Soul Travelogue

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Masinagudi – The forest and wild life

Masinagudi is a town located near the famous hill station Ooty in Tamilnadu, India. The Mudumalai National park is located near Masinagudi. There are numerous resorts for night stay and wild life safari is very famous. If we have luck we can see tiger, Leopard and wild elephants. The resorts occupying the wild life habitat have been vacated in recent times by the forest department. This has helped in increasing the tiger count in the National park. There are around 400 tigers in the forest now. The wild animals like elephants and tiger require larger eco-system to sustain life as they multiply. They mark their territory of 10kms in the case of Tigers. The Elephants can walk as long as 150 kms a day in search of food all though they usually walk 25 km/day on average.

We stayed in a homestay in Mavanalla 10 kms away from Mudumalai. We reached there for a night’s stay. There was a visiting wild elephant named Renovdo by the locals. As we went in the first week of August 2019 the place was very dry without greenery and water. This elephant has started hunting the residential areas for food. In the nights it gets into the homestays breaking the fence and eats all the trees and potted plants that are available. The day before we reached there it had uprooted the cement slabs in the neighboring homestay destroying the place. Our host showed us the video of that. We were awestruck thinking what if the elephant comes to this homestay tonight. The homestay had a bulb at the front, beyond 2 meters we couldn’t see anything. It was a very remote place and pitch dark. Now and then the maid there would go with a torch in hand and check if the elephant is standing nearby. I got to know that the giant elephants do not make any noise or vibration when they walk. Even if they come close to us and stand we will not realize unless we see them. Because their foot is god designed to be so soft, and they have a way of walking tiptoed. Nature’s beautiful creation indeed!

The hosts at the homestay were very nice people. We ate for dinner some Chapathi and Dhaal. Simple but hot and well made. The dining table was placed in open space with pitch dark greenery at our sides. Many cats were walking around the dining with dim lighting. Having dinner there was thrilling. The Homestay owner told us a lot of stories about wild dogs and Leopard that ate their pet dogs. I heard about the wild dogs for the first time there. The locals say the wild dogs, when they come in packs are the most dangerous that even the elephants and tigers move away from them when they are caught single. Worst thing is the wild dogs will not even spare the bones. Imagine a death without evidence! But this is not the case when a tiger or a leopard hunts. They leave back portions of meat and bones.

We occupied a room at the ground level which had a large full size glass window facing the building entrance. The thought of the wild animals breaking the glass and entering our room was a real nightmare. I was so happy to see the sunrise that I got up at 6 AM in the morning. This never happens usually when I am at my home. There were so many varieties of birds humming in the morning welcoming the sunlight. I came out of my room and saw how the place looks in the morning. It was indeed energy giving. The sunlight, the birds and fresh breath of the environment was so alluring. All my fear swept away and I was envying how lucky this homestay owners are to have such a beautiful home in the wilds.

In the morning we had a simple breakfast of Idlies (The traditional south Indian food) and left for the jungle safari. Our first target was to see a Tiger atleast. So we headed straight to Bandipur crossing Tamilnadu border. But on the way the sight was little disappointing because a recent forest fire had burnt many trees on our way. We would have seen atleast 300 deer all our way. Finally we reached the Bandipur Safari starting point. We bought our tickets and sat on the trekking van. We saw Bison, deer and Wild elephant. The forest smells of eucalyptus and other green plants. I just loved the oxygen levels in the forest zone. Kept deep breathing and enjoying the scents.

From there we rushed to Mudumalai for safari. The Safari at both Bandipur and Mudumalai closes by 6pm giving privacy for the animals. During nights the animals sit on the roads and enjoy their space. But there are some guys who take people on unauthorized safaris at night which are unsafe. We are accountable for our safety in those rides. The Animals can be spotted at late evenings and early mornings near the water resources, or where the deers are seen as they come to hunt. The singa val kurangu (Lion tail monkeys) sitting on the trees gives signal to the deers about the tiger or leopard arriving. We saw that where ever a herd of deer stand two or more deer don’t graze at all. They stay vigilant like our soldiers looking at different directions for any predator. Nature has all the knowledge and training. We have to just learn from them.

The wild animals don’t come near humans easily. They hate bikers, they chase bikes. Wild elephants sometimes chase vehicles. In the forest zone it’s strictly prohibited to stop vehicle on the road. We have to keep moving. Also the forest department fines anyone who stops the vehicle.

