VIP darshan. Again we got same things what we got in the morning & since we were with Prasad we got some more privilages like getting different varieties of prasadam. Again this time we had the opportunity to prey along with Director Cheran, Actor Dr.Rajashekar, Actress Jeevitha and Actor Tarun. From there we went for dinner and then returned to Guest House. 

On returning we to guest house we changed the costumes, made some calls, checked mails & then myself & Suresh though of going to walk and I usually do this when I go to any place. We started hunting for good photogenic places and we were taking some snaps. On this pursuit we lost the route and we were repeatedly getting lost. After finding the correct route we found the Goa movie team as they were hunting for a hotel for dinner and time was 1.15 AM. We requested them for a snap and they acknowledged. I don’t know if they were lucky to find a good hotel at that time. 

Now reached the room and it is time to sleep and wake up by 6 for next darshan.

One more time to Kodaikanal


Once in Madurai going to Kodaikanal has become like going to Pondicherry. I’ve driven from Chennai to Pondicherry atleast a 100 times as it is near to Chennai (120 KM). Now Madurai – Kodaikanal is the same in terms of distance and this is my 5th trip to Kodai in this 12 months and my 7th over all in my lifetime. 

This trip has lots of significance as I really enjoyed the stay in the hill station and also I struggled a lot. 

Here is the synopsis about the trip; 

  • For the first time I vomited while going to the hill station. The reason is I normally travel with empty stomach, but this time we ate heavily in Bhatalagundu and also I thing my friends driving was little poor. He drove fast and was taking sharp curves.
  • Then we went to a hotel name Summer Vacation which is 6 KM away from city and has not shop / house near to the hotel.
  • Also hotel has a wonderful valley view.
  • Service in the hotel was frantastic. Since my friend is cousin of Dhindigul SP (Superintendent of Police) the owner of the hotel vacated his room for us.
  • Then we went out for shopping as I didn’t have any backup dress to wear. We went to a place near to hotel say some 2KM and I brought a t-shirt and a track for 200 bucks.
  • Next to the textile shop there was a pastry shop run by Hill Top hotel. Hilltop hotel is located inside the Kodai city and I’ve never enjoyed their food. But their pastries are A1.
  • Going back to hotel is time to watch India – Australia 3rd one day encounter and India winning the match made the occasion more cherish able.
  • To my irony no one carried a camera with us so we were unable to capture all the golden moments and an opportunity to take wonderful snaps of snow, sunset & sunrise in the valley et more.
  • Then we went to the terrace to enjoy the bonfire which was specifically arranged for us with all the food coming to terrace. I enjoyed the power of influence yet another time.
  • Then my friends went down to sleep. But I got some Diesel and I stayed near the fire and I slept there till 4 AM. That was the best experience I had in the trip and in my life time. Pitch dark, surrounded by snow everywhere, no one near you, a hill behind the hotel and my enjoying the heat and chillness. This was the best atmosphere for anyone who comes from a busy business life in a city. I don’t know if I’ll have one more opportunity like this.
  • Then next day we packed bags and started back to Madurai by 11 o clock on Sunday.
  • Then again it was a testing time getting down. I vomited 4 times and I’ve never counted time to get down from a hill station like this.  

On reaching Madurai I have not energy as I vomited everything I ate and because of that vomiting sensation I didn’t eat the whole day. Again it was really enjoyable trip and this will go a long way in my memory chart.

Unplanned travel & Happy results


Until 6 PM yesterday I was not sure what am I going to do. Whether to go to Chennai or Coimbatore or Stay back in Bangalore. It was very drowsy feeling and nothing was happening till 4 PM. I was still on the bed browsing and watching T.V, didn’t take bath, lots of cloths to wash, house was dusty.

By 4 PM I realized that I can’t do anything with the Sales Tax work after 4 o clock. I thought I must do something to make the day productive and I broke my laziness and I went one to wash my cloths and it was 5 PM by then.

Then I sweeped the house, had a perfect shave and had a nice bath and it was 5.45 PM. Then again back watching T.V, browsing and thinking what to do next. Then I thought I can check tickets for Chennai and thought if I don’t get a ticket I can think of next choice.

I logged into KPN travels site and found 4 tickets were available for the last bus which was very expensive (cost of a ticket is Rs.706/-). Last bus was always my choice when it comes to travelling between Bangalore – Chennai. Then there was no second thinking. I booked tickets and found KPN has got a new facility to collect tickets on counter upon providing a PIN unlike before where in we had to carry a printout of e-ticket.

Then I travelled to my cousins house in BTM had dinner with him and he dropped me in Bhommanahalli and I boarded the bus by 11.45 PM. I was eager to know what is special with the bus as it costs so much. On boarding I found it was a big bus with 42 seats. I was surprised to see how come they charge so much for having more capacity. When volume is more cost has to come down that is the theory of economies of scale.

