tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130013782024-03-19T15:45:40.106+05:30India Travel DiaryExploring INDIA : From Kaziranga to the Himalayas to the desert of Jaisalmer to the backwaters of Allepey to the sun baked coral beaches of Lakshadweep....A first hand account of exploring this beautiful countr, supplemented by my Photography (www.rupankar.in).rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-15329122108902592752024-02-11T15:07:00.008+05:302024-02-11T15:48:18.159+05:30Too much talent<p> </p><p align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">लोभमूलानि पापानि संकटानि तथैव च।</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">लोभात्प्रवर्तते वैरं
अतिलोभात्विनश्यति ॥</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><b><i><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">अर्थात्</span></i></b><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> , </span></i></b><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">लोभ और पाप सभी संकटों का मूल कारण है</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">लोभ शत्रुता में वृद्धि करता है</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">अधिक लोभ करने वाला विनाश को प्राप्त होता है ।</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Year 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The weather was moody. Chemistry was being put
into practice. As the yeast converted sugar syrup was getting into the gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA) receptors of our brains, the discussions wandered into college
days. Someone blabbered, ‘Have you heard about Iftikhar?’ I said, ‘No’. My
friend replied, ‘He is now a fugitive wanted by FBI‘. <i>What??</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFDHG4KqvQ2akHvPGuQ16HgxcG4ME1gMwr-_ojOcnLjesZuu46z8HKgwcUwpLaKBs7cO8B-QjU11SRqREifXr8MU1wWwKi95RJJhUBB7T3nf4xZB5pP1F6xTT8D-1EyzT15IAMGefU09XaFziZc69Ac9pITmKeRW1IWtInSOXyYLgSum3DEBMow/s720/cotton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFDHG4KqvQ2akHvPGuQ16HgxcG4ME1gMwr-_ojOcnLjesZuu46z8HKgwcUwpLaKBs7cO8B-QjU11SRqREifXr8MU1wWwKi95RJJhUBB7T3nf4xZB5pP1F6xTT8D-1EyzT15IAMGefU09XaFziZc69Ac9pITmKeRW1IWtInSOXyYLgSum3DEBMow/w550-h300/cotton.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy : Department of Chemistry FB page</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Year 1987. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Old Student Gallery, Department of Chemistry, Cotton College,
Guwahati, Assam<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First trimester exam of class XI batch of
1987-1989. It was thrust upon us even before we could understand that we had
come to college to study, and not to enjoy the new found freedom of classes
without boundary walls, with choice of attending or lurk around hotspots. Passing
mark was 20 out of 30. While handing over the papers of Shivashish, who was a
rank holder in Xth board, the professor sermon him a piece of his mind. He
scored just above the passing mark 20 but was expected to perform better. As we
waited with bated breath, my roll no 311 was announced. I went down the gallery
to collect my paper. The professor nonchalantly handed over the paper without a
word and simply dismissed my presence. Wow. While going up the gallery to my
seat, I saw my mark as 17. Failed circled in red. Excitement evaporated as quickly
as they had surfaced. To the professor, we were just run of the mill students
who by mistake got into Cotton College that are destined to spoil the
reputation of the nearly 100 year old institute. Little did he knew that coming
from a vernacular medium school of state board without hearing about Chemistry
hitherto, we were struggling to get in terms with Carbon Monoxides and Dioxides
in English. The pride of getting into the premier institution of Assam / North
East was just put to dust. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later in the day, over a smoking session, we
came to know that one Iftikhar Ali Ahmed, who was the 2nd rank holder in Xth
board, had scored 27 out of 30. That trend continued. While we continued to
struggle, Iftikhar kept scoring above 80%, and eventually went onto top our XII
board in 1989. But one thing was certain - we enjoyed the freedom of college
life more - from learning to smoke to bunking classes to first crush to those
morning English movies at Apsara. Life was carefree for us without any burden
to top the class. Iftikhar and his clan stayed away from us not to get
spoiled. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eventually the two years in college passed in
a jiffy. Iftikhar was the only one who qualified for both Roorkee Engg College
and IIT-JEE. Those days, qualifying for Roorkee was considered tougher than
IIT. He eventually went to IIT- Mumbai. Meanwhile, we lesser mortals managed to
make it to regular Engineering Colleges. Without any coaching, the IIT-JEE exam
was a big conundrum for us to crack. Iftikhar was actually a brilliant student,
way above the hoi polloi. We all parted ways in 1989. Life went on - both for
Iftikhar and our clan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Year 2018. Party continues…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chemistery is no more that esoteric. Instead, </span><span style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana;">Chemistry was being put into practice.</span></p><p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The blurt got registered deep even in that
subliminally intoxicated mind. Iftikhar is now a fugitive wanted by
FBI. <i>What??</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Back home, as the effects of dopamine
subsided, I started Googling. Soon I found that Iftikhar, now described as a
Greenwich conman, has been indicted by a Boston Court for $54 million
embezzlement from a private equity firm where he worked. He used that money to
buy a $9.6 million house in Greenwich and another $8.6 million condominium in New
York. The swindling story was a la fiction material. Jeffry Archer could have
written a sequel to Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Year 2024. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just completed watching season II of Scam -
the Telgi Story. It was uncontrolled greed and arrogance that led to downfall
of Telgi. In the process he lost his family, friends and all ill-gotten wealth.
His wife even applied to government to take back ill-gotten wealth. Abdul
Kareem Telgi was talented. So was Iftikhar Ali Ahmed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-family: verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We lesser mortals not endowed with such
extraordinary brilliance are living a peaceful life. God almighty has endowed
most of us enough wealth and success to enjoy life. At 50+, we keep bonding and
reliving those moments of 90s in get together. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, Iftikhar, with all those God gifted
brilliance, is on the run, with FBI on his trail, and may be living a
nondescript life in some corner of the world. </span><o:p style="font-size: 11pt;"></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">हुनर तो सब में होता है</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">, </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">बस फर्क इतना है</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">, </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">कोई चमक जाता है</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">, </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="HI" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;">कोई बर्बाद हो जाता हैं !</span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #121212; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-91989526025740885032022-02-12T16:02:00.000+05:302022-02-12T16:02:18.210+05:30Lothal - the ancient town from Indus Valley Civilisation<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was out on 550 km drive to Somnath, a long drive after
many years. While travelling by SH1 in Gujarat, around 12 noon, I suddenly saw a board
indicating Lothal - 4Km, pointing to a narrow road alongside through farm land.
I read and went ahead. Had read about Lothal and Dholavira as ancient sites
dating back to Harappan times of Indus Valley Civilization. Google map was showing still about 7
hours to destination. Few things were going through my mind. Tough call to
invest additional 30-40 minutes. Stopped after about a kilometer of driving,
and discussed about it with my travel partner, my wife. Eventually decided that
we should see this. Never seen a Harappan site, and in possibility we will not
come back to this remote place just to see Lothal. Took a U turn, and hit the
narrow single road through cultivation. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The site is a bit inside from main
road, without a proper road sign to guide visitors. After driving for about 4KM, we found only a Thank You for visit board of
Gujarat Tourism. At that point, Goggle was pointing to a near non-existent dirt track covered with kikkar bushes. No one was there to ask for direction. The site has to be there somewhere. As I waited, I saw another
guy driving a KA registered car coming back from the opposite direction. He also
got confused, and drove ahead only to be reminded by Google to come back. Both of us talked and decided to go by the dirt track as Goggle
was pointing dots to it. Few meters into the track, there we found a sign board, which is not visible from main road. After about 100 meters we actually had reached the place
with a board indicating as Lothal. The lone private security guard at gate told
us not to get onto walls or structures. No entry ticket. I found around 4 cars
of visitors while I was there. It shows that only a fistful of people visits
this place.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXt90RfVVfA93IkFgmf2A26qSWIMzKOT1V186SOU_HXHw0Ycv4oKmycrSbYt3YEQQ7oVM5aNq8P2lSJCyJs80mzMEby8Zra1o4U4SJTNQhNXmk22QE5wBNI5HgqgG9GegEC7HFK8Lyg8i3Qw8hFBtfDbqZu38yEkinGh9tlp-ZarpefEwaRM0=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2176" data-original-width="4608" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXt90RfVVfA93IkFgmf2A26qSWIMzKOT1V186SOU_HXHw0Ycv4oKmycrSbYt3YEQQ7oVM5aNq8P2lSJCyJs80mzMEby8Zra1o4U4SJTNQhNXmk22QE5wBNI5HgqgG9GegEC7HFK8Lyg8i3Qw8hFBtfDbqZu38yEkinGh9tlp-ZarpefEwaRM0=w526-h251" width="526" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a roadsign few meters into the dirt track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">First thing that stuck me – how come some one (Prof S R Rao)
found this site in such a barren and remote area, and excavated it between
1955-62. This Harappan town from Indus Valley Civilisation dated back to 2500-1900 BC. If you read the
descriptions at site, the brick structures are actually of that time. Bricks,
yes real bricks were used to build this Harappan town. The structures are so
well planned and laid out that you will be forced to think if is it really an
ancient site. It is an entire small-town setup complete with a water pond. I
ended up giving more than planned 40 minutes visiting various parts of the
site. The museum is closed permanently. The artefacts from the site are
probably too precious to be kept at such a remote place. You can use the toilet
there though. I found few more security guard and safai worker there.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPDguysjNE4r0daxnec8Sjnay8EnjKVb95Q-YjDiCnYiBRRV_PCU4GW2Wv6n5ibvVEarE5hHulymkCe6emVkLdApv6EVT7BBCHmy4hjIa9ag15TK_dCL9ZzdUf16mVvHgA0FzMLp71fqYiteNfXpuzoIfRspQRDvpQf72nqq8Xy_6dBXRyZyM=s4608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPDguysjNE4r0daxnec8Sjnay8EnjKVb95Q-YjDiCnYiBRRV_PCU4GW2Wv6n5ibvVEarE5hHulymkCe6emVkLdApv6EVT7BBCHmy4hjIa9ag15TK_dCL9ZzdUf16mVvHgA0FzMLp71fqYiteNfXpuzoIfRspQRDvpQf72nqq8Xy_6dBXRyZyM=w171-h320" width="171" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitgyXhenVnfmnXm1HknDDC7BvaX1A5Zlk22OfMqjf1ASglhBBJbvDPfj_tro5RUVdx1CmcKTrW65JwZsQXLWa08w6P0h6OVKSbHbtQIF5Zj0hcm8KJvZWF2mwIekRDguXDpnI1wL7HjlJgx6OqPOsOCNJNiS1O63Oy4MWTiHayhyDrYyZaoWw=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitgyXhenVnfmnXm1HknDDC7BvaX1A5Zlk22OfMqjf1ASglhBBJbvDPfj_tro5RUVdx1CmcKTrW65JwZsQXLWa08w6P0h6OVKSbHbtQIF5Zj0hcm8KJvZWF2mwIekRDguXDpnI1wL7HjlJgx6OqPOsOCNJNiS1O63Oy4MWTiHayhyDrYyZaoWw=s320" width="166" /></a></div></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDrNXW5s36BswZnETC-R1ZHoimllCpUrVe049pQMzh8Ft_21A4cX3WUBG13HW-uTLMO_JMcjbb1HnalaWxBItFORdL5tQfcGfNrtbhpBw3Go-wdfOpZk_EfeiF-JtfyAjsduuKfK-8ZsePOiEceg41VS7vSn7OM7jFixpKx3OyDllHlXjE_Q4=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1200" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDrNXW5s36BswZnETC-R1ZHoimllCpUrVe049pQMzh8Ft_21A4cX3WUBG13HW-uTLMO_JMcjbb1HnalaWxBItFORdL5tQfcGfNrtbhpBw3Go-wdfOpZk_EfeiF-JtfyAjsduuKfK-8ZsePOiEceg41VS7vSn7OM7jFixpKx3OyDllHlXjE_Q4=w438-h222" width="438" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was an overwhelming experience being there. And
definitely, one of the most unforgettable chance visits.</span><o:p></o:p></p>rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-78958718287339942612018-12-04T21:22:00.001+05:302020-04-24T20:36:07.459+05:30Capturing the spirit of street-life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wildlife photography is my preferred genre and will continue to be so in near future. However, like many of my fellow photographers, the visual storytelling side of street photography also has a special appeal to me. This appeal is powerful enough to push me into venturing out 4-5 times during last one year to explore the streets of Delhi, specially the older Delhi. Called the Purani Dilli (Old Delhi), its streets are special. There is a treasure lying to be captured in the busy, over corroded, packed and often dimly lit alleys of Old Delhi. I wish I could go out often.<br />
<span style="font-size: 26px;">Staged or As Is:</span></div>
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Street photography is a large term. It actually has many sub-genre. The most common and popular on the social media is the staged street photography. They at time s look awesome. You find the perfect setting, find some actors who will gel with the scene, often pay them in cash or kind, and shoot. You get a near perfect shot for social media. But the form that appeals to me is the shoot as is format. You go out on the street and shoot a scene as it is with real people garnishing it with your creative framing and technical skills, and then present it to your audience with your editing skills. This way you capture moments. While the staged genre will continue to flourish, the moments genre will also hold its special place.</div>
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Concept:</h3>
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It is always good to have a concept in mind to shoot before you step out. If you do not have a concept, then you may find the scene too chaotic. I have seen participants in these walks often trying to shoot what others are shooting. If someone is shooting an old man puffin a bidi, let me shoot that too. And when you see the shots shared later in walk group, you find majority of them crap as they were shoot without any plan or concept. Even if it is not staged, you need a plan and concept to shoot. You will have to find beauty and interest in clutter. You make or create an Image by seeing and capturing differently. Technicalities often takes back seat as you have to shoot fast. Given the general lighting, and your understanding of light and your camera requirement, you set out with a set of basic setting. If a scene appeals to you, aim and shoot framing it the best possible way. </div>
