The Twentieth Wife - [Book Review]

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Did you watch the movie Jodha Akbar? Liked it? Do you like historic stories? Do you like to learn about Mughal empire and a woman's life at that time?

If so, you might enjoy reading this book 'The Twentieth wife' by 'Indu Sundaresan'.

Book Details:
Title: The Twentieth Wife
Author: Indu Sundaresan
Publisher: Harpercollins 

Brief: This is the story of Meharunnisa, a women whose family shifted from Persia to India as refugees to the court of Akbar. Her father Ghais Baig carried important posts in Akbar's court and his son Jahangir's rein including the role of treasurer and Diwan. Unlike other women at those times, Mehrunnisa who was later called as 'Nurjahan' was well educated. She always dreamed to become an Empress by marrying Salim (Jahangir - Akbar's son). 

Jahangir sees her in her step mother and empress Ruqaya's home and falls in love at first sight. He was already married twice by that time and couldn't talk to Meharunnisa because of his wife's presence.

Meharunnisa's fate changes when Akbar suggests Ghais Baig to marry her to a Persian soldier 'Ali Quli' for political reasons. Even though she tries to raise her voice, keeps calm as his father cannot disobey King's order and get into trouble. Jahangir asks his father to talk to Ghais Baig about their marriage, but Akbar is adamant on changing his order. Thus, Meharunnisa marries Ali Quli who is as old as his father. She passes many years in bad marriage and also suffers a lot due to her inability to bear a child of him. At last, she conceives and delivers a baby girl. She starts leading life happily seeing her daughter grow, whereas Jahangir becomes King after Akbar's death. She always keeps herself abreast of Jahangir's political moves and decisions from her husband.

Jahangir gets to see Meharunnisa again on his son's engagement to her niece and his love blossoms. Meanwhile, Ali Quli participates in a betrayal plan against Jahangir and dies due to that. Meharunnisa is rescued and transferred to Ruqaya's palace safely with Jahangir's order and she spends her time by stitching and doing embroidery for women at harem. 

The remaining story is about how Jahangir approaches Meharunnisa and convinces her to marry him. When Jahangir asks her to be a concubine in his palace, she refuses and accepts only when he offers to marry her. Thus, she becomes an empress - 20th wife to Jahangir and also his best friend and guide later.

Purchase link:

Amazon

My Take: 

More than the story, it is the detailing that attracts me in the book. The mindset of Kings, the role of women in politics, political moves and ruthless strategies to get the crown are covered well. 

There was a mention about Salim - Anarkali, but just 3 lines which says Anarkali was a concubine in Akbar's court and she was buried to death when she smiled at Jahangir while massaging Akbar. Not sure how far this is true. 

This story is a combination of facts and fiction. Author also explains the facts at the end of the book, which is good.

 I didn't feel the title is very apt. Meharunnisa at last marries Jahangir as 20th wife, but this book doesn't cover anything about what she does after that. Of course, i know it is first book of trilogy. But, if the book is only about Meharunnisa's life before marriage, wouldn't it be good to have a different title?

Overall: A fantastic read to understand the richness of Mughal empire, their rule, their harem, their mentality and the political environment in those days.

Rating: 4.5/5


Until next time,

Mysore - The city of Palaces

A very happy new year to all :)

This chronicle is from our recent tour to Coorg through Mysore.. Mysore, known as city of palaces has many places to offer for tourists who are interested in history. It is famous for Mysore mallige (jasmine flowers), sandalwood artifacts and silks. City got its name from 'Mahishasura' an evil king who ruled the place. It was known as 'Mahishasur', which got changed to 'Mysore' by British. Mysore was ruled by Vijaya nagara empire followed by Tippu Sultan before handed over to 'Wodeyar' family.

Some of the tourist places and their importance:

Chamundi hills: This hill has 'chamudeswari' temple and you can see a big Nandi statue on the way to the temple. This Nandi statue is made of single rock. Chamundi hill is also known as 'Ashtamukhi hill' as it used to look same from all the eight sides of the hill.

Chamundi hills

Mysore Palace: It is a three storied palace with gold coated cover on the top. It has 5 entrances. This is the official residence of royal family and it has durbar known as 'Amba vilas'. The construction and architecture is excellent and it is also famous for light show. When all lights are on, we cannot explain it's beauty in words.

