Get Set Go Andaman

Itinerary:

There are direct flights to Port Blair only from Chennai,Kolkatta and Delhi.We started from Kempegowda International Airport,Bangalore at around 7.30 AM and reached around 8.45 AM at Kamaraj International Airport,Chennai.Then we boarded in Spice jet Boeing flight around 12 PM from chennai and reached Port Blair around 1.45 PM.It takes approximately 90 minutes from the take off time to landing at Veersavarkar International Airport,Port Blair.

Andaman & Nicobar islands are close to Indonesia,Thailand than to Indian main land.It's situated in Bay of Bengal,South-East of Indian main land.

What Not-to-miss
Catch a glimpse of aerial view of Andaman Ialands while landing and take off.It's such a breathtaking lovely scene. Emerald green and blue color sea around the archipelago excites you to devour the whole island in one sight.

Glimpse of Andaman

Andaman island has some magic spell in it,once it casts upon us it takes quite some time to get over.The land is not flat so you can see houses constructed little over hill top from the land.Roads are tidy and wide.No traffic signals hence manual regulation by traffic police.I was taken back by not hearing any cuss words yelling by cab drivers.Quite contrary to Bangalore.We had a driver who was arranged by the travel agent,he had an ethics of not accepting the tips.Apparently native of Andamans has carefree attitude,living at this moment,time for everything.They are quite convinced over only one functioning ATM at some part of Island and not fretting over the things which are not easily available to them.But we tend to complain for not getting 4G,scheduled power cuts etc.Nicobar islands are inaccessible to tourists.This is mainly because people living in Nicobar islands are tribals.

Languages spoken:

In Port blair some people speak Tamil and saw a Kamaraj Statue on the way from Airport to Shompen Hotel,Port Blair.Few shops have Tamil names as well.Felt little proud on seeing this as am being a Tamilian.Port Blair is the capital and largest city in Andaman & Nicobar.Mainly people speak bengali and hindi.They do understand and speak English also.

Do you Know?
Islands in Andaman & Nicobar are named after British Generals.There is one Active volcano in India which is in Barren Island,Andaman.

Day 1:

Corbyn's Cove beach

We began with Corbyn's cove as we started around early evening and it was good time to get a glimpse of Sea.We embarked in Jet Sking as soon as our feet touched beach sands.Safety measures like wearing jackets in any of the water sports are followed strictly and guide accompany us all the time.Supervisors of guides also monitors for any faulty jackets imposed on tourist.They are quite scared for media as small bad incidents might affect their business.Though my jacket was not buckled  from the beginning i was composed through out the 10 minute journey of skimming through waters.

Those moments where water splashes on you and the taste of salt water makes you to let your hair down for few days.Those adrenaline rushes keeps you going for any adventure activities.

I sat front by keeping hands near to accelerator and clutched the front part.From the pillion guide rode one way from the shore till few metres away from Snakes island and allowed me to ride back to shore.Riding on sea waters is very tough as waves change incessantly and you keep jumping up and down as if you are dancing to waves with only one move.

Walking barefoot on beach sands piqued in and continued walking with slippers in hand.Lot of things happening around me,sun is setting at one end,lot of photo sessions going on,beach was thronged with honeymoon couples and family group.Children were too excited to get drenched fully in shallow  water in the shore.

Climb up the stairs of the compound wall around the beach and you can see lot of stalls for refreshments,decorative pieces made of shells,conch shells,tender coconut vendors,chaat items etc.There are benches on sides where you can lay down and enjoy doing nothing by paying Rs.10 per hour.

That's it for day 1 of Andaman trip.

Day 2:

Havelock Island

It's the most visited of the Andaman islands and is popular for its beaches and offers good scuba diving.