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I had tried to create a series of images with a concept of ‘Life In Between’. The images of this series do not require me to connect with the subject. I will come to the topic of connecting to the subject later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u1BXMPouts/XAae1i_OUfI/AAAAAAAAHGA/tiBye2wxFzQH3guTDh9O6f1PEOoXeWdlgCLcBGAs/s1600/lr_cc_MG_1293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u1BXMPouts/XAae1i_OUfI/AAAAAAAAHGA/tiBye2wxFzQH3guTDh9O6f1PEOoXeWdlgCLcBGAs/s640/lr_cc_MG_1293.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some bread earned</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNiLoBu_Tg8/XAafIMzuWiI/AAAAAAAAHGI/73UR-_sRR5oW41KV6qeqRyo5vWMNLghWwCLcBGAs/s1600/FEASTFUL%2BOF%2BCOLOUR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1200" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNiLoBu_Tg8/XAafIMzuWiI/AAAAAAAAHGI/73UR-_sRR5oW41KV6qeqRyo5vWMNLghWwCLcBGAs/s640/FEASTFUL%2BOF%2BCOLOUR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Fistful of colours</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpj5f_anp-s/XAafWzCIvOI/AAAAAAAAHGM/atboKts-1nUtffmQ6D6dVjsdKGUT-eljgCLcBGAs/s1600/lr_MG_1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpj5f_anp-s/XAafWzCIvOI/AAAAAAAAHGM/atboKts-1nUtffmQ6D6dVjsdKGUT-eljgCLcBGAs/s640/lr_MG_1063.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pondering</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDDC6n7niHA/XAafb6KdilI/AAAAAAAAHGU/9I_z59t8qhkKlYVYlocCAxYY0JocLta1wCLcBGAs/s1600/lr_MG_1081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1200" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDDC6n7niHA/XAafb6KdilI/AAAAAAAAHGU/9I_z59t8qhkKlYVYlocCAxYY0JocLta1wCLcBGAs/s640/lr_MG_1081.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poles apart....Life of two child</td></tr>
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Equipment:</h3>
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A mirrorless is the best equipment for street photography. This is true for India, at least Old Delhi.</div>
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So why a mirrorless for street? I currently own two full frame Canon bodies. For the street outings, I have used the smaller Canon 6D Mark II body with Canon 17-40 F4 lens. Smaller is a relative term. Even the 6D2+17-40 combination looks fairly large as compared to the mirrorless combos. I had found that Canon 6D2 fails you when the light is low and scene has predominantly darker tones. You will come across many such scene once you are inside the labyrinth of narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk like the Kinari Bazar where only natural light you find are wafting through narrow openings. Either you need a F2.8 or better lens and definitely a better body in such places. A cropped body with 18-55 kind of lens is a disaster for those narrow alleys. The other option therefore is the mid-level mirrorless targeted at the prosumer photographers. As they are targeted at prosumer segment, the output is tweaked to be quite good. They boast of an exciting array of lenses. In the last walk, I found that Fuji 18-55 kit lens is a 2.8 at wide angle. This comes a s kit with XT-20 body. The combined size and weight of a cropped body mirrorless is much lesser than my Canon 6D2+17-40. You can easily put them into your bag and carry everywhere. These cameras being small in size, the average people on street will ignore you as a novice, amateur or tourist having fun. The bigger SLR often attracts unwanted attention. These makes you a bigger photographer trying to make money of images of poor people on street.</div>
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As I am currently exploring Sony and Fujifilm series for making my next acquisition, I will come back and update this space soon.</div>
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Technicalities:</h3>
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Once out on the street, the technical aspect of camera setting will be least on your mind. Your eyes will be scanning for interesting scene. Rarely you get a second chance. Therefore you have to set your parameters before you start walking. Read the lighting scene and set your Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Reading the available light scene will come from experience. As you will be shooting handheld, you need a minimum shutter speed of 1/60 to get decent frames. Once you have basic settings right, review first couple of shots. Change settings if required. Of course, you will fiddle with settings later as you shoot, but no point changing it after losing a moment. So, get it your initial setting as right as possible. This is true for wildlife also. You need to read the lighting scene and get your first setting as correct as possible.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 26px;">Ethics:</span></div>
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One important aspect of street photography is to connect with subject. If you are shooting people close up, then you must talk and connect to get the best result. If the subject refuse then simply walk away. But more often than not, the subject is likely to cooperate. Keep in mind that do not try to create a scene of trying to make money of someone’s misery. Sometimes they may ask you for money or help after posing. These are poor people trying to make a living on street. The call is yours. Listen to your conscience. If you ask me, I had done it couple of times by buying a cup of tea or biscuit. I am presenting here few images where we had connected with the subject. Compare these with earlier series of ‘Life In Between’.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INsUKtm7qJ8/XAagQO2AddI/AAAAAAAAHGk/7pU5FBflLtEyBBjJWvKysWiO3lNnjQ1EACLcBGAs/s1600/lr_cc_MG_1406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INsUKtm7qJ8/XAagQO2AddI/AAAAAAAAHGk/7pU5FBflLtEyBBjJWvKysWiO3lNnjQ1EACLcBGAs/s640/lr_cc_MG_1406.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you connect with your subject</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
<span style="font-size: 26px;">Special mentions:</span></div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; width: 700px;">
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
This exploration of city had made me venture out to different old Delhi with various people during last one year. These are Nizamuddin West with Hazrat Nizamuddin dargah and walled city from Turqman Gate to Chawri Bazaar with <a class="_2u0z" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1834296960&extragetparams=%7B%22eid%22%3A%22ARBe6_L0NCAdWpKTlL5YGGRoypRSMF6yHUF62YZ1tfc9ta_soEY3SBXegmKlc4-rjsfbLHx8Mrm3AWW8%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/asifkhan.delhibyfoot?eid=ARBe6_L0NCAdWpKTlL5YGGRoypRSMF6yHUF62YZ1tfc9ta_soEY3SBXegmKlc4-rjsfbLHx8Mrm3AWW8" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Asif Khan Dehlvi</a> of Delhi Karavan. These were story telling non-photo walks. As Asif hold the group together with his story telling, I kept exploring with my camera. This continued with exploring the famed Chandni Chowk area from Parantha wali Galli to Dariba Kalan, and Khari Baoli to Sadar Bazar with <a class="_2u0z" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=703168988&extragetparams=%7B%22eid%22%3A%22ARANqNfH5DlzG2RlZLVlmtL0iHCyDjC2-zA63zmNa9ODu5LgBg1EMMIqjjxmn3pzS1Uj9aGLMlbAqxFb%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/sundeep.bali?eid=ARANqNfH5DlzG2RlZLVlmtL0iHCyDjC2-zA63zmNa9ODu5LgBg1EMMIqjjxmn3pzS1Uj9aGLMlbAqxFb" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Sundeep Bali</a> and Fujifilm team. Sundeep is a brand ambassador of Fujifilm who had done a lot of work in old Delhi areas. It was a great experience learning with him.</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
And finally, this series of images were viewtifully edited on the ViewSonic VP2468 monitor specially designed for photographers.</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
Note: The author is ColorPro partner for ViewSonic. His and other ColorPro professionals' work can be seen at <a href="https://color.viewsonic.com/explore/category/photographers" target="_blank">ColorPro Partners of ViewSonic</a>. The latest series of ViewSonic monitors for Photographers can found at <a href="https://color.viewsonic.com/" target="_blank">ViewSonic</a></div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/colorpro?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#ColorPro</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/viewsonic?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#ViewSonic</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/vp2468?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#VP2468</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fujifilmxindia?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#FujiFilmXIndia</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/street_photography?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#Street_Photography</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/delhi6?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#Delhi6</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/lifeinbetween?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#LifeInBetween</a> </div>
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rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-32254072030110690622018-08-18T10:46:00.001+05:302018-08-18T10:46:07.524+05:30Jungfraujoch Switzerland<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First video log of Europr trip 2018. Presenting the piciuresque journey to mountain top at Jungfraujoch. A train journey throug snow and tunnel takes you to 11333 feet. The train route itself is an engineering marvel. We experienced snowfall and even blizzard at top</span>.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c2V4byV9uBU" width="480"></iframe>rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-8983905889370933382017-12-16T22:43:00.002+05:302017-12-16T22:43:39.056+05:30Getting true color in editing images<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been three months since I received
my ViewSonic VP2468 monitor designed especially for photographers like me. It
has now become permanent part of my editing process. I used to edit a lot on my
laptops which provides the flexibility of editing during spare time on my
travels. These editing were mostly for social media posting, and hence used to be
in small resolutions, typically around 1200px on longer side at 100dpi. Small
sizes allow you to get away with many flaws. But whenever the images were to be
sent for printing, or to some competition in large sizes, then the flaws of
laptop editing became obvious. Believe me, when you blow up, the colours that
looked OK in your FB or Instagram post, may look terrible. Colour is one of the
factors that can make or kill your image.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A typical LED monitor we use in desktop
generally produces about 60-70% of sRGB colour space. Laptops fares worse. This
means, despite shooting in Adobe RGB, we were losing 30-40% of colours in
editing, which is substantial for quality print. As a nature photographer, the
variations in shades of green and greys are very important in my images. If you
are not able to see the grade variations, then at time you lose on impact the
image could have made. In my next upgrade, I wanted a monitor that can match my
output requirement, preferably one made for photographer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On exploring market, most of the monitors
targeted at photographers were found to be exorbitantly priced. Often as a
photographer you feel like spending that kind of money on things like upgrading
your on accessories or save for your next lens. The monitor, despite being of
such importance is forced to take a back seat. We tend to forget that monitor
is that key link that is going to reproduce what one had seen and captured in
camera. Once you understand the gravity of this, you are bound to go for a
photographer’s monitor. And there sits the ViewSonic VP2468. A very affordable
monitor meant for photographers that produces nearly 100% of sRGB colour space,
and comes factory colour calibrated along with test reports.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I got the opportunity to work on the
ViewSonic VP2468 monitor, my first reaction was wow. Images were just popping
up. Colours are so vibrant as if it enthuses a new life into images. My
immediate reaction was to reopen some of my earlier edited images. I started
hating some of them as colours were way off. I started re-editing them on the
VP2468. Here is an example.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kedvGXwKrvo/WjVT2DFLPoI/AAAAAAAAFl8/Bv3e0QsZbcUePUIRqA6j7lYb6fCfhRAcQCLcBGAs/s1600/VP2468-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kedvGXwKrvo/WjVT2DFLPoI/AAAAAAAAFl8/Bv3e0QsZbcUePUIRqA6j7lYb6fCfhRAcQCLcBGAs/s640/VP2468-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Difference in colours editing in ViewSonic VP2468 vs Laptop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The VP2468 has many functionalities which I
am yet to explore. The basic controls are enough for me as a photographer. Let
the monitor take away many of my worries and concentrate on getting that
perfect moment. VP2468 comes with a host of ports on its back. I have connected
it to my Dell workstation with a HDMI cable. Another outstanding feature is the
Auto Pivot where you can rotate the monitor to view vertical frames in full
screen. There is an auto pilot software to facilitate this rotation. Despite
some great feature, few ergonomics are missing in the design. You can expect small
flaws at this price point. If I am missing something as of now is an inbuilt
speaker. But it does what it is meant to deliver – true colour. The VP2468 is
going to stay put in my table for a long time.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-8345654412112726012016-06-12T12:32:00.002+05:302016-06-12T12:32:51.651+05:30IRCTC Tiger Express<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is an article with sneak preview intot the IRCTC Tiger Express Train service between Delhi and Kanha</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/irctc-s-beautiful-semi-luxury-tiger-express-will-make-you-want-to-travel-by-train-all-the-time-256597.html" target="_blank">IRCTC Tiger Express</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.indiatimes.in/media/content/2016/Jun/tiger6-1_1465644790_725x725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.indiatimes.in/media/content/2016/Jun/tiger6-1_1465644790_725x725.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-31575222477329615252016-06-11T18:10:00.001+05:302016-06-11T18:10:37.993+05:30Direct bus service between Delhi and Leh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Himachal road transport has annoucned re-introduction of a direct bus service between Delhi and Leh via Manali wef 6th June, 2016. This 33 hours, almost 3 days journey of almost 1050 is sure to make many heads spin. One way fare is Rs.1365/-. When I saw this Delhi-Leh bus at the Leh bus stand during my visit in 2011, I could not digest as to how one can travel non-stop in such an ordinary bus from Delhi. Or how can one drive a bus like a truck driver do. We were told it is one service, but two buses. Now it is confirmed that there is a change of bus, and hence crew at Keylong. However this is an ordinary bus service without any inclusion. There also is a Non-AC delux bus service between Manali and Leh that costs Rs.2700/- one way that includes one night stay, dinner and breakfast en-route. This service will start from July 1.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can find more info at following links -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bus-service-from-delhi-to-leh-reopens-one-way-ticket-rs-1-365/story-HSZKHjNvhnT5XdgV4p0ZZK.html" target="_blank">Delhi - Leh bus news (Hindustan Times)</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://hptdc.gov.in/trans.htm" target="_blank">HPTDC / HRTC bus services</a></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-10823886868150160652016-05-18T22:30:00.001+05:302016-05-18T22:30:33.491+05:30Wild Escapades - Corbett Tiger Reserve<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is small package chronicling wildlife viewings from my last trip to the land of roar and trumpet - the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Hope you will like it.</span><br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7WhmjRHoHgk" width="480"></iframe>rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-19627967406029689902016-05-15T12:59:00.000+05:302016-05-15T12:59:00.186+05:30'Tiger Express' to Bandhavgarh and Kanha<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Indian Railways is planning to hit the popular tiger circuit of Bandhavgarh and Kanha in Madhya Pradesh with launch of its special train 'Tiger Express'. <span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; line-height: 18px;">The services of the semi-luxury train will commence from June 5, the World Environment Day, at Delhi’s Safdarjung railway station. This service is a collaboration between the Railways and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Packages are available though IRCTC.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the first time that Indian Railways will operate a tour package on the wildlife circuit. Apart from luxury trains like Maharaja’s Express, the IRCTC also offers tours packages on the desert circuit, Buddhist circuit, <i style="outline: 0px;">Bharat Darshan</i> , etc. </span></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The five-night-six-day tour will cover Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks in Madhya Pradesh, apart from Dhuadhar Falls of Bhedaghat, Jabalpur. The “Tiger Express” will only have first and second AC accommodations, with fare starting from Rs.38,500. The parks in MP currently have the highset charges for safaris in the country. The fare includes train ticket, local AC transport, accommodation and food. “The tour will include two tiger safaris at Kanha national park and one at Bandhavgarh, apart from accommodation at three-star hotels. Our prices are affordable keeping in mind the services provided and there are no hidden charges,” said IRCTC spokesperson Sandip Dutta.</span></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #3b3a39; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.irctctourism.com/TourPackages/RailTour/Tiger-Trail-Circuit-Semi-Luxury-Tourist-Train-CDR03.html" target="_blank">IRCTC Tiger Express package</a></span></span></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-32037517350109040812016-05-01T12:23:00.003+05:302016-05-01T12:23:32.845+05:30Wildlife capital of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="heading1" data-articletitle="" itemprop="headline" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 44px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why Assam Is India's wildlife capital</span></h1>
