Kumarakom, Kerala

Kumarakom- Back water lake destination in Kerala, India. It is located at 40 mins to 50 mins drive from Cochin Airport.
Since its surrounded by the Vembanad Lake all over. Choosing to  stay in house boat or hotel facing the lake is the best option. You will love enjoying a cup of tea or coffee or might be beer, watching the silver lined coconut trees  on the banks of the island.
The activities are as follows:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• House Boat Stay
• Boat Ride in the Back waters

Best time to visit Kumarakom is from October to February. 2nd week of December to 1st week of January being the peak season where all the rates are doubled up.
The scenic beauty of Kumarakom can be described in no words. Therefore adding more pictures to this post makes more sense.

Coir Industry, Kerala

If shopaholic do visit Kerala-Allepey / Allapuzza, never miss chance to visit the Coir market near the Allepey beach. There are lot of whole salers who have small outlets to sell the coir items.
From Door mats, to carpets, to car floor mats there is everything and anything available in different shapes, sizes and colors. You need to just choose one of your choice.

Rates - yes you need to bargain. Definitely you will get it cheaper then those available in the Hi-tech malls. Still you can make same more savings by arguing on the rates.

Kamats Lokaruchi - Ramanagara

 On the way to Mysore from Bangalore , halting at Kamats Lokaruchi - Ramanagara is a ritual which you have to complete as much as going and watching Zoo or Vrindavan Garden.
The unlimited south indian breakfast at the Kamats Lokaruchi in the morning or traditional lunch in the Banana Leaf will leave mesmerizing taste in your mouth but also in your mind. Next time you head to Mysore   then you are bound to make halt over hear again.


The items offered in the morning unlimited breakfast

• Soft Idlis warpped in leaf
• Umpa
• Jalebis
• Masala Doas
• Medu wadas
• Juice
• Tea/Coffee

There a open kitchen where the food is prepared by the cooks. Its surrounded by open benches where one has to grab their plate and sit along to eat the savouries.

The men wearing a traditional Dhoti,Khadi shirt and cap to serve you fresh pepared Dosas. 

The restaurant also has Alacarte options. However we usually opt for the unlimited breakfast option.

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Lighthouse, Bypore, Kerala

The Lighthouse in Bypore, Kerala, India is one of the tourist attractions for Calicut city. If you are standing on the Bypore Pier, one can sight the Lighthouse on the opposite side.

The Lighthouse becomes operational immediately after the sunset. It high volt lights glow after certain interval to guide the marine traffic in the Arabian Sea. Bypore Port being one of the oldest port for trade with the middle east.

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Sunset at Bypore Pier, Kerala, India

Sunset at Bypore Pier, Kerala, India, is one of the few tourist attractions at the off-beat Bypore Beach in Kerala.
The Bypore Pier is 2 KM long bridge build in the Sea. It was used in olden days by the fisher men and is means to hold back the severe sea currents. As of now the main tourist attraction is for watching the sun setting in the sky.

Our visit to the Bypore Pier was on crowded evening in December month. Most of the crowd was due to tourist in Bypore and the locals who had returned back from Middle East or other countries for vacations with family. The Pier is accompanied with half km Beach. There are some local vendors selling some junk food, icecream, chips and Colas on the Beach.

We also spotted some local fisher men catching shell fish on the banks of the Pier.

Elephant Pooja/ Worship, Kerala , India

Along the way from Bypore, Kerala, India to Kumarakom, Kerala, India we spotted a Elephant Puja / worship being performed on the road. We had almost reached Cochin, Kerala, India by evening.

My 2 year old son is interested in the Elephants. We decided to stop the car and have a close look at the ceremony being performed across the road.

There were three elephants standing in front of the decorated bamboo entrance. There was mahout - elephant trainer sitting on the head of each elephant. The elephants were decorated with several jewellery items and flowers. Each elephant had a numbered plate tied in the neck. Seems they were belonging to some local temple.

Bunch of local musicians were standing in front of these elephants and playing the music. There were couple of ladies carrying a plate with lamp and other worship accessories.

The entrance poles were decorated with Banana and coconuts. Its said when in Rome behave like Roman. As we were in Kerala, the locally grown crops such ass Banana and Coconuts is not only visible in the food but also used for decoration.

Elephant Feeding Camp, Madumalai

The Elephant Feeding Camp, Madumalai, Tamilnadu, India gets 100% marks from the visitors. Specifically the kids. Situated bank opposite the Madumalai Forest safari, the camp starts sharp at 6 pm in the evening. Around 5-6 locally tamed elephants flock in the camp before 6 o clk.

There is a shelter in the camp where the food for elephants is prepared. This food usually consists rice along with other ingredients. The Mahaut, the elephant owner, prepares the balls of cooked rice and stuff it in the elephants mouth. Other then these rice balls the elephants also chew sugar canes and graze grass.

