Hogenakkal Falls: A visual treat

Monsoon is my favourite season. It is that time of the year when the arid landscape gives way to lush green meadows and the rivers and streams are brimming. Escaping from the din of the city even for a day is simply bliss. There were options galore from Bangalore but the panoramic Hogenakkal Falls, which is about 151 km away, beckoned.

A popular picnic spot among day trippers, Hogenakkal Falls lies on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, hoge and kal comes from two Kannada words, meaning smoke and rock. The water from Cauvery river hits the rocks with such great force that it seems like smoke emanating from them; therefore it has earned the name of ‘smoking rocks’. It is also known as Marikottayam by the Tamils.

We hit the road early because we wanted to be there before the place got crowded. We took the Bangalore-Hosur route via Rayakottai, Palakkodu and Pennagaram. The rain-soaked landscape was a treat for the weary eyes. After breakfast at Rayakottai, we headed straight to the town of Hogenakkal. As we drew close to the town, the sound of the gushing river welcomed us. We drove through a 4-km stretch road that ran parallel to the river. It was a peaceful sight.

What to do:

Boat ride, anyone?

The coracle boat (made of bamboo and hides) ride here is a must. Tourists haggling with boatmen is a normal sight. So, you can also go ahead and bargain for your ride. It comes to around Rs Rs. 1500 for the entire boat, which can accommodate around five people. The boat ride is exhilarating if you go underneath a few falls. As you go downstream, you will get to see the five falls, including the Tamil Nadu falls. It is known by that name because it falls under the purview of the state. There is water here all through the year, but it is a spectacle during the monsoon. However, if the river is flooded, boating is not allowed during this season.

While the Karnataka falls lies in the deeper part of the gorge and it is only during the rainy season will you find water, but in terms of beauty it is matchless. As you cruise along the bank, you can get to taste some really good fish fry and fish curry with rice at the several stalls put up by the villagers. You can sit on your boat and enjoy your lunch. If you are not up for lunch, there are several vendors selling buttermilk and other snacks.

Game for a swim?

There are some really nice diving spots from where you can enjoy a swim in the river. But in the monsoon it is best avoided as the current can be strong. You will find many local children who are game to show off their diving skills for a fee, which will be a mere Rs. 5–10.

Mystic masseurs:

People getting oil massages before heading to the river for a dip and a bath are plenty. The water of this falls is considered to be medicinal. If you want to rejuvenate yourself and relax your nerves, getting a massage done is one of the best options.

Enjoy picnicking:

A little downstream, on the banks of the river you will find picnickers enjoying a day out with family and friends. If you complete your boat ride early, you can sit back and enjoy your lunch amidst the serene setting.

Trekking:

This is for those of you who wish to stay beyond a day. Long treks in the Melagiri Hills will take you along rocky terrain and some lush green landscape. Apart from trekking, there is also a crocodile park in the town, which you can explore.

Where to stay:

There are very few options for tourists wishing to spend the night at Hogenakkal; Tamil Nadu Hotel and the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSRTC)-run Tourist Bungalow are some of them. However, Dharmapuri, the district headquarters, which is 49 km away, has a number of options.

Getting there:

If you are travelling by bus, you will have to change two buses before you reach your destination. There are buses from Kalasipalayam and Madiwala in Bangalore to Hosur. From Hosur you will get direct buses. You can check out for bus tickets to Hogenakkal at Ticket Goose.com.Hiring a car for the entire day is also another option.

The ideal time to visit this falls would be post-monsoon. But if you need a break from your hectic routine, then heading to Hogenakkal over the weekend — whether it is monsoon or winter — will rejuvenate your visual senses.

Deep and Rich Experience with TicketGoose

Early in the morning, how will it be when there is chatter-butter everywhere with howling sounds all around like a hungry and happy lion roaring on clutching its prey? And above all these, this had to happen now; water gushed out of the washing machine and my mother screamed calling out my name. Me, like a dead corpse, got out of my bed, pushed aside the packed baggage that was kept in the living room and headed to the kitchen to where my mom was standing. She handed me a spanner and asked me to fix it. While I was repairing with great difficulty, she enquired about the booking that she had asked me to do yesterday night for our visit to Coimbatore. Every year, we plan for a weekend trip to someplace and this time it was my dad’s decision to visit Coimbatore. I was dumbstruck as I had totally forgotten to book the tickets and I said yes, it’s done, I’ll check the time and let you know. Once my job was over, I rushed to my room and searched on Google for “online bus ticket booking portals in India”. I was amazed on seeing that there were a handful of travel industries offering ticketing services across the country, but which one to choose was my question. I called up some of my friends to ask, but each one had a different answer.

