SushilOjhaRetiredManagerSBI: SUSHIL OJHA, at 60, TRAVELS FROM NORTH INDIA ( Dehra Dun ) to SOUTH INDIA ( Ernakulam /

Matheran Hill station near Mumbai

The above image is of a panoramic view of M A T H E R A N Echo Point

Sushil Ojha (63) of Dehradun Travels from Nashik to Matheran hill Station near Mumbai

On 22^nd Sept 2010(Wednesday)

It was very auspicious day of Ganesh Murty Visharjan.

05:00 am : Started by car self driven by my son-in-law Sgt Peeyush Mishra from his residence at Air Force Station Ojhar MIG to near by Ojhar town SRTC bus stand.

05:30 am : Travelled about 25 km by state bus (fare Rs30) from Ojhar reaching Nashik Rd railway station by 06.25 am and from booking counter, purchased train ticket, Senior Citizen fare Rs 38, to travel 134 km to Kalyan by 07.00 am super fast Panchvati Express

07:10 am : Unlike on other days, today being Holiday, there was no huge rush of daily passengers travelling / commuting to Mumbai by this super fast train from Manmad. Over a cup of coffee, offered by co- passenger, also going to Kalyan to see off his Thane based daughter, grand daughter and son in law flying to US, we exchanged information about each other. He was a Chemical Science post graduate running his own small scale industry in Nashik supplying dye to Mumbai and other states.

Thus I reached Kalyan Rly Stn by 09:30 am

09:48 am : We walked together to the booking counter, stood in our queue, purchased our respective local train tickets ( fare Rs 9 for my ticket to Neral stn ).

10.00 am : Travelled 33 km from Kalyan to Neral by CST Mumbai- Karjat local train.

10.35 am : Reached Neral Stn after passing through Vithalvadi,Ullasnagar,Ambarnath, Badlapur, Vangari, Shelu. After Neral, next and last station was Karjat(on Pune route)

Curious to experience the toy train here, I made a round of Neral – Matheran meter gauge hill railway station and noticed the following time table displayed near booking window:

Train No.	Neral	Matheran	Train No.	Matheran	Neral
601	07.30	09.30	602	07.00	08.45
603	08.50	11.10	604	09.45	11.25
605	10.15	12.10	606 $$	13.40	15.20
607 $	12.15	14.05	608	14.45	16.25
609	17.05	19.00	610	16.25	18.10

$ only on Sat, Sun and holidays $$ Daily

Reserved seats 30 ( fare Rs 35 ) Unreserved seats 60 ( fare Rs 20 )

NB : Contact Station Manager for train timings during Monsoon season

I checked my watch and today being a holiday, started waiting for next train at 12.15 but in the mean time, just casually walked into the Station Manager’s cabin and was sadly surprised to find out that services of this hill train remain closed during Monsoon from 15^th June to 14^th October. However, he was very helpful in explaining the train schedules and how to book tickets wef 15^th October. He also suggested that once I have come here, I must experience the road travel also. So I walked up to the nearby Taxi stand.

11.15 am : Occupied in Maruti Van taxi, front seat and paid Rs 60 as against Rs 120 fare for two passengers because one local Muslim youth sat between me and taxi driver.

During interactions, this co passenger apprised me that on this hill station, the hotel accommodation is not available to single persons. However, he suggested his relative’s Muskan Cottage, where by giving his reference; I may be accommodated @ rentals 300

11.35 am : After just 20 minutes up hill drive seeing scenic beauty- point views- water falls-deep valley below looking Neral town.

The uphill ghat road had hair pin turns at steep heights, where I saw mandatory sign boards for the drivers to use 1^st gear only. Our taxi driver also kept changing to 1^st gear every now and then.

A view of hair pin ghat road Matheran

Matheran is connected to the town of Neral which lies at the base of the hills. A tar road connects Neral to Dasturi Naka which is 9 km (5.8 miles) from Matheran.

11.45 am : After reaching Dasturi Naka parking place and paying entry fees Rs 25, I traversed carrying my back pack luggage in bag, through thick forest roads from this point towards Matheran hill by walk

. Matheran Entrance

Some others had hired coolies / ponies / rikshaws-hand pushed & pulled by total 3 men

After a short walk I noticed that some others were taking the railway track side and few were

on katcha road. I also chose to walk along rail track under shady trees, taking rest sometimes. A view of Dasturi Naka

Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed, which makes the place different from others. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no vehicles.

The other mode of transport is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge narrow gauge railway, which links the town to Neral.

Neral also has a broad gauge station which is on the busy Mumbai-Pune route.

Neral is well connected by railway line with Karjat being the nearest Junction.

12.45 pm : Reached Matheran Rly Stn, Main bazaar of Matheran, A few touts for hotels followed but none could manage to get accommodation for me being single traveler. Even the Muskan Cottage also regretted to accommodate me without police written permission. I searched other hotels, lodges, cottages and even the PWD as also Forest rest houses but found either unavailable or unfit. Like this I walked the entire ( M G Road ) Mahatma Gandhi Road (main road) of Matheran and got exhausted.

By this time I was feeling hungry also.

I decided to enter the Hutatma Kotwal Park and sit for a while on one of its benches to eat the lunch packed by my daughter from Ojhar MIG,Nashik. The moment I opened the lunch pack, two monkeys jumped and ran to snatch it from me. I had to leave the park . Then I realized that the whole of Matheran forests and this hill station, its bazaar, park etc was full of monkeys.

Back on the main bazaar road, I noticed a board displaying time table of Govt bus services from Dasturi Naka to Neral and then to Karzat, vice versa :

Bus fare Dasturi Naka to Neral was Rs 20 and Dasturi Naka to Karjat was Rs 25 only

Dasturi Naka	Neral	Karjat	Karjat	Neral	Dasturi Naka
0.700	07.30	08.00	05.45	06.15	06.45
09.30	10.00	10.30	08.15	08.45	09.15
12.15	12.45	13.15	11.10	11.30	12.00
14.45	15.15	15.45	13.30	14.00	14.30
17.45	18.15	18.45	16.15	16.45	17.15

02.45 pm : Tired by now, I almost decided to go back to Kalyan for night stay but I saw near Pen Co-Op Urban Bank branch, a small arrow board of Satkar Cottage, a MH Govt approved lodge. I enquired from the people around there about this lodge. They apprised me that here also no accommodation is given to single person.

