Dear Friends …
I have moved this blog to www.udhaya.com ,
I won’t update this blog.
by Udhaya Kumar.V, Udhaya@Udhaya.Com
December 20, 2011
February 3, 2011
Delhi/Nodia to Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (2 Days Ride)
PHOTO Haridwa: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/HaridwarUttarakhandIndia2223JAN11
PHOTO Rishikesh: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/RishikeshUttarakhandIndia
RIDE DURATION/DATE: 2 Days, 22 & 23–Jan-2011
RIDER : Udhaya Kumar.V in Royal Enfield TB
ROAD MAP: Delhi/Noida –NH58-> Meerut (Bypass) -> Muzaffarnagar(Uttarpradesh) -> Roorkee(Uttarakhand)-> Haridwar -> Rishikesh (232km)
1.First 120 km from Delhi will be 4 lane road and good.
2.Next 80km will be single good and bad road. Single road will be good from Uttrakand.
DISTANCE: 550 Km Round trip (Noida to Rishikesh will be 232km)
BY TRAIN: Delhi to Haridwar Junction through “Dehradun Shatabdi Express/2017 – 12017 “
EXPENSE: Rs.2,639 (Food, Stay, etc – Rs.1489 + Petrol – Rs.1150)
WHERE TO STAY:
Haridwar – Near to Har Ki Pauri (at Ganga) – you can find plenty of hotels & rate will start from Rs.300 (Yes I found one for Rs.300). Other wise you can find it in Haridwar town itself. But its better you can stay near th Har Ki Pauri, So that you can spend your night near Ganga. There is plenty of good market for shopping and food.
Rishikesh – You can find several Ashram to stay, yes off course you can find hotel also near to Lakshman Jhula. But Rishikesh famous for White Water Rafting in Ganga river. There is several travel agencies will provide the package for stay & rafting. If you want you can find one and stay near to Ganga itself. Some people visit to ganga to learn yoga, if your interested you can find the ashram which is located near to ganga for stay also. Its again package.
PLACE TO SEE:
Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
1.Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
2.Mansa Devi Mandir
3.Chandi Devi Mandir
4.Bharat Mata Mandir
5.Shri Vyasa Ashram
6.Rajaji National Park
Please go with more 10 rs. Most the temple you have to give.
Other places of interest at Haridwar, This is not famous places & mostly small temples. I am not visited to this places – Maya Devi Mandir, Daksh mandir, Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir , Kanva Rishio Ashram, Bhooma Niketan, Vaishnav Devi Temple, Doodhadhari Temple, Shahi Gurudwara, Jairam Ashram
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
1.Triveni Ghat
2.Bharat Mandir
3.Ram Jhula
4.Swarg Ashram
5.Lakshman Jhula
6.Trayambakeshwar Temple
7.Neelkanth Madhadev Mela
TO DO at RISHIKESH: White Water Rafting, speed boat, Trekking & Yoga will be very famous in this place
REFERENCE:
RISHKIESH: http://wikitravel.org/en/Rishikesh
HARIDWAR: http://wikitravel.org/en/Haridwar
RIDE LOG:
22JAN2011 07:00 AM: This is my long pending ride from noida. I did my last ride to mussoorie & dehradun in the same route. Haridwar and Rishikesh is very near to mussoorie & dehradun. Yes offcourse we can go for long ride to cover all this place, again its base day availability in my plate. Any way finally started riding to Haridwar, Plan to start my ride from 6.00 am & cold changing my starting time always.
22JAN2011 09:15 AM: stopped for breakfast, still 80km needs to go. We have very good road for first 120km from delhi/noida. its absolutely four lane road. After 80 km will be single road. this 80km road wont be good, but if you enter into uttrakand, we can have very good single road. when state change, your road status also will change J (you can see more local traffic in UP road). But I am seeing uttrakand state well maintained in all the sense.
22JAN2011 12:15 PM: I reached Rishikesh and decided to not stuck with any hotel now. Just roaming in this place. I went to LAKSHMAN JHULA and crossing the bridge to see TRAYAMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE(13 stories high, combination of temples and sops). There is speed boat activity also in this place. You can find more hotels and ashram to stay in this place also. Its not much crowded.
Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
22JAN2011 12:15 PM: I keep riding to see NEELKANTH MADHADEV MELA TEMPLE, its 22 km from this place. All we need to follow the Ganga to reach this shiva temple on the mountain. This temple may not be big and great. But we can have very good ganga view on this way to reach this temple. There is plenty of Water Rafting activity and yoga center on the way. Don’t miss it to ride in this way. After spending some time, I am riding back. This will be the last point on this track.
22JAN2011 04:15 PM: I am riding back and reached RAM JHULA, its one more bridge on ganga(same as Lakshman Jhula) river. You can find several ashram in this place, one of the famous ashram will be “Swarg Ashram”. Its beautiful ganga view you can see with more small temples.
