Trip to Polavaram, a journey into the heart of Godavari

In June 2010 when the monsoons were just arrived , we started thinking about the next travel.After visiting Shirdi by APTDC package ,this time we opted for IRCTC packages and found one package interesting and exciting.It is none other than trip to papikondalu a 130 kms,9&1/2 hr boat cruise on River Godavari with the Eastern Ghats on either side of the river. My hubby Sri, my sis chinna and I have gone on this trip.

After knowing the details, Sri went to Bigbazar to book the package of 3-tier AC. Two days before our journey we were called by the IRCTC coordinator and told that the boat cruise may be canceled and bus trip will be arranged due to heavy floods in Godavari. We were disappointed and thought of canceling tickets but its not possible. As we paid some 8000 bucks(5500 per couple and 2800 for third person for AC 3-tier package) we thought to proceed , praying god that there should be no rain in our trip. But in Hyderabad its raining cats and dogs and Sri was suffering form severe fever , me from throat pain and cold. But we did not stopped going as we were most excited of our Titanic journey.

We started from Secunderabad by Gouthami-Express Train to Rajahmundry carrying all sweaters, rain coats and tablets. We were received at Rajahmundry Station by IRCTC representative at 6:30 A.M. He dropped us at a hotel for freshening up. We were then picked up at 08:00 A.M. and transferred to an AC car which took us to Purushothamapatnam which is 45 Kms. from Rajahmundry. This journey was pleasant not because of the car or road but due to the greenery of fields and trees all along the way up to the horizon in any direction. At Purushothamapatnam; at 9:45 A.M we boarded an Air-conditioned, 120-Seater boat called Sree Bhageeradhi. Our driver said he will be waiting till we return. All our sickness flew away by seeing the godavari and our titanic.

We had a nice idly-wada breakfast. By the way, breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided on the boat and is a part of the package. The first thing we did was to get onto the deck of the launch to have a view of the Godavari. From there we could see the tiny villages and farm patches on the bank of the river. We could not visit the Gandi Pochamma temple because of the whirl pools. Soon we were taken to Janaki Ramudu temple where the movie Janaki Ramudu was shot. We came across the Devipatnam police station, which was attacked by Alluri Sitaramaraju during his anti-British campaigns.

One nice thing to mention was there was an entertainment troupe who conducted a recording dance show on the deck. We thoroughly enjoyed it. These troupe of students from nearby villages come on their own and entertains. What ever amount given by the passengers of the boat helps them for their studies.After the artists on board danced to the tunes of three Telugu songs, they called all kids on the boat and were asked to dance for "Rabbaru Gajulu" by imitating a dance master dancing in front of them. Then a couple with a kid were called on to the stage and their marriage was performed with all important rituals with song "Srirastu Subhamastu".. This was followed by more dance programs by youngsters , old ladies and couples on board. Sri was called as Nag(Sri is almost 6 feet height) and we both danced for "Gundello Emundo". Chinna danced for "pilichina ranantava"..

Tollywood movies have an everlasting relation with Godavari. All along the trip, the guide showed us places where telugu movies like Bhakta Ramadasu, Gopi Gopika Godavari, Godavari, Megha Sandesham , Janaki Ramudu, andala Ramdudu etc were shot.

After the morning entertainment show, a fairly good lunch was served on the top deck of the boat. This lunch for the tourists was picked up from a place along the shore. The tribal s from near by villages cook the lunch. We can feel the taste of cooking on stew. The boat also has a canteen from where some ready made and cooked snacks, tea and soft drinks were circulated on the boat and sold.

We kept moving freely the whole day long, along all sides of the boat enjoying the beautiful scenery all around. With plenty of river water all around us and small to mighty hills on either side of the river with thick green forests on them is a very beautiful experience beyond my description. As you enter Khammam district the river narrows down between two hills to about 400 metres and the depth of the river here is about 100 metres. And the height of the two hills about 525 metres. Passing between these two hills is said to clear all the sins committed by us. Sins in Telugu means Papaalu and hence the name Papikondalu. But the most popular version for the name Papikondalu is because the river is like Papida – that is the parting of hair on our head and the hills are like the hair on either side of the parting (Papida) and hence the name Papikondalu.

