DETAILS OF TRIPS TO SRILANKA AND CHARDHAM

DETAILS OF TRIP

TO SRILANKA FROM 24 DEC 05 TO 02 JAN 06

WITH KAVITA AND NALINI



24-12-2005 SATURDAY

We took Sri Lankan Airlines Flight No. UL176 from Hyderabad. We reported to Airport at 1820 Hrs.

Immigration checks were over within 15 minutes. Security checks were stringent. There were three checks at different points. Baggage identification check was also carried.

Radha met an old acquaintance, an young lady who did computer course in A S Rao Nagar in 2002. She joined duty in Sri Lankan Airlines as ground staff. Today is her first day.

Radha used her cell phone to call Subbu and tell him to lock puja room and keep the key. I also requested him to watch the cook. I gave him the reason for it.

Since the call time was increasing, we gave back the cell phone to the young lady. We went to the inside STD booth. I spoke to Subbu again in detail. Radha spoke to Ashwin.

We boarded the plane at 2020Hrs. The plane was half full only. I and Kavitha got window seats. The dinner served was very tasty, specially the brinjal curry. On enquiring it was found that it was Sri Lankan Airlines catering, Excellent! We took off at 2055Hrs.

We landed at Colombo at 2245HRS(Local time 2315 Hrs). It is a lovely airport, much bigger and better than I imagined. It was drizzling.

Immigration took 15 minutes. We then went to duty free shopping area. It is like a huge Mall! What a range of products!! Liquor complex is huge with a variety of items. Nalin purchased whatever Akka asked him plus we purchased a Red Label Johny Walker. The shop gave him a half bottle SMIRNOFF as compliment.

When we came out of airport, Akka was waiting! It was nearly midnight. We wished her a very happy birthday. The driver, Mr Kumara also was excited to receive us. He is a young man of mid thirties. He served in Army for about 12 years.

The drive took more than one hour. Because, it is Christmas evening lot of shops were open and streets were with some people here and there. All along the 50kms route, there was no patch where there were no shops and houses. Amazing! The roads were very good! The drive was pleasant. At two places, we had seen people coming out of churches after midnight mass.

We landed at house at 0120 Hrs early in the morning. The house of Akka is very beautiful. It is small and yet, very well planned and maintained. The driver kumara is an ex-servicemen who was wounded. He took discharge after 12 ½ years in Army. He is good driver who take cares of his vehicle well. I slept at about 0135 Hrs.



25-12-05 SUNDAY


Today is Christmas day and Akka’s birthday too! I got up at 1720AM. Akka was already up and got neatly dressed up and ready for breakfast. I wished her on her 70th birthday and gave her a greeting card. Radha got up and wished her also on her birthday. She gave the present she brought from Hyderabad.

After sometime, Nalini and Kavitha also got up. We chitchatted for a while. By 0900 Hrs. I was ready and dressed up Radha took a while. We had Sinhalese breakfast with read, butter and boiled rice (red in colour). It was very tasty. The first one tasted like onion chutney.

We all moved out of the house at 1020 Hrs. It was a lunch programme in a Hotel. The name of which was kept as a surprise! We were driven around Colombo and shown:-

Ø Old Parliament
Ø Colombo University
Ø Prime Minister House
Ø Colombo Port
Ø Colombo Radio Station
Ø Important hotels like Galadari , Taj and beach.

We walked along the beach past hotel “ Galle Face” and landed in Hotel “Mount Lavinea” we saw in hotel Galle Face where Akka was married in 1958. Hotel “Mount Lavinea” grand was established in 1806, nearly 200 years old. It is a majestic hotel. Some of the shots of film “ Bridge on the River Kwai” were shot here standing on the hotel at different points gives excellent view of a part of Colombo’s beach line. The following were some of the important dignitaries who stayed in the hotel:-

Ø Jawaharlal Nehru
Ø Indira Gandhi
Ø Alec Guiness
Ø Emperor HiroHito
Ø King of Denmark
Ø Gregorypeck
Ø Bo Derek
Ø Maharaja of Baroda

I rang up Hyderabad and spoke to Subbu. Apparently Cupid is OK! It is a good news. I am still worried about it.

We had very good Sinhalese lunch at hotel “Green Cabin” . The food tasted very well. Radha paid the bill. In the way back home, I purchased liquid boot polish (black) and Radha purchased pretty cock and her hen with egg in basket(3ps) and two foldable hand fans. Kavita bought this dairy and gave it to me for writing the memories of our trip to Sri Lanka! This is the same!!!!

We came home at 1530Hrs. I took rest for two hours. Meanwhile, Nalin’s aunty, Mrs Nirmilee, affectionately called “ “ was there. She came early to help Akka in arranging the house for party in the evening. In the morning, some labourers came and executed a small time shed in front of the house.

As the guests were to come, the caters came and arranged plates, food etc. Akka’s following close relatives come with families:-

1) Lowniama (Eldest Uncle Bachelor)
2) Parakrama mama ( brother of akka)
Priyani -----his wife
Ashani----- his daughter
3) Adrian mama (brother of Akka)
Nirmaliee----Wife
Dinen----Son
Roshan---Son
Erandhi—Daughter
4) Visakka Aunty (Sister akka)
5) Aatchi(Renee)----(Akka’s mamas wife)
Dilky(her daughter)
6) Irmaganie (akka’s mother’s sister
Mr. M B Ratnyaka her husband
7) Mr. Pali Wikama Singhe
8) Brig (Retd) Laxma Rasaputra
Shanti Mala --- his wife
Aparna----his daughter
9) Mr Chandra Basanayake (neighbour) with his wife, sister-in-law and daughter.
10) Mr Sarath Ilangoan and his daughters, Dulhare and Ashwin.


As the evening wore out Mr.Sarath Mangokvan(10) played casio and daughter sang. The mood picked up. Including Akka, Nalini all youngsters started dancing. I also joined the crowd. Song after song….! What a mood it was!! The young girls are so sportive and talented! I loved it. Radha also came to dance “ Raghupati Raghava Rajaram” was also sung.

I had opted for “Arrack” of Colombo. The taste was slightly akin to rum. I enjoyed the drink as well as the party.

We had dinner at 2230 Hrs people were social and nice to talk to. By 2300 Hrs, most of the guests departed. I also retired to bed tat 2330 Hrs.

Aatchi, even at this age of 80 years is so beautiful and gracefully. Some regal!!

26-12-2005 (Monday)

After a good night sleep, got up at 0730 Hrs. It was chilly in the morning unlike yesterday when it was warm and humid. We were ready and had breakfast by 10AM. Bread, Butter were there.

We started at 1105 Hrs to Puttalam. After coming for about 40minutes , akka realized she forgot medicines. So, we went back and picked up medicines. So, again we were on road at 1215Hrs. On the airport road, police stopped our car for over speeding and kumara driving licence was confiscated. On the way, we were trying to get into restaurant for lunch. Probably, due to Christmas yesterday, all eat outs were closed. Luckily, we managed to get some burn and tea at one place.

From there, we proceeded to chilaw and went 1km off the road to Munneswaram Shiva Temple. It is a great temple and ancient too! Like, an of the old temples in Tamil Nadu. It was open thought it was 2:30 pm. Then nearby we went to Kali Temple. The peepal tree here look like 1000 years old. But it was closed. But satellite temples were open. The whole complex is impressive!

After Puttalam, about 8 Kms away, a police check post checked us. Then, we proceeded to shamilce estate, another 12Kms or so. We reached the estate at 1630Hrs Lokmama, Nirmilee and Dinen were there wondering as to what happened to us!

The estate is 50 acres. The house is around 300 meters drive from the entrance gate on the road. Lot of mango and coconut trees along the kuteha path to the house. There is a well with a pump and over head tank about 100 meters infornt of the house. One bull and two cows were tied near the well. One brown dog and two black dongs were there, I had taken bath at well! Nice, warm water. Barking up at us furiously! One Nissan SUV type car(big) and a tractor are there in the garage adjoining the house. The house is big with all amenities. A toilet, Indian type is about 30 meters away. In the house, a twin toilet and bathroom(combined) was close to the Dinning room. Cooking is done on gas, but Kerosene stoves are used as Gas stove was sent for repair.

