Bali with kids

A beach is always a favorite when it comes to kids, and Bali is no different.

It has some beautiful beaches, and with great waves which attracts many people for surfing. There are even surfing classes which will work great for older kids.

And, as you sit there watching then run in and out of the water, you would have innumerable ladies who would approach you, offering a massage, manicure or a pedicure. And to add to that, we have shacks which would serve you some drinks and eats on the side, as you lounge under that beach umbrella.

From the moment you step into Bali, you see the the many references to Hindu mythology, from scenes from the Ramayana and various temple sculptures.

Just outside the Bali airport

Outside many temples, you would see statues which are very intricate and worked on stone or wood.

One of the great places we visited, was the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre. This was something which I had read about, and we were looking forward to seeing the kind of work they do there. They had a huge space where the housed and took care of the turtle eggs which were laid on the Bali beaches. And, these beaches being now touristic attractions, makes it difficult for these eggs to survive and the baby sea turtles to reach the sea. The folks at the centre worked to personally collect these eggs, house them in the correct conditions and ensure that they babies are send back to the sea to lead a life in the wild.

They also housed many injured or terminally ill sea turtles, who would find it difficult to lead a regular life out at sea. They took care of the animals, continuous care and monitoring to ensure that these animals, who can not be cured are also given the care which is possible. This centre ran on donations, and there was not even a ticket for entry. It was a great experience for kids to see, learn and touch these tiny and big creatures.

One of the things I learnt was the difference between sea turtles and land turtles. 

Sea turtles can not contract their body within the shell to save themselves, making them more vulnerable to predators. But, land turtles, can save themselves by using their shell to pry away from unnecessary interactions and predators

Buda and Pest

I think it has been positively so long since I have come here. Reasons might be many, but the essence is neglect and not adhering to a routine. I guess I have been pulled in so many directions that my core has been lying neglected, just like this space which I had created. And I had created this place with a lot of love and focus on many things. Some of those things changed over time, and many new ones in fact came and wandered off too. But, the space has been me, and it has seen my transformation through all these years. And, I think that is the singular reason for me to stand by and move ahead.

I think this year I will remember by the one trip which I took which has been different on numerous grounds. But, more than the trip, I think I came back a different person.

I was recharged, and somehow the will to work towards what I want was all the more clear.

I was more accepting and I think the change in scenario took a good turn for me overall.

I had the much needed time to think, unwind and bring my life into focus.

I realized that,

Life rolls on and you need to grab those things which you want and they might just really come from anywhere.

Truly, anywhere!

I leave you with some of what I saw... and what awed me! 

Khazakhistan Mountains

Courtyard views

Very Europe

Quaint entrances

Squares

 

Two for Travel

Now its always about the way we did things when T was small as compared to when V is small. I think our first trip with T was when she was over 6 months, and a short drive to Coorg had us all tired out.

But this time around, we started of with our travel when she was 4 months old. We went off to Delhi and then onto Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to bring in the new year. This was not her first flight experience though, as when I returned from Trivandrum, that flight was her first time on an aircraft. So, this time around we did a train journey to Jodhpur and then from there to Jaisalmer by bus too. I think we have covered pretty much all modes of transport now. One of the things we are looking to do is a cruise, maybe in another year when V will be a little bigger... that is on the cards.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Back from Delhi, we were next off to Goa with a group of friends, just to meet up and relax. And the sea and the waves did her good after the cold chill of Delhi and Rajasthan. But I think being about 5 months meant she was more mobile and wanted to be on the floor. That was not a possibility with the place we were staying at, and Goa being Goa, there was always sand everywhere!

Morjim Beach

Next we were off to Singapore, visiting friends and family. Both the girls had so much fun and I think I relaxed so much that 1 week. Somewhere it was meant to be a detox trip, where rules don't matter and norms need not be adhered to. One of the things about Singapore is the ease of doing stuff, and even a plan to go across town works out without too many glitches. We had a super relaxed week with a movie, breakfast and lots of other stuff thrown in.

Clark Quay

I have never been to Chikmagalur in spite of being in Karnataka for over 9 years now. So, this Ugadi, had to drive across and see what this region was all about.

