Happie Moments in the LiFe

Four Wheeler driving Experience.....

2011-03-12T11:56:00.005+05:30

Hey readers....

I am now back to write the review of my new Santro (At least for me its new...).

I bought a second hand Hyundai Santro which is of 2007 make and a limited edition...

As far as the vehicle is concerned its a fully loaded with Power Steering, all Four Power Windows, Digital Tachometer, Alloy Wheels, Tubeless Tyres, Front and Rear Defogger, Central locking and a very good Pioneer MP3 player with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters. The only feature which is missing is remote locking system (I guess the car dealer has removed that).

When I decided to go for this vehicle, I was not knowing anything about 4 wheelers as well as driving. Sandy and Badri helped me to go for this vehicle after test driving it... The vehicle has run only 27K Kms.... and the engine is in very good condition...

I finalized my decision to go for this vehicle and paid the advance to the dealer on 2nd of Feb. I got the vehicle delivered on 22nd Feb by paying only half of the amount (The first owner has no NOC from the bank yet). I still have to pay another half of the amount which I have promised him to pay as soon as he provides me the NOC from the bank.

Between 2nd Feb and 22nd Feb I did learn few basics of driving by joining a Driving school near my house. I started driving this vehicle just near my home once it was delivered to me. On 28 Feb my In law's had come to Bangalore to take my wife with them to Sagar. On that day I decided that we all 4 can leave in my car to Sagar so that I can also join them till Sagar and I get a driving experience also.

1st March: The big day of my driving. Myself, My Wife Poorni, and my In laws started from my home at around 6:45 in the morning. My mom was bit hesitant as I was driving and did a pooja to our vehicle also.

At last we started from Bangalore, and what to say about Bangalore's morning. It was cool and bit mist covered. As the traffic on the roads was bit less From Goragutepalya I took the elevated Highway to Daabaspet (Distance was around 25 Kms and the toll was just 15 Rs.) I crossed the elevated highway and reached Daabaspet in just 18 mins. Truly speaking even I was bit hesitant to go for high speed.

Once we reached Daabaspet and paid another toll for highway to Tumkur I was bit confident that I can also drive. Started the vehicle and reached up to 120 Kms/Hr speed. Wow.... That was hair rising experience for me.... There were no stops for the vehicle and my drive till we reached KB cross which is in between Gubbi and Tiptur. There at K B cross we stopped the vehicle for our breakfast and a small power nap for me.

We started from K B Cross after a long break of 1 hour and till Shimoga again there was not stopping of the vehicle. Badri and Sapna were there in Shimoga due to which we stooped there for about 30 minutes and drove to Sagar. In fact we reached Sagar at around 3:30 in the afternoon.

To be specific I reached Sagar in 9 hours with almost 2 hours of breaks in between...
No one was ready to believe that I drove all the way from Bangalore to Sagar in just 7 hours of Drive time.... This is my first experience of driving my 2K7 new Santro Limited Edition...

Oh yeah!!! I forgot to mention this... The car also has ABS (Anti Lock Breaking System) which I came to know while driving to Sagar.

To finalize the overall experience of my driving was toooo good and I enjoyed it a lot....

Koi Deewana Kehta Hai.........

2010-03-08T10:04:00.002+05:30

Koi Deewana Kehta Hai, Koi Pagal Samajhta Hai;
Magar Dharti Ki Bechaini, Ko Bus Badal Samajhta Hai;
Mein Tujhse Door Kaisa Hoon, Tu Mujhse Door Kaisi Hai;
Ye Tera Dil Samajhta Hai, Ya Mera Dil Samajhta Hai.

K Mohhabat Ek Ehsason Ki Pavan Si Kahani Hai;
Kabhi Kabira Deewana Tha, Kabhi Meera Deewani Hai;
Yahan Sab Log Kehte Hain, Meri Aakhon Mein Aansu Hai;
Jo Tu Samjhe To Moti Hai, Jo Na Samjhe To Pani Hai.

Samander Peer Ka Aander Hai Lekin Ro Nahi Sakta;
Ye Aansu Pyar Ka Moti Hai Isko Kho Nahi Sakta;
Meri Chahat Ko Dulhan Tu Bana Lena Magar Sun Le;
Jo Mera Ho Nahi Paya Wo Tera Ho Nahi Sakta.

