http://www.pier39.com/Events/events.htm
http://www.ktvu.com/events/3834421/detail.html
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Ice Skating in the Bay Area
http://www.icecenter.net/cupertino/index.html
Today, planned for late nite ice skating in the Bay Area with friends. Went to Vallco mall, arrived at 8:35, parked in front of Sears, and spent an hour trying to find the place before giving up. Even conflicting directions from some helpful people were of no avail.
It looks like this place is diffcult to find, and that we need to park on the opposite side, in front of JC Penny's.
Anyway, some other time. :)
Today, planned for late nite ice skating in the Bay Area with friends. Went to Vallco mall, arrived at 8:35, parked in front of Sears, and spent an hour trying to find the place before giving up. Even conflicting directions from some helpful people were of no avail.
It looks like this place is diffcult to find, and that we need to park on the opposite side, in front of JC Penny's.
Anyway, some other time. :)
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Fall Colours Article in Bay Area
A colorful time to head for the mountains
- Tom Stienstra
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The first hints of fall colors are now arriving to the Bay Area, but in the mountain country, it's already a spectacle.
If the past 10 days in the canyons of the eastern Sierra have been a preview for the annual Halloween-to-Thanksgiving show, the coming weeks have a chance to be one of the best in years, from Shasta to Whitney -- and selected pockets of the Bay Area.
The first big show of fall has been in Convict Creek Canyon, Bishop Creek Canyon and other canyons in the eastern Sierra west of highway 395. Aspens, cottonwoods and in some areas, dogwoods, maples and redbud have been turning for about two weeks. The colors seem brighter than ever this year, with a variety of yellows, oranges and golds.
Here are my favorite spots:
1. Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, Tahoe: A 2-mile trail along the southwest side of Fallen Leaf Lake provides an eye-popping and yet intimate connection to nature, with cobalt-blue Fallen Leaf Lake on one side and a forest of aspens and pines on the other -- with towering Mount Tallac looming overhead. Contact: Lake Tahoe Basin (Forest Service), (530) 543-2600 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
2. Convict Creek Canyon, east Sierra: From the trailhead at Convict Lake, you hike through aspens past the border of the John Muir Wilderness for a lookout of gem-like Convict Lake edged by a wall of color. Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 924-5500 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
3. Carlon Falls, Yosemite: The trailhead is outside of the park boundary, so everybody misses it; a 2-mile walk from the Carlon Day-Use Area on the Tuolumne River through a glowing riparian zone to a stepped falls. Contact: Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-0200 or www.nps.gov/yose.
4. Bishop Creek Canyon, east Sierra: From Bishop, Highway 168 climbs up into the Sierra to South Lake, in the process passing through fantastic groves of aspens, with the colors varying according to elevation and sun exposure; many hikes available. Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 873-2500 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
5. Hope Valley/Woodfords, central Sierra: Hope Valley is set along Highway 88/89 and the West Fork Carson River, with a mix of hardwoods, meadows and pines along this gorgeous high-country river corridor. Contact: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, (775) 882-2766 or www.fs.fed.us/r4.
6. Mill Creek Trail, Redding: This is an easy and beautiful trail that starts just past the western end of Whiskeytown Lake and then follows Mill Creek under a canopy of oaks, alders and other hardwoods. Contact: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, (530) 246-1225 or www.nps.gov/whis.
7. Lundy Canyon, east Sierra: The drive alone from highway 395 near Mono Lake up past Lundy Lakes is gorgeous, with aspen groves galore, but it gets better with the hiking trail (near Lundy Dam) that rises over the course of 3.5 miles to Oneida Lake. Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 647-3044 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
8. Farewell Gap to Aspen Flat, southwest Sierra: This is one of my wife's favorites, starting at the remote Eagle/Mosquito Trailhead near Mineral King in the oft-overlooked southern section of Sequoia National Park, then hiking a mile along the Kaweah River to a beautiful grove at Aspen Flat. Contact: Sequoia National Park, (559) 565-3341 or www.nps.gov/seki.