Final destination was Perantalapalli village.At Perantalapalli there is a Shiva temple on top of a hill. This temple was established by Sri Balananda Swamiji in the year 1927 who also strived for the development of the locals called Konda Koyas and Konda Reddies. The temple and the ashram there are called ‘Sri Krishna Munivaatam’. And the small water falls adjacent to the temple as Munivaatam waterfalls.The tribals were selling some hand made flower vases and houses made up of bamboo. Chinna bought one bamboo house. People here does not have any electricity and for all provisions and medical treatments they have to cross godvari river on small boats called as Theppalu.

Our boat turned back here and now traveling downstream we stopped for a while at Kolluru village as one of the newly married couple booked this package where there is a provision for a night stay in the bamboo huts along the river bank.

The weather was very good; just warm, mostly cloudy with strong breeze and it also drizzled for sometime in the evening making it a wonderful day. We got down from Sree Bhageeradhi at Purushothamapatnam and our driver was waiting for us to drop at the lodge in Rajhamundry.

To meet the demands of a growing population, to provide water to the people of Vishakapatnam and to divert the water from River Godavari to River Krishna for irrigation benefits Polavaram Dam is being constructed. And this would soon submerge the beauty of the place forever and as for the tribals who would be displaced in lakhs.

SriKanth's B'day-27 gifts

This is the second b'day of Srikanth after marriage. This time i want to surprise him by giving something special . Thinking thinking an idea flashed in my mind. He is going to complete 27 , so i am  thrilled to give 27 gifts. Getting gifts to a gal is far easy, but for a guy its quite difficult. So now the problem is what should i get for those 27 gifts.

Again I started sharpening my brain and at last I came up with an idea of giving relevant gift  for that appropriate year. I prepared a list and showed to my sis. She gave further suggestions. After a number of revisions I concluded the gift list and one fine Sunday my sis and me started in search of those gifts. Finally we were able to collect all the gifts. Now I am excited and very eager to give all those and to capture the happiness in his eyes in my mind. 

Its July 1st. But its raining cats and dogs in Hyderabad.There is no power from morning. Sri came from office. He was asking me from past  2 days that whether am i gifting anything? Again he asked and when i replied that how can i get you in such a weather! He got angry and he slept. I asked my sis to get a cake if possible as it is continuously raining and we have to be careful with manholes.

By night 9'0 clock some how my sis brought an yummy cake ,but till now power is not given. By 10.30 power is given and i am waiting eagerly to see the clock strucking 12. My mom and bro also were waiting to wish him. Finally when it was 12 i woke up Srikanth wished him and asked him to cut cake. You know what is he saying," let me change my dress and come".

After cake cutting i gave the loads of gifts to him and he was shocked to see that many. One by one i gave by narrating the significance of each. While giving i can see a layer of tears because of excitement and happiness.

Later he said Thanks to my sis for helping me in  getting such beautiful gifts. Morning we went to Baba temple and performed Archana on Sri's name. 

I wish you Sri all happiness and a bright future ahead.

For the list of 27 gifts, have a look at this link:

List of Gifts

Trip to Maharashtra

After marriage we never went to Shirdi and we thought of visiting at least now. Since from Hyderabad number of bus services are running both by govt and travels we opted for Kesinenis travels. Unfortunately there were no seats and we have to wait for atleast one month as it is summer vacation. But luckily one of my sis's friend who planned for a trip to Shirdi and Ellora caves by APTDC has 2 tickets left . So happily we nodded our heads to go along with them.

Thursday evening at 4:30 we went to tank bund office to board our bus. Number of luxury buses were arriving and passengers are boarding. When our bus came we not even cared that as it is a very normal bus. When the coordinator told that this is the bus we have to board, we looked at each other into our faces. Very old bus with one Maharshtra driver and Andhra driver.At 6'0 clock bus reached kuktapally and my sis friends family boarded. They too were shocked by seeing the bus. When all people boarded the driver told abt the package details.

Next morning we were taken to Shanishinganapur,where popular shani devas temple is located.Shingnapur is also famous for the fact that no house in the village has doors, only door frames. Despite this, no theft is reported in the village. Recently in a TV ad we can see about this place. Without taking bath we have to visit Shani deva and guys should wear a dhoti without upper garment inorder to perform puja. Ladies are not allowed to go near the shrine.