After seeking information about the purpose and genuineness of my visit there, one of them, Mr Shinde agreed to offer one room in his Hotel Suyog cottage / Suyog bhojanalaya ( Prop Suhasini Jyotiba Shinde ), opposite Ram Mandir.I was so happy that I did not ask for the tariff and checked in. I found this well furnished room with attached toilet and CTV etc just for Rs300, highly satisfying.

Without waiting any more, at 03.00 pm, first I finished my lunch pack and then after bath took rest up to 04.45 pm. Thereafter, saw the Ganesh Visharjan programme here in Matheran organized by Mr Shinde and his family / friends. I was told that due to erratic power supply, we have to protect ourselves from the mosquito bites. I checked the menu card. Morning tea Rs 8 or coffee Rs 15 is available only after 07.30 am

05.00 pm : Went for evening walk, once again on MG Road. Checked my mobile with a view to contact my daughter Aradhana Mishra but lo there was no Airtel connectivity. I looked for land line STD booth and requested even some shop keepers but their BSNL land line was also down. Luckily at 05.15 pm, spotted an amiable young couple Sandeep Khaire from Kalyan ( e mail address khaire.sandeep@gmail.com ) who shared his mobile No.9967631360 to connect me with my daughter in Nashik.

06.00 pm : At Nariman Chikki Mart, took a cup of espresso coffee for Rs10 and then bought a mosquito coil to protect from mosquitoes prevalent even in hotel rooms also.

I heard Muslim prayer Ajaan coming from a Masjid here. I saw well kept Union bank, Post Office but badly kept Telephone Exchange and Ali Baug Forest guest house

Supply and quality of water was good.

08.30 pm : My tummy was still full, so without caring for dinner (veg thali Rs 50), went to bed and slept by about 09.30 pm after seeing some TV news and other programmes.

On 23^rd Sept 2010( Thursday)

06.00 am : Got up in the morning without expecting bed tea, listened to FM radio bhajan programmes on Ganapati Bappa Moriya in my hotel room No 2 on first floor. By about 07.30 am, I walked down stairs only to find that the hotel’s main gate was still closed. On my request, when the gate was opened, I went out in search of tea.

Only one shop had just opened where I could get coffee for Rs 10.

07.45 am : Now in the morning breeze, strolled on Matheran road towards Khandala point and then to Echo point where no body was present except another walker like me. To my great surprise, he was none other that Dr Rachmale Gopinath, heart surgeon of Lilawati Hospital, Mumbai. We talked for about half an hour there. He was staying with his family in Hotel Panorama, which later I learnt that this was the only one 4 star hotel here. He gave his mobile No. 9821341838 and e mail address rachmaledr@yahoo.com

08.15 am : Walked back and saw that number of monkeys and stray dogs are prevalent. A few hens were also seen. Saw some old private houses like Purbal house, BAAR house, Hermitage private property with paddy fields therein. Saw Desh Bhakt Bhau Saheb Raul Marg, Maulana Azad Rd, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bazar Peth etc

The distance boards were seen indicating:

Echo point 0.8 km, Louisa point 2.3 km, Charlotte lake 1.3 km, Pay master park 0.6 km

10.30 am : Checked out from hotel and walked back to catch 12.15 pm bus from Dasturi Naka to Neral. While walking back with luggage bag on my back, had a close view of the Matheran Railway station and its historical back ground

The Matheran Hill Railway was built in 1907 by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy and covers a distance of 20 km (12.4 miles), over large swathes of forest territory. This hill railway had been inspected by UNESCO world heritage site officials in the last week of October 2009. The official declaration of its status as UNESCO world heritage site like other hill railways of India like Kalka-Shimla, Darjeeling hill railway & Nilgiri mountain railway will be declared this year of 2010.The heritage status will boost the tourist activities here. Toy train in Matheran

This toy train journey is a visual delight for the tourists with a range of scenes to enjoy. The ascent ( 1 in 20-25 ) begins a little after the Hardar Hills and reaches the Jamnapatti station, where it appears that road and rail have almost come together. They part here, though to meet again a little further beyond the steep slope of Bhekra Kund. The Horseshoe embarkment near the Mount Barry is a captivating scene to look at. The route runs another mile before it enters into the lone tunnel on the way. Emerging from the tunnel, the line zig zags ( 225 curves ) sharply backwards and forward twice. Thereafter, the train crosses the Panorama Point and the Simpson Tank to reach straight to the Matheran Bazaar.

The journey on a 2 feet gauge commences from Neral and covers a maximum of 12 miles in an hour thereby allowing the passengers ample time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. It is advisable to have your bookings done earlier through internet or by other means as getting tickets for the toy train becomes difficult in peak tourist seasons.

The train passes through122 bridges and the Route covered are:

Neral - Hardal Hill - Jammapatti Station - Bhekra Station - Mount Barry- Panorama Point - Simpson Point - Matheran Bazaar at a height of 805 meters.

11.10 am : While walking by foot through the road in side Matheran and down hill road to Dasturi Naka, saw the display boards of

Shilproop Clinic of Dr Deepak Thanke, Dr Vaishali Thanke (both BAMS)

Rishikesh café, Anjuman Islam property, 4 star hotel Panorama, 3 star hotel Usha Ascot

Sunset Point 1.9 km, Monkey point 1.2 km, Hart point 1.4 km

Garbut point 2 km, Bazar peth 1.6 km, Dasturi Naka 0.6 km

Sakar rest house of RBI Staff Co-op Society Mumbai

Also saw one idle road roller and one or two moving Ambulance vehicles The road inside Matheran Hills.