Bhrmar Koi Kumudani Par Machal Baitha To Hungama;
Hamare Dil Mein Koi Khwab Pal Baitha To Hungama;
Aabhi Tak Doob Kar Sunte The Sab Kissa Mohhabat Ka;
Mein Kisse Ko Hakikat Mein Badal Baitha To Hungama.

KUDOS...to the Master Blaster

2010-02-25T16:23:00.003+05:30

The Master blaster of Indian cricket team has set yet another mile “200 Runs” in a single one day match. I would like to take this forum to congratulate our master in my way. The milestones which he has set for the country is just mind blowing….

In my mind I had a dream to watch Sachin setting this record from a long time may be since the time when another legend Saeed Anwar had set his record of 194 runs.

As he said yesterday “When I started playing, I always wanted to be regarded as one of the best and the idea was that when I stopped playing, people would remember my name.” you will always remain in our hearts forever.

Yesterday (24 Feb 2010) will remain as a historic moment for all the cricket fans in their hearts for lifetime. I just want to say few words to the master blaster through this blog on behalf of every fan of Cricket “Congratulations for your achievement in the history of the game called Cricket. We would love to see you setting another milestone in a short while”.

KUDOS to the Indian cricket team who have done extremely good at the field. Ufffff Am not finding any other words to explain my joy so am ending this article.

Chak De….India!!!!!!

Photo courtesy from a E-News Paper

Sapna jo Toot gaya

2010-01-24T22:49:00.011+05:30

Sapna tha jo, Woh Sapna hi Reh Gaya....
Khwaish thi Sarpass jaane ki, Woh Khwaish hi Reh Gaya....
Jaane kis samay mein paidha hua tha, Woh samay hi mera Dushman ban gaya... :-(

I just had one dream in my life.... to Trek around Himalayas.... which has been ruined due to my birth time.....

The horoscope Say's that I have a Shani Bhukti for next two years which has become my enemy for my trek..... I can't even go on any kind of adventurous tour like Trekking Rock climbing, scuba diving which my passion....

Actually In one of the Bollywood movie there was a saying that "Agar koi admi jo kuch bhi real mein chahta hai use woh mil jata hai" But it has been the other way round for me.....

I am very sad to say this "I can't go for any treks for two more years"................... My happie moments have paused....

Now I have decided no matter what it is, I believe in this horoscope...I dont want to take risk with my life which can take my life... But my dream let that be a dream for another couple of years...I make sure that I complete the trek after 2 years....I hope there would be another person to accompany me (If I am married by that time) ;-)

Preparation for my 2 years dream --- Himalayan Trek

2010-01-19T16:07:00.003+05:30

After quite a few attempts over my last two years I have decided to trek around the Himalaya ranges, to be specific in the Sarpass. Since yesterday my plans have become bit hopeful as I have also got a mate for the trek.

The trek is for 11 days which is organized by the Youth Hostels Association of India and I would require around 16 Days of leave from the office. The trek is in the high altitude and we will be reaching the peak of Sarpass which is at about 14000 Ft above the sea level located in the Parbati Valley in Himachal Pradesh.

My plans:

1) First of all I need to get the life time membership of YHAI (I am an annual member though.)
2) Once I get the membership for myself and my fellow trek mate I will have to book for the trek.
3) Most importantly I need to book for the travel modes (We will be travelling in almost all the modes of travel except water.)
4) Buy the warm clothes to withstand low temperature.
5) Last but not the least; I need to get the approval from my parents for the trek.

As far as I know I have the availability of only 30 people in the batch. So I will have to run to get the bookings done by next week or so.

Itinerary for the trek (If everything goes according to the plans):

