Last week Babul Dada came down to Bangalore to meet some friends. We spent a day in Infosys Bangalore campus and Butterfly Park.
It was a much crowded day and we could not do the Safari in Bannerghatta National Park... but we enjoyed a lot.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Jayanagar Market
Last Saturday went for a BWS Shoot. After a long long time.
Took risk but could not help it.
Legs were aching, but well, the morning shoot went very good. Many of the Shutterbugs I met for the first time. They all joined after my accident.
Discussing about photography and leisurely clicking, had a nice morning overall.
Took risk but could not help it.
Legs were aching, but well, the morning shoot went very good. Many of the Shutterbugs I met for the first time. They all joined after my accident.
Discussing about photography and leisurely clicking, had a nice morning overall.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Land of Lamas
Bylakuppe.. we went there last weekend....
A land of peace .. a land where I talked to my inner self...
An amazing feeling. I never thought that any place like this can exist in Karnataka.
A land of lamas... a little tibbet in South India !!
A land of peace .. a land where I talked to my inner self...
An amazing feeling. I never thought that any place like this can exist in Karnataka.
A land of lamas... a little tibbet in South India !!
go gokarna!!!
I am under long term treatment.... I was getting sick of staying home...
Friends took me to Gokarna, a small beach town in Karnataka.
Just sat on the beach and watched children playing, enjoyed the changing colour of sky.
Gokarna is a night's journey from Bangalore city.
Friends took me to Gokarna, a small beach town in Karnataka.
Just sat on the beach and watched children playing, enjoyed the changing colour of sky.
Gokarna is a night's journey from Bangalore city.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Ankle Ankle!!
A short bad blog. I was covering the immerssion of Durga Idol. All the press photographers were also present. It was much crowded place.
We were taking photos from a roof, when I tried coming back; I could not find a way.
I had to jump because the other way was heavily crowded with Durga idols and people waiting in the line fo immerssion.
I jumped, then realised a terrible pain. Later on found that the height I jumped from was 11-12 feet.
Doctor confirmed this as Ligament tear..
Just now postponed the ticket. Have to take complete bed rest. So bad, that I am in kolkata but I will not be able to do any photography!!
We were taking photos from a roof, when I tried coming back; I could not find a way.
I had to jump because the other way was heavily crowded with Durga idols and people waiting in the line fo immerssion.
I jumped, then realised a terrible pain. Later on found that the height I jumped from was 11-12 feet.
Doctor confirmed this as Ligament tear..
Just now postponed the ticket. Have to take complete bed rest. So bad, that I am in kolkata but I will not be able to do any photography!!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Kolkata: City of Joy
I came down to Kolkata for Durgapuja.
The next day was Eid. Went to Red Road in the morning to capture some moments.
Next day went to Murshidabad district to catch something very own to Bengal's villages. Did not get much time and could not cover much. Still enjoyed the change.
The day I came back from Murshidabad, Sourav came from Tamluk for puja shoot. Next day on Saptami we went to North Kolkata, Hatibagan, Sovabazaar, Kumartuli, Ahiritola side. Saw some beautiful works of art. We took snaps as many as we could.
Came back in the evening and other shutterbug friends joined us. We were nine in the gang. At night we covered some selected area like Ekdalia, Falguni Sangha, Park Circus, College Square etc. Overall the output is good, met my expectation.
Shot on all the 5 days of Durga Puja, including Vijaya Dashami. On Dashami, I jumped from a height and got my ankles badly injured...
But there are lots I need to do. I am going for shoot like crazy, not sleeping at night, walking long stretches..... and clicking all the time.
I am trying to capture as much as I can. Kolkata is a city which is heaven for photography in my view. Here you can go on shooting all the time, you will never be out of subjects.
The next day was Eid. Went to Red Road in the morning to capture some moments.
Next day went to Murshidabad district to catch something very own to Bengal's villages. Did not get much time and could not cover much. Still enjoyed the change.
The day I came back from Murshidabad, Sourav came from Tamluk for puja shoot. Next day on Saptami we went to North Kolkata, Hatibagan, Sovabazaar, Kumartuli, Ahiritola side. Saw some beautiful works of art. We took snaps as many as we could.
Came back in the evening and other shutterbug friends joined us. We were nine in the gang. At night we covered some selected area like Ekdalia, Falguni Sangha, Park Circus, College Square etc. Overall the output is good, met my expectation.
Shot on all the 5 days of Durga Puja, including Vijaya Dashami. On Dashami, I jumped from a height and got my ankles badly injured...
But there are lots I need to do. I am going for shoot like crazy, not sleeping at night, walking long stretches..... and clicking all the time.
I am trying to capture as much as I can. Kolkata is a city which is heaven for photography in my view. Here you can go on shooting all the time, you will never be out of subjects.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Great Green Trek: Sakleshpur... A Dream.