Nalini, Kavith and Radha went around the estate with Dinen. I stayed back with Loku mama. Later on, with Akka and Nirmilee went upto the main gate and met Nalin and party returning after the tour of the estate.

We had sapotas and Mangoes grown in estate. By the time, it is dark, at 1830 Hrs. Heinken Tin beer was served with snacks. The house is lit by tractor battery through an inverter with energy saving bulbs. No fans are there. The tractor battery gets charged during day twice through solar photoelectric cells! Nice arrangements!!

We had Sri Lankan dinner. It was tasty. By 2130 Hrs, I retired to bed. We had two cots in our room. Kavitha and Nalin slept at one; I and Radha on the other. Radha and others slept at 2230Hrs. All had good sleep.

27-12-2005 (Tuesday)

I got up at 0600 Hrs. went to the outside toilet. I had bath at the well again. Everyone got ready by 0645Hrs and we bade goodbye to all. By 0700 Hrs, we were on the road to Kandy. We had to get back to Puttalam first and then take the road to Kandy. Puttalam has muslim and Tamil population. The lagoon is just touching the town. There are salt pans on the shore!

For breakfast we stopped at Nikeweretiya a hotel called “Moosa Hotel”. It was neat, chapati and vada is available. Apparently, the muslim owner is of either Tamil or Malayalam stock. The service was very good and fast! Everyone enjoyed the breakfast. Nalin and I purchased a pair of Hawaii sandals in the shop next to the hotel. The owner spoke Tamil to one of the helpers. Apparently he is Tamil.

We then stopped at Kurunegala to go to Akkas sister, Visakha’s house to ease and freshen ourselves. The key was taken from the neighbours house. Very pleasant people! After about 10 minutes we left for Kandy. Kurunegal is big town and once Visakhais husband was a magistrate there.

The road to Kandy is very good and we could race the way. After some distance the road was getting repaired at places. The road winds up and it is a lovely scene all the way to Kandy.

Akka was a boarder in Hill wood School in Kandy since she was 4 years old. So is the case with all her brothers, but they were in Kingswood school. There is a big lake in the centre of city. On the banks of the lake, one side is “ Dalda Maligawa”, a buddist temple of Budda’s tooth. It is very serene and large. There is a museum inside the complex. As one comes out of this temple complex, there is a Durga temple called “Deva Pattin” we went and prayed there also. Mean while Kavita took photo of Lord Buddha at top of hill. Nalin also did the same.

Akka’s school is on the slope of hill, overlooking the lake. How lucky she and her brothers were in Kandy during their school years! She used to come from Veyangoda to Kandy by train a two hours journey those days.

We had lunch at government rest house in Paradamiya with local taxes, per plate it was 450/- definitely costly! But it is some status! On the way to Colombo from Kandy, Radha purchased some earthen hangings from road side. We stopped at 1630 Hrs at Nalin’s grandmothers estate in Veyangoda. Parakrama mama and his daughters Aashani were there. It is a lovely 8 acre estate. The house is big and old. Tea was served to us. We saw served to us. We saw Beetle leaf plant there. I had tasted one leaf. It was so pungent and strong. This place is Nalin’s most favourite place! He spent lot of his childhood here and also one year before he left USA in 1987. He is very nostalgic about it. Probably like I am about Manchala.

We started for Colombo at 1730Hrs. We reached home in Colombo by 1945 Hrs. We all hurried up and by 2015 Hrs started to go to Mr. Palis house for dinner. Slightly later, we were joined by his brother, his wife, his son and his Chinese wife. Mr Pali Wikramasinghe gave me 12 old II war books for retention as gift, as he made a promise to me that effect in 2003 when he visited our house in KG. I have not read these books. So I was happy to receive them.

I had scotch and after two large, we had dinner. It was prepared by himself. It was tasty. The curd was served in an eastern pot. It was very tasty. He poured some honey on curd and it was a sweet dish! We all enjoyed dinner and came home by 2230 Hrs. I hit the bed immediately and slept.


28-12-2005 (Wednesday)

Today is a rest day and earmarked for sight seeing Colombo and do shopping. Akka, Radha and Kavitha left at 1030 Hrs after breakfast for shopping. We had idlies for breakfast with coconut chutney. I had 8 idlis and was full. Kumara brought newspaper. I read the paper leisurely and got connected to the world for a change! Then I slept around 1130 AM. Nalin woke me up at 1300 Hrs. It was a nice, deep sleep. I was refreshed well. Akka and party came back. Nalin asked me to come with them minus Akka for further shopping and showing me city. So, Akka remained at home, we all left.

First we went to a mall called “ ARPICO”. It was on the model of GAINT bazaar. We purchased some items. Form there we went to “ODEL” another Mall. But this are fabulous, ethnic and classy. Prices ofcourse are very high!! From here we went to “Lakpahana” where Sri Lanka handicraft items sold. Here also, prices are high. We had no choice. We purchased few items for giving gifts and some decorative items for our house.

We then proceeded to “ Nugenegoda” junction. There is a big shopping complex. Here things are of nominal price. But it was already 4:30 PM. So, we collected some items to eat and decided to visit it again on 01-01-06 for crockery and other purchases.

We rang up Subbu. He told us that cook Laxmi was not sleeping in house during nights. She was making rotis and giving them to feed Cupid. Subbu told cupid is crying at nights. I tired to contact Ashwin on his cell but could not get him. Again I requested Subbu to contact Ashwin and ask him to come in the night and spend some time with cupid. He said he would do so. Later Radha spoke to Puji. She is ok. She will return on 01-01-06 to Hyderabad. I am feeling sorry for cupid fellow.

We came home at 5:30 Pm and had dinner. Akka made some rice with sinisembol and bread rice, parupu (dal), curd it was more than enough but very late to have lunch.

We relaxed for about an hour. We got ready to leave for Maj Gen Ananda’s house. We had sudden visitors.

Ø Visakkha aunty
Ø Ranjith Wikramasinghe (younger brother of Mr Pal)
Ø His wife (first cousin of Akka)


They sat for half an hour. We reached Gen Anande’s house late, as we went at 2015 Hrs. We had half hour for a small scotch. His son and daughter-in-law were to join us at hotel for dinner. We reached hotel “Raja Bojun” opposite hotel “ Cuinamon” (earlier it was Oberio) near port area. We had buffet dinner. Appam, parupu, rice, buttermilksambar and curd. A bit of potato curry and mixed curry were added to attraction. For starters, “bitter lemon” was there. It was tasty I really wonder why India does not have “ginger beer” and “bitter lemon” drinks. They are so tasty!

We bade farewell to Gen Anande & family and reached home at 11 PM. We slept immediately.

29-12-2005 (Thursday)

We got up at 4 AM, we have to start by 5 AM on long journey to south for 3 days. Kumara came at 5 AM. This man is full of energy. He is a good human being apart from being a good driver. There is no wonder that he is like a member of our family, like by one and all! I also like him immensely.

We proceeded at 0545 Hrs via the coast “Galle” road saw the Tsunami damage all along. Many places are being rebuilt with Japanese of NGO’s help. The place where the train track was uprooted vertically and thrown was kept intact. The train in which people took shelter hoping they would be safer, was removed. One railway bridge is already rebuilt. Many of the coastal houses(private) are already remade/ partly built by owners. Still the portions which were damaged houses are left as such. Probably not worth refurbishing! It is really sad! Nearly 30,000 people were killed! Nalin came in Feburary in Sri Lankan airline and saw first land the tsunami damage and video filmed it. We saw that in India in Oct 05. I could make out the areas. As Nalin was explaining all along!

