Forest Thrills at Masinagudi

This must be my umpteenth trip through forests. But this one was a bit unique as it was a trip with friends.

What’s good about travelling to Masinagudi is that you cover two major Tiger Reserves on the way – Bandipur and Mudhumalai which are in two different states i.e. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. So you can plan a jungle safari on the way if required. You also get to see herd of deers and wild elephants on the way. I have been lucky all the time and this time it was even better as I saw bisons, lion tailed macaque… Plus a wild elephant that almost rushed towards our car.

Now this stay that we planned is a 150 year old cottage amongst a 90 acres coffee estate. The Wilds at Northern Hay at Masinagudi is about 5-6 hours from Bangalore. Once you enter Bandhipur forest, you automatically slow down to spot animals. From Bandipur, you enter the next forest section of Mudhumalai. Once you reach Masinagudi, you have to head towards Singara Check Post. Beyond that (due to bad roads or literally no roads), you cannot take your car unless it is a four wheel drive vehicle. There is no parking lot as such and you have to park your car at the check post.  We were a little concerned about the safety of car but when we came back, we didn’t find any damages except a few monkey footprints on the windows.

The estate owners have already started expanding the accommodation options with tree houses and luxury cottages. But they have retained the old charm of the already existing one. The rooms are decorated with antiques. 

We were welcomed by the caretaker and he gave an overview of the facilities and activities. Then we came to know that another guest have cancelled the booking due to bad weather. We were happy as we got the entire bungalow for ourselves. After refreshing, we went to the dining hall and we were served with delicious food. Our stomach was so full that we needed siesta.

After having the evening coffee (try it, it’s awesome), we chose for plantation walk instead of jungle safari. Our guide Babu was also a caretaker at the estate played a perfect host and entertainer. He told that he came to this place at the age of 13 and been here for over a decade. First he showed us the tree houses and newly built cottages. Then his jungle book stories began. He narrated about sighting leopards and bears in the estate and how he was almost attacked by a tusker. His brother Salim, the cook, also accompanied us.

The plantation walk turned out to be a jungle trek. On the way we saw fresh foot marks of bears and half eaten mole hills. I slowly picked up a stick to shoo the tiger away, in case I encountered one. Babu then consoled us by saying that the wild animal would attack the guide first and then turn towards the guests. Now how will the wild creature know which one is the guide here?

All Hollywood movies like Anaconda, Predator, Crocodile, and so on started flashing in my mind. I didn’t want to be walking behind, as always the last one gets killed first. Walking for two hours, other than paw marks, we saw lot of deers and then we went back to our rooms at sunset.

Meanwhile when Babu was arranging bonfire for us at an elevated ground close to the cottage, we skimmed through the guest books and read statements of spotting tigers, leopards and bears near the resort. So the caretaker’s tales had some truth.

At the campfire, I positioned myself facing the coffee estate so that I am ready to run when I see leopard. Barbecue option was also available but we didn’t opt for it. Babu made fresh orange juice for the ladies and it was so yummy. Dinner was even better. We had more than three servings of chilly chicken that Salim prepared.  

                              

We chit chatted till late night safe and sound in the living room filled with antique hunting weapons and books. It was so quiet that I started getting shivers thinking that the bungalow may be haunted. But luckily I didn’t find any ghosts. We were strictly instructed not to stroll around at night as there could be wild animals around.

I woke up in the morning with the sound of something running on the roof and it was monkey menace. While serving morning tea, Babu started off with his set of stories on how monkeys spoilt his food arrangement and stole bowls. The breakfast though didn’t have much choice, was still tasty.

We lazily sat in the portico on those old rocking chairs and arm chairs and funnily debated on what we would have done if we had met a bear or tiger during our trek.

By noon, we checked out and started our journey back to Bangalore.

