Short Chidambaram Trip - Divine Blessing

Thanks to Independence day for falling on Monday. We got long weekend (3 days) for planning mini tour. Priya and myself very much interested to go Chidambaram Natarajar Temple for very long time. The day comes and fortunately our Tatkal booking also went through well. Googled to see the nearest Temple of Chidambaram and got plenty around. Finally we selected to go Vaideeswaran Temple ( Mars Temple) and Thiruvengadu Temple (Mercury Temple). 

We started from Chennai Egmore Station in Trichy express at 815AM. Uber helped to reach Egmore on time with least price. Priya packed delicious breakfast and we all enjoyed it on the go. Reached Chidambaram around 115PM and took Auto ricksaw for our Hotel Nataraja Residency. We booked Deluxe AC room via Stayzilla ( 30% while booking and 70% at hotel payment). Took Lunch and had a good nap. Hotel is near to Junction at which major buses stops. We boarded in Private bus which stopped in front of South entrance of Vaideeswaran Temple in 45 minutes. We had Good Darshan and amazed on Temple Statues and Water management. Two Statues are very different and we never seen those in any of the Temple.

Then we took bus to reach Sirkali for catching bus to Thiruvenkadu. Since the First bus was fully packed and we boarded in second bus. The bus headed for Poombukar ( Lost city due to Tsunami in olden days) and we got down at thiruvenkadu infront of Temple Entrance. God Suvedharanyeswarar and Brahmma Vidaymbal blessed and we got good darshan of Lord Mercury. I felt happy that my number skill may improve further.Took bus to reach Sirkali and had dinner in Sirkali Brahmin Hotel. Reached Chidambaram around 930PM and we were drenched in Rain while getting down from bus. 

We had good sleep and thanks to Bluestar 2ton Ac Sleep mode option. We planned to go Chidambaram Natarajar Temple by 6AM. But with all delays , we touched the feet of Lord almighty Temple by 730AM. We came out by 11AM. It was wonderful to be there and enjoy the feel of God presence and Ancient People skills and talents. Chidambaram Natraja Perumal Temple is Aagaya Sthalam ( Sky out of Five Elements). Mukuruni Vinayagar, Subramniyar, Sivakami sundari ambal, Siva Ganga Pond, Urthava Thandavar Shrine, Samhara Murthy Shrine and a Govindaraja Peruma Temple ( one of the 108 thirupathy, padal petra Sthalam) Lord Natrajar are treat to our Eyes and Feast to our Heart. Loved the Temple Statues fine ness and not able to go away from that place. 

Also in Prahar, We can see Dance poses on 1000 pillar mandapam. It was fantastic and Artist must be given Highest price on earth. It is must see place for all Hindus and Architect Lovers. 

Checked out Hotel at 12PM and reached station by Auto. Boarded train by 130PM and reached Home by 7PM. What A Fantastic Trip.

Summer Vacation (2016) - Last Part

Hope you enjoyed all the Part of my summer vacation series. It was really fantastic summer beating but the travel to those places are really tiresome.

Part 1 - Click here      Part 2 - Click here     Part 3 - Click here

Vellode Birds Sanctuary

Priya and Abhinav left Andipatti and started to Karur to pick up Ramya and Diya. My father in law is very happy if both his grand childrens are near by. On the way to Thalavadi, they stopped at Vellode Birds santuary. It is 13km away from Erode. Few snaps clicked at santuary are below.

Both Diya and Abhinav were tired due to Summer and Travel. It was on Election results day and Priya kept messaging me to know the Lead status of TN assemply election.

Gopalaswamy Betta

It is a hill near Chamraj Nagar and it is 1400m above sea level. Lord Venugopala Temple is very ancient and it was built by the Hoysala King Ballala.  Abhinav went with Arivalaghan Sir, Chittu who are neighbours and our well wisher. Abhinav inspired by Chittu's Study skills and he want to be Doctor like her. 

Summer Series 2016 concluded. Bye for now. See you in next post.