Mysore Palace - side view

Lalitha mahal palace: This is second largest palace in Mysore which is on the way to Chamundi hills. We might have seen this white palace in many south Indian films so far.. It's very famous and looks regal.

St. Philomena's church

Jagan Mohan Palace: This was first used for the marriage of king 'Krishna raja Wodeyar'. When Mysore palace was undergoing repairs, royal family used this palace as residence.

St. Philomena's church: This church was built in the honour of St.Philomena. Architecture is unique in Neo -gothic style. One of the must see places in Mysore.

Brindavan Gardens: One cannot say their trip to Mysore complete until they visit these beautiful gardens. These gardens were planned and built in connection with construction of Krishnaraja sagar dam. It has beautiful botanical parks, many fountains and also boat ride. To reach the gardens, we have to cross the dam. It will be wonderful in the evenings with cool breeze from dam. Musical fountain and Laser shows are other important attractions in the gardens.

Brindavan Gardens in the night

Mysore is famous for Dasara celebrations and processions by King.  Usually, lakhs of people from different places of India come to participate in these Dasara celebrations. As you might have known, the last king of Wodeyar family, Narasimharaja Wodeyar died recently. I hope this tradition of Dasara celebrations continues in future.

So this is about Mysore.. but there are many other places near by Mysore like Srirangapattana which has Sriranganathaswamy temple and Tippu Sultan's summer palace. Places like Belumuri falls and Bannerghatta national park are also nearer to Mysore, on the way to Bangalore. Hope you enjoyed the virtual trip :)

Until next time,

Image courtesy: All images are from wikipedia.com except Mysore palace photo

Bring in the New year with Joy!

My advanced wishes to a happy new year to all :)

'Hope' is something which keeps our spirits high and motivate us to do something new or try new in future. I hope you all have that high 'HOPE' to do better for the next year :)

Bring in the new year 2014 with Joy and celebration. I wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.


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Until next time,

Holiday season - Play Secret Santa :p

Yay! Holiday season starts with Christmas.. As i studied in a christian missionary school, Iam used to holidays, Christmas tree, Christmas carols etc.,We also used to perform dance songs on Jesus Christ's birth story and Christmas carols.. Holidays start from here and another set of holidays await for Pongal.. So, Isn't it a lovely season for kids? Our head mistress used to keep someone as Santa Clause and distribute gifts and chocolates to us before Christmas. We used to wait for that day :)

All this fun was gone after schooling and again the fun came in the form of gifts after i joined my first job. We used to play Secret Santa.. Everyone gets one colleague as their chris-child, to whom we have to gift until Christmas without revealing our identity. We also used to call it as 'Chrisma- Chris child' game.

When it comes to gifting for kids, choice is not that tough for parents. what do you say? Have you ever played Secret Santa in your family? Of course, many a times, we would have surprised our children with interesting toys, books, shoes, clothes, school bags, chocolates etc., right? This contest from HDFC Life made me think of good gifting options for kids.

Here are 5 gift ideas for children:

1. Toys are children's friends.. i hope everyone agrees to it. I try to pick some interesting toys as per my kid's interest which also improve his gross motor skills and logical reasoning. Some examples are  clay modelling kit, puzzles, train sets with track setting etc.,

2. For a child at an age of above 10, good books / pens might be useful. For children below 5 years, i would opt for big colorful story books to read at bedtime, painting/ sticker books/ fun art and craft books with which they can make less mess and also learn making crafts :)

3. Children love outings.. Isn't it? I would love to surprise my child by taking him to a zoo/ a park/ a game zone/ a beach.. we both love nature and more physical exercise by running and playing in parks :)

4. Now, moving to something which can help him long term.. Every parent wishes that their children study well and settle down without financial problems. Education has become very expensive these days and we cannot assume what will happen to kids when parents are no more to support. So, an investment option or a policy to support child's education is a mandatory gift i would like to present to my kid. HDFC , LIC and many other companies have specific policies to cater to child's education, wedding expenses etc., This HDFC link explains more about child plans.

5.Last, but not the least.. Love, Care and Moral values are something parents always gift their children by default and these are important for child to grow up as a good human being in the society, Agree?

let me know your opinion on these gifting options and also share more..

This post is a part of the 1001 Gifts Activity by HDFC Life in association with BlogAdda.