The tigers hunt humans if they turn man eaters. They hunt humans for the salt and taste they like. Leopards and lions don’t hunt humans. They only attack. The bear does not hunt. It eats fruits and worms. It attacks humans but not dangerous. The Bison is most dangerous. No animal can hunt it. It’s very strong and throws away humans to long distance with its head.

We watched for elephant dung on the way. If it looks wet then elephant is around and has just passed through that way. When elephant is out of sight we can only find them with their smell. Each animal has a smell. The Irula Tribal people are experts in handling these animals. They can train elephants with great skill. The Irula ladies were cutting the bushes on the road side at the stretch in which we are prohibited to get down from the vehicle. The men were boldly walking on the road for some forest duty. The forest department have employed many of the local tribal people in government services there. Because they know the forest. It’s their homeland.

The trip was full of adrenaline rushes and longing to see the wild animals upfront. We felt love and sympathy for wild animals. Thankfully the following week i.e. second week of August 2019 there was heavy spells of rain in the forest never before in history. God saved these animals is what I thought. Because they don’t have the luxury of the domestic animals to which we feed food and water from alternate sources.

Featured

Mahabaleshwar – Nature art!

Mahabaleshwar is a place full of strawberry farms and scenic view. Any one who glances through these photos can easily remember Rajinikanth Sivaji movie “Balleilakka song” location, “Wai” is near Mahabaleshwar. The valley is exotic ! with the beautiful colours of blues, greens and tans blending and melting us at the first glance.

There are many view points around the spot. What touched my heart is the Arthur seat, named in memory of Sir Arthur after his wife and son drowned in the Savitri river.

Among the other view points not to be missed is the needles hole view point.

The hot pot “Chaai” (mud pot tea) is amazing after the stroll. We can also have some fun time with the monkeys there:

The strawberry garden is a must visit and what’s awesome is the fresh strawberry ice-cream. Slurp!!!

The Mahabaleshwar temple and panchganga temple are landmark spots. The Panchganga temple have five rivers flowing in the same place. Its wonder to see and the place is a bliss to visit, even if you are not a temple person.

Now we have finished our tour to Mahabaleshwar, the cream of strawberry still feels in my tongue 🙂 yummm! Strawberry Jam is very famous there.

Watch out for the next touring location very soon 🙂

Cafe Bodega – Altinho, Goa, India

If you want to taste yummy tummy food in Goa, Cafe Bodega is the ideal place. I ate lunch for two days here with friends. Meaning we could taste multiple dishes!!!

A Portuguese style building with art exhibits called the Sunaparanta centre is located in Altinho, Panjim, Goa. In the middle of the building, the Cafe Bodega is located in open air ambience. This Cafe is operational from 10 am to 6 pm only during the art museum functioning time. Closed on Sunday.

The art museum was a very unique experience. Documentary movies are played in different rooms with couches to sit and watch. One movie we watched for few minutes was a typical middle class south Indian home wherein the women were closing the doors and windows during sunset. They were then combing hair. Felt nostalgic typically remained my granny’s routine.

Another movie we watched for a while was a village with an old couple. The tribal couple were staying alone in that village with many houses but no other humans. The couple had made effigy of all villagers and placed them all round the village. Looked like scarecrows. They were calling each of them by name beating drums. Felt like people must have died in any epidemic or the like. Was little emotional to see.

Many photographs were displayed. Typically the art museum theme keeps changing. Its a place for art lovers.

Now coming to our yummy lunch in Cafe Bodega. We tried all the below dishes and all of them were out of the world taste!!! yum!!!

Carrot apple ginger juice – This was really tasty and a nice appetizer.
Mutton shakshuka and sourdough toast – Mutton was so tasty cooked and yum.
Smoked Chicken and Egg Salad – I ate combination of Chicken with Pomegranate for the first time here and it was tasty.
Japanese style fried Chicken Sandwich – Fried chicken was sooo juicy yummy.
Fusilli with pesto – This was with all the Italian seasoning and really fragrant.
Chicken stuffed omlette with sourdough toast – I have never had such a perfect chicken sandwiched omlette.

**Smoked Chicken and Egg Salad with Pomogranate**

Another important place to cover in Altinho is the Panjim Church. Its a very radiant lovely looking church. Many film shoots have happened here. The church has beautiful double staircase in Portuguese style architecture. The silver bell and the Portuguese white blue colour combination makes the church look so unique.

If you have time you can go around the Fontainhas in Altinho. These are the 200 year old buildings and lanes typically Portuguese style. These buildings, including Cafe Bodega building are heritage structures which are preserved by the Government.