Kumar’s wife and son were waiting at “ Galle” bus stand. We had all breakfast at a hotel in Bus stand. We passed by the “Galle” fort, which was built by Dutch. Tsunami by passed the fort and caused damage to the town. Here also, some of the damaged houses are left unattended and some are being reconstructed. While we were going to Matara, Our car was hit from behind by a local bus. In fact. I was sitting in the dicky of the car at that time. I could see the driver of the bus making to effort to stop the bus, as kumara pulled our car to the side for stopping it. The bus was straight heading on to me I thought I would be rammed inside. In voluntarily, I took a defencsive position, bracing against the back side of the back rest of the back seat. And then came the bus at to me!! During those second I shouted thrice in Telugu. The car was pushed after the bus has rammed and again pushed after a second or two. The car was damaged on the left side dicky bumper. We stopped and got out. Kumara was unhappy and visibly upset. He took the driver of the bus with him to the police station in Weligama. Meanwhile we called on cell Brig Rasaa mame (Retd) who was working in near by place in solidire tyre factory. He came to our place immediately in a police station in Weligama. He and I left for the police station in his car to check what was happening to kumara and the other driver. Brig went inside police station and came out saying that kumara and bus driver left. He told that since no one was injured in the accident, there was no necessity for registering the accident. The insurance people only are to he informed for getting the compensation. Kumara already informed the insurance person and he asked kumara to bring the vehicle to Matara. Brig Raasa invited all of us to go to his place at Weligama. So, we went to his place and we had tea in his office. We took leave of him and reached Matara by 12 noon. The insurance chap came after 15mins and he took some details. We left Matara at 1230 PM. On the way, we had lunch at a road side small dhaba at 3Pm. The name of the dhaba is …….and the owners name is ……we had buffet lunch. Such a small joint! She made Onion chutney as well as coconut grating on the spot. The food was very tasty. I purchased beetel leaf and nut. I had taken them. As we were approaching Hanamtota, we saw many road side stalls selling curd in pots. We stopped at one of them and had two pots! I enjoyed the tasty, thick curd with three helpings. Soon after, we stopped at a sea shore as the road would go away from shore then as, and had a symbolic sea bath, wetting parts of the body with sea water. The beach is pristine, clean and the current of waves is strong!

We reached Tissarea Maharama town at 1645 Hrs. Lo! What a lovely and exquisite reservoir! Such a huge & lovely one, with a small island in the centre. The main road is by the side of the tank on the southern side. On the other side of the road is 2300 years old. Buddha Vihara(called Tissa Vihara)! This was build by the King Veena Tissa in 251 BC!!

On the banks of this lake, we stayed in a tourist rest hotel, by Ceylon Corporation Ltd., Room No. 54 and 55. This has good open parking lot with a spacious entry lounge, aesthetically done. There is a bar on the side with a T.V nearby and a swimming pool on the other side. A little away, is the reservoir abutting the hotel. What a lovely setting the rooms are in Annexe in 3 levels. Or rooms are in second level. The drivers rest rooms were away a few meters to the north.

After a quick bath, we all started to “Kathargama” and by 2045 Hrs we reached Kathargama. We parked our car and walked along the Banks of river Maneik Ganga and crossed the bridge on the river. We saw a “Sivan Temple” and a Muslim Dargha on the right side. We proceeded to Lord Shanmuga’s (Subramanya’s) temple beyond it is “Kirivihara” an ancient Buddha Vihara. We prayed there by pouring oil in 7 lamps and lighting them. After a few minutes, we went to Lord Subramanya temple. There are two temples at tanden, one is Vinyaka and the other for Subramanaya. After prayers, we did some shopping…..1/2 kg Jaggery (Palm tree) Dharmachakra with Lord Buddha etc.

I had king coconut water. It is so we had herbal tea. Then, on the way to Trissara Maharama, we stopped at a road side hotel, “ Sisila “ for dinner. We ordered Vegetarian food. After a wait of 45 minutes, we were served dinner. It was homely and tasty dinner. People there were hospitable. After such tasty dinner. We set course to our tourist hotel in Tissasa Maharama. At Tissa, arrangement were made to hire land rover, packed breakfast and packed lunch for the next days trip to “Yala Natural Park. We slept at 2200Hrs.


30-12-2005(Friday)

We got up at 4 AM. Quickly, we got ready by 5 AM. We were served Tea in the lounge. Packed breakfast was ready by 5:30AM. We were getting late, since the driver of land rover was still getting the packed lunch ready. Atlast, we set course to Yala natural park at 0545 Hrs, it is 35 minutes drive. We reached the park at 0620 Hrs. the ticket for Sri Lankan is Rs.28/- where as for a foreigner it is Rs.1500/-. Nalin paid Rs 5100/- for all of us.

There was a shortage of tourist guides. Hence, five vehicles were given one guide. we went with another four vehicles inside the park. Our driver, Sarath was very helpful and he has ample knowledge of the park and birds. He drove us around the park showing us many of its habitat.

Ø Birds – Kingfisher
Ø Painted stork
Ø Pelican
Ø Spoon Bill
Ø Ibis
Ø Cormorant
Ø Open bill stork
Ø Crocodiles
Ø Mangoose
Ø King Mangoose (huge one)
Ø Iguana
Ø Spotted deer
Ø Stag
Ø Sambar
Ø Wild boars
Ø Peacocks
Ø Jungle foul
Ø Elephants, calves
Ø Wild buffaloes

Even after 3 or 4 rounds, we could not see Leopards or black bears.

At 0900 AM, we went to seashore and saw the Tsunami effected restaurant where 40 tourists were down to death. A memorial to there has come up. It is sad recollection of events of Tsunami day last year. We had breakfast here. By 11AM we reached the Maneik Ganga (down stream of Katharagama). Plenty of shade is available as it shore. The water is calf deep only. At a place or two it was knee deep. But the current is strong.

Radha, Akka, Kavitha and I took bath. Nalin was taking photos. There was only one Norwegian lady, apart from us. She was walking on the shore or at the edges of the river. She came to Sri Lanka via India. In India, she visited Banaras, Rajasthan and Mumbai.

After an hour or so, we came out of the river. A British family of a wife, husband, a daughter and son came. The son was working for daily mirror in Colombo. His mother and sister are teachers in London.

Then at 1300 Hrs, we had lunch around this time came a bus load of tourist and the river side became crowded. So we left the river at 1330 Hrs, instead of 1430 Hrs, as planned. Since it was hot and afternoon, we could not find Leopard or bear any where. We where disappointed. By 4 PM, we returned to the office and set course to Kirinda. Here, we saw again Tsunami effected village with many houses and shops damaged. The ultimate was a naval vessel which was aground in sand. Behind it is a big sand dune formed due to Tsunami. At Kirinda bus stand we had tea. Then we, climbed a rock to visit Buddha temple. Lo! What a sight from here!! An excellent panoramic sea view!! The sea shore is like a Bow turning around the rock. A vast expanse of sea…sea and….sea …Everyone took pictures of it. One should spend an hour or so here. The image of Lord Buddha is so beautiful that we were wondering who could have sculpted it. It is the best statue interms of beauty, we have seen so far. There are also statutes of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi around there.

We then, came back to the tourist hotel in Tissa Maharama. We had bath and freshened ourselves. We then proceeded to Buddha Vihara, Tissara. Here, as I was getting out of the rear seat, I was hold up the front doors top matching body part to get leverage out of car, Akka closed the front door. All my four fingers tips (other than thumb) of right hand got Jammed. Akka immediately opened the door. The pain is awful and excruciating. I put the fingers in the mouth and kept sucking them. It did not help. The level of pain was increasing. Meanwhile, Nalin and Kavita ran to an ice cream vendor opposite the street to fetch ice from him. He had no ice. So, the got two ice cream cone and Nalin forced me to put my fingers into the ice cream. The pain increased multifold and I was writing. Nalin forcibly took my palm and forced it an to one cone and place the other cone on to top of my fingers. Sand witching my injured fingers between two ice creams! Mean while, a vegetable vendor came and she left 3 packets of vegetable with us and ran for ice, little away. What a concern she has for a fellow human being! She came back running holding two pieces of ice in her bare palm!! Incredible I placed the ice on my injured fingers. By now, the ice in the ice cream cone started melting and with the result, my fingers could go into the hollow cone. By rotation, each finger was inserted and held for some time. During the whole process, I had gone through hell! The pain’s definition was new. The Zenith of it is indescribable. I just could not bear it. But for Nalin’s insistence and force. I would not have gone through this treatment. Good! He forced it one me. After about half an hour, the pain slowly reduced, but not fully gone. I started the massaging the fingers with the left hand continuously.

