Our Travel Plans...

As mentioned in our profile, we would be taking south India tour along the western coast and then travelling back through city of temples and other chosen destinations. Our working strategy would be to collect quality photographs for daily uploads. This collection of photographs would be mix of important places, unexpected phenomena encounter by us, Highways, Local people, Food etc among all the photo taken daily we'll shortlist best ten and upload them with write up illustrating its significance. Second would be the Blogging, here in this part we would be describing our entire days experience in one blog. There will be on the run updates of our travel with the photographs and location, so that we can be followed and tracked easily.

Our main aim would be present whole experince so lively that everyone who reads it experince the same thrill which we would be living.

The Marvelous Malaysia - Sojourn

The colossal Petronas - The landmark of KL
KL the city never sleeps
Night life at KL
Aerial view of KL Airport
The KL Airport

A church at Penang
Bon Apetit

Night life
The Penang Bridge
Genting Skyways
Water theme park at Genting
Genting Experience

Malaysia – Truly Asia…This colorful advertisement had caught my attention so badly that I had to go to this country once. So there I’m standing in the immigration section of the Chennai International Airport, with the closest buddies (a group of eight), creating an image of the marvelous "Petronas Towers" in my mind. There we were ready to board our flight looking forward to the vacation which was finally happening after a lot of ordeals. This being my first international trip was already giving me kicks.
We were all set to go, departure 2 am, duration 4.5 hours over magnificent Indian Ocean. When I caught the sight of land with the dawn breaking across the horizon, there was a sudden rush of excitement. I could see the Kuala Lampur Airport from the sky boasting of its huge terminals. The landing was smooth so the warm welcome inside the airport, which was the biggest one I had seen ever, was equivalent to a big mall with connecting trains between the terminals. The only word that flashed across my mind was "WOW’…
The Kuala Lampur Experience was worth reminiscing, Hotel Pearl International is where we took refuge. The sight of colossal Patronas which lit up the skyline of KL was the most wondrous sight of my life. Our necks got sprained and camera strained in a bid to capture it all…The endless stretch of Night-Clubs, seductive ambience, loud music, the hard rock café, the most opulent malls, the 24X7 departmental stores this is what constitutes the KL experience.
First destination, Penang Island that is located which is located on the northwest coast, connected to the mainland Peninsular Malaysia by the Penang Bridge. The silky smooth highways surrounded by a thick blanket of greenery, pin drop silence on the roads, not even a single sound of honking that was without a doubt the best drive of my life. There we were over the Penang Bridge, one of the longest in the world with an astounding 13.5 km length. Hotel Bayview gave us a warm welcome with some of the best sea-facing rooms. The stay at penang was a real fun, mostly because of the of happening night life, it seemed like the city never slept, you go out at 3:30 am, you’ll find all the night clubs open a whole bunch of street restaurants open, serving Malaysian as well as Indian food (surprisingly there is a considerable south Indian population). The "wine and dine" at the revolving restaurant on the roof of our hotel was in itself an experience to remember. We tried our hands at some of the weird (to me) food items – octopus, squids, and turtle eggs… The regular visit to the harbour, the PISA where we went almost evryday for swimming, the night-outs at "Slippery Sanoritas", eating street food @ 3am, are the moments that linger in my mind. The Tequila shots, the Long island ice Teas, a wide variety of cocktails, we were too generous with the Ringets (Malaysian currency equals Rs13 approx). One of the things that is must here is the "Malaysian Spa", the lavish spas with exotic natural oils, was so rejuvenating that I got back almost 3 years of my life.
Second destination, Genting Highlands cum Theme Park, the ride on the Genting skyway was so thrilling that I almost had my heart in my mouth…The speed of the gondola was astounding. Now was the time to face my biggest nightmare – The Rollercoaster. Those were the most thrilling 20 seconds of my life, I never regretted it until the pictures came out with our punctured faces. From there started the thrill-rides streak – the gravity fall, the flying coaster, the skydiving, we didn’t leave even a single one. Genting was without a doubt the most "Adrenaline pumping", "Blood pressure soaring", "Heart beat rocketing" experience to all of us. We still see those pictures and laugh…All in all Malaysia was the best trip of my life made better by the company of my best pals…