In blue and White Matching the iconic Landmark of Goa, Panjim Church

Boat, Cruise, Ferry – Beautiful GOA

The Divar Island

The boat rides I took in Goa where so significantly different. The ferry ride was first time experience in my life. I watched a mini lorry seated on a ferry crossing the Mandovi river, along with some two-wheelers and our Honda city car. We were also sitting in the steel benches in the ferry to reach the other side of the river bank. I got to visit Divar Island. The only means to reach this island is through the ferry points as there are no bridges. The residents of the Island commute to office by the Ferry. The bus that runs in this Island comes to mainland by the ferry service.

This is the ferry we travelled in.

The Island has the indo-portugese houses with Balcao at the entrance of the house. The Balcao are the seat or benches at the entrance portico of the house. The Divar Island has a old church “Our Lady of Piety” with a beautiful hill top view. Near to the church is a banyan tree and the wind gushing there surrounded by the trees was a relaxing experience. Very silent Island with very few vehicle movement. We found it to be a peaceful place away from the tourist crowd and usual commercial ambience of Goa. If you can hire a two-wheeler in Goa and reach this Divar Island, you can go around the streets, for the Island has well built roads with lot of trees and calmness. It should be a refreshing experience.

Can you see a white mini lorry moving in the ferry?

The Mandovi River Cruise

On a Saturday evening we boarded the sunset cruise in Mandovi river. I got my silhouette picture in the sunset cruise. They charge just Rs.500 for a 1.5 hours cruise trip, with local folk dance, DJ and fun. Its really worth. The river point has all the casinos of Goa glittering in night. The river, lighting and music feels vibrant. It was another refreshing experience. The cruise has usually double decks. Its nice to stand at the top deck and enjoy watching the casinos and vibes.

Mandovi cruise

For DJ we danced for popular hindi songs like “Kala Chashma” in the lower deck of the cruise. It was all fun vibes. They arranged Goa village folk dance for us to watch. It was with the traditional Goan fisherman’s costume and unique konkan songs. The jingle in konkan songs are super energizing.

Dolphin watching in COCO beach

From COCO beach we boarded a motor boat to see the Dolphins in free sea. These Dolphins have rescued a lot of fishermen. The Dolphins cannot breath in water just like humans. They need to dive out every 10 minutes to inhale oxygen from air. They cant survive in deep waters. Also they cant survive in land because their skin will dry. Only in the water their body temperature can be regulated. Rare to hear a fish cannot survive in water. The Dolphins in Goa are friends of the fishermen here. The Dolphins keep rounding this sea shore freely.

In the boat trip we can see the Agoda fort light house, the Goa old prison and Diamond merchant Jimmy’s Bungalow. Most importantly we can see the lovely Dolphins. Hats are sold for Rs.100 to Rs.200 in the beach. I bought a hat there, the typical Goan style to beat the heat of the Sun. It was very useful, protective and photogenic. Happy Goa sightseeing!

Dolphin jumping just after the boat moves

Houses of GOA

Have you seen a three-storey building standing just on Grinding stones. Yes the houses of Goa museum is one such wonder, an Architectural Icon of Goa made by a famous architect Gerard Da Cunha. The building stands on a three-pillar structure. The central pole and two Indian grinding stones at the corners supporting a building Shaped like a SHIP. This is a private museum with entry fee of Rs.100.

The museum was built in 1996 as a traffic island in between a wide cross road to prevent over-speeding of vehicles. The building is in the shape of a ship occupying less road space. This traffic island has solved a local problem. There is a school on this road, the Nisha play school and Shiksha Niketan. The Traffic island has ensured safety of school kids on this road.

In the three floors the Furnitures of Portugese time are displayed. I saw a palanquin, the two seated chair which would be carried by four people. Ideally called Palki in Hindi and Pallaku in Tamil. The word sounds same in all these languages. The other picture is a coat and hat stand. The wooden hands are the picture holders. Materials used for old Goan architecture are on display such as the wooden columns and decorated Eaves board.

I liked the history of Goan houses and their evolution at the top floor. The indo portuguese houses which is a mix of Raj Angan style of India and Sobrado style of portuguese. The Balcao looks like south Indian home porticos with benches to sit at the entrance of the house.

The Portuguese houses have a technique of placing Oyster shells in the doors and windows instead of glass letting in the sunlight. Its a very unique feature we can see everywhere in Goa.