I was completely exhausted and frustrated as we had to start our travel tomorrow and it was then I saw this, “Book via Parveen Travels and get 10% off on all your bookings”. I clicked on the link and it took me to ticketgoose.com. Since it was my first time with TicketGoose, I wasn’t sure about its operators, facilities, and services, but surprisingly, there were so many bus operators operating from Chennai to Coimbatore and amongst all, I chose Parveen Travels. It asked me to select my choice of seat and boarding point and forth which I booked three tickets from my debit card. A sense of relaxation was out in the air and I was completely at ease when I had received an e-mail describing the venue and travel details and also the offer amount that was credited back to my account. Felt, it was a good start. Now what? Yes, the timings, I went to my mom and said that the bus would leave from Koyambedu at 10.00PM. Though everything was on track, I was little concerned about the departure; whether the bus will be on time? Or will the driver not attend his call? Or whether he would say the bus broke down and you have to book another bus.

The night had arrived and we started well in advance. We boarded a cab to Koyambedu and reached there by 9.45PM and, waited in the boarding point that was mentioned in the mail. My mom asked me to call the driver and confirm the timings. I was a bit hesitant but later dialed his number. He attended the call and said that the bus would arrive in another 10 minutes and as said the bus was on time. Literally felt like jumping with joy on seeing the bus come on time. The bus assistant helped everyone to load their luggage in the trunk. Once that was done, I stepped inside the bus and was very happy to see that the coaches were well-maintained and the seats were perfect. The bus started within ten minutes and after 8 hours of tireless journey, we reached Coimbatore.

Everything was great and wonderful; from bookings and on-time schedules to vigilant driving and well-maintained coaches. I and my family were delighted with the services offered by TicketGoose and since then we made ticketgoose.com a part of our family. I recommend everyone to make their bus bookings via TicketGoose and enjoy their services after all its India’s leading bus booking portal

Nandi Hills – A Misty Paradise above the Clouds

Looking for a break this weekend to spend time in a misty hilltop above the clouds? Is it not a good idea to have a refreshing getaway to the hills to beat the heat? If you are a nature-lover, a retreat trip to Nandi Hills is a perfect destination for lovers and honeymooners to hangout, laze around and spend some romantic time with your loved ones. Nandi Hills is a popular destination bestowed with untouched natural bliss and serenity; and if you are a sports-lover looking out for some action sports amidst the lush green hilly slopes, this place can be your favorite destination in no time! Read on to know how.

Lovers spot in paradise (photo courtesy- adventuresofpotlibaba.wordpress.com)

Journey to Nandi Hills, Bengaluru

Getting to Nandi Hills from Bangalore is just a two hours drive by car. However, owing to the mode of transportation, the travel time may vary as it requires a steep hill climb to reach the top. There are several cabs as well as bus services available on rent to help you reach the destination point. However, driving to this enchanting place might be a good idea as it offers ample opportunities to enjoy the divinity of the tranquil place as you stop by in between the places. The road is an excellent public road network that links up important places like Bangalore and Chikkaballapur via Bangalore-Hyderabad National Highway.

The misty hill spot is a perfect getaway this summer that opens up a chain of foothills surrounded by refreshing meandering landscape. Away from the main city of Bangalore at a distance of 65 km, this breathtaking spot is located to the north of the city. Nandi Hills is also known as Nandidurg because of the ancient fortress built by Tipu Sultan, being located here. The base of the foothills merges with the rolling green slopes that converge with almost 40 curves till the top to meet the hill point. There are milestones to guide you with the distance updates as you hop along. Nandi Hills is blessed by a moderate and very favorable temperature throughout the year that makes the place a truly worth visiting.