9. McGee Creek Canyon, east Sierra: This canyon is loaded with aspens and other hardwoods, all now aglow, with the bonus of a trail at McGee Creek that runs along the stream with fantastic colors and views (about 6 miles to Steelhead Lake, climb of 2,300 feet). Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 873-2500 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
10. Best hidden colors/John Muir Trail: My No. 1-favorite aspen grove, with huge trees, unbelievable colors and perfect quiet, is on the northern slope of Bear Mountain above Mono Creek on the John Muir Trail. To get there, make the long drive to Edison Lake, take the shuttle boat to the head of the lake, hike two miles to the JMT, turn right and climb 2 miles to the aspens. Contacts: Sierra National Forest, (559) 855-5360 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
"The Great Outdoors With Tom Stienstra" airs Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KBHK-TV (Channel 44) and Bay Area Cable 12.
Tom Stienstra's Outdoors Report can be heard Saturdays on KCBS (740 AM) at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 12:35 p.m.
Bay Area's best
Peninsula: Highway 84/Woodside Road (Woodside to San Gregorio); Page Mill Road (Palo Alto to Pescadero); downtown Palo Alto (University Ave. to Crescent Park).
Marin: Sir Francis Drake Boulevard/Highway 1 (San Rafael to Bolinas); Bolinas-Fairfax Road (Fairfax to Bolinas); Lucas Valley Road (Marinwood to Nicasio).
East Bay: Oakland hills to Redwood Regional Park to Castro Valley; Redwood Regional Park (picnic area).
Mountain lodging
South Tahoe: Lake Tahoe Central Reservations, 1-800-AT-TAHOE, www.mytahoevacation.com.
Hope Valley: Sorensen's Resort, 1-800-423-9949 or www.sorensensresort.com.
Eastern Sierra: Mammoth Lake Visitors Bureau, 1-888-466-2666 or www.visitmammoth.com; Bishop Area Visitors Bureau, (760) 873-9405 or www.bishopvisitor.com; Convict Lake Resort, 1-800-992-2260 or www.convictlake.com; Rock Creek Lodge, (760) 935-4170 or www.rockcreeklodge.com.
Whiskeytown Lake: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association, 1-800-474-2782 or www.shastacascade.com.
E-mail Tom Stienstra at tstienstra@sfchronicle.com.
Page D - 7
URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/10/27/SPGKLFEE6T1.DTL
- Tom Stienstra
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The first hints of fall colors are now arriving to the Bay Area, but in the mountain country, it's already a spectacle.
If the past 10 days in the canyons of the eastern Sierra have been a preview for the annual Halloween-to-Thanksgiving show, the coming weeks have a chance to be one of the best in years, from Shasta to Whitney -- and selected pockets of the Bay Area.
The first big show of fall has been in Convict Creek Canyon, Bishop Creek Canyon and other canyons in the eastern Sierra west of highway 395. Aspens, cottonwoods and in some areas, dogwoods, maples and redbud have been turning for about two weeks. The colors seem brighter than ever this year, with a variety of yellows, oranges and golds.
Here are my favorite spots:
1. Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, Tahoe: A 2-mile trail along the southwest side of Fallen Leaf Lake provides an eye-popping and yet intimate connection to nature, with cobalt-blue Fallen Leaf Lake on one side and a forest of aspens and pines on the other -- with towering Mount Tallac looming overhead. Contact: Lake Tahoe Basin (Forest Service), (530) 543-2600 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
2. Convict Creek Canyon, east Sierra: From the trailhead at Convict Lake, you hike through aspens past the border of the John Muir Wilderness for a lookout of gem-like Convict Lake edged by a wall of color. Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 924-5500 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
3. Carlon Falls, Yosemite: The trailhead is outside of the park boundary, so everybody misses it; a 2-mile walk from the Carlon Day-Use Area on the Tuolumne River through a glowing riparian zone to a stepped falls. Contact: Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-0200 or www.nps.gov/yose.
4. Bishop Creek Canyon, east Sierra: From Bishop, Highway 168 climbs up into the Sierra to South Lake, in the process passing through fantastic groves of aspens, with the colors varying according to elevation and sun exposure; many hikes available. Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 873-2500 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
5. Hope Valley/Woodfords, central Sierra: Hope Valley is set along Highway 88/89 and the West Fork Carson River, with a mix of hardwoods, meadows and pines along this gorgeous high-country river corridor. Contact: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, (775) 882-2766 or www.fs.fed.us/r4.
6. Mill Creek Trail, Redding: This is an easy and beautiful trail that starts just past the western end of Whiskeytown Lake and then follows Mill Creek under a canopy of oaks, alders and other hardwoods. Contact: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, (530) 246-1225 or www.nps.gov/whis.