We visited the Buddha Vihara and prayed. Its circumference is 552 feet and maximum height is 180 feet. The scared left hand tooth and a bone from forehead are scared relies here. There is a Neem tree with one side leaves tasting sweet and the other side bitter. We, then went for APPAM to Katharagama all the way. We had APPA here in small joint. I had nearly 10 and Kavitha had 10. They are so tasty, it is difficult to stop eating them. After dinner we came to the rest house hotel and slept by 11 PM.

Nalin went to the lobby and settled the bill. It was Rs.13,300/- including next day’s morning tea. One tea is Rs 100/-. So costly, is the hotel. Nalin paid earlier to sarath, the land rover driver Rs 5000/- for the vehicle used for safari. It has been costly trip for Nalin! We owe him a lot for all this!!

31-12-2005(Saturday)

We got up early in the morning at 0500 HRS and got ready by 0600 Hrs. we had morning tea and started back at 0630 Hrs. we are coming Colombo by different route ie., via Ratnapura. We stopped at “Udawalaew” reservoir for taking photos. It is a huge lake, so scenic. We then drove to Undawalan tours and had breakfast in a road side restaurant. It is neat and tidy. After a sumptuous breakfast. We headed towards Ratnapura.

On the way, we stopped to eat boiled maize. It is tasty, Kavitha purchased some wooden ladles. All long the right side of the road. We found a fencing to prevent wild elephants coming into villages on the other side of the road. We saw an elephant or two enroute.

We stopped at another road side joint to have tea, as Kumara is tired and sleepy. Here we saw rubber plantations. Before it, near and around Ratnapura, we saw tea gardens

We proceeded further and took the road to Colombo via Nugegoda. At….... from Prasanna hotel on road side. We picked up packed lunch. It is small restaurant but clean and neat. Behind are the lovely lush green paddy fields. How exotic is Sri Lanka and its green!! Fabulous!!! It is a land of plenty. It is God’s own land. No doubt about it.

We came home by 1300 Hrs and had the lunch. By 1500 Hrs, all of us slept. We got up by 1730 Hrs and got ready by 1945 Hrs to go to dinner in hotel “Madura”, for Dosa and idli. It is small south Indian hotel. (Madras woodlands). Each of us ordered a different type of Dosa and total 4 idlis. we had gulabjamoon for dessert. It was a tasty dinner Kavitha purchased new shoes for her new year dance party at Hotel. “Mount Laviniya” on the beach. Nalin and Kavitha purchased two dance tickets for the new year party. We dropped both of them near the hotel at 2230 Hrs.

We rang up Ashwin and Pujitha. Pujitha came today from Viayanagaram. We suggested to them to go to RSI for new year party. Ashwin did not visit KG and looked at cupid as per Pujitha. I did not want to ring up Subbu. If cupid is not doing well, I would feel bad and sad the next two days. Hence, I did not ring up him

We came home and slept at 1130 Hrs Pm. Today is the last day of the year 2005.

01-01-06 (Sunday)

Today is New years day. We got up at 0830 Hrs. Akka was already up. We wished each other “ Happy New Year”. Akka told us that Nalin and Kavita came home only at 0530 Hrs, early in the morning from the New year party.

Nalin got up at 0900 Hrs. we had breakfast at 0930 Hrs. we chit chatted leisurely for the first time since a week!! It has been a very hectic week….getting up early in the morning and going around to a place! Leisure was not in our vocabulary last week. How relaxed are we now.

Today is etched in our memory as the best New Year dawn! What a satisfying and lively week before the year 2005 ended!! And how New Year 2006 dawned peacefully and leisurely!! Peak to Normal.

Kumara came at 11 AM Radha and Kavitha went around 1130 AM for shopping in Nugegoda shopping complex. They returned around 1400 Hrs after purchasing crockery, suit case, clapping chick, chime wind, cereal bowls, tea, chappals, appa pan. We all had lunch then. Before they returned, Akka gave me cold beer can “Heinken”. It was chilled beer. The lunch is of 5 course plus curd. Vegetarian ice cream was the dessert. The lunch was very tasty.


We then slept till 5 PM. we had guests. Akka’s first cousin (her mother’s sister daughter) from Anuradhapura came with her son, daughter and son-in-law.

Ø Daisy
Ø Martin (son)
Ø Malathi- (Daughter)
Ø Laith(son- in - law)

They invited us to Anuradhapura. We promised to go over there during our next visit to Sri Lanka. They left around 1730 Hrs.

Akka did some watering of plants. Kavitha tried her hand. By 1800 Hrs, Kumara came. We left the house at 1830 Hrs to Nawala, Buddha Vihara very near to this temple, Akka used to stay earlier till 2000. She purchased Nugegoda house then and moved in the temple area is on the main road side bit has a rural look Once one enters the complex. An old Peepal tree is there at one end and at the other end, is the idol of Lord Buddha, so serene!

Akka introduced us to one of the monks here. We had a photo with him. After a while, we moved out to Parakrama mamas house. It is an upstairs portion. They served three types of sweets. All were tasty. We had then ice coffee! We were given some gifts by them. From here, we moved to Aldian mamas house. Here, Visakha aunty was also there. We had again some sweets and papaya juice. Practically we are full and there is no place for dinner.

We came home at 2100 Hrs Akka, Kavitha and Nalin had dinner. I and Radha skipped dinner Nalin, Akka and I had Johny walker red label. I went to bed at 2200 hrs. Kavitha and Radha spent some more time before going to bed.

Today is the penultimate day in Sri Lanka. How time has passed! It was like yesterday we came here!! It was so hectic and racy, it is difficult to digest all we went through these 8 days!!! Probably, during the next 10days or so, the whole thing will sink in like a slow motion movie.

New Year started very well! I hope we have such nice day all along 365 days this year!!

02-0106 (Monday)

I got up at 0700 Hrs. it is cloudy. I saw the birds coming and taking the food Akka gives them daily. They had then taken water in the other bowl. If it is a daily routine for Akka feeding the birds early in the morning! Akka is a such a full personality, I admire her! We don’t come across such people normally. We are lucky that we know her and are related to her.

We had a relaxed morning! There was a call from Gen. Anande Surya Bandara saying that he would be coming over by 0830 by walk to bid farewell to us. It is nice of him to do so! We dropped him at Nugegoda shopping complex.

We purchased one CD and two cassettes (Bailas). We then went to Dr Nalin’s dispensary. Dr. Nalin is an young middled aged handsome man.. He is into Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Acupuncture apart from being an Allopatheic doctor. He is erudite and well mannered. It is good to have met him.

We came home and had lunch at 12 Noon. BY 1230 PM. we set course to Airport. On the way, we dropped in at Pranits house. It is located in scenic surroundings. His mother and sister, who reside in the adjacent house also came. After about half an hour, we left for airport.

We bade farewell to Akka. She was so hospitable, she came along with us everywhere though she had been to these places ad nauseum. She made our trip to Sri Lanka memorable. We also bade farewell to Kumara.

We got into the flight at 1830Hrs, took off at 1845 Hrs and landed in Hyderabad at 2015 Hrs. we took a taxi and came home by 2200 Hrs.


My Impressions of SRI LANKA

I observed the following all the 8 days I spent in Sri Lanka crisscrossing the country. These are not the expectations, but are normal, probably, in comparison with Indian at subconscious level.