1) 2 May 2010: Depart to Delhi by Air. And from Delhi to Kullu by road
2) 3 May 2010: Shopping at Kullu and report at Base camp in Kasol
3) 4 May 2010: A small wlak to Manikaran (The famous hot water springs) which is about 5 Kms from the base camp Kasol) –Ht 6500 Ft
4) 5 May 2010: Acclimatization and Orientation.
5) 6 May 2010: Rock Climbing and rappelling
6) 7 May 2010: By Bus Unch Dhaar and Trek to Youth Hostel Guna Paanivia Shila Village -Ht.8000 ft.
7) 8 May 2010: Trek to Youth Hostel Fual Paani -Ht.9500ft
8) 9 May 2010: Trek to Youth Hostel Zirmi -Ht.11000 ft
9) 10 May 2010: Trek to Youth Hostel Tila Lotni -Ht.12500 ft
10) 11 May 2010: Trek to Youth Hostel Biskeri Thatch –Ht 11000ft. via Sar Pass (13800 ft).
11) 12 May 2010: Trek to Youth Hostel Bhandak Thatch -Ht.8000ft
12) 13 May 2010: Trek up to Barshani Road head and transfer by bus to Manikaran and trek to Base Camp Kasol.
13) 14 May 2010: Drive back to Delhi by bus.
14) 15 May 2010: Catch Rajdhani train back to the IT City Bengaluru on 17 May 2010

As of now I hope everything goes as per my plan and Its time to achieve my dream of last two years. Just read and wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!

A Lonely Journey In to the Wild…..

2009-11-06T17:56:00.012+05:30

After a long journey for about 4 years in Wipro I made my mind to change the company to gain some knowledge and money…….. I had almost 10 days of break and the biggest festival of India Diwali to come at the same time so I made my mind to spend my diwali days at my native place, The mother of Nature…...

Journey Starts (14 Oct):

My parents had just arrived from their South India tour and I had already prepared my route to celebrate my holidays in my native. On the 14th Night I had booked my tickets from travel agent to Sirsi from Bangalore. Due to the festive season the fares of bus had also increased by 50%. I did not think about the money which I am going to spend, What I had thought was the enjoyment and the happiness what I get in these small villages. The journey was about 12 Hrs. and the seat at the bus was at the end and I was completely tired due to the bad roads of India.

One of my cousins had promised me to provide me his motor bike in which I had planned to make my trip little bit adventurous. Due to some circumstances he could not adjust a bike for me due to which I had to re-plan my trip with the KSRTC. I took a bus to Amminalli which is around 20 Kms from Sirsi and a rental bike to reach my native place Vadigere. It was around 1 PM when I reached home. I had to take a long shower with hot water from Hande to get refreshed myself. After the Lunch a small nap was also needed for me to get refreshed. Almost in the evening I just made a mind to go to the Fields where we grow the Rice, Vanilla, Black Pepper, Elachi and Betel Nut.

Journey to Benne Hole Falls (16 Oct.):

After the night on the next day I started my journey to my cousin’s house Bettanne Mane which is around 6 Kms from my native. On the same day I made my mind to take a motor bike for rent and drive to Benne Hole Falls. After filling the bike with Petrol and myself with food I started from Bettanne Mane to Benne Hole Falls which is around 25 Kms from Sirsi on the Kumta Road. After riding for about 20 Kms I come across a small village by name Bundala. After Bundala there is a small mud road, a typical jeep road to left which leads to the falls. The rain was also stopped few days back due to which the temperature at the place was also cool. After looking at the mud road I was completely shocked as the road was completely ruined due to heavy rain. I made my mind to see the falls and started my journey in the jungle. For about 4 Kms from Sirsi-Kumta Highway in the mud road was completely in the jungle I was all alone in the jungle. I come across with few snakes on my way and crawling of some animals in the jungle. After crossing about 3 Kms I found that a tree was fallen on the way and I had to go in the jungle by walk. The way was also pathetic with hell lot of Leaches in the jungle.

At last I reached the Benne Hole Falls after a walk for about 2 Kms. I was completely stunned by seeing the view of the falls. I was all alone in the falls and I had almost 2 Hours to spend before the sunset. After taking few snaps there, I started climbing back to the place where I had kept my motor bike. Once reached, I found that there were two snakes playing near my motor bike. Then I made a strong mind and took a long stick and threw the snakes away from me so that I can drive back to the highway

(A note for the people who are planning to travel to Benne Hole Falls, Please do not try to go to the falls by any of the cars. A SUV might be good rather than a hatchback or a sedan. Try to take lime stone water or Dettol to avoid leeches. In case if you are going through a small car you can plan to trek for 8 Kms one way.)

Once I reached the high way I thought to move till the Devimane Ghat and come back. The view of Western Ghats from Divemane Temple is breath taking. After a small break and few photo sessions I started back to Bettanne Mane. On the way I had even been to the Lord Venkateshwara Temple at Manjguni.