7. Lundy Canyon, east Sierra: The drive alone from highway 395 near Mono Lake up past Lundy Lakes is gorgeous, with aspen groves galore, but it gets better with the hiking trail (near Lundy Dam) that rises over the course of 3.5 miles to Oneida Lake. Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 647-3044 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
8. Farewell Gap to Aspen Flat, southwest Sierra: This is one of my wife's favorites, starting at the remote Eagle/Mosquito Trailhead near Mineral King in the oft-overlooked southern section of Sequoia National Park, then hiking a mile along the Kaweah River to a beautiful grove at Aspen Flat. Contact: Sequoia National Park, (559) 565-3341 or www.nps.gov/seki.
9. McGee Creek Canyon, east Sierra: This canyon is loaded with aspens and other hardwoods, all now aglow, with the bonus of a trail at McGee Creek that runs along the stream with fantastic colors and views (about 6 miles to Steelhead Lake, climb of 2,300 feet). Contact: Inyo National Forest, (760) 873-2500 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
10. Best hidden colors/John Muir Trail: My No. 1-favorite aspen grove, with huge trees, unbelievable colors and perfect quiet, is on the northern slope of Bear Mountain above Mono Creek on the John Muir Trail. To get there, make the long drive to Edison Lake, take the shuttle boat to the head of the lake, hike two miles to the JMT, turn right and climb 2 miles to the aspens. Contacts: Sierra National Forest, (559) 855-5360 or www.fs.fed.us/r5.
"The Great Outdoors With Tom Stienstra" airs Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KBHK-TV (Channel 44) and Bay Area Cable 12.
Tom Stienstra's Outdoors Report can be heard Saturdays on KCBS (740 AM) at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 12:35 p.m.
Bay Area's best
Peninsula: Highway 84/Woodside Road (Woodside to San Gregorio); Page Mill Road (Palo Alto to Pescadero); downtown Palo Alto (University Ave. to Crescent Park).
Marin: Sir Francis Drake Boulevard/Highway 1 (San Rafael to Bolinas); Bolinas-Fairfax Road (Fairfax to Bolinas); Lucas Valley Road (Marinwood to Nicasio).
East Bay: Oakland hills to Redwood Regional Park to Castro Valley; Redwood Regional Park (picnic area).
Mountain lodging
South Tahoe: Lake Tahoe Central Reservations, 1-800-AT-TAHOE, www.mytahoevacation.com.
Hope Valley: Sorensen's Resort, 1-800-423-9949 or www.sorensensresort.com.
Eastern Sierra: Mammoth Lake Visitors Bureau, 1-888-466-2666 or www.visitmammoth.com; Bishop Area Visitors Bureau, (760) 873-9405 or www.bishopvisitor.com; Convict Lake Resort, 1-800-992-2260 or www.convictlake.com; Rock Creek Lodge, (760) 935-4170 or www.rockcreeklodge.com.
Whiskeytown Lake: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association, 1-800-474-2782 or www.shastacascade.com.
E-mail Tom Stienstra at tstienstra@sfchronicle.com.
Page D - 7
URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/10/27/SPGKLFEE6T1.DTL
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Angel Island
ANGEL ISLAND!
WHEN: 12:50pm, Sunday, October 22, 2006, RAIN CANCELS
Like the rest of the Bay Area, Angel Island is a study in micro-
climates. It can be warm and sunny on the north side and foggy and
cold on the south. For that reason, I strongly suggest dressing in
layers to be ready for both chilly and warm weather, also suggest
wearing long pants. If you have conducted your own investigation
into the conditions you may encounter on this hike and you assume
responsibility for your own personal safety you are welcome to join
us on this moderate hike. No dogs allowed.
DIFFICULTY OF THIS HIKE: Moderate, approximately 6 miles, moderate
elevation gain. [Difficulty Ratings: Easy (suitable for beginners);
Moderate; Strenuous; Very Strenuous; Extremely Strenuous]
ESTIMATED TIME: 3.5 hours.
WHERE: Angel Island State Park
BRING: Water, lunch, snacks, Ten Essentials, sun block, sturdy
hiking shoes and whatever else you may need. Restrooms on the ferry
and on the island. (We plan on having a late lunch at the top of
Mt. Livermore where we can enjoy the spectacular views).
