Unmaad, the annual cultural fest of IIM Bangalore and the biggest B-School fest in the country, is back and we are proud to partner with them since their theme this year is Travel! Unmaad is the annual cultural festival of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
Conducted over a period of three days, Unmaad includes events like dramatics, music performances, dances, quizzes, debates, street plays, professional concerts and fashion shows. The first edition of Unmaad Festival was held in 1996 and since then it has been an integral part of life at IIM Bangalore.
The 22nd version of Unmaad, based on the theme ‘A Wanderer’s Paradise’, which will transport its attendees to a global village, will be held from 2nd to 4th of February. This Unmaad promises to be an exciting array of Dance, Drama, Music, Fashion, Lits, Quizzes and a ton of online events!
With exciting performances by Farhan Akhtar and Varun Thakur lined up for the final Pronite on Feb 4th, the event has already witnessed record registrations. There is also a performance by the Indian Ocean scheduled on Feb 2nd, which allows free entry for all. Like last year, the ‘World Cultural Fiesta’ will witness some superb performances by extraordinarily talented international artists.
With amazing participation in its outreach events so far, including a treasure hunt on bikes, ‘Road To Unmaad’, and several online events, this three-day extravaganza has already set the excitement rolling! Unmaad has a host of events lined up to entertain people across all age groups and participation from over 400+ colleges across the country. There’s prize money of `11+ lakhs to be won this year.
Further details are available on the official website, http://www.unmaad.com
It had been a long time since we took off on a bike ride so we decided to ride this time. Luckily, since it was a Sunday the traffic was minimal and we got to enjoy a nice long ride winding through the highway and country roads to reach our destination in about 5 hours from Bangalore.
On our arrival, the staff welcomed us with traditional tika followed by refreshing juice and cold towels to freshen up. Check-in was done in a jiffy and we headed to our rooms eager to see what was in store for us. There are around 20 rooms in the property, each one with a lovely waterfront view. The location of these rooms was exceptional. The view from the sit-out was stunning, the surroundings peaceful and the rooms itself tastefully decorated, keeping in mind the wild life around the property.
After a brief photo shoot, we headed to Wildgrass, their in-house restaurant. We were served an impressive array of soups, salads, deserts and main course from all over the country. There was a lot to choose from so we tasted as many delicacies as possible but our favourite that day was the Chicken Tikkas! The chef’s did a spectacular job of serving a delectable buffet spread, some finger licking food consisting of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies including few dishes from the local cuisine. Lunch was a lightning quick affair since we were excited about the jungle safari that followed next.
Soon, we had occupied our favourite spots on the safari bus and off we went into the magnificent jungles hoping to spot something. We curiously leaned out of the windows, our sight following every movement in the jungle but we could only manage to see hoards of deer snacking on the dry grass.
To ease our disappointment, we all headed to Serai’s bar, The Outpost. The staff had set up a campfire right outside the bar and we soon were downing cocktails and sharing travel stories with each other. As we munched on some mouth-watering chilli chicken, we got to talk to all the bloggers about their journey into their respective genres. Dinner was again served at Wildgrass, another lovely spread of local and continental cuisines. After a sumptuous meal, we headed back to our cozy rooms and soon dozed off. The day had been eventful but we had a lot more in store.
Next morning, we woke up early as we wanted to take a boat cruise and try our hand at Kayaking. As the sun rose, it hit the blue hues of the Kabini river turning it into a dazzling golden shade, making it one of the most beautiful sights we had ever witnessed. The boat safari is also an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife along the shore of this river as it serves as a waterhole for all the animals in this wildlife reserve.
Breakfast followed soon after, post which I grabbed one of the cycles and took a tour of the property. There are plenty of activities to indulge in; cycling, swimming, kayaking, boating, archery, badminton and the list goes on and on. Plenty of acvities for the little ones as well. Watching others play in the swimming pool was quite fun too and it was funny shooting some slo-mo videos of them fooling around. A lot of chit chat and a lot of laughter made the experience quite a memorable one.