One Saturday, I was feeling tired since morning. Little upset and had no plans in mind. Srikanth called me.. "Hey Ayan, I was thinking of going to Sakleshpur... do you have any plans?"
I was so sleepy, I could not respond properly. After couple of hours I called him and he told that he was about to drop the idea if nobody is going.
In less than 10 minutes I started getting ready to join him.
Had a quick lunch at Dera and caught an auto to Town Hall (somehow Town Hall got associated with my life and almost every weekends I am visiting Town Hall once. It has become a proper designated meeting place).
Srikanth was waiting for me in his white Palio. I jumped in and off we were on the way to Sakleshpur.
It was a nice road more or less, but Srikanth was driving slowly, we were enjoying the long drive.
After Neelamangala, we took a left and after driving down little ahead of Kunigal, we saw a hill, and stopped.
There was a little Tea Stall, a Temple under tree and few locals chatting. It was a wonderful afternoon. We climbed the hill, started doing some shoot.
The sky was very cloudy.. and we were busy shooting the sky and world down there... fields, cows grazing and small ant-sized people.
Suddenly one eagle came flying to our side. It was clearly an indication to go down, we knew that it would rain. Nature always has her own way of communicating, you need to just interpret it.
We came down and within moments it started raining.
There was a little pond and a canal nearby. We enjoyed the rain and drops of water on that still water sitting there, chatting; we did not have any plan fixed in mind, and took it as a bliss. It was wonderful.
At Hasan, we had a good dinner at Kamath, then drove and stopped only when we reached
Sakleshpur. It was 11 at night and we checked in Hotel Ashrita.
I googled a little about the Great Green Trek on my cell and found a station named "Donigal". It was enough information for us and we called it a day and slept.
Morning at around 6:30 we parked the car in hotel and started for Donigal. The bus stand was 5 minutes walk from hotel, we caught a local bus and it was just a 15 minutes journey.
We got down at some place and started walking towards Donigal Station. Almost after 2 km, we found the railway track and started the trek at around 8:00
We were moving very slowly and before Donigal we found the first bridge. The bridges were really old, and scary. But this was also the indication that our actual Great Green Trek had began.
We stopped many times, took frequent breaks and did photography and went on again. At one part the rail track was divided into two, and the second one was going uphill. It looked abandoned. We took that path to see what was there.
After some time the abandoned track went into jungle and we came back and took a diversion and got the original track which was running parallel.
At that point we were able to see Donigal Station and took a little break.
After Donigal, we managed to travel a little by Train. (that is a separate story and can not be revealed how.. :) )
After Donigal, till Yedakumari there are number of bridges and tunnels and the route is extremely beautiful.
When we reached Yedakumari, it was almost 2:00 pm. We were little tired but ok enough to come back.
Then enquired from Station Master about the train timings. At this time, I should clarify few points.
One, now per day there are almost 8-9 goods trains ply on that route.
Two, there are few bridges which are much longer than others.
Three, there are couple of bridges which does not have any space to stand at all (where one can go running and stand if train comes suddenly)
And the station master informed us that no train is there before 4:00 and that too from Yedakumari side, so we thought at that point that we would get enough time to cross those scary bridges at least.
So we started again towards Donigal. We did not have any option; we planned to go back to Bangalore that day itself. And while crossing the tunnel this time, we realized that we did not have any torch and it was really difficult in that darkness. When we were inside, we saw a torch light and we knew that someone was coming from the opposite side. We waited and found a linesman who was checking the track. He suggested that it was not wise to move without torch at that time. It was already 3.
Srikanth was ready to move but do not know really why I felt something odd and told him that it would be really good if go back to Yedakumari. I told him that we would try to convince any train driver to take us on board or if not possible, we would stay there for night and come back next day (at the most, we would not be able to go back and attend office next day, but it is not ok to play with life). He agreed and we stepped outside the tunnel and within few minutes a train came with much speed.
For a moment I forgot everything and thanked Almighty. We were about to die and came back alive with his grace. That linesman was truly an Angel for us.
And we were so lucky that the long goods train stopped exactly at the position we had stopped. At that time we managed to convince the guard and he took us on board.
After this we crossed a beautiful stretch after Yedakumari till Subramanya Road. It started raining and it looked very very beautiful. With all the falls and rivers full of water, nature was so kind to us; we experienced a complete different world out there.
From Subramanya Road station we took a jeep to Kukke Subramanya. It was almost 5:00
We were very hungry, ate plateful Bondas and Dosas. Then took a bus to a place called Gundiya. From Gundiya, took a bus for Sakleshpur and experienced a pathetic road. It was due to monsoon and heavy trucks plying on that route. But the bus driver had an awesome skill of driving.
Did not do much once we reached Sakleshpur, started for Bangalore at around 8:20 and reached at midnight.