1) There is an orderly traffic.
2) Most of the cars (99%) are mid size or large size, (1.6 L to 2.5 L) and are of Japanese make i.e, Nissan, Toyoto.
3) Public Transport is not much visible. But the vehicles are of Ashok Leyland or TATA make
4) There is no gender bias or discrimination. Girls and women move freely. They dress as they like.
5) Women are beautiful. Traditional girls dress; Lungi and shirt is elegant.
6) People are simple, courteous. I have not seen any shouting or quarrel or affray.
7) There are no beggers in Sri Lank, even at places of worship. Only two beggers were seen in Colombo ! during my 8 days.
8) Colombo is like any European capital! Its beach is so clean and neat! Young boys and girls and couples cuddle and sit all along the beach. No indecency or obscenity. So natural it is.
9) Policemen are absent on the streets. Hardly one sees a policeman anywhere! It is as if there is no job for them anywhere except in police stations!!
10) Even in road side eat outs the people are friendly, caring and courteous.
11) The cost of living is high. I don’t know how common man lives! But they seem to live happily. Amazing I must spend at least a month to know the secret!!
12) Most of the companies here are Pvt Ltd or proprietory.
13) All the Buddha temples have Vishnu or Laxmi or Shamugha satellite temple inside the complex.
14) The roads are meant for traffic, not for humans crisscrossing or walking on them. Cattle is not seen on the roads, most unlike India. Driving in Sri Lanka is pure delight.
15) The family ties are like in India. They are well knit and bonded.
16) People, generally, like India.
17) I would love to go to Sri Lanka, if not every year atleast once in two years and enjoy its natural beauty, simplicity and multiethnic culture!
18) Indians need to learn a lot from Sri Lanka.




































TRIP TO CHAR DHAM ( YATRA) FROM 12-5-07 TO 26-5-07


12-05-07

Radha and I packed & left home at13:35Hrs to Sri Laxmi pinnammas house to pick her up enroute to Airport. In Apollo dispensary, I purchased medicines for 15 days.(DILZEM & BETALOC). I took auto near Apollo pharmacy and reached Pinnamma house at 14:10Hrs. In the same auto I and pinnamma reached Air port at 15:05Hrs We were the first to reach Airport Bhamu & Meenakshi reached at 15:20Hrs and other members of party reached 10minutes later. The flight was on Scheduled. Sure it is a cheaper rate of travel, the coffee, food etc are to be purchased. I paid Rs100/- . We reached Bhubaneshwar after 1Hr 10minutes.

Bhubaneshwar is a small airport. About 60 people got down & about 40 boarded here for Delhi. We reached Palam at 20:40hrs. Mr. Srinivas Rao’s son came to receive us at Palam Airport. He took us to his house in Dwarka. It is nice of him to accommodate all of us.

We had Upma & Dosas for dinner ! They were tasty. We had Coffee too . Their two Children were also awake we slept around 12 mid night.

13-05-07 ( Sunday )

We all got up at 0330 AM. With two bathrooms, One by one, we could be ready by 0500 Hrs. Nice& hot coffee was given twice by the house lady. It is very nice of them to host all of us.
The vehicle came at 0510Hrs. We all reached New Delhi Railway station before half hour of ETD . We settled down in our seats & had a comfortable journey up to Haridwar. It was Shatabdi Express

From Hardwar Railway station we engaged to 7 seater autos. They dumped us. They took us upto 3kms outskirts of Hardwaravi and told us to get down, as they could not ply upto Rikshikesh ! What a cheating !Luckily we managed to get an auto ( 7 seater). We squeezed and reached Rishikesh ( 24 kms) away.

As we had arranged much earlier, the accommodation was immediately
provided by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam ( GMVN). (Uttaranchal Tourism Deptartment). The Accommodation was good and the food in the restaurant also was good.

We Visited Andhra Aashram Venkateshwara temple and Chandrasekharaswamy temple.




14.02.2007 (Monday)

We got two Ambassador Cars. We started after taking coffee and breakfast. We took the journey starting from Dehradun. Dhalwala is 18Kms. This is on hill side. Tall trees (30’ High) are on both sides of the road. The road is wide and in good condition. Shivalic hills are continuous and of low height.



Joligrant – 15 km from Rishikesh. Here
new airport for whole Uttaranchal State is coming up here.

Dehrudun

Raipur road -town (big enough)

Doon school ,secretariat, CM’s house and Raj Bhavan are on this road. We had breakfast after Dehradoon (21Kms) at Dharmender..Tasty parathas and coffee were ordered. The road to Mussourie is like an easy ride without many hair pin bends. The road is wide and well laid from a distance, Mussorie looks like a wide spread town, which it is !! Kempty falls is about 20 Km away. Kempty falls is very picturousque. There is a rope way down to 3 swimming pools, where people take bath and do swimming. We saw plenty of them. Bhanu took few photos.

Yamuna bridge is a link between two hills. Yamuna is joined by the two rivers at Nayanbagh. It is a small town with 100 houses.

All people wear caps, yamuna flows next to it by 100 ft down. We stopped at Damta, Uttarkashi District at 1310 Hrs. Everyone had two stuffed parathas each. Pinnamma did not have lunch as she was full of breakfast. The route from Mussorie is good, but for about 10 kms patch before Damta. At two places there were traces of heavy land slides. In fact, this road is following yamuna river upstream. We finished light lunch at 1340 Hrs and started again.Bhanu brought bananas. I had one, it was more raw.

Reached Naogoan at 1435 Hrs. There is a petrol pump. We put Diesel in the car, before Naogoan, there is a small water fall. Collected water (very cold) in empty bottles. The vehicles battery was over charging. The driver stopped the vehicle at Barkot, a fairly big town, for repair of alternator and cut out. From 1500 to 1610 Hrs, we spent here near the car. We had tea and pinnamma had coffee. We started at 1610 for Syanchatti, our night halt point which is 32Kms away. The rooms are new and good.

We found pure ghee for using along with chutnies and rice. The food was very good. Curd was very tasty. After a little chit chat, we had dinner at 2030 Hrs. we retired to bed at 2100 Hrs and slept well. It was chilly and cold. We had to cover ourselves with woolen blankets.

It is from Barkot the road to Yamunotri starts winding its way along the banks of Yamuna. Barkot is an important town of this area.


15-05-2007 (Tuesday)

We got up at 0500 Hrs and had hot water for bath. Water, otherwise was very cold (icy). So, excuse shaving for these 10days! I don’t think so!!Old habbits die hard.

I had Aloo paratha for breakfast and started for the first leg of the Yatra, YAMUNOTRI. The whole village, Sayanchatti was full of vehicles; come for yamunotri. At least 4000 people must have halted for the night. Our car driver suggested that at Hanumanchalti we may not get jeeps due to excessive number of pilgrims. Hence, he got us a jeep from here only. We reached Hanuman chatti by 9 AM. From here we proceeded to Janaki chatti. We engaged Dolis for all of us. All the carriers of dolies were Nepalis.

The 5 Kms stretch to Yamunotri is very steep at points, mainly steep all along. The road is 8’ wide mostly, but at some stretches it is 6 feet wide only. On the side of the valley, arresters (wide iron grills) were constucted at most places. At few places these arresters were missing. It is really dangerous at these points.

Its amazing how on this stretch of road, these is two way traffic compromising of ponies, dolies, pittu (a single man carrying basket on his back with rope supported by forehead like in Tea gardens) and humans by walk. It is really amazing how this small narrow path can accommodate such to and fro traffic? Any American/westerner will be shocked and it will be introduced as a subject/case study in MITs or premium Management Colleges like Wharton,Harvard etc. Like Dabbawalas of Bombay who were appreciated by Prince Charles! It is definitely a case of study worth to be studied by our IITs and IIMs.

Suryakund is the most important hot water spring. Rice and potatoes, tied loosely in a cloth, if dipped in it , after few minutes, they are cooked.

Though it is only 5 Kms distance, it is very strenuous and what an ugly sight to watch a fat, well to do man like me being carried by four poor fellows for their living!! It is really shameful. All through the uphill journey I was feeling so! Even Bhanu and pinnamma felt the same! When will India give its people honourable, decent work life so that people can live with dignify and not like animals.

The ponies are 99.9% female. . I don’t know the reason. There must be a reason. It is a food for thought!

The entire administration of Yamunotri is with pandas from village kharsali, on the banks of yamuna, near jankibaichatti.
The mountains are snow filled. I could see them upto 12000ft hight. The snow was there upto 10,000ft..

