Kolhapur,Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani & Ganapatipule

December 20 : 

Left at 2.30PM from BSK 3rd Stage and reached Subramanyapura locality to pick my friend's place.Left at 3.15PM took NICE road to reach Tumkur Toll and reached Chitradurga by 6.15PM.

Had a coffee break @ DS Max Vinayaka Hotel.Left Chitradurga by 6.30PM and reached Davangere by 7.45PM to have Benne Dose at Guru Kotreshwara (Opp to Bapuji Medical College).

December 21 : 

Reached Kolhapur by 02.00AM. Stayed at Hotel Pavilion (Opp to Kolhapur Railway Station).Its 1.5Km away from the Mahalaxmi Temple.Ample Parking Space and very big property. Took Auto on both ways to visit the Temple. The breakfast was good at the Hotel.The Mahalaxmi Temple was crowded and it almost took two hours to seek the blessings of the Goddess. 

Shopping was an experience at Kolhapur. The chappal's which are manufactured here are very unique and distinct the time spent here was worth and both the ladies had to take out few money from their savings to fill in their bags. After the shopping we went to Hotel Dakkhan for Lunch. The food was very good and especially the Roti and Panner Butter Masala needs to be mentioned. We left Kolhapur by 3.30PM. During the short stay at Kolhapur the quick observations which could be made was the city is traditionally rich and lot of educational institutions around the town.

The drive between Kolhapur and till the exit where where we divert towards Mahabaleshwar is filled with Sugarcane Fields and the landscape changes suddenly when we take the exit of the Highway.

The accommodation was booked through Airbnb @ Shyama Bungalow Panchgani by 7PM. 

The sudden chillness at Panchgani made us to keep warm ourselves and we had to protect the two kids from the cold. Tea was served and dinner was made ready by the in-charge of the stay and it was a long day we had to retire to bed with the chillness getting into our skins.

December 22 : 
It was pretty chill in Panchgani and after early morning rituals we left our place towards Mahabaleshwar en-route we had breakfast and we reached Venna Lake where kids amusement park was there so we had a good time till 1PM and took tickets for the row boat at Venna Lake Boat Club.The boating was good the water was clear and the mild sun which was keeping us warm from the cold was a welcome feel. 

For the lunch we had to meet a team from Pune (Friend's wife's working gang) and the place chosen was Bright Land Resort & Spa (Olive Garden Restaurant) to have lunch. The property is good.It was a long duration lunch almost we spent till 5PM there and we proceeded further to visit Echo Point, Kates Point,Elephant Head & Needle Point (all in one place).

The Elephant Head & Needle Point had a very unique feature. The ladies and kids decided to take a Horse ride till the view points. The views across the valley with the mist covered was an good experience. Echo point is where when  the place is very silent during morning we can hear the echo back when we stand and shout.

As the dusk rolled in the the evening we decided to visit Mahabaleshwar Market and it was full of crowd;the price is fixed and the whole market is filled with Leather Items,Cloth Materials and Strawberry Chikkis. The Purchases continued till 9.30PM and we dint have any energy to continue we had quick dinner at the end of the market and retired to room for a good night rest.

Parking Guidelines : Behind the Bharat Petrol Bunk there is a Govt Parking space @ Rs 30.Kindly park the var over there and you can have a good shopping time at the Market.The market is flooded with tourists all the rates are fixed. There is a Leather Store (Shop name is RAW) they have a unique collection of Leather Products.

It was almost 9.30PM we were dead tired and we had some dinner at Hotel Poonam (just beside the parking space - please avoid) its heavily crowded and food quality is very poor. 

Hotel Radhey - Opp to Wax Museum

Pan at a road side shop at the entrance to our accommodation was very good.

Kishan Kun Solkadi @ Shivsagar & Pan when we were returning back from Mahabaleshwar

Market at the corner of our road entrance to accommodation

Mahabaleshwar Venna Lake Boat Club : Rs 300 for 1/2 an hour row boat.

Two times we were checked for the documents : After Kolhpaur and exit after Davangere

on returning back

FastTag experrience was very smooth while returning back from Kolhpaur

Drive Details :

Bangalore to Chitradurga : Deepak

Chitradurga to Davangere : Bhargava

Davangere to Hubli Bypass : Deepak

Hubli Bypass to Kolhapur : Bhargava

Kolhapur to Panchgani : Deepak

Mahabaleshwar to Ganapatipule : Deepak & Bhargava

Ganapatipule to Kolhapur : Deepak & Bhargava

Kolhapur to Belgaum : Deepak

Belgaum to Hubli Bypass : Deepak

Hubli Bypass to Davangere : Bhargava

Davangere to Bangalore : Deepak

INDIA @74

 August 15 2020

INDIA

The Abbreviation in my opinion will go with this -- Institution of Noble Deeds & Inspiring Achievements.

August 15 1947 is when we got liberated and we become an Independent Country. It's been 73 years and we are entering into the 74th year. As we celebrate this occasion with Patriotism and Fervor of this great nation we need to stumble upon what our ancestors have left behind us and we need to continue the legacy to take our Country to greater heights.

From time immemorial our land has attributed to lot of discoveries in various fields and its still continuing. Every subject we take for discussion we can attribute to a great person associated with that discovery. 

As we strive further to improve on ourselves to continue the glory of this land we need to better ourselves with our systems in Agriculture,Education,Science,Health,National Security and many other things. My belief is we put all our perspectives and we work with unity and strength with the goal to reach the unbelievable its certain that we are taking our Country to its Glory.

To complete my small thought it would be great to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the people who are serving the Humanity and the Nation.

Jai Hind!

Deepak Sibi

COVID19

For the past 4 months the world has been taken over by an Invisible Organism called the Covid Virus which has made this mankind to sink to the lowest in their life span. It has cursed the whole world and it has not left any country in this whole universe without sharing its dire consequences. The virus has shown the mankind that even the Super Power countries are succumbing to this virus. People are dying and losing their loved ones,friends and elderly people are been cremated due to this dangerous pandemic disease.