It was so far the most daring trek I did. Thanked god so many times that I am alive to do so many things today. But it was a wonderful experience. Got to know from Station Masters, that Indian Railways is planning to start passenger trains from 2nd Oct onward. Do not know if it is possible to trek on the route after that. But even if somebody goes there in passanger train, he can always experience the beauty of the Nature out there.
I was so sleepy, I could not respond properly. After couple of hours I called him and he told that he was about to drop the idea if nobody is going.
In less than 10 minutes I started getting ready to join him.
Had a quick lunch at Dera and caught an auto to Town Hall (somehow Town Hall got associated with my life and almost every weekends I am visiting Town Hall once. It has become a proper designated meeting place).
Srikanth was waiting for me in his white Palio. I jumped in and off we were on the way to Sakleshpur.
It was a nice road more or less, but Srikanth was driving slowly, we were enjoying the long drive.
After Neelamangala, we took a left and after driving down little ahead of Kunigal, we saw a hill, and stopped.
There was a little Tea Stall, a Temple under tree and few locals chatting. It was a wonderful afternoon. We climbed the hill, started doing some shoot.
The sky was very cloudy.. and we were busy shooting the sky and world down there... fields, cows grazing and small ant-sized people.
Suddenly one eagle came flying to our side. It was clearly an indication to go down, we knew that it would rain. Nature always has her own way of communicating, you need to just interpret it.
We came down and within moments it started raining.
There was a little pond and a canal nearby. We enjoyed the rain and drops of water on that still water sitting there, chatting; we did not have any plan fixed in mind, and took it as a bliss. It was wonderful.
At Hasan, we had a good dinner at Kamath, then drove and stopped only when we reached
Sakleshpur. It was 11 at night and we checked in Hotel Ashrita.
I googled a little about the Great Green Trek on my cell and found a station named "Donigal". It was enough information for us and we called it a day and slept.
Morning at around 6:30 we parked the car in hotel and started for Donigal. The bus stand was 5 minutes walk from hotel, we caught a local bus and it was just a 15 minutes journey.
We got down at some place and started walking towards Donigal Station. Almost after 2 km, we found the railway track and started the trek at around 8:00
We were moving very slowly and before Donigal we found the first bridge. The bridges were really old, and scary. But this was also the indication that our actual Great Green Trek had began.
We stopped many times, took frequent breaks and did photography and went on again. At one part the rail track was divided into two, and the second one was going uphill. It looked abandoned. We took that path to see what was there.
After some time the abandoned track went into jungle and we came back and took a diversion and got the original track which was running parallel.
At that point we were able to see Donigal Station and took a little break.
After Donigal, we managed to travel a little by Train. (that is a separate story and can not be revealed how.. :) )
After Donigal, till Yedakumari there are number of bridges and tunnels and the route is extremely beautiful.
When we reached Yedakumari, it was almost 2:00 pm. We were little tired but ok enough to come back.
Then enquired from Station Master about the train timings. At this time, I should clarify few points.
One, now per day there are almost 8-9 goods trains ply on that route.
Two, there are few bridges which are much longer than others.
Three, there are couple of bridges which does not have any space to stand at all (where one can go running and stand if train comes suddenly)
And the station master informed us that no train is there before 4:00 and that too from Yedakumari side, so we thought at that point that we would get enough time to cross those scary bridges at least.
So we started again towards Donigal. We did not have any option; we planned to go back to Bangalore that day itself. And while crossing the tunnel this time, we realized that we did not have any torch and it was really difficult in that darkness. When we were inside, we saw a torch light and we knew that someone was coming from the opposite side. We waited and found a linesman who was checking the track. He suggested that it was not wise to move without torch at that time. It was already 3.
Srikanth was ready to move but do not know really why I felt something odd and told him that it would be really good if go back to Yedakumari. I told him that we would try to convince any train driver to take us on board or if not possible, we would stay there for night and come back next day (at the most, we would not be able to go back and attend office next day, but it is not ok to play with life). He agreed and we stepped outside the tunnel and within few minutes a train came with much speed.
For a moment I forgot everything and thanked Almighty. We were about to die and came back alive with his grace. That linesman was truly an Angel for us.
And we were so lucky that the long goods train stopped exactly at the position we had stopped. At that time we managed to convince the guard and he took us on board.
After this we crossed a beautiful stretch after Yedakumari till Subramanya Road. It started raining and it looked very very beautiful. With all the falls and rivers full of water, nature was so kind to us; we experienced a complete different world out there.
From Subramanya Road station we took a jeep to Kukke Subramanya. It was almost 5:00
We were very hungry, ate plateful Bondas and Dosas. Then took a bus to a place called Gundiya. From Gundiya, took a bus for Sakleshpur and experienced a pathetic road. It was due to monsoon and heavy trucks plying on that route. But the bus driver had an awesome skill of driving.
Did not do much once we reached Sakleshpur, started for Bangalore at around 8:20 and reached at midnight.