Anyways I didn’t bother as I was able to take a decision because of availability of ticket. Then after boarding the bus I made couple of calls until the bus reached Hosur by 12.20 AM and I slept by then. The bus reached Porur by 5 o clock sharp. I woke up exactly before Porur. Thanks to the driver for playing FM songs and switching on the lights. Normally nothing perturbs me on sleep but this time it was unusual and again I’m not going to complain as the result was good as I got down near my house, had good sleep and comfortable travel.

Overall it was very much unplanned and all ended up comfortably and now I’m in Chennai posting this blog.

Ten years back – Part I


Life runs so fast that when we turn back we can believe that itz been so long. Ten years back exactly on same day we went to Ooty trip along with college buddies. Yes we were in our final year and we know if not then it will never happen together. And we were right after that we were unable to make it as a team till date. Some one or other will miss because so some other priority.

Coming back it all stands ever green in front of my eyes the planning we did. Initially we thought of going as a class trip. But we had some problem; 

  • As usual there was a set of folks who said they cant spend money on tours.
  • Then college said we have to take some faculty along with us if we had to take girls.

We were so mean those days that we scraped the idea of taking girls as we were not ready to pay for a faculty. Also we thought we can go along with core group of friends so that we can have ball of a time.

Then it was time for planning we collected all the tourist spots from TTDC and thru other sources. Then collected college bonafide certificate from college as it gave us concession in train tickets, dorm rooms in youth hostel & concession in theme park. 

Then came the D-Day we packed our bags on 05/09/1999 where in we all planned to take Electric train and meet assemble at Mambalam station. So fun started from there where in confusion started from there; 

  • Venket boards a train and joins Balaji from Palavanthangal.
  • Both of them will join Karthik from St.Thomas Mount station.
  • All three will join me from Guindy Station.
  • We all join other folks other than Saravanan in Mambalam station.
  • Karthik has a habit to sleep when he stands. So we were unable to pull him down at Mambalam station because of crowd. So, Balaji caught the train and said he will pull him down at park station and he did that promptly.
  • Then we all joined at park station and crossed the road and boarded train to Mettupalayam. And it was fun from then on.

anand2Joy in Train: Venket took control by himself and claimed himself as the captain of the trip. Who cares we didn’t give him a damn and we were in our own world. So first step of control Venkat took was to lock all our bags and he was good at that and we were relieved that someone took care of our belongings.. Then he took all the snacks which we brought (we planned to have snacks for whole 5 day). But when Venkat slept we finished off all the snacks we brought within minutes.

Then we were shouting, talking, playing cards and didn’t sleep the whole night. We were pulling down each others socks. 

anand5Then finally we reached Metupalayam by 7 AM and we ran to board Ooty heritage train. It was a 4 hour right and we enjoyed first 2 hours by running behind the train. Taking snaps on the falls that pours en route. Then we got bored. Then we reached Ooty and we were sitting in a park before we found the youth hostel.

We refreshed our self and it was already 2 PM and we proceeded to Lake that day and we returned back as we were tired as we didn’t sleep that day. Then we returned to Hostel and slept.

As we stayed there for 5 days we need 5 parts to cover the entire episode as each day was an epic by itself.

Amateur photography experience


Offlate Balaji is getting tired and we are slowly loosing interest in our night out. I thing we have over done and we need a break till we strive to experience the fun in travelling. So today being we (I & Balaji) slept long and I didn’t want to disturb him and fixed some business meetings. Then at the end of meeting I got a call from Balaji asking for the plan and it was already 7:30 PM. I reached home by 8 o clock and I reached Balaji’s house and much to the Irk of his parents we ventured out.

Then Balaji wanted to have his dinner and we had it in a small hotel in little mount and we didn’t have any clue what to do next and as usual we proceed to Satyam Cinemas. But half way I lost interest in movie and asked Balaji to goto some beach. Then we drove to Besant Nagar Beach. The beach was too crowded and there was hardly any space for parking and I didn’t want to step down in that crowd. It was sad to see how I hate a beach which was my favorite once upon a time.

Then we drove to Kottivakkam beach and again I complained to Balaji how that beached changed too but compared to Besant Nagar this beach is much better to relax. Then we walked long for a ice-cream looking crossing 2 beautiful girls twice and for the third time we tried to do the same and I don’t know if those girls understood we were walking to & foe just to cross them. They turned back half way third time and we returned to car and that is I saw our shadows from a car’s head light when the car crossed us.

Moon light reflection on waters...
Moon light reflection on waters...
Moon light & Shadow on waters...
Moon light & Shadow on waters...

Then my little creative brain thought it would be nice if we can shoot our shadow which falls on the sea waters. And we tried our luck and that is where there was some nice co-creation happened. I shot our shadows but Balaji thought it would be nice to shoot shadows along with the moon. Then we wanted to take moon and moon light reflection on the waters and both the snaps came well.

Then we proceed back for a drive and thought of taking snaps at Perungalathur – Maduravoya bypass where we unsucessfully spent some some time trying different ideas but they were all a failure and then we gave up after many tries and headed back home.