We set sail for Havelock island from port blair through Makruzz ferry at 8 AM.The ferry cost is bit high end compared to state run ferries but infrastructure is worth it.We got front row seats in the lower deck which gives more panoramic view around the sea.Obviously the view attracts photo maniac people and you get to see the madness around you.The Crowd was entertaining by itself.Lot of old couples in a group were very excited by taking videos of the whole journey,delved deeply in the mesmerizing videos of havelock island shown in Tv. Finally it reached Havelock around 9.30 AM .Beaches are named in numbers here.The arrival port is beach #1.

The resort was near by beach so after refreshment we took a stroll in the private beach.Had quite a time in hand as we planned to go Radhanagar beach by 3 PM.There were hammocks to take a nap,bamboo swings and the stretch of beach with lagoons.The scene begun to set in ourselves, the sun was scorching to get into water.Yet few people with kids were playing joyfully in little distant from shore.I was gazing around by sitting in swings and benches.A kid was building castle with the help of his sister,family was taking lunch in beach side,massage area with no customers on the other end.

Radha Nagar Beach

The Radha Nagar beach of Andamans was chosen as Asia’s best Beach in 2004.The beach is famous for sun set point.One can see the madness of honeymoon couples in this beach as well.There are small huts and paddock tree benches far away from the shore where you can relax.Foreigners were taking sun bath in the shore.Beach sands are pristine white and water is turquoise green.The beaches were very clean and its maintained very well.It's sin if you do not get drenched in the sea water.When beach calls you better answer it.Waves were getting higher and higher towards evening.No one is allowed inside water after 5 PM.There is a changing room and toilets if you want to use it.

Tender coconut stalls,chaat items,many eateries,souvenir shops are available on the road side for refreshments.

Andaman gets darker very early and day begins early as well.Sunset was as beautiful as in any other place but the difference is we have time here to witness.

There is only one ATM in the Havelock island and it runs out of cash super fast.Cash loads in only at scheduled time so park cash with you in port blair itself.

We went back to Resort by 6 PM.Got freshen up and took a stroll around the resort till dinner time.Bunches of stars were spreaded across the sky and its good place for star gazing.I could find little Dipper in the sky.Day 2 was wrapped up in complimentary dinner at the resort.Then we played cards at room before dozing off.

 Part II of the trip in the next post.

10k Steps a day

Start wearing pedometer or use any app like Pacer as we are tied to our mobile these days and monitor your steps  in the app at the end of the day.Most of the IT professionals will be having 2k to 3k steps at max must be recorded if you have cut down taking elevator.If you take stairs then you could have scored 500 steps more (Assume its 2 floors).

Schedule:
1.Walk for 30 mins in the morning 1.5k steps
2,Take stairs to reach your cubicle 0.5k steps
3.Take 20 mins walk after lunch 1k steps
4,Take stairs while leaving office 0.5k steps

5.Walk for 45 mins to 1 hour in the evening 2.5k steps

This way your sedentary style will be changed to little active and always  strive for 10k as a daily goal.You can break up your steps into any number of step increments that suits you.Monitor your steps in the pedometer or fitness app for a week and then introduce little changes in the way you move around at your work place and you will be surprised by how seemingly little changes have added up more steps in achieving 10k steps a day.

Walking is definitely not an exercise.Daily you should move around to avoid risking many diseases.Sitting more than 8 hours with very little walk land you into risk of falling for Type 2 diabetics.

Research says that Lifespan of people who walk 2 minutes every one hour will be increased by 33% than who do not.

What are you waiting for still? Just get up from your seat and walk around.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal stands as an epitome for Chalukyan architecture.It was once capital for Chalukyas.There are many small shrines along with major shrines in the Pattadakal complex.You can see four Nagara style temples as well as four Dravidian style temples and one a fusion of both styles.


1.Virupaksha temple


Style:Dravidian




Built by :Lokamahadevi


Reason:To commemorate the victory of her husband Vikramaditya II over pallavas of kanchi.


What one can see:It's mainly shaiva temple and all the pillars outside prahara are engraved with stories related to Shiva.Even some pillar has Vishnu,harihara,shiva and Parvathi reliefs etc.There is a large nandhi shrine facing the north of this temple.