Ram Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
22JAN2011 04:15 PM: I am riding back and reached Triveni Ghat & one the way I stoped at Bharat Mandir. Its very small temple within the town and near to ganga river (Nothing worth to visit). I reached Triveni Ghat, its one of the famous place in Rishkesh. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.
BETTER RIDE PLAN FOR SIGT SEEINGS: Order to visit – Triveni Ghat -> Bharat Mandir -> Ram Jhula/Swarg Ashram -> Lakshman Jhula / Trayambakeshwar Temple -> Neelkanth Madhadev Mela. You can start from first place keep moving (or) you can go to last Neelkanth Madhadev Mela and riding back.
Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
22JAN2011 05:30 PM: I planned to reach Haridwar at see “haridwar aarti”. This is one of the most important and famous activity in haridwar. This is daily program happened at 6.00 PM in winter, 7.00 PM at summer. I took 30mins and reached to Hari-ki-Pairi, Haridwar.
22JAN2011 06:00 PM: I reached Hari-ki-Pairi, Haridwar on time. I can see already thousands of people came to gather for this program. We have some security check near to temple to reach this place. Its one of the wonderful event to see this place and filled by more lights, sound, etc. Don’t miss it.
HARI-KI-PAIRI (OR HAR-KI-PAURI): To the north of the center, this is Haridwar’s focal point, where devotees gather to bathe and worship on the Ganges. According to legend, this is where a drop of nectar fell from the churning of the oceans when the world was created, and a stone wall has Vishnu’s footprint. Each evening 6.00 in winter, 7.00pn in summer thousands gather and worship the river Goddess by putting diyas (floating lamps) in the river. You may be asked to make a donation if you linger near the ghats.
Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
22JAN2011 08:00 PM: I planned to stay very near to HARI-KI-PAIRI & found one hotel for rs.300. You can find more hotels near to ganga. You can stay near to HAR-KI-PAURI & spend your night near ganga. There is very good market in this place and plenty of good hotels to take food. There is long place to walk at night with ganga, you can see people day and night in this place. This is more active and center part of Haridwar. Don’t miss this place.
Ganga at Night – Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
23JAN2011 08:00 PM: I started riding to MANSA DEVI MANDIR, this small temple constructed on the mountain. Mansa Devi Mandir and Chandi Devi Mandir temple located on two mountains. HARI-KI-PAIRI located between this two mountain/temple only. From this two temple ,we can have very good view of complete Haridwar.
MANSA DEVI MANDIR will reached by trucking (or) cable car (or) Bike (car not allowed), its very small road & only bike allowed. Good !! I just went in my bike to this temple. I spend some time, its very small temple and have very good Haridwar view from this place.
After i reached CHANDI DEVI MANDIR through my bike. Only bike allowed in this small trucking road. This is again very small temple located on the mountain, only attracted thing will be haridwar view from this place.
Haridwar View from Mansa Devi Mandir
23JAN2011 12:00 PM: I reached BHARAT MATA MANDIR, 5 km north of the center. Dedicated to Mother India, this is half temple, half nation building exercise, with seven floors stacked with deities, saints, and secular heroes of all Indian faiths. Some signage in English. On they way I seen SHRI VYASA ASHRAM near to ganga.
Haridwar view from Chandi Devi Mandir
23JAN2011 02:30 PM: One of the important place at hardiwar will be RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK. This is very near from Chandi Devi Mandir. We can have only jeep safari to see this national park & currently they stoped elephant safari. Its more the cost for the jeep, you can get one jeep for Rs.1500. I share with some body else and paid Rs.500. It took 3 hrs to cover this complete park in jeep. This park contain Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Leopard etc. But i seen only Deer, nothing much.
RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK: Uttrakand government maintaining this park in very very good manner. There is plenty of policy man with gun who is in for security purpose ouside and inside the partk. They have it proper safari roads and main tain as plastic free area. Government really protecting this park with care. Should appreciate uttrakand government.
Rajaji National Park, Haridwar
23JAN2011 06:00 PM: I started riding to noida/delhi. Initially I thought to avoid this night ride, but not. Its bad to ride in this single road with more traffic at night.
23JAN2011 10:45 PM: Good Reached house at Noida. It was wonderful ride and nice places to see.
Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
January 5, 2011
One Day at Delhi in Delhi Metro !!
One Day at Delhi in Delhi Metro !!
27-Nov-2010, Delhi
PHOTOS: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/Delhi_QutubMinar_HumayunsTomb_Lotus_Temple
DATE: 1 Day, 27-Nov-2010
PLACE: @ Delhi
1. Qutub Minar (Qutb Group of Monuments)
2. Humayun’s Tomb
3. Lotus Temple
TRANSPORT: Delhi Metro + Auto
DELHI TOURIST REFERENCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tourist_attractions_in_Delhi
DELHI TOURIST MAP:
Just to Log 🙂
Last week I was riding in delhi, So this week I decided to go to Delhi metro to see some more places. Delhi Metro is Grand success project in India. Delhi metro keep extending the route in all the direction. Now most of the Indian cities’ replicating this project model to reduce city road traffic. Its bad !! Delhi metro is heavily crowded now, any way its serves the purpose. We reached Qutub Minar station after we took local auto to reach Qutubinar.