WHERE TO MEET: Ferry terminal/pier at Angel Island
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD:
The only transportation to Angel Island is via ferry.
SAN FRANCISCO TO ANGEL ISLAND
Blue and Gold Fleet departs Pier 41 at 11:30 a.m. for Angel Island,
stopping first at Alcatraz and again at Tiburon, before arriving at
Angel Island at 12:40 p.m.
From Pier 41 to Angel Island, round trip fare is $14.50 for adults
and includes park fees. Please plan on arriving early at Pier 41 to
give yourself enough time to purchase tickets.
The Blue and Gold Fleet return schedule is as follows:
Depart Angel Island at 4:40 p.m., arrive Pier 41 at 5:30 p.m.
Please see link at bottom of page for complete information and
departure times or contact Blue and Gold Fleet at 415-773-1188.
TIBURON TO ANGEL ISLAND
The Angel Island Tiburon Ferry departs Tiburon at 12 noon for Angel
Island, the return fare is $10.25. The return schedule is as
follows: Depart Angel Island at 4:20pm. Please see link
at bottom of page for complete information and departure times or
contact Angel Island Tiburon Ferry at (415) 435-2131.
The link for the Blue and Gold Fleet is:
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/
The link for the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry is:
http://www.angelislandferry.com/
The link for Angel Island State Park is:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=468
WHEN: 12:50pm, Sunday, October 22, 2006, RAIN CANCELS
Like the rest of the Bay Area, Angel Island is a study in micro-
climates. It can be warm and sunny on the north side and foggy and
cold on the south. For that reason, I strongly suggest dressing in
layers to be ready for both chilly and warm weather, also suggest
wearing long pants. If you have conducted your own investigation
into the conditions you may encounter on this hike and you assume
responsibility for your own personal safety you are welcome to join
us on this moderate hike. No dogs allowed.
DIFFICULTY OF THIS HIKE: Moderate, approximately 6 miles, moderate
elevation gain. [Difficulty Ratings: Easy (suitable for beginners);
Moderate; Strenuous; Very Strenuous; Extremely Strenuous]
ESTIMATED TIME: 3.5 hours.
WHERE: Angel Island State Park
BRING: Water, lunch, snacks, Ten Essentials, sun block, sturdy
hiking shoes and whatever else you may need. Restrooms on the ferry
and on the island. (We plan on having a late lunch at the top of
Mt. Livermore where we can enjoy the spectacular views).
WHERE TO MEET: Ferry terminal/pier at Angel Island
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD:
The only transportation to Angel Island is via ferry.
SAN FRANCISCO TO ANGEL ISLAND
Blue and Gold Fleet departs Pier 41 at 11:30 a.m. for Angel Island,
stopping first at Alcatraz and again at Tiburon, before arriving at
Angel Island at 12:40 p.m.
From Pier 41 to Angel Island, round trip fare is $14.50 for adults
and includes park fees. Please plan on arriving early at Pier 41 to
give yourself enough time to purchase tickets.
The Blue and Gold Fleet return schedule is as follows:
Depart Angel Island at 4:40 p.m., arrive Pier 41 at 5:30 p.m.
Please see link at bottom of page for complete information and
departure times or contact Blue and Gold Fleet at 415-773-1188.
TIBURON TO ANGEL ISLAND
The Angel Island Tiburon Ferry departs Tiburon at 12 noon for Angel
Island, the return fare is $10.25. The return schedule is as
follows: Depart Angel Island at 4:20pm. Please see link
at bottom of page for complete information and departure times or
contact Angel Island Tiburon Ferry at (415) 435-2131.
The link for the Blue and Gold Fleet is:
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/
The link for the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry is:
http://www.angelislandferry.com/
The link for Angel Island State Park is:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=468
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Amma Appa Bhanu's Pune Pilgrimage trip
Start from Chennai-Oct 7 2006-Saturday
Sunday-Oct 8 2006
1. Sani Singanapur: Shani Maharaj
2. Shirdi Sai Baba
Stay at Shirdi
Monday-Oct 9 2006
Drive to Nashik
3. Tryambakeshwar
4. Kala Ramar
5. Lakshman Kund
6. Panchavati: Sita hidden in cave
Stay at relative's home (Sujatha).
