Kumaris Travel Adventures

See our Fav Photos from India!

Rishikesh

Yoga has made its way into the mainstream western marketplace. From elongated  cotton bags of hindu gods, black stretchy pants and metal water bottles the business that is yoga is everywhere. While the rise, and subsequent collapse of other western fitness fads like palates, tai-bo and even the hula-hoop may befall this ancient art in our society, Yoga will steadfast in its Himalayan home. 

Etched in the mountains of Himichal Pradesh, and perched above the mythical river ganges the serene Rishikesh is by most accounts the epicenter of the Yoga universe. Even the physical city from afar feels as if it is postured in an eternal meditative position within its surroundings. 

While most of us known Rishikesh as the Beatles holiday home in India, it would be a underestimation of this magical city. The peacefulness, serenity and daily devotion to Ganga Ma(Mother Ganges) by the inhabitants is one of the most unique displays anywhere. The ashrams make havens within this tranquil environment to practice and learn meditation, philosophy, and physical oneness. Free from alcohol and 100% vegetarian the entire city helps the individual achieve a sense of inner balance. This is where nature, society and religion live in harmony, free from the distractions of everyday life. 

The city draws you in with it's friendly people, happy animals and mouthwatering cuisine. The countless retreats and course keep you here. And the fresh crisp mountain make you want to return. 

Enjoy the music and the video :)

Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Echoes of an ancient past resound through these majestic caves. Sculptures dating back to the first century BC are not only breath-taking but also awe inspiring. To think about how much time and effort it took people 1-2000 years ago to build temples, monasteries and sculptures from pure rock is totally mind-blowing!

Within this video you'll be able to witness the caves and see some of the incredible paintings painted with plants on top of rock.  To think that everyone praises the Renasiance painters of Europe, but rarely do we hear about the incredible talent of hundreds of nameless and ancient artists in India. We hope to awaken in you the same awe and respect which visiting Ajanta and Ellora left us with.

Hampi

World history has been defined by the rise and fall of empires. Their quest for space, religion and autonomy has produced epic stories that remain buried beneath our feet, waiting to be unearthed. The fascinating rediscovery and reconstruction of these lost worlds is vital part of our universal heritage, and one of the most compelling reasons for traveling.

India has seen it’s fair share of empires, however the story of Vijaynagar is as peculiar as it’s landscape. The abandon empire strew across the bewitching boulders of present day Hampi is even yet to be fully unearthed, after some thirty plus years of archeological efforts. It took the combined strength of four Sultans to overthrow this once mighty empire in the late 15^th century. Vijaynagar was completely looted and burned for 6 months, after which the Sultans return to their respective domains abandoning the city.

All that remains now are the unearthed stone cut palaces, baths, and royal courts which withstood the Sultan onslaught. The ruins slipped from memory and time for some 400 years only to be rediscovered in the 18^th century by British hunting parties. By then structures had become so overgrown, and inhabited by jungle animals that the discovery party had seek the safety of temples overnight. The written accounts of 15^th century European travelers to the size, affluence and power of this once mighty empire provide a tantalizing glimpse into a world forgotten.

Each discovery ushers in a myriad of new questions. While answers will continue to be unearthed for years to come the compelling unknown is what makes Hampi so fascinating. Here people live everyday lives with several homes set within the ruins. Today era’s removed from it’s romantic past, it stands as a symbolic message of the many layers which make traveling in India so engaging. In Hampi ancient architecture and cell phones are tossed with mythical stories and tourist on scooters. Peculiar and fascinating it is a world of its own.

 

Cochin

They have dubbed Kerala 'God's own Country'. This bold and lofty claim on the surface seems a touch overzealous, but spend a bit of time sinking your feet into it's sandy shores and coasting through the breezy mountains and you just might start understand the ambitious claim. 

Unlike any other part of India, Keralans seam to be an anomaly within this vast country. Enjoying 100% literacy rate, clean(er) streets and a political backbone entrenched in Marxist philosophy (having the first democratically elected communist government... sans coercion!) you begin to feel like Alice and Kerala the rabbit hole.    

NOTE: Monty will finish this post when sangeeta gives him some time... my gramur is not best... forgiviness pleaus :)

Below are just some of the highlight of our visit...

 

Mystical Munnar

Entering into Munnar was like walking onto the set of a beautiful fairytale...but the wonderful thing was that it was real! Everywhere we went we were awestruck with a sense of wonder and gratitude that we were able to visit such a place.

We hope you'll join us and experience what we witnessed in this truly mystical place. 

The Chinnar Chase

Travel memories. These usually fall into fondest, scariest and strangest. The truly exceptional stories fall into all three. Presented for your approval, The Chinnar Chase we hope makes the mark, but we’ll let you be the judge.

It was Christmas eve, and the morning fog had just lifted, drawing the curtains back on the lush rolling tea plantations that seamed to engulf your entire body and mind. The brisk misty mountain air came as a welcome change from the 30 degree heat of the coast. On this, our second day in the disenchanting town of Munnar, we were ready to experience the beauty of the surrounding hills the only way to fully take them in… on two wheels.