<section class="title_section clearfix" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 10px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="time_cptn" style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">TNN | <span itemprop="datePublished" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Apr 30, 2016, 12.10 PM IST</span></span></section><section class="title_section clearfix" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><div class="leftsocial" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; left: -85px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 120px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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</div>
</section><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Why-Assam-Is-Indias-wildlife-capital/articleshow/52051670.cms"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/52051676.cms" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/52051676.cms" /></a></div>
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Source : <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Why-Assam-Is-Indias-wildlife-capital/articleshow/52051670.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Why-Assam-Is-Indias-wildlife-capital/articleshow/52051670.cms</a></div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-42779091987367045732016-04-28T20:27:00.001+05:302016-04-28T20:27:26.591+05:30Malaysia launched e-Visa for Indian tourists<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 12.3906px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Indian tourists travelling to Malaysia can now avail the e-visa. The e-visa system was launched on April 15, 2016. The visa will be processed between 24-48 hours. The processing fee is $25 (approximately Rs 1660) with visa fee of Rs 1000 and transaction fee of Rs 50 online. The total estimated cost is Rs 2710, the payment for which can only be made online. The visa however will be single entry and valid for 30 days. This may be a problem for tourists going to Malaysia and Singapore together using Air Asia services. It should be noted that Kualalumpur is the hub of Air Aisa and hence if you are to change aircraft at KL, then you will have to go through immigration. Therefore you may need multiple entry visa. During my trip to Singapore, KL and Langkawi using Air Asia services from Delhi via KL, I needed multiple entry to Malaysia. I had obtained paper visa for around 1500 rupees. The paper visa was multiple entry with same 30 day validity.</span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 12.3906px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Malaysia received as many as 722,141 tourists from India last year, making the country the 6<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">th </span>largest contributor in terms of tourist arrivals. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More information can be gathered from </span><a href="http://www.imi.gov.my/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0099ff; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.imi.gov.my</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-89675335478107374382016-04-20T20:38:00.000+05:302016-04-20T20:38:24.219+05:30Sterling Holidays, Mussorie : From Pine Hill to Dancing leaves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon after acquiring a Sterling Holidays membership in 2014,
I set out to explore its resorts in and around Delhi. While the experience of
its leased resorts at Corbett and Sariska was mixed, we liked the Sterling
owned facility at Mussorie. It was then named as Pine Hill, located 2.5 km off
the mall road, along a pleasantly walkable road with a gentle slope. The 94
room resort is laid on a hill face with a stunning view of the Doon valley,
specially at night. A lot of construction was going on at the site during our
visit. Half of the resort was under renovation. Thomas Cook had acquired
Sterling couple of months back prior to pur visit in 2014. The money being invested by the new owners to
upgrade this facility was on display. We expected that Mussorie was probably on
a path to be classified as a Gold Class resort. We had stayed for 3 nights in a
spanking new room that year. There was something special about Pine Hill, exuding
a kind of lazy charm to give you feel of home in the hills. We had planned to
return here for a longer stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pnph2N6rK4/VxeaKFGVuEI/AAAAAAAAAvM/s7Am8mlFeHAhGCyQ7fQmbWBFSKwYjLAkwCLcB/s1600/up_MG_3567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pnph2N6rK4/VxeaKFGVuEI/AAAAAAAAAvM/s7Am8mlFeHAhGCyQ7fQmbWBFSKwYjLAkwCLcB/s640/up_MG_3567.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise view from Sterling Dancing Leaves, Mussorie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did return to Mussorie in 2015 for a longer period of
stay on the long weekend of Dusserah. Renovation is now about 90% complete. The
renovated facility has got a new name. It is now called the Dancing Leaves. The
view from refurbished restaurant is stunning. A new gym and spa is in place. A
lift to cut the flight of 200 plus steps from reception to the bottom most
level cottage by half was under testing. A swimming pool is also planned,
though I doubt how many will use the pool at coolness of 6500 feet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I was familiar with the layout of the resort, we decided
to take a room lower down the hill for an unhindered view of the valley. Some
of the upper rooms, though easier to access, have almost no view. Though this
involves climbing up and down the flight of steps many time, we took it as an
opportunity to get ourselves some fitness. Once the lift becomes operational, commuting
will be much easier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rooms are quite spacious and aesthetically done. A studio
unit is meant for 3 adults. However the unit is large enough to accommodate a 4<sup>th</sup>
adult with an extra mattress. Kitchenette is well equipped with microwave,
fridge and utensils. One of the attendant told me that rooms are better than the
JW Marriot resort, where he had worked earlier. JW Marriot’s Walnut Grove is
one of the prime property in Mussorie with charges of 15k plus per night. Being
a Sterling member, per night cost for me was coming to about 2500 for 3 adults.
This cost is calculated after taking into account my membership cost for 80
years and Annual Maintenance Charges. As I had already paid the one time part,
I had to shell out only 850 rupees per night for my stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gJJMzSDo-M/VxeafzTZdtI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/-fIy7Mx19LAWoATP-CzzT7K7Dy_2tHTvwCLcB/s1600/up_MG_3499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gJJMzSDo-M/VxeafzTZdtI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/-fIy7Mx19LAWoATP-CzzT7K7Dy_2tHTvwCLcB/s640/up_MG_3499.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dazzling Dehradun as seen from from my room in Sterling, Mussorie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sounds wonderful. But I will also like to tell you about the
flip side of it. My stay was on a long weekend of Dusserah and therefore I
expected a rush. I had to plan well and book exactly 3 months in advance. I
could do it because I have a premium / red season membership. For someone
having lower season membership, it would have been near impossible. This is the
problem with all timeshare holidays, be it Sterling or Club Mahindra.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t expect to holiday on short notice.
These companies are selling memberships every day, but their room inventory
expands at snail’s pace. So the demand for each unit of room is increasing
every year. If there is 3 customer for a room today, it will soon become 5 or
more. Though there is a worldwide norm for this, these Indian companies have
not set in any upper limit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had wrote in detail in one of my earlier posts about pros
and cons of Timeshare Holiday membership. One of my reasons to buy a timeshare
is to spend few days in peace, cocooned in a remote place, devoid of constantly
ringing telephone, incessant noise and pollution of cars. I have matured from a
sightseeing tourist to a leisure traveller. Being a wildlife photographer, most
of travel takes to me national parks, most of which has become noisy and
crowded. Some of the jungles are peaceful, just because they are difficult to
access. Most of these timeshare resorts are located away from town centres, and
hence provides you that peaceful ambience where you can enjoy the silence and
unwind. Dancing Leaves, Mussorie certainly provides that ambience, with the
mall road just half an hour’s leisurely walk. Or just take a leisure walk by
the resort along the curves of the hill every morning and evening. We certainly
have returned fitter and rejuvenated from our five days stay. We are looking
forward to our next holiday there.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-33983000169532658892016-03-12T20:14:00.000+05:302016-03-12T20:14:10.414+05:30eVisa effect : Jump in foreign tourist arrival in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 41.14px;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.17L tourists came on e-visa in Feb 2016 - a jump of </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 41.14px;">369% over same period last year:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 41.14px;"> </span><br />
<div id="divArtBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em; padding-right: 15px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.8em;">
<div id="divArticleContent">
As many as 1.17 lakh people arrived in India on online visa in February as compared to 24,985 during the same month last year, registering a growth of 369.1%. <span style="line-height: 1.8em; text-indent: 1.8em;">UK continues to occupy the top slot, followed by the US and France among the countries availing e-tourist visa facility, tourism ministry said in a statement on Friday .</span></div>
<div id="divArticleContent">
<span style="line-height: 1.8em; text-indent: 1.8em;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="divArticleContent">
With effect from February 26 this year, the e-tourist visa facility was extended for citizens of 37 more nations, taking the total to 150 countries. <span style="line-height: 1.8em; text-indent: 1.8em;">UK topped the list of countries availing e-tourist visa facilities in February this year with 27.86%, followed by US (13.85%), France (8.08%), Russia (6.21%), Germany (4.92%) and China (4.91%). </span><span style="line-height: 1.8em; text-indent: 1.8em;">The share of Canada was 4.21%, while that of Australia was 3.64%, Korea 2.15% and Ukraine 2%, it said.</span></div>
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<div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 41.14px;">(Source : TOI)</span></span><br />
<a href="http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=In-369-leap-117L-tourists-came-on-e-12032016012039" target="_blank">eVisa effect : Jump in foreign tourist arrival in India</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 41.14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-34874515489753420932016-03-05T21:21:00.000+05:302016-03-05T21:21:41.865+05:30Sarapduli FRH : A different night out at Corbett<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">As
the sun goes down behind the hills turning the landscape into a canvas of
myriad shades of orange, jungle folk leisurely walks back to their cocoons for
roosting. And then darkness descends to engulf the forest in a think black
blanket, enthusing a new lease of life into the nocturnal fauna. The generally
quiet jungle suddenly springs to life with a cacophony of calls and sounds. Predators
who rules the night are out on the prowl. Many will not survive the night to
see the light of tomorrow. Being out there in the dark is certainly a
frightening proposition, but watching this drama unfold from inside an electric
fence to fend off the predators is an altogether a different experience. Imagine
yourself sitting right in the midst of all these actions, feeling the pulse of
the jungle nightlife and soak in the unforgettable experience. Welcome to the Corbett
National Park in Uttarakhand, the land of roar and trumpet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qu6v_MIs8kQ/Vtr_YaLEW5I/AAAAAAAAAuo/T1HCP5KCr_E/s1600/_V3A6916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qu6v_MIs8kQ/Vtr_YaLEW5I/AAAAAAAAAuo/T1HCP5KCr_E/s640/_V3A6916.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asitic wild elephants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The
evergreen dense forest of Corbett NP with patches of saal trees, grasslands,
hills and rivers is the ideal habitat for two of the giants of Indian forests –
the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Wild Elephants. Corbett is one of those
rare places in India that offers feel of real jungle night stay if you can
manage to get accommodation in one of its Forest Rest Houses (FRH). These are
tourist facilities run by the forest department of Uttaranchal and can be
booked online through Corbett’s official site <i>corbettonline.uk.gov.in</i>. Of
all the FRHs located across various ranges of the park, the Dhikala FRH is the most
sought after, followed by Gairal and Bijrani. All of them are basic facilities,
yet any true wild lifer will gleefully trade his luxurious hotel room for a
night at these FRH. The Dhikala FRH is the biggest of all the facilities, located
31km inside forest on the bank of Rāmgangā reservoir, has good facilities for
food, almost 24 hr electricity and next door access to the famed chaur or
grasslands of Corbett. Therefore Dhikala FRH generally stays full with
tourists, nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Other rest houses too are
alluring, each of them in its unique way. The Gairal FRH and Bijrani FRH too
have canteen facilities, but have limited choice of food. They do not have
electricity, but are solar powered upto 10pm only. In my last visit this
summer, I could not manage booking at either at Dhikala or Gairal. So when I
was offered a choice of Sarapduli FRH during my last visit, I thought why not. A
different kind of jungle stay was waiting to be experienced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The
Sarapduli FRH is located almost halfway to the Dhikala FRH from the Dhanagiri
gate entry point on NH121. Travelling from the Dhanagiri gate, you first reach
Sultan FRH. This two room FRH is the only one without any electric fencing and canteen.