The Gorgeous Gangtok

The River Teesta
Peaceful serenity of the Monastery
A roadblock due to landslide made difficult by the minimum visibility
Clouds covered mountains - A visual extravaganza
Baba Mandir
Wild Mountain Flowers
Indo-China Border
Amar Jawan Memorial- A tribute to the soldiers of Indo-China war
Tsomgo Lake
Gangtok City covered in Mist
A Drive to Remember
Kyongnosla water fall
Gangtok Ropeway

When we first decided to visit Gangtok, there were 3 things on our mind, the curvaceous mountain roads, Duty free alcohol and the coolest people. After hearing a lot of Gangtok stories from all friends and colleagues, to whom it seemed like the biggest crime not to visit Gangtok when you are living in kolkata, we, a group of four friends packed our bags, and hit the roads. The overnight train journey from Kolkata to NJP was over in the blink of an eye, we were too tired from the day's work to stress our brain cells with excitement. The excitement began as we had the first glance of River Teesta after crossing Siliguri in our hired car, and then began the strenuous mountainous roads. We soaked in the beauty of the foot-hills with our greenery-deprived eyes, and breathed in a gasp of fresh air to fill our pollution-habituated lungs.

e have driven on many reptilian roads, but the hauntingly marvellous thing about this route was the river which accompanied us all the way like a guiding angel. Though there were a few checkpoints, courtesy land-slide remnants but overall, these obstacles seemed miniscule in front of the visual extravaganza. The biggest spectacle was the Teesta river bridge, one of the highest that I’ve ever seen, had its own story to tell. The road eventually turned into a horizontal rollercoaster ride, giving us a hint of nausea. As the virtual altimeter’s reading got higher so did the thrill and adrenaline level. Seeing the “welcome to Sikkim” board gave a great sense of relief, to our mind as well as our stomachs.

So there we were finally, the long awaited Gangtok. Saw the sikkimese people with their chic clothes and finest shoes, supposed to be brought in from china. We checked-in to Sonam Palgey hotel, touted to be one of the best in the area, located right under the Gangtok ropeway. After a warm shower and some rest we went out to explore the area. Started with the Rumptek Monastery, seeing the monks in their maroon robes reminded me of those Dalai Lama movies, the peaceful serenity of the monastery was capturing. There were many child monks, some of them hardly the age of 8 years had an pristine aura about them.

The gangtok ropeway, though not the longest in India, must surely be one of the highest, treading over a breath taking valley, over the conical forests. My heart beat almost reached a record breaking level when it stopped right over the deepest spot of the valley, from where the entire gangtok was in our vicinity. Overcoming my fear of what might happen if the rope breaks, I tried to distract my mind by cracking some jokes, my pals joined in. The ride was a memorable one, made even more memorable by an early dinner of best pork bacons in small and elegant Porky’s restaurant.

Second day, itinerary list – Tsomgo Lake, Indo-China Border & Baba Mandir... We took our car started our journey for the afore mentioned destinations on one of the most diabolical roads in India (courtesy BRO)...The landscape was nothing less than heaven, we must have crossed around hundreds of natural springs, biggest one being Kyongnosla water fall. We halted there for a while getting down close to the fall as far as we could, the water was ice cold and air equally chilling. As the water fall roared its way to glory, we screeched our tyres for more adventure. Target 14000 feet, indo-china border, and the coldest place I’ve ever been to even though it was summer in plains. The foggy roads where visibility was lesser than 5 metres, it was like a ride through the clouds of heaven. The uncertainty of the roads, the roadblocks due to landslides, the fur covered yaks, the colourful vegetation with blooming wild flowers, the natural springs which run over the roads and the endless series of army bases, all in all “a drive to remember”.

There we were in front of Tsomgo Lake, the lake which completely freezes during winters and you can walk over it. The gigantic water body was like a mysterious woman waiting for her lover. We bought one of those clichéd cowboy hats and clicked some memorable pics at the unfathomable lake. We moved on ahead towards the indo-china border and Baba Mandir, on our way we saw huge white letters “MERA BHARAT MAHAN” written on the mountains facing china, giving us a sense of pride being Indians. The temple was like the most crowded place in the middle of nowhere, built in the memory of a Soldier, who disappeared mysteriously and died, it is believed that his soul visits this place regularly. Then we were at the “Amar Jawan” memorial built as a tribute to the soldiers of Indo-China war who sacrificed their lives and became martyr, with the tank in front of it, which faces the china border. After the rollercoaster journey we were back at nathula, feasting like beasts on hot-steaming bowls of “Thukpa”, the famous local dish which resembles noodles, but is juicier and spicy.