Post lunch, we again headed to the lake for a kayaking session. All though I am terribly scared of the water, I always end up getting brain washed into trying water sports. Hesitantly, I got into the kayak with Sachi and decided to give it a go. As we drifted away from the shore, the boat started wobbling; maybe it was Sachi playing a prank on me and I let out a loud shriek. I was later told that people could hear me screaming almost half a mile away!! I managed to be in the water for more than 30 minutes and it definitely called for a celebration. I think Sachi also needed a drink having been the victim of my screams. Sure enough, post my kayak session I was at The Outpost with a six pack in my hand, patting myself and feeling amazingly proud.
3. Pepper spray – This is one of the best defence spray products to use. Incase of any emergency don’t hesitate to use one
14. Matchbox- This tiny thing has saved me so many times. Sometimes it has helped me lite a fire and protect myself from extreme cold and at times it has worked as a fire to keep wildlife away from our campsite
Arrggghhhh!!!!! That was such a complicated requirement but we took up the task coz when it comes to finding a place like this, Vidur has the skills to get one. He loves looking for new places and prides himself with the ability to sift through hundreds of pages on Google to find exclusive locations that are not very well-known and off the tourist grid.
Wild valley is spread over 50 acres of landscape fully covered in lush green grass throughout the year. It is surrounded by the forest on three sides and a stream with a small water fall on the other end. There are a number of Amla trees ( Indian gooseberry) around the property with hundreds of Amlas growing in it. You are free to pluck and eat them whenever you want. Wild Valley is as affordable as 1950/- per head which includes your stay, lunch, dinner, snacks and breakfast. Located near the Sathyamangalam forest, the area is untouched and unspoilt by mass tourism and one can witness the pristine footprints of nature all around. Wild Valley combines the concept of eco tourism and farming; all managed by the owner, Mr Daniel.
Our colleagues had wished for a camping experience in the wild and that is exactly what we got them. The place is completely surrounded by wildlife and lots of peacocks roam open in the property, deer jumping in and out of the fences, elephants trumpeting at night and if you are lucky enough you can also hear the tiger roaring at times.
The drive to Wild Valley passes along BR Hills and runs close to Dhondeling Monastery, which is one of the youngest Tibetan settlements in India. It’s a small village yet astoundingly beautiful. Set at the foothills of BR Hills, the village is surrounded by farmlands, lush green grass fields and a view to die for. We suggest you take this short detour and cover the monastery as well.
Daniel has put up 10-12 army tents with cots, pillows, blankets, drinking water and a LED bulb. There are no fans as the nights are quiet chilly and cold. Bathrooms and toilets are located 50m away and there are enough to accommodate a large group as well. In front of the tents is a large camp fire area along with enough open space for guests to play sports. Guests can carry their own camping equipment if required along with personal BBQ as well. Once you go there you will understand why this place is perfect for a barbecue!
Germalam is usually a very windy place and the stooping trees all around are a testament to that. I remember riding to WV once at I just couldn’t keep the bike straight. The nights here are usually quite chilly and you must carry a light sweater/jacket to stay warm. The small bonfire area in front of the tents provides a great atmosphere for outdoor events, bon fire parties or the occasional BBQ. We usually carry our BBQ with us and Vidur cooks some yummy kebab to go with the drinks. Since Wild Valley is located in a secluded farm land the nearest alcohol shop is around 45 mins away and we suggest you carry your own stock.
There is a small perennial waterfall close to the dining area and makes for a perfect after-lunch walk. Guests are required to take a guide along since the stream in located in the forest area. Since this is a watering hole it is frequented by wild animals and we would strongly urge you to go with supervision.
Nachikuppam is a village in Krishnagiri District of Tamil Nadu State. A village which is known for its mango plantation. Hold your breath coz I am not talking about any other mangoes but the most delicious Alphonso. Managed by a group called Linger, this property is called “Alphonso by the lake” nestled in a 60 acre mango farm and surrounded by beautiful hills. As you drive into the property you cannot miss the acres of mango, coconut and vegetable plantations in the vicinity.