Summer Vacation (2016) - Part 3

Part 1 - Click Here
Part 2 - Click Here

Palani

After our Kodaikanal trip, we were in dilemma either to head back Andipatti or Palani. But we spotted Palani bus in Kodaikanal Bus stand and we are all in for getting the Handsome Lord Murugan Blessings. The Bus Journey to Palani is very thrilling and adventurous. Because the barricades are broken and someplaces there is none. Road is narrow than Badalagundu route. So Two vechicle crossing needs special attention and Driver should be smart enough. It took around 3 hours journey. We used my Brother help to move luggage to his shop and got priority seat in Temple winch. 

We took Rs 10 ticket and had darshan in 5 minutes. Unusually, we stood before almighty for 10 minutes without push - pull from guards or devotees. There were 10-12 devotees including ourself was having darshan. It was always visual treat to keep seeing Lord Murugan and His blessings are unstoppable. Since it is past Lunch, we thought of taking Temple Annadhanam. But it queue were very long and halls were densely packed. We gave a skip and bought Temple prasad ( Pulioyadharai, Sarkarai Pongal and Panchamirtham). Abhinav agreed to take elphant path for getting down. It took 20 minutes and we took our luggage after few minutes relaxation and headed for Andipatti.

Vaigai Dam and Jumbuliputtur

Vaigai dam is a good picnic spot for Theni district people. It is better to go on sunday because  park Lightings will be fully on sunday only. Dam has good flora, Views, Boating, Toy train and Children par. All are not greatly maintained but it is mediocre one. 

Abhinav went with his little brother Danush. Thay had a fun time. 

Jumbuliputtur is one of the Perumal Temple around my native. Mostly, people go every saturday to get blessings of Lord Narayanan. It is said to be " Suyambu". Before renovation, we can see lot of paintings and Contribution person details where i always look for my grandfathers name and feel happy. After renovation, the paintings are gone by cement coating. Medium sized Temple with Templ pond makes it very beautiful.

Kumbakarai

Few Kumaba Karai snaps

Kumbakarai is also one of the sweet picnic spot near by Periyakulam. It is kind of water falls with dangerous depth and boulders. There is no proper sign boards; so people with least information can meet dangerous situation of drowning. My father met with small incident but he was saved. But there are few known places with less risk falls and enjoyable pond where kids can enjoy it. It is a reserve forest area and it is covered fully with green. 

There is two change room and one big shelter if it rains. Abhinav swam in water and he enjoyed. but we had a very limited time since it was drizzling. Forest officers called back all visitors because huge water flow risk from kodaikonal downfall. Since unknown quantum of water from kodai hills, it is better to be safer than expose to risk. People came with food and enjoed their food in shelter. It was really fun place. The Road to Kumbakarai has Mango farms on both sides. It was treat to see it and taste it.

Last Part will be continued in next post. Again Lazy attacked me !!!

Summer Vacation (2016) - Part 2

for Part 1 - Click here

Kodaikanal:

Like last year, we used L&T's one of employee benefits. This time we booked 4 days 3 nights stay in Sterling Resort, By the Lake, Kodaikonal. Resort is at good location with good amneities ( Kids activity, cycling, camp fire, trekking, fire ball...etc). Though all are paid activities, we can enjoy with proper trainers. Food is average and our comparative mind tried to compare with Sterling, Munnar food. We got Classic room which is very old, broken tiles, no carpet and very small. I would rate 2.5 out of 5 scale. We used Resort Travel desk for sight seeing. They have group tour and Private tour.  we took group tour with pickup / drop facitlity till Resort. We saw following places and Enjoyed quite a lot with drizzles / rain / snow ambient ( but rest of Tamil Nadu is under  scorching summer).

1. Boat Club - Row bat with boatsman ( because Person should be more than 14 years to get pedal boat)
2. Cycling around Lake
3. Horse Riding
4. Few View points
5. Guna Caves  (closed)
6. Pillar Rock
7. Kurinji Andavar Temple
8. Cokers Walk
9. Shopping place for choclates and personal care items
10. Few Falls ( just view and click)
11. Pine Forest
12. Two Park ( did not explore much)
13. Of course our Resort, it is full of flowers

Part 3 will be continued.

Summer Vacation (2016) - Part 1

Last month we had a summer vacation at my native place. We went to many places and enjoyed each and every place together. Small write up on our summer vacation to cherish our memories for future.

