Kundana Port Bike Ride

Source: http://www.thetravelreminiscences.in/2015/09/kundana-fort.html

Kundana fort is located near devanahalli in kundana village, once again only runs of small fort can be seen. Its a three tier fort, There is a doorway at the entrance. one can see Anjaneya temple and channakeshava temple on the fort hillock.There is a new built road till the fort wall. Look for Garuda stambha near the temples. Kundana fort is almost 40 kms from hebbal. There are no boards better to ask villagers the way to fort.
Permission : Not required
Climbing time : 30mins
Parking: At the base of the fort.
Note: Be aware of monkeys Not friendly
Near by places: Varlakunda Fort, Devanahalli Fort, Skandgiri Trek, Nandi Hills, Horagina Betta Trek, Chikkajala fort.

Grand Canyon of India - Gandikota, Belum Caves Bike Ride

Grand Canyon of India is one of the best place I ever visited in India. Twice I have been there but the memories with are still fresh and young. One must visit the place have to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Watch the below video which I have visited:

How to plan your trip to this place. Read more on my previous post:

Grand Canyon of India

http://www.kmdmello.in/2014/12/the-travel-reminiscenes-gandikota-grand.html

Belum Caves

http://www.kmdmello.in/2014/12/the-travel-reminiscenes-belum-caves.html

Varlakonda Fort

Varlakonda small village situated on the NH 7, on the highway till the village of Varlakonda is reached. On the left, one can sight the Hill with some fortifications on it . Take a left turn and drive for about half a kilometer.There is a small temple on the top and some old ruins. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Although climb is easy, Initial climb is Steep. Its a less explored and unknown to public.Be ware of Monkeys!

Nearest Places to explore: Devanahalli Fort, Nandi Hills

Distance from Bangalore : 75 kms

Trek Distance: 2kms ( one way)

Trek Level : Easy

Time : 45 mins Ascend

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Varlakonda Fort

This is another amazing Biking cum trek happened. A awesome ride and the memories.

These moments are very hard to explain, the happiness and the feeling with it only felt by visiting. Now why waiting plan your another adventure. 

Horagina Betta Night Trekking

Horagina Betta Night Trek was another memorable trek.
Source: The Travel Reminiscence: Horagina Betta Night Trekking

Horagina Betta also known as Brahmagiri, 65 kms from Bangalore is one of the major hillocks on route to the Nandi Hill Mountain.Horagina Betta has been rarely visited by trekkers. The peak has a very beautiful Lord Shani-Eshwara temple. The evergreen forest patch on top of the hill being a favored wintering location for many migrant species of warblers, flycatchers and thrushes. Due to the presence of Nandi Hills which is a popular tourist destination. Horagina Betta has been rarely visited by trekkers.I have mentioned 2 options for trek. If it is night trek since vehicles are not allowed to enter nandi checkpost better to take 2nd option. If it’s a day trek one can take option 1. There no vehicle parking in option 1 but bikes can be parked nearby. But option 2 has unofficial parking place.     

Trek Ways: Two Options to Ascend!

1. Nandi hills road junction where we can find board of Shani-Eshwara temple (1hr).

2. Can start from Gangothri hotel. (2 -3 Hrs)

What we did: While ascending we took Second option and while returning in morning we came by First option.

Campfire: Can be done near Shani-Eshwara temple. 

Shelter: There are two open rooms if its rainy or cold near temple.    

Be Aware of: Can encounter Small snakes, Insects, Scorpions etc in the night.

Carry : Snacks, Water, energy food etc.Must take torch for night trek

Route: Bangalore - Chikkaballapur - Nandi Hills Cross -(4 kms) towards Nandi Hills .

Difficulty level: Moderate

Google Map: "Trail to Nandi One" Please follow the this you will reach the top.

View Point : 500 mts above temple, Take steps to go to view point.

Read More: The Travel Reminiscence: Horagina Betta Night Trekking

Heggunda Hill

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Heggunda Hill

Heggunda is the massive rocky hill, Ramadevara Betta, crowned by a Rama temple on the top. Heggunda (earlier called Pokkunda) was an important city during the Hoysala period (12th Century).The iron railings installed all the way to the top provide adequate support and comfort for the city dweller long used to the elevator. Atop the hill is a small temple of Sri Rama with a tall stone pillar installed in front. It is said that Rama's sacrificial horse was tied to this post by his sons Lava and Kusha.There is temple on the foothills. After walking for 10 mins you will find Anjaneya temple, take left from there which leads to small pond and the steps with railings to reach the top.