Near the temple, there are hot water springs. Men and women have different bath points, but we preferred to take bath in flowing yamuna. Pinnamma took 5 minutes bath, where as Bhanu and I hardly could take 2 minutes bath, as water was icy cold. Later we had Goddess yamuna darshan at the temple, next door.

We had lunch in a hotel there. Because of the heigh altitude (10400ft), rice and dal cannot be cooked properly. We had Jilebi also. Meenakshi was not feeling well. Hence, she took only Jilebi and a bit of rice and dal. (so called rice and dal,were semi cooked.).

While coming down the doli fellows brought us down in an hour, where as it took . 21/2 Hrs while going up. Otherwise it will take 4 to 5 Hrs, if one walks.

We reached Sayanchatti at 1630 Hrs. we were all tired. I felt I had sun stroke! Bhanu gave me paracetamol forcibly!! We had early dinner at 7PM. Bhanu and pinnamma carried podis, gongura, vusirikaya and tomoto chutnies.With ghee and rice ordered, it was a good meal! Bhanu went and rang up Radha and told everything was ok.


The small village of Gangotri is full of giant deodars and conifers. Temple of Ganga is on the banks of Bhagiradhi. This temple was constructed by Gorkha General, Amar singh Thapa. He appointed pandas of Mukhwa as pujaris and donated the entire forest land between Mukhwa and Gangotri to the temple.

16-05-2007 (Wednesday)

We started at 0630Hrs. Before that I had paratha with curd. We had breakfast at kharadi. We reached Uttarkashi at 1145 Hrs. It is like a city so big!! It is district HQ.

We reached jhala t 1545 Hrs where we had lunch. The scenic beauty enroute is really enthralling. One hydroelectric dam is coming up near Gangotri. Hence,lot of material and road work was right on the road.. Patel Engg Co & L & T equipments and personnel were seen. Even GREFF people are seen.

The snow clad mountains are simply too mesmerising! Many cliffs were snow clad .. Bhanu had taken photos. We reached Bhaironghatti at 1700 Hrs. There was a bit of drizzle and rain enroute.

The travel to Gangotri was more sceneric and lovely than of yamunatri. The curves were sharp at may places. Since road is being widened , blasting was also there.Due to this, rubble was lying on road; there by narrowing the place for movement.


It is believed that a holy dip in Ganga at Gangotri cleanses all sins.

Tomorrow, we have to start early in the morning and go to Gangotri.

Bhaironghati has no electric supply and telephone facility. It is at a height of 9000ft. Due to rain that afternoon,the night was very cold. DG supply was given upto 10 PM and thereafter hurricane lanterens were kept, one for each room. Even at this remote place, the food was made as per order and it was very tasty. The staff were very courteous! Since we had only one room with closet, it was used by all in the night!

The lawn of the guest house was well maintained. The staff promised to wake us at 0530 next day along with bed tea. Hot water also was promised by 0600AM. We slept by 10 PM.

Gangotri
Temple is administered by 5 members; Tehsildar of area, grampradhan of Makhwa and Dharali villages and two leading sanyasis of Gangotri.


17-05-2007 (Thursday)

We started at 0700 Hrs to Gangotri. Since it is only 8 Kms, we could reach before 0745 Hrs. Enroute the scenary is fabulous. Snow covered peaks of Himalayas were visible throughout the journey. At one point, the snow covered peak had a black triangular place, looking like a shiva lingam. Bhanu took many photos..

The vehicle could go upto 11 Kms and had to be parked ¾ Km before the temple and bathing ghat. Like old days in Tirumala, shops are on both sides of 6’ to 7’ road. Every thing is systematic and orderly. Restaurants are clean and neat. Even there is dosa and idli Restaurtant. Pinnamma and meenakshi had dosas. Dosas were tasty. They are double the size of Hyderbad variety, only for rs 30/- each. I had Alu paratha and tea.

There were 3 STD/ISD telephone booths. Bhanu, Meenakshi spoke to Suma (at 8AM). Pinnam,ma spoke to Krishna Mohan. My house telephone was unanswered, probably Radha could be in bathroom or out of house.

We went to bathing ghat which is well constructed. The water is colder than in yamuanotri. Pinnamma had 5 minutes bath; where as, Bhanu, self and meenakshi managed to wet ourselves. The flow was fast indeed!. We had to take bath with the help of a mug, as the current was very strong.

While returning, we visited temples of Gowri Shanker, Ganesh and Ganga..

I again tired for Radha at K.G. since the phone is not being picked up, I tried her cell number. Radha told me she came to Pujis place as puji was still not well. Niece, Dr Phani ,suspected Janudice. Treatmentwas started. Poor puji! She has been suffering since 08.05.07!!

We had come back to Bhairangghatti by 1030 Hrs. we finished lunch at 12 mid day and started for uttarkashi for night halt. The journey was non eventful. We reached uttarkashi by 4:30 PM. The accomadation was very good. It is a suite with two rooms.

We went by walk to Sri Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is old and spacious. While returing, we rang up the helicopter service near Gupta Kshi. The fare is Rs 7,500/- per head (to and fro). We booked for it. The helipad is at Falta, 14 Kms from Gupta Kashi. It is a private service, from New Delhi. We were also told that at Agastyamuni, 27 Kms before Guptakashi, Pawan hans also has helicopter service. So we decided to touch Agastyanumi and find about the service, tomorrow on our way.

We had rice only for dinner. With that we mixed podis and chutnies and had curd in the end.

For the first time in 4 days, I had seen T.V. It was so peaceful without T.V and newspaper all these fourdays!


18-05-2007(Friday)

Got wake up call at 0400 HrsAM. I gave Bhanu Rs 5000/- towards helicopter fare .We started at 0610 Hrs to Gupta Kashi. We had breakfast at a small town.. we saw the Tehri Dam on the way to Sri Nagar. The road is very good. We reached Sri Nagar at 1300 Hrs, but proceeded to Rudraprayag for lunch. But at 1420 Hrs, 3 Kms short of Rudraprayag. We had lunch in a way side Dhabha. Curd was very good here.

In Sri Nagar, we passed Gharwal university. This seems to be a bigger town than Uttarkashi. At Rudra prayag, rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda merge and flows down as one river, ALAKNANDA. So there are two roads from here; one road following river Alaknanda upstream and reaches Badrinath .The second road follows Mandakini upstream upto Kedarnath. We took this road as we have to go to Kedarnath tomorrow. Short of Gupta Kashi, at Agastyamuni we enquired about Helicopter services to Kedarnath. We were informed that on 18.05.07, only one BELL helicopter they have is an 100 Hrs servicing and hence there would not be any services an 18.05.07 and an 19.05.07. All the flights for further days are booked.

So we proceeded to Guptakashi where we have the accommodation for 17.05.07 and 18.05.07. Immediately we proceeded to Phata to book tickets from the PRABHATAM helicopter service (14Kms) for tomorrow’s trip.

Since we booked for 6 persons, air reservation was confirmed for the first flight at 0630 Hrs. we were to report to helipad at 0545 Hrs. we got the two ladies.Mrs Srinivasa Rao and Mrs Eashwarudu manifested with four of us. The names of Mr. Srinivasa Rao and Mr Eashwarudu were included in the waiting list.

We came back to the guest house. We had shared the hot water for bath, as the manager could not provide hot water to all of us. Then Bhanu and I went to town(Guest House is ½ km away ) and rang up Suma and Radha. I tried pujita’s cell number but the connection was not made… I tried Radha’s cell, the same problem. Lastly, I got KG number and spoke to Radha. Puji was in KG. She had Jaundice. She was sleeping . so Radha did not wake her up.

The guest house was overflowing with visitors. The two workmen could not cope up with the rush, but somehow managed to give us rice, dal and curd. We took our meals by 9 PM and retired to bed. There are two ranges of mountains that can be clearly seen from guest house, which are snow clad. It is a beautiful sight to watch!

From Phata, by helicopter,we can see dense green forests and waterfalls from Gaurikund to Rambara. From Rambara,, the sceneray changes dramatically. The mountains are steep, stark and generally bare. Small plants with different colours can be seen. The sight of kedarnath is an enchanting.. The temple is set in rich grassy land with towering snoh clad mountains all around..