We visited following places.
1. Suruli Falls, Cumbum
2. Veerapandi
3. Kodaikanal
4. Palani
5. Kumbakarai Falls, Periyakulam
6. Jambuliputtur & Vaigai Dam Andipatti
7. Vellodu Birds Santuary *
8. Gopal Swamy Betta *

* - Visited by Abhinav / Priya.

Suruli Falls, Cumbum

On the way to Falls

My Family and My Brother Family visited Suruli falls which is just 10 km away from Cumbum. Frequent mini bus services are available from Gandhi statue, Cumbum. Auto also shuttle with Rs 150 per side trip.

With Danush

Suruli falls said to be very 365 days water fall. Because, it never disappointed me whenever i visit. Quantum of fall decided by the season, best fall is between June - November ( South west monsoon, north east monsoon ).

This time, it was maiden water fall debut for my borther son Danush. I took the honor for his bath at fall. He enjoyed water sprinkles till few sprinkle touched his face area. Elder people will find difficult to walk from Car parking area to water fall. 

It is almost 1km walk with 120 steps to reach water fall. But those who can, it would be fantastic treat for body and soul. 

Veerapandi

Temple Car Festival

Veerapandi is lovely place with holy Gowmariamman Temple (Powerful godess) and Mullai periyar river which is perennial and beautiful to look. Veerapandi Shree Gowmariamman Temple festival is one of the big, famous, disciplined, highly divine and ancient festival. Goddess is very powerful deity and People offers many things as per Temple tradition. 

Mullai Periyar River

It is just 8 km away from Theni. During festival time you will get one for every 5-10 minutes that too for 24 hours; Late night frequency is less but you will not be disapponited. When i was kid, My father used to take me and my broether after closure of our shop (930pm). Me and my brother used to enjoy all the fun activites and great shopping experience of toys. 

This time, we started a day before commencement of fun activities; there are less shops and games. But we had good darshan. Mullai periyar river also had good water flow; many people were enjoying and beating the summer with cool dip at river. It was visual treat to see.

Temple Entry

Danush and Abhinav got special blessings from almighty. It always provide peace when we visit that temple though we missed few traditional offering. Photo courtesy is google.

Part 2 will be continued shortly. Feeling very lazy to write.

Munnar Trip - Part 2

For Part 1, Click here.

Day 3:

Due to Last evening Activity arranged by Sterling resort such as Bon fire, Group play, we were little tired. Today it was planned complete rest day and do only indoor activities. It gave real opportunity for private talk and enjoyable. 

We went for a walk along Tea estate, took food in on road restaurant and photo shoot. Priya tried Spa inside the resort for her rejuvenation. 

We also played Table tennis, Carrom, Chess...etc( only free activities). Sterling arranged Bon fire and unlimited mock tails. 

Day 4:
Abhinav felt sad, because today was last day in resort. We checked out and our Driver was ready for sightseeing cum drop at Munnar. We visited following places.

Munnar Town: Just romaed around for few minutes and searched for ATM to withdraw money. Because SBT ATM was out of cash without any board outside.

On the way to Eravikulam National part, we did pit stop for Palmyra Fruit ( நுங்கு ). Abhinav's one of the favorite fruit and he enjoys tasting it.

We stopped for a minute to see the very long queue at Eravikulam National park to spot Nilagiri Thar and Kurinju Poo (Strobilanthes kunthiana). After seeing the Queue and limited Shuttle services, we skipped and started for next points.




Lakkam Falls & Karimutty Falls:
Both waterfalls very famous and you can see in most of the movies. Abhinav and Me had shivering bath in chill water. Temperature was less than 8 degree ( i guess).

Sandalwood Forest and Coffee Estate:
We saw restricted and protected Sandal Wood Plantations and Coffee & Pepper Plantations. It was nice and thrilling ride from Munnar. why because Visiblity is almost Zero even with fog lamp. Driver must matured and mastered hill driving to survive this kind of risk.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
The ride inside forest area is thrilling and Forest officer SUV keeps running for supervision. we stopped at Aalampetty for booking the Trekking. Though we were not with Shoes and proper gears, we attempted for Trekking. Abhinav excited for spotting any wild. We were escorted by Two Forest tribals for the safety and guide. we saw Dolmens and Ancient Art on Rocks. It was said very ancient and 3000-4000 years old but no proof from ASI yet.