Qutub Minar – Its one of the UNESCO World Heritage Place in India !!
Qutub Minar (Qutb Group of Monuments): It is the world’s tallest brick minaret with a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft). Construction commenced by Qutb-ud-din Aibak who won Delhi from the Prithviraj under Muhammad of Ghor as his commander in chief, and finished by Iltutmish.
Qutub Minar, Delhi
I am not able find any nearby metro station. So we decide to reach Humayun’s Tomb in auto.
Wow !! Humayun’s !! Its really beautiful tomb architecture and build it using red stone. Its look like exact Taj Mahal architecture other then red stone. You should not miss this place, if you go to Delhi. Its must see and worth to see !!
Humayun’s tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562 CE, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian architect. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Lotus Temple: We went to Bahá’í House of Worship(Called Lotus Temple – like like Sydney Opera House) in evening. The Bahá’í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá’u’lláh in nineteenth-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá’ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories. In this temple, visitors not allowed in afternoon. Any religious people can visit to this place to worship the god. Its very beautiful and silent place for meditation.
Often, I am seeing this lotus temple statement like “Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent” “Mother architecture for Indian Architecture”. I will defiantly bet it, simple 5th century Indian Architecture will beat this. Its absolutely hype and unacceptable. Most of the time we don’t know the fact, who is spreading this type of hype news & why. my view, its simple and beautiful place for meditation. It can’t be mother of Indian temple & unacceptable.
Bahá'í House of Worship (Called Lotus Temple)
Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
January 3, 2011
Ride to Nainital, Uttarakhand from Noida, 2 Days
2 Days, 11 & 12 – Dec -2010.
TO SEE ALL PHOTOS: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/RideNoidaToNainital
RIDE DURATION/DATE: 2 Days, 11 & 12 – Dec -2010.
PLACE:
Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
1. Nainital lake
2. Aerial Ropeway/Snow View (start 10.30AM to 4.00 Pm in winter, 9AM to 5.00 Pm in other season)
3. Caves Garden
4. Naina Peak or China Peak (Himalyan View)
5. Barapathar – Lands End, Dorothy Seat & Tiffin Top
Some more place to see in Nainital (I am not see)
1.Zoo
2.Hanuman Garhi
3.Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences(ARIES)
Other then Nainital, we have following good near place to see (I am not visited)
Beautiful Lakes – Saat Tal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal. Water falls(its one the way to nainital) + Wild Life
RIDER : Udhaya Kumar.V in Royal Enfield TB
ROAD MAP:
We have two routes that you can take while going to Nainital from Delhi. Both the routes run on the same track up to Moradabad and then deviate after Moradabad. While going I went though Rampur and while coming back, came through Kaladungi.
Delhi to Nainital through Rampur: Delhi – Ghaziabad – Hapur – Garmukteshwar – Gajraula – Moradabad – Rampur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Nainital (313Km)
After Moradabad also we have to keep riding in High way, its having lot of local traffic and heavy vehicle traffic in this route. Even its long route and highly recommended to avoid this road. you will travel 30 to 40km extra.
Delhi to Nainital through Kaladungi: Delhi – NH24(Hapur Road) -> Ghaziabad – Hapur – Garmukteshwar – Gajraula – Moradabad –65Wà Tanda – Bazpur – Kaladungi – Nainital (277 Km)
After Moradabad we have 30 km bad road in UP, after that we will have beautiful forest and hilly road. Its beautiful hilly and forest road. we wont see any traffic in this road, because heavy vehicle not allowed in this route. I highly recommended you to use this route to save time and see good scenario.
DISTANCE: 622Km (Noida to(Via Rampur) Nainital – 313 Km, Nainital to(Via Kaladungi) Noida – 277Km)
BY TRAIN: Nearest railway station in “Kathgodam” (36 km away), Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi.
WHERE TO STAY:
When you reach Nainital, you will see beautiful Lake. “Tha Mall” road start form the lake. You can see plenty of hotels in this road in all the rates. You can take some hotel in this mountain, So you will get very beautiful lake view from your hotel itself. “The Mall” road is more happening place in complete nainital. Its near to lake. I booked one single bedroom for Rs.300. its half season, so I can get it for less price. But generally you will get very decent room for 1000+/- based on your need.
Expense: Rs.2735 (Food Stay – Rs.1335, Petrol – Rs.1400)
SIGTSEEING:
Opt 1: I went all the places in my bike, yes off course some places in Horse. If you have car, you can go in your own. Its all very near only.
Opt 2: If you don’t have bike/car, Better you can book one or half day sight seeing package. You can find lot of travel shops in “Mall Road” itself. it will start from Rs.200 to 1500, based on your tour package selection.