19.05.2007(Saturday)

He woke up by 3 AM.. There was no hot water available. So, we had cold water bath. We all were ready by 0430AM. We started at 0450 Hrs and reached helipad in PHATA at 0515 Hrs. The office was not open. By 0545 Hrs, the office staff came and we finished all formalities i.e., writing our full names and addresses, telephone numbers and each ones weight was also checked.

We had tea from a way side stall next to the office. At 0610 Hrs, we took off from chetak helicopter. The pilot is an ex- airforce guy. He was pleasant. We exchanged nice pleasantries. He asked my permission for take off! With me pinnamma and Meenakshi came in the same chopper. The ride was pleasant. As we flew in valley, we could see Gaurikund and Rambara and the 14 Km trek road to Kedarnath. Since it was flying low we could see the ponies, dolies, men walking on the road clearly. We reached Kedarnath in 15 minutes!! Otherwise, by walk it would take 4 Hrs by Dollie.
Pinnamma and Meenakshi used pittu (a man carrying a basket on his back) to reach the temple (3/4 km from helipad). Rs100/- was paid per person.

Kedarnath is a magnificent place, surrounded by snow covered mountains with Mandakini river flowing next to it. The temple is impressive and ancient too. Meanwhile, Bhanu and other came in the Bell helicopter. In my helicopter, there was an young father of 4 years son and an year old daughter with an young wife. His name is Chowdhary. He is from Jaipur. He was scared of flying; he was tensed up. He had high B.P. I advised him to do deep breathing. He was seated next to the pilot. I sat in the last seat. So, I took his hand into mine and kept reassuring him that everything would be alright. I also told him to close his eyes if he was scared. After landing, he profusely thanked me. He touched my feet and made his son to do so . I invited him to Hyderabad and be my guest.

All our group engaged pandits to do abhishekam in temple. Rs 760/- is the cost of puja and material per head. There was lot of rush. Since we came by helicopter, we had VIP entrance, but it was jostling all the way into sanctum Sanctorum. Ghee is poured on the lingam. Pinnamma and I were in one batch. Pandit recited 3 or 4 slokas and lo! the abhishekam was over!!

The lingam is in the shape of hump of a bull. We could touch and feel it. It is worth all the travel! I managed to recite Shiv panchakshari and Mrutyunjaya japam.

Immediately after the puja, we went to Adishankara charyas Samadhi, behind the temple. There was only a caretaker taking care of the Samadhi. Next to Samadhi, statue of Adishankara is there. We prayed there.How
could a man in a short life span of 32 years travel across India innumerable number of times and preach Advaita philosophy!! He must be a God incarnate.

We then came back to helipad by 0900 Hrs. There were lot of people waiting to get back Phata. Our turn came at 1050 Hrs. I and other 4 ladies of our party got into chetak and came back to Phata by 1110 Hrs. Bhanu and others came by 1130 Hrs.

We were told by our car drivers that from Sonmarg to Gowrikund there was traffic jam and hence we better not go to Gowrikund. So, we came back to our guest house in Guptakashi by 1210 Hrs. we ordered simple lunch. There were no one in the guest house. Apparently all would have gone to Kedarnath!

We had lunch by 1310 Hrs and retired to our rooms for a few hours rest. I hardly could sleep, as I had severe cold. Others slept upto 1630 Hrs. It was drizzling and hence we waitied.

We took the cas and went out to the town and prayed in Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is an ancient temple. Arthanareshwara temple also is there in this temple complex. Pinnamma managed to climb so many steep steps.

On the way down, I rang up Radha and spoke to Puji. She sounded very weak. . She has been running fever since 08.05.07. Radha assured me that Dr Phani (niece) was prescribing medicines.

We came back to guest house and had a very tasty simple dinner. Ladies finger vegetable was very tasty. We cleared the bills at 9 PM and watched national DD for news.

20-05-07(Sunday)

We started at 0610 to Badrinath. We took a shorter route than longer Rudraprayag route . The sceneric beauty is enchanting. This route is not widely used! Hence, it is prestine and has a total forest look. From Kund, we took diversion,to a place called Chapta (9200). What a view it is from here.! Valley is so deep and covered with clouds. It is like old Patni top!! We had breakfast here. There is a cute white little pup with an young dog giving company. I gave the pup biscuits. It could not take it. I then, made biscuit powder. It took a bit. The bigger one kept eating biscuit after biscuit and meanwhile two more dogs came. I also fed them. Meanwhile , pleanty of crows flocked and landed near us. So far, we did not see a single crow in these mountains all these days!.so many of them came from no where. I wanted to feed them too. When asked, the dhaba man said that they would love to eat kurkure and biscuits! Amazing!! So I purchased a kurkure packet and left the kurkure in open. Same in the case with biscuits. All the crows fluttered and picked them up in no time. Amazing!!. Meanwhile, the two big dogs also joined the feast. It is a sight to watch at 9200ft.

We crossed Gopeswar, a big town. After 10 more kms we touched Chameli, the district HQ of Chameli district. Badrinath is in Chameli district. Here our road joins main highway coming from Rudraprayag.

We reached Joshimath at 1300 Hrs, well in time for the gate opening time at 1400 Hrs. we had so called lunch in a shack! The whole place was full of vehicles and people. All restaurants were full!

We started at 1400 Hrs sharp and were stopped at Pandukeshwar. There is a gate here. This gate was opened at 1520 Hrs. After short climb, we reached Govind ghat from where the road to Hemkunad goes. Throughout the remaining road journey, we could see massive ice blocks on mountain sides and next to the road.

We reached Badrinath at 1700 Hrs. Since we were provided prive accommodation, we were put up in Paramarthlok! The rooms were so cold! We were shivering. I have nasty cold , cough and running nose. We immediately went for darshan. There was lot of rush and lot of jostling. We had darshan of the flower decorated diety! We enquired for special puja. In the morning there was Veda pathanam at 6 AM. By paying Rs 1000/-, three persons are allowed near the diety for 15 minutes.

We purchased 3 tickets. Bhanu and others went and arranged for the Brahmin for tomorrows pinda danam programme.

We had dinner the restaurant in the same complex. It was so cold! Meenakshi was not well. She had head ringing problem. Bhanu was upset. I got an Ayurvedic doctor. He came with another one. They said it would be alright, if she had good sleep.

I could not sleep whole night due to intense cold(4 to 5º C) and my nose running and cough. May be I had an hours sleep!

Though it was May, I felt the cold as intense as in September. I came here in September 1996. I am fortunate to make the second trip to Badrinath and be blessed by God and my fore fathers. . The town and temple sit in a small plateau surrounded by snow clad mountains, specially, Nar-Narayan range, with Alkananada following at 80 Kms speed, it is a lovely sight! Gods are really here. The great Adi Shankara did yoeman service to Hinduism. He is really God incarnate; otherwise, where is Kaladi and where are Badrinath and Kedarnath!!

The gopuram of sanctum sanctorum of Badrinath temple glitters with gold covering and is surrounded by the snow covered peaks of Himalayas. Alaknanda river passes by the temple.


21.05.2007 (Monday)

Since I could not sleep the whole night, I started my morning ablutions right from 0330 Hrs.. Since, the geyser was not to be put on due to low voltage, I could not shave. The water for brushing teeth as well as for toilet was so cold, I could finish both jobs with great difficulty. It took me an hour.

By 0500 AM, hot water bucket was brought and I had hot water bath.( RS 15/- per bucket). I and pinnamma stayed in one room. Till now, Bhanu was sharing a room with me all along, though I used to insist that he and his wife should share a room and I and pinnamma would share a room. Till Badrinath, he did not listen to me. In Badrinath, he agreed to share with his wife.

I was so weak due to my cold and intense cold outside and lack of sleep. Probably I had fever also. Seldom I felt so drained out as yesterday and today morning. But I was determined to have the special darshan at 0600 AM and perform obsequies to my fore fathers.