The visitors get glimpse of the elephants at distance of max 2-3 feets. The whole experience for the kids is amazing. One can also sight some peacocks, deers and bisons from the camp area.

Terrace of City Palace, Udaipur

One of the top most parts of the City Palace, Udaipur, India open for the tourist. This terrace is build of Marble and blue carvings. Till date one of the walls still holds some exotic paintings. From the balcony of this terrace, one can enjoy magnificient view of Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace Hotel. On the other side of the terrace is a balcony made of colorful glass and blue and white tiles. Since this spot comes at towards the end of the City Palace tour, usually tourist take 5 to 10 minutes break. During this break, one enjoys the top view of the Udaipur city from the terrace balcony.

Vengurla,Konkan, India

Vengurla, Konkan, India is a hidden gem in Indias western sea coast. Usually tourist all around the world flock to crowded beaches in Goa, India. However if you really want to enjoy stay near sea side and awesome sea food, it makes sense to discover the neighbouring towns near.
Vengurla happens to be one of them. Just relax and enjoy the nature in midst of lush green coconut trees studded sea coast.
Away from the traffic and busy life of city.
There are few beach resorts which have recently sprouted in this area.
Few tour operators in Mumbai, India - have started the Costal Konkan Tours.

Konkan - Kingdom of Fish

Konkan the costal part of West India is well known as the Kingdom of SeaFood. The Konkan/Goan Fish Curry is famous cousine found everywhere in worlds famous restaurants.
Fish and other sea food is found in such an abundance, that even stray dogs doze in front of platter full of fresh fish.
Lip smackering fried prawns and much more to make you lick your finger tips at the end of your meal in Konkan.
All this will end with glass full of Amchur/Sol Kadhi which will help you digest pile of rice and some good amount of sea-food.
Besides the Sea Food, you will have other delights such as Cashew Nuts, Alphanso Mango, Kokam/ Amchur, Jamuns, berries and much more.
Note - This is one of my favourites dads photograph. Usually he deals with either Sunset, Sunrise or Flowers. Thats my general observation from childhood regarding his photography.
Will soon publish few of his best shots.

Lake Palace Udaipur

The Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India popularly known as Taj Lake Palace. It is actually a Palace built by Maharaja of Udiapur. It is located on natural island in the Lake Pichola, Udiapur and is constructed with white marble stone. It is one of the most photographed historic monunment of India. The Palace is now converted to a hotel and operates under Indias most popular brand Taj Hotels. Like all other Rajasthani Palaces, it features many courtyards, terraces, fountains and gardens. The tourist reach the destination with help of the jetty which operates from the City Palace.
Being an expensive affair, we just managed to capture a glimpse of it from the top of the City Palace Udaipur.

Kumbha Mahal, Chittorghar

Kumbha Mahal ruins stand still welcoming you near the entrance of the Chittorghar Fort, Rajasthan. Palace is named after Maharana Kumbha who made serveral alterations and additions to the existing Palace. The Palace is approached by two Gateways to the East - Badi Pol and Triploia. These gates leads into open space to the south of the palace and to darikhana. A small doorway to the back of the darikhana gives access to main appartments, the Surya Gokhra, Zanana Mahal, Kanwar Pade ka Mahal, other residential structures and open courts. Build of dressed stone, the exterior walls have decoration. It includes sculptured bands serving as string course and large flower head bosses.
From the windows and doors of the Kumbha Mahal, one can get glimpse of the Chittorghar Fortress Walls.

Rani Padmini Mahal, Chittorghar

Rani Padmini Mahal is the residence of Rani Padmini the Queen of Chittorghar. She was wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. The Mahal which is mentioned in the famous historic epic, still exists in the Chittorghar Fort and is major attraction for tourist.

It is belived that Rani Padmini was epitome of beauty. One of the main intentions of Alauddin Khilji, Ruler from Turkey, to attack Chittorghar was pechant for Rani Padminis beauty.

His attempts to capture the Fort of Chittorghar were futile. Then he sent word to Rani Padminis husband Ratan Singh to meet her and he regards her as his sister. On being persuaded by her husband, Rani Padmini agreed Alauddin to see her in mirror. On seeing her, Allaudin decided to secure Rani Padmini for himself. He later kidnapped her husband and attacked the Fort.

When there was no way out, Rani Padmini committed divine sucide, called as Jauhar. A huge pyre was lit and the Queen followed in. Later all women jumped into same fire to save themselves from the lustful army waiting outside the fort.

Video Of Rani Padmini Mahal Chittorghar, Fort

Ganesh - Lord of Lord

Ganesha or Ganapati, is know as Lord of Lords by Hindus. He is one of the deities best know and widely worshipped by the Hindus. As the folk lore says, Lord Ganapati is worshipped first before begining any activity or event by the Hindus.

