Anand Buddha Vihara, Hyderabad - a stairway to...

 

Finding ABV a top Mahendra Hills in HYD should be a breeze on any day. Day that it. But if you are new in town, your navigator knows neither the place nor Telugu and the sun has long gone down, trust enthusiasm to take you far. Pretty far. Four detours and a hour behind, we made to the ABV. All smiles - for having found or having the Buddha watch over us, who knows...

Check the route before you head out as there are no markings to turn to Mahendra. That said, the small uphill ride starts building up the excitement. Why is it that generally all meditative places are built a top? Something about them looking down on us or we looking up ahead. Again, a question I have not tried to answer but which pops up every time I find such a place up hill.

While signboards 10 minutes before the place will guide you, the entrance itself has no placard to announce. Or may be it was the night. But your instincts will guide you there. You are greeted with a long flight of stairs to the entrance of the main meditative hall where the Buddha statue is seated. Surprisingly, I could not find a count of the steps but it sure must be worth someone's time.

The entrance boundary has a Buddha figurine on the inside that looks directly to the hall on the top. As you ascend the stairs, the vast openness of the space fills you. The mild breeze will ruffle through your hairs and the sweet smell of jasmine permeates through your senses. As you stop to feel this and turn, you will see the HYD skyline till as far naked eye can, that point where the concrete and asphalt meets the horizon and disappears. Enough motivation to climb all of the stairs to the main hall.

Night time. Just the three of us. And a large empty hall with the Buddha seated at the end. You can never find so much space and tranquility in a bustling city no matter what. Or may be we were just supposed to. I may not have observed it another day but standing there straight in his sight makes you pause. That brief, fleeting moment. Like all meditative places, it has the calming effect. Imagine if a hyperactive 2 year kid goes quiet.

Like most Buddha statues, this one too was in bronze and lotuses around it. Another question I am yet to get an answer to. With no one around at 8 pm, you could stand for long till the place closes down at 8:30 PM. I was told that religious ceremonies are performed from 5:30 pm onward and the crowd starts thinning at 7. The early hours will get you company, may be lots, and a better view of the skyline. Should you want to contribute, there is a donation box in the hall.

We did our bit and descended the stairs. Like everything in life, what you take away depends also on what you expected. For us, it was a calm and pleasant evening out. I may just come back for the ceremony and be one with the crowd.

LAS.

Wanderlist #1 - Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India

Credit: Photo of the Day, James P. Blair, 12 Dec 2009, Nat Geo Site

Why - One of the best birding areas in the world. 366 species. Aquatic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia.

What - Siberian crane, Pelicans, Greater Spotted Eagle, Herons, Ibis, Cormorants, Spoonbills, Storks.

When - October to March; winter season.

Where - Popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. At Ghana, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Along NH-11, Agra - Bikaner road. Bharatpur site. Rajasthan Tourism site.

How - Old Route: Delhi-Badarpur-NH 2-Faridabad-Palwal-Hodal-Kosi Kalan-Krishna Nagar-Take right from NH 2 to Mathura-Bharatpur road-Straight from Maharaja mansingh circle-Left from old power house circle-Right from Saras Circle to NH 11 Agra-Bikaner road-Hit entrance gate on the left. About 214 Km. 
New route: with the Yamuna Expressway functional, it is driver's delight. Delhi-Noida-Dadri road-Noida-greater Noida expressway-Right to join the Yamuna Expressway- Right for Hathras Mathura road-Left to join Bharatpur Mathura road-hits NH2-left to join Bharatpur Mathura road again and the rest as old route. About 227 Km.

Stay - Plenty of hotels for both the budget and lux traveller.

Status - In the works.

*Please verify information and plan your itinerary. Route and information subject to change. 

Rising Sun on the Horizon

Rising sun making its way. Circa 6:30 AM.

View from just ahead of Brar Square

on ring road enroute to Gurgaon

When was the last time you saw the sun rising at the far end and let the panoramic view of its hues pervade your senses? The work-life motion has a way of pushing out the small things to the edge. But then. How much of life is about the big things.

This was the morning of 13^th Oct. 2010, a Wednesday (yes, a working day). About 6:30 AM. I was driving down the ring road to Dhaula Kuan and had just crossed the Brar Square traffic light. When just out of nowhere the orange shades of a just-about-to-come-out sun painted my windscreen. On another day, I would have missed this. Call it a light mood. A low work load for a change. Whatever it was, it caught me unaware.