Next day we had a lavish shopping spree at Lal-bazaar where we grabbed some latest boots and chic clothes. Walking on the M.G marg, the one of its kind, with lovely pavements, elegant lampposts, Victorian benches, branded shops, the classy young crowd donned in the latest fashion was an astounding experience. We were back in the hotel tired like hell. After some rest we were ready to taste the night life of gagtok, went to our hotel restaurant for classy “wine and dine” accompanied by the live performance of a local band, romantic songs and vintage ambience. We were surrounded by the sophisticated class. Just when things got lighter after a couple of vodkas, a middle aged man got up to the dais and started singing “You look wonderful tonight” by Eric Clapton, dedicating it to his lovely wife, who was wearing a black gown and smiling gracefully. That was the moment when I realised why people in north-east are supposed to be the coolest people and they know how to live life king size.

Rendezvous with Mondarmani

This is how Mondarmani Welcomes you..

The Fisherman boat dwells as water level increases with high tides.

Sunset at Mondarmani... A gigantic mirror

Miles were covered with these beautiful Seashells..

An exotic marine flora found on the beach...

Mainu in action, there were millions of the crabs running all over the Silent side of Beach..

Local mouthwatering preparation of crab & sea-fishes

Fisherman who took us into the Deep Sea, Awesome experience

In a bid to escape from the hustle and bustle of the an overcrowded Kolkata city and our mundane lives. The perfect getaway could not have been better than Mondarmoni - A sun-kissed beach secluded from the modernization and embedded in a tranquillity than one only expects in so called heaven. We hit the roads early morning on Friday and the 250 km drive in itself was exhausting, the things got rougher towards the end when our journey culminated on bumpy country roads. But as we embarked upon the beach, the first sight of it was nothing less than Nirvana. The virgin beach, with the velvety sand and the crystal clear blue sky which embraces an equally blue sea at the horizon.

We were too excited to waste even a single second after seeing the sea and checked in to one of the first hotels we saw, with sea facing rooms where you can relax and feel the ocean breeze on your face. The first thing that caught me off-guard was the fact that there is no electricity in the whole area, the hotels run on generators.

After a shower and early lunch we hit the beach on a winter afternoon of December. The place is untouched by any hassles and hazards of modern civilization. When we stepped on the beach there was no one except us and a few boats anchored far away, it gave the feeling as we owned the beach. With the touch of my feet on the warm and welcoming sea water, I knew that next two days will be a heavenly experience. The sound of waves and the vastness of ocean reaffirmed my belief in God. One good thing about the beach is that you can easily walk into the sea for more than half a kilometre with the water just reaching you up to chest level. The deeper i went, the better it got with every single wave sending a thrust of excitement. By the time we were back on the shore after rendezvous with sea, the dusk had taken over. The scene of twilight on this beach seems like a marvel of nature, giving an impression of a gigantic mirror which extends all over it. With the sea coming closer due to high tide, it was the panoramic beauty of nature at its peak. The fleet of local fisherman boats could be seen treading over the horizon, slowly getting closer. Nothing can be compared to the sight of Sunset on golden waves and the silvery sand.

The hotel had arranged for a bon-fire on the beach with multi-cuisine buffet with soothing music juxtaposed against the increasing roar of the sea. By that time the waves have reached the hotel embreachment forced by moon's gravitational pull. It's a surprise in itself to see the effect of tides so clearly over a distance of about a kilometre. We pulled out our chairs in front of hotel, sitting with our cans of beer; our feet dipped in ocean waves. You really need to carry your alcohol stock as you won't find any bar out there, thankfully we knew in advance.

The morning started with the sight of sea, which has receded a remarkable distance by then. The fisherman boats setting their sails for a rough day at sea. We went for an early morning stroll and stepped upon a whole area covered with a layer of shells, remains of the high-tide reminding me of the unexplored treasure trove. We caught hold of a fisherman boat and convinced them to take us into the sea in exchange for money and then started for one of the most memorable encounter with sea. The waves got higher and aggressive as we paved deeper with the boat almost about to topple over a couple of times sending chill down my spine. Got a glimpse of how tough and equally adventurous a fisherman's life can get. We got to see some of the trivial fish-catching techniques. Though we couldn't hit a jack-pot, we did turn out to be a bit productive at fishing.

