Tag: Travel

From Alleppey to Chennai


My original plan after my tour of Alleppey was to get back to Madurai and then return to Chennai. But i was scared of Laxman’s driving and i decided to get back to Chennai directly as i had a company with Rooban. So this is what happened;

  • We had no bus from Alleppey but there was a train by 4 PM. Rooban assumed it would be full and he suggested going to Cochin will give us more options.
  • We boarded a Bus to Cochin with was one and half hour drive from Alleppey.
  • Cochin was hot but was very nice city with was calm & had all attributes of a city.
  • We got down and went to a place called M.G.Road which was a shopping area having lots of Big shopping centers.
  • The same road had offices of many Private bus operators office & all the busses to Chennai were full.
  • Then we took another auto and went to government bus-stand. Here all busses to Chennai have already left. Also bus to Pondycherry was full.
  • Then we took an auto and went to Railway station only to find all trains running full.
  • Then again came back to Government Bus-stop.
  • Only choice was to board a bus to Coimbatore and the choice were a Trivandrum – Coimbatore bus which was about to come by 4.30 & a bus to Coimbatore from Cochin by 5.30.
  • Since it was 3 o clock we had to wait till 4.30 & all bus had route names in malayalam and things were again confusing.
  • Still bus to Coimbatore hasn’t arrived and we decided to board a bus to Tirupur and thought of boarding a bus to Coimbatore from there.
  • When we sat we got an announcement telling Trivandaram – Coimbatore bus has arrived and we were lucky to get a cramped last seat.
  • We had a hectic bumpy journey and we travelled through Tirupur – Palakkad & finally reached Coimbatore by 11 PM.
  • Coimbatore is a place which doesn’t have a night life. Even second show movies starts by 8.30. Hotels gets closed by 10 PM.
  • All bus to Chennai have left & again we had to work on options.
  • We had a choice of leaving to our relatives house and start the next day. But i didn’t want to do that because the hard travel from Alleppey will become useless.
  • We were lucky to get a cramped Mini bus which was overly dumped and no space to even stretch our legs.
  • We had to immediately board the bus and we have no time to have dinner too.
  • Then after 2 hours of drive driver stopped to have some tea and there i had a Maaza and we started again.
  • Finally the bus reached Chennai by 9.30 AM.

Finally reached Chennai after a hectic travel for 21 consecutive hour. All this was possible only because of the the Ayurvedic Massage i had in Alleppey which kept my body cool.

Alleppey Experience


It was very stressful and I went to Kumily along with my Madurai 3 weeks back. There we planned & decided to goto Alleppey, Alapuzzha & spend a day in House Boat. From then we were counting days the day. I travelled to Madurai last Thursday and reached Madurai. Then following are the events that happened;

  • Reached Madurai refreshed & Took bath.
  • Then went to Manoj’s juice shop and Laxman picked me up in 10 min.
  • From there we went to a supermarket and made some purchase.
  • From there went to Marverick GYM met friends & asked Sathish to get ready.
  • Then went back to Manoj’s house and picked him form there.
  • Manoj went to attend a small Shop-opening & Laxman and I went to Medical shop and brought some medicines.
  • Then went to Toddy shop has toddy.
  • Picked up Sathish & started to drive to Alleppey by 12 noon.

We took Theni, Cumbam, Kimily – Alleppey road which is a Ghat Road. As usual it was a pleasent Gods own Country and i’m thrilled to see houses which were big and small towns having good looking girls, posh houses, good roads etc.

As usual it was Laxman driving style which made me & sathish sick and we had to sleep to avoid side effects. After hectic 6 hours drive we reached Alleppey with the help of Google Maps which navigated us to the place.

Then we stayed in a hotel called Arcadia Regency. To be frank it was a good hotel in apprearance otherwise;

  • It had a swimming pool which was small & poorly maintained.
  • Rooms were very average with flickering lights.
  • Toilets were average too.
  • Service was also poor.

But we had a wonderful party & we all crashed to sleep without our conscious and i was the first to crash to bed. Then it was Laxman & I who got up early in the morning and then we went to buy fish for people who are Non-Veg and wanted to have Sea food. We first went to the beach and we were told catching was poor that day and the minimal amount of fish they caught had to sent to the market. We immediately went to the market and brought different verity of fish & crabs for Rs.5000/-.

Then we had a swim in the hotel swimming pool and we proceeded to board our House Boat and we were 3 hours late.

We sailed some 50 KM that day before we halted by 6 PM. Again it was great fun and we all were partying hard and last guys to crash were Laxman & I. Then i slept in the morning and got up a hour before we landed again.