Then there are these funny cartoon figures of Mario Miranda, a famous cartoonist in India who received Padma Vibhushan. Near Houses of Goa there is the Mario Gallery with lot of souvenirs on sale to take with us the memories of Goa. The Entry ticket taken for Rs.100 can be availed to Buy souvenir in Mario gallery, for Rs.50 discount. I bought a cute key chain of a “woman sitting and selling fish” cartoon. We were received at the museum entrance by a nice guide who explained us all about the architecture, he would also compliment me and my friends as beautiful ladies in front of whom the Ship architecture is not a wonder. Nice sales guy made us buy the Mario Souvenirs! ha ha!!!

The Ship deck structure from the inside of the building looks beautiful. In this Museum I could feel the love of the architect Gerard Da Cunha in the school he built for his wife Nisha, the school is made of reusable materials as you can see in the images. In the Mario Miranda souvenir shop I met Gerard Da Cunha creating a new type of souvenir with pixels giving a glitter board effect for Mario Paintings. I did not know it was him, a very simple man who welcomed us with a hello and a great creator. Fond memories of Goa from this place.

VAGAMON : Floating clouds tranquil Paradise

Vagamon is a small hill station in Kerala, India, accessible from Cochin which has airport. From Cochin there are buses to Vagamon. Its 100 kms away from Cochin, nearly three hours of travel by car. We can reach Vagamon from Kumily, Tamilnadu which is about one and half hour travel distance nearer than Cochin. All the way in our travel uphill we saw so many waterfalls. The topography of the place is very beautiful.

Vagamon is called the Cherrapunji of South. There is rain throughout the year. Go prepared to manage leeches. Plain sandal is better that shoes, you can often check your feet. Because if it gets inside the shoe, you won’t even feel the pain. Then it’s painless blood donation. All of us got bitten by leech at least once, even the kids. Remedy is to rub your feet with Dettol or hand sanitiser. For that smell the leeches won’t get nearby.

We planned a three-day trip to Vagamon. We stayed in CAMPPER Eagle Point Camp for one night. The Eagle point camp was so comfortable. As soon as we reached in the morning, we had breakfast, and the jeeps were ready for us. They took us to Marmala waterfalls and Karikadu viewpoint from the campsite. It’s around twenty kms away from the camp. It was continuously drizzling. On the way back to the camp we could take bath in a private waterfall. It was absolute fun climbing the boulders to reach the higher levels of the falls. It was almost like a natural pool between the rocks surrounded to hip height.

We came back chilled and shivering to munch on a hot and tasty lunch provided in the campsite. Kids friendly, very hospitable place. Good food and neat toilets. Mr. Sanju took care of all arrangements so well. The camp tents are made by Decathlon and well maintained. Throughout the night we had very heavy rain. Despite that not even a drop of water entered our tents. The Quechua camping tents were so very comfortable and spacious that three of us could stretch and sleep peacefully. We had campfire and DJ music for the night soon after dinner. Was fun dancing around for our favourite songs.

When we left the campsite next day morning it was declared red alert in Idukki district and there was torrential rainfall. That is when we moved to “Vagamon Heights”. This accommodation can be reached only by jeep and few kms away from main road. Once you go in, you must depend on their jeep service to come out to the main road again. But a very peaceful serene place inside and many film shoots happened here before.

In Vagamon Heights we booked a tree house and a bungalow next to restaurant for stay. This resort has amazing activities including boating, Kayaking and zipline all inside the campus. Jeep safari inside the property in between the lemongrass fragrant plantation was awesome! The activities are all very reasonably priced. We thoroughly enjoyed stay and food there. We came back on day three watching the clouds downhill. Our hearts floating with the white clouds covering the green mountains. A true paradise on earth and natures painting!

Zipline in Vagamon heights

Kayaking in Vagamon Heights

Clouds and clouds

Munnar and Eravikulam National Park

Munnar (three rivers) is the point at which three rivers meet namely, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala rivers. Munnar is a very new city found in the British rule. The weather condition is very conducive for tea plantation. The population here is built based on the tea estate. Many workers from Madurai and other parts of Tamilnadu have migrated here to work in the tea plantation. The Tamil speaking community is high in this part of Kerala. Never forget to have masala tea here in the tea shops! It’s a must try, with the spices of Kerala.

The Tea County Munnar is a classy place to stay at the Centre of the city. But we stayed in a Homestay as we booked accommodation on arrival at a homestay very much near Tea County Munnar. Hotel Gurubhavan and Sangeetha hotel are best non-vegetarian and Vegetarian hotels we ate on all days. Both are to either side of Tea County.