Until next time,

Image courtesy: picmonkey.com

A trip to Srisailam - My 100th post :)

This is my 100th post in my blog, not a big achievement but never thought I would take blogging this seriously when I started in 2006 :)

Andhra Pradesh was known to be 'trilinga desam' due to 3 Shaiva kshetras - Bheemeswaram, Kaleswaram, and Srisailam. Bheemeswaram temple is in Draksharamam in East Godavari district, Kaleswaram near Karimnagar and Srisailam in Kurnool district.

Unfortunately, this name might remain only in history from now onwards as Andhra will be divided soon making these 3 shiva kshetrams divided into different states. 

Srisailam is one of the ancient temples of Lord Mallikarjuna. This month is auspicious in the telugu calendar and lighting a lamp in early Monday morning and leaving in water is considered sacred. Lamps are lighted on all Shiva and Vishnu temples during sunset and sunrise in this month. We usually go to Srisailam in this month. So here goes our road trip details..

Srisailam is around 220 km from Hyderabad. 

The drive is scenic, but ghat road drive is dangerous with several hairpin bends, curves and speed breakers. We go to Srisailam by car every year, so it wasn't difficult. 

Dam site and valley viewpoints are very good. We planned for one night stay at haritha resort and it is not at all worth for money. AC deluxe double room costs around Rs. 2000/- but they won't provide basic necessities like hot water and towels. Food is not available at all times in the restaurant and during lunchtime, only buffet is available, ala carte is not entertained. Srisailam devasthanam provides accommodation at Guari sadan, but this is always booked full in this season (Karthika Masam).

Srisailam dam

On the way to Srisailam

Srisailam bramarambika mallikharjuna temple is one of the oldest temples in Andhra. Darshan will not take more time unless it is weekend or Monday in karthika masam.


 On the way to the Srisailam, you will come across a temple called 'Sakshi Ganapathi' temple. As per mythology, Ganapathi / Vinayaka will tell Brahma sakshyam (proof of our visit) that we visited Srisailam. So usually, people visit this temple before reaching Srisailam. 

There is a roap way to 'Pathala ganga' which is not very impressive. It is 1 km from the temple and if not by ropeway, one has to climb down 500 steps to reach Krishna river which is known as Pathala Ganga. 

Another point of interest is 'Paladhara panchadhara'. It is said that water stream flows here continuously in all seasons. You can visit this on the way returning to Hyderabad. 

Another point is 'Shikaram', the highest peak in Srisailam at 2830 ft from sea level. It is believed that watching Srisailam temple from Sikharam will remove all sins of a person. 

Akkamahadevi caves can be reachable from pathala Ganga through a boat ride. Caves are formed naturally and this place has become famous due to Mallikharjuna devotee Akkamahadevi performing tapassu (penance) here. 

So.. this is about Srisailam.. Hope you liked the places. Couldn't capture more photos this time..

Until next time,

Traditional knowledge for natural growth

Traditional knowledge comes in handy many a times, especially when we have children in our house. Even a small illness in very young children becomes a problem, as they cannot express it like elders do. For example, think about cold and problem in breathing for a kid of 2 years or below age. We cannot give strong allopathic medicines to them, as they are very sensitive. This is the reason people follow and use the knowledge they receive from elders and forefathers of the family.

India is an ancient country and 'Ayurveda',  which means 'Science of Life' , an Indian system of medicine is originated from here. So, there are many practices and traditions followed here based on Ayurveda to improve health and lead peaceful life. I never thought about these Ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments earlier, though we used to follow them in our family from childhood. But, now being a parent of young kid, i realize the importance of them.

Some customs which help in good health:

1. Oil massage - Elders do oil massage to the children daily before bath to make their muscles strong and bones flexible.  This helps in overall physical growth of babies. Dabur Lal Tail is being used by many for massage of babies and here is the link about the medicinal benefits it gives. Dabur Lal tail is seesame oil with ayurvedic ingredients like camphor, ratanjyot, sankhapushpi and urad.
Oil massage before bath during festivals is also a tradition here even for adults.

2. Deworming for children - As a tradition, my grand mother used to prepare a paste of neem leaves, make it a small ball and used to give us once a year. Even though we hated those days, it was said to be a good de-worming agent. Other De-worming agents are Ajwain, garlic, turmeric, black pepper, asofoetida etc.,

3. Natural hair growth - I have a long black curly hair from childhood and it is very difficult to manage. I used to wonder how it was that black and shiny on those days. My grand mother used to apply hibiscus flowers paste before hair wash, which used to make it smooth, shiny and black. 