Over all it was a great experience because we went with friends. But it has other challenges too like;

  • Sathish went ill and he is hospitalized for last four days because of food poisoning.
  • Rooban got hold of Malaria.
  • This was not the right time to travel as it was too hot and not enjoyable. But tariff of house boat are at its low because it was off season.
  • One great lesson too. We went there thought a friend and he arranged a boat for us and they charged us Rs.9000/- for house boat for a day. But when went enquired later the charge for the boat was Rs.6000/- only. So visit different House Boat  agents and take best call.

Other than that it was a great experience and here are some snaps of our House Boat;

Laxman & I (Me wearing CSK Jersey)

Way to the Room & Kitchen

Hall with Dinning Table & Television

Front View of House Boat. Rooban & Manoj in the terrace.

Thekkady Experience


It was a hectic month of April and we slogged and finally reached our Months target. But excessive work load and personal financial commitments took its tool and I started suffering from severe Fatigue. I was able to feel it as i was unable to take decisions, my planning were slow and really i was unable to work. I badly wanted a break.

Then i called my friend Laxman and asked him if we can go for a vacation. Again I was not in a position to loose any of the working day. Since it was vacation Laxman, Sathish & I decided to goto Thekkady, Kumily. We started our drive from Madurai by 8 AM on Saturday.

Kumily is just 120 KM from Madurai and we reached the place in 2 hours in spite of having breakfast in a place near Madurai. This place is special for Mutton dishes and no other dish would be available here. Since i’m a Veggie i had to settle with Papad, Vegetables & Curd.

Upon reaching Kumily we went to a resort named Greenwoods and we were given a authentic welcome. I’ve seen such welcome given to Cricket players in airport or at hotels. We were welcomed by offering a jasmine garland, keeping a sandal bindi & tender coconut water.

The we checked in the room and we immediately proceeded to Pool, the playing room & then we drove some 15 KM towards Kattapana to taste Toddy. But the toddy was old one and it took a tool on our stomach immediately. Then we returned to resort and started partying.

Then next day morning i had good Keraly ayurvedic Massage to reduce the body heat and immediately we proceeded to Thekkady. But the park was closed due to over rush. But we made some shopping and we were stratled to see how place was changed. I’ve been here 20 years back as a child and it has none of what the place sports now. The lodge we stayed was bad. But this time there were many 5 star resorts & Hotels, Shops etc.

On returning we vacated the room and we drove back to Madurai. En route we made a halt near a Vinyard in Cumban and brought some fresh grapes & drank some fresh grape juice. From there we drove non-stop to Madurai and reached Madurai by 4 PM on Sunday.

I must say this 2 days stay really was rejuvenating and bought me back to my routine & fresh. This trip was really exciting as it was not a tedious journey as it is just 2 hours drive from Madurai and also the the travel is a gift to ones eye as we have to cross lust green farms, mountains, vineyards, rivers et more.

Also Greenwoods Resort provided a great experience. When every i want a break i’ve planned to simply goto Kumily & stay in Greenwoods Resort for 2 days and i can be back fresh.

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.

Recollecting 2009 resolutions


We are approaching the end of 2009 and this last day i want to recollect all the resolutions i had for 2009 and how successful am i in full filling those resolutions. Let me list the resolutions;

Resolution 1: Lead a simple life.

As per this resolution i wanted to lead a simple life where in i didn’t to board Auto-rickshaws, Flights, Taxi’s. So i travel through cheapest traveling option. To my satisfaction I can say I full filled this resolution as an individual. I think my CFO Mr.Bala Murugan is the best person to endorse this :).

Then not to purchase Gadgets, expensive dresses etc. Again you can endorse my success in this by seeing my Mobile phone which i was forced to buy because my old one was dead. Yes i got a mobile for Rs.1800/- only.

Resolution 2: To Blog Regularly.

Again you readers can endorse me by seeing my Blog Logs. I’m happy to full fill this resolution too.

Resolution 3: To have more Vagabond trips.

Starting this year i had lot of Vagabond trips to places like KanniyaKumaru, Munnar, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal, Thirunelveli & Theni. Then after May i wanted to take a break for 3 months because of summer. Sadly this year it was a long summer as heat waves lasted till October. So i can say i was 50% successful in full filling this resolution too.

Resolution 4: Workout and have a good physique.

Let me confess i failed miserably in this :(. I worked out promptly till May then after that i went back to dogs.

Resolution 5: Build my Networks.

  • With the help of Mr.Bala Murugan i got hold of lots of friends & acquaintance in business.
  • I went to Madurai without any friends and today i can say i’ve atleast 100+ friends at madurai and thanks to Sathish & Maverick Fitness Center.
  • Then with the help of my friend Roshan & Inshape Fitness Studio i got linked with lots of Celebrities.
  • Lots of friends through Twitter, Linkedin, Peerpower & Facebook.

So i can give a pass mark for this resolution too.

Resolution 6: To get a groove into CCS as it is a new zone for me.

  • After bootstrapping in a shared office, we have moved in to our own office.
  • With clients in all the services (other than franchise) we offer.
  • Breaking-even for last 3 months.
  • Increasing the team count for CCS.