Four days required to visit all places in Munnar. The Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are the main highlights. The Tea plantation and the antique museum are a must visit. There we get to see the Film on the evolution of Munnar as a city. Its very informative documentary.

There are many waterfalls in Munnar. We visited the Viripara waterfalls which is 20kms away from Munnar city. It’s a small fall, good to bath. Entry fee is there.

The Eravikulam National Park is the habitat for the largely extinct species Nilgiri Tahr or Varaiaadu. This is a species of wild goat, very shy and timid in nature. These are protected here with great care. We are not supposed to touch or go near them. The forest officials accompany us in the visit. The entry ticket is to be taken. After that we will traverse half the distance by bus. Remaining distance we have to walk around 1 km uphill on a steep road. On the way we met a lot of Nilgiri Tahr freely playing around in herds. We were lucky so spot many of them on our visit. It was nice foggy weather and extremely chill winds on the day we visited.

Visit to Tata tea museum was a different experience. We could see the antique calculators, printers, telephones all used in olden days well preserved. The Documentary movie on how the tea plantations developed in Munnar is very informative. We can buy quality tea here. Leave tea is my choice. The Tea dust is little cheaper but gives more colour to tea. The leaf tea is costly but has a great fragrance. We also saw how the tea leaves are processed to get dry tea powder that are sold in shops. The entire place smells of Tea and fresh green leaves.

The Spices and Ayurvedic Garden is a very informative place. We get to know about so many spices. They have ayurvedic solution for so many health ailments. These Ayurvedic medicines have no side-effects and can be tried as its completely natural herbal solution. The clove, cinnamon, pepper, fragrant Oud and so many plants are found here as exhibit. Chocolate plantation and very delicious homemade chocolates also available here.

**Plantation in Spice and Ayurvedic garden**

Kerala handloom is another place to visit. Nice Kerala sarees of all price ranges are handmade here. The half white saree with golden Jari I bought there goes well for all formal occasions. It’s a memory I preserve of Munnar.

The Elephant safari at Carmelagiri is another highlight and a must try. We can feed the elephants here with a basket of fruits which they sell there. The Elephants are very well trained and friendly. The ride cost is high, around Rs.500. But the money goes towards feeding the elephants. They eat around 100 kg food per day mostly sugarcane and bamboo.

The Echo point in just after the elephant ride place. Here boating service is there. We need to shout so that our voice Echo’s from the mountains at the opposite range. Its a very relaxing place.

One of the evenings we ended at Pothamedu viewpoint watching the beautiful sunset. A walk through the tea estate near by for nearly an hour was the most peaceful moments. The scenery is very beautiful misty and mystic.

**Walk in tea estate near Pothamedu view point during Sunset**

**Sign board at Eravikulam National Park**

This sign board brings in us a deep thought about nature preservation. The Nilagiri Tahr are preserved here with great Love. All we can do is walk silently without disturbing their peace.

Avalanche, Ooty

Avalanche is located 20 kms away from Ooty. It has lush green forest and wildlife which is a must visit if you get a chance to visit Ooty in Tamilnadu, India. The Upper Bhavani Dam, Emerald Lake and the Sholas are the places to visit in Avalanche.

The Upper Bhavani is located in a forest zone. It’s managed by the Government Forest department. Jeep safari is available inside the forest zone. They take us on an off-road ride to the origin of Bhavani River. At the starting point of the water stream there is a Deity, Bhavani Amman temple. The scenic view from the temple is very beautiful and gives lot of peace to the heart. In the sounds of the water stream and the splashing drizzles on our face, a silent prayer is soul touching. I was sitting near this stream for a long time observing the waters. This is the main source of water flowing into Bhavani Sagar Dam.

Upper Bhavani

The Upper Bhavani Lake is another beautiful landscape often covered by mist. The colour of the lake and the ambience kept changing every moment with the climate and sunlight. Sometimes the water looked deep blue, in minutes it looked aqua green. Mesmerizingly magical beautiful place I must say.

On the way back from the forest zone we saw Foxes standing on the road. We were travelling in an open Jeep. We waited there for 15 mins until the Foxes crossed the road. The Forester who drove the jeep said the foxes have just finished hunting nearby. It was a thrilling, lovely wild experience.

**The Foxes and the metal rod is the Jeep antenna**

The Emerald Lake which is green in colour is another attraction. All through the way to Avalanche we can see this emerald lake stretched to a large area surrounded by hills. The colour is unique. There was a check dam on the way where we walked over it and took photos.