The way to temple from our guest house was too steep.
And hence I got drained out, going to and fro.

The hot water spring, taptakund, is the boon of the nature. Other hot springs are : Naradkund and suryakund.

One trip up and down drained out my energies. After 6 AM darshan we had to wait till 9:30 AM for the pandit to come and perform obsequies. There after, we came back to guest house at 0730 Hrs. Ladies came to temple and back by pittus.

We went again at 9 AM to temple. Temple prasadam was given at 0945 Hrs and immediately we started the pindapradanam process .. Before that, we had bath in hot water spring. We finished by 1110 Hrs and by 1130 Hrs. The Brahmin who conducted was young, handsome and very good in pronunciation and movements. Each of us paid Rs 400/- for this. After all, we had redeemed ourselves for this birth and prosperity given to us by our forefathers! This is the least we could do to them!! This is the second time, I am doing. In 1996 September, when I came to Badrinath, I performed then also.

The idol of Lord Badrinath (Badri vishal) is made of black stone shaligram. The Lord is seated in a Padmasanam posture. The temple is divided into 3 parts.

Garbhagriha, the darshan mantap and the Sabha Mandap. The idol of badrinath is seated in the innermost part- Garbhagriha. The canopy of temple is covered with a sheet of Gold. This offering was made by queen Ahalya Bai, quen of Indore. In darshan mandap, pujas are performed. Sabha mandap is a outer hall where the devotees stand for darshan.

. It is a privilege of life to visit all four dhams. One’s life is satisfied and attains bliss.

We had lunch in a real shack. Lunch programme was a fiasco. Yesterday when Bhanu and others went to Jiyyar swamy ashram, they were asked to come for lunch next day ie today. So we wasted ½ hr in locating the ashram after trekking up and down. When we came to ashram at 1305 Hrs, there were 250 people waiting for lunch!! So we abandoned the idea.

We had ultimately so called lunch is a real shack, horrible food! It was the worst food I had taken during this trip. Slightly better than this (a shade) was at Joshimatt.


We started at 1400 Hrs as the gate was promptly opened. At Pnadukeshwar we were held up for 25 minutes. We saw a restaurant at Pipalkot offering Dosa, Idli. so, we stopped here at 0530 PM and had idli and masala dosa. The items are good. Chutney is good. But sambar was not upto the mark.

We ultimately, reached Kaldourbagh at 1955 Hrs. This guest house is newly built and is located on the banks of Alaknanda. It is a very picturousque with the river flowing just 20 feet away from rooms.

The rooms were well furnished with T.V and coolers. In the bathroom, geyser was there. The dinning hall was very neat and clean. The service was prompt and courteous. Our AP tourism department should learn many things from this Garhwal mandal.


We did not take any dinner. We slept early at 9:30 PM. we watched Aaj Tak news at 9PM. It was our last day in mountains and the last day of prepaid and pre arranged accommodation. I wish I could come here with my family and spend a week or so leisurely on the banks of Alaknanda, enjoying every bit of it! Such a lovely spot.

22.05.2007 (Tuesday)

I got up at 5 AM. Finished bathroom activities by 6 AM. Pinnamma got ready by 0715 AM. We both slept well last night. Initially,it was warm but after cooler was on for an hour or two, the room was cool and we could sleep well.

We had breakfast in the restaurant below. Very good preparations!! How could these people manage such good food at such remote places !! Hats off to them.

We started at 0830 Hrs. we crossed Karnaprayag after 5 Kms only. Then crossed Rudraprayag (35 kms) and Srinagar (65 Kms). We reached Deva prayag at 1230 Hrs and from view point took good clear photos of the confluence of rivers Bhagiradhi and Alaknanda. Bhaghiradhi’s water were clear and green in appearance, where as Alaknanda water were muddy and sandy in colour. Atlast Alaknanda lost its name after sangam with Bhagiradhi here. From now onwards it flows as river Ganga only till it flows into Bay of Bengal.


We stopped 30 kms short of Rishikesh at 1330 Hrs for lunch. Food was so so. Luckily, we got curd. It was so hot from Rudraprayag. By the time we started the last leg of journey to Rishikesh after lunch, it was unbearably hot! We reached the Garwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.(GMVN) main information centre at the bypass road to Haridwar at 1530 Hrs. we tipped the drivers. We managed to get accommodation in Dormetry with 6 beds in each. But these were on top floor (II floor). It was so hot!! The fans were spewing the heat of the terrace into the rooms.


Bhanu and others went to see Rishikesh (Laksham Jhula, Geeta Bhavan etc) at 1745 Hrs. I did not go as I have seen them a number of times earlier. Also, I was too tired and drained out. I took bath at 6:30 PM and washed some clothes. I went for a ½ Km walk outside. I had 10 glasses of cold water and lassy. It became pleasant only at 8:30 PM.

Bhanu and party came back at 9 PM and we immediately went to restaurant below and had buffet dinner. I and pinnamma had curd extra. Curd was very good. After dinner, we spent some time on the terrace.( Self, pinnamma and Meenakshi.). Bhanu and his friends discussed tomorrows Delhi and Agra programme sitting in the lawn.
We came to the room at 10 PM. Meenakshi rang up Buyyay in JNU, Delhi informing our programme. Buyyay instantly recognized me and welcomed to his house. So, we four will be received at New Delhi railway station by Buyyay on 24.05.07 afternoon and take us to his house.

We all slept at 1030 pm. We opened all windows. Tomorrow I have to wash some undergarments, towel and a night suit for Delhi stay.


23-05-07(Wednesday)

We got up at 0530 Hrs. Bhanu and others were leaving at 0730 Hrs to Haridwar for sight seeing. I spent leisurely my time, as I remained in the room. I washed all my clothes as planned with Rin and dried them.

I had corn flakes and toast, jam and butter for breakfast. I paid only Rs 50/-. I paid Rs.90/- for yesterdays 3 Coffee, 1 tea and todays morning 2 coffee and 3 teas!

I read Times of India paper sitting in the visitors lounge. Same old stories of violence, conflicts etc. I went to STD booth next door and rang up Radha. She said Pujis fever had come down and yesterday she did not have any fever. Thank God! My prayers were heard! Poor girl, she had been suffering from 08.05.07, for a fortnight!! Any case , it is a matter of 3 more days. I will see her on 26/05/2007.

It was very hot! I had buffet lunch. It was good. I had taken extra curd and it was creamy and tasty. I collected dried clothing of Pinnamma and Meenakshi and folded them neatly. By 1400 Hrs, Bhanu and party came back from Haridwar. It was extremely hot, as ours was top floor! We some how managed to have a nap till 5 PM.

In the evening, we met an old gentleman, Mr Vyas, a Maharastrain. He was spending a month here. He already visited Chardham. We became friends.

Dinner was also a buffet. Again we ordered extra curd. It was sumptuous. We all slept by 1030 PM.

24.5.2007 (Thursday)

We got up at 0400 AM. By 0510 Hrs, we started in two autos to Haridwar Railway station. Train came on time,at 0625 Hrs. The Journey to New Delhi was uneventful. Buyyay came with his 15 year old son, Santosh to receive us in railway station. I saw him after 40 long years. The last time I saw him was in Janaki’s marriage in 1965. He is good and his son is a live wire. We both became good friends in no time. When we reached Buyyay’s house in JNU Campus, his wife took care of us so well. She is a reader in Botony in Dayal Singh College,in Lodhi Road. She was pleasant. Santhosh drew my caricature and presented to me. I promised him to send him E-mail regularly.

25.05.2007 (Friday)

Bhanu and party left to see Agra. I was dropped in Wg Cdr Babus house by Buyyay. Padma was nice. Babu came for lunch. I had beer and slept. Babu gave me scotch in the evening. We slept at about 11 PM.

26.05.2007 (Saturday)

Babu dropped me in the Airport. I met Bhanu and others. The flight took off late by an hour due to traffic congestion. We landed at Bhubaneshwar at 1020 hrs and took off again at 1100 hrs. We reached Hyderabad at 1210 hrs. I took an auto and came home by 1330 hrs. I was too eager to see Puji.