Looking Around

If you are lucky enough to reach at the hill top before dawn, the mesmerizing sunrise view that welcomes you is sure to leave you spellbound. The magnificent view of the clouds drifting along the hilltops emanates a blissful feeling. The excitement doubles up once you set your foot onto the meandering curves and steep bends that dominate the road. This will certainly tempt you to try out some exciting adventures such as trekking, biking, cycling, paragliding and more. The small food stalls that pop up in between the roadways are quite enticing to drop by and munch some quick snacks on-the-go.

A rare sunrise view from hilltop (photo courtesy-Mohammad Omar Ahmadi, flickriver.com)

Places to Visit

Once you reach Nandi Hills, don’t forget to visit the Tipu’s Drop- a 600 km high cliff that depicts a historic tale of the prisoners’ killings who were convicted during the war. Right from the cliff point situated at the top of the Nandi hills, an amazing view of the hill ranges can be witnessed. The other places of attraction to visit are the Bhoga Nandieeshwara Temple, Sri Ugra Narasimha Sri Yoga Narasimha, the Gandhi Nilaya and the Nehru House. The beautiful water lake of Amruth Sarovar and the secret passage are also interesting locations to visit. A magnificent misty garden, enchanting sightseeing and the splendid hill peak point offer a refreshing treat to the eyes.

Climate in General

The temperature that reigns the beautiful terrain of Nandi Hills is always consistent throughout the year. The place experiences moderate rainfall from June till August that contributes to the preservation of the rich flora. Strong winds, mist, fog and cloud formation over the hill tops are all-time features that make this place a heavenly abode and a must-visit destination. The ideal time to visit this wondrous place is during the winter season, when a divine sensation and a scenic view that goes beyond one’s imagination can be experienced.

A misty morning (photo courtesy-Abhilash Ramachandran, flickr.com)

Travel Guide

If you are self-driving, watch out for the sudden speed breakers that come on the way. The Nandi Hills uphill road climb is the only motorable road that consists of bends and turns before you reach the check point. Trails of 40 curves that await you are to be cautiously tamed, and they will lead to the entry point of the enchanting hill. It is also advised that you do not mess up with the aggressive monkeys on the way in order to avoid unpleasant situations as you drive along.

‘Cute’ monkey menace to avoid (photo courtesy- berniegourley.com)

In case you are taking a bus, you can check out for bus tickets at TicketGoose.

Mahashivratri — “The Great Night of Shiva”

Lord Shiva is one of the most powerful deities in the Hindu culture. There is a Shivaratri in every lunisolar month of the Hindu calendar on the 13th night or 14th morning, but the one that comes once in a year before spring is considered to be Mahashivratri which literally translates to the “The Great Night of Shiva”. It is a sacred festival for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva and is celebrated to venerate the Lord. Mahashivratri has an incredible significance in the Hindu mythology. People say that any person who performs the prayer with care and devotion on this auspicious day is absolved of sins and attains moksha.

From chanting prayers to fasting to meditation, this day is dedicated to the Lord’s values on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, and forgiveness. The devotees pray all night and offer milk, honey, and water to the Shiva Linga. There are different mythical stories of Mahashivratri. According to some folklore, Shivratri is celebrated as the day when Shiva saved the world by drinking the pot of poison that emerged from the ocean Samudra Manthan, whereas some celebrate the day when Shiva punished Brahma and Vishnu by taking the form of a massive fire that spread across the length of the universe when they got into a major tiff about their supremacy, but for ascetics, it is this day when Shiva became one with Mount Kailash. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is worshiped as an Adi Guru, the first Guru from whom the knowledge incepted and after many years of meditation, one day he became still and hence Mahashivratri is called as the night of stillness.

Shivratri celebrations are marked with devotion and religious fervor. Joy can be seen in the faces of millions of devotees and they start planning for this festival in advance. Therefore, in this Mahashivratri, experience the Shiva tattva with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at International Center, Bangaloreor visit the famous Shiva’s temples at Srikalahasti or Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh where this festival is observed with extreme enthusiasm. If you are concerned about the travel but very much interested in visiting these places then reach out to ticketgoose.com- India’s leading online bus ticket bookingportal and book your bus tickets from Parveen Travels to get exclusive offers on your bookings.

