Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Quick visit to the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam



I had been to Mysore last week for my cousin's marriage and inspite of the busy schedule, I took some time off to pay a quick visit to the Krishnaraja sagar (KRS) dam. 12 years had passed since my last visit (in 1997). In fact, during my last visit also, I had come to attend a wedding in Mysore. Invariably, I end up visiting the KRS only when I attend marriages in Mysore.. ;-)

The road that leads to KRS from Mysore is not one of the best, with many craters throughout. Some of 'em looked like they have been imported from the moon (who said only b'lore roads have potholes), but the journey was quite pleasant due to the weather, company, etc amongst other reasons.. ;-)..

As soon as we crossed the Mysore City Border, we were greeted by a whiff of fresh air and lush green fields on either side of the road. It appeared as if, green blankets had been spread all the way through. Apparently, the fields in and around the region are green throughout the year since the leakage water from the reservoir keeps the region wet all the time. The ride was quite nice. On the way, the view on either sides was magnificient. We stopped at two separate view points from where we could see the water gushing out of the crest gates. Especially, while travelling on one particular stretch (which happened to be a bridge) the view was quite spectacular. One could see the water flowing out of crest gates, the lush green fields and the Krishnaraja sagara lake. It was a deadly combo and quite a scene, so much so that I slowed my josh machine on the bridge to enjoy the ambiance/backdrop and allowed the less powerful automobiles to zoom past me..

We reached the destination and were dejected to hear that the authorities prohibited people to visit the top of the dam due to security measures in the wake of terrorist attacks at various places in the country. Such a step had been taken to ensure safety and security of the structure.

However, we came to know from the localites that one could enter the reservoir through the old entrance and chances are that the authorities might allow us inside. We took the chance and were able to get a glimpse of the reservoir from the top. The water at Krishnaraja Sagar Dam was almost 124 ft (Maximum 124.80 ft). The monsoon's been quite good in southern karnataka this season and as a result the dam was almost full. This would definitely bring cheer to the people of Mysore, Mandya and Bangalore, since the amount of water in the dam would address our water woes for the coming few months. Moreover, there is enough water even to meet the commitments required to be fulfilled to Tamil Nadu. So, hopefully there won't be a Kaveri crisis this time around.

The entire episode was an exhilarating experience. I have shared few snaps that I was able to click at the KRS (Courtesy: My cell phone camera)

Traffic sense of the Mysoreans

With great disgust I am posting this article.

Last week I had been to Mysore. Its always a great feeling to visit one's native place and I enjoyed every moment of my stay there. The people are friendly and cordial. They make you feel comfortable and their hospitality is exceptional.

But, there's one thing which I would like to comment about the the Mysoreans.. their traffic sense. People here are absolute idiots when it comes to obeying the traffic rules. Being a mysorean, I feel aggrieved to say this, but it is a fact. Probably, less than 1% of the people follow the rules of the road. Rest of the lot have their own set of rules, which varies as per their needs. Traffic rules are Bullshit for the people here. There is so much chaos on the streets that, if you are obeying the road rules in Mysore city, you will certainly end up with an accident.

In fact, one could forgive if an illiterate who doesn't drive much on city streets or in traffic commits an offence. But, the educated class of Mysore breaking the rules is something unforgivable. The illeterates are better-off in some cases, they follow some rules out of fear atleast.

I encountered a situation, where in the traffic cop was asking people to go in a road @ the heart of the city, that was marked one-way, in the reverse direction. Guys, you are supposed to force people to follow the rules, for godssake.

Its perhaps time for Mysoreans to wake up, get off their lazy ass and learn to follow some rules.

PS: Its not that I had some unpleasant experience and out of frustration I am writing this article. I have never been involved in any traffic brawls till date.

Friday, September 11, 2009

A pitstop at the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta




Location:
Chamarajanagar district.. 10 kms deviation from the Blore-Ooty state highway..after Gundlupet and before Bandipur.. roughly around 215 kms from Blore.


After almost 3 years I was able to make it to the family trip, which takes place twice an year.. this time ppl had planned to visit Bandipur and BR Hills..

The Bandipur visit was pretty ordinary with sightings of only few elephants, mangoose, eagles n peacocks.. tigers n leopards were nowhere to be seen... apparently there were only 9 sightings of tigers last season.. needless to say, the population of big cats are decreasin' day by day... and needs immediate attention of the concerned authorities and the public as well..