Anna (Swami's maternal Grandfather's sisters): Ammalu, Pattu, Pappa Atthai for my mom
Pattu's daughter-Sujatha's home-visit.
Stay at Mangalam, Ammalu Atthai's daughter.
Start on Tuesday, Oct 10 2006 to Pandaripur.
7. Pandurangan
Stay at Pandaripur
Tuesday-Oct 10 2006
8. Pandaripur: Chuckubai's utensils
9. Shiva temple prayed by Rukmini's mother
10. Chandrabaaha river, Vishnu Padham
11. Kaikkadi Maharaja-cave paintings+sculptures+12 Jyotir Lingams
Back to Shrimati Mangalam's house
Wednesday-Oct 11 2006
12. Guruvayurappan temple
13. Big excellent samosas, Kachoris, sugarcane juice
Stay at Mangalam's house.
Pune has water issues.
Thursday-Oct 12 2006
Return to Chennai.
Sunday-Oct 8 2006
1. Sani Singanapur: Shani Maharaj
2. Shirdi Sai Baba
Stay at Shirdi
Monday-Oct 9 2006
Drive to Nashik
3. Tryambakeshwar
4. Kala Ramar
5. Lakshman Kund
6. Panchavati: Sita hidden in cave
Stay at relative's home (Sujatha).
Anna (Swami's maternal Grandfather's sisters): Ammalu, Pattu, Pappa Atthai for my mom
Pattu's daughter-Sujatha's home-visit.
Stay at Mangalam, Ammalu Atthai's daughter.
Start on Tuesday, Oct 10 2006 to Pandaripur.
7. Pandurangan
Stay at Pandaripur
Tuesday-Oct 10 2006
8. Pandaripur: Chuckubai's utensils
9. Shiva temple prayed by Rukmini's mother
10. Chandrabaaha river, Vishnu Padham
11. Kaikkadi Maharaja-cave paintings+sculptures+12 Jyotir Lingams
Back to Shrimati Mangalam's house
Wednesday-Oct 11 2006
12. Guruvayurappan temple
13. Big excellent samosas, Kachoris, sugarcane juice
Stay at Mangalam's house.
Pune has water issues.
Thursday-Oct 12 2006
Return to Chennai.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Anbil tour plan
Year: 2006
Aug 5th noon: Start via automobile to Trichy
SingaperumalKovil (Place & temple) in a cave en-route
Stay at Srirangam or Tiruchirapalli (depending on availability)
Aug 6th (Sunday) morning:
Anbil Pillaiyaar Abhishekam
Drive to Pudukkotai, en-route see:
Sittanvasal is 15 Km from Pudukottai
Mallaiyadipatti: Cave temple of Shiva & Vishnu: 34 kms from Pudukkottai and 17 kms from Keeranur on the Killukkottai route
Thiruvengaivasal: Dakshinamoorthy, En-route to Trichy, 6 kms on the Pudukkottai-Thiruchirapalli road
If possible:
Narthamalai is 18 kms from Pudukkottai and 31 kms from Thiruchi
Kudumianmalai is 18 kms from Pudukottai
Stay @ Pudukkotai
Lodging info from: http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Pudukkottai2.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s10
Lodges Name Phone Numbers
1. Prince Lodge 5843,Sathiyamoorthy Road,Opp,New Bus Stand,
Pudukkottai - 1. 222409,224991
2. Gnanam Lodge,
4154/1,East Main St, Near, Anna Statue,
Pudukkottai - 1. 222237,223918
3. Palaniyappa Lodge, 5794,Santhanathapuram 4th Street
Pudukkottai-1. 225743
4. Rani Anjugam Paradise Hotel,
North main street,
Pudukkottai - 1.
225743
5. Shivalaya Hotel,
9953/2,Thirumayam Road,
Pudukkottai - 1. 221864,220956
6. Sri Lakshmi Lodge,
9962,Sri Venkateswara Complex,
Opp: Court,Madurai Road,
Pudukkottai - 1. 221821
7. Shanthi Complex,
Sathyamoorthy Road'
Pudukkottai - 1. 227886
8. S . T . D Lodge,
Santhanathapuram 5th Street,
Pudukkottai - 1.