The first thing that attracted us the very first time we heard about this property was it’s name. Sure enough when we reached the place we could not take our eyes off from hundreds of mango trees which surrounded the property. We could just pluck them and eat as much as we wanted – WOW! These are the luxuries we can never enjoy living in the city.
The drive to this place is quite scenic. Tall green trees cover the road and the farm lands around make it even more beautiful. The property is a perfect place for those who are looking for camping and adventure and for those who love spending their night under a star studded sky.
The property does not have any rooms but what it offers is even more exciting. Army style tents fixed under a shed with wooden cots for a comfortable sleep- a complete feel of camping in the hills. There are some hammocks for you to lie on while flipping the pages of your favourite book along with a chilled one by the side. We suggest you carry small speakers, your favourite book or games to while away your time here. The Linger group’s theme is Do Nothing and that’s exactly how we spend our time here. We laze around, take naps, play games and spend time next to the bon fire. We never really missed the telly or mobile phones during our stay here!! That’s the beauty of this camp site.
Another thing that we love about this place is their food. The cooks are from the neighbouring village and can come up with some very unique dishes. Right from the dal, veggies to the non veg, everything had a very authentic local flavour to it. The heavy lunch can be followed by a walk by the lake, a hike to the hills, or a lazy satisfying nap on the hammocks under the Imli trees. Evening snacks usually consists of bhajjis, tea/coffee, or lemonade followed by a live BBQ.
Nachikuppam has so far been one of the best places we have been to. It’s close to Bangalore, cost effective and a complete value for money. A perfect place to escape the hustle bustle of Bangalore city and a great way to spend your weekend amidst hills and open sky staring at the stars.
This unique camp gives you an opportunity to camp amidst a beautiful mango orchard, observe the village life, and spent the evening by the lake! A place which we call our perfect weekend getaway.
As we settled in, lunch was served on the portico outside the bungalow. It was a little chill as there was a slow breeze and from behind the trees, we saw a group of clouds coming into the property. I remember running out to the gate hoping to feel the clouds and enjoy the moment and as I looked behind I saw the manager standing at the entrance with a strange expression like he was quiet amused as for them this is a regular sight, every single day.
Lunch had been really heavy so we decided to take a stroll through the tea plantation in the evening as the weather was just so great. We went at the top of the hill until we reached a viewpoint through which you could see the whole of Mettupalayam city. How could we miss clicking pictures there. Of course, we did some photo shoots so that we could share them with you. That night in Annex it was cold and quiet. There was no noise of the traffic or people – just grazing sounds of some bison nearby.
The next morning was bright and sunny, hence we decided to take the cycles out and go cycling on those curvy scenic roads. This has so far been one of my best cycling experience. I guess it’s the roads and the flying clouds that made it so special. Imagine riding your cycle on a road like this and the clouds covering your view leaving you clueless where you are heading to? Soon after our cycling session we were served some nice breakfast cooked by the Nepalese chef who is truly an exceptional. I still remember the taste of the dal he served us for lunch the previous day. Witnessing a magical view along with finger licking food in the table – What more can you ask for?
This place is perfect for those looking for plantation trails or for people who would just like to relax, soak in some sun while watching the clouds float by. A great destination for couples and parents. The property is small but it’s a whole world in itself with plenty to do if you are a nature lover!
Tourists need comfort; travellers need adventure – At one point in time, I needed a proper hotel room with a bed, AC, TV and housekeeping. I would fret at the slightest discomfort and make a scene if I wasn’t served food on time. But the more I traveled, I realise that these actually don’t contribute to my experience. Instead they often become barriers in me having a great time. If I could only leave behind my inhibitions, my desires, my needs and travel free, I would have a memorable trip. And with time, I let go off these needs and today I can adapt to any room, any food, any place, any person and any situation. That helps me focus more on the things that matter and less on other stuff.
