Yercaud - the poor man’s Ooty

If Ooty is the `Queen of the Hills`, then Yercaud is a princess. The other districts of the region are hot and humid with the only silver lining, Yercaud.

Yercaud is how the Brits got around the tongue – twister `Yericaud`. Yercaud got its name from the combination of two Tamil words `yer` and kaddu which correspondingly mean lake and forest.

Yercaud is one of the India’s cheapest hill station destinations. Yercaud is so rich in its natural charm and its potential for bountiful discovery that to label it `cheap` would be truly insulting. It’s sometimes referred to as the ``Poor man’s Ooty``, but ``smart man’s Ooty would be nearer the mark. .

In southern India when ever some one talks about a hill station then the two names that come into mind are Ooty and Kodaikanal. No mention is ever made, even in passing, of Yercaud. A majority of people don’t even consider Yercaud as a hill station. Yercaud is as beautiful as Ooty and Kodaikanal but is remarkably cheaper than both of them. May be this is the logic behind calling it as the `Poor Man’s Ooty`.

All along the route to Yercaud one will find monkeys playing high jinks and trees with violet flowers make one wonder where one is heading towards. There is greenery every where which is a new experience, for the city bred. Yercaud is famous for coffee and pepper in much or less the same way, Ooty and Kodaikanal are famous for tea.

The Britishers used Yercaud as summer retreat and their inheritance is all over the place. Rows of houses, much like ants moving in files, speckle the entire hills. The number of places to be seen in Yercaud may not be many, but each one of them is really worth the visit. "October and November are the best months to visit Yercaud. Yercaud is a less expensive place than other tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu and is preferred by the middle class. The entire family can tour Yercaud on a budget of about Rs.1000 by a car. An annual flower show is organized in the month of May. Another major difference between Yercaud and any where else in Tamil Nadu is the difference between the prices.


Located: 35 kms from Salem
How to Reach: One hour by bus from Salem
Altitude: 1500 metres

Kasauli - A Breather

I had been planning to visit Kasauli for long. Though I have been to Kasauli earlier also but at that time I just passed from Kasauli on my way to Shillon Bagh. I did not stay there and explored Kasauli. Finally last month while talking with Pooji and Meenu we decided to go there. We decided to leave on Thrusday night as we had a 4 day off in our office ( fri and mon due to some festival and sat and sun is our weekly off.). On thursday as per schedule we hired a CRV and moved out to check out this quiet hill station in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district.

After crossing Nahan (went out of route to pick a friend) the ride was part bumpy, part smooth and part scary when on sharp hair-bend turns the driver continued at the same speed.I knew Kasauli was nearing when the CRV began groaning while negotiating steep winding roads. We got down and began our search for a reasonably priced-yet-good hotel. It was unlike other hill stations where one could spot hotels everywhere. This military town has escaped the ‘touristification’, thanks to the army.

Traffic is regularised, no vehicles allowed into the small market, which still has cobbled path. The two main roads the little hill station has are called the Lower Mall and the Upper Mall. It’s just the name, no rows of shops here. Just half a dozen or so makeshift shops run by Tibetans selling jackets, woollens, T-shirts and other usual stuff one finds at such markets everywhere.

There were few picnickers sipping tea and coffee, as monkeys walked by or jumped from branch to branch on trees around, at a biggish grocery store-cum-restaurant, which had lot of space in front of it for the visitors to sit.

After trying couple of hotels we knew names of we finally settled for a guesthouse situated at the end of the road near old Kasauli overlooking the valley below. The owner proudly told us that when sky is clear I could see Chandigarh from the terrace!

Around 5 PM Kasauli was enveloped by the monsoon mist. It was pretty beautiful sight watching mist trapped in pine trees. I rested for sometime before I got out again and just walked on the roads checking them out where did they lead. I resisted going full hog because it was getting dark and I was not sure where I would end up. While I was exploring and admiring the nature my gang was enjoying in the guesthouse.At night we watched some reality show on MTV and finally fell asleep around midnight.

