The ruins of Hampi

I do believe in saying, "Things happen at the right time". Two years back on Christmas while I was returning to Pune from Dandeli, I had planned for Hampi, but couldn't make it, as we were running out of time. Finally, In 2019 I got a call from the land of boulders. I was eager to tick off one of the travel destinations from my bucket list.

As you enter in Hampi, you will be amazed by nature’s beauty. It is blessed with n number of attractions which makes it the most celebrated place in India. One should not miss the sunrise and sunsets in Hampi. There seem to be a number of ‘sunrise hills’ and ‘sunset points’ in Hampi depending on who you talk to. We took it to be Matanga Hill.

We woke up early morning and reached near the Virupaksha temple around 4.30 A.M.  It was too dark, but the early morning vibes around the temple area were so beautiful and energetic that it was blending so well with the spiritual songs which were played in the temple.

We walked up from the Hampi bazaar side. This was a fantastic walk with great views and some interesting, original steps and slightly scary boulders to walk over. It was still dark when we started walking up the steps of the hill. Almost everyone's mobile torch was on. The climb to the top is short but steep, but it is all worth it, even if it does mean moving in the dark.

The steps get very crooked as you go up. You have to go through bushes, jump over rocks, and squeeze through boulders. And then you reach a very precarious position where the rocks seem to be very loosely held. But if you are brave enough to climb on, over very roughly cut steps, and then ignoring the steep fall below (no bushes to hold, just a smooth rapid fall down) you will reach a temple.

After about 30 to 40 minutes of walking, we reached the top of the hill. Few people were calmly waiting for the sun to rise. I found myself a nice spot to sit at the edge of the rock. You can see the ruins of Hampi for 360 degrees. The astonishing view of the surroundings from the top made this place more beautiful. Hill ranges along with abundant huge boulders, the architectural temples, paddy fields alongside tiny villages, a huge river; everything put together represents a hidden gem of the country.

I was delighted to see a big temple on the other side down the hill. As I would find out a little later, it was the Achyutaraya Temple. One of the big temples around Hampi. Three of the bigger temples of Hampi are visible from there, the Virupaksha, the Achyutaraya, and the Krishna temples. The Tungabhadra river can be seen snaking its way through the rocky valley.

Unfortunately, we could not witness the sunrise that morning as just a day before it was a lunar eclipse. As the sky was turning lighter slowly people started making their way down. I still hung around soaking in the views! The Virupaksha Temple, it’s bazaar street and the river behind it were visible. Even the Krishna temple and its bazaar street were visible. But now, it’s bazaar street seems to have a dead end.

The best view of the world's second-largest heritage as per The New York times... Vijayanagar Empire..can be seen only from the Matanga Hills.

Standing there at the edge got me thinking, what a great kingdom it must have been...

Khardung La - A Roller Coaster Ride

It is never that we go and see the mountains, it is the mountains that see us, watch us grow, evolve and surrender while they stand there in all their majesty-unaffected.

Such as the Himalayan frontier of Ladakh that houses centuries of secrets all wrapped in its sky high mountains, hypnotic lakes and tricky passes, this is my story of unfolding the beauty of Ladakh.

Today we were heading for Nubra Valley after a night full of good sleep and ample of recharge at Leh. We were all set for the journey ahead. By now we were familiar with the rough and rugged terrains. The sight of this barren land had now started to make us feel like home as if we have belonged to here forever. Getting cozy and comfortable is not what a road trip is all about, especially one to Ladakh.

The first destination on the list was Khardung La( La in Tibetan means “Mountain pass”). Khardung La – The name itself excites anyone who plans a trip to Ladakh. It is the highest motorable mountain pass in the world at 17,982 feet! It is like driving over a summit!
The road to Khardung La is a steep climb. It is a short distance of only 40 Kms from Leh. The climb is steep as we go from 11,000 feet to 17,982 feet. The road is excellent as the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) maintains this diligently. Khardung La is an important pass as the troops and supplies to Siachen is routed through this pass.

A steady climb over a winding road gave us a panoramic view of Leh town below with a Stok Kangri peak in the background. A stream has created lush green fields with houses around it. An isolated Gompa on a small hill provided an enchanting picture as we climb up.

As we ascended the slopes the temperature constantly dropped and we could see patches of snow here and there. You cannot predict the weather at such a high altitude. Many of us witnessed the first snowfall of our life. Soon later heavy snowfall was observed at Khardung La due to which the road at the top was closed.

