Matheran, the forest on forehead!

Matheran, the forest on forehead!

(19^th and 20^th February 15)

I wonder why each time I planned a trip to Matheran with my friends didn’t get materialize! Being the nearest hill station (just 90 kms) from Mumbai, we would be like,”Yeh toh paas he hai yaar, next time.” And next time, we had no idea when would it come.  Then in the middle week of February, Angmo, one of my friends from Leh visited Mumbai, and I had to be her guide for Mumbai darshan for five days. After showing her around for two days, I just felt that there’s nothing special left to show her. So I just thought,” Why not Matheran this time?” I asked her, and she just blurted,”Kahin bhi le ja yaar!” Hmm! This is how Matheran happened.

We boarded 8:35 am local to Dadar, from where we had to change train for Neral, from where a mini train goes to Matheran. But when we reached Neral at 11:15 am, the train had already left, and the next train was scheduled at 5:00 pm in the evening. So, we traveled by a shared taxi, which charged Rs. 70 per person.   The drive was all fun, and at some points I felt as if I was travelling back home to Kinnaur; the same winding and curvy roads, leading up and up with beautiful sceneries around. Had it been Monsoon, we would have come across many enchanting and beautiful waterfalls running down the lush green ridges’. But at this time of the year, it was all barren and dry, but was different and beautiful in its own place.

Well, on reaching Matheran, we came to know that no automobiles are allowed once you enter the town. You have three options; either walk or ride a horse or a hand pulled cart. We dropped our bags in our Hotel, got fresh, had lunch in a nearby Restaurant in the Market, and set on our feet to explore the beauty of the town. Wonder what, it is Asia’s only automobile free hill station and smallest hill station of our country. The major attractions of it are  given in the form of points; giving names to them depending upon their locations and specialties’, like; Monkey point, lords point, sunset point,, echo point, honeymoon point, khandala point etc. etc.

Walking, talking, carrying a map and asking to the passersby to re-confirm the track, we started with our points after point’s exploration. I am not going into the details of the points, as it’s going to be quite lengthy, and as I told you the Goddess of laziness is still hanging on my head. So, just putting up the pictures-

 

(After alighting at Dasturi, we boarded mini shuttle train from Aman lodge to Matheran (3 kms)

(The Khandala point, from where you can have a distant view of Khandala & other hills)

(At small beautiful Chorlette Lake, we took out time to rest; no wonder we had been walking through the jungle like hungry wild animals searching for food)

 

(Lord’s point, giving us a beautiful view of cluster of valleys. From here you can see the Prabal fort, but on a misty day like that, we couldn't see the fort clearly. But beauty was sparsely spread all around, filling our tummies with awe)

(Honeymoon point; we took it as a point specifically designed for couples on a honeymoon, but later we came to know that its because of the honey bees, and the name has been given so as to attract the tourists. LOL)

 

(Malang point; we were super excited once we reached Malang point, for its openness and picturesque valley view.)

(Porcupine point/Sunset Pont; Name due to its shape resembling to a bird Porcupine and gives a clear view of sunset. It’s the highlight of our trip. The last point for the day, and we sat there for more than one hour, lost in the beauty of cathedral rocks, nearby mounts and vales and watching sun to go deep down. The Mount seemed really like a huge bird, gulping the little innocent sun down its throat.)

We were so engrossed in the beauty that we didn't realize when it became dark, and only two of us were left there. When we realized it, we quickened our pace and walked briskly. We had no idea whether we were on right track or not, but kept walking, taking an instinctive route at every diversion. There were no landmarks, no arrows and we both felt what if we would get lost in the forest. LOL There was no trace of human, and pin drop silence around with some birds chirping at some interval, made the whole scenario quite dramatic. We took a sigh of relief, when we saw a house with lights on. A maid was sweeping the dust at the corridor; and we asked her if we were on right track for the Market and how far still we had to go? She nodded and said,”20 minutes.  Hmm! We double quickened our pace, as it was the lone house and after that again, there was nothing around, but us.  After 10-15 minutes’ walk I guess, we could see more lights, and met a kid coming back from tuition on the way, confirmed from him the route, and soon we felt we were in safe zone, when from far end we could see the multiple lights of the Market. Then at last we slowed our pace, and loosened our tightened muscles. I guess we would have walked more than 3 kms of jungle walk. We shall never ever forget this one. It really was a ‘WALK TO REMEMBER”. (Sigh)

Day 2:

(Alexander Point; the point for peace lovers. A good view of Rambaug point , Garbut point, Chowk point and a village, so we didn’t have to cover all the points. ;-)

After walking for 3 kms from our Hotel to Dasturi, finally we decided to ride horses to go to Panorama point, which was another 2 kms, to save our time, as we had to be free by Noon to return back to Mumbai, and glad that we took the right decision.) It was the main point I had been eyeing on the Map, located at the northernmost tip of the town. It’s from here that you can have a panoramic view of Western Ghats, Neral town, Bhivpuri etc. It’s the only point, where not even a single vendor for eatables and water is available. So, if you are planning to trek up to this point, please don’t forget to carry enough drinking water with you.

 

(The horse ride to the Panorama point; the Sunrise point)

It has been another A-Awesome trip for me, and I hope Angmo felt the same, though she complained of the muscle pains in her thighs and feet. Lol. She will never forget this, I guarantee and neither shall I. (all Smilesss J J J ) 

Ujjain Yatra: Friend’s wedding & Mahakal darshan

Ujjain Yatra: Friend’s wedding & Mahakal darshan

(6^th to 8^th February 2015)

Well, this is the fourth and last wedding of our house; I mean our house in Mumbai, where we five of us have been putting up together since last 2 and half years. Sweta got married in May 2014, Lovely in August 2014, Rishika in December, 2014, and now finally it’s Deepali in February 2015. So, it's like back to back wedding in one family; family, because, we stay together in our Mumbai Flat more than in our respective houses, due to our jobs, so we are family in that sense. Cute, I know. But one of the family members, Lovely got her transfer last Month, to go back to her home town in Kerala. We all are also trying for our transfers as well, especially the married ones. ;-) I hope and pray that they get it soon, so that they can start their new lives happily with full love and commitment.

So, coming back to Deepali's wedding, we were all set and super exited; to travel to the centre of the Country. Rishika and I left from Office, to Mumbai Central to catch 7:00 pm Avantika Express to Ujjain. Mayuri, one of our friends joined us at the station. This was my third journey by a train, and first by 3^rd A.C., so, you shouldn't be wondering if I would ask some silly questions to my friends, like, why they are giving us towels, 2 bed sheets, blankets etc. ;-) I know, I had a Child's curiosity, but I loved their explanation as well as teasing and leg pulling. Lol

The 12 hrs train journey was quite smooth. We had our dinner, sat for a while chatting and then curled into our sleeper seats. We reached Ujjain at around 8 o'clock. Deepali's Dad and Prateek's friends were there to pick us up. Oh let me tell you, Prateek is Deepli's fiancé. As we already know him, so he is also like a friend by now. They dropped us to Ruchishree Garden, where the marriage was to be solemnized and also the reception. Rooms had been pre-booked for us. So, we dropped our bags, opened the window curtain and got face to face with the beautiful view outside; vast fields full of green vegetation. Mayuri and Rishika, who had never seen fields in their lives, got super exited and curious. So what, we had time at our disposal, and we ran towards it. Aditya, one of Deepali and Mayuri's friends, also joined us. We walked along the fields; some of which were corn fields while others were of grain or wheat. It was a real memorable walk, and I loved every bit of it, for it got me back to my own memories of my home and it was like getting back to nature, especially getting back to my own true self. The Mantra- Zamin se jude raho, really has some power to connect to.

'Welcome back to nature"

As the marriage was on next day, we had our entire day, before attending the Reception from Prateek's side in the evening. So, we decided to pay a visit to Mahakal temple after getting fresh and after filling our empty stomachs. By then, Sweta also reached from Pune. We all got fresh turn by turn, after which Prateek gave a call for breakfast. And the breakfast, Ujjaini special Poha and Jalebi: we just attacked the entire buffet table and ate like anything. We loved the Poha, and each one of us, were like “Wow, it's Yumm”. 'Oh don't tell me, your mouth is also watering?’:P