After Shanishinganapur we reached Shirdi by noon 12:30. We were given guest house for freshening up as it is part of package  and were told to get ready by 4'0 clock early in the morning . After a long continuous journey we had a fresh bath and went to temple. After that we went to see the Annadanam centre where the worlds largest solar steam system is used to cook food for 20000 people at a time. As every one are tired ,we went to bed early after taking a good dinner. Food is not part of package we have to buy our own food.

The next day driver was knocking all the rooms reminding us to get ready early. Again we started our journey by 4'0 clock in the morning and reached Grishneshwar , one of the dwadasa Jyothirlinga temples of lord Shiva.

Grishneshwar temple

After that we had breakfast in some dhabha and started towards Ajanta one of the UNESCO World heritage site in our country.These were created during the Satvahana Dynasty in 2nd - 1st century BCE. These temples have been abandoned and gradually forgotten in due course of time. During the next 1300 years the jungle grew back and the caves were hidden, unvisited and undisturbed. In 18th century a British officer for the Madras Presidency, John Smith, while hunting tiger, accidentally discovered the entrance to one of the cave temples (Cave No. 9) deep within the tangled undergrowth.Captain Smith wrote his name in pencil on one of the walls. Still faintly visible, it records his name and the date, April 1819. Shortly after this discovery Ajanta Caves became well known and renowned due to their exotic setting, impressive architecture, artworks and mysterious, long forgotten history.

Bird eye view of Ajanta caves

Paintings are all over the cave except for the floor. At various places the art work has become eroded due to decay and human interference. Therefore, many areas of the painted walls, ceilings, and pillars are fragmentary. The painted narratives of the Jataka tales are depicted only on the walls, which demanded the special attention of the devotee. We could not visit all caves (nearly 32 caves) as we have to go back inorder to cover the other places in package. But we visited all important caves. There are number of shops selling some decorative pieces but we did not even touched as our driver warned that if we touch we must buy otherwise the local people will make a big halo balo there and makes us to buy for odd rates.

Ajanta paintings

Painting of Padmapani in Ajanta caves

After taking lunch we started towards Ellora caves which is also a world heritage site built by Rashtrakutas. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock cut architecture. The 34 caves – actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills – being Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock cut temples and monastries, were built between the 5th century and 10th century. Even though our journey is a bit hectic we felt proud of our Indian architecture and recalled all our history lessons in school days.

Indian Rock cut Architecture

A painted panel showing the dancing Shiva (Nataraja) from the Kailash Temple at Ellora (Cave 16). One can still see a lot of the paint that once covered the entire temple.

Wall carvings in Ellora

Last but not the least is Mini TajMahal also called as Bibi Ka Maqbara, which transaltes as "Tomb of the Lady" .Prince Azam Khan,son of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, built the Bibi Ka Maqbara in 1679 to honor his mother Rabia Durani. He modeled it on the original Taj Mahal.

Like the Taj Mahal the replica has a central dome, surrounded by four smaller domes and four minarets. Four taller minarets complement this central structure.The pathway leading up to the mausoleum has fountains, pools

and tall trees on both side of the walkway.

Mini Taj

I bought lord Buddha's idol as a remembrance of this trip . Then we started to Hyderabad with full satisfaction. Because of losses by running AC bus for this trip APTDC is running normal for this package only otherwise the trip would have been the best.

Golkonda

This sunday we thought of visiting Golkonda as it is very near to Mehadipatnam where we are staying.

Golkonda a ruined city is situated west of Hyderabad.Though Kakatiyas built Golkonda in 13th century it is Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah who laid splendid monuments and designed a perfect acoustical system by which a hand clap sounded at the fort's main gates, the grand portico, was heard at the top of the citadel, situated on a 300-foot (91 m)-high granite hill.

According to a legend, the fort derives its name from Golla Konda, which is a Telugu word for Shepherd's Hill. It is believed that a shepherd boy came across an idol on the hill. This led to the construction of a mud fort by the then Kakatiya dynasty ruler of the kingdom around the site.The city and fortress are built on a granite hill that is 120 meters (400 ft) high.

Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhaktha Ramadaasu, a devout Hindu who constructed Bhadrachalm temple without informing the sultan at that time Tana Shah, was kept in a jail located inside the fort. It is also believed that there was a secret tunnel to Charminar.

Many famed diamonds are believed to have been excavated from the mines of Golconda like Kohinoor and Darya-ye Noor.