Meenu got up around 5 in the morning and woke me up. We both went out to see how Kasauli looks in morning leaving all others sleeping as we didn't wanted to waste our time in waking others and waiting for them. The sky was clear so I got some views, which I could not in the evening. There was a chill in the air but it was soft and sweet.

After taking a hot bath, we decided to check out the Upper Mall, which, as my hotel manager claimed, provides best views. It is on this road that all the important buildings are situated. This road has the highest elevation in Kasauli, gives you best views on both sides. Sudhi’s ultimate destination was ‘Monkey Point’. May be he wanted to meet his friends there…monkeys. We were advised to take this road as far as Gilbert’s Trail and then take left turn from near a Litter Box. When the hotel manager told me about this box, I thought he was talking about some Letter Box because he said it was of old style and one certainly did not think of Litter Box being there. When I saw many of them I realised he meant Litter Box. And, what Litter Boxes! A beautiful small hut type box, which did not at all, looked like it contained garbage.

After we reached the signboard of Gilbert’s Trail, we took left turn and the short path connected us to the Lower Mall road. From here turning right takes one to the gate of Air Force Station. One has to collect pass to go up to the Monkey Point as it is under the Air Force control. If you have camera and mobile phones, you will have to leave them behind before you enter the Air Force Station. A 20-minute walk will take you to the Monkey Point. A small temple dedicated to Hanumanji (Monkey God) is situated there. Also, you can view snow-capped mountains from here if the sky is clear.

Sudhi was bit disappointed after reaching there because there were very few monkeys oat the monkey point. He could not meet all of his friends for whom he traveled so much. Bechara Sudhi.

Gang – Me (Prats), Meenu, Sudhi, Pooji,

The chestnut trails

Perhaps the best way to start a journey is without any expectations. That way, even if you find nothing at the end, you can say, “It was just what I expected.” There are no monuments, ancient temples or great waterways that can be explored. Kasauli is no doubt a walker’s town given its peaceful vistas and amazing shortcuts. Do carry along with water and some high energy snacks like chocolates on your rigorous walks.

In the old days when Kasauli was still the Kusowlie, the Britishers used to ride the high ridges of the region by tonga or by pony. Even before the mountains were carved up for constructing the roads, the officers used to trek the woody hills to get to the hub of the cantonment. It might take you a couple of days to get your hills feet, but once you get to reach the peak then there’s nothing better than to follow the footsteps of those who have the courage to stride, where no roads existed…the craggy, pugdundees lined with Kasauli’s glorious chestnut trees.

These walks are even more enthralling when the ancient chestnut trees are in full bloom during the months of April to June. The fragrance of pine flora pervades the air. Occasionally, wild animals like jackals, Hare and Red Hen can be seen across the trail. Also on a clear day one can enjoy the vistas of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Ranges and the Churi Chandni Peak. Kasauli is one such destination that offers solitude, picturesque environs and the opportunities for treks. It may well be described as an absolute paradise where the soul has limitless opportunities to gain that beyond description; something it keeps on longing after.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple – Ujjain

Dedicated to: Lord Shiva

Significance: One of the twelve Jyotilingas of Lord Shiva

Saivism is one of the dominant faiths in the Indian system of beliefs. Saivite temples constitute a sizable majority of temples in India.

Modern Ujjain lies along the banks of the holy Shipra River. It is built upon the ancient city of the Ujjayini. Ujjayini is one of the four cities of legend sanctified by the drop of Amrit which fell on the spot after the Amrit Manthan, when ambrosia was churned from the ocean depths.

The Soaring Mahakaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The mention of the temple has been done in Several Puranas of the Hindu Mythology. The names of Kalidasa and Ujjain are for always linked together. Kalidasa, have sung the praises of the temple. Lord Shiva is also known as the 'Mahakal' and suggesting the eternal existence of the Almighty. The Jyotirlinga is said to be 'Swayambhu' (self-manifested) as it obtained its power from within itself, not like the other 11 lingams that were established ritually by chanting 'mantra'. There is another reason which makes it different from the other temples any where on the Earth is that the prasada offered here to the deity can be re-offered.