A road inside the Matheran Town

11.15 am : Dasturi Naka was now 0.7 km. Panorama point was 2 km from here

11.20 am : Reached the Road – Rail track junction point where an arch gate welcomes the visitors to Matheran ( Aman lodge written with yellow paint on a cement board )

11.25 am : Maharashtra Govt Tourism Deptt Resorts was seen here under renovation

11.30 am : Walked through R N Tagore Road to reach the Dasturi bus stand by 11.35 am

12.15 pm : Bus started for Neral ( fare Rs20 ) to reach Jamnapatti by 12.20 pm

12.30 pm : Walked from bus stand to Neral Rly station to wait for local train to Kalyan.

14.15 pm : Reached Kalyan took lunch and bought latest Rly time table and Tourist maps

14.50 pm : Boarded Jan Shatabdi reaching Nashik by 17.15 pm and Ojhar MIG by 18.30

Some statistical figures about Matheran in Marashtra
Distt Raigarh. Nearest city is Karjat
Area >7 km2 (3 sq mi) Elevation • 800 m (2,625 ft) in Sahyadri hill range
PIN 410 102, STD 02148, Vehicle Regn No. MH 06

History

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in May 1850. Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay laid the foundations of the development as a future hill station.

The British developed Matheran as a popular resort to beat the summer heat in the region

Matheran (Marathi: Marathi: माथेरान( means forest on head ) is a city and a Hill Station municipal council in Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil and is also the smallest hill station in India. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is located around 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran's proximity to the three Metros makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents..

Because of vehicles being banned in Matheran, the place is quite peaceful despite the thousands of visitors coming to visit throughout the year. As no vehicles are allowed in Matheran, one has to drive up to Dasturi Point, 11 km ahead of Matheran, from where you could reach the main bazaar either by foot or on pony.

There are lots of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover.

There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorma Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking. The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, and more.

Matheran has been declared an ecosensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry and can be called a Health Sanatorium in itself. The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the Municipality. No private automobiles are allowed. Within Matheran transport facilities available are horses ( Rs 200 to 250 ) and hand-pulled rickshaws (Rs 300 for three men pullers ).

Matheran lies in an elevated region, enjoys a cooler and less humid climate which makes it popular during the summer months. Temperatures range from 32 °C (90 °F) to 16 °C (61 °F). Matheran has a huge number of medicinal plants and herbs. The town also has a large monkey population, including Bonnet Macaques and Hanuman Langurs. The nearby Lake Charlotte is the main source of Matheran's drinking water.

Languages spoken include Marathi, Hindi, and English. There are a lot of Parsi bungalows. Beautiful old British-style architecture is preserved in Matheran. The roads are not metalled and are made of red laterite earth. There are many "points" (viewpoints) in Matheran which give a panoramic view of the plains below.

On clear nights, the lights of Mumbai are claimed to be visible.

Matheran is also very well connected by road with Mumbai and Pune. Matheran can be reached from Mumbai via Navi Mumbai and Panvel. From Bhiwandi to Kalyan to Ambarnath to Badlapur and continue till Neral there you see one road for Matheran and second towards Karjat/ Khopoli. Go straight on Matheran Ghat Road after a very steep ascent you will reach Matheran's Dasturi naka- a parking place for cars and other vehicle.

A board of warning on Matheran road

11 km After turning left, you will reach the bottom of the Matheran Hill ghat road.

Turn left here and climb 7 km to the Matheran Dasturi Car park.

Matheran Ghat

It is a steep and narrow road but well surfaced for the most part. When you reach the car park find a parking space in the designated area and park your car. The parking entrance fees and daily parking fees need to be paid here.

No vehicles are allowed beyond this point. Matheran center is a 40-minute walk from Dasturi Car Park. Before you enter the limits of Matheran, Matheran Municipal council charges a fees of Rs 25 per adult and Rs 10 for children.

Once you enter, red dusty pathways welcome you to the nature. Porters are available to carry luggage. You can enjoy the walks through the red pathways or ride on horse. Manual 'rikshaws' are also available, each riskhaw is 'driven' by a couple of operators.

From Pune : Set off towards Mumbai on the Pune-Mumbai expressway. Get off the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at the Khopoli exit after passing Lonavla/Khandala and get onto the old Pune-Mumbai road. Approximately 18 km later, you turn right as per a big green sign, in Chouk town. Follow the signs from then on.

One can also exit Pune-Mumbai NH4 at Haal Phata near Khopoli to enter SH 35 which will take you straight to the bottom of Matheran Ghat Road.

Matheran is popular among trekkers.

Dasturi gate (Mathern car park) is approximately 8 km from Neral junction and a beautiful landscape can be seen from Neral itself. Streams cut through the farms. One can follow the road or walk through the countryside along the stream and take the trail used by localites. There aren't direction signs along the trail, so you'll have to take directions from localites or trek keeping the road in sight.

The trail crosses farms, streams, railway track at several places to add to the stunning landscape. Trekkers can rest and enjoy a snack midway at Janmapatti rail station where the road and track meet. There are a few eateries run by localites. Second leg of the trek is difficult than the first as the path gets steeper. Following the road should get you to Dasturi gate after which one has to take the unpaved trail till Matheran Bazaar. All trails in Matheran are well marked and getting around shouldn't be difficult.

Other Attractions

Mount Berry: Mount Berry is a popular tourist destination that is located 5+ km from Matheran. It offers a bird’s eye view of Neral. The major attraction is the slow train that chugs up the hill in the midst of pristine natural beauty.

Matheran peak is visible from here.

King George Point: King George Point is on the major tourist attractions.

Charlotte Lake: Also called the Sharlott Lake. It is one of the most picturesque spots in Matheran. On the right side of the lake, there is the ancient Pisarnath Temple. The two picnic spots Louisa point and Echo point are located on the left side of the lake.

Beautiful Lake in Matheran

Best season to visit this place is monsoon. Tourist can experience the scenic view of waterfalls.

Lookout points: There are around 38 different lookout points in Matheran, from where tourists can view the amazing beautiful valley. The spectacular view of the valley remains in the memory of the tourists for a long time.

Valley Crossing: A very great activity like Valley crossing by a rope can be experienced at Honey(Moon) Point. It seems to be risky and dangerous but it is not as we are tightly held by TWO safety belts and the adventure group conducting this activity does take care of us. You should experience this. Simply awesome!!!