And what did I learn?

There is so much natural beauty here and so much to see, but with a small kid in tow, there is nothing much you can do other than drive about in a car.

So we did what was the next best thing possible. We decided to visit Belur and Halibedu. The temples were great, good to see and lots to read up before heading to the temple. I am not a big fan of guides.. I prefer either reading up stuff or else having a audio tour which will let me go at my pace.

Belur Chennakesava Temple

Morning Drives

Weekends tend to be a snore unless you plan something in advance. And I am the kind of person who tends to go into a real bad mood by the end of the weekend if we have not done something more than the customary grocery shopping. Planning a weekend takes effort and when it involves more than your family, they really have to be the same kind of people.

A friend asked us to join them for a picnic and we were so thrilled at doing something different, we were up at 6:30am ( well in reality, T woke us up). We were off to Nandi hills, a mere 70kms from where we stay, but the idea of packing up food and eating it there was enough to have us cooking till 7:30 am, and then setting off. 2 couples and 2 kids all packed into the car, and happy to be off on a road trip, if I may call it so!

A welcome back to Nandi hills

Having been to Nandi hills many a times, it was just the pleasure of the drive and the conversation which was so great, but for our friends, it was their first trip up there. And, boy, has the place changed! I realized that I was headed up the hill, after 3 years, which means T has never been there even. They have lookouts set up and lots of picnic spots, which were all occupied. And along with the people, were so many monkeys, something which I have not seen in all the times I have been there prior to 2011.

There are monkeys everywhere!

The wind which blows at the top of the hill is something all the bikers and trekkers come for, and that was something which was still very much there. T was in fact a little cold, and I did not carry a jacket, which was quite irresponsible, but then I think a 3 year hiatus can affect the memory of the chill. ;)

The wind blown lovelies

The eateries have not become any more in number, and the same ol' tea shop served the ice cream and tea. It is still that early morning tea place, or else a picnic spot offering you the snacks and drinks supply all through. But, I think its one of the places from where you see Bangalore in a very different light, especially if you head up there at 6am, when the gates open, and watch the sunrise!

Chillly but so much fun!

As you can see I had clearly forgotten how chilly Nandi hills can get, but the company made it all worthwhile!

Poovar, Kerala

Kerala is my home state. This means I have been to very limited touristic places in Kerala and I end up being at home or visiting the N number of relatives who are dispersed throughout the state. So, I would have traveled along the entire length and breadth of the state, but I would have seen very limited wonders Kerala has to offer.

This time when I planned to be at home, I thought I should take T out to some real backwaters and show her the small kids splashing about and that should help get her to love the water like I do. We decided to visit Poovar and take a long boat ride through the meandering, narrow waterways. There were very recent rains towards the coastal regions of Kerala, so it was perfect with lots of water and not too hot and humid a weather to enjoy the beauty.

Identify the bird

Floating cottages of Poovar

Meandering backwaters

Poovar, lies about an hours drive from Trivandrum. It is an easily accessible location, and worked for us a great day trip. The motor boat rides through the backwaters can be taken for 1 or 2 hours, and they drive you all the way upto the Golden Sand beach. The beach is beautiful and the waves are soft and not as rough a Kovalam. There are just tender coconut vendors at this beach, which is really the mouth where the sea water enters to form the backwater stretch at Poovar.

Once you finish with the boat ride there are some great restaurants around Poovar, at the innumerable resorts which serve great food. Local cuisine and sea food being the top fare.

Giggling kids splashing in the water

We decided to head to Kovalam to gorge on some sea food, and boy, did  we gorge! Crabs, squids, prawns and fish, we did true justice to being at the coast!

Sea wall

Harbour

A year for drives

A year for drives...

That is exactly what this year is looking for me. A new car always has that effect I believe on many new owners. You want to 'test' your car and what better ways than driving along the vast expanses of our country!

So the next trip up is not something which was planned, but it is something which I never imagined myself doing. I always thought it was too difficult, or maybe just not 'me'. A lot many things are changing in me anyways after my marriage to B. Well, that should be another post altogether!