RIDE LOG:
11DEC2010 06:45 AM : Started from Noida, as per my plan i should start at 6.00 AM, i am feeling more cold and fog keep delaying my starting time. One thing I can see, more often local people/traffic in UP roads, even in highway.
11DEC2010 09:30 AM : I stopped for breakfast, we can see plenty of good high way hotels in UP, so no issue for food. Keep riding till Moradabad, its very good high way, after mix of good/bad/traffic road.
11DEC2010 01:30 PM : I reached Nainital lake and went to “The mall” road. I just booked one hotel(Rs.300 rent for single bedroom) near to lake and dumped all my bags. I don’t want worry much about hotel room, any way I will be back at night for sleep. You can find plenty of hotels in this road in all the range. Rs.200 to Start hotel rooms.
Nainital Lake
Simple to understand the roadmap and sightseeing.”Nainital Lake” will be main attraction. Its located in middle of mountains. We have three view points around this lake like Barapathar, Naina/China Peak and Snow View. From all these view poitns, you can see same Nainital lake and Himalyan View. Nothing more.
Nainetal PlayGround - View fromAerial Ropeway
I decided to go Barapathar first, but on the way I seen CAVES GARDEN. Its collection of small caves. Its not much interesting, but we can have very good view from this place also.
After I reached Barapathar, this place contain collection of view points. We need to travel in Horse to reach this view points. WE can see plenty of horse in this palce, ratest starts from 100 to 500 based on number of place you select. I paid Rs.400 and decided to go all these place like Dorthy Seat, Tiffin Top, Tiger Top, Lands End and Lovers Point. We will have very good view from this place.
Next I reached Naina Peak(Naina peak and China Peak are same), But I realized already 5.00 pm, I am not going to get good view in this time because of fog. So I came back to Nainital lake.
11DEC2010 05:45 PM : I went to Nainital lake for boating, there is different type of boat option, I took one for Rs.150. This lake having system to purify lake water continuesly.
11DEC2010 08:00 PM : I spend time near to lake. It will have lot of shops and more active place.
11DEC2010 09:00 PM : If I get room for Rs.300, I wont get heater !! Its very cold in this season.
Day 2:
12DEC2010 08:45 AM : I went to Naina Peak because Ropeway will start at 10.30 AM only. We have to truck 3km to reach Naina Peak to see Himalyan View. Still if you truck 2 more km we can reach china peak I am the first person went today. I am not able to see anybody at this time because of cold. We will have very beautiful himalyan view from this place. There is horse facility also in this place, but I am not seen any horse in the morning.
Himalyan View from "Naina Peak or China Peak"
I came down from this place, From this place we can go to Snow View point by road. it will be less then 1 km. but I decided to go in Aerial Ropeway to reach Snow View point. You can go to Snow View point through road or Aerial Ropeway. Better go in Ropeway and will see nice lake view also.
12DEC2010 11:45 AM : I came back to Rope way to reach Snow View. Rope way will work from 10.00 AM to 5.00 Pm in Winter. Through this rope way we can reach top of the hill, its called Snow View point(7,450 ft). where we can have Himalyan View and lake view.
Nainetal lake - View fromAerial Ropeway
Some time my bike engine performing badly in hilly road, I don’t know the reason.
12DEC2010 01:00 PM : Good !! Started riding back to Noida/Delhi. This time I decided to ride through Kaladungi road. Its beautiful hilly road and only light Vehicle allowed in this road. good I seen one small falls in this road. Its really fast and short road to reach Moradabad.
12DEC2010 04:00 PM : I reached Moradabad.
12DEC2010 07:30 PM : Reached noida Guest house. There is lot of traffic near to noida because of delhi traffic.
Its really wonderful hilly 2 days ride !!
Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
November 30, 2010
One Day ride – Noida to fathepur sikiri(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Duration/Date Time: One day ride, 28-Nov-2010
Rider: Udhaya Kumar.V
Road Map/Status:
Noida –NH2à Faridabad -> Palwal -> Mathura -> Bharatpur -> fathepur sikiri (215km)
Mathura to Bharatpur – Its bad road/slow road. Better instead of taking this deviation, keep riding towards Agra and take Agra ring road, ride back to Fathepur in Udaipur road. its very fast and good road to reach. If you want see Taj and Agra Fort, Better you can reach agra and ride back to Fathepur.
NH2 – we can find lot of local traffic in this road.
