Isha Adiyogi Centre

 

Isha Adiyogi Centre

The last time we visited Isha Yoga Centre it was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. My daughter was upset also because she would not have been allowed inside as she had not completed 10 years then.

So as to makeup for her dejection and my own curiosity we decided to visit again.

So around 1 pm we started by Taxi for the Centre and passing through Perur we covered the 34 kms in almost an hour by reaching around 2 pm. Parking for own vehicles cost 30 Rs.

After getting down from the Taxi we started walking towards the Shiva bust sculpture. There was a good enough crowd and we made one Pradakshina of the bust. The floor was hot and after the Pradakshina we made our way towards the place where Linga Bhairavi, Dhyanalingaa etc were situated. These can be reached by taking the path behind the bust sculpture. One needs to deposit mobiles and Valuables, Bags at the counter and proceed inside as Photography is not allowed here.

After walking along the path along areca nut plantations one reaches the Sarpa Sthal behind which is the ‘Suryakund’ where males can take a dip in the water and touch the Lingams immersed in the water. This is a man-made creation. Towels and ‘Mundu’ is provided. After that we move towards the ‘Linga Bhairavi’ temple. The temple was closed as the curtains were drawn and we could only see the place from small openings at the temple door.

From here we went to the ‘Dhyanalinga’, which is one of the best place for meditation. Inside a dome one feels immediately at eternal peace. This is followed by ‘Chandrakund’ and finally we returned back to the Adiyogi sculpture.

Evening at 7 pm there are some songs played out and around 7:20 we have Light show on the Sculpture.

It was a wonderful experience with scenery all around

 

 

Valparai -- Vazhachaal

A desire to undertake a journey through the Vazhachal Valparai route had developed since long in my mind. But for one reason or the other it never materialized. Although initially there was a doubt also that Two wheelers weren't being allowed to pass but Midhun, who was also going to be my companion informed me that of recent they had started allowing Two wheelers.

Thus a sudden plan to undertake the trip the next day itself came about when Midhun called me to check if I was free the next day. As he would be coming from Paliakara, Thrissur I was supposed to meet him at Nemmara at 6:00 am. I was to make a night halt at my parent's place in Thrissur as it would be pretty late when we would end the journey. Midhun advised me on dress ( Not to have to too colourful clothes, Jeans, Pants, bringing water/sunglasses etc ). What I forgot to ask was regarding footwear and regretted wearing a sandal. As I usual I got very less sleep in anticipation of the day ahead. I left the house at 5:30 am. Walked till Kaipencherri and got into a KSRTC Bus bound for Thrissur and got down at Nemmara. Midhun was to meet me here and we would pass through Kollengode and reach Pollachi to start the route.

I had tea from a mobile Tea stall. Midhun reached at around 6:40 am. We had crossed Kerala border in 45 minutes or so. During the time we crossed Kollengode to reach Anaimalai, Pollachi. I wasn't aware that Midhun also had become a vegetarian by choice. I was a little taken aback when he skipped hotels which had non vegetarian food or were near a mutton shop. I was left wondering if I was a Non-vegetarian !!!

Anyway at around 8:15 am we reached the Main Road which indicated Valparai was 44 kms. Here we had breakfast comprising of 4 idlis and an Oothapam. There was a 'Pudina' chutney along with the normal 'Coconut' chutney and Sambar. Four Ladies were managing the stall. What was more comforting that there were idols of 'Shirdi Sai Baba' and 'Ganesha' in front of the eatery. After a nice breakfast we started for the real journey. There were a total of 40 hair pin bends for reaching Valparai. Valparai has become a hub of Tea Estates. We sighted some monkeys and Midhun took out his SLR camera and took some good snaps. There was a person riding a bike with the 'Charm' symbols who almost rode along with us till the end.

Although we purchased a bottle of mineral water we didn't open it at all as we refilled the water bottle I had taken from home with the water flowing between the rocks en route. The water was cool and tasted good too. Midhun also stopped at some picturesque locations. He also told me to tell him when I wanted to stop. Though it was summer both of us didn't feel the heat at all. We must have reached Valparai at around 10:15 am. Here we had tea at a stall

While descending we saw a sign board indicating 'Karaimalai Balaji' Temple and as even Midhun hadn't seen it decided to pay it a visit. We reached the spot at around 11:30 am. As the temple was going to close by 12 pm we hurried atop the small hillock. Of the many 'Balaji' temples I had visited this was the only one which was located atop a hill amidst tea plantations.

This temple had been constructed 35 years ago by the Estate Owner. Below there is a board that indicates various other places of significance like 'Veeramalai' Tunnel, Mudis, Vella Pilayar kovil, Sholayar Dam etc. Actually these are not in the main route and one has to return back to main route from Valparai to Malakkapara. As this was a new route for Midhun also he also was enjoying the ride.
We reached Malakkapara by 2:15 pm and had lunch in solitude at a hotel that Midhun frequented. The lunch was sumptuous comprising Rice, Sambar, Pappad, Rasam, Cabbage curry and Salad. After lunch and rest we started at 3 pm. All through the route we looked for any indications of any movements indicating the one we wanted to sight the 'Elephant' but we didn't see one at all. All hopes had gone by the time we neared Vazhachal around 5 40 pm. When we saw some vehicles stationed near the edge of the road and some onlookers. We asked if there was an Elephant and yes on the opposite side near the banks of the river were a Mother and two small ones enjoying the bath !!!