4. To avoid viral fevers, cold and cough: Grounded tulsi leaves are given to children regularly to make them immune to frequent cold and coughs. Massaging on chest with hot oil with melted camphor, making kid drink water boiled with ginger, jeera and karakkaya(Indian galnut or inknut) powder with honey are some of the tips to avoid cough.

 Above tips are a few examples of traditions which were set to improve our health. I know, there are many others.. Sometimes, it is good to know these tips and follow them for better results instead of only relying on vitamin tablets. What do you say? Please share your opinion in comments :)

Until next time,

This post is written for indiblogger contest by Dabur Lal Tail.

Immunity in children

It's raining cats and dogs in Hyderabad from few days. Chilling weather, increased traffic and bad roads make the mood worse. If even adults are prone to flu, cold, cough in this weather, think about children. My kiddo is below 3 years and he easily catches cold and cough. It worries me a lot, when he suffers from cold/ cough, as this doesn't go away easily without staying for at least one week making him weak :(. I think, this is the age children should get nutritious food to improve their immunity. 

Iam searching a lot in the web these days on how to boost immunity in children. Iam also talking to many colleagues and friends asking some natural medicines or home remedies available. Some home remedies that i could collect to avoid frequent cold and coughs and to boost immunity are :

1. Heat the coconut oil and add camphor to it until it becomes slightly warm. Rub this on the chest of the child if suffering form severe cold and having problem in breathing.

2. Add very small amount of turmeric in milk that child drinks regularly.

3. Dabur Chyawanprash is said to be a natural immunity booster. This is being followed from long time in India. Check this link for more information on this product. It is available in different flavours now :)

4. Ginger, Garlic and honey are also immunity boosters, so try to include them in child's diet.

5. Make sure kid gets enough sleep.

6. Include carrots, cabbage, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and nuts in child's diet.

7. Basil leaves are very good, so let him chew at least 2 leaves daily.

Any more inputs friends? Any home remedies that you know? Please let me know in comments.

Until next time,

Image courtesy: poemsforkush.com taken from Google image search.

Baramulla Bomber - [Book Review]

A book review after a long gap.. Cool.. this book is fiction with some historic facts, which is a lovely combination.. Let me give you details..

Title: Baramulla Bomber
Publisher: Niyogi books
Author: Clark Prasad
Genre: Fiction, Mythology, thriller

Expectation: After reading the brief behind the book, i was expecting a rollar coaster ride of mythological, historical fiction. Something in the lines of a Dan Brown's novel. Thought, i can learn something on sound of the Universe which is covered in bible and also in Vedas. Sounds pretty interesting right?

Plot: A CIA agent gets killed in Shasksgam valley near Kashmir, where there is suspicious test conduced on a sonic weapon. This experiment is funded by both China and Pakistan to experiment a weapon which is developed from sound waves in infrasonic range, They want to use it for a planned attack on India in December. Another CIA agent Adolf, is appointed in the place of Kurt, who comes to Kashmir to find out the links between the mysterious weapon, killer Jalal, suspect Mansur haider and stop the attack by understanding the sonic weapon.

While reading the book, i see a pattern. Introducing many places, different characters in first 20 pages to elevate the suspense or to make the story more interesting, then running the story well and ending it with grace. I have observed same pattern in other novels like Sydney sheldon's or Dan brown's. I felt boring reading stories in this pattern, as i have read many books written in this way. The clarity of content that we get from first 20 pages is important to maintain interest levels. In this book, i felt, first 20 pages are confusing making it difficult to correlate and remember things. 

Explaining the concepts of sound, AUM with the help of science by a Buddhist monk and professor Dr Tamang in Dharmashala is very clear and good for a layman to understand. Mansur was selected to execute project Babylon(to use sonic weapon in attack) and he doesn't know anything about it and he will be tried in national cricket team and in few days he will also be selected to international team. This seems ridiculous. Even with any person having high influence on BCCI, taking a decision in few days to select some unknown player of the country to international team is not easy. I couldn't realize the relevancy of the title of the book until i read 50% of the book. Still, iam not very convinced on why it should be 'Baramulla bomber' and not something related to kashmir/ Srinagar. 