The World and all the leaders are united together to fight this Pandemic and to make it stop infecting the people. Scientists,Medical Researcher's and all the medical governing bodies are working beyond their capacity to find out an Vaccination to stop the spread of the pandemic.

The virus has left the whole world in a jeopardy. People are not been able to cope up the loss or they are not able to visualise what is in store in the coming months. The word "Social Distancing" "Lock-down" "Self-Quarantine" and "Isolation" will remain etched in their memories till they live this universe. Children & Elderly People are tied up in their houses to prevent the virus spread.

The Pandemic has sent the world into a tizzy making mockery of all the Poor People and their Livelihood. It has created a big hole in the Industries,Transport & Travel and all the things its beyond our thinking which is the area not been affected by this pandemic.

This will have a severe effect in the coming years and its beyond conclusion how the world is going to bounce back. It has put the people to live with only essential things. It has given the Mankind to think for the future and it has embedded to the minds Nature can destroy anything.

While I write this post we will definitely win this Battle and we will succeed against all odds. It would be really appropriate to mention that my People of my Country & Government we are doing best to arrest the pandemic. 

This post is dedicated to all Doctors,Para Medical Staff,Government Authorities,Law & Order,Social Organisations,Individual People and all the combined forces across the world who are working together to bring the life to normalcy.

Trip to Dakshin Kannada Temples

Dec 23 to Dec 26 2017

The Mood in the Family was to visit Sri Krishna Mutt of Udupi during the Paryaya of Pejawar Mutt under his Holiness Sri Vishveshwara Theertha Swamiji and other surrounding Temples of Dakshin Kannada during the last week of December.The list of temples which can be visited were jotted down and the most important task was to search for the accommodation at Udupi where we were supposed to stay for three nights because it was the year end and it was Christmas Vacation and with pre-arrangements we could go ahead with our room bookings and the place was very near to Sri Krishna Mutt.Things packed and we headed to Udupi and we started our travel by road.

Due to long weekend and everyone heading to different destination we had some hiccups at the exit of Highway then on we could gasp for the free space on the highway.We stopped en-route at Hassan for Breakfast,a sudden plan change at the tables resulted in going to Horanadu on the way to visit the famous Annapoorneshwari Temple and had darshan,food and left to Udupi.

The Drive was through the Picturesque Kudremukha Range - one thing you cannot take the eyes out of this ranges which the Nature has thrown to us.The Forest are dense and in few places the Penetration of Sunlight is also bleak - Absolute Bliss.We reached Udupi by evening and luckily the place where we had booked our rooms had an ample parking place and it was damn crowded and was chaos everywhere.We decided to rest for a while and proceeded to the Krishna Mutt to avail the darshan of Lord Krishna but seeing the queue outside we just decided to have dinner and rest for the day.

Next day we drew other plans and opted out of visiting Sri Krishna Mutt fearing the crowd we started visiting other temples after having breakfast.

The First stop was Sri GuruNarasimha Temple at Saligrama which is just an half an hour drive on Udupi Kundapur Highway.The Lord is Ugra Narasimha to pacify him his Consort Lakshmi is on the Left of the Main Deity and also on the straight opposite side of the Main Deity Anjaneya Temple is situated to calm Ugra Narasimha.

The Lord gets the name of Sri GuruNarasimha because the Lord himself is the Guru for the surrounding villages and the community of people living here.There are different sects of Brahmins in this part of region for whom the Lord Narasimha is the Guru.The Temple is very neat,calm and serene.

The next place we stopped was Thekkate Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt (Kiru Mantralaya) which is just few miles away from Saligrama on the same highway and this Brindavana is very old.

The next stop was at Anegudde Temple which is at Kumbashi where Lord Ganesha is worshiped in a Standing Posture.It was a bit crowded but the darshan went on peacefully and the Lord was well decorated.Lord Ganesha in Kumbashi is worshiped with the following names Siddhi Vinayaka and Sarva Siddhi Pradayaka the provider of all boons.

The next stop was at Hoovinakere (Gowrigadde) the birth place of Saint Vadiraja. The place is 6Kms from the highway and we need to just follow the sign boards and there is a small temple where the Saint's Mother gave birth.

The Sun was scorching down and it was noon the tummy was burning the ladies were insisting that we go back to Udupi but we decided to visit Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple at Kamalashile which is on Kundapur Shivamogga highway which is a one hour drive and take my word the drive to this place is very beautiful along the forest.

The temple is nestled in the Western Ghats where Sri Brahmi Durga Parameshwari is worshiped in the Linga Form it was first worshiped as Brahma Lingeshwara but it was later only it was actually Sri Brahmi Durga Parameshwari. River Kubja flows through the temple and floods the temple during the monsoon.The Devi was decorated in Simha Alankara and we had an Excellent Prasadam (Food) at this place.The time had casually ticked past three and we headed to the next place ShankaraNarayana.

ShankaraNarayana the name itself gives a miffed opinion what is the temple about but trust me this is the best temple which I visited in my full trip.The temple is about Hari & Shankara in one Idol.At the Entrance of the Temple we can see Pada of Hari (Small) & Shankara (Big).We were only few people when it opened the Purohit explained the story behind the Temple.There is a Linga and Hari which has originated two feet below and still the main puja is performed to this and Utvasa Murthy has Hari and Shankara are half.Also the main Idol which is installed newly has Shiva on the Right Side and Narayana on Left Side and its clearly visible with the Features of the Lord.The whole temple is constructed on a lake.There is a pushkarni outside the temple.

There is a Agnitheertha on to the Right Side of the Main Deity which is 3 Feet and the Purohit informed us that the same water is used for Abhishekha and whatever the amount is emptied at any given time the water fills up again.The Whole Temple Walls have been carved with the history of the Temple on why the idol is about Shankara and Narayana. The Temple is nestled down the hill and beautiful.In one word we need to admire the unique and this beautiful temples which is constructed long back and the stories which are associated along with this Temples.