Apricot raisin cake

Ingredients:

1.5 cup flour
1.5 Cup sugar
4 Eggs
250g butter
1.5 Tsp baking powder
1 Tsp Cinnamon powder
1 to 2 Tsp vanilla essence
Apricot -- chopped finely
Raisins -- chopped finely

Method:

1. Caramelize 0.5 cup sugar.  Let sugar melt, remove from fire before it burns. Then add 1/4 cup water and keep on low fire till sugar crystals melt.
2. Sieve flour, baking powder and cinnamon powder together and keep side.
3. In a bowl beat butter and sugar till fluffy.
4. Add eggs and flour mixture alternatively and mix well.
5. Add vanilla essence
6. Finely chopped Apricot and raisins should be coated with some flour. This is to avoid it going to the bottom of the pan when baking.
7. Finally add the caramel and the fruit mix and once mixed pour into baking pan.
8. preheat oven to 180°c and bake for about 45 -55 minutes, or till done
9. Use tooth pick to prick and check if cooked well.
10. Once done let it cool and enjoy

- Chalked by Megha Kuruvilla

 www.facebook.com/ColoredChalks

Choosing the right Relocators

Relocating can be a stressful task if the right agency is not chosen for shifting of goods. Normally the relocation agent visits your venue and inspects the goods and then shares a cost with you for shifting from one place to another. The cost normally includes packing, unpacking, loading and unloading from the vehicle, rearranging and unpacking, labour charges, etc.

So here are the tips:

• Compare quotes. But think twice before choosing a vendor over another for a difference of Rs.500 – Rs. 1000. Reason: Costlier quotation may involve better packing options.
• Clearly define the new location such as the availability of service lift and the floor number. Reason: There are chances of additional costs if the service lift is not working and for higher floors.
• Vehicle choice. The agency may offer two choices of vehicles – open and closed. There may be a temptation to choose the open vehicle due to discounts. But keep in mind, weather conditions can damage your furniture.
• Packing offers. All relocation companies offer packing of all household items. This is good. However, remember, they may literally throw your clothes into a carton without sorting out. This may become tedious for you when settling down at your new place. It is better to wash and iron your clothes and pack it yourself to make it easier once you shift. Or keep it ready nicely folded and differentiated for the vendors to pack. Insist that they pack your crockery and other breakable goods with bubble packing material.
• Insurance is necessity. No matter how carefully things are packed or packed with the original carton boxes, there may still be damages. Check for broken stuffs before settling the bill.
• Do research online for reviews on the relocation agencies. The marketing executive will be looking and sounding very professional but the actual goods are handled by workers who may not be professional enough. Check with your colleagues and friends on their experiences.

- Chalked by Rashmi Abhilash

 www.facebook.com/ColoredChalks

Calicut = Paragon Restaurant

There were times when we had re-organized our travel plans to pass through Calicut during lunch hour to hop into this restaurant. Why? They serve the best Malabar Biriyani and Meals. 

The restaurant is always buzzing with hungry foodies and sometimes you have to wait for nearly one hour to get a table. Sadly there is no advance reservation. This the toughest part as the aroma of Biriyani keeps lingering and that elevates your hunger even more.

If you order rice, see that you got enough space on the table for side dishes. Try the Prawns Tawa fry and also the day’s special menu. Chicken Biriyani is my favourite and it tastes amazing.

So the next time you visit Kerala, make sure to indulge in the mouth-watering Malabar cuisine at Paragon. It is one of the “Top Things To Do” at Calicut (Kozhikode).

The Fisherman's Wharf

The Fisherman's Wharf as the name implies is a haven for the sea food lovers. Packed wth Buffets and ala carte of fresh sea food and more, even their ambience talks pure goan!!!



Chilli Squid !!!!.. Just one of the many yummy others!!!

From the Salad bar!!! 



From the Dessert Table

 Not only the sea food but the desserts are also heart warming:)

 Last but not the least is the spread of cokctails mocktails and other drinks, to compliment your platter !!


Cocktails to Taste!!!!

Enjoy At:
The Fisherman's Wharf
Next to Mandovi Motors,
Haralur Road,
Off Sarjapur Road,
Bangalore - 560102.