I must say I’m happy with this resolution too.

To conclude this is the first year where in i’ve a pass mark to my resolutions and also this is the first year where in i’ve a list of resolutions too. Now it is time to sit and rework on another set of resolutions and wish i blog the experience of coming years resolution same day same time.

Until then wish to be successful in accommpolishing next year resolutions too.

Wish you all a happy 2010.

A day out to Kodai!!!


Last week we had been to Kodaikanal for a day’s trip… Thanks to Major Karthik, Bala Subramaniyam, Boopathi & Sathick for sponsoring the trip… Ok itz wrong to tell it as sponsor as it is their Birthday treat… Since their birthdays fell within a month they thought they can join hands and give a memorable treat… Then boopathi took over and really rocked with his Admistration skills and finished the trip with less than 30% of the projected expense…

Asusual it got delayed because of me… I got up late and it took time to get ready, we were beyond schedule by 30 min… So all folks assembled in my house and this is the team excluding Senthil who joined us from Vadipatti…

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Left to Right: Bala Subramaniyam, Major Karthik, Yours Truly, Boopathi, Sathick

Then we picked up Senthil from Vadipatti and then we stopped at Vathalagundu to have our breakfast…

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Folks got down near the hotel, Hotel’s Entrance & Folks fighting… I just dank a cup of milk as I know eating too much will result in vomiting… But Sathick freaked with Vada, Dosa, Idly & Coffee and as expected he started vomiting… I was surprised to know that this was sathick’s first trip to a hill station…

 

Then we straight away went for site seeing… First was pine forest

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We at carrot & Ice-Cream here…

 

Then we went to Guna caves, suicide points and many other places enroute before returning for lunch to Hotel Hilltop… I over ate here and had a nice nap… We cancelled our plan to goto Liril falls and Dolphin nose because there was not much water in the falls…

These are some of the snaps we took on that day…

Munnar trip: Part 1


Blogging about my Munnar trip is a long pending task… It all started with a call from Vijay Krishna asking me to join them for a trip to Punnagai Mannan falls (falls was named after Kamal Hasan’s movie Punnagai Mannan) near Coimbatore… I told them that I can join them only on Sunday as Saturday is a working day for me… Then I started my ay is office as usual and I got a call from Vijay telling plans got changed to Munnar… I was little upset because I was not mentally prepared for some other place and I was eager to visit a place which I just watched in a movie…

I packed my bags to Munnar by 3:30 PM and went to Bus Stand to board Munnar Bus… On reaching the bus terminus I was told direct bus to Munnar is scheduled only in the mornings and I was asked to goto Theni and then catch a bus to Munnar from there… Then I boarded a bus to theni & within 30 min drive from Madurai tyre got burst… Bus was jam packed and many people started boarding other buses… But I stayed in the bus and thought I can see what happens… Then suddenly driver said there is a spare tyre(stepney) and he changed the type and dropped in Theni within 2 hours… I reached Theni around 8 o clock and I was told next bus to Munnar is at 10 o clock…

I though I can have my dinner in a local hotel to get a feel of the place and in the hotel I engaged a conversation with two boys who were sharing my table… They became good friends and till now we keep calling each other :)… They told me about unexplored places in Theni and about local culture, they were very curious to know if I know any tamil actors and their houses… For them Chennai looks like heaven and it seems they have never been there… I’m really excited by the way they helped me…

Then I boarded the Munnar bus and I asked the conductor about journey time to munnar… People found from my lingo that I’m from Chennai… One particular gentleman started telling names of each and every place enroute to Munnar… I’ve never had such a journey; it was a great experience…

 I was told there will be lot of elephant crossing in the nights and if any elephant sleeps/stands in the road vehicles has to shut the head light n engine and wait till the animal moves… Unfortunately that didn’t happen in our journey and I missed that experience… But on the way we saw an elephant and it roared, but I didn’t have time to pick my camera and take a snap…

Then I slept for sometime and all of a sudden bus stopped because of traffic jam…I went out for a leak and assumed traffic jam was because of elephants crossing… Then I walked further to see if there is any elephant…

One enquiring the status from a cab driver I came to know traffic jam was because of some quarrel between a tourist van and a truck driver… It took 30 min for the quarrel to get over and for traffic to get cleared… Then atlast I reached munnar by 2 o clock in the morning… It was shivering cold in the night…
Straight away went to the hotel and the doors were locked… I was preying for folks to pick the call… They didn’t pick my call making me scared and for a moment I thought I must sleep in the streets shivering the whole night… Then got a call from Vasanth and he opened the doors… Vasanth, Vijay & Sathish came from Coimbatore… All of us were tired because of the travel and we all crashed to immediately….

Then next day we all started for site seeing by 8.30 in the morning…

To be continued………
Part 2 coming soon……