The sunset view at Manjguni was so good that I could not move forward till the sun was set. And after the sunset I was back to the home at Bettanne Mane and my adventurous day had come to an end.

Bettanne Mane to Kundargi (17 Oct.):

In the morning just after the my breakfast I started towards Sirsi in order to move to Kundargi. A surprise was waiting at Sirsi for me that I met with all my Cousins and my aunt at the bus stand. We headed towards Ummachgi from Sirsi. This day and the next day was anyhow a festival period so I had no other plans other than spending the time with my Cousins.

Kundargi to Honnavar (19 Oct.):

A bright Monday full of mist and cold welcomed us with a bright sunrise and I headed my journey to Honnavar to my other aunt’s house. The whole day I spent in journey and in the afternoon when I reached Honnavar, the temperature at the place was too hot due to the sea level humidity. I, my aunt and my cousin headed towards the sea shore to capture the sunset in my camera. After capturing the sun in my camera we were back again to the home after the sunset.

Honnavar to Hirekai (20 Oct.):

20th October, It was a Tuesday and everyone was in a hurry to go to the school (my cousin, Aunt and Uncle) but I was sleeping nicely at the bed. In the meanwhile a thought was flashed on my mind that I had to visit the temples at Idagunji and Gokarna. After a quick bath and breakfast I took the bus and reached Idagunji where a sacred temple of Lord Vinayaka exists. I again headed towards Gokarna from Idagunji after my pooja at the temple. I had reach Gokarna before 1 PM so that I can avail the opportunity to have the lunch at the temple. As per my wish I got the connecting buses on time and reached Gokarna in time. I visited the Lord Vinayaka Temple and Mahabaleshwara Temple at Gokarna.

After delicious lunch at Gokarna I headed towards the beach there. A small trek near the sea shore took me to a place where there was another beautiful temple of lord Shiva. Away from the crowd the beauty of the temple was carefully maintained. It was time to leave Gokarna and I headed towards the bus stand. Unfortunately I could not get the bus from Gokarna to Kumta on time due to which I had to go to my uncle’s house near Sirsi by walk in the dark.

Drive to Unchalli Falls (21 Oct):

My lonely trip was about to end as I had already booked my tickets back to the Concrete Kaadu, Bangalore for 21st. I didn’t want to waste my entire day in my uncle’s house due to which my uncle and me headed towards the Unchalli Falls which was about 20 Kms from his house. We had to go by walk for about a Km but my uncle took the bike on that small road. Due to the rain the surface was still wet and the bike started to skid. I did not have a strong mind to sit in the back and fall down. I asked him to park the vehicle and we started walking.

The falls has a single view point from the above. There is no way to reach the bottom of the falls. A rainbow was also formed due to the sun and the water at the falls. After taking few pictures there we were back to the house.

I had a full satisfaction for completing my journey in to the wild with nature. I started back to the City of dreams to start my new career with the new company.

A Letter for Some one Whoom I love....

2009-02-21T11:06:00.003+05:30

To,

My Dear "Fair & Lovely" (Ek Chand Ka Tukda)

You are my "TVS Scooty" (First Love) & my "AIWA" (Pure Passion). I am always "BPL" (Believe in the Best) & you are my "SANSUI" (Better than the Best). When you are with me "TVS Victor" (More smiles per Hour). You are my "Hero Honda" (Dil ki Dhadkan). You are my "Dominos Pizza" (Delivering a Million Smiles) for me. This is a "Colgate Energy Gel" (Seriously Fresh) feeling for me. I want you to be my life partner but I think you are worried about your father who is "Bajaj Caliber" (The Unshakable) and your mother who is "Ceat" (Born Tough). But don't worry as I am also "Ford Ikon" (The Josh Machine) & rest of your family members are pretty "Kelvinator" (The coolest Ones). If your father says NO, we will run away & marry and make "Philips" (Let's Make things Better).

They will feel "Mirinda" (Zor ka Jhatka, Dheere se Lage) but believe in "Coca-Cola" (Jo Chahe Ho Jaye). Trust in God who is "Nokia" (Connecting People) who love each other & donot forget we are "Wills" (Made for Each Other). Now that "Hyundai" (We are listening) the song of love, you must know that life is "Dairy Milk" (Real Taste of life), "Satyam Online" (Fun & Fantasy) and "Parx" (Always Comfortable).