We had to wait at a bikers halt point. We were only 25 KM away from our destination. I remember none of us had spoken a word since the last two hours, we were that awestruck by the beauty that surrounded us. The enthusiasm of all bikers was amazing. A couple of them were dancing, having a hot cup of tea and yummy Maggie. From a distance we heard people yelling as “Road is now OPEN... Chalo chalo ruko mat..😃“ We all were super excited to ride ahead.

Again we started our ride, you can say adventures one. By now the visibility of road due to snowfall and fog was so poor say approximately 10%, we could barely see anything. We were not able to identify our group members so we were following blindly to bikers which were in front of us. Bikers coming from opposite direction were also guiding us like "Go slow and stick to the right side". This was the time when all the bikers were helping each other irrespective of the identity. All the riders were following each other. Slowly we were moving ahead. We were in a dilemma whether to open our helmets visor shield glass or not, if we open it, then snowfall was hitting us and if not then fog was making it difficult to visualize. It was challenging to breath in low oxygen level area. In between we were inhaling Camphor, it was a saviour.  

Throughout the drive I was kept amused by the quirky milestones by the BRO (Border Road organization). Hurray! We are on top of the world’s highest motorable pass – Khardung La. This was definitely a moment to celebrate, so we got down for a few photographs.

One should not expect much to do while here – except walk around a bit and feel the cool air (which can turn windy anytime) against the face and admire the views. It is not advisable to expose oneself to the elements for long anyway at these altitudes. But you can actually do some shopping here – at a souvenir shop run by the Army.

Pretty soon we found ourselves swirling at sharp bends of the mysterious loops to Nubra Valley. That can give enough adrenaline rush to the riders to sustain for really long! Nonetheless, the views from these passes were breathtaking.

While driving, we passed through winding mountain roads, areas that were dry and arid as well as some lush green areas. It was as if some art master had his whole collection to showcase and we were looking at a breathtaking watercolor in HD one after one.

By 7 in the evening we had touched down at Nubra Valley.

The unique thing about the Ladakh terrain is that it has mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, rivers, waterfalls in one beautiful and dynamic geography. This trip has given me memories worth a lifetime, a trip that has permanently inscribed startling sights of this enchanting place in my mind!

The open vistas of Ladakh left us wondering, how badly we are trapped in the city life. Whereas this is where we should be Wild – into the nature.

Fitness Perspective

My story from Fat to Fit 😀
A few years back, I was suffering from health issues like acidity. Initially, it was normal, but there was a time when it became a huge problem because of my hectic working schedule and long commute hours. I used to think 1000 times before eating any food outside. Have taken all possible medicines for it. You can say I had done mastery in diagnosing acidity by that time. Later this was becoming tough for me to even travel outstations thinking about what if I eat something wrong and then curse myself for it. I consulted a couple of doctors had been through even gastroscopy test also taken Ayurvedic treatment. . Followed the prescribed medicines and diet. I realized this wasn't working for me, it was a temporary solution.

 For long I have been contemplating whether I really need to work out or can I survive another year without it. I have always hated going to the gym. I was looking for options other than the gym. I saw AbsoluteFit Pune AbsoluteFit Darpanam sometime back and like a bee attracted to a flower, I booked my appointment with Sharayu . To my surprise , the workout and nutritional diet regime were super fun. The coaches here are brilliant and always ready to pump you up. They keep their batches small and concentrate on everyone. What I liked the best was I need not go there daily. I was following everything from home and updating them.

 Big thanks to Sharayu who made my weight loss journey like a calk walk. Now not only my health issues disappeared , I can easily run 5km within 40 mins and can climb Sinhgad within 70 mins. I was never a running baby and die hard trekker but now  just love that.

Everyday is a chance to get better...My transformational journey of 9kgs has been amazing. Most importantly it made me more confident, more focused. It's needs 100% commitment to achieve fitness but it's 100% possible. So why wait?
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White Water River Rafting

From parasailing, river rafting, banana ride, jet ski and bumper ride, I have tried it all. But what took my adrenal rush to another level was when I did River rafting in Kali River in Dandeli.  Not knowing swimming, without my glasses and being a water-phobic, it was a brave call for me to decide to put myself amidst water for rafting.

Almost after 10 to 11 months of discussion and debates we planned a road trip to Dandeli, which is a restricted forest area in Karnataka. And to my surprise, this place is known as the adventure capital of Karnataka.

When it comes to adventure activities like river rafting, there is only one place that comes to my mind, which is, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Dandeli offers a handful of activities, though mostly famous for its white water rafting. Interestingly, Kali river is the source of water for the people of Dandeli. Apparently, the dam water is released into the Kali river between 7 am to 10.30 am, which creates strong rapids in the river.