Total Distance: 450 KM (Round Trip)
Photo: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/FatehpurSikri
Ride Log:
Agra having lot of great place(Taj, Agra Fort, etc) to see. I have visited to agra long back, but I missed to see Fathepura Sikiri. I am seeing lot of good review about this place, yes offcourse its listed under UNESCO World Heritage Place. So I decided to ride fathepur sikiri and spend one day. Any way its 200km from Noida. There is High way NH2 and Express High way(Yamuna Express HW) runs between Delhi and Agra. But Biks not allowed in Express High way. So I should go through NH2. After riding in NH2, I realized lot of local traffic on this road. Even till Faridabad plenty of construction happening in this road like Delhi Metro, Elevated High Ways, etc. Faridabad growing fast J Delhi Metro keep growing all the direction and reached Farridabad. I think every city defining own rule for elevated highway, in Faridabad bikes not allowed in this elevated highway, but buses allowed.
I reached Mathura and took deviation towards Bharatpur, After I realized its single and bad local road. But it will be good to see local villages also.
Fathepur Sikiri:
was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar beginning in 1570, in honour of Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti. Fatehpur Sikri sits on rocky ridge, 3 km. in length and 1 km. wide, and palace city is surrounded by a 11 km wall on three side with the fourth being a lake at the time. The buildings of Fatehpur Sikri show a synthesis of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship. This was because indigenous craftsmen from various regions were used for the construction of the buildings. Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture are seen hand in hand with Islamic elements.
fathepur sikiri - Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate)
Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri: Mughal emperor Akbar tried to integrate Indian three religious(Hindu, Muslim and Christian) in different ways. Even We can see this religious integration reflection in this Jama Masjid architecture at one place.
Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri
Muslim architecture at Jama Masjid
Hindu architecture at Jama Masjid
Christian architecture at Jama Masjid
Natural AC: You can find very beautiful working natural AC in this architecture. its really works. There is the hole in the wall extending till top.
Natural working AC in the Architecture
Its like House window Mirror: We can able to see things from inside to outside. But from outside we can’t see anything in inside.
You can very well see things from inside. you can see anything from outside. its beautiful design.
Rain Water Harvesting: Beautiful rain water Harvesting design in the architecture. All the rain water will be routed through this pillar (this will be used as pillar and pipe also). This water will be routed and saved near place. Same as there is beautiful water drainage(waste water) system available to route to different place in this fort.
Rain Water Harvesting System
Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
November 26, 2010
One Day – Ride at Delhi
20-Nov-2010, Noida to Delhi.
Ride Type: Just ride at Delhi
Riders: Udhaya Kumar.V
Date/Duration: 20-Nov-2010, 1 Day
Distance : 75 Km (Round Trip)
Photo: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/DelhiRide
Delhi Tourist Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tourist_attractions_in_Delhi
Road Map: I just followed Delhi Tourist Map. Please refer this.
Ride Log:
I transported my bike to Noida from Bangalore for short assignment, So I have to use my week end to explore nearby places. Today I took my bike plan for ride Delhi to see some of the famous tourist place. Yes off course Delhi having lot of Heritage places and famous market to visit. Even we have three UNESCO World Heritage place (Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Red Fort Complex) in Delhi & must see.
09.30 AM: I reached Akshardham temple. This place highly organized well and maintained very clean. Camera, bags, etc nothing allowed inside the temple and keep it outside in locker . We have to gothrough security check to reach temple & its look like Airport security check !! Its very beautiful architecture in the modern world. Must see this place one time. After coming out I realized there is lot of tourist and students coming to this place & heavily crowded.
AKSHARDHAM: Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays centuries of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The building was inspired and moderated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, was officially opened on 6 November 2005.
Akshardham Hindu temple
11.00 AM: I reached RajGhat, its next and near to Akshardham temple. Its one of the important place in delhi, which you can see more world leaders visited. It’s very simple and silent place.
Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Gandhi’s cremation on 31 January 1948. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi in India on Ring Road officially known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial.
Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi
12.00 PM: I reached Jama Masjid. Its looks great when you see this from main road, but its very badly maintained near places and street. I don’t know why this beautiful tourist place maintained very ugly. We have to purchase ticket to claim on Jama Masjid tower, you can go to top of the tower and get very good view of delhi and redfort. Don’t miss it tower watch.
Jama Masjid: Built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid’s large courtyard, onion domes and central tank are built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style.
Jama Masjid - Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
01.00 PM: Redfort exactly opposite to Jama Masjid. Its just walkable. Other wise you can first visit to RedFort and park your vehicle in RedFort parking area. After you can visit to Jama Masjid, any way its walkable.
Red Fort: This grand fort built during the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s reign, this majestic building made of red sandstone is the location from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every Independence Day. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the weaponry museum and the sound and light show are all worth seeing at the Red Fort.
Redfort - Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's
02.00 PM: I reached India Gate, This place was filled by tourist and students. Its look like some festival season. WE will have very good Rashtrapati Bhawan view from this place. After I went to near Rashtrapati Bhawan. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held.
India Gate: Situated on Rajpath, in the center of Delhi, this 42-meter high arch, was designed by Edwin Lutyens, in memory of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the first World War. Their names can be seen inscribed on the arch. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame, burns in memory of the unknown soldier, beneath the shelter of the arch, which is surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies – an evergreen picnic zone in the heart of central Delhi.