Tour Concludes Pleasantly.

Few Pictures:

Munnar Trip - Part 1

Recently, We went on vacation. It is necessary because we were highly stressed due to Chennai floods and impact on Normal life. Mother Nature made top up on ground water but at the cost of many lives and livelihood. as per Today's TOI, Groundwater of Chennai rise to 30ft.

Out of many choices, we selected Munnar as our Holiday Destination. It is really a contra because of going to hill station during winter. 

Munnar is just 90 km away from my hometown and we did pit stop at home town and enjoyed two meals by mom. 

It is really Fantastic, adventurous and adrenaline pumped travel from Theni to Munnar.Mahindra and it is surrounded by Tata Tea Estate.

Lots of Hair pin bend, narrow road and deep valley all together make this journey as highly thrilling one. But it is scenic drive and we can see the natures play.

Since we booked at Sterling Resorts, we got down at Power house and took local car to reach Terrace Green Resort. Resort is just next to Club

Day 1: Checked in around 5PM and took complete rest. evening we had pleasant walk and played with Remote control Helicopter. Due to some light disturbance, chopper fell out of campus at 20 feet deep. With help of Security guard, we got it back. it is really isolated area and snake possibility was there. But security guard was brave enough. Big thanks to him. Had amazing food. Abhinav enjoyed watching over all options.

Day 2: We booked Local Sight seeing via cleartrip - activities. Rs 1400 worth activity at price of Rs 650 ( 50% discount from clear trip and 20% from Paytm). Driver was exactly on time. we saw following spots during first day. since it was peak time, we hit traffic often and we did not give up our fun even at traffic time. 

1. Power House Water Falls - ( on the way to Munnar, Just for Photo shot only. If they allowed to take bath, it would be fun. Since it is meant for Drinking, it is isolated)

2. Lock Heart View Point - Scenic View

3. Rock Cave - it is said to be thief cave (malaikallan kughai)

4. Lockhart Estate of Harrison Malayalam

5. Tea Museum by Kannan Devan of Tata - Must see Museum which has good collection of very old things such as Big Calculators, type writers, Wooden bath tub, telephone exchange....etc, they also showcase the 30 minute video documentary of " How Munnar Hills wore Tea cloth ?". they also has Model Tea factory with Process explanation. Discounted tea outlet and Tea sipping.

6. Rose Garden - It has good collection of many flowers and Flora is really great. Must see place. Abhinav and Priya enjoyed this place. it also has washroom and small shop.

7. Photo Point - People can stop here for photo shot. Professional photographers are available and they also provide Tea plucker costume.

8. Honey Bee Tree - It is just on the way stop and we can see many bee hives in a single tree.

9. Mattupatty Dam - It is Indo swiss Project and the ride on the bridge is really great. Speed Boat and Elephant safari is available at this place. Kids can enjoy it.

10. Echo Point - We had Lunch at one hotel. As they displayed , it tastes as Home food only. Boating was closed due to waves on water. it creates a super Echo only when the decibel level is higher. One person shouting will not create echo. But mass shouting, creates echo.

11. Kundala Lake - Must see place. It is artificially created lake and small dam kind of opening. Pedal boating was very much enjoyable and reasonable compares to Speed boat.

12. Top Station - must see place for very scenic views and cloud kissing place.

returned to Resort around 640PM. Had sooper food and great sleep.

(Part 2- click here)

Few  Pictures

Lord Vinayaga Found in Guruvayur

Date: 17-Sep-2015

Event 1: 

Ganesh & Gowri Pooja at Home

Vinayagar Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration happened at house. This Pooja used to be done by Male Person. So Me and Abhinav wokeup early and had good Head bath. 

Headed out to Buy clay Vinayaga. we have Standard decorating silver ornaments for Lord Ganesha and I was decorating it. Abhinav was playing with ornaments and asked me few questions.  

Abhinav:             "Why Vinayaga has one broken tusk?"

Me:                       He broke his tusk and used for writing Ramayanam Epic.

Abhinav:             "why did not he use Birds Feather?"

Me:                       Since Ramayanam going to be big Story ( EPIC), He wanted something very                 Reliable and Robust. we will discuss later and Lets pray.