So never forget me OK Bye, "Brylcream" (Be in Control), cool and confident as a bold Female. Iwrote a little but actually "Pepsi" (Yeh Dil Maange More)

"LG" (Digitally Your's)

The Second Episode of Pyaaar Ki Ek kahani............

2009-02-11T00:25:00.006+05:30

What I think is even Rohini was waiting for Rahul to propose....but she did not agree for his proposal at the first time.... Rahul had to wait for more than 2 months to get the answer from Rohini as Yes....!!!!!

At last on March 18 th Rohini agreed for Rahul's proposal and on the same day it was time for their first date.

Rahul had a brand new Yamaha bike on which they both went for long drive. As both were together from their childhood even their parents did not oppose for he long drive.

After a drive for more than 4 hours they reached the destination as planned and they started to roam around.....As a typical lovers they started to search a place where crowd was less.... At last they found a place to sit and pass the time...

After some talk they realised that they were alredy late to go back to their houses....Even then Rahul made a mind to drive back......They reached home at around midnight....

On the same night they both informed their parents about their love affair...Luckily Both the parents had no objections towards their affair....

On the next year it was their 2nd PU exams due to which they both were busy with their studies and classes.....

Next Year for Rohini's birthday...both families left for a trip to a hill station. Rohini and Rahul, both were exited to celebrate their 2nd Valentines day with their parents....

Infact their party was joyfull..... While returning back Rahul's family was in one of the car and Rohini's family was in the other....The road was a single sided road and on the other side it was drop.... Unluckily Rohini's car was in the front.... At one point of time in a Hairpin curve they come accross with the bus which was coming from the opposite side...

To give the way to the bus coming uphill... Rohini's car driver took the cab backwords....at the same time a big accident occured...Rohini's car slipped and fell to the valley....

The entire family was dead including Rohini....

It all happened in just a fraction of second and Rahul was the eyewitness for her love life's climax....

Then Rahul had nothing in his life left to live....But he did not try to commit suicide...He was dying from his heart. He failed in his exams...

After some time Rahul's parents realised that their son was in danger and they took Rahul to the psychiatrist... After consulting with the psychiatrist Rahul started his new life.....

And even now he is in search for his Rohini.....The difference is he is successful in his life...He has taken that in a sportive manner and come up in his life....

But as per our bollywood movie..."Baatein Bhool Jaate hain, Yaadein Yaad aate hain..."

Pyaaar Ki Ek kahani........Kabhi Khushi hai to Kabhi Gham

2009-01-07T19:52:00.012+05:30

The Journey Starts some where 25 years ago when a baby boy was born to a couple.... The baby boy is the hero of this Kahani. After 8 Months a baby girl was born to another couple just opposite to the house of the Hero who is the heroine of the story.......

Lets take the names as Rahul and Rohini.....

Both the families were typical Middle class family. They both were grown in a place where there were less restrictions for both of them....

Rahul was charming...and Rohini was Chul Buli....

After some years both join to the same school and unfortunately they both were together in the class also.... Both the families were close due to which they both became good friends in fact the best friends... They both were living in their own little world where there was no space for other things execpt Fun...

After some years they completed their Metriculation exams. As both the families were too close to each other Rahul and Rohini joined the same collage. At that point of time Our IT world was booming due to which they both choose PCMC in their PU...

Let me make a point on Rohini: She was born on the day which is very special for all the Lovers Yes.. she was born on the Valentines Day (Feb 14)

When they entered the collage life their all time friendship was turned to Eternal Love when Rahul proposed Rohini on her 16th birthday......

Was the story had Happy ending as most of our Hindi Movies????? Lets see it in the next Episode......

Goa....Has lot of things other than 3B's

2008-12-31T20:00:00.023+05:30

As I mentioned in the title Goa --- has lot of things other than 3B’s (Beach, Booz and Babes). The way in which I looked Goa was different from others…. It was on the Saddles with the bicycle…

The YHAI (Youth Hostels Association of India) Goa branch had organized a biking expedition in last December on which I was a participant for the inaugural batch…

The Journey Starts from Garden City:

For the first time in our trips and treks… we have changed the mode of travel… on 14 Dec. we left from Bengalooru in Vasco Express Train…. Long Journey to Vasco completed after 16 hours in the train…. Then we had to catch Kadamba (Local Bus service in Goa) to reach our base camp @ Panajim….