Stopping there to see the early orange wave give way to a vibrant yellow and then the eye piercing ray of a sun in full glory make an arc and move away beyond my gaze as a light, cool breeze ruffled my hair, it was pristine serenity.

All of it was over in under 5 minutes. But the feeling, that's gonna stay forever.

Get out. Catch the sun. LAS.

Binsar - a quite getaway

Binsar - District Almora, Uttaranchal

HASL    -           7,913 feet (2,412 meters)

Temp.   -           15°C - 4°C in winters

When    -           Peak of winters; towards Nov. - Dec.

If a mountain drive through thick growth and a bit of demanding uphill drive through what is not exactly road for a stretch, chill-to-the-bone winters, and don’t-want-to-do-much-else does for you, then count Binsar in.

You could almost fault Binsar for being quiet, alone, lone – any and all – and yet deeply like it for the same. For us Delhities raised on ample dose of Shimla for a winter getaway, your first trip could actually be unsettling. The only distraction it gives way to is the zero point which, only a clear day, provides you frontal views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks. While the view is akin to something on the horizon, it’s one of the few places to offer this. But more than this, the prize is the sunrise. The light spreads through the clouds in multiple hues of oranges, red, and yellow that lends to almost a transcendental experience. Though all of it is over in minutes, the fact of one standing completely wrapped up in near-zero temperature and braving chilly winds to watch the panoramic view unfold like that is perhaps not completely describable here. You just have to be there.

That apart, Binsar is said to be a veritable goldmine for birdwatchers. And that is quite believable given the absolutely thick growth. Even without a discerning ear, you will hear some peculiar chirp not entirely heard in the plains. But of course, this is a leisurely activity. There is also talk about a leopard that does the round and his cave.

As you move from Almora to Binsar, the temperature changes noticeably that owes not only to the difference in height (Almora is ~5,400 feet) and the steep climb, but to the dense growth of pine and oak that cuts you off from the city. The winding roads will lead you to an entry barrier about 15 – 20 minutes before you reach the KMVN guest house. If memory serves me, the barriers prohibit entry after 6 PM. On the hills, night comes pretty soon, more so in winters, and you don’t want bears for company. So much so that the windows at the KMVN guest house were covered with a lohay-ki-jaali.

Binsar is a bit less advertised and therefore less crowded. But that doesn’t mean you may find a bed during the season. When I went back in 2008, there were only three places to stay – Club Mahindra at the top end, the Mountain Resort at the mid, and the KNMN guest house for the budget traveler. While we were on a budget, KVMN is also a place that will accommodate you without a booking – it is really big. And you have to believe this – it does not have electricity! Yes, you read me right. The rooms have wooden flooring and candle light, which lends almost an old-time-royal touch to it. And don’t miss the view from the terrace. In peak winters, no amount of mittens and wrapping up does. Despite being all padded up, we needed three blankets. For those with a less tolerance for chill, advisable to carry brandy – I don’t remember a doc there and if you are driving, u want to warm to be able to drive back. And truly, you can’t enjoy the mountain, snow, and chill if you are not up to it.

The route from Delhi is the same you take for Nainital. This goes through Ghaziabad, Hapur bypass (don’t enter Hapur city on any account), Garhmukteshwar, Moradabad, Rudrapur, Rampur, Haldwani and to Kathgodam. From here, while the often taken route is through Jeolikot to Nainital and then to Bhowali, the problem is this Kathgodam-Nainital-Bhowali route is a bit longer and is almost a drive back from Nainital to Bhowali. You could either take the Kathgodam-Jeolikot-Bhowali route or the Kathgodam-Bhimtal-Bhowali one. From Bhowali, again, you could take the often treaded Bhowali-Khairna-Almora route or try Ramgarh-Sitla-Almora. If driving is your thing, the alternative routes are a welcome break. Once in Almora, remember to tank up for I don’t remember another pump on the way to Binsar. For Binsar, you have to take the road to Bageshwar and then take the right from Ayarpani.

The drive from Delhi to Binsar is between 400-450 KM depending on the route taken, and will take you about 12 hours by road. The speed lows down once you start driving on the kills from Kathgodam. Unless you are planning to halt in the middle and then reach Binsar during the day, start early – very early – in the morning.

Lastly, unless you are travelling in the summers, take a heavy stock of mittens. And if that doesn’t help, your Remy Martin / Hennesey will surely pull you through.

Godspeed. LAS.

