Paradise beach, Pondicherry

Paradise beach is a private beach at the outskirts of the town. Entry to the beach is through a small yet exciting amusement park. A small backwater in the form of Chunambhari river separates the beach from mainland. Motorboats & speedboats are available to coast this backwater. Thrill seekers are tempted with water scooter rides. The best thing about paradise beach is that it is clean & family friendly. Lifeguards keep an eye on the more adventurous kind venturing too far into the seas. Refreshments & drinks are available at a small shack, so carry only your beach-wear and the rest will be taken care of.

The Promenade, Pondicherry

 

The east coast of India has a number of sun-soaked beaches on the Bay of Bengal. Puri, Vizag, Chennai all are popular tourist destinations but none so beautiful as Pondicherry. Pondicherry is located 120 Km from Chennai on the picturesque ECR (East Coast Road). The French ruled Pondicherry for 200 years before giving it up to the Indians. A French diaspora still thrives here in the European part of the town.

Rishi Aurobindo started  his spiritual journey here 90 years ago which culminated in the setting up of Auroville in 1968. Auroville is a gated community based on a common spiritual platform open to all race & religion. Pondicherry also has its beautiful ‘Promenade’, the beach boulevard half a Km long caressing a rocky sea-beach at the end of the old town. 

More information on Pondicherry : Pondicherry

More information on Auroville :      Auroville

Peacocks

 

In Bandipur and Mudumalai, peacocks are here, there and everywhere. The graceful dance of a peacock is a visual treat to the eyes. Peacocks cannot fly, they glide from one tree to another. And whoever has seen a peacock glide from a treetop will admit that perhaps, this is the most beautiful flight any bird can ever make.

The green arches

 

As soon as you proceed towards Ooty, you can find the the winding road lined up with tall trees creating the illusion of arches as you take each corner. Each corner looks like the door to something more beautiful, more scenic lying ahead of us (which is actually true).

Trekking at Nilgiris

 

The lush green ridges on the Nilgiri mountains are heaven for trekking enthusiasts. One needs to be careful though, a miscalculated step and its doomed for the trekker. One popular soft trekking point is ‘Needle Point’ on the way to Ooty. Its an easy trek for kids too. The view from the top ie. needle point is awesome.

The Nilgiri Mountains

 

After crossing Bandipur and Mudumalai, tourists en route Ooty are greeted with a mountain range covered in lush green foliage. Most of the times, the mountain peaks are surrounded by mist & fog. The green ridges seem blue to the casual observer. Thus the name Nilgiri Mountains (or Blue Mountains).

More on Nilgiri Mountains : Nilgiri_mountains

Sometimes hosts are shy too ..

 

Sometimes event the hosts need some privacy from the guests. So you’ll rarely find a tiger or a leopard coming out of his way to welcome you. Elephants are not that shy and can be seen grazing in the grasslands. A little wee bit lucky guys will be able to spot gaurs, dhols(wild dogs) and different species of deers. No need to look out for wild boars; they’ll find you first.

Friendly hosts

 

Once inside the woods, we need to remember that the animals are the actual hosts there, and humans are the guests (‘intruders’ to be accurate!). I saw this fellow approaching me with curiosity. Soon we became friends and shared some snacks.

Moyar

 

Moyar is a small stream that separates Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. This small stream is a major source of water for animals in these jungles. This is specially important in winter months of December & January when all small watering holes are dried. Hordes of deer, gaur (i.e. Indian bison) and peacocks could be seen flocking the stream in the morning and evening hours.

Bandipur & Mudumalai

 

Bandipur & Mudumalai is a vast swathe of jungle spanning the border regions of Karnataka & Tamil Nadu. Previously these jungles were personal big game hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Mysore. After independence, these jungles are converted to national parks and tiger reserves. The KA part is Bandipur and TN part is called Mudumalai. A small stream called Moyar acts as the border between 2 states.

More information on Bandipur : Bandipur National Park

More information on Mudumalai : Mudumalai National Park

Nandi Hills – now more protected

 

After a spate of suicides & accidental deaths, the Govt. of Karnataka has now put fences on the top of Nandi Hills.

One for the photographer

The tourism department of Govt. of Karnataka (K.S.T.D.C.) recently erected an observatory on Nandi Hills top. This came as a boon to the amateur photographers & birders. Hunting for that perfect shot now made easy courtesy the Govt.

A birds eye view

A birds eye view from Nandi Hills, Bangalore.

Weekend holiday crusaders are astonished with the view from Nandi hills on a clear sunny afternoon.

Nandi Hills

 

Residents of Bangalore are blessed with Nandi Hills, a scenic hillock at the outskirts of the bustling city. Situated 70 km from the heart of the city, Nandi hills is a heritage palce as wells as an attraction for the spiritually inclined. Tippu Sultan built a summer palace on the hilltop. There is also an old nandi temple which houses ancient sculptures of gods and goddesses.

 

More on this wonderful place : Nandi_Hills,_Karnataka