Date: 26-Sep-2015

Event 2: 

One Tusked Elephant

We had Family Get together at Guruvayur, Kerala for "Danush Choorunu Function" and   "Priya Tulabaram Event". After both events, we went to "Anakkota" where all guruvayur Temple Elephants live and hang out. 

It is World of Elephants; we can see different size, age, black shades and their regular habituation. Abhinav was enjoying it and he found one elephant was having only one tusk. Quickly he shouted " Lord Vinayagar" is here.

Anakotta More details Click here.

He correlated both events and he made the statement. he felt proud and happy after seeing single tusked elephant. 

:)

Shimla - Manali Trip -Last Part

Continuation of Shimla Manai Trip ( for Part1, Part 2, Part 3 & Part 4).

Day 6:

It was Local city Tour.

We covered following Places.

• Hadimba Devi Temple  - Must see Place and Location is very quiet and great climate.
• Ghatotkacha  Temple - just nearby to Hadimba devi temple
• Vashisht Hot Water Springs - Must enjoy place and you can feel power nature
• Club House - real dungeon, No need to go
• Tibetan monastery - Very Beautiful temple with surrounded by "Mantra" bells
• Van Vihar - Tall Trees with broken kid's play arena
• Mall Road Shopping - shopping can be done but " Negotiate" because most of them are not original

Day 7:

We checked out Snow Valley Resorts, Manali and Started towards Manikaran in Toyota Etios. It needs Special driving Skills to go Manikaran right after Rainy day. Because the Road was very pathetic and Land slide is biggest threat. But Our Driver is really great with lots of local information. Manikaran was really great place with Sooper Hot Spring. I was told that  Hot Spring  has power of Radioactive and Sulphur in it and it cures lot of Skin disease & Joint pains. Snow Valley Resort packed Sandwich as breakfast. Abhinav is not feeling good and he was having vomiting sense. 

After Manikaran, we drove to Chandigarh. It was long, tired, unpleasant journey; I wish there should be Air way. Abhinav vomited right after Lunch.  He was having indigestion issue. Reached chandigarh around 9pm. Checked in at Hotel Sun Park. We were given Break fast, Dinner Token as advance though we are eligible for break fast only. Hotel Room was not tidy and Toilet was having cockroaches. But Bed was big and comfortable.

Day 8:

Abhinav felt little Better and We checked out Hotel and proceeded towards sightseeing. Hotel has provision to keep Luggages and we utilised the option. we had flight at 1PM to Bangalore and We had 3 hours to roam Around chandigarh. We booked Ola Cab for Drop at Sukhana Lake since Hotel travel desk was charging around Rs 1500 for full day sightseeing. Since the boating was stopped, we spent few minutes at Lake and spoke to Tamil speaking old women. We enjoyed tender coconut. We used Battery operated Public Vehicle  for Rock Garden drop. Thanks to Government for promoting Pollution free transportation.

Abhinav enjoyed Rock garden and It was really amazing that " all waste become tourist attractive statues ". Since we had limited time, we skipped Phase 3 and booked Ola cab to pick up our luggages from Hotel and Drop to Airport. Reached Chennai around 7Pm after 8 days Journey into Snow World.

Thanks to Air Asia, GOIBIBO and Himachal Tourism for your Service. We planned next trip to Sri Lanka ( International Trip). It all depends on Budget and Discounts.

Photo Collage Courtesy: http://www.photocollage.net/collage/

Shimla - Manali Trip - Part 4

Continuation of Shimla Manai Trip ( for Part1, Part 2 & Part 3 ).

Day 4:

Started Early to Avoid Rush @ Solang Valley. We paid very high cost for Skiing, Zorbing Activity due to our lack of Hindi Language Skills and Our Driver intention of getting more commission. Paid around Rs 4000 for guide, Skiing (3 Persons), Skiing Dress, Shoes, 2 Tube Sliding & 2 Zorbing balls, Rs 400 for Kids Paragliding. But if i forget the inflated cost, it is worth place to enjoy one hundread percent Fun, Fun and Funno Fun. Abhinav reacted like Free electron, he simply ignored all restrictions and enjoyed each and every bit.