It was so far the most daring trek I did. Thanked god so many times that I am alive to do so many things today. But it was a wonderful experience. Got to know from Station Masters, that Indian Railways is planning to start passenger trains from 2nd Oct onward. Do not know if it is possible to trek on the route after that. But even if somebody goes there in passanger train, he can always experience the beauty of the Nature out there.
Monday, October 1, 2007
K.R. Puram Bridge Sun Rise
While coming back from the Manchinbele Shoot, we were discussing and planning for a low light or long exposure photography.
As the sky is almost always cloudy these days in Bangalore, star trail was not possible.
Nothing was really coming in my mind and Shreelesh called me and told about Shooting Sun Rise on K.R.Puram Bridge and we went on a Saturday.
We probably reached a little late but tried to cover as much as we could.
Kolkata's Howrah Bridge was coming in my mind, same type of Hanging Bridge this K.R.Puram is, though a small one.
I am going home during Durga Puja, will try to cover Howrah Bridge one day.
As the sky is almost always cloudy these days in Bangalore, star trail was not possible.
Nothing was really coming in my mind and Shreelesh called me and told about Shooting Sun Rise on K.R.Puram Bridge and we went on a Saturday.
We probably reached a little late but tried to cover as much as we could.
Kolkata's Howrah Bridge was coming in my mind, same type of Hanging Bridge this K.R.Puram is, though a small one.
I am going home during Durga Puja, will try to cover Howrah Bridge one day.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
and one fine afternoon: manchinbele dam
There is a place called Big Banyan Tree. It is a diversion from Mysore road near Raja Rajeshwari College. That road leads Manchinbele Dam.
When I was busy shooting in Madiwala market, PV called me and told about the plan. I was having no idea and thought that I would go back home and take rest.
But well, anytime anything you say about photography, I am on.. :)
I went to Akshath's place in Koramangala.
I had a very good lunch. You will instantly understand the difference of Mothers' cooking, if you stay outside. Thanks to our cook in flat, I understood the difference and enjoyed good food after many days..
We met at Town Hall at around 1'o clock. Peevee and Sreevidya were already waiting for us. Within half an hour or so, other folks joined in... and we started.
Road after the diversion from beautiful Mysore Road is quite bad.
After almost 45 minutes, we reached Manchinbele...
It was raining, and cloudy.. we could spot a few coracle boats. The place was looking beautiful. We could spot different birds... Green Bee Eater, Wild Pegion, Kingfisher to name a few.
The vast water body was looking awesome at the time of Sunset. We enjoyed a lot.
When most of the people left, Akshath, Shreelesh, Sowmya and myself were trying to do some low light photography. I was missing my Tripod.. :(
We decided to come back again, thought to spend whole day watching birds.
At night, we went to Neelamangala to drop Sowmya at her house. And her mom had already cooked for us.
I had a wonderful dinner too... the pork was awesome. It was so tasty, I was telling that I would not go back in Bangalore... (partly due to the reason that Akshath told that he would drive at 120kmph).. :)
All in all I had a wonderful day with some wonderful people.
Monday, September 17, 2007
one fine morning: madiwala market
One Sunday I woke up at 5:00am (I do not know how I made it!)
And I walked almost 2 Kms(do not know how I made it!)
And where did I go?
A Market at Madiwala, Bangalore.
Well, enough... It was a shoot with fellow Shutterbugs.
We went to madiwala market shoot. After many months, I visited a market, that too with a camera...
Vendors were happy, it was a Sunday... I spent some time with the sellers, buyers.. and caught some different moods.
It is indeed good to see fresh vegetables without plastic wrapper, outside boring departmental stores.
check album here
And I walked almost 2 Kms(do not know how I made it!)
And where did I go?
A Market at Madiwala, Bangalore.
Well, enough... It was a shoot with fellow Shutterbugs.
We went to madiwala market shoot. After many months, I visited a market, that too with a camera...
Vendors were happy, it was a Sunday... I spent some time with the sellers, buyers.. and caught some different moods.
It is indeed good to see fresh vegetables without plastic wrapper, outside boring departmental stores.
check album here
Saturday, September 1, 2007
ramanagaram
I came back on Saturday late night from Hogenakkal. Checked mail on my cell and got to know that PV had organized a trip to Ramanagaram...
I slept for maximum 2 hours, then off we went to Ramanagaram as a BWS trip. Cool curves on Mysore roads... I was about to buy a bike!!
In Ramanagaram, we climbed up Ramagiri. On top of the hill we got a wonderful pond. Photographers went mad.... :)
clicking sounds everywhere. And I realised that I forgot to recharge my battery and it was exhausted. I could not do much, so posed for friends, jumped, sat ... different postures!
And yes, I did a good job!! :) one of the fotos got selected in Flickr Explore, another got special mention in BSB Photo Contest.
Hmm... modelling , I have to think... not bad, next time I will think of charging!!!