Tourists extract; travellers contribute – This is a big one. What we have noticed is that responsible travellers often appreciate the places they go to and respect the nature/beauty around them. You generally don’t see them throwing garbage, scribbling names on monuments or screaming their lungs out on a hilltop. Travellers seem to respect the tranquility of a place and respect others around them. I have come across people who pick garbage from jungles, hilltops because they feel for the nature around them. They are the ones who understand what eco tourism is and respect the unwritten laws of the place. Tourists, on most occasions are the ones drinking and throwing bottles around, even in jungles where wildlife often gets hurt due to this. You often see them professing their love on the walls of our historical monuments or picnicking around and leaving paper plates behind. Their focus seems more to make the most of the place, how to get the possible value for money or to experience freedom to do things that they can’t at home
On 22nd December 2016, we flew to Siliguri on an early morning but long flight ( BLR -CCU- IXB (Bagdogra /Siliguri). Once we landed at Siliguri in the afternoon we took an auto and headed straight to the VRL office to collect our bike. The auto ride was full of excitement and a little bit of anxiety. Vidur was worried if the bike had sustained any damage or not. It now was dark as the auto driver leered onto the highway and took us to the trucking area where VRL had a depot. Thankfully there was not even a scratch on the bike. VRL had indeed done a good job in transporting the bike safely and we highly recommend using their services to anyone who wishes to transport their vehicles. Except for an inch thick layer of dirt the bike was in good condition.
That night we decided to stay back in Siliguri as it was quite late. Vidur woke up early next morning and washed the bike. These bikers just love having clean bikes ahead of a ride! It was nice to see the bike, shimmering in the morning sun, all loaded and lubed – ready for its longest ride!
Sikkim is a tiny hill state in North East known for its lofty mountains, quaint villages, pristine scenery, holy lakes and vibrant Buddhist Monasteries. Since we were travelling during peak winters and with limited time in hand, we decided to cover the south and west side of Sikkim. Our first destination was Gangtok- the beautiful capital of Sikkim which is also known as the ‘Land of Monasteries’. A beautiful and well planned state. Mesmerizing views of the soaring peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, fresh mountain air and an amazing shopping destination. A city full of life.
Since we reached there on christmas eve we decided to celebrate christmas with the locals in MG Road. The whole city was full of lights. There was music everywhere on the streets, lots of food stalls and every person walking on the street was dressed in their best clothes. The Xmas gods had planned something special for us as it started to snow a little later in the evening. It was a white Xmas – something that we had only seen on TV!!
Finally by afternoon, we reached our hotel. Soon after grabbing a quick lunch we decided to visit the Ravangla Monastry- a place so beautiful that words cannot do justice. The road from Ravangla to the monastery winds through several bends and combined with the enchanting views of the valley, is a bikers heaven. There was something magical about the monastery we don’t know what!! Vidur and I spent almost 3 hours in this monastery just admiring the huge buddha statue and the mighty Kanchenjunga behind it. This was one of the most mesmerizing views we had ever witnessed. Apart from the monastery, its snow-clad mountains, gushing waterfalls, quaint villages and fresh mountain air, is what makes Ravangla so special.
During one of the nights, instead of opting for in room dining we decided to go out for dinner as we wanted to try the local food out there. Next to our hotel was a guest house run by an elderly lady and her family. The property was all dark and it looked like there was no one there. However, we saw some movement in a tiny little room and decided to try this place! The family living inside that small room was kind enough to entertain us and cook us some dinner!
Early next morning we went there for our breakfast once again and this time we were treated with some yummy “Phale”( Tibetan traditional bread) and Churpi (yak milk). Yes we paid for the food but at a fraction of the cost of what a restaurant would have charged us! It was now time to bid adieu to Ravangla and head to our last destination in Sikkim which was Pelling in the West of Sikkim. Pelling lies at a distance of around 115 km. from Gangtok. This city has a lot to offer such as the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga range which is best viewed from this tiny hamlet. Tranquil environment and picturesque settings of this town attracts thousands of tourists from all across the country.