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Temple at Halady was our next stop where Lord Narasimha and his consort Lakshmi is a 7foot statue with the 10 headed Adi Shesha as Prabhavali. The Sitting posture of Goddess is unique where her leg is pushed to the inner side of Narasimha and this temple is on the banks of River Varahi and even this day the water is carried to perform the daily puja and also there is Anjaneya worshiped in this Temple.

Our next temple visit was Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple at Mandarthi Veerabhadra Swamy, Kallukutiga Swamy and Adi Subramanya and goddess was resplendently decorated and beautiful.This temple is famous for Yakshagana where they pray for the Goddess and Veerabhadra Swamy before any performance.We visited at the time of dusk and the temple was unique.The day was wonderful we could see some beautiful temples and we decided to rest for the day.

The next day we visited Sri Janardhana & Sri MahaKali Temple at Ambalapady which is very near to Sri Krishna Mutt and the Architecture of the temple is unique,big and the Goddess Kali Idol is fully made of wood.The surrounding environs was very peaceful.

The next stop was Pajaka Kshetra (Saint Madhwacharya Birth Place),Kunjaguri Durga Parameshwari Temple built atop the hill and the big statue of Saint Madhwacharya below the Kunjaguri Hill. Pajaka Kshetra is listed with all the history of Dvaita Philosophy founder Sri Madhwacharya. The Madhwa Mandira which is been renovated is very beautiful to have a walk around the area.

Sri Kunjaguri Durga Parameshwari Temple which is built atop the hill is really beautiful the idol reminds me of the temple at Marakkatha which is near Kukke. The hill gives a full unmatched view of the surrounding landscapes and Pajaka is one place to be visited when we are in Udupi.

We also visited St Mary's Island and did a drive to Maravanthe Beach but on the same day but we were not lucky to get on to the beach at Maravanthe as it was too late when we reached.

The next day it was only Sri Krishna Mutt had a unique darshan of Lord Krishna had the prasadam at the traditional "Chowkipanti" hall.

This completed all the temples which we had listed to see each had its own uniqueness,story and beauty.The spiritual energy flowing through our minds after seeing all this temples should bring us good deeds and thoughts in the coming new year as we packed our bags as we drove back to Bengaluru.

One life is not enough to see all the Temples and the History of Indian Sub Continent.

Food Recommendations at Udupi
Hotel Diana for their Gudbud Ice cream
Hotel Mitra Samaj for Goli Baaji & Masala Dose
Hotel MTR
Mandakki Upkari at the decades old shop at Anegudde Kumbashi Temple entrance.

Signing off,
Deepak Sibi

Adi & Madya Ranga Darshan

December 28 2017

Tri Ranga Darshan meaning seeing Lord Ranganatha (Sri Narayana/Vishnu) at SriRangapatna, Shivanasamudra (Barachukki Falls) and SriRangam in one day. But we decided to visit only two temples.

The First place is SriRangapatna (AdiRanga) which is a two hours drive from Bengaluru. We left by 4.15AM and reached the place by 6AM. This place is an Island formed by River Cauvery on all the three sides.The Temple is located in the Center and the main deity Lord Ranganatha is in Reclining Posture with Adi Shesha beneath the Lord and there is Goddess Mahalaxmi is on the Left side of the main deity.Lord Ranganatha in one frame cant be seen as its a very big idol.The Temple is itself is a massive structure and its very old.Also you can find Ganapathi and Anjaneya idols being worshiped inside the Temples.

Left this Temple by 7AM en-route visited Alamane the place where Jaggery is made and also visited Karighatta Venkataramaswamy Temple upon the Hill.This Temple is 2697Feet above and it offers a very good view of surrounding landscapes.The weather was cold too and was covered with Mist & Fog.The drive was equally peaceful through the Paddy Fields and Sugarcane Fields.

The next pit stop was at a place called Bannur where my friend did some vegetable shopping for his home and we reached the next temple at Shivanasamudra (Barachukki Falls) which is called as MadyaRanga in locals by 9AM.This place is also a Island formed by River Cauvery where she plunges and two falls are formed Gaganchukki and Barachukki Falls.There is a Hydel Power Station at this place which is more than 100 years old and it was the first commissioned in Asia.

Lord Ranganatha here also is in a Reclining Position and the idol is small compared to AdiRanga and his consort is located to the left of main deity.The Temple is very small compared to SriRangapatna. Both the Temples belong to the Muzrai Department of Karnataka Government and the darshan was peaceful and we left by quarter past nine en-route we had Masala Dosa at Hotel Vasu,Kanakapura and after a peaceful drive of to hours we reached Bengaluru by 12PM.

The Third Ranga was not in our plan to visit which is located at SriRangam,Tamilnadu is a eight hour drive from MadyaRanga. People who want to complete this should have the darshan before the Sunset at SriRangam.

Drive Details :

Route Taken : Bangalore - SriRangapatna - Bannur - Malavalli - Shivanasamudra - Malavalli - Kanakapura - Bengaluru

Total Drive (in Kms) : 324.

Journey of 36 Hours!!!

November 24,25,26

November 24

Few Decisions are very spontaneous and it was decided that I will be attending the Wedding of my Colleague at Naregal,Karnataka.I was accompanied by one of my office colleague.Few of my colleagues who had already planned informed me that they will be visiting Badami within few minutes I searched for tickets to travel by Train from Badami to Bangalore and I was lucky that tickets were available and booking was done.

One of my colleague insisted that we take a overnight Bus to Haveri get down reach their home and get freshened up later go to the Marriage Place by his Car.The plan was charted out we boarded the bus late night.

November 25

We reached Haveri early morning after morning rituals at colleagues place we left his place en-route we visited Sheshachala Sadhugalu Ashrama at Agati and we hit the highway to drive down to Naregal.