I slept for maximum 2 hours, then off we went to Ramanagaram as a BWS trip. Cool curves on Mysore roads... I was about to buy a bike!!
In Ramanagaram, we climbed up Ramagiri. On top of the hill we got a wonderful pond. Photographers went mad.... :)
clicking sounds everywhere. And I realised that I forgot to recharge my battery and it was exhausted. I could not do much, so posed for friends, jumped, sat ... different postures!
And yes, I did a good job!! :) one of the fotos got selected in Flickr Explore, another got special mention in BSB Photo Contest.
Hmm... modelling , I have to think... not bad, next time I will think of charging!!!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Indian Niagara !!!
Went to Hegenakkal last Saturday as a BWS trip.
Hogenakkal Falls is in Tamilnadu, India. It is fondly called the Indian Niagara. the place is very beautiful.
The night before I discussed about long exposure with Sunil. We planned to stay there after dark to do some night photography.....
The falls now is in full force, so much of water... our boatman was keeping eye on us constantly when we are doing photography inches away from the deep falls...
we were very happy to try long exposure. the foto posted here was taken after dark, at around 7 in the evening.
we escaped major accidents twice that day, but I do not mind because I got some real good photos in my album!!
check other fotos in my flickr.
Hogenakkal Falls is in Tamilnadu, India. It is fondly called the Indian Niagara. the place is very beautiful.
The night before I discussed about long exposure with Sunil. We planned to stay there after dark to do some night photography.....
The falls now is in full force, so much of water... our boatman was keeping eye on us constantly when we are doing photography inches away from the deep falls...
we were very happy to try long exposure. the foto posted here was taken after dark, at around 7 in the evening.
we escaped major accidents twice that day, but I do not mind because I got some real good photos in my album!!
check other fotos in my flickr.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
pondicherry trip
Last weekend I went to Pondicherry. It was a mixed group, people from LetsGo and BWS.
It was a nice trip though weather at Pondi is little humid now. Overall I found that the City is very clean and with so many foreigners roaming around it sometimes felt that we were outside India.
Many funny things are there.. names of the roads are written both in English(Indian names) and French.
I liked Aurobindo Ashram... but the space is not very big and I wanted to spend a little more time there.
Matrimandir was closed when we reached Auroville.
This trip was mainly with shutterbugs, so main focus was on photography... after some days I will again go to Pondi, that time as a lone traveller........ a seeker for peace.
It was a nice trip though weather at Pondi is little humid now. Overall I found that the City is very clean and with so many foreigners roaming around it sometimes felt that we were outside India.
Many funny things are there.. names of the roads are written both in English(Indian names) and French.
I liked Aurobindo Ashram... but the space is not very big and I wanted to spend a little more time there.
Matrimandir was closed when we reached Auroville.
This trip was mainly with shutterbugs, so main focus was on photography... after some days I will again go to Pondi, that time as a lone traveller........ a seeker for peace.
Friday, August 17, 2007
60th Independence Day
This 15th Aug I enjoyed a lot.
Morning,I went to Indira Nagar Cafe Coffee Day to meet Ram, Sridhar, Vinayak, Supriy, Sudarshan & Snigdha.
We took our old clothes (not torn, good ones) with us.
We distributed more than 20 pair of clothes to construction workers, road side hawkers, flower seller, Municipality Workers and then gave the rest to a Blind School in Indira Nagar near cake walk (near CMH Road).
Later we went to Corner House and had ice-cream there.
Back home we the Villains (our appartment's name is Ramakrishna Villas, that is why we call us Villains) went to "36 Chowringhee Lane", had Hilsa (it was awesome).
Arko was going onsite, so kaku - kakima (Arko's dad and mom) were there too..... evening we went to Big Bazaar to purchase suitcase, bags etc for our dearest Arko.
Overall I had a very good day!!!
Jai Hind
Morning,I went to Indira Nagar Cafe Coffee Day to meet Ram, Sridhar, Vinayak, Supriy, Sudarshan & Snigdha.
We took our old clothes (not torn, good ones) with us.
We distributed more than 20 pair of clothes to construction workers, road side hawkers, flower seller, Municipality Workers and then gave the rest to a Blind School in Indira Nagar near cake walk (near CMH Road).
Later we went to Corner House and had ice-cream there.
Back home we the Villains (our appartment's name is Ramakrishna Villas, that is why we call us Villains) went to "36 Chowringhee Lane", had Hilsa (it was awesome).
Arko was going onsite, so kaku - kakima (Arko's dad and mom) were there too..... evening we went to Big Bazaar to purchase suitcase, bags etc for our dearest Arko.
Overall I had a very good day!!!
Jai Hind
Monday, August 13, 2007
@lalbagh flower show
In Bangalore every year Flower Show is organized at Lalbagh.
This time I was able to go there with other shutterbugs.