Mahabalipuram – The Seashore Temple Town

Love the sand, water, beaches and surfing? Yet don’t appreciate being in the midst of a crowd? In case your answer is in the affirmative, then the seashore temple town of Mahabalipuram in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu is a must-visit place for you. Situated at a distance of 50 km south of the South Indian coastal urban hub of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a destination frequented by students as well as professionals seeking a weekend break. The frequency of visiting domestic and international tourists is also booming at the same time.

The town was an important sea port in ancient times since the 1st Century CE. It was during the rule of the Pallava dynasty that the rock carvings in the form of rathas (chariots), the Shore Temple and the mandapas (cave sanctuaries) came into existence. The town has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from the architecture, the town with its adjoining seaside offers a breathtaking view of the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal along with the beach trees.

What to see?

The Shore Temple [Photo Courtesy — beachtomato.com]

The Seashore Temple next to the beach is the first site you would want to visit as a tourist. In ancient times, many sailors would refer to the temple as ‘Seven Pagodas’, which acted as a source of navigation for their ships in the high seas. It is said that a prince named Hiranyakasipu was highly critical of lord Vishu, who in turn had a disciple in Hiranyakasipu’s son, Prahlada. Once, the father-son duo had an argument concerning lord Vishnu, when the former committed an act of blasphemy. The god then appeared and killed him. Prahlada then became king and named the kingdom after his son, Bali as Mahabalipuram.

Other sites worth a try are Mahishasuramardhini Cave, Krishna Mandapam, Pancha Pandava Rathas, Balancing Rock, Wide Beach, Trimurti Cave and many others. The Mamallapuram Light House is a definite must-see, from where you can see the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, the surrounding inland greenery and the sight of rivers meeting the sea in the form of beautiful estuaries.

What to eat?

A look of the town’s cuisine [Photo Courtesy — Chariot Beach Resort]

If you are a street-food lover and like to have a go at seaside fishes deliciously fried and served with masalas, lemon and onions, then the stalls outside or even adjacent to beaches are a must-taste. You can relish these fish delicacies along with the readily available fresh coconut water. The traditional dosa, idli, pongal and sambar can be tried for breakfast. The ever available and popular South Indian thali can be tried for lunch. Looking for evening snacks? Go for filter coffee — the regional speciality. Good restaurants are available in plenty in the town.

Go
Lying very close to Chennai city, it is mostly state-run buses which transport travelers and tourists to and from Mahabalipuram. Regular bus services from CMBT, Koyambedu are available. Bus types include both A/C Volvo and non-A/C. You may opt for the ECR buses which pass along the picturesque East Coast Road to have a memorable journey.

Stay

Being a destination quite popular among domestic as well as foreign tourists, the town has a lot of luxurious and extremely comfortable lodgings and hotels. Among such places are Radisson Blu Temple Bay (Tariff — Rs. 6,700 onwards), Indeco Hotel (Tariff — Rs. 3,100 onwards), MGM Beach Resort ( Tariff — Rs. 4,800 onwards) and Ideal Beach Resort (Tariff — Rs. 5,100 onwards). Among the more affordable and cheap options are Lakshmi Lodge (Tariff — Rs. 600 onwards), RamaKrishna Hotel (Tariff — Rs. 500 onwards), Joe Beach Resort (Tariff — Rs. 1,000 onwards), Blue Breeze Guest House (Tariff — Rs. 750 onwards) and others.

Festivals and Events

Mahabalipuram Dance Festival [Photo Courtesy — hannahandtheword.com]

The important festivals of the area are Pongal (Tamil New Year) in Januray, Ganesh Chathurthi in August-September and Diwali in October-November. However, the event which sets the town apart and puts it on the international map is the month-long dance festival held in front of Arjuna’s Penance. This open-air festival is held annually around the months of January-February. Dance forms exhibited during this time include the Bharatnatyam, Kathakali and Kuchipudi among others. The state’s tourism department endorses the event with the aim of enticing more tourists.

This place is a vibrant mix of culture, tourism and adventure which you would love to witness at least once in your lifetime. Make sure that you don’t have Mahabalipuram undiscovered when you are in Chennai the next time. While in Chennai, you can check with TicketGoose.com for online bus tickets.

SRS Travels- How it influenced many!!!