We passed the District Headquarters Gadag nearing this place the landscape was Dry and the soil was Black in Color and lot of Windmills appeared over the Landscape.It was nearing noon when we reached the Wedding place and it was hot.I could also notice that this part of Karnataka had many Sadhus who have reformed the people with their preaching and many poets have born in the surrounding areas.

The Bride and Bridegroom were decorated in traditional attire and rituals were conducted on stage,we wished the newly married couple and lunch was served.The items served in this part of world is very minimum and its not like the usual food served in the Southern part of Karnataka.

I was contemplating on whether I should visit the Veeranarayana Swamy temple at Gadag or visit the caves of Badami. Badami was calling and I joined my other colleagues to the Land of Caves.It was evening by the time we reached the entrance of caves and we were told that there is only one hour to see the caves we took the entrance tickets we hired a Guide who explained the Architectural beauty of the caves.

The Badami caves are examples of Indian Rock cut Architecture and it is based out of the Chalukya Architecture and it consists of Hindu,Buddhist & Jain Temples.The caves depicts the different style of Hindu God Vishnu & Shiva.There are totally four caves.Few architectures which needs to be mentioned are Lord Vishnu sitting posture on Adi Shesha. Generally this posture is found every where with the Lord in a sleeping posture on Adi Shesha. Lord Shiva in Nataraja posture is a inspirational architecture.In one of the caves there are different hair style depicted on the walls.The fourth cave has statues of Buddhist cult.

Even though we had little time but we could cover all the caves and also one more thing to admire was all the caves have big rocks as protection against any natural calamities.The sun had set and we took a tuk tuk to reach the railway station which is bit far from the town.I had booked the AC coach and my accompanies went to Gadag in the same train to continue their visit to Hampi.

November 26

I reached Bangalore early morning after a very sound sleep due to the exhaustion and got down at the central took the metro and reached home.

The journey started in few minutes lasted for 36 hours all in all.It was a blend of Sacred Ceremony,travel in Bus,Car,Tempo,Bus,Auto,Train,Metro and BMTC.

"A Journey is best measured in Friends rather than Miles" - Tim Cahill.

Family Trip : Vizag & Vijayawada

Every year we as part of the family we plan for a small vacation and this time it was to these cities which are located on the eastern part of India and in the state of Andhra.

Part I : Vizag

We landed on Dec 16 & we had booked our accommodation at Hotel WINSAR PARK which is near to Beach Road and opposite to King George Hospital.We had called up the Executive Director of the Hotel who had obliged to keep the Dinner ready.The Food served was excellent even though it was very late and we retreat to our rooms.

December 17 : 

The over night rest got us going in the morning and the Breakfast had all the Varieties.It was kind of brunch for all of us.Next on the schedule was to visit Simhachalam Narasimha Swamy Temple.The Temple is located on a Hill on the outskirts of the City.The place was crowded and we lost a lot of time because of VVIP Visit (CJI).

The agenda was to visit the temple and head to Araku Valley/Borra Caves but the time lost in the Temple made us to cancel the visit to Araku Valley & Caves.The time had already spilled and we decided to head back to the city to have Lunch after Darshan.

Lunch at Hotel Daspalla :

Hotel Daspalla is located in the center of the City and the hotel follows a rich heritage.The Building is old and the interiors gives a rustic look to the Hotel and also with the modern technology the Hotel gives a perfect setting to have a Vegetarian Lunch.It is not easy to get a place as the place is so much crowded we had to wait more than a hour.All of us very hungry but the wait came to an end and the food was served and it was good.

In the evening we visited Rushikonda Beach,Kailashagiri Hill.The view of Beach Road & Bay of Bengal from Kailashagiri Hill captured the moods of Elders and we took some snaps of the views.The Light was getting darker soon as this part comes in the Eastern Part of India.

The most happening place in the City of Vizag is Beach Road and its maintained well.INS KURSURA Submarine Museum needs to be specially mentioned and its a must visit place for all the people who visit Vizag.

December 18 : 

We visited Srikurmam & Arasuvilli (SUN GOD) Temples in Srikakulam Town.Both this temples are very old. Srikurmam Temple has Lord Vishnu in Tortoise Avatar.Lord is in the from of Head,Body & Tail.In this Temple you can see Tortoises in different sizes inside the Temple.The Srikurmam Temple has two Dhwaja Stambha  in the sanctorum and there is also a swetha pushkarani which was formed by Sudarshana Chakra. Mahalakshmi emanated from this lake in Garuda Vahana in Varada Mudra posture as Kurma Nayaki.It is said that Mother Ganga comes and takes a bath in this lake every year on Magha Shudha Chauthi (in the month of February) to cleanse herself of all the sins left by the devotees and the prasadam offered in this temple is said to have mystic curative powers.

The Arasuvilli Temple Gopuram has a unique feature of the Sun God sitting in his Chariot and the temple queue stand was like a maze and we searched for a Vegetarian Hotel.We finally caught hold of Hotel Nagavalli which is a very old building and it was kept shabby.The Food served also was not Good.

On the same day after returning from the temples we went to RK Beach.It was Sunday and beach was full.We had Chats and we had the experience of having Masala Puri at "The Waterfront" which was newly opened on the same day.The Ambiance was Good.We had Dinner at Hotel Dolphin which is rated to be as 5* the ambiance was amazing but the Service was Awful! food was also not great.

December 19 :

Me,Wife & Kid couldn't go to Annavaram Temple because kid was unwell other members went to the Temple and performed Satyanarayana Pooja. All of us had Dinner & we boarded Konark  Express to Vijayawada.

Memory Tag at Vizag : Hotel Winsar Park for the Hospitality,Beach Road,View from Kailashagiri Hill and submarine museum.