It was a real good one. Varieties of flowers. A big crowd gathered there. Spent a very good time amongst flowers, children, school goers.......
check out more fotos @ my flickr
This time I was able to go there with other shutterbugs.
It was a real good one. Varieties of flowers. A big crowd gathered there. Spent a very good time amongst flowers, children, school goers.......
check out more fotos @ my flickr
Monday, August 6, 2007
Mekedatu
Went to Mekedatu recently. The place is beautiful now.
Full of water. We spent a whole day there, and next morning I could not go to Office.... :)
Full of water. We spent a whole day there, and next morning I could not go to Office.... :)
shoot at pottery town, bangalore
Last saturday we, BWS (Bangalore Weekend Shoots) members went to Pottery Town near Frazer Town, Bangalore for a photo shooting session.
This was my first shoot with BWS and the experience was great. Like minded people... I was longing for this...
check the fotos @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayankhasnabis
This was my first shoot with BWS and the experience was great. Like minded people... I was longing for this...
check the fotos @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayankhasnabis
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Back from Mullayanagiri Trek
came back from Mullayanagiri-Bababudangiri. it was an awesome experience!!
Friday Night: myself and Dheepak went to M.G.Road near Symphony Theatre. From office to M.G.Road it took almost 2 hours(we took Hosur road ofcourse). Most of the people were already there waiting for the bus. Ina, Abhay all were already there.
All were eagerly waiting for the bus. as usual, keeping in mind the BMC tradition, Neeraj told that he was still doing packing. but yes, packing this time was a tough and lengthy procedure (head count was 80!!!!!). I seriously thought that it would be a real mess. but well, it turned out to be a smooth one.
we started at around 11:30
Saturday Morning: the bus stopped at some place very near to Chikmagalur (might be one or two kms). I was really happy to see that it was not raining like the last time (only 4 weeks back we went, and it was raining cats and dogs).
the bus again came to life. we were tired, could not sleep properly; so for sometime had no sense absolutely. after sometime I realized that the bus is motionless. woke up only to find out that we already crossed the point Sarpadhari (which is the starting point of Mullayanagiri trek) and covered almost 2-3 kms after Sarpadhari.
driver said that it was not possible to go down with the loaded bus, so we started walking down, amidst moss covered trees, passing by beautiful hills, wild flowers...
then after some 1 hour when we reached Sarpadhari, found that it was already late (7:30). So we dropped the idea of breakfast.
Mullayanagiri Ascent: Initial half an hour was moderately steep, at some places it was a bit risky with the backpack. with us another group was also climbing. I was chatting with one guy of the group whole way. man, he was carrying a big sack and it was really difficult for him. mostly rocks are the problem. these become sleepery with the rainfall. still everybody was so confident, we did not find it difficult.
weather was real good, ideal for trekking. misty, little chilled, little sunny, perfect weather it was. I was taking frequent halts to take snaps.
after around 1 hour we got the first Nandi statue. This is the famous indication of the right trail. the place has a roof like structure made out of rock. we took rest for 5 minutes there, took some snaps and again started.
after another 20 minutes, got the second Nandi, this time inside a cave. we took a look inside the cave. it was deep inside.
2 minutes after that we reached on the top and got the third Nandi. There it is overlooking the valley. It was calling us to the Shiva temple. Yes, there is a temple on the top of the Hill. it looks a fort. The pujari and few others live there. We met the famous cat (I read about this cat in numerous blogs and travelogues), someone offered biscuits. It was comfortable with outsiders.
After half an hour or one, we started again for Base.
Climbing down: It was easy, and we leisurely walked enjoying the view of the valley. it was this time when we were meeting each other, last night we did not have idea where others come from.
after some time we all sat down. shared the biscuits, chocolates and the drinks (not those type :)).
one or two leeches got detected but we were a good lot, nobody did any harm to them, only bit of salt. and those fellows were resting on rocks after getting sufficient food....
at around 2, we were at the base. Neeraj was waiting for us with the lunch ready. we finished lunch as quickly as can.
we were ready for Bababudangiri Trek and took off.
Bababudangiri Trek: Now this trek came out to be a tough one. Land or clay area were less, rocks were more. so certainly it was more difficult than Mullayanagiri. now came another companion, rain with its full force. and wind was strong as ever.
all the guys were very lively. as the trek was becoming more difficult, the intensity and frequency of jokes and laughter was becoming more. we were having a very very good time. after all all the people present there were wanting some different sort of fun and thrill. and they were having it to the fullest.
after reaching a point, we were not able to find any trail. we tried to contact Neeraj on walkie talkie, who was the only person who knew the route. but it turned out to be a joke. we found out that the other set was also with one of us. now we were having both the walkie talkies with us and no idea about the trail.
some Sherpas (:)) went to find out the trail and tried real hard. after half an hour or 45 minutes they gave up. we decided to come back. in that weather, it was the only option that we had.
anyways, we were happy and content to climb up the Mullayanagiri which is the highest peak of Karnataka.