It was around 9.30 am we reached Dandeli river rafting area. Too much paperwork, which was giving me the feeling as if I'm giving my property to someone. Starting with safety instructions along with the demo session with the instructor, I was geared up to sail with Kali River to experience river rafting for the very first time. Holding my breath tight, I settled in the raft to face the rapids on my way. We started our sojourn with a great shout out and I, along with others started rowing the boat as advised by our instructor. The calmness of the river, the chirping sound of birds and the sound of the river accompanied us until I encountered my first ever rapid. It was like a moment of truth. I could see the high waves from a distance.

As you come close to the rapid and the moment it engulfs you within, was epic. I went blank for a second. The giant leap of water is simply thrashing you with full power and when you take full control of yourself in the raft and let it pass on you, it is a surreal experience. After experiencing the first rapid, it kind of broke the shell of fear and I started enjoying rapids one after another. 

It was our 6th rapid on our way, a very giant and longer one. Since it was longer one our instructor didn't ask us to come up. During this rapid our boat dashed to a stone and two of my friends were kicked out of the boat like a football. It sounds funny now, though it was horrible at that time.

Luckily, one of them held the rope tied to the boat, which helped us to pull her back into the boat. But everyone was concerned about the other one who flowed in the opposite direction. She was totally frightened and at the same time Blank.. No clues of what exactly happened with her. Thankfully, other boats which were behind us started to help her. One of the instructors of other boat pulled her into their boat using a paddle. Later just before 8th rapid both the boats were moving in  parallel directions close to each other and there she jumped back in our boat. 

The duration of my rafting was around 2.30 hours where I sailed 9.5 km stretch of river Kali. It creates almost 10 small to big rapids. 

I was fully drenched. The torching sun was up. The cold breeze just passed through my body, leaving me wondering about God’s amazing creation. While rowing our boat, singing loud in groups, shouting with excitement, competing with other boats, somehow I felt that I discovered something new about myself. As if I had conquered my fear. 

The feeling of keeping your balance amidst all the chaos and feeling victorious after realizing that the rapid is over and you are still in the raft or even outside the raft but, alive 😊 , the feeling of taking a dip in the cold water, the feeling of jumping from a cliff, paddling together as hard as you can, the feeling of "You did it" is simply amazing.

Harbour Walk

          Saturday 6th Feb, 2016 08.00 P.M I was all set for my first flight experience.  My first onsite trip!  I was about to fly abroad for a week and that too it is Sydney. Till that time I have heard and seen that only in Map and Films. I was excited first and worried next. As we were reaching closure to the airport, my excitement and at the same time nervousness was increasing because I was travelling through “Malaysian Airlines”. I need not tell the reason behind my anxiety :D

         At 00.10 A.M I could hear the pilot’s voice, he was briefing instructions and most awaited announcement comes – "Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please."

         I boarded the Malaysian Airlines flight from Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur and I needed to change flight in Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. I reached Sydney on time. The flight was really too long still the excitement was high. On the way to hotel I was getting glimpse of spectacular HARBOUR BRIDGE. In night too this geographical area was looking fantastic. 

        Next day, in morning when I looked out of my window the view was magnificent. There are no words to describe it. It’s exactly same as shown in “jane kyun log pyaar karte hai” dil chahta hai movie song, google or photographs. May be this is what heaven must feel like. From 6^th floor of Harbour view hotel this is what I saw….

       
        After finishing office hours I and my colleague decided to walk down to harbour. It’s one of the greenest cities I have ever seen. From North Sydney we kept on walking till Milsons Point. We used the steps near Milsons Point Railway Station.

       Wohh... WOW! Butterflies in stomach! I was on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, world's largest steel arch bridge, 50-60 meters above sea level. The view is absolutely breathtaking. Aaahh!

       Bridge was looking absolutely stunning in red border lights. Glorious look of Harbour! It was evening time, i.e. the usual office out time and still the car lanes were well managed. Yes this point I must mention looking at Pune's traffic. Bridge was crowded with joggers, tourists and local people.We kept on walking. I stopped at a point. Turned left, looked down. I could see icon of Australia, OPERA HOUSE! View was superb. I was feeling lucky at that moment a lot, to see both opera house and harbour bridge were lit red to welcome the Year of the Monkey which is the Chinese New Year.

      Further walking down, I could see people climbing the bridge.If you don't have Acrophobia then you must climb up. It costs $350 Australian dollar, which is quite expensive. There is another option too, Pylon Lookout which will cost around $12 Australian dollar and offers magnificent views of Sydney Harbour, botanical gardens and the surrounding areas. On a clear day you can see as far as the Blue Mountains.