Hence you need to be super adventurous to plan a night stay here under a small
solar lantern in the midst of prime tiger and elephant habitat. Travelling
further through large patches of saal forests, after climbing up and down hills,
crossing rivulets and, on almost reaching the plains of Dhikala, you reach the
Sarapduli FRH. The facility is almost similar to Sultan, but here you have the
comfort of an electric fencing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Us061NnusWw/Vtr_swsjz8I/AAAAAAAAAus/qlTzjngdCj8/s1600/_V3A6797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Us061NnusWw/Vtr_swsjz8I/AAAAAAAAAus/qlTzjngdCj8/s640/_V3A6797.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiger in Dhikala zone of Corbett</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Entering
the Sarapduli FRH campus, we went pass couple of staff quarters lined on both
side of the road. At the end of the 200 odd mtr road, which is the other end of
the campus, facing a river is the tourist hutment. The building is an old
British era heritage. It has two rooms with attached bath. One of the rooms is
meant for tourist booking online, and the other for officials or someone who
manages booking though <i>connections</i>. As the official room generally
remains vacant, you are expected to spend the night alone in that house. The
dining hall with a fire place is common to both the rooms. The guest room was
smaller as compared to those in Dhikala or Gairal. However the toilet was
almost the same size as the room itself. There also is a veranda facing the
river, lined with many chairs, in case you find time to relax. You do not get
river view though, because of overgrown bushes. About fifty feet away is a 3
bed dormitory in a separate building. Their common toilet is outside, making it
scarier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">A
modern time extension has been added to the old building, to serve as the kitchen.
Cooking gas cylinder is available along with utensils. Charges for using these
items are already included in the room rent for the night. Guests are required
to carry raw materials for meals. You should be meticulous to carry everything,
from salt to sugar to tea to turmeric to spices. You will not get anything there.
You may either cook yourselves or else the caretaker will cook. Most guests
generally goes out for safari at the crack of dawn, only to return to Sarapduli
in the evening. Thus one is likely to have only dinner at Sarapduli. Or a cup
of tea in the morning and evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Given
the surroundings, we were excited at the prospect of spending the night at
Sarapduli. It was almost dusk when we hit the campus after safari. Electric
fencing were activated soon after we had entered. As we were the only guests
for that night, we pulled out chairs in the open while the caretaker served us
evening tea. The campus was dimly lit by few solar lights placed along the
pathway. As the night fell, the staff quarters, though inside the campus,
appeared too far away for comfort. The darkness and silence of the forest was
overpowering. It started to engulf all of us, including the driver of my gypsy.
He is a local guy, often goes to forest, yet he was scarred to sleep alone in
the driver’s room. He cooked up haunting stories. Finally he managed to stay
with the caretaker in his quarter. We too had become anxious. Despite being a
regular to Corbett, being alone was unique experience. We had to make a polite query as to how far
help is available if we call someone at night. I estimated the caretaker’s room
was about 200 feet away. We could see a light in a room about 100 feet away. We
were told that a staff sleeps in that room. We were assured somewhat but was
not sure how will someone react if we really need help at night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Discussions
on tiger sightings and other incidences accompanied our tea. I always enjoy
such discussions with men who spends most of their days and nights in the
forest. A storm was building up. Flashes of lightning were illuminating the
surroundings occasionally. A cool breeze started blowing bringing in some
relief from the heat. As we were enjoying the moments, we felt a sudden
commotion along the fence and then a panic call from a scarred Sambhar deer.
The source of the call was so close that all of us stood up instinctively. The
electric fencing on the side from where the call came is about 100 feet from
where we were sitting. Call of Sambher deer is a certainty about presence of a
tiger or leopard. It was almost certain that a tiger was walking by the fence, probably
to to the adjoining riverbed. We pulled out torches to scan for any sign of
animal close to the fence, but without any success. My family made anxious
query about safety of the electric fencing. The caretaker did his bit to assure
them that bigger animals cannot trespass. There has not been any incident of
tiger or leopard straying into the campus. To me a tiger may be too big for the
fencing hole, but a leopard can come climbing any of the tree, if it wants to
do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvfquzJTg5Q/VtsAOEsINgI/AAAAAAAAAuw/dl-Oi3q76CA/s1600/ed_V3A6786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvfquzJTg5Q/VtsAOEsINgI/AAAAAAAAAuw/dl-Oi3q76CA/s640/ed_V3A6786.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mystic Corbett mornings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
was a long day for us and lights were to go off at 10pm. So we went for an
early dinner. While waiting for food to be served, my eyes spotted something
under a chair in the dining hall. The chair was directly under the only light
glowing in the room and hence insects were converging onto it. Smaller insects,
that had died, fell to the floor under the chair. Among those dead insects,
there was something longer than any insect. So I went to inspect. I got excited
to see a small white scorpion about 3 inches long, feasting on the dead
insects. What we should have worried is that this scorpion was inside the
house, and barely couple of 4-5 feet from the door of the room where we were
supposed to spend the night without any electricity. Scary, isn’t it. But this
is the thrill of spending a night in a jungle. And where do one get to stay in
such a place in these times where humans have not rarely left any space
unoccupied. This is Corbett, the real jungle. And this is Sarapduli, providing
much better feel of jungle than Dhikala. When I brought it to the notice of the
caretaker, he immediately arranged to remove the scorpion. He informed that it
is more poisonous than the black scorpion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The
night passed of well. We were provided a small solar lantern for use after
lights went off. Though the cacophony of sound had stopped before we went to
bed, few Nightjar birds, with its terrible high pitch calls, kept waking us up from
time to time. Being peak of summer in May, it was quite hot to spend the night
without a fan. We stayed at Sarapduli for one more night. Second night was
better with bit of rain and cool breeze. We felt confident to keep the door
between bedroom and dining hall open that night. It provided much needed cross
ventilation. We slept peacefully that night. Rains kept the nightjars away. I
have been to Corbett so many times, generally staying at Dhikala and Gairal.
This first time stay at Sarapduli was unique in its own way. We will remember
the events of those two nights for a long time. It was a true jungle night stay
in all sense. If you are looking for adventure, then you should certainly give
it a try. You are sure to be back with treasure trove of memories from these
places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-69722425538140829562016-02-20T12:54:00.000+05:302016-03-05T21:24:11.810+05:30Scuba diving at Havelock : A beginners journey into the sea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jumping into a bottomless body of
water, with nothing to cling onto, had been a dreadful thought for me. I am
sure that I shared this feeling with many of you. It is said that the best way
to overcome your fear is to face it. But, it is easier said than done. The
longer you let the fear rule, the harder the resolution to overcome it becomes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My abilities in swimming is
limited to crossing the width of an average size swimming pool. Yet the thought
of going scuba diving was toying in my mind. I had explored the wilderness of
the hills through trekking to a maximum height of 16700 feet in Ladakah and
Sikkim. But when it comes to water, I was stopped on my tracks by an unknown
fear. I could not do it the first time I went to Andamans. Though couple of
snorkelling trips boosted my confidence. It also stroked the desire to scale
the next level – scuba diving. On my next island trip in Phi Phi Island,
Thailand, I almost jumped into the sea, retracting the steps from the diving
board of the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then came a second trip to
Andaman early this year. Well before reaching the shores of Havelock, I was
determined to dive this time. It was kind of now or never situation. I felt
being guided by a strong inner voice. I was all set to explore the underwater
world – both physically and mentally. After checking in at the resort, I called
up my old contact Sanika and requested him to come over to discuss my plans for
next couple of days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sanika had grown his business of
renting cars and bikes in these intervening years. He is a full-fledged tour
operator now. Knowing about my interest in diving, he took me to the office of Ocean
Tribe, a dive centre next door and bargained a good price for me. The rate
offered was lower than what was available on the net and my research. We were
offered a product named Introductory Diving that would last about 45 min. I
filled up the forms telling me about dangers and that I was aware of the risks
etc. This is the point where 20-30% tourists drops out. Some drops out even after
paying up. The fact that each one of us would have an individual instructor boasted
my confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRvac8Pbz50/VsgS0B5P1_I/AAAAAAAAAtk/znZIk4YcJyw/s1600/DSCN7488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRvac8Pbz50/VsgS0B5P1_I/AAAAAAAAAtk/znZIk4YcJyw/s640/DSCN7488.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the dive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally the day of reckoning arrived
with lovely sunshine. We reported at the dive centre at our specified time. We
slipped into the diving suit. Mr Farhan, our lead instructor led us to the boat
that was to take us to the dive site. With few excited souls on board, the boat
sped off tearing into the turquoise water of the Andaman Sea. When we reached
the dive spot, we could see a few more boats already moored. The dive team
helped us to wear the oxygen cylinder belts and weights. I realised that it is
difficult to go under sea water without the weight belt and cylinder kit,
forget about drowning. Another confidence booster realisation. With the kit
belted to my body, the training of about 15 min started in shallow waters. The
first thing asked by my dive instructor was whether I know swimming. I said a
little bit. The instructor told me to forget that I know swimming, adding that
I should not try to swim during the dive session. Whoa! I could not believe it.
To prevent you from going astray, the instructor will control your movement and
buoyancy. Hence you are not supposed to swim during the dive. All of us
successfully cleared the training session. Excitement was at its zenith. Final
equipment and breathing check was done. I signalled to indicate all OK. Next I found
myself under the sea!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btGsj3DAqPk/VsgTpIoatvI/AAAAAAAAAts/sJ2EmZbILOo/s1600/DSCN7635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btGsj3DAqPk/VsgTpIoatvI/AAAAAAAAAts/sJ2EmZbILOo/s640/DSCN7635.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All OK....lets explore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The journey into the sea bed was
like a game of computer. Level 1 of the entertainment. Max depth may be 15
feet. A magnificent world started unfolding before me. Colourful fishes was
swimming across and over me. Corals of myriad colours were welcoming me to
their world. After spending a few minutes, the instructor asked me whether I
was comfortable and want to go further down. I signalled the OK sign and then
thumb down to indicate that I was ready to go further down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Level 2 was another 10 feet
deeper. It was kind of cascading bowls of corals. From a bowl in level 1, you
swim to a new bowl further down. Corals and fishes increased in number and
variety with depth. They seem more beautiful and colourful here. I was enjoying
every moment of it. So was my family, whom I could see occasionally. After
spending few minutes at this level, the question of whether I was comfortable
and want to go further down was thrown at me again. Except for the fact that
the ever increasing pressure of seabed blocking my ears, I was not having any
problem. We were taught how to clear the blocked feeling in ears during
training. I signalled thumb down go further deep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FTXh7_ANwk/VsgUFoBpGyI/AAAAAAAAAt0/9Lr4OQbfNFA/s1600/DSCN7594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FTXh7_ANwk/VsgUFoBpGyI/AAAAAAAAAt0/9Lr4OQbfNFA/s640/DSCN7594.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the world of fishes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Level 3 is the final frontier for
introductory diving. It was another 10 feet or deeper into another bowl. It was
more beautiful. I felt like a small fish swimming in a giant aquarium. There
were colourful fishes and more colourful fishes. Occasionally a fellow diver
would cross your path. We were under water for more than 30 minutes by now.