How to Reach:

Bangalore --- Yeshwanthpur --- Dobbespet -> Right turn under the flyover leads to 

Heggunda

Nearest Place of interest : DD Hills, Mandargiri hills, Nijagal Betta.

Best Time to Visit: All Seasons.

Coordinates:   13°16'51"N   77°15'27"E

Parking: Park in village near temple.

Permission: Not required.

More Read on  The Travel Reminiscenes: Heggunda Hill

Horsley Hills

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Horsley Hills:

Horsley Hills is a summer hill resort in Andhra Pradesh, about 140 km from Bangalore. The old name of Horsley Hills was Yenugu Mallamma Konda. According to legend, there used to be a little girl named Mallamma who was taken care of by Elephants.Standing at a dizzying height of 4,312 feet (1,314 meters) above sea-level, the unspoilt and tranquil environs of Horsley Hills in Chittoor district command breath-taking, panoramic views of the lush expanse of the broken hill ranges of the Southern portion of the Eastern Ghats. Located near the South Western border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, this "Andhra Ooty", with its rich foliage, wildlife and pleasant climate is undoubtedly one of the underrated hill stations in the country. The area is a treasure trove of deciduous flora and fauna and rich in eucalyptus, silver oak, mahogany, coffee, jacaranda, allamanda, gulmohar and flowering plants. The quaint hill station of Horsley Hills in Chittoor district is the perfect refuge for weekend holidays. Immaculate air, panoramic views of the surrounding hillocks and dense forests, perfect weather and serenity. The adventure sports are open from 7 am to 6 pm and anyone above 5 years are eligible. Rope sliding, horizontal ladder are some of the high rope activities one can opt for, besides the trampoline, archery can be done. Do visit the 148-year -old eucalyptus tree 'Kalyani' that is visible from the Kadiri-Madanapalle road, that is 70 kms away, on clear days. Planted by WH Horsley in 1859, the tree was awarded the Maha Vriksha Puraskar a few years ago. Enjoy the rejuvenating heavy winds as they blow past you.

How to Reach: Bangalore – Chintamani – Madanapalle – Horsley Hills

What to look at Horsley Hills: Environmental Park, Gaali banda/Wind rock,Highview seeing point, Kalyani tree, Lake Gangotri and Mansarovar Adventure sports area, Swimming pool,Kerala Massage.

Eat: APTDC Haitha

     Breakfast: Rs.120 Buffet

     Lunch: Rs. 140 Buffet

Stay: APTDC Haitha hill resorts, Holiday homes. Reserve your stay in advance.

Best time to visit: Winter.

Note: There is no ATM on the hill, Card accepted in Haritha but don’t take chance.

Nearby Places of interest : Gandikota , Belum Caves, Ahobilum, Tirupathi

Kabbaladurga Night Trekking

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Kabbaladurga Night Trekking:

Kabbaladurga is another monolith near Bangalore located about 80 kms away. Its one of the 9 durga's around Bangalore.The peak is home to the temple of Goddess Kabbalamma and had derived its name from the temple and the ruins of a fort at the peak. It is green, rocky and serene.Although the fort is in ruins now, the temple is still visited by the villagers around.The view from the top is absolutely breath-taking and perfect for trekkers and climbing enthusiasts. Overall, the trek was moderately difficult.Kabbaladurga looks daunting from the start of this trek. The inclines are very steep and there is no support. One has to climb rocky surfaces, grab the rough edges and carefully place every step. After about 100m, there are a few carved steps leading to a supporting rod. The inclines get steeper, to 60 degrees, and the trek becomes a strenuous climb.  Frequent breaks are taken. The midway point is reached on a small flat terrain. This is a welcome respite with a strong breeze and amazing views of the village. The last and final stretch is a true test of nerves and brawn. There are no more carved steps and one has to be resourceful. The smooth surface of the monolith has to be climbed, looking for suitable placements for hands and legs.



How to Reach:

Driving down from Bangalore on the Kanakapura Road will take approximately 2-3 hours depending on the time of travel. Reach Kanakapura (50 kms) and Sathanur (a further 20 kms). From Sathanur, a diversion to the right goes to Kabbala village.

Accommodation: Carry own tent.

Essentials: Food Pack, water, stove, medication, warm clothing.

Transportation: Own vehicle.

Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult

Trek Start Point: From Temple Base to Hill base nearly 1km.