      We had walked half of the bridge by now. Many Asians (Chinese, Japanese and Singaporeans) were roaming with thier families; everyone was celebrating Lunar and was ready for selfies. Click...Click...Click... I was feeling as if I'm in China J

      We reached at the dead end of harbour. While returning from same lane, we noticed that this lane was closed. Then we were asked to use opposite side lane. We crossed the tunnel and climbed the staircase. It was like a cakewalk. Aa..haan! This side was a bit scary.

         It had walking, cycle, car and train lane. The moment train passed, we were getting that bridge shaking feeling. We passed Pylon. Suddenly the police standing behind, called us. We turned back and approached him. He said, "Hi, are you from India?" I said, "Yes. We have come here for work and client visit." He smiled and said, "I'm also from Hyderabad, India."    Bingo... J One could see smile in our eyes. You can imagine the further Indian people conversation. It was amazing. He suggested many must watch places of Sydney and Indian restaurants.

       From this right side lane, I was getting glimpse of LUNA PARK with glittering roller coaster. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride which goes only up. Luckily it was a valentine week, park was lit with red, pink and white lights. Couples from all age groups were enjoying those rides.

      So we walked it twice. I thought it was well worth doing again and to see the wonderful sights at night from the bridge. Now it was 10 P.M. and it was totally dark and silent, as if it's mid night. People here usually sleep by 9 or 9.30 P.M. Shops and malls also get closed by 8 P.M. Time to return back to hotel.

     Next time I will definitely opt for Pylon Lookout, to feel the spectacular view 87 meters above sea level.

     This walk will be surely be carved in my memory wall for a long time. It was one of the spendid walk of my life!

The Soul's Holiday !

          I clearly recall it was Thursday, everyone here in the office were excited for much awaited long weekend. Off the hectic schedule and festive mood, I decided to stay offline during this period. No to phone, surfing, Google, Facebook, Whatsapp and no WORK too!

         Day one started. I realized I was all by myself. Almost immediately my heart skipped a beat and I felt a moment of fear where I thought I was alone. But I quickly overcame it because I felt my blood rush with excitement and curiosity, thinking about the brand new chapter of my life that was about to begin.

        Don’t get me wrong, I am not a loner or a sociopath. I am a very bubbly person who loves chattering away and hanging out with people and then there’s no stopping me. But sometimes I just love to be in solitude. Yes, that’s what I am talking about.

       “Solitude”, not loneliness.

        

        Let me clear you here, Solitude is when you make a choice to be away from everyone so you can be with yourself. When you do not depend on anyone or anything for your happiness. Loneliness unfortunately is not in your hands. It’s not for nothing that they say “Learn to enjoy your own company” because if you try it, it sure is a lot of fun! That is the first and very important lesson I have learnt. Paul Tillich an English writer said, “Loneliness expresses the pain of being alone and solitude expresses the glory of being alone.”

       Generally the problem with everyone is that they think they cannot do something or go to someplace because a friend/boyfriend/girlfriend/family member is not there at that time.

So what ?

       Yes, it’s cute that you and your best friend have this tradition of hanging out together and so you don’t want to go without them. But do you know the weirdly exciting feeling of watching a movie all by yourself? The joy in buying a single ticket, sitting there and hear yourself laugh forgetting that you came alone or clutching your popcorn bag with fear for a scary bit (the popcorn which now is safe from your friend’s ever poking hand!) In fact if you are a fan of horror movies, they are best enjoyed alone!

       Lunches and dinners with the girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/wife are always romantic and fun. You go to certain places because they hold special memories for you. For once, try going on your own. Then maybe you can order what you always wanted to but didn’t because he doesn’t like it or something which is her favorite but because she is on a diet (which is almost always!) you don’t want to order it and make her feel bad. All of that is very sweet and considerate but sometimes both of you should be allowed to be spoilt for choice.

       All these people in your life are important to you, yes. But so are YOU.

       However, you don’t always have to go out somewhere. Solitude is perfectly found even at home in doing whatever makes you happy. It may be snuggling in your favorite chair with a book or watching your favorite TV show.

      The best way of being with yourself is to sit back and let your mind run free. Psychologists say that such inspection of one’s life in solitude gives an opportunity for emotional self-assessment and helps get a better perspective of you, going a long way in building a healthy personality. At the end of the day who knows you better than yourself and you can only get to know something by spending more time with it.

      But hey don’t get so lost in solitude that you start feeling that the world revolves around you or worse, you develop the tendencies of a serial killer! Just don’t forget to take out the much needed “soul's holiday” every once in a while.