Besides choking of ears, I had to encounter a new problem. The throat was
drying up due to prolonged breathing through mouth. It was getting increasingly
difficult to keep the throat wet. But the thrill of the moment kept me going. I
thanked god for giving me courage and opportunity to explore this world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fqB2iuzkNRs/VsgTzHRYYXI/AAAAAAAAAtw/KL61gHjVLYQ/s1600/DSCN7511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fqB2iuzkNRs/VsgTzHRYYXI/AAAAAAAAAtw/KL61gHjVLYQ/s640/DSCN7511.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swathi observing the world of Nemo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were awestruck even as we
slowly emerged out of the sea. It was simply a wow experience. Those 45 minutes
of life had been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life till date. I
explored a new world – the underwater. I overcame a fear for life. A desire to explore
it further waits.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-85361903900746826252015-12-26T20:36:00.000+05:302015-12-26T20:36:24.151+05:30Affordable foreign destinations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharing an interseting read from the net. Want to get more value out of every rupee while travelling aborad? Then these are some destinations. Just beaware of the fact some these countries prefer to charge tourists in dollar rather than their own currency. I am aware of wildlife trips to Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Therfore my advise is to do further reserach before you take the bite.</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://traveltriangle.com/blog/countries-that-are-cheaper-for-indians/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Adespresso_CountriesCheapForIndians&utm_content=AdSet+4-Ad+5" target="_blank">17 Super Affordable Countries That Will Make Every Indian Feel Richer</a></div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-66003704939280765242015-11-23T21:49:00.000+05:302015-11-23T21:49:46.030+05:30Timeshare Holidays in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;">There always is a gap between how much you said and what finally appears. It was fun interacting with an editor of a leading national newspaper. Given the no of phone calls I receive from strangers based on the articles I had written on my blog, I seem to have become an expert on timeshare holidays </span><i class="_4-k1 img sp_fM-mz8spZ1b sx_5371b4" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yx/r/pimRBh7B6ER.png); background-position: 0px -340px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #141823; display: inline-block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; line-height: 21.4667px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">smile emoticon</u></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;"> . In fact the BS team contacted me after reading my blog.</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S78VeLYgrXU/VlM7ug5CspI/AAAAAAAAAs0/LAPZ_xiNYHc/s1600/bs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S78VeLYgrXU/VlM7ug5CspI/AAAAAAAAAs0/LAPZ_xiNYHc/s640/bs.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Business Standard, Mumbai, 24 Aug, 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-85250726786896280942015-09-06T18:00:00.000+05:302015-09-06T18:00:08.040+05:30Brahmaputra river cruise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'trebuchet ms', arial, verdana; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Assam Tourism to introduce economical cruise of Brahmaputra for domestic tourists next year. This is a good intiative. There are few local circuit river cruise available around areas like Guwahati, Kaziranga and Dibru Saikhowa. Tourism in Assam has picked up reasonably well in last few years. People in general no more consider it as a troubled state. Living in Delhi, I had observed that more people had died in road accidents in Delhi in last one year itself then stray incidences of violence in Assam over last ten years. The areas from Guwahati to Kaziranga, Gibbon WLS and Dibru Saikhowa WLS are absolutely trouble free. I am happy to see many photographer friends making these circuits regularly in recent years. This intiative will promote untapped tourism. </span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read the full article here:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'trebuchet ms', arial, verdana; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/Inbound--Domestic-News/assam-tourism-to-introduce-economical-cruise-of-brahmaputra-for-domestic-tourists-next-year-28235" target="_blank">Assam Tourism to introduce economical cruise of Brahmaputra</a></span></span></h2>
</div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-76580901423591800802015-07-25T14:02:00.000+05:302015-09-04T22:11:45.768+05:30Ranthambhore diary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mismanagement, corruption and resulting crowd menace at
Ranthambhore is increasing every year. It is no more a place where you can
watch a tiger walking the forest in peace.
After every visit, I said to myself that this is going to be the last
time. But the tigers of Ranthambhore keep bringing me back. We had a sighting
of T19’s cubs last year when they were just 3 months old. They were barely
larger than a house cat last June (2014). Now they are sub adult cubs of one
and half year. And they were treating tourists and photographers to some
lifetime’s sighting. They were everywhere in FB – playing in water, chasing
crocs, play fighting, suckling. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>The most magnificent creature in the entire world, the tiger is. - </i></span><i style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Jack Hanna<b>. </b></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I could not held me back. May be one last
time to Ranthambhore before moving out of Delhi. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer is the best time for watching the tiger in the wild. Temperatures
in Rajasthan during peak summers can soar to mind boggling degrees. It is not
easy to travel in an open gypsy, specially the journey of 3-4km from your hotel
till you enter the park, when scorching loo brush you at more than 40km an
hour. Yet, more and more people are braving the sun to travel in summers, even
to hot places like Ranthambhore. Demand for safari seats have gone up
drastically over the years. @Rs.750 per seat or @Rs.4500 per gypsy, safaris do
not come cheap. Most regulars to the park knows which zone to visit to get
maximum value for their money. Booking a safari online in your desired zone is
tough, in fact near impossible these days. The controversial online safari
booking process has grown in notoriety this year. Supply is as short as just 3
gypsy in each zone as against a train full of crowd clamouring for it. There is
sheer madness for online booking. Imagine a situation when you land there
without any booking! You will have to shell out 1000-1500 per seat in gypsy
depending on the day of the week. Or take a horrible ride in canter with a
motley crowd of 20 others, that too at a hefty rate of about 600 per seat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0UBmyU4cEQ/VbNHHGlEIrI/AAAAAAAAArE/s3BAZbvnKlE/s1600/getty%2Btiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0UBmyU4cEQ/VbNHHGlEIrI/AAAAAAAAArE/s3BAZbvnKlE/s640/getty%2Btiger.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger - Ranthambhore (High resolution image for professional use is available for sale at Getty Image)<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The prime attraction this summer was T19 with her three sub
adult cubs roaming in zone 3. So everyone who are familiar with Ranthambhore
wants to be in zone 3. There were only 18 seats available for online booking in
every safari session for zone 3 (or an equal no in each of the zones). Supply
was so short that the demand for zone 3 was unimaginable. Thanks to a friend, I
had to acquire special skill to beat it and manage booking for zone 3. This
happened after failed attempt over 4 nights, with even money getting deducted
on two occasion. Finally I got lucky on fifth night. Once I had managed zone 3
booking, planning the trip for other zone over 3 days was cakewalk. For all
those unfamiliar with this zone business may refer some of earlier posts on
Ranthambhore. Tiger dynamics changes every couple of years. Therefore, even
after ticking all boxes right in your trip plan, sighting a tiger is a matter
of luck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year’s trip to Rnathambhore was my longest till date,
with 6 safaris spanning over 4 days. Ranthambhore was rocking this year. Baring
the first safari on Sunday afternoon, which was actually booked to fill the
spare time, we had ‘photographic’ tiger sighting. As a wildlife photographer,
and someone who had seen many tigers in wild, a ‘photographic’ sighting is all
that matters. Even one photographic sighting out of 4 or 5 I generally do in a
trip, sooths the soul. Here we got super sighting in 5 out of 6 safaris this
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However it did not start off that well. My first safari in
zone 4 was actually more of an afterthought or ‘fill in’ kind of arrangement to
utilise my spare time after arrival in Ranthambhore. Safari in Zone-4 is a bone
rattling experience because of rocky roads. Though I had fond memories of
zone-4, this time I had no hope and hence I did not even carry my camera
expecting nothing to see. My only sighting of legendary Machli was in zone 4
and we had a close encounter with elusive T41. Sultan had also reportedly moved
into zone 4. Even though jungle always throws up surprises, expecting to see
any of the tigers was a farfetched hope. As expected it went blank. However as
were exiting the park, a disappointing piece of news passed onto us was that
T19 had moved with her cubs into adjoining zone previous day, and has not been
seen since either in zone 2 or 3. They might have made a kill deep inside and
hence were not coming out. It was enough to plan a seed of worry in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 2:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next morning, leaving our can of worries behind in hotel, we
set off our next safari in zone-3, touted as sure shot sighting zone. It took
me 5 night’s attempt to get zone 3 booking. The bad news of previous evening
was confirmed barely minutes into the safari. The T19 family had not returned
to their lakeside palace. After checking the area around Padam talao for sign
of T19 families return to the lake, our guide decided to explore upper areas
where another tiger T64 is occasionally seen. We went up and down, but could
not track down any tiger more than one hour into the safari. This was supposed
to be sure sighting zone! Everyone was clamouring for it. I too had come only
after getting zone-3 booking. It was rocking for last few months with 4-5 tiger
regularly roaming the scene, and here, we are yet to find even a single tiger.
I know that despite ticking all boxes right in your trip plan, sighting a tiger
is a matter of luck. <i><span style="color: blue;">‘</span></i><i><span style="color: blue;">Best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray’</span></i><b>. </b>That
day, we were in zone-3 and the tigers were in adjoining zone-2. We would be
going to zone-2 next day, and what if tigers return to zone-3 that night. The
thought was frightening. The ghost of not sighting a tiger in any of the
safaris in this trip started haunting me. Couple of my friend had this
misfortune once. In that trip together I beat them by the barest margin of just
a single tiger sighting in four safaris. You have to be extremely unlucky not
to see a tiger in 4-5 safaris.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebQm3yWxYZI/VbNIGv3VKuI/AAAAAAAAArM/S6J6uLWM3MI/s1600/_MG_2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebQm3yWxYZI/VbNIGv3VKuI/AAAAAAAAArM/S6J6uLWM3MI/s640/_MG_2651.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A tiger amidst dust cloud at Ranthambhore. Image courtsey my daughter Swathi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With an ever increasing bag of woes and the sun over our
head getting hotter by minutes, we came back to Rajbagh area, expecting against
hope for one of the T19 cubs to return. We had about two hours of safari time
left with nothing to do but to wait in hope. “The miserable have no other medicine but
hope.” Then came the moment which was
change the course of our fate in next 48 hours. We saw a gypsy hurrying onto
the dirt track we were standing. In one of them was the national award winning
wildlife film maker S Nallamuthu. I know him for quite some time now. On seeing
me, he informed that tiger is reported at a spot called platform. We too hit
the dusty trail left behind by Nalla’s gypsy. And there he was. T64, the male cub from T19’s last litter was cooling
off majestically in lake, with the Ranthambhore fort and Rajbagh hunting palace
as backdrop. It was a dream backdrop for a Ranthambhore tiger frame. T64 took
the opportunity of T19’s absence to visit the area where he grew up. We were
looking for him up in the hills, but he was sleeping by the lake. T19, though
his mother, no more tolerate T64 in lake area for the safety of her new litter.
The sighting soothed our frayed nerves. Now we were relieved that we had a
tiger sighting and the trip will not go blank. I cannot express this sense of
relief in word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More importantly, this was the moment that had changed our
luck. In the afternoon safari, we caught up with T64 again, before he went up
the hill to cross over to zone-4. My two safaris in zone-3 was in expectation
of T19 and three cubs. But they were zone-2 that day. Now I have full day
booked for zone-2 next day. What if T19 moves back to zone-3 that night? And, with T24 no more there to give a
darshan, what if we do not get to see a tiger tomorrow. Many IFs remained unanswered
that night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 3:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next morning we entered zone 2 with an air of uncertainty.
Barely half kilometre into the park, there were they – the T19 family. Partly
hidden behind tall grasses, they were lying by a dry nullah. We were informed that
all 4 of the family were there. As cavalcade of gypsy’s started arriving one by
one, T19, the mother of the cubs got up and started walking. Two of the cubs
also got up and followed her. We did not find the third cub though. As the
tigers started moving, the madness of vehicle started. Fortunately the mother
and the cubs went different way. Therefore the drivers and guides of the
vehicles were making choices on the tracks to hit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the commotion continued, the cubs sat down to became
invisible, while T19 perched herself up in almost open. Few canters arrived by
then and join the hordes of gypsys already there. Officially there is supposed
to be only 5 gypsy. But there were too many. How and why is known to most
regulars to Ranthambhore. We got caught up in traffic jam. I hate Ranthmbhore
for this madness. If we give tigers more space, they will be more relaxed. What
is required is an open view, not close view. Unfortunately most people do not
have long lenses like photographers. Instead of enjoying the moment, they too
would like to click with their PS or mobile or whatever they have, without
realising the banality of it. If vehicles are parked sparsely, rather than
crowding around the tiger, everyone will get a good view. I will love if one of
the tiger of Ranthambhore turn charger. But then they may send him to zoo like
Ustad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">T19 decided to excuse herself of the scene and went down a
deep nullah. Meanwhile one of the cubs came out to a waterhole by the road. Vehicles
started to converge there. One more cub joined in after some time. Despite of
the crowd, I managed to get some pleasing frames. The overcast sky lent lovely
diffused light for the scene. As I had
only half the gypsy, it was not easy to manoeuvre my heavy 400mm lens. My
daughter would not allow me to use her 70-200. I missed my old warhorse
100-400. In Corbett, I generally use to hire a full gypsy. But in Ranthambhore,
it is very costly @ 4500/- per gypsy. That too when you are doing 5-6 safaris.
I was happy with the frames, given the limitations of sharing the gypsy with 6
persons. After full three hours of tiger sighting, we returned to hotel, all
sporting smug smiles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The good news for the evening safari was that the cubs
decided stay back where we had left them in the morning. Therefore, we had
another round of super sighting, but in different light conditions in the
afternoon safari. After spending about an hour with the cubs, cooling off in
the waterhole, our guide opined that we should go up and explore other areas
and look for other tigers. We had enough of the cubs for the day. Two gypsy
were ahead of us as we hit the road winding up a hill. On turning a bend, we
saw the two vehicle ahead of us reversing. Our guide immediately realised that
a tiger is coming straight at us on the road. When a tiger comes your way, you
are supposed to reverse and give way. But then the inevitable occurred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another gypsy came behind us and its driver was shouting at
us. He was telling our driver that <i>‘tera tanki phut gaya’</i>. Your petrol tank had
ruptured. As the tiger was about hundred meter away, our driver checked and
found petrol leaking through a big crack. We all felt the vehicle hitting a
rock while crossing a stream some 50 mtrs downstream. It is quite usual in
safari. What is unusual is a ruptured tank. ‘There is no such thing as
accident; it is fate misnamed.’ Driver had the means to stop the leak, but as
the tiger was approaching us, he could not get down. Now he was worried that we
might have no fuel left by the time tiger crosses us. As the vehicle ahead of
us were shouting us to go back, our driver managed to bring the vehicle to a
point where they could barely cross us. Then he positioned the vehicle in a
downward position as the hole was towards the rear of the tank. Keeping it
downward will drain the petrol slower.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0qlCUMXKiU/VbNIuJ1VI2I/AAAAAAAAArU/q9dmHGNS-aw/s1600/_V3A8374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0qlCUMXKiU/VbNIuJ1VI2I/AAAAAAAAArU/q9dmHGNS-aw/s640/_V3A8374.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Majestic T19</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By now the tigress T19 had almost reached us. She was
surprised that we have not moved back. She stopped about 15 feet from our gypsy.