The Sholas are the evergreen forest, at a height of 1500 meters found in the valley, glens and hollows surrounded by grassland. They come under the broader class of Tropical Montane Forest. These trees have average height of 10 to 20 m due to wind. They are short and bushy with many lateral branches. They are also called cauliflower trees due to their appearance. These trees cause good rain and are useful in maintaining river streams. There was a small water stream on road near the viewpoint.

The Cauliflower Trees

The Sholas view point

Avalanche was less crowded than Ooty and a lovely place for nature lovers. The week next after our visit there was a landslide and heavy rains in Avalanche. The roads had to be repaired. The wild animals needed the rain so much because the place was dry when we visited. The tourist guide cum driver who took us to Avalanche said you visited at the right time. Emerald Memories!

Kamakhya Temple and Umananda temple

KAMAKHYA TEMPLE

Kamakhya temple is located in Nilachal hills in Gawahati, Assam. I visited this temple on the first day after landing from flight at Gawahati. The temple closes usually by 5.30 pm. The travel up the Nilachal hills is a 20 mins drive. The road up the hills is a forest zone with many bends. It felt like breathing fresh air and an inner calling to raise up to see the lady of might sitting on top. I reached the temple watching the sun clock saying 4 pm after a long one-hour drive.

On the way to Kamakhya temple

It is the most important Hindu temple in India with feminine energy. It was in my visit list for a long time. It is a must visit place for women as the mother goddess Shakthi’s Vagina is said to have fallen at this place. Its an important Shakthi Temple. The Goddess is said to menstruate every year and the Brahmaputra River turns red. When I visit temples, I look for the soul, I walk-in as though I am meeting a friend with an open mind. It’s a curiosity to know and feel the place.

Double dose of Covid vaccination was a mandatory to visit the temple. They give a ticket for entry of the temple. As I walked the path to the entrance of the temple people interrupted me to leave footwear in their shop. I kept walking till the last shop where there is a footwear stand and removed footwear there. One person who looked like a pandit said, “you have come late, you can’t see the goddess if you go by the queue”. He offered to take me through another entrance. But I preferred to go by the queue. Who cares if I can’t see the deity? Ride through the Nilachal hills and spending time in the temple premise is all I came for. As he said there was a huge queue. I thoroughly enjoyed the waiting time watching Monkeys and birds. The place has Dove, Pigeons and Geese. The waiting time was pleasing.

To my luck the temple was open till 7.30 pm in the evening as it was a special day of Ekadhasi. To my surprise there was no physical form of the goddess and only some water to touch and pray. I prayed and walked out confused and I was pulled again inside the main Shrine by the crowd. This time somehow, I cried. I felt the divine and her blessings! I had a super Dharshan of the deity and left the place by Uber. Cab services Uber and Ola are available for the temple. In the night all shops are closed and there is no accommodation near the temple is what a shopkeeper told me. Buses ply to the temple frequently.

UMANANDA TEMPLE

Visiting Kamakhya temple should be combined with Umananda temple. Its like visiting the couple Shiva and Parvathi together. The name “Umananda” means the one who gives Happiness to Uma (other name for Goddess Kamakhya). Umananda temple is located on a hillock called the Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. We need to reach there by cruise.

Watching the Sunset in Brahmaputra River by Cruise is very famous in Gawahati. It was my second day evening at Guwahati after visiting Pobitora in the morning. I landed in the banks of Brahmaputra River and walked on the river side for nearly 1 km enjoying the water view. The riverbank is very lively to walk around with lot of park area and well-planned pavement. I combined the temple visit and Cruise trip by taking the government cruise service which has a ticket of Rs.20. It took some time for me to find the ticketing place. I took the 3pm cruise which is the last trip for the day. In the night the boating will be stopped in the river.

Here I go in the cruise to the other bank enjoying the Brahmaputra waters after an hour long walk. To reach the temple we must climb few steps uphill. The Shrine of lord shiva looks same as Kamakhya Devi shrine with a large dome. There are Hanuman, Lord Ganesh and Sita Ram deities in the temple. If feels divine to look at the Sunset in the Brahmaputra River from the temple. The cruise that we travelled will wait for us for the return trip. On the return trip in the cruise for the first time in life, I saw the Sun and the Moon in the sky at the same horizon. A thought came to my mind that the Sun and the Moon take turns to be with us and we are never alone as long us either one of them are with us.