Time to Ascend and Descend : Overall 4 hrs. (2hrs+ 2hrs)

Nearby places to explore: Munneshwara Betta Trekking, Maribetta Day Trek, Karadi Betta Night Trek

Devarayanadurga (DD Hills)

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Devarayanadurga (DD Hills):

Devarayanadurga is a hill which is situated in Tumkur and has two popular temples, the Yoganarasimha and Bhoganarasimha and is a popular destination. The place is a favorite with both pilgrims as well as mountain climbers. The hills with lush green trees on all sides make the climbing a lot enjoyable. The place was originally known as Anebiddasari then as Jadakana Durga after a chief named Jadaka and finally as Devarayanadurga after its capture by Mysore king Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar. On the hilltop are perched two popular Devarayanadurga Temples, the Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha Temples. These temples are visited by pilgrims all through the year. The Bhoganarasimha is at the base of the hill while the Yoga Narasimha is perched at the top of the hill. Devarayanadurga located 65 kilometers from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is at Tumkur and the area also has excellent bus connections.



How to Reach:
Bangalore --- Yeshwanthpur --- Dobbespet -> Right turn under the flyover leads to Devarayandurga.

Nearest Places: Siddaganga mutt, Siddara Betta, Mandargiri hills, Nijagal Betta.

Best Time to Visit: All Seasons.

Food Available near both temples.

Namada Chilume: 

En route to Devarayana durga is a place located called Namada Chilume( the Spring of Tilaka/Nama) at the base of the hill road leading to Tumkur. Tilaka or Nama or Pundraka is a ritual mark on the forehead, of sandalwood paste, coloured earth or vermilion. Based on the Puranas it is believed that Sri Rama during Vanavas(exhile to forest) on his way to Lanka halted here. He wanted to apply Nama or Tilaka on his forehead, not finding water anywhere around to wet the “nAma, he shot an arrow into the ground, and a spring sprang and thus the name (Rama)-nAmada chilume. The spring can be still seen, the water comes out from a small hole throughout the year and never dries up.


Deer Park

There is a Deer Park in the vicinity of the Namada Chilume,There many spotted deer taken care by the forest department. One can enjoy the un-polluted greenery and fresh air of the Namada Chilume. It is good try for one day trip.  One needs to carry their own water and food, though there are small shops around.

Mandargiri Trek

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Mandargiri Trek: 

Mandharagiri (Basadi betta), is a picturesque small hillock with jain temple near tumkur. Located opposite to Bangalore-Tumkur highway and 65 km away from bangalore, you can see an entrance arch in the main road stating the name 'Mandaragiri' and going by this way you can reach to a small village, Panditanahalli. Little distance from this place leads you to the bottom of the hill.You can park you vehicles at the bottom of Basadi Betta, and you can see a Mutt nearby.  Ensure that to get the keys of the temple from the priest in case he is not coming with you towards top. Once you reach top of the hill after climbing 435 steps, you are welcomed by the main door of the temple. After entering the main door now you are in a huge courtyard in the midst of four temples, two temples are dedicated to Bhagawan Chandranatha and one each one for Parshwanatha as well as Suparshwanatha. The idols are simple but wonderful. You can spend a while at Basadi Betta; rest and get pleasure from the cool breeze blowing via the many aisles of the mantapas. The far-away hills as well as the rocky landscape with small puddles present a lovely view. There is one more surprise when you open the rare door of the temple complex. You can see a beautiful lake called Mydala Kere down below the hill.

How to Reach :

Bangalore --- Dabaspet -- after 10km take right turn near Arch -- Mandargiri base.

Near by places: Mydala kere, Devarayanadurga (DD Hills), Madhugiri, Nijagalbetta Trekking.

Permission : Not required

Steps : Yes

Climbing time : 15 mins Max

Photo Courtesy : Mohan 

Other Places : Rayyakottai Trek  Revanasiddeshwara Betta

Revanasiddeshwara Betta/ SRS Hills Trek

Source: The Travel Reminiscenes: Revanasiddeshwara Betta/ SRS Hills Trek:

SRS Betta is consists of a massive Monolithic Stone surrounded by beautiful hilly region and located equi distance from Ramanagar, Channapatna and Kanakapura. Revanasiddeshwara Betta, a hill in ramanagara, 62 kms from Bangalore (Bengaluru) city and rising 3066 feet above sea level,The route to the top of Revanasiddeshwara Betta is extremely simple and does not require much physical agility. Beginning at the foot of the hill, where the entrance arch to the Renukamba Temple is, you follow the slabs of stone that have been laid out for visitors. These will lead you to wider steps that have been carved in the rock surface. They are easy to climb and because of their width, they present several opportunities for the tired to sit and rest a while. Revanasiddeshwara Betta is conveniently accessible, with autos plying right up to its foothills, and local buses connecting it to nearby towns and cities. There are chathras and lodges at the base. There is a road that goes to the middle of the hill and rest of the journey must be covered on foot. Be aware of monkeys.Can be found easily in google maps.