She looked at us and then stood up holding a tree by the road, picking up scent
left by her kins. May be smell of petrol leaked was confusing her. Her
behaviour was clearly indicating that she was expecting us to give way. But we
were stuck. Could not tell her ‘tanki phut gaya’. Our gypsy was parked tightly
by the hill, leaving barely 4-5 feet of space on the road. As we were not
bulging, she explored the possibility of going down. But it was steep gorge on that
side. Finally she decided to cross our gypsy, walking by almost the edge of the
road. We were told to sit tight and not make any sound or movement. She should
not feel threatened at all while crossing us. Trepidation in all six occupants
of the gypsy were palpable. <i><span style="color: blue;">‘Do not blame God for having created the tiger, but
thank him for not having given it wings’</span></i>. As she walked passed us, she kept an
eye on our vehicle all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the tense moments passed, and the tiger had reached a
safe distance, our driver to get down and managed to plug the leak with soap
and cloth. However, almost all the fuel has drained by then. The driver and
guide said that in their career spanning over 10-15 years, this is the first
time that such an incident had occurred. What an experience for us too. We will
never forget those minutes. I had couple of tyre punctures during safaris earlier.
But never something like this. The driver decided that as we would be going
mostly downhill, we would reach the Jhalra gate if we make a dash. There they
could get some help or a replacement vehicle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The driver managed to turn around in whatever space he had
and then made a dash. Soon we faced the road block of vehicles still flocking
the cubs by the waterhole. Our driver shouted at them to give way, else if he
stops all might get blocked. We managed to wade our way through the crowd, and
finally even out of the Sherpur gate. Thanks to very skilful driving by the
driver. Even the last drop of fuel was consumed and the vehicle come to a halt.
Our safari ended one hour earlier that day. But it was a safari we will never
forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 4:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been an eventful trip till then. We were pretty happy
with the sightings. Therefore we set out for our 6<sup>th</sup> and the final
safari to zone 3 on morning of day-4 without any expectations. And best things
happens when you have no expectations. May be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Within minutes of entering the gate, we noticed a couple of
gypsy. The behaviour of the occupants clearly pointed to presence of a tiger.
We reached the spot in no time. There she was, crouching behind a scrub, lying
in wait for a herd of wild boar. One of the female cubs of T19 had moved into
zone-3 overnight. The barren landscape provided a great viewing of the stalking.
Due to her inexperience, the hunting attempt failed. The cubs are still learning.
Then she went onto give us some wonderful sighting and photo opportunities that
morning. She walked couple of kilometres around the Padam Talao, scent marking,
chasing deer, before finally disappearing over the dhonk trees up in the hill. This
female cub had grown very bold and have started to stay alone of late. She has
the blood of Machli. May be another Machli is in the making.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the lone tiger of zone-3 gone for the day, the
activities had now shifted to Jhlara as news of other tigers attempting to
cross over to zone-3 were pouring in. There is a nullah by choti chatri, where
brethren from zone 2 and 3 exchange information. However we got to see only one
more of the cubs before our time was over. A happy ending depends on where one
decides to stop. It was time to end our journey this year, on happy note.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Closing report:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The controversy over Ustad aka T24 had not died down. T24
had gone to jail. With it went to dust the reputation of some well-known people
or so called tiger ‘experts’. Everyone has an opinion in the matter. My 13 year
old daughter also had her view against this jailing of T24. Keeping in mind the
sensitivity of the issue, I told my family not to raise the topic to any driver
or guide, as they may differ our point of view. However, each of the 12
different guides and drivers, I met in the 6 safaris, voluntarily offered their
view, blaming these few people for the debacle. They were all against the
shifting of Ustad. They were not scared to name these guys and shower few
abuses on them. Even if I do not name
those few people, all familiar with the issue knows who they are. We missed you
Ustad, in this trip, and in all the trips to come.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-66270187885732039182015-07-01T21:46:00.002+05:302015-07-01T21:46:58.128+05:30Delhi-Sariska-Ranthambhore-Bharatpur-Delhi wildlife circuit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peak of summer in Rajasthan. An angry sun looking down in
contempt for the scars human folks had etched on mother earth, letting the
temperature soar above 45 degrees. The barren landscape, generally devoid of
green, appears more desolate. I was on my annual pilgrimage to Ranthambhore,
located near Sawai Madhopur, driving down almost 450 km in these conditions from
Delhi. The searing heat will boil the tin box you are travelling into an oven.
At times you will barely feel the existence of the air conditioner. One needs
to get out of the car to feel that the AC is actually working. I had done this trail
for last three years without fail. Every time I did it, I said to myself that
this is the last time. But the tigers of Ranthambhore keep bringing me back.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42HzoqXJV8k/VZQRD_acg8I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/WTvaiUpcehg/s1600/rupankar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42HzoqXJV8k/VZQRD_acg8I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/WTvaiUpcehg/s640/rupankar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emergence : A tigress from zone 7 in Ranthambhore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer is the best time for watching tigers in the wild.
More and more people are braving the sun to travel in summers, even to hot
places like Ranthambhore. Demand for safari seats have gone up drastically over
the years. Booking a safari online in your desired zone is tough, in fact near
impossible these days. The controversial online safari booking process has
grown in notoriety this year. Supply is as short as just 18 seats as against a
train full of crowd clamoring for it. There is sheer madness for booking.
Thanks to a friend’s coaching, I could acquire special skill to crack the
booking conundrum and manage full days booking for zone 3 and 2. Therefore I am
back in Ranthambhore again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the convenience of trains, I prefer driving down to
Ranthambhore. Reason number one is that carrying my heavy camera gear is easier
with car. Having a car at disposal also helps you get safari permits released
by self or get a chilled beer from shop at half rate than your hotel. Of all
the combinations of routes out of Delhi, the
Gurgaon-Dharuhera-Bhiwadi-Alwar-Sikandara-Dausa-Sawai Madhopur is the shortest
route from Delhi. From my residence close to East Delhi, the distance via this
route is about 400km. Most part of this is tolled highway and hence drive is
generally pleasant. However hold up is common on NH8. The perpetual road work
on NH8 was seen creating long jams on opposite carriageway at two places.
Fortunately it was not our carriageway and we were spared with a 15-20 min hold
up at Manesar toll both.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As my first safari was scheduled for a Sunday afternoon, I
had a Saturday to spare. I decided to utilise it to take a small diversion
en-route to Sariska. Besides sparing me the pain of driving down 400 plus km on
a single day in this heat, this diversion would also allow me to explore the recently
opened Sterling Tiger Heaven Resort. I have a Sterling Holidays membership, and
Sariska at 200km is the nearest resort from Delhi. Thus on day 1, I drove
around 200km to Sariska via Alwar and then next day, I covered about 250km from
Sariska to Ranthambhore (via Sikandara). I had started from Sariska around 8am after
breakfast, yet I had reached Sawai Madhpur well on time for my afternoon safari
at 2pm. Road condition is mostly excellent, and at worst drivable. The drivable
section referred to is the 38 km stretch of Alwar-Sariska road.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My three nights stay at Ranthambhore this year has been my
longest till date. Ranthambhore was rocking this time of the year. Baring the
first safari on Sunday afternoon, which was actually booked to fill the spare
time, we had ‘photographic’ tiger sighting. As a wildlife photographer, and
someone who had seen many tigers in wild, a ‘photographic’ sighting is all that
matters. Even one photographic sighting out of 4 or 5safaris, which I generally
do in a trip, sooths the soul. Here we got super sighting in 5 out of 6 safaris
this year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the day of my return, I did morning safari that would end
around 10am and hence was not expected to check out before 12am. This means that
I would be reaching Gurgoan around 6pm and then would be meandering though peak
office hour traffic all the way to Ghaziabad. That would be too much taxing
after driving 350km for 5-6 hours. The perpetual road work on NH8 and
possibility of jams was also a deterrent. So the idea of trying out a different
route dawn on me. The alternate route is via Bharatpur-Mathura-Yamuna
Expressway-Noida. This would complete the full cycle of
Delhi-Sariska-Ranthambhore-Bharatpur-Delhi wildlife circuit. With this route, I
would emerge at Noida, close to my residence in East Delhi, thereby avoiding traffic
nightmare via Gurgaon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keeping the new route in mind, we started from Sawai
Madhopur around 12 noon. In any case, we had to travel 150km to Sikandara
before taking the call. The attendant at the Sikandara toll both on Jaipur-Agra NH11 estimated the distance to Bharatpur as 60km. I had done 150 already, plus
60 more, and Bharatpur to Delhi via Yamuna Expressway is about 200km. This
comes about 410, almost the same as that of Alwar-Gugaon option. Therefore I
decided to continue straight to Bharatpur, instead of turning left for Alwar.
But the very next road sign I came across announced the distance to Bharatpur
as 85km. This added 25km to the journey to make it almost 435km. I was already
in a state of no return, and hence only option was to continue driving ahead. However
the saving grace was the excellent road condition and very little traffic.
Unlike NH8, which is always full of trucks, there were very few trucks on NH11.
On reaching outskirt of Bharatpur, we exited NH11 and took the Mathura by-pass
to avoid the town. This road is familiar to me as I have been to Bharatpur many
times. Passing through Mathura, we reached Yamuna Expressway without any held
up. Soon after crossing Jewar toll plaza, we took a break, the only one of the
trip, after 5 hours of non-stop driving. Being a weekday, traffic on expressway
was also low. We hit Noida almost on the stroke of evening. The drive of almost
400km upto Noida was very pleasant, mainly because of very low traffic en-route. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally we got stuck in office hour traffic at the
Akshardham junction to NH24. But it was nothing as compared to what I would
have to endure via Gurgaon at those hours. Thus the decision to return via
Bharatpur turned out to be <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>a prudent one. The extra 35km
and additional Rs.120/- toll paid was worth it. In fact, if one is travelling from
East Delhi / Ghaziabad / Noida, then I feel that this route should be
preferred. Those living around South or West Delhi and Gurgaon, have only one
option via Alwar. Total toll via Alwar route was Rs.280/- and via Bharatpur was
Rs.400/- (including 240 paid for Expressway use).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With this trip, I had completed the full cycle of
Delhi-Sariska-Ranthambhore-Bharatpur-Delhi wildlife circuit. Total distance
covered was about 950km. I had now explored all possible routes to Ranthambhore
viz. via Jaipur-Dausa, via Alwar-Sikandara-Dausa and via Bharatpur-Dausa. You
can explore my blog for my earlier write up on these other route options.</span></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-19994437743033998372015-05-30T22:19:00.001+05:302015-05-30T22:19:10.307+05:30Indian Railways : few interesting facts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharing some interesting facts about Indian Railways (source: TOI)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gE0ULdes3lw/VWnpehcm_yI/AAAAAAAAApw/BubX5KuaJYc/s1600/indian%2Brailway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gE0ULdes3lw/VWnpehcm_yI/AAAAAAAAApw/BubX5KuaJYc/s640/indian%2Brailway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/NasData/Publications/TheTimesOfIndia/Delhi/2015/05/28/Photographs/019/28_05_2015_019_025_002.jpg" target="_blank">Interesting Facts about Indian Railway (TOI)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-14732663085669768782015-05-24T10:30:00.001+05:302015-05-24T10:30:23.001+05:30Domestic travel insurance: what is covered and what is not<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been habitually purchasing insurance for domestic air
travel with the expectation that I will be able to buy ticket for another
flight on spot in case any flight gets cancelled and thereby, I hoped to
prevent the entire trip getting jeopardised. I thank my stars that for all
these years I never had to invoke my rights for an insurance claim, until my
recent trip to Andaman in end January, 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traveling out of Delhi in peak winter season of end Dec to
mid Jan, which unfortunately is also a peak tourist season, is always full of
uncertainties due to fog. Both flight and train schedules go haywire as fog
plays havoc across north India. To minimise possible impact of weather, I had
planned my trip with return from Portblair on 17<sup>th</sup> Jan, 2015. I had
booked tickets with MakeMyTrip who were offering travel insurance by Apollo
Munich. It cost me around 169 per person per ticket. While travelling abroad, I
had purchased insurance for a period covering my travel. But somehow domestic
travel insurance is linked to a ticket, not for a period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fMysuAsYMU/VWFZ0DGcfuI/AAAAAAAAApE/taRKgVa033A/s1600/apollo%2Bisnurance.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="339" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fMysuAsYMU/VWFZ0DGcfuI/AAAAAAAAApE/taRKgVa033A/s640/apollo%2Bisnurance.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apollo Munich domestic travel insurance certificate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In last few years, there has not been serious fog issue
after 15</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jan. But when nature decides to play truant, you can only
be mute spectator. Fog came late this year, and stayed late, well past 18</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Jan, 2015. Waiting in the lounge for a whole day at Portblair airport, with
bright sunshine all around, we realised that the world is so interconnected
that fog in Delhi is sending flight schedule go haywire across India, even at
places as remote as Portblair which probably have never seen fog. The day I
landed at Portbalir, the temp was 23 or so, as against 6 degree of Delhi.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are 3 daily flights between Portblair and Delhi via
Kolkata. My ticket was with Jet Airways. Against all odds, the flights that
were least expected to arrive that day, Spicejet and Go Air did landed, though quite
late, and returned to Delhi or Kolkata. But the Jet Airways flight, which was
the only full fare carrier, and which was most likely to arrive did not come
that day leaving us all stranded at Portblair. We came to know that due to fog
the flight took off quite late from Delhi as against scheduled departure of
0930 hrs. By the time it had arrived at Kolkata for stopover, it was too late
for them to attempt a trip to Portblair, which is a military airport and hence
night landing or take off are not allowed. The last hours by which a flight has
to depart was 1630 hrs. This means the flight from Kolkata has to take off
latest by 1400 hrs so that it can land by 1600 hrs and return by 1630 hrs.