- Chalked by Megha Kuruvilla

 www.facebook.com/ColoredChalks

Backwaters Treat at Citrus Retreats Allepey

Citrus Retreats Allepey is situated on the banks of Pallathuruthy River with the other side facing the never ending paddy fields. The nature’s beauty doubles up the luxury here.  A 15 minute boat ride from the Pallathuruthy Bridge will take you to the resort. This ride will keep you busy clicking photos 360 degree. Kerala is known for its lush fresh greenery during the monsoon.

When you step down from the boat, you get a welcome that makes you feel like a royal blood. You just need to sit down and relax and the resort staff will take care of your check in and baggage. Then you are escorted to your room and on the way you get a narration on what’s available for you during your stay.

The reception staff was kind enough to upgrade our room from Paddy field view to Lake View. And Lo! I was so grateful for that after seeing the view from the room. Our accommodation was on the first floor and tucked in a corner from where we could enjoy both backwater and paddy fields. The room was really spacious and the balcony was pretty good.

Settling down and refreshing, we went for a walk around the resort to see the amenities. We made use of the complimentary foot massage on the day of arrival which was a real start to relaxation. The spa faces the paddy field and there is a good variety of options to indulge on.

The restaurant is called “Tamara” meaning Lotus. At the table, the Executive Chef came and introduced himself when we chose A la carte’. He had his own charm and way of talking and yes, a really good knowledge on food. By the time we were done with dinner, I knew about the chef and his family and his way of cooking. He was there all the time ensuring that we were well looked after. From then our theme at the resort changed from relaxation to food extravagance. He prepared good traditional Kerala cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner and we just went on eating. I forgot what hunger was during the stay as my stomach was always full J

The resort has facilities like swimming pool and spa, indoor games like Playstation, Chess, Carom Board, Pool table, outdoor activities like fishing and houseboat cruise, etc. These services are also available in towns and cities and part of our daily routine busy life (except the houseboat ride). So try something different and enjoy the real beauty of countryside. Hence I would recommend walking on the paddy field at the backyard. Lie on the hammock and watch the houseboats pass by. Or just dip your feet in the river and watch the rustic life. Once in a while you may get awakened from this beautiful dream but no worries; it’s just the small school of fish touching your legs. Calm, peaceful, quiet and you feel close to the nature…

Nights, you go to sleep with the sounds of crickets. Mornings, you wake up from the sounds of the water ripples or birds chirping and with the reflection of water on the ceiling. The monsoon rains are treat to your senses.

People say Kerala is God’s own country… I second that, absolutely...

 

How to do acrylic flower painting

Starting with flowers is definitely an interesting way to create your skill. This is a painting for a beginner to medium experienced painters. Each layer is fairly thin(a glaze) because the paint colour is mixed with a small bit of water to make it flow more evenly. If you would rather use flow medium, that is acceptable also. Each layer of glaze must dry before the next layer goes on. Have patience! It is worth the time to get this technique right. Stick to the painting tips during these steps and you will be in a position to paint flowers with acrylic paint.

1. Select how many flowers you will paint and how they will be organized. It doesn't need to be exact- just indicate general dimensions and placement.
2. Prepare the actual canvas. Arrange the paints and brushes exactly where they are handy for the reach. Set your canvas on an easel or even work desk to start your work.
3. Block in the background using the shades of your need. Let it dry; it won't take long.
4. Draw the rough outline of the picture with pencil or chalk onto the background of the canvas. Use light outlines. Using a chalk, you can draw and erase loads of times and as long as you don't over-wet the surface, it will not hurt the painting underneath.
5. Using a fine brush, paint the petals with Titanium White. Then paint a layer of the colour you need onto these white areas.
6. Each petal has a highlight and shadow areas. In shadows, just blend in a layer of Payne's Grey. Then layer thin colour of the petal on it keeping it smooth.Keep the brush strokes going in the directions that the lines of the petals flowing naturally. The areas which will be highlighted will have to be underpainted with Titanium White again.
7. Repeat actions for additional flowers. For those who have overlap to another layer associated with flowers, make sure to dry the first layer before adding to this.
8. Add leaves as well as stems. Using a green paint, add in lines associated with varying thickness with regard to stems. Use a broader brush for making the leaves.
9. Complete the painting. Let it dry. Apply varnish onto the painting and finish off the piece of art.