Places of interest

Detailed Map of Matheran

Mountain peak near Lord's Point

There are altogether 28 points, 2 lakes, 2 parks, 4 major worship places and a racecourse to visit inside Matheran. If you want to see all of them then you may need 2–3 days on your feet. One can move around on foot or horseback, but it is recommended moving on feet to take the best glimpse of nature. If you are on Horse back you may not be able to spend your desired time on the points. All the points give a unique view and you can’t miss them. There are many walking paths for a leisurely walk.

Points to see;

Alexander Pt.

Rambag Pt

Little Chowk Pt

Chowk Pt

One Tree Hill Pt

Belvedere Pt

Olympia Race Course

Lords Pt

Charlotte Lake

Cecil Pt (Actually a water fall mouth)

Echo Pt.

Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt)

Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt)

Khandala Pt

Madhavji Garden & Point

Matheran Railway Station

Louisa Point

Mayor Pt

Friday, 19 November 2010

SUSHIL OJHA, at 60, TRAVELS FROM NORTH INDIA ( Dehra Dun ) to SOUTH INDIA ( Ernakulam /

SUSHIL OJHA, at 60, TRAVELS FROM NORTH INDIA ( Dehra Dun ) to SOUTH INDIA ( Ernakulam / Cochin, LakshaDweep, Kumarakom / Alapuzza back waters Thiruvanthapuram, Kotayyam,Kumili,Thekaddy-Mattupetty Dam,Periyar lake,Munnar hill station,Aluva,Thrissur,Guruvayur temple,back to Ernakulam and then to Nashik in Maharashtra FROM 17.09.2007 TO 25.10.2007

Sushil Ojha from Dehradun travels to Alappuzha
— Venice of the East —
Country	India
State	Kerala

09.10.2007(Tuesday) Travel by train from Ernakulam to Alleppy (Alapuzha)

05.00 am : Got up and got ready while Tiwari family was asleep.

06.00 am : Prepared tea myself and sipped while telephoning to elder son Anurag and elder daughter in law Rashmi. Tiwari family was still asleep in his Ernakulam rented flat.

09.00 am : After break fast with Tiwari family, accompanied him on his bike, up to main bus station. From here, the railway station was at a distance of just 5 minutes walk.

09.30 am : So instead of bus, I decided to take Chennai- Alleppy Express ( Ernakulam to Alleppy fare Rs 19 ). Electric Engines driven trains run on Ernakulam – Alleppy – Thiruvantaram, broad gaugeElectrified track.

11.00 am : Reached Alleppy ( now Alappuzha ) via Kumblam, Turvur, Cherthala stations

Met Mr K. Ajith Kumar, Regional Manager, SBI Regional Business Office, Beach Road, Alleppy situated near Rly Stn. After tea etc, he instructed his car driver to take me to Distt Tourism Promotion Council on Jetty Road, Alleppy to find out details of sight seeing of Alleppy back waters etc and then to arrange my stay in Retiring room @ Rs 150

02.00 pm : Took lunch of vegetarian ( South Indian ) thali for Rs 20 in IRCTC restaurant.

05.00 pm : After snacks and tea, saw very well maintained and very neat & clean Alleppy Railway Station ( inside and out side ). The spacious, almost spot less my retiring room was on the first floor. Sitting quietly in its verandah was giving pleasure of viewing local buses carrying passengers very frequently to the famous Punnakkal Kayal (lake) Punnamada Boat lake race side at a distance of about 4.5 km from here..

06.00 pm : Walked 0.7 km from Rly Stn to Alleppy beach. The sea can be seen also from top floor of the Railway Station building itself. On the first floor, the reservation office was also there. In addition to this long beach with fishing boats there are ruins of harbour jetty, ruins of Alleppy ports also.Walked on this beach up to 7 pm till it was dark and the Alleppy light house started beaming lights. On the beach road side, saw a heritage hotel Rahim residency (charges in Euro, in high season Oct to Dec and January to April about Rs 7700 plus 15% taxes, meals per person Rs330 (break fast), light lunch Rs 380, dinner Rs 660) where minimum stay for two nights was mandatory.

Near by on the beach road saw, SBI Alleppy branch, Sea View Park, Harbour restaurant, Govt guest house, where I met its Manager, who agreed to give me one VIP room (Rs150 per day).Took Raju’s bike lift on well lighted way back to Rly Stn due to celebrations of Ramjan giving a festive look near railway station. On the Rly Plate form, saw Coloured Television seating arrangements just like at the Air ports, CCTV, IRCTC restaurant, touch screen PC, Train indication electronic boards etc.

Construction of Ernakulam – Alleppy broad gauge was inaugurated on 15.04.1979 by Madhu Dandvate.Alleppy- Kanyakumari broad gauge(BG) inaugateted on 17.01.1987 by Rajiv Gandhi.New BG railway line inaugurated on 15.10.1989 by Madhav Rao Scindia.

10.10.2007(Wednesday) Stay in Alleppy (Alapuzha), sight seeing of back waters

05.00 am : Got up and saw that it was still dark outside.

06.00 am : Had tea at IRCTC restaurant and after fresh up was ready for morning walk

07.00 am : Walked up to the sea beach and saw Women & Children Govt Hospital, Alleppy Beach Resorts (tariff min Rs 1500 max Rs 2990 plus 15% taxes) overlooking the sea beach, fishing boats, Gokulam Residency, where I found its gate closed.

From sea beach, came towards Office of Supdt of Customs, Sea view Park having boating for children, Foam Matting India Ltd (FOMIL) making coir products, where met factory Supervisor Mr Anoop Kumar (of Alleppy) who led to a Picnic Spot worth seeing.

08.00 am : Now walked towards Vijai Park on sea beach, where saw a Malayalam film shooting going on (Director Jaya Ram, Asstt Director Santosh).Talked to Roopesh actor as ACP in film named “Of the People”. Their similar films “For the People”, “By the People” were famous ones. Later I was also invited to join and give a shot in this film as a morning jogger on the beach doing physical exercise.