DSC01329-1Also I wanted to share these two pic which stands as motivation and we exclusively went for a drive at mid night to take photograph a week back. We took a snap of this Amman goddess which was made of Lights erected on a street parallel to my house.

DSC01332-2Then we had to over come questioning from cops while we were taking snaps of war memorial near Nandambakkam. So this is what happened.

Cop: What are you guys from?
Me: We are from Porur sir…
Cop: What are you guys doing?
Me: We are taking photos of memorial.
Cop: Why do you want to do that?
Me: We are collection pictures of places in Chennai at night.
Cop: What do you guys do?
Me: We are freelance photographers.
Cop: Grrrrr!! He scratched his head and moved from the place thinking we were journalist.

While this conversation was happening Balaji continues taking snaps. The cop was confused and he didn’t want to take a chance at us. But once he went he also distracted our concentration and we thought we can shoot it sometime later and we left the place with couple of snaps but this was the only snap that came well.

Another fulfilling day…


Today has been a contending day for many reasons. The day started by preparing a quote for providing Computer education for Andra Pradesh corporation schools. Then there were some official work where in I had to review some contracts, preparing list of things that my new CTO has to take care off and then putting my CTO as the single point contact for all technical help.

Then was engaged with some telephonic conversation with my CFO & Friends. Then I wanted to start my fish breeding which I use to do in my school days and then I located some spots in my house which would be best suited.

Then I got a call from my friend cum customer who said it was diccicult to come and sigh his IT returns and so I had to do the courier work. Thought Bala was hesitant to make me do those works I really enjoyed doing it as I’m not involved in CCS activities and I really enjoy working for CCS as it is a new arena to me. I drove to CCS office to hand over couple of signed IT Saral forms of friend and collected my friend’s Saral form to be signed and returned home as Balaji planned for a drive.

I came back home by 8 o clock and then had to wait for Balaji till 10 o clock to return from a birthday party. Then we handed over the Saral form to the friend and asked him to hand it over to bala tomorrow. Then we thought we can go for a long drive to Mahabalipuran through OMR which we have not explored much.

I was really surprised to see small tea shops and hotels which were kept open till 12 o clock mid night. We reached Perungudi toll by 11.20 PM and had to pay 30 bucks for a two way toll. Then we came across Baskin Robbins ice cream parlor and Pizza Corner. Balaji wanted an Iced Tea which was not available. Then we went to Baskin Robins and ordered for a Mango Tango & Mint Tango (Ice Cream blended with Sprite) and we enjoyed the drink.

DSC01324DSC01325Again started to travel towards mahabs and had to cross another toll where we were charged 30 bucks for a two way toll. I handed over a 50 rupee note and we got two 10 rupee coins as balance. That really excited me because I’ve seen that from one of my friend who had only one and he refused to give it to me. So, today I’m a proud owner of a 10 rupee coin which is rare at the moment. Then Balaji took on coin and retained one coin.

Again we thought this route to be expensive compared to ECR as we pay 45 bucks for two ways to mahabs. Then once when we crossed 200 meters the road was very bad as expected and we had a small change in direction. Instead of Thiruporur we went to ECR from Kelambakkam.

lightningEn route to ECR from Kelambakkam we had this back waters and good lightning. It was a special gift to my eyes. I’ve never enjoyed nature like this before. I was disappointed for not carrying a camera. Then after 10 min of enjoying the lightning we again proceeded to mahabs.

After reaching mahabs Balaji was telling me how nice a place it was two decades back as it is the home town of his mother and that was the place where he spends his vacation.  Again I’ve never been to mahabs at mid night and watching those carvings at night was a different experience.

It took 2 hours to drive to mahabs and while returning we had good topics to discuss and returned home within an hour. Over all I’m closing the day with a happy note… Thank you Balaji for giving such an experience… Letz explore more in coming weeks.

Long Drive @ wired time


I and my friend Balaji enjoy long drive and sipping coffee. Today Balaji called me at midnight and asked if we can go for a coffee and go for along drive. Though we are 29 years by age still we live under the control of our parents, TII (That Is India).

I accepted his request and I took my car and we drove to airport for a coffee and I remembered by cousin telling he has to pick up his brother from airport and I buzzed him and caught up with him. In food court we enjoyed good looking girls and some air hostess. Also there was one girl who showed more glamour and we thought it was worth the visit.

Then we came out and spent some time with my cousin in the arrival point and again it was pulling down each other and some more bottom fishing (in simple words some more babe watch).

Then we drove back home through the new Maduravoyal outer ring road. Balaji was sharing about George Clooney movie which portrayed how Americans do politics with other countries and that was interesting topic for rest of the travel. Then all of a sudden we thought we can do some exploration at that time by trying new service lane route and it clicked. It helped us to find a new route to by pass the toll.

Through our smart thinking and risk taking adventure attitude helped us to convert fairway to freeway. Then we returned home happily for saving Rs.30 that we spend for toll.