How to reach:

Bangalore --- Ramanagara bus stand --- Signal left turn --- SRS Hills.

Distance from Bangalore: 65km one way.

Climbing time: 30mins max

Parking Fees : 5rs

Nearest Places for Trek : HandiGundi Betta, Ramangara Betta Trek, KuntiBetta Night Trek

Say no! Net Neturality Source: AIB : Save The Internet

If you haven't got 8 minutes, here's what net neutrality means: on the Internet, all bits are equal. What you do with the data you pay for -- watch a YouTube video, send a WhatsApp message or make a Skype call -- is entirely your prerogative and in an ideal world, your Internet service provider should not prioritise certain kinds of bits over others.

If you don't fancy paying extra for using Whatsapp, Skype or other services, head to www.savetheinternet.in to learn more. But seriously, watch the video first.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology-topstories/don-t-understand-net-neutrality-let-the-aib-guys-break-it-down-for-you/article1-1336205.aspx






Do it Now www.savetheinternet.in

Rayyakottai Trek

The Travel Reminiscenes: Rayyakottai Trek: History: The fort is situated within the town of Rayakottai which is one of the ancient fortress in the Krishnagiri district. It is now one of the protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India.In the 18th century Hyder Ali and Tipu sultan ruled this fort. The fort was captured by Major Gowdie during the third Anglo-Mysore War in 1791. According to the Treaty of Srirangapatna, this fort came into the hands of the British.Located in krishnagiri district,Tamilnadu 75 km away from Bangalore.

Read More at http://www.thetravelreminiscences.in/2015/02/rayyakottai-trek.html

Optimism and hope for the future #lookup

https://housing.com/lookup

The way you take it! I would like to tell another inspiration which I had experienced in my life.

As my daily habit of taking a jog at park in the evening. There are very interesting people around you. Few people smile back some greet as they know me by seeing daily. I never chatted with anyone there. 

One fine day while taking jog at park I found one interesting guy. He is in his early 20’s . I was tired after 10 round of Jog found a bench and sat next to the particular person. I just greeted him and sat next to him. I was just relaxing myself on the bench. 

I felt like I need to talk to him and introduced myself and so he did back. There was so much sadness in his face. I further gone ahead and stated to inquiry about him. Then he started his story.

He have job to distribute Newspaper in the morning, in the evening he will at any crowded area and distributing pamphlets. 

Well at that moment there was big question in my mind that such a waste of young energy.

I asked him “Kiran don’t you go to college?”  There was slight sad smile on his face. He explained that he was a School dropout. Previously he worked at a small hotel as waiter and now he is distributing paper. He is daily income is Rs. 200- 300. 

I did not spot there I was still interested to know his story “who all are in your family?”

“I live alone here came to earn money, my mother and sister who is still studying, both stay at village. Because of my father death our small farm taken away by the people who lend us money. We have no money to repay back even though it is not huge” I felt tears in his eye.

It was obvious that he came to earn money but my question was why did he left his previous job he could have continued that and could have earned good money and asked so.

Sometime by asking some questions we recall the bad memory, with great sadness he started “They blamed me for stealing money! I am ready to do anything but I did not steal the money. They few waiter were aware of my story one of the experienced waiter did and no one believed me. I had to quit from there as I cannot stop working. If I do then who will take care of me and my sister?” Now he completely broke in to tears, I was in no situation to tell anything, He continued “Now found this job where now I get some food and money, there are so many people like me starving daily, I am bit lucky”

I couldn't say anything to it. It was going to be little late and said “Sir, let me take a leave now. I came here just for a relaxation, Thank you for hearing my pain. I know now have nothing but I promised myself that one day there will be.”

I was really impressed by the person I met unexpectedly. I always thought I am the only one who struggling in life. By listening to this person I felt that the happiness in nowhere it is inside every one of us. We need to learn to get satisfied what we have and never lose the hope.

Optimism in life is important, when you add hope to it then there is nothing can stop you from achieving your goal. Always #lookup in life.

LOOK UP TO INNOVATION & OPTIMISM

Ramayana – The Game of Life Shattered Dreams Book 2

Shattered Dreams is the second book in the series after the best seller The Rise of Sun Prince.

The Game of Life Shattered Dreams is not only about the Indian mythology Ramayana but it is all about how Ramayana epic is connected in our daily life.

This book enlightens how to manage the turn-around positively, it instructs us to handle temptation, courage to handle the toughest situation. This is purely a complicated family drama, which provides penetrations on how human relationships work and how they fail.