After finishing my shot, I walked further on this beach and saw Bishop House, Indian Coffee House, Rahim Bunglow, and also saw about hundred years old Sivparvathy temple on the beach.Met temple Pujariji Pt Vinod from Jamnagar (Gujrat).

In this Alleppy Sivparvathy temple, unusually I was listening Hindi Bhajans, Hanuman Chalisa etc. I also found Hindi scripts in this Hanuman temple “Om Anjani Sutay Vidyameywaya Putraya Dhimahi Tanno Hanumat Prachodayat”. Went inside the Sivparvathy temple and met the Manager and saw one Pujari meditating within the back ground audio cassette run Mantra “Om namah Shivay…Om namah shivay…”

Saw another unusual feature of Kerala Tourism, that the sea beach was being cleaned by a group of women sweepers clad in green Saries and grey jacket. Motor Car driving learners were trying their hands on the beach road and also on an open ground in front of PWD guest house.Phone from my elder daughter Mrs Aradhana Mishra.

Now walked into the premises of SBI Main branch headed by an AGM Mr Madhawan. This building is owned by SBI since the time of its predecessors Imperial Bank of India.

Also saw the Swimming Pool Academy near PWD rest house.

09.00 am: Came back to Rly retiring room after taking Idlies and tea in IRCTC restaurant

12.00 noon : Met Rly Stn Manager Mr Robinson John and thankfully returned the room key to Station Master. I was the only occupant to this double bedded room allotted to me.

12.15 pm : Reached PWD rest house by rikshaw (Rs10), met the caretaker Mr Prasad and occupied the VIP room for two days (Rs300). The two attendants Kamal and Saji guided me how best to see and enjoy the famous back waters of Alleppy, most economically.

Travel by bus from Alleppy to Muhamma and then by ferry to & fro Kumarkom throughVembanad Lake

12.30 pm : As guided, I took a Pulzar bike lift ( Mohd Afzal of Centurian Bank Alleppy ) up to KSRTC bus station and boarded sub-urban bus going to Muhamma (Rs6)

13.15 hrs : Walked from Muhamma bus stand up to nearby Muhamma Jetty to board next SWTD( State Water Transport Deptt) Aquabus steel boat ferry (Rs5) to Kumarakom (9Km run in about 45 minutes) through back waters of Vembanad lake (looking like Chilika lake), Meenachil river mouth meeting the sea. In between saw beautiful Island Pathiramanal with flocks of only birds living there (a bird sanctuary) and so far unhibited. Uninhibited. bird sanctuary

Kumarkom can also be reached from Alleppy by road going to Kotayyam through Thanneermukkam Bund where sea water and river water are divided.

On way to Kumarkom, I saw well decorated house boats, canoes, fishermen and water weeds, floating hyacinths etc

A few days later I saw a news paper (Sunday Express of 14.10.2007) report stating that “Waterweeds and hyacinths enroute Kumarkom – Muhamma got curled up in the engine of the Aquabus steel boat of SWTD hardly fifteen minutes after it left the Kumarkom Jetty at 3 pm and the gear system got stuck due to heavy load, eventually making it lifeless carrying about 60 passengers on board”

13.45 hrs : Had lunch (Rs20) at Paddy Field Restaurent where Binoy ( of Kumarkom ) was very helpful. Talked to Roychadhury ( an Engineer ), and his wife ( working for BSNL ), who had come from NOIDA to see Alleppy etc and had stayed overnight here at Tharavadu (which means family home ) Heritage Home owned by Mrs Renu Joseph and her husband Mr Joseph John ( of Kotayyam ).Talked with Renu, John and their Heritage Home Manager Mr Murali.

16.15 hrs : For return journey, boarded ferry from Kumarkom to Muhamma and then by bus from Muhamma passing through many small villages enroute reaching Alleppy by about 19.15 pm. Bought fruits ( apples and oranges ) from Fruits market in Alleppy.

19.30 hrs : Reached PWD rest house. Ate fruits. Phone calls from younger sister Shobha, elder son in law Peeyush, elder daughter Aradhana and grand daughter baby Karika.

11.10.2007(Thursday) Travel by Bus Alleppy to Trivendrum, to & fro

05.00 am : Got up and went for morning walk on the sea beach.Took tea at the beach itself. On return, I saw that my VIP carpeted room No. 4 was spacious with sofa sets, but no working lights in toilet & staircase.Talked with room attendant who was helpless like in any Govt Deptt.

07.00 am : Discussed today’s plan of visits. Saji helped and I decided to visit Kovallam beach near Thiruvantapuram and return back to Alleppy by evening.

08.00 am : Since no train was available before 11.30 am, so I decided to go from Rly Stn to KSTC Bus Station ( Rs3.50 ) and travel by bus from Alleppy to Thiruvantapuram.

08.45 am :.Boarded bus for Thiruvantapuram ( Rs 85 ) on NH 47 mostly running along sea beach side. Saw on way, Ambalapuzha having Medical College and Krishna temple, Kotapally lake, Haripad, Kayamkulam lake, Oachjra, Karunagapally,Amrithapuri Ashram Chavara, Kollam/Quilon, Ashtamudi lake back waters, Chatnoor, Attingal, RBI, Trivendrum Rly Stn Thampanoor,Bus Station situated opposite Rly Stn Trivendrum.

13.15 Hrs : Took lunch ( Rs22 ) at Rly Stn Veg restaurant and coffee ( Rs 5 ) at bus stn. Bought (Rs5) one brown coloured banana ( Kappa Pazham ). These copper brown banana is sold for Rs 5 to Rs 7 each. These are not for taste but for medicinal use. Sometimes in some temples, such bananas are given as Prasadam.

Learnt that Thiruvanthapuram ( Trivendrum ) has around it, the Sahya mountain ranges. Kollam ( Quilon ) has 233 cashew nut factories out of total 265 in whole of Kerala. Kollum-Allapuzha water route through Asthamudi lake ( Kayal ), is a thrilling experience

13.45 Hrs : Availed advance seat reservation (Rs2 ) for Super fast bus from Trivendrum to Alleppy ( Rs 91 ). Saw on way back, SBI Thampanoor, Library, Stadium, Assembly, Distt Panchayat, Kerala Public Service Commission, Kendriya Vidyalay (KV) Pattom, SBI Pattom, SBI PBB, Medical College, SBI Sreekaryam, Kerala State Electricity Board, Kovallam junction at Kazhakuttan, Kaniyapuram, KV Pallipuram, Mangalpuram etc.