A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, the story of Golconda unfolds over centuries of splendor. The show livens up the glorious past and it is an experience worth watching. The show is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu.

Vontimitta-Kadapa

For our first pongal celebrations we are invited to Kadapa. So we both started on wednesday from Hyderabad. As usual we celebrated with joy but Sri is getting bored so I planned him to take to nearby places around Kadapa. Mom suggested Vontimitta and we started on saturday afternoon.

Vontimitta is a mandal head quarters in Kadapa district famous for a 450 year old temple of Lord Rama.The great devotee and composer Tallapaka Annamacharyulu is associated with this legendary temple. His birth place Tallapaka is very near by to Vontimitta.Kishkindakanda, one of the 7 kandas of the Ramayanam, is believed to have happened in Vontimitta, Kadapa.The main mandapam, built by the Vijayanagar kings, has a dancing Vigneswara. 

The Sri Kodandarama temple at Vontimitta, is said to be the only Rama temple in the country without Anjaneya beside the main deity.It has idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana carved on a single rock. The idol is said to have been installed by Jambavantha.Mahakavi Bammera Pothana spent his life at Vontimitta and dedicated his Mahabhagavatham to the deity.

 Sri was fully satisfied and happy after visiting the temple.

Trip to Ooty

After marriage it was our first trip to both of us. Though it was the second time for me to visit Ooty(first with my mom and bro) i was excited to go along with Sri.

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is located in Nilgiris meaning "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and had been a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days.

We started from Coimbatore on saturday morning. Its 1 hr journey from Coimbatore.  We hired a cab from local travels. The ghat road was really steep and the vehicle had trouble going up. With each hair pin bend we were going up by about 100 feets. Around mid way we could feel the chilling breeze.Mid way there is a small village named coonoor which was shot in the movie Roja by Mani Ratnam and not in Kashmir as people thought and Chaiyya Chaiyya song was also shot there.

After reaching Ooty we booked room in LakeView resort .After freshing up we planned to go to Filmi Chakkar spot which covers the usual film shooting spots in and around Ooty.

 

Our next destination was Pykara waterfall. Now this was something funny. We were climbing down the steps in search of waterfall and we could see none! Then a localite told us that the place we were standing itself was the waterfall.Have a glance at this so called waterfall..

We then proceeded towards Ooty golf course / Ooty Gymkhana club. This is located in Wenlock Downs, another meadow, and a famous shooting spot. After taking some more pictures, in the evening we did loads and loads of shopping.. i bought a sweater, a pure sandal perfume,a gunny bag of spices for us , in laws and for mom, 6 flavors of tea powder(green tea, chocloate, masala, elachi,lemon, black tea) and number of medicinal oils like eucalyptus, Gaultheria(oil for body pains and joint pains), lemon grass oil,oil made for cloves for teeth cleaning. Its worth buying of them , all are too concentrated and relieves from pains immediately..Finally we boughht a box of home made choclotaes for my bro and sis..

Next day we went to Govt. run botanical garden and were there till evening. The garden is good for evening time pass and worth visiting.We were never exhausted even after climbing up and walking along such a long way thanks to the aromatic space around. That made us the vigor to move to the second highest peak of South India, the Dodda Betta.Telescope and other observatory facilities are available at every highest point in Ooty hills.Later we went to tea factory where a demo was given how the leaves are dried, powdered and tea powder is made.

Finally we started our return journey. We both were depressed all the way for leaving back the rejuvenating hill station and coming down to the scorching native. While whirling round once again down the greatness of Nature, we were turning back to the parting Lavender flowers, blooming waysides, immeasurable fathoms and incredible valleys. Amazement was the only expression on our faces then.

Diwali with Sri's Grand Parents

5 months after our marriage Sri's grand parents are arriving here. So the first Dusshera and Diwali we celebrated with them. We thought of Sri's bro Ravi too joining us but he has to celebrate his Diwali in flight to US. As his tickets got confirmed on 16th midnight he has to fly.

Diwali or Dipavali , which translates into row of lamps . Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. I brought a number of lamps to lit on terrace. We brought new dresses to us and grand parents.

Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating (the demon king) Ravana, the ruler of Lanka in the epic Ramayana. It also celebrates the slaying of the demon king Narakusara by Lord Krishna. Both signify the victory of good over evil. I remember my childhood days of celebrating Naraka Chaturdasi by blasting the edifice of Narakasura. We a group of children used to prepare an edifice of Narakusara from cardboards brought form nearby shops. We used to tie a cracker and thousandwala to the neck of edifice. One of us used to blast it and our celebration and playing crackers begin from that day till the 3rd day. 

On this happy occasion we wish u all and ur families a happy and safe Diwali.

BlackThunder;a water theme park in Nilgiris

First time mom is visiting our home after marriage. Sri and I planned to take mom and bro to Black Thunder on this weekend.    

 

Black Thunder Water Theme Park is Asia's No:1 Water Theme Park, nestled in natural beauty with the green hills of the Nilgiris for a backdrop and the cooling shelter of trees.This entertainment hub features a series of thrilling water rides. Wave pool, surf hill, wild river ride, lazy river ride, family raft, cannon ball ride, speed slide, shot gun slide, kiddies pool, dashing boat and thunder rain are some among them. Boating facility is available.

My brother Yaswanth is fond of visiting such parks and he is excited to go there. He played a lot in the all water games along with Sri. Here are some snaps of our trip.

Pelli Muchatlu

First of all I thank one and all who blessed us on this happiest moment.

on 10th April morning rituals started in my home and arrangements were going on to make me bridegroom. After nalugu and pellikuthuri snanam i performed the Gowri puja. Relatives were arriving and we started to Kalyana mandapam. The rituals of Vakka Sangyam and dinner were finished.

Pelli Peddalu

friends@my pelli

11th April .. the day came which we both were eager,tensed, happy and all types of feelings in mind. On muhartam time Sri tied the knot and now onwards i am the queen of his heart.

sweet mom

I once again thank my friends who shared this happiness along with us.

Pelli Pilupu

Its now my turn to invite for wedding. This is the most auspicious and happiest moment in my life. Please be there to share my happiness...

Our Wedding will be a fairy tale..

a dream without end

We'll be singing all day

as we set for fun

at our wedding in the sun!

We invite you to climb aboard our wedding cruise

on the yacht on APRIL 11th 2009

leaving port promptly at 7.45 AM

                                        Sri & Josh

Trip to South Tamil nadu

Its mom's passion to travel to all pilgrimage places in India. She has been very eager to visit temples of Tamilnadu. She knows and trusts astrology a lot. Inorder to perform Rahu puja by me we planned to TiruNageswaram , a town nearby Kumbakonam famous for Rahu bhagawan (one of the nine celestial bodies). I googled Maps of Tamilnadu and found that we can cover Srirangam of Trichy, Tanjore and Kumbakonam at one stretch.

We started and first reached Srirangam, an island and a zone in the city of Tiruchirpalli(Trichy) which is bounded by the Cauvery river on all sides. The Ranganathaswaamy temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu.The temple occupies an area of 156 acres with a perimeter of 4,116m making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. We were warned by the guide that if we loses the way its difficult to come out from the same door.We were in shocked mood to see such a big temple. At the entrance big elephants are present blessing the devotees who offers coin or banana. The deity here resembles of the deity in Dashavatram movie. We felt very pious to visit such a deity and temple.

Courtesy:Google The main deity of Srirangam

Ganesa(Tamilians call Elephant as Ganesa0

Next we planned to Tirunageswaram as we have to perform Rahu puja during Rahukalam. As it was sunday and Rahukalam was by 4:30 we started immediately. As we took 3000/- ticket we were made sit in front of the diety.Here milk abhishekam is performed daily during Rahukaalam. At this time, the milk that is poured on the statue turns blue when it passes over the body and once again to white after it reaches the floor. We watched this wonder. This is also the only place wherein one can view Rahu bhagawan with his consorts.

After performing puja we started to Tanjore. The famous Brihadeeswara temple is situated here.It is the world's first complete granite temple and a brilliant example of the major heights achieved by Cholas kingdom Vishwakarmas in temple architecture. It is a tribute and a reflection of the power of its patron RajaRaja Chola. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Greta Living Chola Temples". Here not only the main deity Siva Lingam is very huge but al other statues of nandi, Dakshinamurthy are also so huge. After seeing this temple we could not stop praising our Indian architecture.

Front view of Tanjore temple

Dakshina Murthy Temple of Tanjore