We heard that Solang Valley is No ice place in summer and Rohtang Pass will be full Ice place for all fun activities. People are chasing for Local Traditional dress photo Shoot, White Rabbit photo shoot and other fun activities.
On the way, we filled our Water bottle in Nehru Kund. the water was so natural , tasty and cold. We stopped at Dhaba for Lunch though we had Soup and Momos at Valley. Reached Hotel at 4 pm and had fun time in Billards, Table Tennis, Carrom and Disco room

Few Pictures

Day 5:
Started early at 830AM for Sight Seeing @ Jagatsukh, Naggar castle  and Roerich art gallery. Jagatsukh is old capital of Kullu. Jagtsukh Shiva Temple is very ancient and part of ASI which is built during 8th Century. Gayathri Devi temple said to be very old from Pandava time. The Temple Tree is very Tall and widespread. It was without any leaves during our visit.

After Temple Visit, We headed to Roerich Art Gallery. The Ambient Temperature was around 6-10 Degree C. Nagger Castle and Roerich Gallery was on top of the Hill and it was well located for Peaceful Art works. Galeery was with lot of Historic Moments and Art about Mountains, their Family history and their Collection. It was very steep and low oxygen area to reach their museum. Though it was drizzling, We three climbed uphill to see Museum. 

Nagger Castle

The Castle was converted into a rest house, a hundred year back and in 1978 this ancient building was handed over to HPTDC to run as a heritage hotel. This medieval Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley and apart from the spectacular view and superb location this has a flavour of authentic western Himalayan architecture. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. 

It was Fantastic that there is no joining material between Wood and Stone. Still it stands taller. It is must see place for any civil & Architectural lovers. We were drenched during visit. 

After Lunch @ Dhaba, we reached Hotel and Enjoyed spending time in Recreational Activities of Indoor Games in our Resort.

Day 6, 7 and 8 will be the Last part which will be continued.

Shimla - Manali Trip -Part 3

Continuation of Simla-Manali Trip. (Part 1, Part 2)
Day 2:
We headed to Naldhera after our Lunch. Abhinav started complaining about roti's getting habitual. We had Horse Ride in Naldhera with few scenic view points, Crossing beautiful green Golf stadium, Far away road in Himalyas, Also said to be chin border behind the Hill and few temples. this horse Ride was completely different from Kufri one. This one was felt extremely safe and Horses are in very good condition & charges also less (Rs 780).

My Queen Priya and Prince Abhinav

@ Naldhera, Shimla

Shimla Apple Orchids

  On the way, we have seen Many Apple Orchids which are having only skeleton. Due to Non Season, the Apple Trees are like it is growing in drought / dessert. All Orchids are guarded by Trained Dogs. We stopped for medical Shop to buy Anti Vomiting tablets, Strepsils, Lipcare...etc for tomorrows ride for Kullu & Manali. Priya has Cough continuously through out the Tour whereas Abhinav recovered from it. Had Dinner at Hotel Kapil and Slept peacefully. 

Day 3:
Checked out Hotel Kapil with very tasty Break Fast and Hot Masala Tea. Headed To Manali with plan of Rafting at Kullu and Shopping at Babeli. The Road was really messy in half of the path. But We enjoyed Pandoh Dam, Aut Tunnel and Beautiful Beas River chasing all the way. Stopped for Lunch near Mandi and had Roti & Dal. On the way we worshipped Hanogi Mata and Headed to Kullu Rafting. Time was around 4PM and paid for Private Raft with a Guide ( No Sharing). We Paid Rs 2500 for 6Km Stretch on Private Raft.

3Km, Aut Tunnel

Pandoh Dam

Beas River and Dam Reservior in BG

Hanogi Mata Temple

Taller Than Mountain

At Kullu Rafti Point (Jihiri)

Fantastic Maiden Experience

Ready for Rafting

Prize Table for Rafting

My Rafter Told me to dive into Beas River. Though I dont know Swimming, I dived into river where Currents are less. Life-vest is strong enough to float me. During Rafting, We were Drenched fully and synchronized with water temperature. So I could not feel worst during my dive. Rafting Complex has well maintained Change rooms which were very clean and tidy. After changeover, We had Hot Chai and Pani Poori to fight back the Shivering temperature. 
Then We started towards Manali and stopped for Winter cloth Purchasing at Babeli. It was expensive even after discount. My wife was impressed with Pakshmina, the original one was costing around Rs 8000 and above. After seeing Pakshmina, she wanted only it and she can wait for it also. We bought woollen cap, Shawls, Sweater for Abhinav, Gloves...etc for worth of Rs 4000. Later reached Manali around 8PM. Checked in at Snow Valley Reort and accommodated at Presidential Suite. Room was good and clean. Rest room is really pathetic design. Had good dinner and Slept like " there is no tomorrow". Room Heater comforted us.