2.Mallikarjuna temple


Style:Dravidian


Built by :TriLokyamahadevi


Reason:It's also built to commemorate the victory of her husband Vikramaditya II over pallavas of kanchi.


What one can see:Pillars inside mantapa has stories of Mahabharata,Ramayana and many moral stories.It's smaller in size compared to Virupaksha but inside temple speaks a lot with your eyes.Whereas Virupaksha temple's outer prahara speaks lot to us.


These are the two main temples am attracted to








3.Galaganatha Temple


Style:Nagara


This temple is incomplete but shows Nagara style


4.Jambulinga temple and Kadasiddheshwara temple


Situated behind the Galaganatha temple.


Style:Nagara


5.Sangameshwara temple

It's the oldest temple in Pattadakal.


To read more,please check out Ancient India page.

Ruins of Hampi

We stayed in Mayura Bhuvaneshwari Hotel which is Run by KSTDC in Kamalapur,located just 15kms from Hospet(Nearest Railway station to go around places like Hampi,Pattadakal,Aihole,Badami).

Hampi or Hampe was capital for Vijayanagara empire.These are ruins and with the help of guide,our imagination takes us to the kingdom once flourished in diamonds,gold,culture,literature and especially architectures.Vijayanagara empire chosen hampi as its capital which is a good strategy as one side surrounded by Tungabadra river,other side hemakutta hills.This is the reason why Hampi still has traces of its richness in land.

We booked KSTDC trip for one day to see all ruins of Hampi and started with visiting Virupakshi temple first.You can have guide as well as a part of this trip (Rs.600 per head and Guide cost-Rs.30/- per head).Through out the day we see many people go around in bicycles for checking these ruins.If you know the history and the places then you can prefer cycle otherwise its better to have a package with Auto (Rs.800-900/- for a day trip excluding Guide )

1.Virupakshi temple

   Sun,moon,pig and sword is an emblem of Vijayanagara empire and is engraved in a pillar after the entrance.There are many columns before the entrance which was bazaar during krishnaraja rayar era.Those shops used to sell diamonds,gold etc in litres. Our guide has good knowledge in History and interested in travelling to many places.He is good in narrating too. He is a multi linguist,speaks french as well.There are many french tourist flocking Hampi.

This temple was not affected by invaders as it was showing islamic style also inside the temple.And also pig in the emblem stopped them to damage any of the temple's parts.It's still used in Worship as it's the one which is not affected among the ruins.

Guide took us to show one mystery where you can see the shadow of main gopuram which is inverted.It's called pin hole effect(not sure how it was possible at that era).

2.Kadlekalu ganesha

A big ganesha monolithic statue built and there is a little damage in the belly so there is no worship.Belly is in chick pea shape hence its name(Kadle in kannada means Chick pea).There is a open mantappa before the sanctum and its pillars are carved with many characters and from here you can see the virpaksha temple in a different view and this is a point where you can take in a good view of Hampi Bazaar.

3.Sasuganesha

One more little ganesha statue and its well protected by guards so did not enjoy much there

4.Krishna temple

It was to mark the victory over orissa king  by Krishnaraja.This is partly collapsed temple and no functioning here as well.Bala Krishna statue of this temple is currently in Madras museum.There is  a pillared hall with many different Yali .Outside this temple complex there is a donation box made in a stone with inlet and outlet. 

5.Hampi museum-where u can see musical pillars which is in Vijaya Vittala temple but can't be touched by common people as its protected by guards to avoid much more damage to the ruins.There is model of hampi also.

6.Vijay vittala temple

Here is where you can see the beautiful stone chariot.It is one among 3 places in India (1.Konark temple,Orissa  2.Mahabalipuram,chennai 3.Vijaya vittala temple,Hampi)where you can see stone chariots.It takes atleast one hour to see all the pillars of the mantapa here.There are so many sub stories of Ramayana in each pillars and many yalis in the brackets of each pillar.Not one eye is enough to enjoy the beauty of this temple.Here is where you can see the musical pillars which you can touch and hear in Museum but not allowed in this temple to avoid further damage.The wheels of stone chariot were once movable but Government has put cement to block its movement to avoid damage by people.It is not a monolithic structure and built with many granite blocks.The joints are hidden by decorative carvings and still you can see fresco paintings with red,green color traces even after ages.There is a small vishnu statue inside shrine in the chariot.Elephant stone statues are positioned infant of chariot.These were brought from somewhere since there were horses originally positioned in that place whose legs are still visible.