A ray of light stroke passes the window with sun’s slightest shine hitting my eyes and somewhere deep down I hear birds calling one another with their sweet chirps. All these were like a wake-up call for me to face yet another day at my office. But one thing that made me grin cheerfully was the trip to my native; Bangalore. I am one among the 6.7 million resident of the tech-savvy city that is steeped in history and buzzing with commerce. Yes, you found it right, it’s Hyderabad and what best could it be in heaven than to visit your native after a month and that too in your desired mode of transport? Though there exist several bus operators operating from Hyderabad- Bangalore, the one I mostly prefer is SRS Travels which I usually book via ticketgoose.com. Bewildered as to why I prefer this travels. Let’s take a short glimpse.

Incepted in the year 1971, SRS Travels has become one of the leading and trusted bus operators in the southern part of India with a fleet of more than 5000 buses operating on a 24/7 basis. Despite the fact that it is based in Karnataka, it offers luxurious bus services to major cities like Badami, Bangalore, Belgaum, Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trivandrum and Goa. The company has been recognized by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India as well as Govt. of Karnataka and is a prestigious member of IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) and TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India). This was just the overview of what the company is all about but what drives the most is its quality.

In the business for over decades, SRS Travels has gained a reputation with reference to professional courtesy and high standards of operation. From experienced drivers to conditioned buses to on-time pickups, it has satisfied many travelers and ensures a pleasant journey for all. It’s not over as it’s here you get to see SRS Travels covering the longest route from Bangalore — Ajmer- Pushkar and its new vehicle- Volvo B11R is recognized as Asia’s longest bus. SRS Travels deploys modern AC and Non-AC coaches and air suspension facilities for safe and comfortable trips. Besides intercity services, it’s into logistics/cargo movement as well. It is their commitment to customer satisfaction and endurance to hard trails that has satisfied many across the nation.

Thus, start planning your tailor-made trips by logging onto ticketgoose.com and avail exclusive offers for every booking. Even though traveling from Hyderabad- Bangalore is fairly cumbersome, with SRS Travels and Ticket Goose your journey will be eased.

Ticketgoose.com – An Ideal Transformation

Be it music, historic trade routes, culture, cuisines, people or art, India amazes not only her natives but her neighbors as well. Similarly, every artifact from chilling hill stations to grand forts and stunning temples has created a strong sense of realm in one. Nurturing this thought of unsealing the beauty of “God’s Own Country” in all, ticketgoose.com had laid its first stone on Aug 15 2007 and has developed steadily since then. With the aid of top-notch services and cutting-edge technologies, Ticket Goose has grown as India’s leading and unique online bus booking portal trusted over million Indians.

Heading up to our principle in providing the best experience in ticket booking, Ticket Goose has become one of the top-most user-friendly platforms across the nation. From price and seat selection to opting boarding point and payment, every stomach-filling aspect is considered by our designers. Apart from this, the firm also owns a team of dedicated customer support officers who operate 24/7 relentlessly in satisfying the travellers. This isn’t much as Ticket Goose provides comprehensive “Trip Insurance at Rs.15” for every booking and “Travel Safe at Rs.100” which you have to pay just once to get your travel insured for the lifetime.

Startled by this! Well, the trip insurance that the company provides for Rs.15 covers the following; Personal Accidents cover up to Rs 5L, Baggage Loss up to Rs.2000, and Emergency Medical Expense up to Rs.50000 and Consequential Loss up to Rs. 5000. The sole purpose of its initiation is for the safety and security of their esteemed customers. Besides this amendment, the customers can also avail 10% off on all the major routes so that you enjoy your trip at notch prices, for your reference; Chennai- Coimbatore, Chennai-Bangalore, Bangalore- Hyderabad, and Hyderabad- Pune.

Now, let’s focus on yet another benefit that ticketgoose.com gives to its travel freaks; well thought it’s a mobile app. An app that takes you places with just a click and which is readily available in iTunes Connect, Google Play or Windows Store.

Well, while reading through it, the only thought that would hinder you the most would be, payment for your bookings and yes, Ticket Goose accepts payments done through credit or debit cards, internet banking, and wallet. The wallet is one such heartbreak discovery that has eased several troublesome queries.

Thus, considering all the above mentioned, ticketgoose.com has not only revolutionized the traditional way of booking tickets but has pleased many with its advancements as well. Alas! With ticketgoose.com, gift your nearest and dearest ones the joy of traveling.