December 20 : Vijayawada

The Train Journey was comfortable and we reached on time.We reach Hotel Sri Uma International which was located in the by-lane and it looked like a old building was massacred and this was built.It was so small and that too with family the problem manifolds.

It was Krishna Pushkar so we took bath in River Krishna the city was too crowded because of Bhavani Deeksha Ritual which was performed at the Temple of Kanakadurga which is located on Indrakeeladri Hill.We avoided going to the Temple as there was a massive crowd.

We had Lunch at Uttaradi Mutt since all the elders had performed Karyam (Rituals) for the departed souls as it is very auspicious when done at Pushkara.Since we couldn't visit Goddess Kanakadurga we decided to visit Dwarka Tirumala Temple which is located 100Kms from Vijayawada.

Lord Balaji is magnificient and the temple is maintained by TTD Board Tirumala and the idol is Swayambu;darshan was good and we returned back to Vijayawada to have our Dinner at Hotel Manorama. We had Vegetarian Thali and it was good.After a long day we wind up the day in the smallest place.

December 21 : 

We take an auto and we visited Mangalagiri Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple and Bhoga Narasimha Swamy Temple which is located at the Bottom of the Hill.The Alankarams for the Swamy and his Consort was Beautiful.

We return back to Vijayawada we had breakfast at Hotel Good Morning and it very Good.All good things should come to end so was our vacation we packed all our belongings and we left towards to the Airport to board the flight to Bengaluru.

Memory Tag at Vizag :

The Road to the Airport is awesome and temples at Mangalagiri especially the gopuram of the temple which is located at the bottom of the hill.

Finishing this write up with a Quote "My Ideal Travel Companions are my FAMILY".

Experience of Sighting the Big Cat!!

Nov 13,14 2016

A sudden meet of "Kathireguppe Boyzz" group over a Dinner after a long time made one of the Member to bring in a thought of visiting to Kabini who is a Wildlife Enthusiast and also a Good Photographer.

It was Midnight over the Dinner when we all decided to take up one day leave and head for the Destination - JLR Kabini. The date was fixed for Nov 13 & 14 so that we need to take one day break from our official duty.

November 13 2016

It was half past noon when we reached JLR Kabini with all our ambition of seeing the Elusive Big Cat in the Wild.We had booked the accommodation and lunch was served and it was yummy.

We were briefed up for the Safari and as per the scheduled time we boarded the Jeep which was supposed to take us inside the Forest.The Forest Smell was imbibing and the dream of sighting the National Animal was wavering in our minds.Serpentine Eagle,Mongoose,Deer were sighted along the Jungle Pathway.The Diesel Engine was making sound and we were traveling in Zone B Area of the Nagarhole Forest.It was getting dark the light was getting murky and the Sun was setting in.

My friend was still pampering all of us having the hopes of sighting the Elusive Cat and we were nearing the Backwaters of Kabini on one end of the Forest we sighted Sambar Deer and we reached the Water Body where the Jeep Stopped,there was no distrust call and in a jiff my friend just screamed "Tiger Tiger" and the Camera was OUT in a Whisker we all stood to take out the Pictures...The Big Cat just emerged from the Water Body after quenching its thirst and took a majestic stride towards the Greener Pasture and disappeared into the wild,since the light was bad framing the picture was not possible.

The Naturalist who accompanied us whispered to the Driver and the Jeep was driven like a Formula I car and we were taken to the other end of the Water Body where we could see the King laying down at some distance.We also sighted Wild Elephants across the Water Body.Along the water body people who had taken the Boat Safari had a better sighting of the King.After a while the King disappeared into the Wild and anticipating to that we can sight it once again we were taken to the other part of the Water Body the Cat was just hiding in the Shrubs.The Crowd was building in this place and it become dark the King just slept and we returned back with our Heads up keeping in our Mind that we have sighted the Big Cat.We reached the Resort we were served Tea & Snacks and later in the night dinner was served and since all of us met after a long time several topics were discussed along the Table.

November 14 2016

The Resort People gave a early morning wake up call reminding us the Safari which was scheduled and the Cold Breeze made us to sip a Hot Cup of Tea..We boarded the same jeep and the area was full of Fog and we entered the Forest it was covered Fog & Mist.

The Sun was just peeping out of Early Morning Fog and we were in Zone A region of the Forest and one of the Safari Jeeps had moved ahead and our Naturalist got a distressed call saying that they had sighted the Big Cat which was inside the Shrub along the Pathway.

It was 7AM suddenly the dream came True when the Cat took a Majestic Stride walked along the Road and she was just 20 feet away from our Jeep.She just take a stroll for 2 to 3 mins and she disappeared into the Forest.

It was an experience to remember for our lives and we had the luck to sight the Big Cat on consecutive days...We stood for a while in anticipation of sighting the animal once more but it dint happen and we were happy to sight the animal once.On the way back through the forest we could sight Giant Malabar Squirrel,Peacocks,White Throated Kingfisher and other Birds chirping all along the Forest Roads.

Over the Breakfast we shared our experience of sighting the Tiger and we were checking each one's camera to see who had a better shot.We had the best of times at the resort it was time to say Good bye and we all decided that we will come back soon to the place to Sight the King in the Wild and to have one more memorable experience in the Forests...

ICICI Bank and its Malpractices!!!

Last 4 Months I Had a Horrible time with ICICI Bank Officials regarding the closure of my DEMAT Account.

The DEMAT Account which was opened along with my Salary Account in 2007.Suddenly in September 2015 an amount of Rs 500 was debited from my ICICI Savings Account and surprisingly I got an SMS saying that the amount has been debited.

My CONCERN was how come they can debit the amount without any PRIOR NOTICE.

It was an alarming call and I started checking with the Local Branch Officials and it was informed to me that it's the Annual Maintenance Charges which has been debited.I was neither doing trading or doing any other transactions with this Account from Day 1.