So, we are planning to drive to Trivandrum. This was a planned trip, but the driving bit was not planned. We had intended to book a Tatkal train ticket or maybe take a flight, even though at the last moment. But, reading and looking at the supposed to be great routes on the Bangalore- Salem - Madurai- Nagercoil route and the little frenzy inducing stretch between Nagercoil and Trivandrum, I thought why not try it.

There will be a fair bit of driving and with both of us geared up to use our new car alot, this was a perfect opportunity!

Thirthahalli - Relaxed and laid back

Thirthahalli has been on the cards since the time we drove down to Chitradurga, and saw what great roads the Tumkur route had. The plan was to cover Shimoga, but that was soon changed to Thirthahalli as we found a great place which we wanted to visit... Kolavara Heritage Resort. It is a home stay in the real sense, a family who invites you into their home for a few days. They spoil you with food which is delicious, freshly prepared and all through authentic Malnad. I am so thrilled that Vatsala and Nishcal took care to ensure that every meal had a Malnad touch to it. They kept to basics also understanding the need for simple foods which might be suited to kids. Personally was really touched that they dished out a fish fry for my daughter, as she is huge on fish in general!

The surroundings are quiet and peaceful and there are so many nooks which just invites you to sit and read. And this is something I keep hoping for time and again whenever I am visiting any place over a weekend. Kolavara fit into the reading bit completely. It was perfect for the reading and siting about with a drink in the evening. The sounds of the night and a water flowing somewhere near by will be all that you will hear. The property has ample space to walk about and it has so many wonders to thrill most city kids!

In terms of location, if you are looking to go about and see a lot of things, there are not too many places which you can visit easily. There is Kuvempu, a very famous Kannada poet's house and a hilllock atop where is last remains are kept. His home has been converted into a museum and the smallest of smallest things have been saved and preciously polished and displayed for the visitors. The house in itself is adorned with paintings, photographs of his family, books, certificates and diploma! They also have a small bookstore with many translated works by the poet. The hillock proves to be a great location for watching the sun set into the ghats and see the dry expanse of the northern regions of Karnataka.

I picked up The House of Kanooru, which is the translated work of an original Kuvempu novel. This was made into a movie by Girish Karnad, called Kanooru Heggadithi in the year 1999. He acted, directed and wrote the screenplay for this movie, and this movie won the National Film Award for the Best feature film in 2000.

Kuvempu's House, which is a museum now

Entrance to the Kavishala

Another view of the Kavishala

The dry beauty of the pre monsoon ghats

Sun set at the Kavishala

Another view of the ghats

On our way back we stopped at the Sakrebyle Elephant camp, as I was sure T would be thrilled to see elephants. In fact she had a choice to see either the Lions or the elephants, and elephants were her pick! Might just be the mallu blood in her! ;)

Clinging for protection

A mother and daughter

Entrance to the camp

It took us about 7 hours to drive to and from Kolavara. Shimoga is an hour less, and Shimoga would be better situated if you wish to go to Jog falls or the Lion Safari etc. One of the places we wanted to visit was Agumbe, which was said to be a great temple and again a great place to watch the sunset. But, alas, we overslept after the great lunch and then decided to laze around some more and finally just skipped it ! But, no regrets!

Temples and travel

A visit to Mookambika has been something I have associated with studies. I remember the first time I went there was when my brother was about 2 and my mother wanted to take him there before he officially started school, essentially post his Vidyaarambham ceremony. The first time I would have gone to the temple would be when I was taken post my Vidyaarambham ceremony, but that is not something I remember, being all of 2 years! The next time I went there was when my mother took me there after years, before my Class X board exams! This was the time which I remember the most. We stayed in a guesthouse very close to the river which flows along the forest, and all through the night, you can hear so many animals and insects moving about their activities in the pitch of the dark. This temple is in fact in the forest reserve, and about 70 kms from Udupi.

Last weekend when I visited this temple with T, it felt so different, as we were going now for her Vidyaarambham ceremony. Previously I do not remember the ceremony or how it happens at the temple, but this time, I doubt I shall forget it. My baby is going to school and will be big enough to board a bus and go to school. Till date, I drop and pick her up, entrusting her to the care of the school after so many mental wars with myself. Now, we have to go to the next step, and send her to school in a bus. I know I have the choice of dropping her to school and picking her up too, but a school bus is something which is an experience in itself. And, the timing for small children being different also helps me to be calm about bullying and other such instances which I know are bound to happen on a school bus.