We reached home by 6:40 pm and I bade Good Bye to Midhun and after dinner slept like a log 

A TRIP TO KAIWARA VILLAGE

After being dejected with the so called popular spots in and around Bengaluru I chanced upon this nice place through a casual talk with the Landlord of my friend with whom I stayed in Bengaluru. It was around 9 am that we started for Kaiwara which has many historical and mythological stories. It is said that Pandavas stayed here while in exile and the Cave where Bhima deposed the body of the Bakasura is nearby.

Besides the folk lore in the 18^th Century a legendary saint Narayanappa called popularly as ‘Kaiwara Narayan Thata’ lived here and attained Samadhi near Kaiwara. There is a Mutt here. The ‘Jeeva Samadhi’  of the saint who lived for 110 years is just behind the main deity. We reached around 11 am after having a healthy breakfast at Hosakote. ( Hosakote was supposed to be our earlier destination but we extended it to Kaiwara and didn’t regret it a bit !! ). We passed through little and huge farms with Mango trees, Snake Gourds, and many other Fruits and Vegetables cultivated. It was a typical village setting which I had  longed for. We first visited the Mutt and were fortunate enough to bear the ‘Palkhi’ carrying the Saint’s Statue. Although I felt the ‘Palkhi’ a little heavy (This was the first time I had lifted one!!) I soon thought maybe by bearing it at least some of my sins will be lessened. There was one pradakshina done and we sat at the Mutt for some time.

It is a nice place and has a wonderful atmosphere. There was ‘Annadhanam’ and we ate the tasty food. After the food we went to Kailasagiri where there are ‘Vinayaka’, ‘Shiva’ and ‘Ambaji Durga’ deities. On top of the hill there is a good view of the surroundings and a water reservoir can be seen. From there we went to Vaikuntam or ‘Taathaiyya Gavi’ which is the cave where he meditated. It is also on a hill top. Next we went to Bhima lingeshwara temple and lastly Swami Narayana Temple. The Temple was closed and would only open at 5 or so. However as we had to cover a huge distance to get back, we returned back before the temple opened.

Roughly 80 Kms from Bengaluru.

Carry sun glasses, Cap or any other protection as the heat is too much. Take drinking water also.

FAILAKA ISLAND

Failaka Islands - Deserted Island Trip

One Day Trip

After nearly six years since the thought came to visit this place after coming to Kuwait from home this was made reality on 3rd November 2017( Exactly six years and one day !!!). We booked tickets beforehand from Ikarus counter, located just behind Marina Crescent and it costs kwd 15 per person for the return journey as of 1st November. They had changed the rates starting November 1st. This one is return trip without food and sightseeing by the Bus from Failaka Heritage Village.

Me and my roommate, Adarsh started at 8:45 am by Taxi to reach Marina Crescent from where the boat starts. We reached there at 9:30 am for a departure at 10:30 am. The Boat name was BINT AL KHAIR and had started services from January 2001. It weighed 59 Tons as per the same being mentioned on the top deck reserved for VIP travellers. It departed at correct time and soon we were riding the high waves. The seats are quite comfortable and so was the ride. The bluish colour turns somewhat like brown as we move ahead. It takes nearly 40 minutes for the trip and at 11:10 we sighted Failaka Islands.

We decided to walk around the places and so skipped the coaster that takes us to Heritage Village. Although there are some people still staying here most of the houses were deserted. We decided to head where the beach was and started walking in that direction.We saw a sign of Beach Entrance and found it closed.

We then walked ahead and came near Failaka Lake entrance and the small zoo. Here we rested for a while and took photos of each other. When we enquired about the Beach a Egyptian caretaker took both of us to the Beach Entrance. The Beach is very well maintained and is clean and we were the only souls there.

Tea and coffee is more costlier here and can be had at the Oasis Cafe near Ikarus Hotel.

Most of our time was spent there. Return also the boat took off at correct time. They are very much punctual.

The ruins of Greek civilization cannot be seen unless you have a letter from the Kuwait Museum it seems as mentioned in many a reviews on this Island. If you prefer solitude and don't mind just roaming around this is a good place else there isn't anything here.

Ikarus can be contacted on these numbers : 22244767/60066444

A VISIT TO MESSILA BEACH

I started out rather late in the evening, 5 p.m. to be precise.As I was not aware if there was a direct bus from Abbasiya to Messila I went to Farwaniya and from there took another bus to Messila. This bus bound for Fahaheel took me to Messila in roughly half an hour's time. Altogether I was there in an hour. I came across the entrance to this beach located near Burger King and paid the Entrance fee.

The beach pathway looked deserted possibly due to the cold weather and I found only a family consisting of a Mother, Father and a child out there. I walked along a little closer to the shore and snapped few photos before deciding to return without disturbing the family's privacy.