It's Complicated - Movie Review

Year     -       2009

Cast      -      Meryl Streep (as Jane Adler), Alec Baldwin (as Jake Adler),

                    Steve Martin (as Adam)

Direct    -      Nancy Meyers (remember 'Something’s Gotta Give')

From     -      Universal Pictures

Do you still have something for your ex? The new guy who really likes you. And what if you felt something for him. What if your ex-husband went all out to woo you? What if the new guy finds you in a situation with the ex?

Jane Adler has a successful bakery. Three children, one of whom is leaving the home. A divorce from Jake. And a gang of girlfriends laughing away on being alone in bed. The movie opens with Jane and Jake at the marriage anniversary of a friend. They appear amicable and happy, when the camera rolls to Jake’s wife Agness (Lake Bell) with her youth in ample display and the reason for the divorce. Chance meeting between Jane and Jack at a bar in a New York hotel, where they are both staying at to attend their son’s graduation, leads to an evening of heavy drinking, great chemistry, dancing and eventual passionate night. Despite Jane thinking everything wrong about this, they continue to indulge without the others knowing (heart taking over the head; that’s familiar). Comes in Adam who’s designing Jane’s house after reading 47 of her mails and gets its just right. He is also coming to terms with his 2 and a ½ years of divorce. And immediately falls to the charms of Jane. Despite her age, which is in ample display but also makes her real, Meryl is sensational. Their excursions are interrupted when a BRB on a webcam chat suddenly has Adam seeing Jake naked. And we all know what happens next. Or do we?

Questions that beset all relationships. Answers that we have never had for sure. And paths we wished we’d taken.

It’s doesn’t get more complicated and hilarious than this. Marriage, divorce and everything in between (That’s a straight lift from the VCD back cover; couldn’t have said it better).

Why watch it – superb performances (read chemistry) by Streep and Baldwin and a not-so-complicated script that has you laughing. LAS.

Invincible - Movie Review

Year     -           2006

Cast      -           Mark Wahlberg (as Vence Papale), Elizabeth Banks (as Janet) and Greg
                         Kinnear (as Dick Vermeil)

Direct    -           Ericson Core

From     -           Walt Disney Pictures

If you have seen Shooter before you did this, you'd come to expect a lot from Mark Wahlberg. Nothing really stands out but you will like it anyways.

The movie is based on the real life story (1976) of Vince Papale of South Philadelphia. He is 30-year-old bartender. Broke. Loses his day job. And his wife walks out on him. What he does have in him is ample of football (rugby) – speed, heavy and hard, and presence of mind. And he is all for the Philadelphia Eagles. Night game wins at a muddy lot is enough for his friends to see the talent. So, when the coach for the struggling Eagles calls for open try outs, he gives it a shot. But that’s not before a whole lot of friendly pep talk to Vince, who knows he is old, has been a failure, and has never played ball – even at college.

From the lot that turns out, coach Vermeil chooses only one – Vince Papele. He’s fast. Can hold the ball. And dribble too. But most of all – he’s got character. And that is what the coach wants to build his team around. But Vince needs to surmount all odds to beat other professional under training to make it to the team. And for this, his only inspiration is the note left behind by his wife saying – he’s nothing and always will be nothing.

Despite the usual mix of hardship, love in difficult times (Elizabeth Banks who is a Giants fan), friends who care, etc., it lacks the inspirational glue and high intensity that conveys an individual’s supreme victory over immense personal challenges. The slow pace of the movie does not help either. But you do have some true football towards the end. And a good background score.

Why watch – Mark Wahlberg and Elizabeth Banks, couple of scene where you see what Wahlberg is all about, slow pace that builds the character, absence of clichés.

Why skip – nothing invincible about it.

It you’re looking for inspiration, watch We Are Marshalls. LAS.

Zipping at Neemrana

Date                 -           5^th September 2010

Coordinates       -           Neemrana Fort, Alwar

Time for trip      -           Sunrise to before sunset

Cost/person       -           INR 999 for zipping;

                                     INR 1400 total

Exhilaration        -           To the hilt!

If you live by the rush of adrenalin, then zipping must come somewhere among the top sports to be pursued. While other recreational sports (such as paragliding) would have you as a spectator, this is a bit of a surprise. It leaves you to your own accord (alone – yes, no coach to tag along!) to get most out of the experience. And that’s what makes this interesting.