 Mayuri and Aditya had to wait for their other friends to come, so after breakfast, Sweta, Rishika and I left for the Mahakal Temple. We took an Auto from the Highway and drove off for the destination and reached in just 10-15 mnts, and there we were, at one of the most reverenced and most visited temple of India. I just wondered when people, whom I had told that I’ll be going to Ujjain to attend a wedding, would immediately say ‘Oh, go to Mahakal temple for sure!’ Then later I came to know that in India we have 12 temples, where Lord shiva’s spirit, in the form of jyoti (light) lives, which is called ‘Jyotirling’ and Mahakal temple is one of those 12 special temples of India. We deposited our bags, cameras, mobiles in the security, and entered the temple complex. They have the most secure safe systems, giving one locker to us, where we keep our own things, lock it and take the key along. And for it to be safer, they take the picture of the depositor and later when we go to collect out stuffs, they match it with our face. And also you receive instant message on your mobile with date and time of deposition and collection. Cool na! In a country like ours, this was for the first time that we experienced such a safety. In a nutshell, we cannot enter the temple with our bags and all, but just ourselves. There was a long queue now once we had entered, and we had to keep moving in through the serpentine style iron railings, and it was quite long and never ending; like one end comes, another would start, and going down and down, later we reached the main complex, which was quite under the basement. To make the darshan easy and less crowded, the offering of milk to the Linga is made from quite far, sending it through some iron pipe, which leads down on the top of linga and the milk keeps falling proportionately on it. Once we could see the linga from far away, it was all amazing; it would have been around two and half feet big, and we could see the red part of the linga, which symbolizes the jyot of Shiva, hence ‘Jyotirling’. The air around felt quite divine and peaceful, but we felt disappointed when we came to know that no one is allowed to go near the Linga and touch it for reverence, but looking at it from far and praying was the only option we had. But never mind, we felt satisfied in that also. Coming out of the main complex from other end, we climbed the steps to reach outside and came to the most amazing sight ever; temples-temples all around; all of them beautiful and neat. Though there were lots of people around, but still there was peace. We visited some of the temples, sat there for quite a while and then came out of it, feeling fully satisfied and blessed. And finally I realized why Ujjain or Avantika is called one of the sacred cities of India.

 

"Blessed by the Bholenath Himself"

Then, we went to another temple, Harsundri Mata temple, dedicated to Shakti, which was at 10 mnts walking distance from there. It was less crowded, and there’s no need to deposit our bags, so we took our time to wander around, admire the temple and take photos as well. It was already about 1:00, so taking the blessings we returned to the guesthouse.

"At the abode of Shakti; the power"

By then we were tired and hungry, so we jumped towards the lunch buffet, and had the fill of our gases. ;-) We still had time at our disposal, so we took some nap, before Deepali, the bride reached at around 3:00 pm. We were called straight to the Pooja, a ceremony called ‘Namaskar ceremony’ in which the Bride and groom would sit separately turn by turn and the new in-laws and relatives would give their blessings and some gifts called ‘Shagun’ to the bride and groom.

 

"Namaskar or shagan ceremony"

In the evening, we all were ready for the reception; all well dressed in Indian traditional attire. As my friends would hardly get a chance to see me in suit and make up, they took full advantage of the occasion and did little make-up on me, thus turning me to a beautiful Indian lady. Lol I hardly can digest that side of me, but for friends I don’t mind it once in a while. Such occasions do not come every day. ;-)

The reception was grand, the food was yum, people around looked cheerful and above all the bride and groom looked beautiful and perfect together, standing on dais to receive everyone’s wishes and blessings, smiling all the time. God bless them. J

 

"The Grand Reception"

After the reception, we waited for the clock to tick at 12:00 as it was Deepali’s birthday on 8^th. A big yum cake was already ready, and the couple cut the cake, once Prateek’s cousins fired some rockets into the sky. She graciously accepted everybody’s wishes and offered chunks of cakes to each one of us. J

"A very happy b'day & wish you a beautiful and happy life ahead. God bless ya Deepali."

The next morning, as my friends were busy getting ready, Namrata, one of Prateek’s friends and I went and joined the Baraat procession of Prateek. Here, the groom was all set, wearing groom’s attire, and riding on a horse, while all the family, friends and relatives danced on the tune of band. Prateek’s Mom gestured us to dance as well, and we felt quite shy doing that, though later on we did. :-P

 

"Raja ki aayi baraat!!"

The actual marriage ceremony was solemnized in two parts; the first was Varmala ceremony, in which first the Bride and groom stood side by side, facing each other, while a sheet was used as a partition till the Pandit ji finised the Mantra. And then they put varmala, floral garland on each other’s neck.