I took up this matter with the Branch Manager @ BSK 3rd Stage (Mrs Meenakashi Chakka) for closing of the Account with immediate effect and she was not willing to take up the Complaint or speak to me.When I raised my Voice then she responded saying that the Bank will retrieve the Account Opening Forms and check from when the Account is existing.She took my Number and she said one of the officials will give you a call and will update what is the next mode of action.

There was no response from the Bank officials till the end of October 2015 and I went back in November 2015 and when I checked they gave me a shocking reply saying that there is an OVERDUE of Payment and you need to clear that and then we will close the Account.

They directed me to ICICI Direct Services to get the Trading Account Closed and it took 15 days later a letter came to saying that your Trading Account is closed.After all this I went to my Branch informing them to close my DEMAT Account and ICICI people said it will also get closed.I felt relieved at that Juncture.I felt there wont be any more Hassles

Shockingly on 03/02/2016 I received a notice saying that there is an overdue of amount Rs 2649 towards your DEMAT Account which needs to be paid or we will debit from your Active ICICI Savings Account - For a Moment I thought WHAT THE HELL IS THIS???

Today on 04/02/2016 I went to the Bank again and reported the issue to the Bank Officials it was the same story from them.I was directed once again to the ICICI Direct Authorities - they once again said we are NOT responsible for this you need to go to the BANK Officials.I was still tolerant and again I went back to the Branch and I decided to give a CHEQUE for the overdue amount which was mentioned and I submitted the Application for closing the DEMAT Account today.

I met once again the Branch Manager (Mrs Meenakashi Chakka) because I wanted to give a FEEDBACK to her.But she was so ADAMANT and she was NOT willing to listen to me.

I would like to remind my Friends/Colleagues/Relatives & other Customers while doing any Transactions with Bank Officials who don't value the Customers & don't bother to maintain a Good Customer Relationship.

The Following Points are to be remembered when speaking to a Bank Representative:

1. When submitting the forms please check with them what are the forms are we signing & for what purpose.
2. Is there any Maintenance Charges / Hidden Charges involved in the Transaction.
3. Keep checking your Savings Account once in every month whether any money is debited apart from the usual transaction you do.
4. Always raise your voice when you speak with this Private Bank Officials.They don't have any value for Customer's Time and their Patience & they don't even communicate properly to the Customers.
5. Customer Care Center / Mailing will not work to your willingness.Especially the Customer Care they make us wait so long that you get pissed off before you try to speak to a Customer Care Representative.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INFORMED / COMMUNICATED ALL THE NORMS OF THE BANK ELSE WE LAND UP IN TROUBLE & THIS PEOPLE WASH THEIR HANDS OFF SAYING THAT IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND PUT THE BLAME ON THE CUSTOMER.

The Beginning of a New Era in Indian Politics!!!

May 17th 2014

INDIA is a vast Country which has different languages spoken across states,caste,creed,religion and people having different opinion on the subject they speak.The diversified interests among the people of INDIA makes our country a Vibrant and Distinct among the other countries.

INDIA is a land of diverged interests after getting Independence in 1947 the country was ruled by a Single Party which was formed by a Single Family their type of leading the Country has always taken our country to a turbulent situation where we have come across Corruption,Scams leading to crores of money and also lack of improvement also leading our country to face terrorists attacks and they have always had an soft corner to the minorities.

The last 10 years ruled by the Party has given bitter taste to the People who in turn wanted a New Leader who can change the Mindset of the Political Situation,give good governance and also lead the country into safe hands and to Younger Generation they can continue the good work launched by this Leader.

Few people have spoken that his leadership can bring chaos to the country,there will be discrimination against the minority people and few more things to write against him.But its totally gone hay-wire after the General Election Results.The Leader has just given the party to a thumping win with a Single Majority to sit in the Lok Sabha for a period of 5 long years.This eliminates the word Coalition Government from the dictionary of ruling our Country.

This Victory has decimated the Single Family Party its now up-to the Young Leader whom the party thinks he can turn it on but this debacle needs them to work from Grass Root level and infuse the right thoughts into the minds of people which can in-turn give the party a step ahead to face the next general elections in 2019.

As responsible citizens of INDIA have voted for a change we expect the new leader to lead our country in the right spirits and take all the people together to make our country a better place to live,create more jobs,remove poverty and make all the people to live in Harmony.

The changes are NOT expected at one time but we can expect it in it's OWN pace which will give the people to think and to vote him for the next term.

I conclude by saying this Victory will be a definite turn around in our Country's Political System.

Vande Mataram!!!!

Signing off,

Deepak Sibi

Sringeri and Horanadu - Revisited!!!

October 19,20 2013

It's becoming a ritual that I visit this two places every year either during the month of September or October.This two places have their own identity and have their own importance.Both this places are in Chikmagalur district in the state of Karnataka and located in the Western Ghats amidst greenery and forests. Both this places are frequently visited by the Hindu Community to see the Presiding Deity of Goddess Sharadamba and Annapoorneshwari which was incarnated by the Great Sage Adi Shankaracharya who had propounded the Advaita Philosophy.

The temple at Sringeri is a marvel located on the banks of River Tunga which flows quietly before the monsoon and overflows along its banks during the Monsoon.The place is always flanked by tourists who come from distant places to have the blessings of the Goddess and enjoy the nature surrounding this place.

We left Bangalore early on Saturday morning half past six with the Sun all in glory;the drive was peaceful,took a break after crossing Hassan for breakfast as we continue our journey after passing Chikmagalur the good roads ended and we started traversing through the Western Ghats along the winding roads which had got ruined during the heavy monsoon rains.There is a nice place called Bhadra Coffee Stop en-route to Sringeri where you can just break for a hot cup of Coffee to get your mind and legs relaxed.

We reached Sringeri by noon had quick darshan of Goddess and had lunch at the Mutt,relaxed a bit,the next plan was to head towards Agumbe to watch the Sunset we reached the spot well in time but it all ended in gloom as there was Clouds and Haze we couldn't capture the Sun Set.