This place also introduced us to their locally made millet beer Jaand which is prepared by cooking and fermenting whole grain millet which is then kept inside a Tongba, the vessel which holds the fermented alcoholic beverage. It is consumed in a unique way as the fermented millet is put inside the Tongba, and boiled water is poured in it to the brim. It is then left undisturbed for about five minutes after which it is ready to drink. A fine bamboo straw with a blind end, but perforated on the side to act as a filter, is inserted into the container to suck out the warm water and alcohol from the millet grains. More hot water is added as the tongba becomes dry, and the process is repeated until the alcohol is exhausted. Surprisingly the drink is cold even though hot water is added to it. This again reminded me of the local beer in Shillong made of rice. I remember my mother making rice beer during the festive seasons and one glass of that beer would be enough to give your head a spin.
It had been quite an exciting experience and now it was time to head to Guwahati for a rendezvous with our friends. Our next plan was to cover south Arunachal for the next 10 days! More details about that in our next blog.
The beautiful state of Sikkim offers breathtaking views at every turn and a plethora of experiences for every traveller. Sikkim is also a state for Spirit lovers. It’s a tax-free state so prices are very low. Branded Beers are available for 55/- and local beer is available for 50/ literally! This state is a paradise for adventure freaks, bikers, trekkers and mountaineers. Whether you are looking for a laid back vacation, taking in the extravaganza of nature’s beauty or seeking a fun-filled adventurous holiday, Sikkim will not leave you disappointed.
Today as we scroll through the pics and live those moments again, we look at each other and say “ It’s time to visit Sikkim once again. It’s not over yet”
As I was growing up, my friends’ parents would tell me a lot of stories about the forest and especially the ones in South India such as Bandipur, Masinagudi, Mudumalai etc. So when I finally moved to Bangalore, I decided to visit and explore these places which had always fascinated me. I decided to start with Bandipur forest- a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located in South India which offers a lot of tiger sightings when compared to other wildlife sanctuaries in the South. This forest is rich in flora and fauna including different wild-life such as leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, elephants, gaurs, barking deer etc. It was in September 2009 when I first visited this place and decided to take the evening safari – little did I know that I was going in for a big surprise!!
Late Prince was one of the most majestic tigers who ruled the Bandipur forest until 2017 like no other tiger ever had. This guy was massive. He was strong, muscular, powerful, handsome, mighty and dominant. He was first spotted by a group of wildlife photographers in 2007 when he was just a few years old. It was believed that Prince originally belonged to the Mudumalai forest range, as he was spotted numerous times by the camera traps fitted in Mudumalai forest, capturing him crossing the forest and entering the Bandipur range.
He had also been very popular amongst the foresters and the visitors. Prince would often be seen gallivanting around the main streets of Bandipur forest. He was never scared of human beings and their presence. In fact, he would often come close to the safari vehicles and pose for the shutterbugs for a long time, due to which it became very easy for tourists to shoot his pictures.
He was believed to be the most photographed tiger in India till date, and many people would call him the “Celebrity Tiger”. Many a times, he was also seen entering the nearby villages especially a village called Mallapura in Karnataka, to hunt for cattle, but never did he harm any human being nor scared them.
Few years back, while Prince was strolling through the main roads of Bandipur, he met with an accident as the driver of a private vehicle lost his balance on sighting Prince and hit him directly. An injured Prince struggled a lot. His fans thought he would not make it but Prince was a fighter and he soon made it back to normal life. The brutal accident left a deep cut on his tongue which ultimately became his identity. People could easily recognise him because of the cut. Another factor that differentiated Prince easily from the rest of the tigers were his arms, which were huge and muscular. Handsome Prince was also believed to have had a lot of girlfriends in the forest and almost all the cubs in the forest were his, however no one has ever been able to prove this.
On 4th April 2017, the 12 year old legendary Prince and the darling of every tourist was found dead. Although the exact cause of his death is still not known but people suspect that he died due to old age. Prince’s death has come as a shock to his fans. Bandipur forest has lost one of its biggest charms and this has been a disturbing news for all his fans. Some forest officers have even decided to build a small memorial in his name. A shrine.
Pic courtesy: @ Juz – 
TRAVELMYNATION 