The mountain’s siren song was too strong for us to pay head to the broken speedometer, fuel gauge or rearview mirror. In hindsight a little due diligence would have gone a long way… but then again I wouldn’t be writing this, nor would you be reading it had we heeded the warnings.  Our hearts were set on the winding green paths en route to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The final goal… spotting wild animals.

The ride toured through winding tea plantations clinging to the mountains, interrupted by the occasional rocky outcrop, and glistening waterfalls. Stopping occasionally to marvel at the seas of green kissing the clouds whose fall from heaven must have been a short one.

Now road destinations are an odd thing in India. No one can exactly tell you where to go or how far it will actually be. Asking for directions typically yields bewildered stares. Traveler’s note: The common ‘5 mins ahead’ or ‘just there’ should always be received with extreme caution and healthy skepticism. Nevertheless, we managed to evade all pitfalls except for one.  Silently plotting our downfall the nemesis of two wheelers world over…. sand.

Our tires lost grip and our wheels pulled out from under us. Luckily our speed was in check and we escaped with a couple minor bruises and cuts (mostly on me). We dusted ourselves off and thanking our ‘always wear a helmet’ mantra, we humbly and cautiously made our way to the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to some amazing animals, both big and small. Set amongst misty mountains and butterfly valleys, one can hope to spot barking dear, giant squirrels, bison and if your lucky elephants. With our tribal guide we were treated to both magnificent vistas and demanding cardio. Reaching a valley near the end of trek, our guide turned very silent, slowed his steps and seamed to listen with a concentration we had not yet seen. He was tracking some creature. The giveaway was the soccer sized dung balls, that we had entered elephant territory. Sure enough after some scouting, our guide pulled us into a clearing where we could clearly see the mother elephant shifting in the brush. She was downhill from us perhaps 30-40 meter away, but elephant can hear and smell from up to 2kms away. She knew we were there. Making low guttural noises almost like deep barking, she alerted her family that danger was close then put her attention on us. Making loud squawks, flapping her ears violently and taking a few quick paced steps towards us was all the warning our guide needed. In a bat of an eyelid he was gone, and we went chasing after him with the sound of loud footsteps behind us.

In the end we were out of breath, exhilarated and amazed by the sight of a wild elephant!

We limped out of the park with huge smiles on our face despite our bruises and wounds.  Little did we know that our adventure was not over so soon! As we made our way back to Munnar, climbing the steep mountain our two wheeler started to chug up the mountain until it sputtered to a stop. We had run out of gas and quickly losing light. We worried how we’d find a gas station in the middle of paradise on such a desolate road. To our good fortune a good samaritan sensed we needed help and 30 minutes later we were gassed up and on our way.

With daylight lost, a 40 minute ride remained until we were back into Munnar. Added to this was the challenge of driving through the once heavenly mists that now cut visibility down to a couple meters, navigating bumpy Indian roads, weaving around cliffhanging hairpins, swerving around speeding buses with blinding headlights and a cold rain.

A very slow cautious ride back was spurred on with thoughts of our favorite dinner joint- Saravana Bhavana. Arriving safely we clasped our hands around our hot tea cups and knew we had lived the day to it’s fullest. 

Showing Compassion for All Life: Animal Aid in Action

During our travels in Udaipur we found this wonderful organization doing great work to help the street animals of India. Anyone who has been to India knows how much help animals need and how little they are cared for. The people of Animal Aid are in inspiration to us all...showing us that compassion must cross the species barrier and extend to those who have no voice. 

In this Christmas season, I remember the wise words of Jesus who said, "Blessed are the merciful..." Indeed the animals in Udaipur are blessed with the compassionate angels at Animal Aid. 

 

Traveling Through Ooty

Below is a quick snap shot of the beautiful landscape of Ooty. We went there in the hopes of taking the toy train so that we can see the spectacular hillside views, but due to a landslide the train wasn't running :(  So we hopped on a scooter and travelled around for a day.

We weren't here long enough to take much photo and video, but we hope you enjoy this overview. We've decided that Indian hill stations are our fav places to visit...much more to come soon!

Mysore Magic

Mysore is amongst India's most epic cities. Home to one of the most impressive palaces in the world, it's opulence and intricate workmanship is beyond description. This visual feast which affords a glimpse into the life of the Raj, whisks away your imagination into the foregone era. 

The palace one could say is the unrivaled jewel in the city Mysore. A second to the title is hidden behind faded white walls in the very heart of the city. The Mysore Market's uninspired external appearance conceals one of India's finest secrets. Isle after isle of freshly cut flowers stacked floor to ceiling being strung together in an endless line of garlands. This is just the beginning... around the corner in glass flasks is the oil essence of these and many other flowers from around the country. Smells waft in the air, combined with the smell of incense, fresh fruits and vegetables make for an unforgettable experience.    

Below is a a glimpse into all that we saw and loved in Mysore...enjoy!