The author suspended on zip #2 - Where Eagles Dare



Conducted by Flying Fox (http://www.flyingfox.asia/index.aspx) at Neemrana Fort, it has you suspended on aerial cables (i.e., zip-lines) to traverse the length through a mix of gravity, wind speed and a bit of self maneuvering. Sounds easy? Wait for the ground to slip away from beneath your feet and seeing yourself suspended mid-air for 400 meters, with dense green growth, mountain valley and a scenic fort below and the blue skies above. All to yourself. Each of the ziplines have a name – the 2^nd one of 400m is called 'Where Eagles Dare'.

The author & his friend Hem entrusting

their life in hands of Paul, the instructer

Once at the fort, it takes about 2 hours to complete the experience. You have the mandatory bond to sign – a process almost customary with all professionally managed sports that have an element of adventure. Then comes padding up of the gear (safety comes first), which makes for quite a sight in itself. Starting here, you’ll have quite a few photo ops for those with a thing for the camera. And off you are on a small trek to the first zip.

Yes – you read it right. Because it uses gravity, the coach takes you right to the hill top. While it’s not much of a distance, it may have even the fittest puffing a few times enroute. If it’s a gang of you going together (10 per session allowed), this promises to be fun. The top-end of the trek has a worn out Qila and you will invariable hear – Qila Fateh! (battle won) And aptly so.

To make sure that you get most out of the zip, Flying Fox has a mock session at the Qila. Pay attention, follow the instruction and you’ll be able to find your bearing even in mid-air. Although I have to say, it’s nothing like the real thing. The fact that you have ground beneath, friends around and coach at hand – it doesn’t sink in.

And this immediately gives way to the 1^st zipline. And there are a total of 5 to do! If you thought they were all alike, try and see. Each differs for its length, height and speed and thus makes up for a complete package. The 2^nd zip at 400m is supposedly the longest in South Asia (I hope I got that right). And one of the others has steep decline that gives you less time to make sense. The fact that you can better your zip experience by managing the maneuver counts for a lot. A well executed one makes you want for more. But so does a not so good one.

And before you realize it, you are zipping down the 5^th line towards closure. All under 2 hours at the fort.



A view from the Hawa Chhat



Given the relatively small time this takes, it leaves you with time to amble around the fort. Or try the tea served on the Hawa Mahal chhat. A visit to the fort is not complete without 2 things. A dekko at the Deva Mahal – Neemrana’s most expensive suite. The staff was most courteous to make that possible and I thank the lady at the front desk for this. And the Hawa Chhat for a complete panoramic view of the fort and its surroundings; not to forget the strong breeze that may hit you. We had showers that day and a strong wind blowing, making the Hawa Chhat simply awesome. More time and you could idle away your evening on the chhat and not know of it. Pleasure that spoils you.

We started from Rohini, crossed the Gurgaon toll, on to Manesar, Shahjahanpur toll (well before Behror), when a sign on the highway announces a right turn for Neemrana fort. This makes up for about 130 kms one way, which we covered a good under 2.5 hours, including a 45 minute halt for breakfast. The highway – NH 8 -  would allow for multiple stretches for a spirited driving. However, what you don’t like is a complete lack of dhabas worth their name. There is a McDonald around Manesar on the highway and that may be your best bet enroute to Neemrana. Your time commitment comes to about 9.5 hours (~5 hours of driving, 3 hours at the fort and 1.5 hours) for halts on the way; which means you can be home by high tea if you’ve started early in the morning.

While all are welcome, the sport has restrictions on age, height and weight. Do check before you book.

The cost of the sport makes it worth it too. They were offering a 40% concessional rate of INR 999 per person if booked in advance and online, against the full price of INR 1660. This includes INR 500 as entry fee to the fort. They have deals going on for weekdays and weekends for a stipulated group size. Despite the worth-it price, the whole process of booking it is a bit disappointing (and I am being mild at it). Their mobile contact number has lot of interference and call dropping making it near impossible to talk! I suggest you call on the land line if you want to get hold. But it did not end here. You have to pay them in USD! – which completely beats me. An Indian traveler contracting a service in India has to pay for in foreign currency and incur the conversion charges. Not that it adds to much, but this is unheard of. I sure hope they offer an INR payment option as well.

That said, the experience will leave you exhilarated. While bungee jumping and parachuting would still be at the forefront for the steel hearted, for budding enthusiasts, this is definitely worth the time and money.

Godspeed. LAS.

Gear     -           Light clothing fit for sports, sport shoes, and camera

Season  -          Cooler the better. Preferably a windy day

Slot       -          Get the early morning slots if in summers

Must     -           Lots of heart!