Part 4 will be continued.

Shimla - Manali Trip - Part 2

It is the continuation of our recent Shimla - Manali Trip post. As i shared my Trip moments last year of our Singapore-Malaysia, i like to present for Shimla-Manali-Chandigarh Trip.

After Shopping @ Mall Road, Shimla

Day 1:

@Chennai Airport

@Mall Road, Shimla

Boarded on-time Ola cab for reaching Chennai Airport to catch Bangalore bound Jet Airways flight. We were served inflight meals as per order. I tried Jain Meal which is very tasty and i will select the same in my next jet flight. Abhinav is so excited to see ice and he has been asking when will reach destination. Landed Bangalore safely in 50 minutes and spoke to our Chandigarh pick up driver for synchronization. Took mini Tiffin at Malgudi meals @ Bangalore Airport and boarded AirAsia Chandigarh Flight. Bought Paper Boat JalJeera which was priced Rs 70 (inflight) whereas Spar Mall is selling at Rs 26.6 (almost three times). reached Chandigarh 10 minutes earlier then ETA. Lot of Air Fighters, Military Cargo Carriers and Choppers welcomed in Chandigarh airport ( Not Civil Airport). Our Driver caught us and we started to Shimla in Toyota Etios Go. Sedan is so comfortable and we took pitstop for Lunch after an hour. Enjoyed Dhaba food and Reached Shimla around 530PM. It was very tireful travel from morning 530AM to 530PM. Hotel Kapil warmly greeted and we have been allotted Family suite @ Rs 2860 with Complimentary Breakfast (including Taxes). After few hours rest, we had walk in Mall Road and Ridge. Priya commented that " typical Shopping Mall has more shops in one building, where as Mall road has single shop in both side of street". Thats True, it is like typical MG Road in bangalore, T Nagar in Chennai, Lakshmi Road in Pune. Since we dont know Hindi, we did bargain at one shop for buying Gloves and Wollen Cap for figting 6 DegC winter. We had enough clothing but we are wrong. we need more to fight. All South Indians will have issue to fight freezing winter and cold breeze. Family Suite consists of 2 rooms for accommodating 2 family. Beds are heated by electric blanket to keep us warm. Thats was new for us. Hotel Kapil is just few meters away from Mall Road and Raddison Jazz Hotel.

Day 2:

Woke up morning to enjoy the Snow and had hot Masala Tea. Due to sudden drop in temperature, it was snowing in night. Our driver reported ontime and we started for Kufri which is coolest place in Shimla (9000 feet elevation) with little snow activities. On the way to Kufri, we can see snow bordered roads and corner tea/pani poori shops. Our Hotel told us that we can reach kufri point by walk also. But we chosen Horse Rode it costs us Rs 750 per head including Safety winter Shoes. Horse ride was thrilling and Fantastic because the Road was so ugly and steep. We wondered "thats why Car Engines are measured in Horse Power"

@ Kufri (Yaks are on background)

Sunny Cold @ Kufri

On the Way to Kufri

@ Kufri

We played Ice throw and Ice Slide activity. I felt heart beat was faster than normal. Abhinav did not show any shivering though it was extreme low Temperature. There was Telescope point and we felt it is not worth for money; so we skipped it. there were two Temples and small shops around. Even @ 9000 feet elevation, Vodafone Signal was 100% and Tele Towers are powered by Solar Panel. Kufri Lighting also powered by Solar Street Lights. I was so happy that i am in Solar field.

@ Green Valley

After Kufri, we headed for Green Valley. It is like pit-stop. At that point of view, You can all see the Valley with full of Pine Trees (Mostly). It was very beautiful view and people loves to see more and more. Abhinav got pink candy. Then We headed for Naldhera which has Scenic View & Forest Hores Ride. On the Way to Naldhera, we had Lunch. I will Continue in next post.