Saturday Night: We came down to the base again and walked till the point where the bus was waiting for us. we went to Bababudangiri by road. At Bababudangiri weather was worst than ever. It was not possible to camp, so we took some rooms on rent. yes, at night we did campfire!!
Sunday Morning: It was still raining when somebody informed that no guide is ready to go for the Bababudangiri-Kemmangundi Trek which was 25 kms.
after a long discussion, and keeping in mind about Monday's Office, we started for Kemmangundi by bus.
When we reached Raj Bhaban in Kemmangundi, we had two options to choose from. One was to visit Hebbe Falls. Another was to go to Shanti Falls and Z-Point.
Some of us took the second option and headed towards it. Z-Point is an amazing place. Wind is so strong there, it seems that it can really blow you away!! we spent long time there at the top.
Suddenly Uday (our manager :) ) said "lets go to hebbe falls"!!and we hurried...
it was already 5:00 on my watch!!
when we came back to Raj Bhavan, we got a jeep. but the driver was not at all ready to go as it would soon be dark. realizing that we were confident, he ultimately agreed.
the road was real bad to hebbe falls (or no road?)... when we almost reached there, we saw all the other people in the group coming back. while going I found a young leech on the left leg, could not be generous to offer more blood.
very little light was available when we crossed three streams partly walking, partly running. when we reached Hebbe falls, it was neraly dark, still we got to feel the magnitude!! It was an awesome feeling of winning. we were the only people from the team who did all the points in half day.
when coming back, we hold each others' hands , made a human chain and crossed the streams which had strong water current.
and rest all were possible because of the driver. I was seating beside the driver in front seat. on the back others were singing, enjoying. I was watching the driver.. after every turn he was taking, he was chanting prayer. it was an experience!!
Sunday Night: after a long photo session, with the headlights of the buses on; we started for Bangalore. And yes, before that removed the second leech from right leg!! :)
check photo @ http://picasaweb.google.com/ayankhasnabis/MullayanagiriTrek
Friday, July 20, 2007
Just waiting for Dheepak !!
Just waiting for Dheepak. Completed works at office. Dheepak is still in a meeting!!!
I can not really wait..... Dheeeeepak...... Please finish early!!
Bus is at 9:30, we have to board from M.G.Road. And Friday evening in bangalore!!!!
I can not even think of it. It will take minimum 2 hours to reach..... god help us please.
Morning I was not really feeling well, slowly as the time is approaching..... feeling like a super hero !!!
Hmm.... Mullayanagiri..
Last time when I was coming back, I was making an oath that I should do it. And luckily within 3 weeks of time I am ready to go.
I am coming O Hill, I am coming Lake Gali Kere.... I am coming to you.
N.B. bought a haze UV filter yesterday at Whizz shop at Forum mall. ready for everything. mist, rain, wind all......
Hope this time I will get enough photos.... so that I can utilize the free 250 prints from Whizz.
I can not really wait..... Dheeeeepak...... Please finish early!!
Bus is at 9:30, we have to board from M.G.Road. And Friday evening in bangalore!!!!
I can not even think of it. It will take minimum 2 hours to reach..... god help us please.
Morning I was not really feeling well, slowly as the time is approaching..... feeling like a super hero !!!
Hmm.... Mullayanagiri..
Last time when I was coming back, I was making an oath that I should do it. And luckily within 3 weeks of time I am ready to go.
I am coming O Hill, I am coming Lake Gali Kere.... I am coming to you.
N.B. bought a haze UV filter yesterday at Whizz shop at Forum mall. ready for everything. mist, rain, wind all......
Hope this time I will get enough photos.... so that I can utilize the free 250 prints from Whizz.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Tomorrow Night!!
Hmm... Tomorrow night bus to Chikmagalur.... Mullayanagiri.... Bababudangiri..... ....... ......
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Going to Mullayanagiri again
Hi Guys
Last time (4 weeks back) when I went with my friends to Mullayanagiri-Kemmanagundi, it was raining heavily.
We could not do a proper trek, we took a jeepable road instead.
This time we are going prepared.
Plan is to do Mullayanagiri-Bababudangiri on Day 1;
Camping at Lake Gali Kere at night.
Next Day Bababudangiri to Kemmangundi and back to Bangalore.
It sounds really cool. Specially after getting info that it is raining heavily and wind is strong as ever.
Just pray to god that it does not rain all the time: i need some real good pics this time and do not really want to take the camera out in the rain. :(
Last time (4 weeks back) when I went with my friends to Mullayanagiri-Kemmanagundi, it was raining heavily.
We could not do a proper trek, we took a jeepable road instead.
This time we are going prepared.
Plan is to do Mullayanagiri-Bababudangiri on Day 1;
Camping at Lake Gali Kere at night.
