Tirupati is famed for the shrine on the Seven Hills of Tirumala dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage spots in India. The hill near the temple is called ‘Tirumala’ or the “sacred hill.” The temple is said to be the busiest in the world and the Brahmotsavam is undoubtedly celebrated for its oriental pomp and pageantry in September every year. Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala is located 860 metes above sea level atop a hill named Venkatadri. It is the last of the seven hills one has to traverse through from Tirupati, a transit point for Tirumala. This temple’s importance in Indian religious milieu cannot be undermined.

My wife’s sister and her husband were coming down from US to visit tirupati as they wanted to end the year by visiting tirupati and taking his blessings to start a new year and asked me to accompany them. As we were six adults(I, my wife, my sister-in-law and her husband, my brother in law and his wife) and my one year old kid and my car can accommodate only five people so we hired a 7+1(driver) seats Innova. (more…)

“Nainital” is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources.

It was long awaited trip, almost for 2-3 years and finally this Holi Vacation I made it for a short trip to Nanaital and small temple Kainchi Dham situated in Bhuwali near Bhimtal.

We started our Journey from my hometown Bareilly in North western UP early in the morning as we wanted to be back by evening as Nanital is just 141 KM from my place.

Me, my wife, kid and my parents started at 7:30 and decided to have a breakfast on the way. My wife is from Rajasthan so she was enjoying the lush green outfields on the both sides of the road and my kid was sleeping as it is too early for him.

We reached Baheri a small town on the way (40 KM from Bareilly) by 8:15 and stopped at one road side shop(there were so many in a line) preparing fresh pakoras, jalebis and tea.

We had moong daal pakoras (famous in that area), Paneer bread pakora, garamagaram (hot) Jalebis bread butter and Tea. I was surprised to see that we had too much and bill was only Rs. 55. Now that is the advantage of small towns where you get everything fresh and at a lesser price than metros.

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It just happened. Hotel rooms were booked in Dharamsala but in the wee hours of a cold January our cars raced from Delhi towards the Jhunjhunu district of Sekhawati! Was it providence or wanderlust has its own meandering ways? Whatever, which truly boggled our minds were the treasure troves that unfolded thereafter in three unforgettable days. The recent history of Sekhawati was traced back to Rao Sekha, a chieftain from Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs in 15th century A.D. and the land subsequently held by his numerous descendants was known as “Shekhawati”. Mythology seemed more interesting. It indicates that this place was the kingdom of King Virata where Pandavas spent one year in anonymity, after the expiry of their twelve-year long forest life. As cars raced through the landscape of Sekhawati, each moment seemed to be pregnant with possibilities.

The Aravallis cut across Jaipur and Sekhawati regions in North Rajasthan. The climatic conditions in the region are very harsh and extreme, ranging from sub-zero Celsius in winter to more than 50°C in summer. People of this region are known for their bravery and hard work and it is a fertile breeding ground for Jawans in Indian Army! Two districts of modern day Rajasthan, i.e. Jhunjhunu and Sikar can administratively be considered as the constituents of “Sekhawati” region. However the Churu district is equally important as the Sekhawati dialect is also spoken here and famous painted Havelis and Forts are omnipresent in all these three districts. The Haveli was to Banias, what the Fort was to Rajputs, an abode. The status, defense all were reflected in headquarters of these barons and banias of yesteryears. Massive, iron reinforced gates guard street entrances of both Havelis and Forts. Gates of Forts being particularly stronger having protection against forced entry even by use of elephants. While Forts were more functional and defense oriented, some fine carved woodworks, with figurative panel of Lord Ganesha above the door, were evident in Havelis. However Rajput barons introduced Mughal influenced figurative mural art in Forts of Sekhawati followed by “Jaipur Fresco”. The wealthy merchants were to follow suit and soon interiors of many Havelis and ‘Baithak’s were richly painted with incredible murals and frescos as ultimate symbol of their opulence.This has made the whole painted region famously known among connoisseurs and lovers of art across the world as the “open air art gallery” of Rajasthan.

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Day 7 : Goa – Pune

Cavelossim – Margaon – Ponda – Londa – Khanapur – Belgaum – Kolhapur – Satara – Pune

We started back on Day 7 i.e. 15th of August. We were heading for Pune according to our plan and took a different route for the way back. We planned to take NH-4 for Pune and for that we had to reach Belgaum in Karnataka first which was around 120 Kms from Goa. The day before we’d asked some locals about the best route from Goa to Belgaum and followed the same from Margaon. Another way was to go via Panaji and then take the road towards Belgaum. We took the the route from Margaon as it was shorter from South Goa.

Goa – Morning of Independence Day

The total distance of today’s drive was around 450 Kms and after two days of stay and rest we were again charged for the day. We started little late around 7:30 am from our resort and after crossing Margaon took the road towards a place called Ponda. Streets and Buildings were decorated because of Independence day but we did not face any city traffic and were quickly able to cross Margaon.

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