Reached Base camp of YHAI @ 8:00 Hrs on the next day. We had almost 8 hours to waste before the acclimatization started. In that period Badri and myself traveled to Calangute and Baga Beaches, which are the scenic beaches… (I had thought there would be some birds to watch… But due to the terrorist attacks @ Mumbai has made Goa bit “Banjaru Bhoomi”)

After a lite walk on the sand of Calangute and Baga, hunger was touching our stomach…had some pizza on the Dominos and we were again back to the Base Camp.

The Brand New Merida Bikes arrived:

At the time of acclimatization we met with the complete group…(It was a small group of 14 Ppl) and Bengalooru was rocking in the group as the majority of the group were from the Garden City. In the evening we drove to a place known as Dona Paula (which is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy, who threw herself off the cliff, when refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias) as a test ride for about 8 Kms.

Day1: Biking from Base Camp to Assolna Camp:

We started biking at around 8:30 Hrs on 16 Dec. after the flag off to the next camp known as Assolna. We had to reach the Dona Paula to catch a Launch. The launch dropped us at the Mormugao Harbour. From the Harbour we headed towards Mangor Hill Junction via Baina and then towards the Goa Airport in the Highway.

With Couple of photo shots near BITS Pilani Campus Gate we headed towards Velsao Beach. As per the YHAI plans we had to cycle along the Beaches for more than 20 Kms. Due to the heavy tides on the beach we could not cycle for even 100 mts. Hence we were forced to hit the roads instead of Beach way. After cycling for more than 30 Kms we reached a place known as Mobor (The place where all the 5 Star Hotels of Goa are located) After having a Tea @ one roadside shop we headed towards an unknown river back waters which was again a scenic beauty with the reflection images on the still water. We crossed the river with a Ferry and again there was a drive for about 15 min. after which we reached the Assolna Sports Stadium. This ended our Venture for Day 1.

Day2: Biking Assolna Camp to Netravalim Camp:

As per the official timings of YHAI we left the Assolna Camp at 8:00 Hrs towards the Netravalim. We had to follow the road to Assolna Market and headed towards Banda. From Banda straight on to Cuncolim Market we cycled till the forest office @ Balli. The various temples at Balli in fact too good but due to lack of time we could not stop at any of the temples. From Balli we headed towards Shantadurga and to Cavrem which was our tea time junction. After a nice tea at one of the shops we headed to towards the Dark side of Goa (The mining Belts). Cycling on the mining belts were too tiring as there was no shades on the road and moreover due to heavy traffic of Mining Lorries and the Dust almost all the participants were exhausted. Once the mining belt was completed each and every one was happily cycling in the shades of trees with a nice wind breeze. The Stretch for about 10 Kms was too refreshing. After cycling for about 15 Kms we reached the destination point Netravalim. The place where we were staying was known as Tanshikar Farms, which was again a mixture of Beauty and intelligence (As per our Kannada Hero –Upendra). This day was our fastest travel in the entire expedition. After drinking some refreshing tender coconuts at the Farms we again headed towards Savari Falls. The drive to Savari Falls from Tanshikar Farms was about 6 Kms and a Trek for about 3 Kms. We spent some time at the Water fall by testing our skills on Hill Climbing. Once we left from the Falls it was almost Sunset Time. Once we reached back to the Cycles it was almost Dark. We headed back towards the Tanshikar Farms in Cycles without any lights in the Jungle. After some entertainment programs, the Ethical Goan Food was waiting for us to fill our stomach.

Day3: Biking Netravalim Camp to Doodhsagar Camp:

The day started with the photography of the Tents and the Campsite. Once the photography from myself, Badri and Shobhana was completed the group was divided in to two parts. Few people left the campsite early. As per them they were the slow cyclists in the team. After having the Breakfast and pack lunch we were forced to move to the upper camp near Doodhsagar waterfall that is located almost at the border of Goa and Karnataka.