Anyhow, back to the temple and travels bit, this train travel would be the very first for T and sleeping overnight in a crammed 2AC berth was so not an experience which I would be looking to repeat anytime soon! She being used to her cot, her space, there was little I could do to provide that on a train and we had many sessions of screaming ' This is my place... Mooove !' I was quite surprised that she could speak so coherently and her thoughts were so clear even when deep in sleep. It showed that her communication levels have certainly improved and she was able to express herself quickly and without much thought.

Something I always come back with after every trip with T is that she is a great traveller. She loves moving about, trying different foods and is certainly not too finicky about her preferences. What she does need is mental stimulation and she is as happy as a baby can be!

Vijayadashami pooja at home

Anything can capture the thoughts of a 2 year old

And the prayers

Chariot for the godess

The chariot procession about the temple grounds

No Indian temple visit is complete without an elephant!

Why I love to travel.

Going to a new places has a charm right from the point of research to planning, and if it is a road trip, charting out the route too. These are some of the activities which I love to immerse myself in. In fact, there was a time when I wanted to go to Pondicherry and Goa so badly that I just researched and made a Must see places list for both these places. I visited these places maybe a year after my research, but the research in itself does give me so much satisfaction.

Does this mean that I would not like to go to any place more than once?
I am not sure I would be so excited about going to that place, at least not the way I would if it had been my first trip.
I am the kind of travel fanatic who watches just National Geographic, Animal Planet and TLC. If the television is switched on, it has to be one of these channels, and if I am the only person who is watching a program.Usually not too many people want to watch these channels and hence its just me and T who watch these channels at home. It has come to it that now she asks to see elephants and that would mean that she wants to watch some television. I do not know if that is a good thing, but atleast I console myself that she is not asking for any cartoon.

Recently I have been doing a bit of research on Egypt. It started off on a writing assignment and then it just went on from there. I just could not stop myself from reading and reading. There is the but obvious history attached to the country and the great Egyptian civilization, but there is something else which caught my attention. This was the immense flora and fauna which exists about the river Nile. The longest river in the world. The Nile flows through Rwanda, Tanzania,Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Burundi and Egypt. The way this river flows through one of the harshest, hottest deserts in the world is truly fascinating. And this river never dries up. It might be marshy, wild, slow and meandering, but never dry. That is the Nile. This is all the research and a program which I saw recently on National Geographic about Africa. This is truly one of the most undiscovered continents in the world. It is a completely different world and this is one thing I realized when I went to Kenya. ( Here are the travelogues) I wish to go and go see the Nile one day. It would truly be a great sight.

A blogger meet - Kufri

Apart from being away from T for 3 nights, I was meeting bloggers, traveling to Kufri, having a fabulous time and feeling the mommy guilt disappear with the end of day 2. I didn't think the mommy guilt would go away that soon, but then it did! I was just enjoying myself way too much after so long. I guess it is so wonderful to be with your kid, but then it is also a great feeling to be free and experience the freedom once again.

So, getting to the meet, thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many bloggers who I have been following for years now, and this being my only second blogger meet, it was tad uncomfortable in the beginning, but by the end of the 2 days I could see how things were getting so easy and enjoyable for me.

Bangalore to Chandigarh, then from there off to Kufri, being rained in for a day and driving off to Chail for a quick visit and a sumptuous meal, the Rock gardens of Chandigarh and Bangalore. That would be the routing through 4 days start to end. And all I have are some photos to show how great the trip was and memories which are not be replaced anytime soon.

Gathering and gearing up

Happy bloggers looking forward to some great fun!

The must- have enroute stop

Dogs of the hills look so perfect

Nothing beats hot maggi and chai when the chill sets in

The quaint little cottages we stayed in, at Kufri

The views that greet us every morning, noon and night

Bikers really do have all the fun though

Enroute to Chail

Clouds above, clouds below

Rock Garden, Chandigarh