There is a water park close by but it was closed till April. While returning back I came to know that a direct bus ran between Fahaheel and Abbasiya passing through Messila.

Entrance Fee: 500 Fils

Bus No. 106 from Jleeb to Fahaheel

A VISIT TO THE KUWAIT ZOO

I agree this looks more or less like an essay given in schools but a visit to the Zoo was one of the first things I did after coming to Kuwait !!

I had been under the impression that Civil Id was a must for entering the Zoo premises and had been waiting for my Civil Id to be made. When I finally got it done and shifted to Abbasiya I planned to implement the visit.

My last visit to a Zoo, back in India was a bad experience and I was hoping for some thing better and I wasn't disappointed.

The zoo is located in Omariya. I boarded a KPTC bus from Jleeb and got down at the Cinema Hall Bus stop. I crossed the road using the over-bridge and made my way to the Zoo entrance, which can be easily spotted from the Watch Tower.

As soon as one enters the Zoo to the left side an indicative board mentions the locations of the animals using a sketch. I followed the path to the right and was soon in front of the enclosures of the Cheetah and the Wolf. The European wolf made its appearance and was jeered by a bunch of youths.

The Cheetah and the Hyena enclosure had it seems no occupants. There was another enclosure for the Cheetah where I saw the creature taking a sound nap. There was an enclosure for the Bengal White Tiger but maybe it too was in deep slumber. The lion and the two lionesses played in between their naps. Next to the Lion enclosure was the Hippo enclosure. Opposite to the Hippo enclosure was the Bear cave where the animal roamed about for some photogenic moments. Further ahead was the African Elephant. It looked cute.

Further ahead were the Camels and the Giraffes. There were some three Zebras too. In the Aviary section Ostriches & the Emus were the main attraction. I found some Peacocks among the Deers. The Reptile House was closed possibly for repairs. I saw two Crocs busy hibernating. The timing was bad but it was a wonderful experience.

Timings: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Closed on Sundays

Location: Omariya

KALASHAMALA

Date: 20th June 2010

No place has generated as much interest in me as Kalashamala. This is mainly due to the fact that the trip materialized after many cancellations for various reasons. Our source of information for this place happened to be an article in the supplement of a local daily newspaper viz. ‘Mathrubhumi’ which was published some months back. The day we finally undertook this journey turned out to be a sunny day in the midst of monsoon.

As there was a possibility of rain we decided that travelling by bus would be a better option rather than riding on a two wheeler. Accordingly friend Mr. Davis and I took a bus for Kunnamkulam from the Shakthan Bus Stand at about 10.30 a.m. While in the bus, we discussed the tour spots lying scattered and where exactly were they located. The time taken in covering all these places was important as we had only part of a day left at our disposal. We reached Kunnamkulam by 11 am. We made enquiries at the bus stand as to directions to reach Kalashamala. Though there was a bus going directly to Kallazhi Kunnu (another name for Kalashamalaa) scheduled for 12:45 p.m. we took an immediately available bus going to Chowannur on the Kunnamkulam-Vadakkanchery route and engaged an auto rickshaw to cover the further three kms. to Kalashamala. Narimada Kunnu where we reached at around 11:45 am is a small hill, offering a good view of the vast green expanse lying yonder. Just below the view point is the ‘narimada’ meaning tiger’s den. There was a bunch of boys also on picnic there who wondered whether we were from the press to publish an article on the site (what a wonderful thought!).

Atop the Narimada there is a tree precariously moored at the side of the hillock which looked so photogenic amidst the surroundings that I couldn’t resist taking a snap of it. There was nothing much to see around at that particular spot and the hot sun was making it difficult for us even to sit down and enjoy the scenery. The sunset view from this spot is said to be very much enjoyable and we decided to keep it for the next time for want of time. While wandering around we heard the calls of peacocks but could not locate them. The grass growing all along the hill was very much inviting. I could have rolled over it. But something restricted me from doing so. After lunch which we took at the hill top we came down the hill to take a narrow pathway leading to the ‘Chola Vanam’ lying close by. Very soon we found ourselves in the midst of a small forest. The small stream flowing along the thick bunch of bushes was so inviting that I removed my footwear to feel it caress them which was truly an invigorating experience. Just across the stream there is an old temple undergoing some renovation work. There is a ‘kutcha’ road leading to the junction where we had turned for Narimada. The short walk up the graveled and untarred path presented greenery both sides and while walking along this path we again heard the calls of the elusive peacock. Enquiries made at Chowannur junction revealed that there are a few more sites around worth visiting and having decided to cover them next time on a two-wheeler, we waited for the return bus to Kunnamkulam.


Getting There:
Bus Fare up to Kunnamkulam Rs. - 14 per head
Bus Fare up to Chowannur Rs. - 4 per head.
From Chowannur Auto charge Rs. - 20 one way.

Just a Reminder:
Kalashamala comprises several caves and burial grounds spread over a vast area. Ideally, riding on a bike is more convenient for covering all the locations. Rainy season is best as the greenery around is a treat to the eyes.