Sun and Moon

Our days and nights are taken care! we just keep moving on, doing, learning and listening. For the eyes that are always watching computer screens, phone screen, TV screen, insta, watsapp, facebook and what not in search of people to ward off timely loneliness, the Sun and the Moon are eye openers. Keeping close to nature makes life very lively and interesting. Found the light at the end of the tunnel for rest of life! Our time is measured by these two, the Sun and the Moon and so are the moments of life!

**Bhrahmaputra and Sun** **from Umananda temple**

Reached the other back of the river in the cruise feeling enlightened and happy! It was a happy evening! This enlightenment helped me a lot in the Meghalaya visit on the following week with absolutely no network in some places and no electricity in other places. Life is to be loved and lived to the fullest every moment without fear. We need light to shoo away darkness. Natures lights are a plenty! The Sun, Moon, Stars, Fire and Fireflies, all enlighten the Soul!

Delighting Waterfalls of Meghalaya

Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls looks tallest flowing from a great height into an aqua pool of blue waters. Surrounded by the Sohra East Khasi hills, it feels exuberant to watch the falls in bright sunlight. We can’t go near the falls. It’s just for view. Rainbow is visible behind the waterfalls. The falls is named after a lady Kalikai who ended her life in the waterfalls. The rains of Cherrapunji feeds this waterfall throughout the year.

Video

Wei Sawdong Falls

Wei Sawdong waterfalls is the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever witnessed. The Nokalikai and Wei Sawdong falls are both located near Sohra. We finished seeing both in Half-a-days’ time. The layer of slated rocks and the turquoise green water pool is a delight to an artistic eye. This waterfall is called Sawdong meaning Square as the falls has a square shape. There is a trek route to reach near the falls to have a dip in the pool, but very difficult one. To view the falls, we need to trek for some 300 meters halfway. It’s a little steep trek with lot of trees to grip if we slip in the trail. The trekking is worth the strain to view the paradise.

Krang Shuri Falls

The Krang Shuri falls is a must visit for swimming enthusiasts. We reached this waterfall from Dawki which is 30 kms away. The falls has a perfect blue water pool to swim. Reaching the waterfalls and back is like a target race for swimmers. Life jacket is a must and available on rental as the depth is more. There is also entry fee to the falls. It looks like a twin falls, both flowing at equal width. It takes a 1 km trek to reach the falls down a fleet of steps in the greens. Feels very refreshing to walk the path watching the surrounding mountain. While we were in the falls two young bikers brought their bikes up to the tip of the falls onto the rocks. The pathway to the waterfalls is so friendly to navigate. In Meghalaya, Krang Shuri is a must visit place.

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Phe Phe Falls

Visiting the Phe Phe falls was made very interesting as we stayed in a Hut for one night. The place had only some 10 huts and a master kitchen. No electricity at the Hut. Only bulbs would glow with Generators. Except for the bulbs at the Hut the outside area was pitch dark. The temperature was 9 degrees. No heater provision. We had campfire for the night and very delicious Chicken to eat for the night. The only cozy place in the accommodation was the kitchen as it was very warm. I slept at the floor of the hut with bed and quilt. In the morning the quilt was squeezy wet and I got puffy eyes despite layering with many winter clothes and wearing double socks. Sleep was almost a big no no in the cold and numbness.

In the early morning we watched the sunrise and moon on either side. It was divine! Life so close to nature. The Hut stay near the dry grassland and river atmosphere without internet connectivity, or any modern luxury is a must try once in lifetime experience. The falls is located near Shkentalang in Meghalaya.

In the morning we went on a boat to the other side of the river. Then walked for half an hour in a grassland to see the top of the waterfalls. As the sun was rising all the numbness in the body got reduced and finally, I started sweating around 8 am, thank God! Back to life. The waterfall is good for photoshoot. We took some snaps and returned walking and by boat crossing the river to our Huts. This was the last day spent at Meghalaya. I came back home with loads of memories and a heap of life changing experience.

Phe Phe Falls

MAWKDOK DYMPEP VALLEY ZIPLINE, Meghalaya

After the hectic 3 days trek in Nongriat (1 day to trek downhill and reach Serene Homestay, 1 day to trek to Rainbow falls, next day saw double decker bridge in morning sunrise and left the Homestay and came uphill) we reached the Mawkdok Dympep Valley. It was a foggy layer of mountains. The valley is located between Shillong and Sohra. The place was so cold even in the afternoon. This place has the best zipline and longest zipline around 230 meters. We trailed this distance twice. There is a waterfall in the middle of the valley which we should see while zipping. All the fear will evaporate in the urge to view the waterfalls.