In the Modern world nuclear family era we always have big dreams and sad lives. Shubha Villas beautifully narrated the Ramayana not only that he interrupts the story to enlighten the reader in every step.

As generally all people know the epic Ramayana here I would like review book in my thoughts.

Shattered Dreams take you through the various emotions in the characters, each page gives the nice background of every emotions attached towards the character and scene. The insights in every page will help reader to analyse and related the epic to the day to day life.

Book starts with the nightmare. Dasaratha was worried about his people, he wanted to have peaceful country even after he leave the world. And who fulfil his dream?

Takes you all the way Ayodhya. When I was kid I always liked to watch TV serial Ramayana My thoughts refreshed all the way. At that time I had no idea about the lesson hidden in the story. After going through the Shattered dreams the epic and the inspirational insights of Shubha Villas, Indian Mythology made another place in my thoughts.

How anyone can afford to sacrifice their comfort zone? Only possible when you love someone without conditions. Princess Sita choose to support her husband. Can pain is avoidable? In author words-

 “Physical pains are many times unavoidable, but mental suffering is always discretionary. When one voluntarily chooses the path of pain, he anesthetizes himself from mental suffering.”

Show the courage in what you feel right. Logically decide what is good in life in author words-

“Many have the fortune of knowing what is right, but few have the guts of doing what is right. The courage to do what is right shudders at the pain in doing it.”

Title: Ramayana: The Game of Life: Shattered Dreams (Book 2)

Author: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

ISBN: 978-81-8495-531-6

Number of Pages: 387

Price: 350 [INR]

Genre: Mythology

Main Characters: Dasaratha, Rama, Sita, Laksmana, Bharatha, Ravana, Mantara, Keikeyi and more

Story about: Indian Mythology rewritten.

Story line: Almost every page gives insights by author.

Author Style: Impressive and simple language. Inspirational thoughts to the reader.

Dislikes: None. So far it is up to the reader to decide whether to take or not to take the inspirations.

Recommendations: This is a kind of the book any person can read. This book contains not only the mythology but it tells how simple life can be and how to have a successful life. If you get a chance then once in lifetime you have to read this book. So that you get inspired by your own life.

I would like to thank Blogadda to giving me an opportunity to review this book. The author to his inspirational thoughts.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

Memories refreshed with “You’re the password to my life”

“You’re the password to my life” is heart touching true story by Sudeep Nagarkar. It made me cry and smile at the same time.

So for it’s the best in my appeal for friendship and love. Whether a boy and a girl can really be best buddies? This was my long time query which unanswered. Sudeep Nagarkar beautifully taken reader thoughts in his book. Story supports the thought process when it is positive. For friendship there is no boundary and one can find the ultimate love and hope of living.

“You’re the Password to My Life” unlocks the mystery of Friendship and Love.

When I started reading this book I felt it’s just another love story, my expectation about the book changed gradually, essence of friendship took me to the other extreme end. “You’re the Password to My Life” is the title given to unlock the hope in friendship. A beautiful relation on the earth which will give the freedom to live.

Whole story concentrated and on Virat and Kvya and it truly supported by Rohan, Riddhima and Zoya. Aditya Being the cousin plays the vital role in Rohan’s life.

Another thing I liked the best in the story is there is no barrier in love and when the opposite sex is involved in friendship it is very hard to manage, where in the story Mahek handles her love and friendship wisely. In fact she never doubted her love and she respected her friendship.

Brief about the Book

Main characters in the story: Virat, Kavya, Mahek, Rohan, Riddhima, Zoya and Aditya

Character description: Should go through the book which will excite you more.

Story about: True Friendship between a girl and boy which will be beyond imagination.

Story Line: Very well written, Characters will make you laugh, cry, get shock and gives you the feeling of things happening around you in real.

Author style: A simple and effective writing. Never take you around the bush instead to the point straight. Other than songs and long messages. The text messages where so long in reality I have no time to read or write.

Dislikes: Cannot stop reading until you finish the book. I missed my important meeting.

Best Part: Friend in Virat will always have a surprise for his friends.

Recommendation: I suggest every reader need to go through this book. Sudeep Nagarkar presented the true version of friendship. The spins are something which you never expected to happen, makes you stand up and clap for the author. Sudeep Nagarkar leaves a deep impact on you when you close this book. Highly recommended to everyone.

Everyone will encounter the same feelings which expressed in “You’re the Password to My Life”. The Message expressed in this book is we all require a fixed fellow in the form of a friend who makes you not only smile but cry and put you in danger still stands with you no matter what it takes. Always learn to respect the love relationship, find the purity of the situation and take the decisions. With no reason people go away from us do not judge them until you know the reality.

Read the book and write what you felt.