Author's writing style is very good, except for few pages, where the flow is missing.In some pages, i felt, usage of images is not appropriate/ unnecessary. I felt the scenes covering indian cricket matches are very lengthy and descriptive and it made me to skip those pages while reading. I appreciate the author for good research and explanation of concepts in basic terms. Overall, it's a learning experience and a thrilling journey. But missing points are clarity and proper flow of sequences.

What i liked? 
Characterization of Mansur , beauty with brains 'Ahaana' and intelligent Adolf. 
Concepts of sound, AUM etc.,

What i didn't like?
Not very relevant title
very quick turn of events making me think unrealistic
climax is not very effective
No clarity and not a smooth transition between different scenes

Rating: 3/5
When you compare with Davinci code etc., it will definitely fall below your expectation. So, these are my thoughts on this book. Please share yours in comments :)

Until next time,

Image courtesy: http://www.clarkprasad.com/

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

10 smart tips for being safe

Recently we see many articles in newspapers stating that cyberabad (hitec city area in Hyderabad) is not  safe for women to travel after 7 PM. It's shocking to read about many incidents which gave rise to this statement. In continuation with my earlier post here on smart suraksha app, wanted to share few tips for being safe in Hyderabad.

 1. Auto seems safer than shared private cabs. One thing - you can jump out of it in case of suspicion and another thing, outsiders can listen if we shout from auto. In case of cab, if windows are closed, outsiders may not be able to hear even if someone shouts.

2. It's better to take Meru cabs whenever you need to hire a cab, as it will have GPS setting on and their mobile app will allow you to send updates to your friends/ family members.

3.  Always follow main route even though there is traffic when you travel alone in auto or cab. It's better to be safe than to hurry.

4. When in suspicion, calling a friend or family member and mentioning your location regularly may help demotivating the attacker with the fear of getting caught easily.

5. Noting down cab or auto number is a good thing to follow, but it may not be possible always as we might be in hurry.

6. Carrying pepper spray always would be better. Here is the link on how to prepare it.

7. Self defence mechanisms like karate may help. But, it is the overall confidence and sharpness which are important to respond on the spot. Pushing the attacker, hitting with elbow, shouting and running would decrease the chance of risk giving more time to think.

8. Never be calm assuming you are helpless. Even though girls are weaker sex compared to boys physically, it may not be true all the time. Better to have confidence and use strength to avoid attackers. Be prepared.

9. As mentioned in earlier post, better to have apps like smart suraksha on mobile.

10. Last, but not least, have important phone numbers of close friends/ family set on speed dial, so that it will be easy to reach them quick.

I am sharing my Smart Suraksha Tips at BlogAdda.com in association with Smart Suraksha App.

Until next time,

Image courtesy: Taken from 99mobiles.com from Google image search

An App for the security of women

Seeing all the recent cases starting from 'Nirbhaya' case, women are worried about their safety when they have to travel alone. They are taking many safety measures like learning karate and carrying pepper spray in hand bags etc., Now, in this list, we also have a new app called 'Smart suraksha'.

I travel in auto many times and usually i prefer to go by the same auto everyday if it is available. If auto wallah goes by some other route, i will be more cautious and ask him to go by main route even in traffic. Another tip that we can follow in suspicious circumstances is to call some family member and inform your whereabouts at regular intervals from auto. By doing this, family members know in what location you are at certain point of time and it will be easy for them to track in case of any problem. Many people suggest to remember auto number, but i think, its not possible always. Fortunately, security people in our organization note down the auto number and our employee ID when we take an auto from office. Sometimes, they also call employees to ensure that they reached safely. It is a very good practice that can be followed in organizations with women employees. Even with all these safety measures in check, attacks can happen and these can be unpredictable. This makes me feel, I wish I had Smart Suraksha with me.

Now, about the app -

- you can choose 5 people to whom you can send sms alert in case of emergency
- Sms will also include location details
- Only a single click to send alert
- Additional feature is the ability to record car number or clothes the attacker is wearing etc.,
- you can enable women helpline option as well
- App is free, can be downloaded from google play store

So, what do you think about this app? Seems good, but i felt it should dial the chosen number on single click instead of sms, because many people might not be attentive to sms. If we have a smart phone with GPS location settings enabled, it will help a lot. We will have phone always handy, so it will be easy to send alert without the other person identifying it. 
Stay safe with smart Suraksha.. :)


Until next time,

I am participating in the Seeking Smart Suraksha contest at BlogAdda.com in association with Smart Suraksha App.