There are four ziplines and if we are struck in the middle the in-charge people wait ready to help us reach the other end. The hand brake is something interesting. A leather pad attached to gloves should be used as a stopper. Pressing the gloves hard along the line will slow down the move and bring us to halt. They charge Rs.1000 for the four ziplines which I felt was very reasonable. We need to do a small trek to comeback to reach the other starting point from the longest zipline. Its stones laid in between the forest and feels so fresh and cool to walk uphill. From there we come back to starting point viewing the waterfalls.

After zipping we had lunch at Mawkdok Maggi Shop just opposite to the zipline point. They have all junk foods both veg and non-veg with a parking area. Eating hot-hot food in that chillness was like heaven. From there we moved on to Mawlynnong village for night stay.

My zipline ride

LIVING ROOT BRIDGE & RAINBOW FALLS

The desire to go to Meghalaya was enthralled by the intention to see the Living Root Bridges. Where building bridges are a necessity for peace and prosperity across the world, the natural bridge fascinated me to the core. The idea of building bridges with the roots shows our Indian ethnicity and how our ancestors were resourceful with minimalism and lived close to nature embracing its blessings. In the sunlit morning I saw the root bridge with sunrays penetrating every nodule and reaching my eyes. It was a divine blessing and felt like paradise on earth.

**Double Decker Root Bridge in morning sunlight**

The Khasi tribes are skilled in making these root bridges and there are 100 such root bridges connecting the villages of Meghalaya. The Double Root Bridge of Nongriat kept motivating me all through the tough trekking trails of Nongriat some 3500 steps down a deep valley. It takes 3 to 4 hours trekking from Tyrna, Nongriat to reach the Double Decker Root Bridge. Around 3 to 4 kms walk through a fleet of steps crossing two villages in the valley, an iron bridge crossing the river flow walking through the pebble stones and rocky terrains. We started Nongriat trek around 3pm in the afternoon and reached “Serene Home Stay” after sunset around 6pm in the evening. This homestay is the one with good food and room facility among all other homestays in the vicinity. Because whomever I met in the trek seemed to stay in the same place.

View from Iron bridge on the way

**Safest path all the way – Iron bridge and Butterfly captured while traversing the river.**

The Root bridge is just a few steps away from the homestay. I could visit the root bridge both in the evening and the next day morning. Seeing the root bridge in early morning sunrise is a delight I didn’t want to miss! That was all I went to the place for walking with my cramped foot. In Nongriat trek I felt the uphill climb on return journey to be easy, because by that time my foot cramp got relaxed and I got used to walking better. Learned to trek better after trekking to the rainbow falls in the morning which is another 3 km away from double root bridge. It takes another 3 hours of trek. The rainbow falls and the “Swimming Pool” are not to be missed beautiful eternal places with blue waters.

**Rainbow Falls – Spot the rainbow yourself behind the falls**

The turquoise blue and the rainbow formation behind the waterfalls portray natures beauty at its best! You can have bath in this place though the water is too chill. Its good for a dip. I preferred a highland rock near the waterfalls to enjoy the drizzles from the waterfalls and to have closer look at the rainbow. The waterfall was so calling! that I jumped and rolled between the rocks forgetting my foot cramp to reach to nearest point. Because I did not want to miss the best opportunity in the lifetime! Was not sure if I will visit the same place again ever trekking all the way. Embracing nature makes us realise how small we are in this universe. Time teaches how small the world is that we can reach any place if we have the desire and will!

**Happiest moment near the Rainbow waterfalls**

Maggi noodles and Chai (tea) at the stall near Rainbow falls is nice and a one stop shop before and after waterfalls visit. After trek and after feeling the chillness of the waterfalls you end up so hungry. This shop owner has built a restroom also in the woods behind. Near the double root bridge there is a shop, I bought Mango drink from there during evening visit. Nothing like sitting alone in an unknown land, watching natures beauty, the double root bridge and sipping “Maaza” and listening to music of flowing waters. From rainbow falls to Serene Homestay I trekked all alone just to enjoy the chirping birds and oxygen in the dense forest. This trekking ground is absolutely safe for Solo travelers. All we need is a torch if sunsets. Some reptiles could be moving in the bushes, but the local people walk up and down everyday carrying goods and Bay leaves through the path. So it’s a man used path. The place has heaps of Bay leaves fallen on the walking path. Imagine walking on a carpet of fragrant Bay leaves!