 

"the varmala ceremony"

In the second ceremony, the bride was made to wear ‘Nauvari Saree’ a kind of Marathi saree, which has to be tied peculiarly like a dhoti; the centre of sari being placed at centre back, the two ends brought together and wrapped around the legs. It seemed quite difficult for the wearer, but Deepali looked beautiful and comfortable in that attire too. Then she was taken to the Mandap, where Prateek had been already seated. This was the real culmination of their marriage, in which the Pandit ji recited all the holy mantras, performed all the rituals. He made the couple stand up in between and take fere, while he recited the mantras. In this way, finally Deepali and Prateek tied the knot.

 

"Soulmates united!" :-)

The marriage ceremony was over before lunch. We got time to take rest and talk to Deepali for some times, before she was called once again to go to the temple.

"Cheers- all smiles" :-)

As we had our train at 5:00 pm, we left at 4:30 pm for station. Thus with beautiful memories of wedding and Ujjain yatra, we are back to Mumbai. Overall this trip was also A-Awesome! J

Winter Break 2015 ; Chandigarh-Dehradun

Winter Break 2015 ; Chandigarh-Dehradun (17^th Jan to 31^st Jan. 2015)

The past 4-5 weeks have been quite busy; travelling, outing, breaks, office and friend's marriage etc. , and I hardly got time to sit back and update my blog, as well as to maintain my diary as the goddess es of tiredness and laziness had been sitting constantly on my head. :P

Well, like every year, the beginning of the year outings and trips have been with my family. As this time I didn't explore much of the new places, I am limiting this blog to some pictures only, and avoiding long descriptions of incidents, for all had been already described in last year’s blog. (Don't call me lazy plz) ;)

In the first week of January 2015, my sister and her friend visited Mumbai, and I became a good guide for them, taking them to places I have already been to. As theirs was the first ever visit to Mayanagri, their feelings were the same as mine when I first came to Mumbai; wonder-struck at the crowd, local, rush and race, pushes and pulls, and when does the city sleeps' kind of feelings. Lol

        (Mumbai Darshan dobara with sisters; Temples, caves, pagoda, beaches, filmcity, 

                      and highlight of their trip was, the visit to Global Vipassana Pagoda, 

                                           for the peace and serenity it provided.)

After 4-5 days stay with me, they left for their destinations next; Nasik, shirdi and Ajanta Ellora. And on 17^th January I also left Mumbai for my real winter break to Dehradun and Chandigarh. I had the most amazing and memorably peaceful two weeks of my life. So, here goes the photographs. ;-)

      (My two Nephews were just waiting for me at Chandigarh, so that they could take me 

       to Elante Mall and play games. Then what, I had lunch and went straight to the Mall 

       with them and fulfilled their expensive wishes.) lol :-D

 (Next day, on 18^th Dad dropped me and my niece to Dehradun, and had some 

          light and memorable moments with him.) J

 (Here I am, once again, back to my relaxing zone, my comfort zone, my wake up at 8:30 zone.

           It’s like landing back to the ground after whole year’s continuous flight) :-)

                       (An instant meeting with friends, who were in Doon to attend a friend’s wedding, 

                        and a quick little and unplanned outing to Musssorie, the nearest hill station from Doon. 

                        We had a memorable foggy, cloudy and chilly eve-out) :-)

       (Santla Devi; my favorite weekend gateway during my Diploma days in Doon. 

       I took my niece cum friend Rinzin for a quick little trek of 2 kms to it, and relived

       the memories. And a con-incidental meeting with Ashutosh, who just got married, 

      gave me a chance to wish him too. 

      Perfect time, perfect trek, perfect sun and perfect feelings.) :-)

 (Another instant outing to Haridwar; the holy town, the abode of Ganga Mata, 

   with Maa, sis, and niece. We all had a great time there.) :-)

      (And before leaving Doon, one day we paid a visit to my paternal aunt and cousins 

        at cousin’s nunnery & shared instant and mutual joy of togetherness.) :-)

        (A quick touch to the Magical water of sahastardhara, with its medicinal properties, 

           which is another favorite of mine during summers. ) ;-)

             (The rendezvous with my friends Anju and Annie and their little niece at Rose Garden, 

         Chandigarh. It was another amazing and memorable day with lovely people at a lovely place.)

                                   (The last night of freedom with my lovely neigbours, with delicious kinnaur 

                                     special chilta and some movies.) :-)

Like always, this winter break has also been the best break of my life. With bags full of sweet and unforgettable memories to cherish for lifetime, now I am back to Mumbai, to my work. Here I take the opportunity to thank God for all the good times, and my family and friends for being there for me and making my break just A-Awesome! J Keep smiling