Reason to pray GOD?

Do we all need a reason to pray God? or we simply follow our rituals as part of culture without any reason? I mean, many of us do deeparadhana (lighting of lamp), reciting slokas daily. Do we have a reason for this? Few may pray for mental peace, for health, wealth and prosperity of family. Few perform special poojas for festivals, go to temple, offer coconuts, sweets to God and pray for their and their family's well being. These simple things have become very part of our lives, that we do them without any reason.

I never felt there should be a reason to pray God. I can thank him for everything that i have achieved as a human being through a prayer or pooja. I want to pray both in good and bad times. To thank him in good times and to ask his support in bad times. For me, prayer doesn't mean lighting lamp compulsorily and offering naivedyam for the Deity. It means reciting his names or slokas with concentration. If you simply perform pooja daily and worry about lot of things like getting late to office, completing cooking or sending children to school meanwhile, i don't think, there is any use. Instead, praying for 5 mins without thinking of anything else other than God, will suffice. What do you say?

Festival season is in now. Navaratri celebrations are going on here. Each day we pray each incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is celebrated for 9 days. Next would be Diwali, which is festival of lights. We pray Goddess Lakshmi for this festival. 

There is one product from Cycle pure agarbathies - Lakshmi pooja pack.
If you are wondering what this pack is about.. it contains an instructional booklet and CD, so that you can recite slokas together and perform pooja. I can use the instruction book to prepare required materials before pooja, and recite ashtothara namas as per CD.

Now, my reasons to pray with Lakshmi pooja pack on Diwali :) 
I will pray for:

•  Safety and security of women in India (I know, iam not that selfless to pray for this alone :p)
•  Health and happiness to my family :)

So, let me know what are your reasons to pray in this festival time :)

Until next time,

Image courtesy: www.revangelicalblog.com

This post is written for cycle pure agarbathies contest.

Taramati Bardari - A historic monument in Hyderabad

I have been to this historic location 'Taramati Bardari' many a times. One reason being it's closer to my place and another is it's pleasant surroundings.

Bardari on hilltop

This place has a Persian style garden built in the reign of King Quli Qutub Shah. It was known as a caravan station for travelers and traders in Ibrahim Bagh, which was 1 km away from Golkonda fort. This monument has a music hall constructed on the hilltop, which gives a good view of Golkonda fort and area around it.

This place is also linked with a romantic story of Sultan with a courtesan (Singer and dancer) 'Taramati'. Because of the acoustics model of the structure like Golkonda fort, it was believed that the melodious voice of Tarmati singing at Bardari could be heard by Sultan sitting at Golkonda fort. There is no documented proof for this story though. You can see some nice paintings on the walls which explain Nizam culture. 

Nice paintings

There is an open-air amphitheater inside with a seating capacity of 1600 people. Usually, many dance and music performances are held here. Gardens and lawns are well maintained. Andhra Pradesh tourism(APTDC) has changed it to a hotel cum resort to provide accommodation and food for the tourists. It also has a souvenir shop, health club and swimming pool. 

View from top

Overall view

Sculptures and garden

This is a good place to visit in the evenings, as we can experience nice breeze from the hilltop. Some nearest tourist places are Golkonda fort and Qutubshahi tombs.

 Until next time,

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తెలుగు భాషా దినోత్సవం

ఈ రోజు  తెలుగు భాషా దినోత్సవం . తెలుగు వారందరికీ  శుభాకాంక్షలు.. 

చాలా మందికి మనసులో సందేహం - ఈ రోజు ఎందుకు పండగలా జరుపుకోవాలి అని. నిజానికి అవసరం లేదు. కాని, మాతృభాష తెలుగై ఉన్నవారు కూడా తెలుగు సరిగ్గా మాట్లాడలేకపోతున్న ఈ రోజుల్లో, మన మాతృభాష గుర్తుకుతెచ్చుకోవడానికి ఒక రోజు ఉండడంలో తప్పు లేదనిపిస్తుంది. ఏమంటారు?

స్కూల్స్ లో, కార్యాలయాలలో తెలుగే మాట్లాడాలి, రాయాలి  అని నేను అనను  గాని, తెలుగు మర్చిపోకుండా ఉంటే, అది  చాలు. చిన్న చిన్న విషయాలు పాటించడం వలన ఇది  సాధ్యం అవుతుంది. 