Agumbe keeps reminding us because the shooting of Malgudi Days was done in this place.We spotted the same old man who said that he is living in Agumbe for the past sixty five years and he runs a hotel in the remotest part of the Western Ghats.The order was on our lips "Neer Dose" the taste was the same when we had it last time at the same place during the last visit.Saying good bye to the old man we head back to Sringeri.

The Goddess was resplendent with all decoration,flowers for the final evening puja after seeing it we walked down the bridge across the river to have the seek the blessings of the Guru who was performing the puja at "Guru Nivas". It was becoming late so we decided to go back to our room to take rest for the day.

The next day got up early after a night rest we headed towards Kundadri Hill to capture the early Sunrise.The early morning drive from Sringeri to Kundadri Hill was beautiful the roads were covered with Fog and Mist the air outside was cold to make us numb.The Hill was beautiful,the views were stunning from the top,the climb towards the Hill gave the automobile to show its power all the climb was done with first gear.Fresh air was abundant;sun was trying to peep out of the clouds;it was like we were standing atop the clouds.Photos with different angles,landscapes,portraits were taken as the time ticked away we decided to wind up to refresh ourselves and we head back to Sringeri.

The time kept ticking away had one more darshan at the temple and we had a quick breakfast at a Brahmin mess as we turn on our engine to head towards our next destination Horanadu.

Horanadu can be reached by three different routes from Sringeri but the route I always prefer to drive is through the Kudremukha National Park even though the distance is bit more but the route traverses through one of the Hottest Biodiversity Spots of Western Ghats.The real wonder is between a place called SK Border and Kudremukha it's fully inhabitant on both the sides its covered with thick foliage and numerous waterfalls.The mind gets relaxed by seeing all this wonders which have been created by this Nature.The fifty mile drive between this two places is a bliss and I vote as it is one of the best drives in India.

The roads you encounter after crossing Kudremukha takes a toll on your vehicle and physically also till you reach Horanadu. We reach the Temple by two normally the darshan at this beautiful temple is easy but on this occasion lot of people were waiting in the queue to see the presiding deity.The diety is made of Gold and in a standing posture with a smile.The saying is that by praying to Goddess Annapoorneshwari daily we will not be facing any problem for our daily food.

The Annadana seva was performed with the same tradition after seeing the Mahamangalarthi of Goddess the Vedic Mantra Pushpam was rendered to the Goddess as the Vedic Hymns were sung your body gets soaked into it also your mind gets relaxed and once its done after seeking the blessings and also getting the prasadam the food was taken with all the blessings of the Goddess.

The clock was showing four we started back to Bangalore amidst the memories of visiting the temples,we had a a quick break for tea at Kelagoor Tea Point and it gave me more energy to drive in the bad roads till Kottigehara. Crossed the winding roads and touched the plains which made me feel good that the roads will be better but I was proven wrong roads were bad till Mudigere. The sun had gone down the head lights made its appearance on the Highway.Reached Hassan took a break for the dinner after that I retired to the back seat for rest the mantle of driving was given to one of the accompany of the car.The new four lane highway till Bangalore is a breeze and the distance was covered in two and a half hours reached home by eleven in the night.

It was a fun filled weekend with the pleasure of driving along the western ghats,seeing both this religious places and I look forward for the next year to revisit the same with the same energy.


Signing off,

Deepak Sibi

India after Independence!!!

August 15 2013

Happy Independence Day!!!

As we enter the 67th Year of Independence day it's time to remember all the freedom fighters who gave their blood out for making this country independent.INDIA or Hindustan as it was referred was freed from the clutches of the British Empire.The country was united with several princely states and native rulers.The country was made Democratic on 26th January 1950.Several religions,caste,creed,languages,rivers,different land regions,food makes us country Vibrant and different,the unity in diversity what we offer is the eye shore for other countries.

After 66 years of Independence we are still suffering from Poverty,Unemployment,Malnourished Children, Caste related problems,terrorism,growth and economic problems.We are abundant in many resources but due to the lack of planning,good rulers and population explosion it's rather becoming difficult to reach out for everything.

The biggest problem the country is facing today is the lack of infrastructural development and CORRUPTION.Corruption in every department is making people live's difficult and the general opinion is the tax payer's money goes into pockets of the Politicians and rogues.

It's time that the country needs a person who has the vision to rule this country,have concrete ideas which leads to Industrial Development,provide the basic amenities for the people to live peacefully,scientific developments and eradicate Corruption.

Signing off

Deepak Sibi

India vs Pakistan - The Battle goes on!!!!

August 9 2013

It all started in the year 1947 when India (Hindustan) become independent and got liberated from the rule of the British and it was divided into India,West Pakistan and East Pakistan.The trouble started from that day for our country.In 1971 when India helped to liberate East Pakistan from the dreaded clutches of West Pakistan to form the new country Bangladesh the problem has intensified and never been able to solve or no one is able to make a amicable peace treaty between the two countries.

The term Line of Control (LOC) known as Asia's Berlin Wall refers to the military control line between the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.The "Line of Control" following the Simla Agreement, which was signed on 3 July 1972 and its 750 Kms long.

There are numerous times that the Pakistan troops have infiltrated into our border and it has caused heavy causalities for our Indian Army. The most recent was the Kargil Conflict in which our Army showed the way for the opposition and we won the Battle.This has not stopped there are militants trained by their Intelligence Agency and sent across our border to damage our peace and tranquility across Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country.

Every time the Indian Bureaucrats and Pakistan Bureaucrats stand up for Peace talk discussion there is the issue arises of Pakistan troops ambushing or killing our Indian Force like the most recent one where five soldiers were killed during last week.

Time has come for our country to protest this type of dreadful attacks and give them back unless they stop this terror and army attacks we need to be united and give our moral support for our three armed forces to retaliate and none of this Political force should be allowed to talk on this matter.