Apparently both the Kolkata – Portblair and Portblair-Kolkata-Delhi flight were
reasonably full, and hence Jet Airways did not cancelled and dumped all
passengers. Rather than refunding fares or attempting a risky trip and then
getting struck at Portblair for the night, Jet Airways had arranged for an
unscheduled flight next morning. The airport staff had written on ticket that
due to fog delay at Delhi, flight is cancelled and passengers to report
tomorrow at 7am. They had a discussion with CISF at stamped the tickets so that
passengers are allowed in next day. Now came the issue of accommodation. Full
fare airline is supposed to provide accommodation in case of flight
cancellation and Jet Airways is one of the few remaining full fare airlines. But
the shock came in the form of their declaration that accommodation is not
provided in case of fog delay. We all had argued in vain. I thought that my
travel insurance will come in handy for the first time. I decided to call their
helpline from airport itself to find what is admissible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call centre line was not busy. Responding to the customer
care executive’s greeting of how he might help me, I announced about my policy
details and said that my flight is cancelled. The voice over responded that
flight cancellation is not covered. Note this first catch - flight cancellation
is not covered. Thus my very first reason for purchasing travel insurance went
up in smoke. You will not be able to buy an emergency ticket in case your
flight gets cancelled. So what next? I changed track, and told him that even
though my flight is cancelled for the day, it is rescheduled for next day. Then
the executive read out to me certain clauses of insurance I had not access to
earlier. He told me that flight delay has to be more than 6 hrs, and reason for
delay is either due to bad weather or technical fault with aircraft. Strike by
staff not covered. I will have to obtain a travel certificate from the carrier
mentioning total delay and cause of delay. Further, I was advised to retain all
bills and vouchers of expenses. The maximum amount reimbursable is Rs.2000/-
per person. As I have 3 tickets for the family, the potential claim amount of Rs.6000/-
would be enough for one night’s additional stay in a decent hotel at Portblair.
At that point we were more worried about daughter missing her unit test at
school scheduled for next morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reported at Portblair airport next morning and were happy
to see Jet Airways staff arriving. We were relieved to be informed that aircraft
had departed from Kolkata. The Jet aircraft indeed came from Kolkata in an
unscheduled flight. But it was now informed that the aircraft would now ply
between Portbalir and Kolkata. The Jet staff at Kolkata will arrange to send
passengers to Delhi at the earliest available flight. The other option was to
wait till evening for that day’s regular Delhi bound flight to arrive. The
manager of Jet Airways team opined that there is no point staying stuck at
Portblair. Fog was reported from Delhi on that day’s morning as well and flight
had been delayed. Hence one cannot be sure of when flights from Delhi will
arrive. Once you reach mainland, there will be various options for further
transit. There was merit in his comment. So we boarded the flight and reached
Kolkata at 1130 hrs. It was another ordeal at Kolkata as all flights were full.
Finally we were handed boarding pass for a Kolkata-Delhi flight at 1830.
Therefore my total delay had actually crossed more than 24 hrs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIEd1pRcIYc/VWFaG-y-dSI/AAAAAAAAApM/fVKAknRap3s/s1600/travel%2Bcertificate.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIEd1pRcIYc/VWFaG-y-dSI/AAAAAAAAApM/fVKAknRap3s/s400/travel%2Bcertificate.gif" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel certificate by Jet Airways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After reaching Delhi, I had downloaded forms and couple of
other documents from Apollo Munich’s website. The claim is to be preferred
within one month. I tediously filled up claim
forms, separate forms for each one of us, claiming a total amount of Rs.6100/-
as against admissibility of Rs.6000/- (@2000 per person). The travel
certificate issued by Jet Airways, Portblair says that flight on 17<sup>th</sup>
Jan was cancelled and passengers were rebooked on flight on 18th Jan. This along
with my boarding passes covered my total delay clause. The ticket also had Jet
Airways’ stamped statement that due to fog delay flight is cancelled. This
covered weather delay clause. I did not want to send original bills along with
my claim, and hence sent photocopies. I wanted to ensure that my claim is
acknowledged first before I part with my original bills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After about a month of preferring the claim, I had received
a letter from Apollo Munich saying that they are in receipt of my claim and
have provided me a claim id. They requested to submit all bills in originals
within 15 days. Assured that my claim has not been put into dustbin, I sent all
original bills through reputed courier so that receipt can be verified.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In another month’s time, I had received a confirmation from
Apollo Munich saying that my claim had been settled for Rs.4660/- with reasons
for rejecting balance amount. They did not pay cost incurred in additional to
and from trip to airport. This amount was good enough as I had recovered 90% of
cost I had incurred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you closely examine Domestic travel insurance policies,
it is not difficult to understand that it actually is a medical insurance with
some elements of travels fitted in. It is offered by airline or travel portal
in association with an insurance company. Therefore insurance certificates are
mailed to you separately after tickets are booked. For any claims, you have to
deal directly with the insurance company, not the travel portal. The policy
issued shows elements covered and the max amount payable against each of the
clauses. But it does not say anything about situations under which you are
eligible for claim. Therefore, you should visit the insurance company website
for detailed clauses. Here are relevant clauses from the detailed document of
my policy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VMQ1apiugs/VWFaY0mKFaI/AAAAAAAAApU/1Io0IRcnlAY/s1600/apollo%2Bclauses-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VMQ1apiugs/VWFaY0mKFaI/AAAAAAAAApU/1Io0IRcnlAY/s640/apollo%2Bclauses-1.gif" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detailed clauses-1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGusqmgtBa4/VWFamZu6knI/AAAAAAAAApc/3c5Wnhg7408/s1600/apollo%2Bclauses-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGusqmgtBa4/VWFamZu6knI/AAAAAAAAApc/3c5Wnhg7408/s640/apollo%2Bclauses-2.gif" width="410" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIner points of detailed clauses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Going through the detailed clauses will make you understand
what is covered and what is not. I would suggest to call their helpline to understand fine points. Always keep their helpline no ready. You do
not know when you may need it. Insurance is meant to cover uncertainties. And, uncertainties arrive without calling. This was a good lesson in travel for me. For me it ended on a happy note. I hope that my sharing of this experience will help you stay informed to travel
smart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-32997026195205080792015-05-06T21:40:00.000+05:302015-05-06T21:57:36.360+05:30Bursting the online shopping myth- Part-II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing from my earlier posts, here I intend burst another myth on online shopping. The diaspora tends to believe that items are cheaper online. But is it really cheap? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, this may be true for those living in second or third
tier cities. But certainly not for metros where there are stiff competition, it may not always be true. While online may be cheaper for items like mobile phones, but not for many marchandise. So onee should explore before making the purchase. I
am sharing one of my recent experiences to burst this myth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My wife was looking to purchase a pair of sports shoe for her gym outings. Therefore
when Myntra.com had announced a hyped sale with a full page ad on the TOI, we decided to explore it. We shortlisted a Nike shoe with a MRP of 3596. It was on
offer @30% discount for that day. Thus the price indicated after discount was
2517. When we added it to the cart and proceeded for payment, the surprise
element popped up. <b>VAT Extra</b>. How much VAT? Rs.431/-. How it was calculated.
@12% of MRP, not on the discounted price. So final price I need to pay after
adding VAT was 2948. Thus effective discount got reduced to a mere 18%. As most
of the shops in malls gives a 20% discount during sale season, we decided to try
it out at a shop rather than buying online. In shop purchase resluts in lower post purchase disonances as you can try out various options on spot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxGRIoGX7LA/VUo6cYaCpSI/AAAAAAAAAoA/NYs_S6dAtbA/s1600/ScreenHunter_02%2BMar.%2B07%2B23.47.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxGRIoGX7LA/VUo6cYaCpSI/AAAAAAAAAoA/NYs_S6dAtbA/s1600/ScreenHunter_02%2BMar.%2B07%2B23.47.gif" height="372" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Item on sale with 20% discount on a hyped sale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pW7rTWJ_oBE/VUo6fUhGKAI/AAAAAAAAAoI/88A4TMiEOYc/s1600/ScreenHunter_03%2BMar.%2B07%2B23.48.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pW7rTWJ_oBE/VUo6fUhGKAI/AAAAAAAAAoI/88A4TMiEOYc/s1600/ScreenHunter_03%2BMar.%2B07%2B23.48.gif" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the extra VAT amount when you add the item to your cart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Out of curiosity, I decided to visit Myntra.com again next
day. The hyped sale was over as it was only for a day. Hence the same pair of shoe was on
10% discount only that day. To check VAT applicability, I added it to the cart
and proceeded for payment. To my surprise there was no extra VAT that day. This
means that customers are taken for a ride in the name of sales. One is made to
feel like getting an extra 20% discount in sale, whereas he was actually getting
just 8% extra discount.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4IaPr4r6Lk/VUo7D_-6pRI/AAAAAAAAAoU/4ju028cA-FY/s1600/ScreenHunter_01%2BFeb.%2B09%2B20.19.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4IaPr4r6Lk/VUo7D_-6pRI/AAAAAAAAAoU/4ju028cA-FY/s1600/ScreenHunter_01%2BFeb.%2B09%2B20.19.gif" height="385" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same item when not on sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkahG5M-sM4/VUo7D_4w1bI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/inYwaIOS5dY/s1600/ScreenHunter_02%2BFeb.%2B09%2B20.22.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkahG5M-sM4/VUo7D_4w1bI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/inYwaIOS5dY/s1600/ScreenHunter_02%2BFeb.%2B09%2B20.22.gif" height="306" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice no VAT extra on background. Coupon codes never applies on such items.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that there is a Nike factory outlet in one of the malls not
very far from my home, we decided to visit the shop. This being the end of
season sale period, everything was on flat 40% in the shop, including the model
we had checked online. And to the top of it, there was no extra VAT. Therefore we
got that pair of shoe for 2217 from the Nike outlet whereas the price on hyped sale was 2948. To make you all understand how we are being taken
for ride by these online sale, I have decided to corroborate this with screenshots
I had retained. Unfortunately I did not save screenshot of the sale circus with
extra VAT. But the images below clearly shows that the offline purchase from
outlet </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">was cheaper by almost 22% than the online price. I however have retained images of a much lower scale sale @20% off, which also attracted extra VAT.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQZ1EvMVbaA/VUo8Gf6uSeI/AAAAAAAAAok/7T7Cy2gXobg/s1600/shop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQZ1EvMVbaA/VUo8Gf6uSeI/AAAAAAAAAok/7T7Cy2gXobg/s1600/shop1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same shoe purchased from Nike factory outlet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ST596e_28z4/VUo8GmWt0qI/AAAAAAAAAoo/xf4N3xEoeio/s1600/shop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ST596e_28z4/VUo8GmWt0qI/AAAAAAAAAoo/xf4N3xEoeio/s1600/shop2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill showing actual price from shop which was much lower than online sale price, And no VAT extra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">It reminds me of the
famous quote – </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">You can fool all the
people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot
fool all the people all the time. So next time you see another full page ad of
an online sale, make sure to compare before you buy.</span></span></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-89569629139445486262015-04-23T22:11:00.000+05:302015-04-23T22:12:42.895+05:30Bursting the online shopping myth- Part-I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am among those early users of online shopping. My first
online merchandise purchase was made way back in 2002 at baazi.com which later went
onto become eBay.in. During this intervening eleven years, I had shopped with
various portals across the globe. With a smart phone in every other hand, ever
improving internet connectivity, coupled with vigorous advertising push, the online
shopping phenomenon had taken India by storm between end of 2013 and 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had procured a wide range of products online. From microwave
(2002), Digital camera (2003), handycam (2004), Books, Watches, camera
accessories, mobiles, kitchen accessories, bags, voltage stabilizers, etc. The
list goes on. Internationally I had used services of amazon.com, alibris.com,
aliexpress.com, etc. ordering items from
US, China and Hongkong. Fortunately all of them got delivered without any fuss
at Delhi. On domestic front, I had availed the services of bazee.com, ebay.in, tradus.in,
flipkart, snapdeal, amazon, infibeam, firstandsecond, myntra, yepme, jobong, printavenue,
zoomin, and few other standalone single vendor sites which I do not recall now.
Thus I had availed services across a wide gamut of e-commerce platform, from
the one selling a single specialised product to those selling almost everything.