India Gate
Rashtrapati Bhawan: The president’s mansion is situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns around India Gate. This elegant building, is truly worth seeing, for its architectural beauty and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are open to the public in spring, are an added attraction.
03.30 PM: Next I went to National Meseum and spend some time. Its very near to India Gate.
National Meseum
06.00 PM: I reached home at Noida, Sec 55. Day went well !!
Still I have to see three more(Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar) important places at Delhi. Let see one more day.
-Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
October 11, 2010
RTMC 9A(Annual Meet) Ride Bangalore to Yercaud (2 days)
Ride Type: RTMC 9th Annual Meet ride.
Riders: RTMC Rider + Riders came from Madras Bull, Kovai Thumpers, Mysore and Shimoga Bull Groups. More then 150+ riders attended.
Date/Duration: 9th and 10th-Oct-2010 (2 days)
Program Avenue: at Shevaroys Hotel, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Route: Banaglore -> Hosur -> Krishnagiri -> Dharmapuri -> Salem -> Yercaud
Distance : 470 Km (Round Trip)
Photo: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/RTMC_9A
Ride log: I never attended RTMC annual meet and waiting for long to ride for this. Good finally I got one seat after waiting list.
09-Oct-2010 06.00 AM: We grouped front of Bosch at Hosur Road after Silk Board. Already some of the volunteer started early morning itself. So we 30 riders started from this place as a group. Yes off course some more riders started late and some riders start from different place. We started our ride at 7.00 AM from this place.
09-Oct-2010 09.00 AM: Its relax ride and reached A2B(Bharat Petroleum) for breakfast. Its regrouping point.
09-Oct-2010 12.45 PM: We reached Hotel and get dumped in room. Its really wonderful hotel and nice room(RTMC always find good hotel to stay)
09-Oct-2010 02.15 PM: We had very good lunch/Buff.
09-Oct-2010 04.00 PM: Its event time !!
09-Oct-2010 06.00 PM: Tech talk(about bull and tips) hosted by Bose sir(Technical Gyan). Its went long and very useful. Yes we seen lot of Q&A session followed by speech. Its really nice to see very passionate person, after his retirement still riding and passionate with Bull machine. He is recommended lot of tips for custom build. Any way I am not going to do anything
09-Oct-2010 07.30 PM: Prize distribution followed by 9A cake cutting.
09-Oct-2010 09.00 PM: Dinner/drink/dance/speak/shoute/etc whatever people love to do.
Overall: Its really wonderful even and well organized. I should thank to Organizing committee for well organized everything with BEST CARE. Huge crowed handled nicely and organized everything in excellent manner. we seen all type of the people attended the event like young, old, married, kids, etc. Generally more people come to one place, we will see more problem and concern. But I am NOT seen one bad incident also in the complete program. Its really amazing experience and fun. Waiting for 10A 🙂
Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
+91-98867-33607
August 19, 2010
2 Days RTMC Ride- August 15th, 2010 Independence Day Ride – Bangalore to Chikmagalur, Kemmangundi, Gudurimugu
Ride Type: RTMC – August 15th , 2010 Independence Day Ride
Riders : 24 Riders
RTMC Riders
Total Distance: 613 Km round trip
Date Time/Duration: 2 Days, 15 and 16th August 2010
Road Map: Bangalore -> Chikmagalur -> Kemmangundi – Gudurimugu – Bangalore.
Bangalore to kemmangundi - road map
Photo: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/Kemmangundi_Karnatka
Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
July 22, 2010
Motorcycle Ride – 2 days – Bangalore to Badami, Patttadakal, Aihole
17 and 18-Jul-2010
Badami, Patttadakal(Group of Monuments – World Heritage Site), Aihole – Karnatka, India
Photo: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/BadamiPattadakalAiholeKarnatkaIndia
Ride duration/date: Two days ride, 17 and 18-Jul-2010
Rider : Udhaya Kumar.V in Thunder Bird(RE)
Road map:
Bangalore -> NH4 -> Chitradurga -> NH4(total 403 km in NH4) -> Hubli -> Go in Hubli Bypass & Take Right & will reach NH218 -> Navalgund –NH218(total 82km in NH218)-> Nargund –NH218-> Kulgeri(Take Right at this place & reach SH14) -SH14(total 20Km in SH14)-> Badami(553 Km)
Other short rout to reach badami as follows. But we need to travel in single road from Chitradurga & even there is lot of truck traffic in this route because of mining. Only we can see 70km different between this two route. If you want ride slow with lorry, you can go through Hospet route.
Banglaore -NH4-> Chitradurga –NH13-> Hospet -> Badami.
Road status:
Bangalore –NH4-> Hubli – Golden Quadrilateral, Excellent Road
Hubli –NH218-> Kulgeri – Very good single road, No traffic other then villager’s traffic. Road is yours, You can ride as you like.
