Travel – my take on the world

Through the streets of Mumbai ~ A late night drive

All images are copyright of Ishita Tenjerla.

They may not be used or reproduced.

GOING WAY BEYOND IN WAYANAD

Wayanad a scenic district in God’s own country-South Indian state of Kerala

Apart from its sloping hills, beautiful mountains, lush greenery, it also offers you an escape from city life and a chance to reconnect with nature.

I recently got the amazing chance to embark on this journey and sight-see this heavenly abode.

Driving down the national highway from Bangalore, something bright red caught my father’s eye-.An old fashioned post office!

Taking a quick detour we went to visit this lost treasure. It was a cute little office with just one room and an enthusiastic postmaster in the town of Maddur. Buy an authentic India Post envelope and mail yourself a letter, a chance you may not actually get because of India’s depleting postal system. Have fun licking the edges and then slip the letter into the bright red hanging postbox.

The aging postmaster Mr.Basaviah passionately explained the working of the post office.

Irrespective of the blistering heat and the lack of amenities he came down every day with a smile on his face to provide this essential service.

Cruising down the no honking zone of the Bandipur tiger reserve I really hoped to get a glimpse at some wild animals and I wasn’t let down.

I was anxiously waiting when my mom screamed in delight “Look, look!”

I was thrilled when a beautiful spotted deer with the most enthralling symmetrical antlers looked at me.Just look at the mesmerizing eyes of the entire herd with their beautiful light brown coat and white spots. Not a sight you get everyday!

We passed through this tiger reserve on the way back home too .I was really lucky to see a huge grey elephant with saggy grey skin and large ears taking her little one on a walk through the forest. This moment made my heart melt.

PICTURES I TOOK AT THE NATIONAL TIGER RESERVE

We finally arrive at this beautiful homestay (Kudajadri Drizzle Homestay Wayanad in Kambalakkad) (https://www.kudajadridrizzle.com/)

It has brown sloping roofs, a large verandah and a huge garden of its own.

Breakfast is Kerala specialty idiyappam,dosa or vada.

This place really gives you a chance to reconnect with nature. Head out to the plantation walk and view the banana and coffee plantation ,or grab a bat and have a round of games with your loved ones.

If you feel like just lazing around doing nothing, sink into the hammock and close your eyes.

Crickets singing, sparrows chirping and the leaves swaying are music to your ears.

Wayanad is perfect if you are as passionate about photography as I am. Wake up as soon as the sun rises and go for a round of photography. You will be amazed at what you find!

After a round of breakfast we went out to Karlad Lake for a rush of adrenaline ,zip line over the lake !

Wheeee! Feel the air cut through your hair! I was absolutely terrified for the first few seconds as I hung onto the harness for dear life.

Next my personal favorite ,

The Banasura sagar dam.

The reservoir of this dam has huge green scenic islands. The speed boat takes you on a tour of these islands. This is something you should not miss.The view of these islands will leave you spellbound.

My brother and I tried the water ski on an impulse and we had a blast of fun! The scooter zips, zaps, zooms before it skids over the water.

Do visit any arts and spices shop on the way to Lakkidi view point.It is lined with knick knacks,toys,wood decor ,sweets,spices and many more.

The Lakkidi view point is a stretch of road that lets you look down at the mountain peaks and the winding roads below you.

Wayanad has its share of nature, mountains and mysteries too.

The Chain tree is located in Lakkidi and has an interesting story behind it.

Kadrinath a local guide was killed by a British engineer after showing him lesser known routes to Wayanad as the Britisher wanted to take credit for this discovery.

Rumors say that Kadrinath’s soul haunted the place until a local priest bound it to a tee with a chain.

What’s more surprising is the people claim that the chain grows taller with the tree. Eerie huh?

The Kanthapura waterfall is a beautiful white misty waterfall that cascades before plunging down 30 feet. You can soak your feet in the small water cascades and feel the gushing water on your feet .Just feel the cold water against your ankles. Climb over the rock bridges and feel the smooth stones beneath you.

Next is an unplanned stop that we made on our way to the heritage museum. The tea estates slope down the hills and are an amazing sight. This really refreshed my eyes and is perfect for photos.

A PICTURE OF THE TEA ESTATES I TOOK WITH MY ZOOM LENS

The Heritage museum houses many ancient artifacts.

The Phantom rock is a skull shaped rock that sits on top of a hill.