Saw on one side of NH 47, Arabian Sea, its beaches, lakes and back waters

18.00 Hrs : Reached back to PWD guest house.Phone to younger son Dr Anupam Ojha and elder daughter Mrs Aradhana Mishra.

12.10.2007(Friday) Sight seeing of Alleppy back waters 11 am to 01 pm by private hired boat for self only through Vembanad Lake; and

Same day travel through Vembanad Lake to Kotayyam by 02.30 pm SWTD boat

06.00 am : went for morning walk on sea beach and took tea there itself.

08.00 am : Walked up to the Railway reservation office next to Alleppy Rly Stn and booked Sr. Citizen ticket ( Rs 320 ) for travel from Nashik road to Hazarat Nizamuddin, New Delhi on 23.10.07 by 2617 Superfast Lakshadweep Mangala Express.

While walking back to PWD guest house from Rly station after having break fast ( Idly & tea ), saw enroute fresh fishes kept for sale eg Nemi ( means King ) @Rs140 / kg, smaller shark Rs 100, Chura ( Tuna ) Rs 50, Live Shells Rs 40, Matti ( for chips ) Rs 20

10.00 am : Checked out from this excellent PWD guest house. The ever helpful attendant Saji gave me his bike lift through markets (saw Mullakkal temple in centre of Alleppy town) and reached Private Ferry Jetty point for sight seeing of back waters by hired canoe well decorated and with very good seating / viewing arrangements. Saji again helped me in contacting / bargaining with the Excellent Travels & Tourist Boat service

11.00 am to 1.00 pm : Paid Rs 350 and hired their full motor boat for sight seeing around Kuttanad from 11 am to 1.00 pm exclusively for me alone with boat owner as guide also.

11.15 am : Starting and passing through small canal, saw Nehru Pavalion ( Boat race point ) on a small Island near mouth of the canal entering Punnamada lake. Saw several well furnished big size house boats lined near the banks of the lake. Saw number of sailing boats in the lake for sight seeing by tourists. All these boats were slow sailing just like this canoe in which I was sailing. Saw villages on small islands along the banks of the canals. Saw small boats (some motorized) parked near individual houses for their personal uses ferrying men / materials across canals.

On these islands some resorts also available to tourists for rentals. All along these canals, dikes are made of stone walls on its both sides. These canals are about 2 meters deep. Its silt is dredged regularly by PWD to keep it navigable

11.30 am : Now saw water sports island looking like a big ground, maintained by Sports Authority of India. Several Snake boats were housed therein.

11.45 am : Surrounded by coconut and banana plantations, saw very large paddy fields lying below sea level called Kuttanad, spread in several acres on about ten islands owned by rich land lords. The excess water from these fields is pumped out in to the canals. Most of these islands are fully electrified.The paddy cultivation is done by permanently kept labourers who man these fields by automated tractors, diesel / power generator sets

12 noon : Halted for some time at Arjun lake resort ( Kairali Ayurvedic Centre ). After taking tender coconut water (Rs12), while returning back, saw many house boats now sailing with cheering tourists. It was looking like Venice (of Holland ) in India.

12.45 pm : Saw Lake Palace Resort Island(looking like five star hotel) near Alleppy Jetty.

13.00 Hrs : Reached back to Alleppy near Govt Jetty.

13.30 Hrs : Took lunch ( meals Rs20) in SAS Restaurant. The caring manager was very helpful. in guiding me how and when to get Govt ferry ( Speed boat ) going to Kotayyam.

02.30 pm : Met co-passenger, a young Biotech Scientist Mr Thomas K V, resident of Mandiram situated at 6 km from Kotayyam on Thekkady Road. He was working for Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) in Kotayyam.. He had been to NIOT Kavaratti also when he was working in National Institute of Oceanology, Chennai.

Boarded SWTD Ferry, paid fare just Rs 10 each from Alleppy to Kotayyam carrying / picking / dropping passengers of villages on islands enroute canal / lake, halting on canal side jetty, criss crossing on both sides of the canals.

Chanced to see one snake boat on canal side.

Now this ferry was entering the wider National Waterways ( NW like NH ) . Here saw QST Lake, R B block, a newly built church and some old time ruins of houses.

Also saw a dredger on one side of the canal banks and many smaller boats loaded with paddy harvest / fodder grass. These boats in a row were towed by a single motor boat.

Saw several paddy fields on smaller islands on both sides of the canals, looking great.

03.30 pm : Saw small houses in a line under coconut / banana / groves / flower plants on both sides of the canals. It was cloudy weather and white birds were flying in a V shaped formation above these canals.

04.15 pm : Now Kotayyam is 5 km away. Ferry entered in less wide canals. Saw marshy land on both sides and small bridges across canals, liftable to allow the ferry to sail in and cross these bridges. Here we could see now small bunglows on both sides of the canals.

Alappuzha (Malayalam: ആലപ്പുഴ), traditionally known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters,beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as Venice of the East by Marco Polo (1292). It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District.

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in Antiquity and in the Middle Ages, as well as with other parts of India.

Alappuzha is bordered by Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts on east, Kollam district on south, Ernakulam district on north and the Arabian Sea on west.

Alleppey Coastal Plains are formed of Quaternary sediments. A series of dunes and ridges marking the repeated regressional and transgressional events characterize this coastal plain. Soil of the area belongs to the great group of Tropopsamments - Tropofluvents, commonly called Coastal Alluvium. Major water bearing formations are Tertiary sedimentary formations and weathered and fractured crystalline formations. The land form possesses ridge and swale topography formed in the late Quaternary geologic period.

Many traders from Gujarat came and settled down here to do trading, leading to the presence even now of a Gujarati community in the town. Alappuzha is a centre for coir industries. Later coir(different kinds of rope made from coconut fibre) became a major product of the town, both for local and world markets.