Kulgeri-SH14-> Badami – Small Local road. Go slow.
My expense: Rs.3,832 (Rs.2800 – Petrol + Rs.1032 – Stay, Food)
Where to stay(Hotel Detail):
1. I stayed at “Hotel Mayura Chalukya – Unit of KSTDC”, Badami. There is karnatka Tourisam desk(Mr.Arun – Assit Manager) in this hotel and they provided detail about local sight seeing(they are really helpful). Room rent will be Rs.600 & Very Decent/Big room. You can very well go with your family and stay in this hotel.
2. I seen one more hotel “ Hotel Badami Court” at Badami – But I don’t have any rate detail, but looks next level.
3. You can find two more hotels in the town itself, But I am not sure how comfortable/decent to stay. You have to check.
Pattadakal & Aihole – Nothing to stay, You should stay at Badami and visit to other places.
Time required for local sight seeing:
All this three place will be covered in one day. You can start from Badami spend 3+ hrs. After reach Pattadakal, Spend 2+ hrs. After you can reach Aihole, Spend 3+ hrs.
Archaeological Museum, Badami – 10.am to 5.pm only – Friday Holiday (Even if you plan it on Friday, no worry, you can skip this)
Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole – Opened from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM.
Any other near place to explore:
1. Go through hospet route & reach Hampi(World Heritage Site)
2. Koodalasangama, Almatti Dam – Near Bagalkot
Ride log:
Karnatka having two world Heritage monuments, One at Hampi and second in Pattadakal. I have visited to humpi some time back and keep thinking about Badami, Patttadakal and Aihole for very long & finally happened in this week end. Even one my friend Sameer Biswal insisting to visit this heritage place for long.
Day 1:
17-Jul-2010 04.30 AM: started my ride from Marathalli, Bangalore and realized raining in this time. Good thing in Bangalore – it will rain in one street and not in next street. Any way started riding with rain and realized till crossing tumkur rain not stopped. Riding slow with rain.
17-Jul-2010 09.00 AM: stopped for breakfast, its idly time
17-Jul-2010 11.30 AM: I reached Hubli and took bypass. After checking local people & navigated towards NH218. Its very small city with some traffic, it took 30 mins to cross the city and riding in Single NH218. Its very good road with no traffic no people , yes off course I can see more hump(Karnatka standard) & cn’t avoid. Again start raining this place, all I need keep riding so that I can cross the rain.
17-Jul-2010 01.30 PM: I reached Badami town, before entering the town in the left side I seen “Hotel Mayura Chalukya – Karnatka Tourisam”. Good !! I booked one room and dumped all the luggage, There is a restaurant with Karnatka Tourism desk. I took lunch in the place and collected sight seeing detail from Mr.arun, Ass Manager Karnatka Tourisam. He is nice guy and provided all the detail with local road map, temple detail, etc with some tourist pamphlet. Good to start now.
17-Jul-2010 02.30 PM: My plan to navigate Badami, Mahakuta, Pattadakal & Aihole to complete the sight seeing. Nothing more. All we can see old temples and some newly constructed temples. First I went to CAVE TEMPLE at BADAMI, Its continue four cave temple in same mountain.
BADAMI: The one time capital of the Chalukyas is an outstanding centre of early Chalukyan art. King pulakeshin I made it his capital in 540 AD. Situated at the mouth of a ravine, between two rocy red sandstone hills, the town of badami has both, rock cut and structural temples.
Cave Temple, Badami
Cave Temple: there are four rock cut cave temples on a very tall rock, one situated above the other.
Cave One: The lowest cave temple is dedicated to Nataraja(Lord Shiva).
Cave Two: Cave of the Vishnu Avataars.
Cave Three: Paravasudeva Cave. The third cave temple is he finest and the largest of the group.
Cave Three: Paravasudeva Cave
Cave Four: Jain Tirthankara Cave. The fourth temple is dedicate to the jain faith. Its is very small and full of jain Tirthankar images.
Badami Chalukya Empire, 636 CE, 740 CE
We will have very good view from this place. We can Bhutanatha Group of temple with pond. Next I planned to reach Archaeological Museum & Bhutanatha Group of temples. We can able to see this place from Cave temple itself. Its very near and walkable. But I decided to go in my bike (we have to go back to Badami market and reach this place). I reached museum and spend some time.
View from Cave Temple, Badami
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, BADAMI: Museum of the Plains and the Sculpture Gallery that is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India on the Bhutanatha temple road.
Keep walking and reach Bhutanatha group of temples.
BHUTANATHA GROUP OF TEMPLES: at the east end of the large reservoir called Agastyateertha, is the Bhutanatha group of temples, which has a temple built in Dravidian style with two or three smaller shrines attached. Near this group of temples is place called Aralitheertha, with a natural cave.
Bhutanatha group of temples facing the Agasythya Tank, Badami
I decided move toward Banshankari Temple, its 5 km away from Badami. Good !! again its raining and reached Banshankari Temple.