We got back on shore after about 2 hours with the our prized possessions, a few shrimps & crabs complementing an array of marine fishes. We again got a good deal with some fishes and shrimps. We could get the fishes prepared, a local spicy yet delicious preparation at a nearby shack by sparing a few bucks. Another must-try dish happens to be the crab curry prepared with a unique blend of spices. That meal happened to be one of the most delicious meals ever, my mouth waters even with the thought of it.

After a lethargic afternoon, it was time to explore the beach in our car. The best part of this beach is that you can drive your car right on the beach over the waves. Nothing can be more adrenaline pumping than driving as fast as you can in our car over the strecth of 5 kms, with loud music in the background. We got so euphoric that we did almost three rounds to and fro back to back. Followed ba another eventful night and this time we drove at night over the waves. the -darkness adds to the mystery and triggers the dare-devils in us.

The next morning we started our quest for adventure by hiring a local medium of transportation, called a thella-gaadi, a bigger version of an auto-rickshaw sans the roof and the side coverings. Started out for the far end of the beach which ends in a series of natural lagoons, and ended up in an area dominated by red crabs. thousands of red crabs of perched upon the beach in a motionless bliss giving a sanguine tinge to golden sand. We got down from the contraption of a vehicle and carefully walked towards them, which led to a red avalanche into the sea water all the crabs moving in unison. The agile movement of these tiny yet beautiful creatures into the sand, the water and into the flora on the beach was a sight to remember. after a lot of chasing managed to get hold of one of them, played with it for a while n freed it into the sea.

Nothing can be more rejuvenating than a refreshing "daabh", coconut water sitting on the beach before packing our bags remincesing the beautiful moments spent with one of the unfathomable creations of mother nature. No wonder that ocean is one of the biggest mysteries and has intrigued human beings since ages.

Riding a Steel at 240 kmph

Road to Bangalore

11th December 2007, was the day when I did my personal best Speed Run on Chennai -Bangalore highway. Than was the day when I felt the rush of Adrenaline in my body or rather in my soul. I was regularly shuttling between Chennai and Bangalore because fo my business demands. and i always prefered driving rather than taking Flight or train. It served two purpose it was faster and I could quench my thirst for driving.

That tuesday morning was perfect day for driving with clear blue sky and newly done road. These were the green signal from God to put myself and my newly acquired BMW to put on our best show. I started in morning with my friend around 10 o clock. After fighting the city traffic for an hour we reached NH-5. We had brief stoppage their to fill our stomach and Fuel tank. I had drove on this road many times before both in day and night, in sun shine and heavy rain. this route was imprinted in my brain like carbon copy. After our hungry satified and machined completely fueled, we decided it time to go. I did a manual check for car, I took drivers position. Adjusted my seating position , aligned the steering column, whipped my shades, fastened the seat belts and pushed the start button. I pressed the accelerator in the hardest possible way, the engined responed with loud roar. tyres, they made couple of revolution before overpowering the inertia of the 2 ton metallic beast. Without using horn everyone gave us the way, because of respect or sheer fear. I made a sharp left turn and the we were on our way to Bangalore.

Fighting my way with the never ending convoy of Trucks, Buses, cars and other modes of transports I was constantly increasing my speed. Few minutes past i was doing 150 kmph and nearing my personal best of 170kmph (That was the upper cut off of my previous car). In another couple of second i was above my personal land mark. As speedometer kept reading higher and neared 200kmph mark. there was a sudden rush of chemicals in my different part of body. My palms got little sweaty, my eyes popped out for more focus. My ear got auto shut and i couldn't hear anything and jus like Arjuna my eyes were glued to divider line on the road. I had goosebumps all over my body, i was having butterflies in my stomach and i had some sensation in my body which i never felt before. And yes i should happen because i was cruzing at the speed of 240 kmph. which means i was sweeping 66.67 meters everysecond. There was no margin of error.

That day i realise what it means by speed. Why so many people love speed. 240kmph is jus the begining, looking for better figures now.