Chalked by Sobiya Sudeep

http://paintingillusion.blogspot.in

Roopkund - Adventurous Trek to Solitude

Roopkund Trek has got everything – forests, rivers, meadows, snow, all the ingredients of the nature. This glacier lake is famous due to more than 500 human skeletons that are found at the edge of the lake and that's the mystery  which remains unsolved till date.

Thanks Arun Skariah for sharing these amazing pics :) This is his second trip to the Himalayas.

 



Reaching Lohajung 

  





Near Gwaldam, through the pine forest...a scenic drive

 



                       

The camp @ Bedni - the beautiful meadow 



First sighting of Mt. Trishul

You can find these small religious structures the whole way. As you climb higher, the deities are replaced with just snow....

                          

Some say a pond, others say an arena of sorts...

Keep walking

                                   

I am the king of the world...

Camp @ Pathar Nachna, at a distance....

                              

Time stops here

 

                             

Heaven meets Earth

The last camp site at 14000 ft



                                           

Snow Point





Solitude





                           

Roopkund 





The much fabled bones around Roopkund. You get to hear interesting and vivid folklore about their existence... 





Magical Mists



Keeping Kerala's Art Alive

A sudden trip to hometown in Kerala gave me a chance to visit one of the surviving traditional
art schools. Spending my entire school life in Kerala, I never visited Malayala Kalagramam but
better late than never.

29kms from Kannur town, you need to take a left before the Mahe River Bridge and in minutes you will see the name board on the left. There are chances of missing the place as you may get distracted by the beauty of Mahe River alongside the road.

                                                                           

As you walk towards the old building, you ears will strain to hear the faint harmonium music with voices matching to it giving you the feel of traditional Kerala. Sponsored by the A.P.Kunhiraman Trust Chennai, the center started functioning in 1994 and has courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery. Besides these, sessions, seminars, lectures, in-service programmes and special projects in different fields of art and humanities are conducted by the Fraternity centre of the Kalagramam. It also offers Kalari (stage) for youngsters to rehearse and perform all forms of fine arts. Yoga and Sanskrit too are taught here.

Tourists are permitted to watch the classes with prior permission from the Director. The Malayala Kalagramam is closed on all Thursdays. It is a must go for all the art lovers and spend some time with the veterans of art and linger around in the campus interacting with like-minded people. The ambience is sure to give inspiration to your creativity.


Malayala Kalagramam
Cochin House New Mahe,
Calicut
Kerala
Phone number - 0495 - 2332961

-Chalked By Rashmi

Tuesdays with Morrie - a review

         “Everyone knows they’re going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently.”

All of us have thousands of complaints right? about the traffic, the food, the salary,the work, the politics,... on goes the never ending lists.

So amidst all these regrets and worries, there came by a book which left me thinking how silly i am !!

A professor counting his last days of life, shows us the true meaning of being alive! to not surrender to the disease is one part of whole book, but the most important part is the lessons he teaches us.

"Take any emotion-love for a woman, or grief for a loved one. If you hold back on the emotions- if you dont allow yourself to go all the way through them- you can never get to being detached, you’re too busy being afraid.  You’re afraid of the pain, you’re afraid of the grief. You’re afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails.

·         But by throwing yourself into these emotions , by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience them fully and completely, you know what pain is. You know what love is. You know what grief is. And only then can you say, all right. I have experienced that emotion, I recognize that emotion. Now I need to detach from that emotion for a moment."

Many a times in life I've been through stages when the same had happened to me, an emotion is with me only till i go to the full extent with it! and it being not the norm, i have been questioned by many of my queers... all those questions remain answered with professor morrie's statement above.

"No matter where u live, the biggest defect we human beings have is our shortsightedness. We don’t see what we could be, we should be looking at our potential stretching ourselves into everything we can become. "

Through simple statements , Mitch albom, brings out the real essence of life.. of living and letting others live!!!

Thanks Mitch for this wonderful composition.

                                                                  -Chalked by Megha kuruvilla