Needless to say that I had come across an equally wide range of experiences to
share. This article is the first of two articles I had penned to share my
experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was never worried about buying something online, until
recently. An incident that had changed my opinion about online shopping. I
would be wrong if I say there were no issues during the 2003-2010 period when I
had mostly traded through bazee and eBay. In fact, online shopping was looked
upon suspiciously by most because of cheap imitations sold online during those
days. However, both bazee and, later eBay, had a very strict customer
protection policy. At some point, a seller in ebay would automatically get
banned for 3 negative customer feedback. The system had changed somehow, yet
you see those pleading lines from seller requesting you to contact them directly
before leaving a negative feedback. As a customer I was always allowed
protection and all issues were resolved with prompt refund. I still vouch for eBay’s
time bound issue resolution policy. On two occasions in last 6 months eBay had
offered me refund with 150% of price I had paid within two days of lodging
complaint– once for defective product and once for part of the order missing. In these ten years, I also had come across
fraud site like booksorbit.com. They have a perfectly working website even
today with secured payment facility. However once you place an order, they
neither delivers, not respond to your mails and more importantly not reachable
over the phone mentioned in their website. Our laws are so lax that the site is
still online and God knows how many have fallen victims. I was rescued by my
credit card company from the booksorbit scam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 2013 saw something beyond the regular 10-20%
discount online, offered often on selected items only. For 3 days, the most
stupendous online sale ever happened in India, promoted by all major credit
cards. The discount was on final cart value, not on specific items. I remember
buying even wildcraft items on this sale at 20-30% discount. None of the sales
that followed offered even 10% discount of wildcraft goods. Before this sale,
Jobong used to deliver in less than 24hrs in Delhi. I kept receiving apologies
for delivery delay for items purchased during the sale and it took 7-10 days
for delivery of all items. Success of this event led to several such hyped
sales like GOSF, Black Friday sales, etc. in the last 12 months. It also
include the botched sale by Flipkart leading to issuing an official apology.
But nothing had matched that sale of Dec 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If awareness creation was the objective, then these hyped sales
had achieved it. Diaspora now believes that things are available cheaper
online. Everyone now seems to be doing online shopping. The delivery boys
lugging a huge bag on back riding zipzap through city traffic are ubiquitous
these days. Scammers saw this as opportunity to make some quick bucks. They
setup shops on sites that do not have any customer protection policy. You can
be held responsible for not dispatching an item, but it will be tough on
customer to prove if a similar imitation is sent, or even a blank box. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite occasional smaller issues, my brush with online
purchases had generally good. My first real issue came with snapdeal in 2014. I
had ordered a camera lens – Tamron 90mm macro VC. The item has a MRP of 39K and
was available at snapdeal for about 32K, which is close to its street price.
For me the reason to buy online was payment by credit card with emi option. The
item was delivered 7 days after I had ordered. To my horror the item sent was
‘similar’ but not the exact item I had ordered. The product delivered was
Tamron 90mm macro non VC. Tamron has two different version of the leans – non
VC and VC where VC stands for Vibration Correction, similar to IS – Image
Stabilisation. These lenses have distinct product code and MRP of also
differs. The non VC version is priced
about 10K lower at 29K. SO I was delivered a product which costs about 24K in
market as against my payment of 32K. This is too big a ‘mistake’ someone
dealing with photo goods to make. It was a well-planned fraud. Fortunately the
bill. Which invariably was for the VC lens, also had serial no of product
mentioned for warranty. The product label on cartoon where this serial no is
printed clearly indicated the item code and item description as non VC version.
Even the MRP sticker substantiated the ‘mistake’. Without bothering to break the seal, I called up snapdeal
helpline. The lady on other side keep reiterating that I should not worry as
the purchase is covered under ‘protection’ and promptly sent me a mail asking
for photographs of items, bills, etc. Little did they realise that it was a
high value item of 30K plus value at that time. Without wasting time I sent
back images within couple of hours of receiving the mail. But that was it. I
had received a system generated acknowledgement. I had gone through such
experience once for a smaller value product. So I had kept proof of everything
– my communication, their mail, system generated acknowledgment, snapdeal
policy of dispute resolution, etc. There had been no response back from
sanpdeal even after couple of days. I kept calling them at helpline and I kept
getting information like your issue is being addressed, we have written to the
seller who is to respond back, etc. Finally I lost my patience on 7<sup>th</sup>
day and called my credit card company to lodge a complaint of fraud. They asked
for evidences to be submitted with dispute lodging form. As I had everything
ready with me, I did it promptly. But before submitting I wrote to snapdeal
once again informing them about the action I am initiating with my bank and
gave them 2 more days’ time to respond. Still snapdeal did not reply. Thus on the
10th day, I lodged a formal dispute with bank submitting all proof of
communication. Bank was satisfied with my proof and reversed the charges on my
card. I could breathe easy now. I got my money back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 days after that snapdeal awoke from its slumber. It was the
12<sup>th</sup> day since deliver and my reporting of incident. Some idiot from
their Okhla office called me up and said that they had asked the seller about
the dispute and he had confirmed that he sent the correct item. I lost my cool
and gave him a piece of my mind. It was quite evident that they did not bother
to look at the evidence submitted by in form of bill and images of packet, its
item code, etc. Customer bought an
orange, the seller sends him a lemon; customer lodges complaint with evidence
of lemon being delivered, they ask the seller again; he says he had sent an
orange, and you as customer care relay it back to the customer! Then I told him
that I had already got my money back. This is your item lying with me which you
can get picked at your leisure. 3 days after that it was picked up as a 'reverse
pick up'. The pickup slip said ‘defective item'. My ordeal had come to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Few days after this incident I came across another
photographer friend from Mumbai who had exactly the same issue, and with the same
product. I asked him if he bought on snapdeal? He said yes. So we both were
victims of a well-planned con, on the same portal and apparently by the same
seller. Unfortunately, snapdeal never bothered to apologise to us, forget about
taking some action against the seller. Little do they understand that these
sellers are ruining their reputation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This problem is unique to snapdeal. Few weeks later, one of
my friends shared a youtube video in facebook. He had ordered a pendirve from
Flipkart. When he opened the box, there was nothing inside. When he called up,
Flipkart did not agree to his version. But as he wanted the item and it being a
low value product, he ordered again. Ditto same time. Empty inside. Flipkart
disagreed again. So he setup a trap. He ordered it a third time. This time on
COD. When the delivery boy came, he paid the money as you have to do for COD
orders, and recorded a video of opening the box in front of the delivery boy. Your
guess is right. It was empty again. And this time he had proof. I had no follow-up
of how Flipkart finally settled it. Another image I saw on a social networking
site is someone receiving a bar of soap instead of a mobile. But that was a
still image, hence veracity cannot be established.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the bottom line is that fraud is happening across
several platform which allow independent sellers to set up online shops. This
has seriously dented customer confidence. I have stayed away from snapdeal
since the incident. There had been sporadic incidences of local traders in
second tier cities holding protests over proliferation of online commerce. Such
protest with vested interest is not going to rollback e-commerce. Whether you
like it or not, e-commerce is going to stay here for the convenience, choice
and savings it offers. It is like the supermarkets that has become part of our
life because they sells almost everything below MRP. What is going to hold back
e-commerce’s further progress is the failure to stem the rot within. Once
bitten twice shy. And with social
network fuelling, a duped customer will spread his message to thousand others. I
do not agree with the point of view of banishing online commerce so that customer’s
continue to buy items on bloated MRP at a local shop, that is part of a longer
than required supply chain, that add to the cost to the customer. However, the
idea of a legislation is welcomed. Besides regulating the business, this should
seek also protect customers from these frauds. Not only that customer gets back
his money instantly, but also the portal should get penalised. In turn they
will pass on the penalty to the seller which will eventually discourage them.
Right now, the fraud sellers are having a free run without any fear of crackdown.
Most sites do not require a seller to register with a PAN or TAN no, which will
establish their identities with a verifiable address. Are they carrying out
checks on sellers? Did they forget the incidence where eBay India chief landed
in jail for someone selling porn though his portal? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If any of these e-commerce portal comes up with such a
system where they can claim that all their sellers are verified, and they offer
a time bound dispute resolution process, and also provide feedback to the buyer
in case of a proven fraud, then everyone will be happy to pay a premium for
their services. As such a utopic situation is unlikely and a legislation is a
distant shoot, a customer should trade cautiously as you do not know when you
will slip and found yourself staring at an abyss. You will cry for help,
expecting succour from the portal to pull you out of the mess, but it may never
come. Till that time, safe online shopping in India is likely to remain limited
to only cloths and shoes, and may be books. Till that time, think twice before
ordering anything above couple of thousands rupees.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13001378.post-83296386365267869462015-04-02T13:06:00.000+05:302015-05-06T21:58:34.433+05:30Delhi to Bharatpur via Yamuna Expressway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been using NH2 via Faridabad to Mathura for going to
Bharatpur over the years. NH2 is too overcowded now and is a painful experience to travel by this route. Now that a second option of Yamuna Expressway had
come up, I decided to explore this route on this year’s first trip to Bharatpur.
Therefore I am sharing this route guide from Delhi to Bharatpur via the Taj /
Yamuna Expressway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first toll gate on expressway is at Jawar. You can pay toll upto Mathura at this gate itself. Total toll upto Mathura as on Feb, 2015 was Rs.230/-.
Shortly after crossing the Mathura toll booth, you will get the exit for
Vrindavan. Do not exit by this. About a couple of km ahead is the <b>Exit no. 8</b>
for Mathura. Exit here and you will be on <b>SH33</b>. One end goes to Hathras and the
other to Mathura. Turn left for Mathura. Road sign exists. Follow the road.
After some time you will get a railway line on your right along the road. Keep
moving straight till you reach a crowded junction with a police point
/barricade. This is a market. Do not turn left. Left goes to Gokul. Keep moving
straight till you cross the Yamuna via a narrow bridge. Barricade was
apparently for preventing heavy vehicles from getting onto the narrow bridge.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrb5qXlLVpM/VRzvm8bxsgI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/P995ibvJ_ns/s1600/_V3A5433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrb5qXlLVpM/VRzvm8bxsgI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/P995ibvJ_ns/s1600/_V3A5433.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarus crane pair is mating display at Bharatpur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After crossing the bridge, you will reach a T point. Turn
left. You will drive through a narrow road in a market. En-route you will get a
near 90 degree bend. Follow the road till you reach another T junction. Turn
left here. This is Agra road. Drive till Yodha circle. I found a good overhead
road sign just before the circle. There is a big bust of a soldier at the
centre of the rounabout. This is Mathura cantt area. Take the near U turn around
the circle. After about five hundred meters, when the cantonment campus ends,
turn left at the first lane. You will get to see a school as you turn on right
hand side. There exists only a small sign here. Straight goes into Mathura
city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now follow the road and keep moving straight. Avoid a road
named as Yodha Marg en-route that veers off the main road towards left. Stick
to the main road. You will get another narrow market area of about half km.
Continue through the market. You will get a railway crossing. This road is a
single road with decent traffic. It will finally connect the NH2. At the very
point it connects NH2 there is an opening to cross over to the other side.
Cross the NH2 and drive towards Delhi by going onto the flyover. The road to
Bharatpur (SH33) starts exactly at the middle of the flyover on this side. If
you come from Delhi via NH-2, then also you need to cross this flyover and take
a U turn at this point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From there on Bharatpur is 34km. This is a single carriage
way road and is in fair condition. You will have to manoeuvre many terrible
spread breakers on this road. Therefore do not dive very fast. Closer to
Bharatpur, when you enter Rajasthan, the road it is in good condition. Almost
on reaching Bharatpur, you will find a road sign telling you to go straight to
Bharatpur and turn right to Jaipur. Avoid going straight as the road is
temporarily closed due to construction of a flyover near railway station. Hence
turn right. After about a KM or so you will get a junction with an indicator to
turn left for Bharatpur. Avoid this left turn as this again goes to the closed
road at station. Instead go straight till you reach a T point and you see Vijay
Hospital on other side of T point. Turn left at this point onto the flyover.
After crossing the flyover, you will cross the railway line through an
underpass. About 50mtr from the underpass, there is a left turn for entering
city. Take this left turn to get into the city. As you come out of the
underpass, there is road sign indicating to go straight for Bharatpur and
Keoladeo Ghana. But all locals whom we had asked for direction advised us to
turn left as the road ahead is not in good shape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After turning left, continue straight till you reach a T
point. Turn right. If you have been to Bharatpur earlier, then you will be
familiar from this point onwards. Else, check my old post for a road map
through Bharatpur to the Bird Sanctuary. You need to find your way to Bijli
Ghar circle. Turn left there to reach Saras Chowk on the Agra-Jaipur Highway.
Park is about 500 mtr from this point. All the hotels and guest houses are
here.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebrOjZYk9UI/VRzv53bLcGI/AAAAAAAAAnY/5mQ03tIERB4/s1600/_V3A5254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebrOjZYk9UI/VRzv53bLcGI/AAAAAAAAAnY/5mQ03tIERB4/s1600/_V3A5254.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudy shelduck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For staying RTDC Saras is a decent option @1200 for non-AC
room. Rooms are OK, but service and food is very poor. However they have a huge
parking lot and we found that gates were locked after 10:30pm. Birder’s Inn is
the costliest @4200 with BF and Dinner. But it is the best property at
Bharatpur. Sunbird in next campus is also decent, but prices were at par with
Birder’s Inn. Therefore given choice to splurge, I would choose Birder’s Inn.
There are couple of Guest Houses on the road where RTDC Saras is located. One
can look to explore them as well. If you are there on weekdays, you should
bargain hard for good discount. Tariff of RTDC Saras is a guide for bargaining.
As a photographer, my favourite den is Iora Guset House. But this place always
stays booked. This is photographer’s den from all over India. Staying here you
not only get to interact with fellow photographers. But also get to know what
is happening in the park and where it is happening. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
rupankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10945208040966360256noreply@blogger.com1