Ganaptis bithday is celebrated on Chaturthi (4th Day ) of the hindu month Bhardrapath.

It is commonly called as Ganesh Chaturthi.

This festival is celebrated in big pomp Maharastra. Being Maharastrian, we have been celebrating it for many years in our family. In recent years, it is celebrated at my cousins home in Pune. This is a big event for our family and in todays hectic life an excuse for all of us to meet at one place. :)

The Ganapati Idol is baught from the shops from local market on previous day. These shops usually spring up like mushrooms in the local market area to catter to the festivals requirement.

The Idol is braught home by head of the family with the Idols face facing towards him.

Next day the Ganapti is installed in a special seat decorated specially for him. This is known as Ganapati Sthapana.

After the sthapana, puja and mantras are recieted by all family memebers.

This chanting of pujas and prayers every morning and night goes on for next 5 days.

On the fifth day, Ganapati Visarjan takes place. The lords idol is immersed in water body.

Vijay Stambh

Vijay Stambh or the Tower of Victory at Chittorghar, Rajasthan, India is one of the major attractions in the Chittorghar Fort. It was built by Rana Kumbha to celebrate his victory. The tower is build with Red sand stone and White Marble. It has many images of Hindu God and Godesses, Musicians carved on the exterior and interior of the tower. You can gimick in a snap as holding the Vijay Stambh towers top in your hand by an easy Camera trick.


The Tower stands 9 stories tall. The visitors are allowed to reach the top of the tower by climbing the internal steps circumferencing the tower internally. Towards your way to the top of the Tower terrace, one can get magnificient view of the Fort Chittorghar and City of Chittor.


Vijay Stambh Tower:

Interior of Vijay Stambh Tower :

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is main attraction in the city of Chittor, Rajasthan, India. The major attractions are:

1. Vijay Stambh
2. Kirti Stambh
3. Gaumukh Reservior
4. Rani Padmini Mahal
5. Rana Kumbh Palace
6. Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
7. Several Gates or Pols
8. Temples(Kalikamata temple, Jain Temple, Meera Temple, etc)

The fort is pride of Rajasthan and attracts maximum number of tourists after the City Palace Fort in Udaipur. The Fort hosts loads of Rajput history and is classic example of Rajasthani architechture.

How to reach Chittorghar Fort:

Chittor city is about 2 hrs drive from Udaipur City. We were based in Udaipur and planned day trip to Chittorghar Fort. We booked Cab from Udaipur city which would take us around Chittorghar fort. The Chittorgarh fort lies at the top of Hill. If one reaches Chittor City by local mode of transport like bus or train, then they have to take local vehicle(cab, rickshaw, motor cycle ride) to the top of the hill.

It will take you about day to visit the fort and the major attractions in the fort.

Chittorghar Fort Video

Animal Encounter - 5

Any visit to rural parts of India is incomplete without spotting untamed Piglets and Pigs grazing food in open space. Ususally the pigs which are found in India are of black color and they feed on left over stuff available in open spaces. These pigs and their piglets are black in color and are usually shabby. Its fun watching the small piglets run around their mother in search of food. I managed to take a video of them at Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan.
Video of Piglets grazing in India

On the Way - 4

We boarded the train to Jaipur from Udaipur for our return journey. There were some Korean Tourist in our compartment travelling back to Jaipur. They entered the train and placed their luggage on their booked places. Within couple of minutes they took out cameras and started taking snaps in the Railway train compartment. It sounded funny to us, but i did remembered our visit to York, UK, where we had done something similar to this.

After a while, I also joined them in taking snaps of the Indian Rail compartment and enjoyed the whole experience of travelling in it after many years.

Surya Chopar, City Palace, Udaipur

Surya Chopar at City Palace, Udaipur is a special room dedicated to the God of the Mewars(Warriors). The room is square shaped hence the name Chopar. It hosts a statue of Lord Surya (Sun) who is worshiped by the dynasty of Mewars. The ornamental statue is made of metal and is mounted on a wall. Currently the statue is covered with glass. The Surya Chopar located near the Mor Chowk, towards the exit of the City Palace Tour.

Moti Mahal, City Palace, Udaipur

Moti Mahal is one of the various star attactions of City Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Moti means Pearl and Mahal means Palace - Palace of Pearls.

The room is decorated with beautiful mirror and glass work.

It was residence of Maharana Karan Singh. Maharana Karan Singh built this palatial room for his daily residence. The room windows provide magnificient view of the Udaipur City.


Besides glass work, walls and cieling of the room are decorated by various paintings. The doors of the Palace room were made of pure carved Ivory. The adjacent rooms have set up of old Rajasthani bedding and swing.

Video of Moti Mahal, City Palace, Udaipur