1. మన పిల్లలికి  అమ్మ , నాన్న అనే పదాలు నేర్పిద్దాం (మమ్మీ, డాడీ బదులు )
2. ఇంట్లో తెలుగు మాట్లాడదాం 
3. తెలుగు సాహిత్యాన్ని పరిచయం చేద్దాం (పంచతంత్రం, రామాయణం, భాగవతం లాంటి కధలు తెలుగులో నేర్పిద్దాం )
4. తెలుగు అక్షరాలు, సంధులు, ,సమాసాలు, వేమన పద్యాలూ పరిచయం చేద్దాం. 
5. వార్తా  పత్రికల్లో వచ్చే తెలుగు కధలు చదవమని పిల్లలిని ప్రోత్సహిద్దాం.  

ఏదో ఒక సినిమాలో (పిల్ల జమిందార్ - నాని సినిమా అనుకుంటా  ) చెప్పినట్టు, తెలుగు అంటే అత్తెసరు మార్కులతో పాసవడం కాదు, అది అమ్మతో  మన అనుబంధం పంచుకోవడం. 
ఏమంటారు ?

ఇట్లు 
మహతీ  రమ్య 

A Perfect 10 day plan - Road Trip - Part II

Coorg is known as Scottland of India. I like Coorg when compared to other hill stations in South India like Kodaikanal and Ooty. You can see details of Part I of the trip here. 
Hope you loved my earlier post and here goes the second part..

Day 6 - Aug 14th: Abbey falls is a must visit, but you need to walk some distance. Don't go on a rainy day! We have a hanging bridge before the falls, which gives nice view of falls and it will be wonderful as water splashes on you :) Another famous water fall is 'Iruppu falls', it is difficult to cover both of these on same day, so you may cover it depending on your energy levels and interest to travel. One more beautiful place/ park is 'Raja's seat', where you can have fantastic view of valley. This can be visited in the evening by 4PM or so. Sunset happens early in Coorg, so, it's better to complete visiting places when there is light. 

Abbey falls, Coorg

Day 7 - Aug 15th: First of all, happy Independence day :) This might be a tiring day as it needs lot of travelling depending on the place where you are staying. If your accommodation is near madikeri, you may save some travelling time. First thing on the list would be 'Thala cauvery' which is the birth place of River Kauvery. Many people who visited Coorg mention that it is a must visit place here. This place has perfect misty weather always and it is at very high altitude, so, you will feel like touching the clouds. There is a small temple and there are many steps to climb to see an excellent view point. Bhagamandala is a place where river cauvery joins 2 tributaries named Kanake and Sujyoti. There is a temple of Lord Bhagundeshwara also here. While returning, you can visit Omkareshwar temple in the heart of Madikeri town.

Day 8 - Aug 16th: Since we have only 2 days left for our trip, you may take the decision of driving back by halting and taking rest for more time in Bangalore in the middle, or else, spend one more day in Coorg if you love adventure. There are many interesting activities in Coorg for adventure lovers. Few of those are - trekking in Kakkabe, madikeri, rafting in Dubare and rock climbing in kakkabe. This planning is completely dependent on weather. For others,who dont want to strain much, start to Bangalore after breakfast and reach by lunch time. You can plan for 'Nandi hills' which is a pleasant place that shouldn't be missed in Bangalore.

View from Raja's seat, Coorg

Day 9 - Aug 17th: Some of the good places to cover in and around Bangalore are Bannerghatta national park, Wonderla, Banshankari temple, Sanky tank and Shivasamudram falls. These may take more than a day, but depending on your preference, you can visit any of these. For example, A family with children may like Bannerghatta national park or Wonderla. 

Day 10 - Aug 18th: So, this is the last day of our tour. If you need enough rest so that you can go energized to office on monday, it is good to start early in the morning from Bangalore to Hyderabad. Hampi, A UNESCO heritage site is a village near Hospet in Northern Karnataka. This can be covered on the way to Hyderabad. 

Even though i visited most of the places mentioned in Part I and Part II of posts, i would love to visit them again. This trip can be extended to cover Coorg -> Mangalore -> udipi -> Goa, of course if you can get more leaves :) How do you like this trip plan? do let me know..

Until next time,