Next Day Bababudangiri to Kemmangundi and back to Bangalore.
It sounds really cool. Specially after getting info that it is raining heavily and wind is strong as ever.
Just pray to god that it does not rain all the time: i need some real good pics this time and do not really want to take the camera out in the rain. :(
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sishu Mangal Visit
Hi Everybody
Last Sunday we went to an orphan home called "Sishu Mangal". It is just beside the campus of "Kidwai centre for Oncology". Aided by Government of Karnataka it has around 25-30 little kids.
Pinaki-Da , my college senior called me up. I was very tired after a workshop on Rock Climbing. Still thought that it would be a very good exp and joined.
We took 1 almirah, some toys and some energy drinks with us. Could not really predict the situation beforehand. It was a real life situation of "resource crunch"; from every possible direction I could hear ... "Anna, ondu cycle......" (one cycle ....).
Actually we took only one cycle with us and there were so many and they were not ready to share.
So eventually Pinaki-Da and Mainak-Da went back, got some more toys, one more cycle and we were able to negotiate with this little fellows !
At last they seemed to be happy with our presence.... I had a long hour listening to all the rhymes and 1-2-3-4 and A-B-C-D......
rakesh, prabhu, saundarya, Shreya, Moulika, Rohan...... made my day so different!!
please wonderful ppl out there, think for these children, if everybody shares a little; it may change their life.
Last Sunday we went to an orphan home called "Sishu Mangal". It is just beside the campus of "Kidwai centre for Oncology". Aided by Government of Karnataka it has around 25-30 little kids.
Pinaki-Da , my college senior called me up. I was very tired after a workshop on Rock Climbing. Still thought that it would be a very good exp and joined.
We took 1 almirah, some toys and some energy drinks with us. Could not really predict the situation beforehand. It was a real life situation of "resource crunch"; from every possible direction I could hear ... "Anna, ondu cycle......" (one cycle ....).
Actually we took only one cycle with us and there were so many and they were not ready to share.
So eventually Pinaki-Da and Mainak-Da went back, got some more toys, one more cycle and we were able to negotiate with this little fellows !
At last they seemed to be happy with our presence.... I had a long hour listening to all the rhymes and 1-2-3-4 and A-B-C-D......
rakesh, prabhu, saundarya, Shreya, Moulika, Rohan...... made my day so different!!
please wonderful ppl out there, think for these children, if everybody shares a little; it may change their life.
Artificial Rock Climbing at Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore
Hi Everybody
Last Sunday I went to Kanteerava Stadium. My office adventure club had organized a workshop on Rock Climbing.
It was an awesome exp. We climbed for 3 to 4 times. Learned some good tricks of the trade.
As the instructor said, one should push the body up using the legs, not the hands. Hands should only support.
Thinking of going again on the weekends when I am in Bangalore and not going out for a trek.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Butterfly Park, Bangalore
Last Sunday I went to Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore.
The day before was an eventful one. We went to Somanahalli for Rock Climbing. I was very much tired. But thought Sunday would be completely wasted..... so just went to check the butterflies.
They all woke up from deep sleep but took no time to become restless !!!!
check out the pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayankhasnabis/sets/72157600777593491/
Feel free to write any comments...... :)
The day before was an eventful one. We went to Somanahalli for Rock Climbing. I was very much tired. But thought Sunday would be completely wasted..... so just went to check the butterflies.
They all woke up from deep sleep but took no time to become restless !!!!
check out the pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayankhasnabis/sets/72157600777593491/
Feel free to write any comments...... :)
Rock Climbing & Rappelling at Somanahalli Betta
Hi Guys
Last saturday from BMC (Bangalore Mountaineering Club) we went to Somanahalli Betta (Ramagudlu) , near Bangalore for Trekking, Rappelling and Rock Climbing.
All total there were around 23 people. Enjoyed a lot !!!
Plan for another trek to Mullayangiri - Bababudangiri - Kemmangundi is on.......
check out the pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/ayankhasnabis
Last saturday from BMC (Bangalore Mountaineering Club) we went to Somanahalli Betta (Ramagudlu) , near Bangalore for Trekking, Rappelling and Rock Climbing.
All total there were around 23 people. Enjoyed a lot !!!
Plan for another trek to Mullayangiri - Bababudangiri - Kemmangundi is on.......
check out the pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/ayankhasnabis
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Today is Green Day
green day.
I request all the guys over there: please do not litter.
spaecially do not throw away plastic bags, bottles when you visit tourist spots, hills, jungles.
keep a bag with you.
put all the rubish in it and come back with it. put in the nearest dustbin you get.
enjoy living in this beautiful earth....
I request all the guys over there: please do not litter.
spaecially do not throw away plastic bags, bottles when you visit tourist spots, hills, jungles.
keep a bag with you.
put all the rubish in it and come back with it. put in the nearest dustbin you get.
enjoy living in this beautiful earth....
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
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