The utmost preference should be given to the Indian Army to take a call on this issue.

I take this opportunity to condole the deaths of the soldiers who laid their precious live's in fighting this terror let the Almighty give their family the support to avenge the loss.

Signing off,

Deepak Sibi

Tendulkar should Retire or not????

August 04 2013

It's been a talking point in the Cricket World for the past 24 months after India lifted ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 when should Tendulkar retire from Cricket.

In my opinion it should be left to the Player himself because he is one of the icons of Cricket who has carried the Burden of Indian Cricket for past two decades and it's a pity that few people who have not played cricket or played cricket few matches or so write articles or point out to him that he should have retired now or after this series.

It should be left to the icon to decide his retirement it feels that the time has come for him because he has got everything in his kitty like the Test and One day Hundreds,World Cup Victory,series white wash against Australia and so on.Also his age is getting into him may be his reflexes,sighting the ball,niggling injuries may tell his sub conscious mind to retire from Cricket.He should also feel that the current players who are playing for India are a good bunch of Young players who can sustain the gruel schedules of the International Cricket.

Few people say that still the Master's experience is needed for this youngsters when they play tests but the day will come in immediate one day India will be without the God.The master should feel that this is the right time to leave the field when India is playing well and he can lend his experiences off the field.

Signing off,

Deepak Sibi

Jog Falls : Nature's Splendor!!

July 20,21 2013 

To start with this write up on our recent weekend visit to Jog Falls I must say that Nature has created wonderful places for Human Beings to see and admire it's beauty.It's We that we should protect it and leave it for our next generation to see through their eyes and enjoy it.

I had kept watch on the south -west monsoon while the rain had picked up the pace my sub conscious mind was telling me that this is the right time to visit Malenadu region of Karnataka and the mighty JOG FALLS. Jog Falls is a place where River Sharavathi takes a Plunge from a height of 253 meters.It was raining heavily in Bangalore the day we decided to leave but following the heavy rains we postponed our plans a bit to the next day morning.

The rains were still pounding early in the morning  we decided we leave early the highway resembled like it was washed clean and there was no dirt over the surface.Reached Shivamogga - the rice capital of Karnataka had breakfast by half past eleven we had touch a place called Ikkeri which is near to Sagara which is the nearest place to Jog Falls where there is good accommodation and also the Travel Hub.

Ikkeri is a small temple it's built in a the Karnata Dravida Style of the Later Chalukyas and Hoysals. The temple is located midst of the Arecanut Plantations and the serenity makes you refresh also it was raining which makes it more refreshing.Later we visited Varadamoola - the birth place of River Varada the relentless rain which was pouring we got drenched;it was wonderful full of greenery all lakes and ponds with full of Water up to the Brim.

Sigandoor was the next place earlier we thought about that we wouldn't be able to visit this place. The temple of Sigandoor Chowdeshwari is situated on the other bank of River Sharavathi back waters.We had to board a Launch which is run by the Karnataka Fisheries & Port department to the other side.The drizzle and the cool wind made our journey through the launch a memorable one.The launch had all the things which you can imagine the local transport use this launch also small vendors make their living out of this launch.The most memorable part is the cost of the Launch to go to the other side it's mere Rs 1 per person.

Getting down from the launch the bus awaits you to take to the Temple it was already closing time we ran through the main entrance of Temple there was a small crowd we were the last people to catch the glimpse of the Deity Sigandoor Chowdeshwari. She was resplendent in full glory the temple is situated amidst natural beauty.Clouds had gathered waiting to break free while we had returned to the Launch to get back to the other shore not much crowd this time the launch moved in a snail pace at the distant horizon we could see the rains pouring down.

Reaching Sagara on the way back it was getting dark rains got intensified we had quick snacks preparing to reach Jog Falls before the darkness to see the glimpse of the mighty Jog Falls.We reached in time as we neared the falls rains started heavily and the time kept moving.

Jog Falls in monsoon is a sight to watch because the clouds moving across the Falls makes the view difficult.The falls is covered by the mist seeing all the four falls namely Raja,Rover,Rocket & Rani in full sight is a difficult task but with patience I could capture one snap of the beautiful falls.It was bit becoming dark the rains become heavy and we searched for our accommodation which we had booked in the Inspection Bungalow.The nightmare started over here after much struggle we could manage to take a room in front of the Falls view point (the officer's bungalow) it was raining heavily,biting cold luckily we could spend one overnight at the Jog.

Next day in the morning we were lucky to capture some snaps all the four falls were visible;all the four of us we decided to reach the bottom of the falls it was more than thousand steps to go till the bottom having different views of the falls while we had to go down it was raining heavily our rain coats was not much of help.Staying for a while at the bottom of the falls by seeing the water coming down from that height was really amazing and also the task which we had to climb up was a herculean one.

The return to the top started by taking breather,pit stops at regular intervals heart rate was beating legs were cramping but with motivating oneself successfully reached the top.Quickly refreshed had breakfast and also visited to the another view point of the Falls it was Twelve noon.On the way back to Sagara we had some tasty pineapple in the rains also we had a lunch break at Sagara the clock had ticked past two.

Reached Shivamogga took the Lakkavalli road to visit the Bhadra Dam it started raining heavily and also the check post person said that we need to walk more than three kilometers which was looking beyond our limits.We decided not to go inside the dam we were on the return path took the state highway which passed through the entrance of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary which connects to the Bangalore - Shivamogga National Highway.Touched Tumkur entered the Golden Quadrilateral Highway the toll was paid it started raining heavily the visibility was also poor the traffic had picked up.

It was Eight in the evening reached Bangalore dropped my friend at his place the rains had not left us it was still behind us..........I would like to write a few words on my Car which withstood the relentless amount of rains there was no problem whatsoever.

I would like to end this piece with thanks to my wife,my friend and his wife for their willingness to join me for this visit.


Signing off,
Deepak Sibi