BANSHANKARI TEMPLE: Its old and new construction temple. Some of the construction still going on. If you have time constrain, you can skip this temple. I spend some time in this place & stuck in rain.
After I decided to reach Mahakuta, but on the way I seen SHIVAYOGI MANDIR.
SHIVAYOGI MANDIR: Its newly constructed temple with modern architecture. Nothing much time to spend this place. So moving towards Mahakuta temple.
Shivayogi Madir
I reached Mahakuta temple, its very old and small temple. Its not maintained well, but its active temple.
So I decided to ride towards Pattadakal, before reaching this place I seen one more old JAIN TEMPLE in Chalukyan Architecture & looking great, but not maintained properly. This temple build it in 9th century AD and locally called the JAIN NARAYANANA.
Great Finally I reached Pattadakal, One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rich in Chalukyan architecture. It’s maintained excellent way with beautiful garden.
PATTADAKAL: Situated at a distance of 22 km from badami. Pattadakal was a progressive city even prior to the rule of the Badami Chalukyas and called Pattada Kisuvolal. It was the headquarters of the administrative unit of Kisukadu. This temple complex is on the banks of the Ghataprabha River. All you can see collection of temple in the single campus at Pattadakal. Some temple name as follows.
Pattadakal, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Chalukyan architecture
VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE: Three are four large and six small temples here in a space of four acres. The large temples are all pure examples of the Dravidian style of architecture. The Virupaksha temple was built by Lokamahadevi, wife of Vikramaditya II(733-745 AD) to commemorate the kings conquest of Kanci.
MALLIKARJUNA TEMPLE: This temple was originally called Sri Trailokeshwara Maha Saila Prasada and built around 740 AD by Trailokadevi, the younger queen of Vikramaditya II, to commemorate his victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram.
SANGAMESHWARA TEMPLE: The most ancient of the temples here is the Sangameshwara Temple.
GALAGANATHA TEMPLE: Dilapidated temple of the 8th Century AD, but has a Northern style curvilinear Shikara.
PAPANATHA TEMPLE: The papanatha temple, mentioned as ‘Mukteshwara’, seems to have been completed around 740 AD.
JAMBULINGA TEMPLE: This temple is assigned to the 8th century AD by scholars.
Pattadakal
17-Jul-2010 7.15 PM: its wonderful day and reached hotel room. Had very good dinner and went to sleep early.
Day 2:
18-Jul-2010 6.15 AM: I started from room to visit AIHOLE temples, today my plan will be to visit all Aihole temples and go back to Bangalore. Nothing much to Do. Generally its very hot district, but because of rain its looks very good weather.
Aihole will be 34 km from Badami town. We can take village road and reach this place soon. I reached Aihole and realized lot of temples in this place, compare with Badami and Pattadakal. But most of the temples not maintained and local people using this temples. After visiting three continues temples Ramingeswari Temple, Galaganatha Temple, Ladkhan temple, etc. After I am checking the local people and they said, Main temple called “Durga temple”. I decided to reach this temple.
Aihole, Inside Durga Temple.
DURGA Temple: ITS Excellent place to see. Its maintained my Karnatka Tourisam with garden, etc. You can spend more time in Aihole compare with other two places.
AIHOLE: In all there are about 125 temples at this place, big and small, most of them in dilapidated condition. Its one of the Cradles of Temple Architecture, because of the variety found in these excellent monuments. It was commercial center bubbling with trade activities during the badami Chalukyan times and rich merchants here built a large number and variety of temple. Aihole had been their erliest capital before Pulikesh II shifted it to Badami. May inscription here are from the 6th and 9th Century AD.
Aihole, Durga Temple
18-Jul-2010 10.00 AM: Reached hotel and started riding towards Bangalore in same route. I don’t want go through hospet. I just said bye to Karnatka Tourism manager.
18-Jul-2010 12.00 AM: its rains on the way, nothing to stop just keep riding and reached hubli. All I can see raining at small places, so decided to ride.
18-Jul-2010 07.30 AM: stuck in rain, traffic in Tumkur road and finally reached home at 7.30PM. It was wonderful ride. Good thing !! My bull reached 50,000 km in the ride. I took 3 years to reach this KM. Not bad !!
!! My bull reached 50,000 km in the ride. I took 3 years to reach this KM. Not bad !!
Udhaya Kumar.V
udhaya@udhaya.com
+91-98867-33607
April 20, 2010
Short Ride : Bangalore to Madikeri Fort Karnatka
Ride Type: Just Ride with friend Vinod
Road Map:
Total Distance: 250+ KM round trip
Date: 17th Apr 2010
Photo: http://picasaweb.google.com/udhaya.v/MadikeriFortKarnatkaIndia
Madikeri Fort Karnatka
View from Madikeri Fort Karnatka
-Udhaya Kumar.V, udhaya@udhaya.com
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