This is completely ruins and your imagination is the guide plus boss to look around this place.There is a beautiful pushkarni-step well tank,the first step from top has a design repeated for 7 times then followed by second step with a repeated design for 5 times then next step with repeated design thrice and last step with repeated design once.

7.Queen's bath

Kingdoms were that rich hence they built a palace in Indo islamic style just for queen to take bath during summer time.There is a temple near to palace so that after taking bath queen can go to temple and dance over there.This palace is only for the present queen and not for any of the queens.

8.Elephant stable 

9.Lotus mahal

It's a summer palace which is surrounded by a water pool .Pillared hall whereas inside pillars are not void.Guide told us there would be small way inside pillar for the water to go around which makes it cool.Even pillars were constructed in such a way it would be cool throughout the summer.There would have been curtains made of pearls which also adds attribute for cool breeze.Such a care for Queen after all she is Queen.One can see Watch tower,well around this Lotus mahal.

10.Underground shiva temple-This was built for longevity of  parents of king krishnaraja.

Recommended Guide:

Mr.Shekar,reach him @ 91 94838 49255.He takes your imagination and you will thoroughly enjoy the history.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Have determined to visit all these sites in India.

Cultural (25)

1. Agra Fort (1983)
2. Ajanta Caves (1983)
3. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
4. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
6. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Done
7. Elephanta Caves (1987)
8. Ellora Caves (1983)
9. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
10. Great Living Chola Temples (1987)     Need to Revisit
11. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)   Done
12. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
13. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)   Done
14. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
15. Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
16. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
17. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
18. Mountain Railways of India (1999)
19. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
20. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
21. Red Fort Complex (2007)
22. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
23. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
24. Taj Mahal (1983)
25. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)

Natural (7)

1. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
2. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
3. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
4. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks  (1988)
6. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
7. Western Ghats (2012)

Badami Cave Part II

You can read Part I of this blog Badami Cave Part I
Cave 2 : Dedicated to Vishnu.

Cave 2 is similar to Cave 1 in structure.You can see Vishnu's Varaha avatar rescuing Bhudevi and Trivikrama (who won three worlds,Tri-Three and Vikrama means conquered) are largest reliefs in outer verandah of Cave 2.Ceilings had paintings of mythological stories but not visible though.

Cave 3:
Its also dedicated for Vishnu.It is the largest cave and my favourite one among four caves.Well intricated reliefs of vishnu avatars such as Trivikrama,Narasimha.This cave primarily shows vaishnavites.One striking relief is carved like Vishnu seated on  serpent Sesha.It gives instant peace to your mind,such a serene poise.

The pillars(column) are different than earlier caves.Roof has fresco paintings which are faded and unclear as in other caves.

No wonder it is treat for eyes and if you have knowledge in mythologies ,Hindu puranas you will be in much more delight than me yet it instilled the interest in Hindu puranas.

Cave 4:
Chalukya's supported Jainism as well.It's much seen in Cave 4 which has many revered figures of Jainism.This is the only cave where inner sanctum has an image.Inner sanctum has Mahavira image.There are many Tirthankaras engraved in inner walls and pillars.This cave is situated higher than any other caves.

Badami Caves

Reached Badami from Hospet in 3 hours by express way.On the way we saw a lot of Sunflower fields,beautifully aligned their heads towards sun's direction and also passed "Gajendragad" another historical place in Gadag district."Gad" means fort and it was treaty by Tippu sultan after Mysore 2nd war.You can see the fort stretched till you enter into Badami arena.