With the Bandipur visit gettin' wrapped pretty quickly (within 4 hrs to be precise).. we had plenty of time to visit another nearby place and we zeroed in on Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.. one of my favorite places in southern karnataka.. in fact, several years had passed since our last visit to the betta..

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta's an enchanting place.. a hill in the midst of Bandipur forest.. a good 1500 mts in altitude, extensively wooded, it falls under the core area and the betta is frequented by herds of grazing elephants.. even tigers roam around sometimes.. dense fog's present all through the year which makes the weather very very pleasant in the region... the tranquility of this place, the aroma of the wet mud, the cooling effect it has on the mind and body, is very very pleasing.. one forgets all the tensions of the metro life... inspite of visitin' this place several times, one feels like goin' back again n again.. the place's kinda magnet..

The temple at the hilltop (of Lord Gopalaswamy) was supposedly built by King Chola few centuries ago.. the idol of gopalaswamy in the garbha griha is flanked by rukmini n sathyabhama.. with cows in the background.. the lord himself's playin' the flute under the tree.. the dense fog (hima in kannada) falls on the idol throughout the year...

Legend has it that sage agastya performed penance and requested lord vishnu to reside @ this very place and the place came to be known as hamsatheertha (lake of swans).. according to the priests of the temple, the hills are surrounded by 77 lakes.. and being a holy place, the lakes of which were occupied by swans (swans represent divine knowledge and peace in hinduism) ..crows never ventured to this place... and you cannot spot a single crow @ the hill and its surroundings even now..

we had just half a day to spend at this place and we enjoyed a lot.. the very thought of the place enthuses me... i wanna visit this place again.. perhaps plan a hiking trip or something.. which'll be more fun... i'd definitely recommend a visit to this place, for all the nature lovers out there..

I've shared few snaps of the place.. hope u like 'em..

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Election Time - Cast your vote

Its election time ppl.. Needless to say, most of 'em 're corrupt.. but as a citizen its ur duty to vote so that the least corrupt wins !! ..

Go out and cast your vote ppl !! .. Not everyone in this world gets a chance to vote in the largest democracy of the world !!

PS: I did vote today !!!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Raju Ananthaswamy is no more..

This might be an old news for mosta ya.. but I came to know about it quite recently, bcoz, nowadays, I, kinda live in stone age {courtesy my deputation to noida, i've been robbed of the luxuries of internet and kannada channels aren't available on television}.

Being an ardent fan of the Ananthaswamys {both father n son}, I was kinda hurt by Raju Ananthaswamy's sudden demise.. he had an unique voice, which suited his kinda music.. among his best ones, the song jollybarinalli with C.Ashwath and the melodious song yaava mohana murali kareyithu in Raju's soulful voice, from muvi America America still rings in the ears..

He had lots more to give to the sugama sangeeta and loads to achieve, but for fate.. it has alwayz been cruel on young musicians.. few years ago, it was GV Atri, now its Raju..

Nevertheless, we, kannadigas, will definitely miss Raju and alwayz remember his special voice... Raju may not be here anymore, but his voice'll stay in millions of kannadigas' hearts forever... may his soul rest in peace !!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Papillon

Red Pierrot.. tatz wat this tiny thing's known as.. a small, but strikingly beautiful butterfly usually found in South India..

.. found this one resting on the Tulsi plant in front of my home.. and was able to frame it after running around for quite some time !!

Isn't it beautiful ??

Strange Feeling...

Well.. it alwayz feels gud to get bac home, after a long stint abroad.. remember Mohan Bhargava in the Swades movie.. a similar feelin'.. 19 months might not be a long stint for most of the ppl, but yeah its long enuf for things to change.. Damn!! .. i HATE changes.. No! I am not complaining or comparing my beloved country INDIA with any others, just like any other foreign returned dickhead... But, strangely though.. something seems to be missing.. is this bcoz of the CHANGE or shall i say perceived CHANGES ?? ... not able to fathom out exactly watz missin' and this makes things worse...

Not that I liked United States very much..Not that I liked Hong Kong either.. but, both these places have a special place in my heart and I would definitely like to visit 'em again..

.. For the time being, Namma Bengaluru's heaven !! .. but.. but.. "SOMETHING's missing" !!