Public Transport Boat service in Kerala

Alappuzha is now the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. House boats locally called "Kettuvallam" are available on hire on a daily basis as well as for longer durations to take visitors on the old waterways. These house boats in general have 2 bedrooms and attached bathrooms. Some of the boats have the bedrooms fitted with air conditioners. A routine trip includes food cooked on board in the traditional Kuttanad style. Alappuzha is unique in that it is the only district in Kerala without forest.

House Boat, Punnamada Backwaters, Alappuzha

The main cultural and spiritual events of Alappuzha are Chambakkulam Moolam boat race,Chettikulangara Bharani and Nehru Trophy boat race.

The picturesque CSI Christ Church in Alappuzha town was built in 1818 by the first CMS (Church Missionary Society) missionary to the erstwhile state of Travancore, Rev. Thomas Norton. It was the first Anglican Church to be established in Travancore. Famous religious destinations are

Mullakkal Temple located in the heart of Alappuzha city, dedicated to the goddess Rajarajeswari. Basically the temple was a palace of Chembakasseri kingdom and later dedicated to Sree Raja Rajeshwari Devi. Mullakkal Chirappu is one of the main festival time for Alappuzha people. Devotees throng the temple in large numbers to seek the blessings of the Devi . The major attraction of the temple is its top opened Sreekovil, specially made for Vana Durga (Durga in Naure or Forest as a whole).The nine day Navarathri festival is celebrated with all festivities in Alappuzha, particularly the last two days, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami.

Payasam, Vada, Appam are normally offered to the Goddess as Naivedyam. The first Sunday of December is celebrated in this temple as a women's festival. On that Day all functions of the temple are carried out by women only. The temple timings are 5 AM to 10.30 AM and between 5 to 8 PM.

The entrance of the Haripad Subrahmanya Swami temple

Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha, conducted every year on the Bharani Nakshathram of Malayalam month ‘Kumbham - It is probably the most amazing cultural visual spectacle in Kerala, similar to the Thrissur Pooram.

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple.

Snake boat races are the most significant traditional event in Alappuzha. These spectacular regattas are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. The most famous snake boat races are the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Champakulam Moolam Boat Race.

Water Transport

The regular water transport is carried out by Kerala State Water Transport Department.The schedules are as follows.

SLNO	FROM	TO	TIME	ROUTE
1	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	05.05	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
2	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM	05.30	(Via Kuppapuram - C Block)
3	ALAPPUZHA	PULLATHUSERRY	05.55	(Via Punnamada - Aryad)
4	ALAPPUZHA	EDATHUA	06.15	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
5	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM	06.50	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
6	ALAPPUZHA	KAYALPURAM	07.20	(ViaSoman - Kuppapuram - Pandissery)
7	ALAPPUZHA	EDATHUA(Ltd)	07.30	(Via >Kannitta> - Venattukadu)
8	ALAPPUZHA	KOTTAYAM	07.30	(ViaChithira - Pattaserry - Vettikadu)
9	ALAPPUZHA	KIDANGARA	08.00	(ViaC Block - Lisieu)
10	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDI	08.30	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
11	ALAPPUZHA	KOLLAM (Tourist)	09.30	(Via Thottappally - Aayiramthengu-Amrithapuri-Chavara)
12	ALAPPUZHA	KOTTAYAM	09.35	(ViaKuppapuram - Pandissery)
13	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDI	10.00	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
14	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM	10.00	>(Via C Block - Lisieu)>
15	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM	10.15	(Via Kannitta - Venattukadu)
16	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	11.00	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
17	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM (Super Express)	11.15	(ViaKuppapuram - C Block)
18	ALAPPUZHA	KOTTAYAM	11.30	(ViaSoman Jetty kuppapuram - Pullathussery)
19	ALAPPUZHA	KAINAKARY SCHOOL	12.00	(Via kuppapuram - Pandissery)
20	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM(Super Express)	12.00	(Via Kannitta - Goventha - Venattukadu)
21	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY(Super Express)	12.30	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
22	ALAPPUZHA	PULINKUNNU	13.00	(Via Kuppapuram- Ayiraveli - Nedumudy)
23	ALAPPUZHA	CHANGANACHERRY	13.00	(Via Soman - Kuppapuram - C Block)
24	ALAPPUZHA	PULINKUNNU	13.45	(Via Kuppapuram - Pandissery - Venattukadu)
25	ALAPPUZHA	CAMPAKKULAM	13.55	(Via Kannitta-Kainakary-Ayiraveli )
26	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM	14.00	(Via C- Block -Kuppappuram - Chithira )
27	ALAPPUZHA	KOTTAYAM	14.30	(Via Kuppapuram -Chithira)
28	ALAPPUZHA	KAYALPURAM	14.45	(Via Kuppapuram - Panackal Thodu)
29	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM	15.00	(Via Kuppapuram - C Block)
30	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	15.15	( Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
31	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY(Super Express)	15.45	( Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
32	ALAPPUZHA	KANNITTA	16.20	(Via Kuppapuram - C Block)
33	ALAPPUZHA	MICHAEL CHURCH	16.15	(Via Kuppappuram - C Block
34	ALAPPUZHA	PAYIPPAD	16.45	(Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
35	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	16.45	(ViaKuppapuram - Pandissery - Venattukadu)
36	ALAPPUZHA	CHANGANACHERRY	16.45	(Via Soman - Kuppapuram - Venattukadu)
37	ALAPPUZHA	KOTTAYAM	17.15
38	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	17.30	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
39	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM	17.45
40	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	18.20	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
41	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	18.30	(ViaKuppapuram - Pandissery - Venattukadu)
42	ALAPPUZHA	CERUKARA	18.30	(Via Soman Punnamada - Pullathussery)
43	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY (Super Express)	18.45	(ViaKuppapuram - Pandissery - Venattukadu)
44	ALAPPUZHA	NEDUMUDY	19.15	(Via Kannitta - Ayiraveli)
45	ALAPPUZHA	MICHAEL CHURCH	19.15	(Via C Block-Kavalam)
46	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNAPURAM (Super Express)	19.30	(Via Kuppapuram - Pandissery )
47	ALAPPUZHA	VENATTUKADU	20.00	(Via Kannitta-Venattukadu)
48	ALAPPUZHA	KIDANGARA	20.45	(Via Kuppappuram - C Block
49	ALAPPUZHA	KRISHNANKUTTT MMOLA	21.15	(ViaKuppapuram - Pandissery-Pullathussery)
50	ALAPPUZHA	VENATTUKADU	21.30	(Via Kannitta - Goventha)

Alappuzha district has a proud educational history. The district has more than ten Arts and Science Colleges, one Medical College (T.D. Medical College) in the government sector, Engineering College under CAPE (College of Engineering and Management Punnapra) and Polytechnics.