The temple is also known as the 'Dakshinamurti', as the image of the lord kept in the temple faces the southern direction. This is the only Jyotirlinga where the idol of the lord faces south. Another form of Lord Shiva, Omkareshwar is places above the shrine at the sanctum. The site is festooned by the images of Lord Ganesh, Parvati and Kartikay, which are placed in the west, north and east direction respectively. In the south, there is an image of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s Cow. The third storey at the sanctum consists of an idol of Nagchandreshwar (another form of Lord Shiva). The “darshan” of Nagchandreshwar are available only on the day of Nagpanchami.

Ujjain along with the Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Benares, Kanchipuram, and Dwarka is considered to be the 7 Mukti Stalas in India. A Kumbha Mela is organized in Ujjain when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Scorpio.

Distance:

54 kms from Indore, 183 kms from Bhopal

Getting There:

There are several trains which connect Ujjain with rest of the nation. Ujjain Junction Railway Station lies on the Western railway zone. The nearest airport serving to the Holy town is Indore. Regular bus services are available from Indore, Gwalior, Ahmedabad and Bhopal to Ujjain.

Best time:

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the Universe. 'Mahashivratri' is a major festival that is celebrated here in the temple with full enthusiasm and dedication. On the eve of Mahashivratri, a grand fair is held in the environs of the temple. Through out the night, prayers and worship are offered to the Lord Shiva. To celebrate the festival and pay homage to the lord people flock here from all over the World.

Accommodation in Ujjain:

There are a plenty of accommodation options available at Ujjain. One can chose from the kind of accommodation according to his requirements and budget. During Kumbha Mela, Mahashivratri and Nagpanchami it is advisable to book your rooms in advance. One can also opt to stay at Indore which is about an hour drive from Ujjain.

"Om Namah Shivaya"

Hindus Holiest City - VARANASI

The HINDUS HOLIEST CITY, VARANASI IS PERPETUALLY overflowing with pilgrims. To visit it once in a lifetime is every Hindu’s goal; to die here is to have the greatest chance of moksha (salvation). It is, therefore, not an easy city for a person to visit.

Walk down to the river for a boat ride, either early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the sun’s rays are enjoyable rather than punishing. Give this city some time: zipping in for a dawn boat ride and then out again is rarely satisfying. Varanasi is about watching a nonstop pilgrimage city going about business. A city as old as Babylon, Varanasi is, for Hindus, quite simply Kashi (city of Divine Light). Of the Hindu’s seven Sacred Cities, it is the most sacred. The others are the Haridwar, Ujjain, Mathura, Ayodhya, Dwarka, and Kanchipuram. Each is dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu, except Kanchipuram which is dedicated to both.

Thus, although it is a center for Hindu culture and has fine music and art. From the most humble upward, pilgrims often make their yatras by bus on excursion, singing bhajans along the way.

Varanasi was already thriving 2,500 years ago when Buddha came to Sarnath to deliver his first oration making it sacred to Buddhists, too. Later, Muslims periodically plundered the city: the widowed Shah Jahan Forbade temple- rebuilding, and pious Aurangzeb converted one temple into a mosque. Early British arrivals wrote of being intoxicated by Varanasi’s exoticism and mystery. Winding your way through the maze of narrow, filthy alleys swarming with cows and pilgrims, you feel something of this as you peek into temples of all sizes, some simple, some flashy, like Tulsi Manasmunda, funded by the Birla family. Pilgrims flood in and out of then ceaselessly.

Despite the city’s squalor- for no other word will fit – the holiness of Varanasi has been the inspiration for some of the most sublime creations in Hindu culture. Classical music was nurtured in the temples and today the city produces many of the India’s top musicians and stages important music festivals.

Getting there:

Varanasi is well connected and accessible to major Indian cities and tourist spots. There are daily domestic flights and trains to and fro from Varanasi. Varanasi also has a good network of roads connecting it with the nearby places.

Accommodation:

There are several options ranging from hotels, resorts, lodges, guest houses, dharamshala’s etc.

Best time to Visit:

Any time is the best time to take a holy dip in the sacred water of Ganga River.