Another stop we made was to the Wayanad /Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary. Safaris are available but you can also visit the museums for free. The museums house real stuffed bears and leopards. My favorite was the lineup of all the bones of a tiger and the skulls of deer with their antlers.

Wayanad is a place that has to be in your travel bucket list

Do share ,follow and comment!

Love

Ishita Tenjerla

PICTURE CREDIT : SELF CLICKED

NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART -BANGALORE

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time

The beautiful ,large white mansion surrounded by lush green trees which will immediately bring a smile to your face

A large peepal tree the size of almost a swimming pools with its large thick twisting branches grabs your attention and is perfect for taking pictures.

The gallery consists of 13 room holding about 285 paintings.Originals of the Rabindranath Tagore ,composer of the Indian national anthem are up for display.

Rooms are divided based on art technique woodwork,in,pencil,color pencil, and acrylic on canvas

A quick walk through the gallery will make an hour.The gallery paintings and sculptures are really refreshing to your eyes and open up new windows of imagination.

A few of my personal favorites

Poets passion by V Ramesh

Climate by Sh Raza

Ticket price rs 20

Spend an hour or two and get inspired.!

*Food,beverages ,photography is strictly prohibited inside the gallery

Painting from Museumsofindia.gov.in

Pictures self clicked

PONDICHERRY -THE BEACH IS CALLING

The beach is calling.

Breathe in the fresh sea salt .Soak in the beautiful sights which makes you feel at peace.

Puducherry or Pondicherry.This place has many names.

Look around and you are struck with the picturesque image of France with its little cafes and beautiful streets.The heavy downpour seems to have given the place a fresh coat of paint.The clean and cool air replenishes your lungs,make you feel alive .

.First lets head out to the famous seaside promenade ,which translates to seaside walk.This is a beautiful 2 km walk alongside the Rock beach,also called the Pondicherry beach .

Cars are restricted in this area so grab your flip-flops and let your hair down because this is one path you will not regret taking.

Stop and feel the breeze fluttering through your hair.Engulf the spectacular view.Enjoy the sea salt sticking to your face.You would feel at bliss,oblivious to everything else happening around you.The feeling is exhilarating .

Sink our feet into the sand .Collect some beautiful seashells.Or just sit on the rocks and the waves dancing .Listen to the sound of the waves crashing.

A few things you are really going to appreciate is the cleanliness of the entire union territory and the culture of the people there.The people over here are super polite and are always ready to lend a hand in helping you learn about the culture and heritage of this esteemed place.

You might wanna grab a snack so head out the Aura Cafe .The cottage cheese croissants and the banana chocolate waffles will make your mouth water.Grab a scrumptious cookie or a gooey brownie on your way out.

You could have a chat with your co coffee drinkers and learn their story too.

Beside the Aura cafe we have the Aura shop. Step into a mystic portal where various concoctions are brewing.The essential oils and incense sticks will ebb all the tension out of your body .

You might find it interesting to know that the Aura franchise is all a social initiative of the Aurobindo ashram . Aurobindo was a spiritual leader who fought during India’s freedom struggle and set up an ashram

Let me now take you over to Nehru market.The place to be for shopaholics.Be sure to have cash in hand.Dresses,skirts,shorts,culottes,candles and lights deck the streets.

Travelling in Pondicherry is a walk in the park ,quite literally !.Everything in this place is not more than 20 mins far away from each other by walk.You could also grab an auto rickshaw or rent out a bike.

Its dinnertime.For dinner I would recommend a small quaint place called Les Sauvers.(The flavors)

As soon as I enter I am greeted with a typical french cafe.Tables shaped like pizza pans and a small winery too.People of different countries and continents are dining under the same roof.

Bite into the scrumptious thin crust pizza and the delightful Bruschetta .Try the amazing cheesy Ratatouille. .Do try conversing in French with the waiters,or should I say ‘Les serveurs’

To revisit the French era visit the Sacred heart of Basilica and the French war memorial

The French East India Company set up their headquarters over here way back in 1674,dominating the entire union territory .Don’t miss out the Pondicherry museum to get a glimpse of various war artifacts and memoirs.

And now we have reached the end of our wonderful journey.Pick up chocolates at the famous Zuka shop or head out to Baker street and try some delicious baguette or pastries.

Pondicherry is a place which will elevate your spirits and make you appreciate the little things in life. It is a memory you can always count on to brighten up your day .