There is an interesting myth associated with Gajendragad fort.Excerpts from Wiki says "A miracle that happens on the previous night of Ugadi, New Year of Kannadigas. The pandit/pujari of the temple prepares a solution of limestone, and keeps it ready for application along with a brush, inside the temple. The next morning, the jobs done. But the temple is painted on its own and this happens without fail every year. A hookah that is also kept along with it seems to be used when seen the next morning."

Chalukya's empire

Chalukya kingdom is a base for beginning south indian architecture.It was Golden period.Earlier Aihole was its capital then Chalukyas shifted their capital to Badami (then Vatapi).Badami is situated in Bangalkot District,Karnataka.Badami is located along Malaprabha river.Badami caves which stands as an exemplary of Rock cut architectural style is situated at Malaprabha river basin.

What's in its Name

Badami-Got its name from the color (Almond color which is called Badam in Kannada) of sandstone around this area.

Organization of Caves
There are four caves comprised under Badami caves.First cave is dedicated to Shiva which is easily reachable from Ground level.Second one is situated at higher altitude than first cave and dedicated to Vishnu.Third Cave is also dedicated to Vishnu and located well above second one.Needs little effort to climb up and on the way to third cave,at right side there is a little mantap like structure which is off from the way with nothing in it whereas left to that mantas has an inscription written in kannada shows the sculptors involved in this magnificent architecture.Fourth cave is dedicated to jain religion and has jain tirtankar's  statue.

When you are in this rock cut caves,you leave with an Awe at least once during your stay.It's just mystery to perceive how could they come up with this idea and a standing tall proof for showcasing the art.It's beyond wonder for erecting such a structure in no technology era.Yet again Human power is more than any of the technology.

Cave 1: Dedicated to Shiva

You should not miss to look for the statue of dancing shiva with 9 pair of arms constituting 81 dance forms.It's located at down of mantapa.

As you climb up the steps and on reaching the mantapa,you can see Ardhanareeshwar (Half Shiva and half parvathi) statue at right side.Sage Bringi and nandhi to the left of Ardhanareeshwar.One can see the bangles on parvathi side of Ardhanareeshwar which emphasises the sakthi form in it.Right to this statue,inside a cave (along the lines and up above dancing shiva)there are statues of Karthikeya in his vehicle (Rooster),Ganesha and shiva.

What's this skeleton structure doing here?

I read the story of sage Bringi in the role of Ardhanareeshwar.This divine couple took ardhanareeshwar form to teach a lesson to the egoistic sage Bringi.Sage Bringi considered shiva is the ultimate form of existence and ardent fan of shiva and ignores any other deity in his daily worship.Shakthi also was not spared by him.He circumblates only Shiva side and ignores Parvathi.So this divine couple took this form,yet Bringi pierced shiva's body as Bee so that he can enter only shiva's part.

In human being,shiva is structural form such as bone and skin whereas sakthi which is responsible for the blood and Flesh.Sakthi was infuriated by Bringi's act and pulled out her energy from his body and instantaneously he is just mere skeleton form with only one leg (Can be seen in the below pic as well) and unable to stand.Shiva pacified parvathi to give one more leg to stand.By this time,Sage realised that Life is graceful by both force(Sakthi) and Form (Shiva) which are not contradictory rather complimentary to each other.



On the left side of the mantapa,you can see lord vishnu with laxmi and parvathi

None of the caves except fourth cave (Jain) has statue in its sanctum.It's continued in http://quenchedbywords.blogspot.in/2016/02/badami-cave-part-ii.html

Take Away from this trip:

1.Histories make you so small and inspires you a lot to do one's duty without attaching to its result.All these monuments have taken more than 40 years to get it done.There was very less longevity for a man at that time so a person who was involved in the work of building any monument would not be alive to see its end result.Be it sculptor or even king.
Then what must have been driving factor for people in those ages to involve in building such monuments.

2.Started reading about Architecture and looking at buildings/temples in different perspective.

3.A huge respect towards Kingdom