The drive till Collem was bit tiring as the roads were with the slope at an uneven terrain for about 30 Kms on the Highways and village roads. After biking for long time from the Netravalim Camp through Forest till Timblo via Kurdi, Vaddem and Barazan Bhathi, again the dark side of Goa was started (The mining area). A drive on the mining area had made us too tired after which we had to stop for the Lunch. Again after the lunch break we had to cycle for more than 25 Kms, which was divided in to the normal village road and the off road trails from Collem.

On the off road trail we had to cycle for more than 8 Kms on the mud road to reach the Doodhsagar camp. The speed of cycling from the group was decreased drastically as we had to cross the river and road been completely filled with the hug number of pebbles. We were the tail enders in the group to reach the camp. The Sun was also set and myself, Badri, Shobhana and Vishal had to cycle in the dark with one torch light on the jeep road. While coming in the dark we met some of the trekkers of YHAI who came in search of us who helped us to reach the camp on time. At last we reached the camp by 7:30.

Oh… Yes I forgot to mention this. This day was birth day of Shobhana. We celebrated the birthday party under the moon light with a piece of Plum Cake and the candles. I believe this would be the memorable birthday party for her too…. After the Camp fire which was in fact held without fire we celebrated the birthday party of Shobhana and it was time to call it as Night.

Day4: Visit to Doodhsagar Waterfall and Biking from Doodhsagar to Bondla Camp:

The night was cold for us as some of our team members including me could not sleep for the whole night due to the snoring of Praveen bhai…..

In the morning the day was started with a morning walk to the Doodhsagar waterfall. After some group photos and some enjoyment over there we were back to the camp at 7:30. The breakfast and the pack lunch were waiting for us. After having those, the cycling for the day was started slowly. As per the preplanned route of YHAI we took the service road in the Bhagavan Mahavir Sanctuary and reached Mollem junction. On the way we visited the Devils Canyon also. After reaching the Mollem junction we had finished the off-road cycling. We cycled to Tamdisurla Temple (which was built in 13th Century by Kadambas). It was almost post lunchtime when we reached the temple. The Limbu Soda @ one of the shops in Tamdisurla was refreshing for all of us. Post lunch it was only cycle to the Bondla Camp (which was located in the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary). The road to Bondla was not that enjoyable. On the way to Bondla we visited a Cashew Factory, which was native place of our Guide Manoj Laad (Raju). Some of the group members purchased the cashew nuts from the factory at a very cheaper rate.

Again it was a long journey for us to reach the Bondla Camp. On the mid way it was almost dark and we were inside the Wildlife Sanctuary. With one small torch of mine we cycled in the dark. Oh…. God it was too scary for us as there were some amount of elephant dung in the middle of the road. At last we saw the headlight of Raju’s bike. At around 20:00 Hrs we reached the Bondla Camp. The day was ended after some more amount of biking.

Day5: Biking from Bondla Camp to Base Camp Panaji:

The last day of cycling had arrived. For some of us it was a great relax as they were going to finish the cycling. As per the schedule the biking was started at 7:30 Hrs. For the first time each every one in the group were happy, as the route was a downhill for some time. Everyone started biking and few stunts in the bicycles were also made. A video shooting by Badri, Cycling without holding the handle by me…The ride was joyful for some time till we reached Usgao Circle. From Usgao Circle the group had hit the Highway. A small break for the Tea @ Usgao and again we started cycling. After cycling for about more than 25 Kms in the Even Terrain roads (As per YHAI…) we reached the Khamburjua Ferry point which was our lunch place…. After having the lunch we crossed the river and entered the Old Goa. We again hit the National Highway (NH 4A) near the Basilica of Bom Jesus: St. Francis Church. After some photo shots near the church we again started cycling towards the Base camp. By 16:00 Hrs our cycling expedition was ended.

A Grand Welcome @ the Base Camp:

As our batch was the inaugural batch for the Goa Biking Expedition we had a grand welcome from the YHAI @ the Base Camp. A Cake and Snack party was also organized for us for successful completion. As per the YHAI people the group photo of our group would be the Cover Page of the Youth Hostels Magazine…
And now the Journey in Goa was ended for us. We had to catch the train at the same day and Our Happie Moments in Goa was ended with out enjoying the BIG B in Goa (Yes… You are right… As per my knowledge our group would be the first group who had been to Goa but didn’t enjoy Boooozing there)

Pic: Sunset @ the Mobor Beach with the Cycle... Taken by Divya...