Famous personalities

Mr. A.K. Antony- Thrice Chief minister of Kerala, Indian Defence Minister

Mr. V S Achuthanandan- Chief Minister of Kerala

Mr. Vayalar Ravi - Former Home minister of Kerala, Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs & Minister for Parliamentary Affairs

Living on Earth may be expensive...but it includes an annual free trip around the Sun.

Kumarakom

— town —

Houseboat at Kumarakom lake

Kumarakom is a tourist village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala.

Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit

The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp (chemmeen in the local language) and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government.

It is a major tourist attraction.

The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is another natural attraction in Tauranga area. These waterfalls are located 18 kilometers from Kumarakom Lake Resort and has surfing water flowing down the mountains.

The place has expanses of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. Fruits like Banana, Mango, Jackfruit, Ambazhanga, Puli, Chaambenga, Peraycka, Aathaycka and Pineapple grow here.

Also, cocoa and coffee, chena(yam) and chembu(colocasia, grow well and were cultivated under the coconut trees. This rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated using interspersed waterways and canals of the Meenachil river. The smaller canals are often lined by hibiscus plants which lean partly over the canals to form a green canopy, from which hang the lovely hibiscus flowers.

In the olden days, when the bund separating the backwaters from the sea was not yet built, the water in the canals moved in and out with the sea tide and it was salty. After the Thanneermukkam bund was constructed, the connection to the open sea was not free anymore, and so the tidal movement of the water in the canals stopped. It stagnated and then plenty of water hyacinths started growing densely in the canals, forming lovely green carpets with pale lilac flowers carpets.

Since parts of Kumarakom lie at or even below sea level, these parts, as well as the road connecting the place it to Kottayam, used to get flooded with the water from the monsoon rains, which was brought to Kumarakom by rivers arising from the western ghats. Sometimes the floods used to happen suddenly overnight, and then the boats where the only way to commute. Nowadays the roads are much better.

Kumarakom has a wide variety of houseboats. They are used only for tourists these days. A separate boat known as Kettuvallam is used by the people to go fishing or to transport goods. Apart from these, there are elegant special boats like Kochu-odi Vallam, Odi-Vallam, Iruttukutthi Vallam, Churulan Vallam and Chundan Vallam(Snake Boat), which take part in the boat races around Onam time. The Kumarakom boat-race is conducted in the big canal in the centre near the market. There is a private sailing club in Kumarakom, located on the shore of the Vembanad lake.

Kumarakom is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. Foreign visitors used to think that it is like a paradise.

One can access Kumarakom by many means:

By air: via Cochin International Airport and the Trivandrum International Airport
By rail: via Kottayam
By boat: From Muhamma (near Alappuzha) to Kumarakom Jetty.
By road:(16 kilometres) Buses and taxis are easily available at all times of the day from Kottayam.

Traditional boats moored at a lagoon

It is a unique experience that will beckon the visitors time and time again as there are several activities for visitors.

The Bird Sanctuary can be visited by canoes, which can be arranged with local fishermen at the entrance to the sanctuary. A two-hour rowing canoe trip is quite cheap, and is best undertaken in the evening or early morning to avoid the afternoon sun.

House boats or speed boats can cover longer distances but cost more to hire.

Taj Garden Retreat the first modern tourist resort in Kumarakom is established in the Victorian two storied bungalow built by Alfred George Baker in the year 1881, on huge pieces of Teak wood rafters packed in mud as a base. This house on the lake at Kumarakom was the house of four generations of the Baker family, for over hundred years. The bird Sanctuary and the two storied Bungalow built by Mr.A G Baker on the muddy land are places of interest for tourists from all over the world. The bungalow still remains grand but silent reminder of an age and people whose hard work cannot be erased by time.

God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things is set in Ayemenem or Aymanam village, which adjoins Kumarakom. The explosive success of this novel has given some added tourism impetus to this area. The Taj Garden Retreat hotel complex is centered around a building that is called "History House" in the novel; it was built by British missionary Alfred George Baker, whom the locals called "Kari Saipu" (possibly an elided form of "Baker Sahib"), as in the novel.Four generations of Bakers lived in the house until 1962, speaking Malayalam, and even wearing the mundu. The Baker Memorial School, Kottayam, was started by a daughter of this family in 1925. The Baker family's house is in ruins in the novel, as it was in reality before was developed into a hotel and has been restored by the Taj group. The Ayemenem house, where Arundhati Roy spent part of her childhood (like the twins in the story), can also be visited in the village, which can be reached by boat along the Meenachil river that figures prominently in the story.

The Only Real Heritage Home in Kumarakom, kottayam, kerala

Enjoy the ambiance of a traditional Kerala house in the banks of the cool and calm Kumarakom backwaters. Tharavadu, which means family house in local language, Heritage Home is a 120 years old Traditional Kerala Syrian Christian family house, located near the river bank. The recently renovated house is surrounded with small rivers and natural beauty.like munnar, thekkady and 150 km from kovalam

Matheran Hill station near Mumbai

Monkey menace in Matheran

One of the Inner roads in matheran

Greener Matheran hill at its Echo point

View from Echo Point at Matheran Hills

Friday, 19 November 2010

SUSHIL OJHA, at 60, TRAVELS FROM NORTH INDIA ( Dehra Dun ) to SOUTH INDIA ( Ernakulam /

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