220528
9. Hotel MAARIS
2382,West Main Street,
Pudukkottai 225874
10.Hotel Sathyam
No.1,Sathyamoorthy Road,
Pudukkottai
223311
Aug 7th (Monday):
Places from:
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Pudukkottai.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s10
Avudayarkoil: 50 kms from Pudukkottai and 13 kms from Aranthangi
Thirumayam: 18 kms from Pudukottai, Shiva/Vishnu rock-cut cave temples
Peraiyur: Naganathaswamy
Government Museum is located at Thirugokarnam
Aug 8th (Tuesday):
Kodumbalur: 35 Kms from pudukottai and 40Km from Tiruchirappalli.
Viralimalai en-route highway to Trichy, visit if looks safe
Back to Chennai
Pack:
Thirukkattallai Is 5km from Pudukkottai town. Sundareswarar temple
Kunnandar Koil: 25 kms from Pudukkottai, rock-cut cave temple, portrait sculptures OR
Ponamaravathy Is 37 kms From Pudukkottai: The two temples are of Choleeswara Alagiperumal, and they belong to the later Chola and Pandya period.
Aranthangi
Other places nearby:
Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary, Kodikkarai, 68 km from Nagapattinam
Ucchi Pillaiyaar Kovil
Kallanai
Brihadeeshwara Kovil, Thanjavur
Airavateshwaran, Darasuram
Srirangam Kovil
Manora-eight storeyed miniature fortress, 65 km from Thanjavur
Royal Museum, Rajarajan Museum
Kailasamundaiyar Temple, Thiruverumbur, 12 km from Thiruchirapalli
Viralimalai Sanctuary, 30 km from Tirchirapalli, 40 km from Pudukkotai
Nagapattinam Kayaroganam Shiva temple
Kaya Roganam Shiva temple
Soundaraja Perumal Vaishanava temple
Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, Sowriraja Perumal Temple, and Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple
Sikkal The Sikkal Shri Singaravelan temple
Vedaranyam Saptha Vidanga Thallam
Ettukkudi Murugan Kovil, 28 km from Nagapattinam
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Nagapattinam1.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s17
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Chidambaram10.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s4
Tiruvakkarai Petrified forests
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Pudukkottai.aspx?CatId=C1&SubCat1Id=C1S1&SubCat2Id=C1S1S10
Aug 5th noon: Start via automobile to Trichy
SingaperumalKovil (Place & temple) in a cave en-route
Stay at Srirangam or Tiruchirapalli (depending on availability)
Aug 6th (Sunday) morning:
Anbil Pillaiyaar Abhishekam
Drive to Pudukkotai, en-route see:
Sittanvasal is 15 Km from Pudukottai
Mallaiyadipatti: Cave temple of Shiva & Vishnu: 34 kms from Pudukkottai and 17 kms from Keeranur on the Killukkottai route
Thiruvengaivasal: Dakshinamoorthy, En-route to Trichy, 6 kms on the Pudukkottai-Thiruchirapalli road
If possible:
Narthamalai is 18 kms from Pudukkottai and 31 kms from Thiruchi
Kudumianmalai is 18 kms from Pudukottai
Stay @ Pudukkotai
Lodging info from: http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Pudukkottai2.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s10
Lodges Name Phone Numbers
1. Prince Lodge 5843,Sathiyamoorthy Road,Opp,New Bus Stand,
Pudukkottai - 1. 222409,224991
2. Gnanam Lodge,
4154/1,East Main St, Near, Anna Statue,
Pudukkottai - 1. 222237,223918
3. Palaniyappa Lodge, 5794,Santhanathapuram 4th Street
Pudukkottai-1. 225743
4. Rani Anjugam Paradise Hotel,
North main street,
Pudukkottai - 1.
225743
5. Shivalaya Hotel,
9953/2,Thirumayam Road,
Pudukkottai - 1. 221864,220956
6. Sri Lakshmi Lodge,
9962,Sri Venkateswara Complex,
Opp: Court,Madurai Road,
Pudukkottai - 1. 221821
7. Shanthi Complex,
Sathyamoorthy Road'
Pudukkottai - 1. 227886
8. S . T . D Lodge,
Santhanathapuram 5th Street,
Pudukkottai - 1.
220528
9. Hotel MAARIS
2382,West Main Street,
Pudukkottai 225874
10.Hotel Sathyam
No.1,Sathyamoorthy Road,
Pudukkottai
223311
Aug 7th (Monday):
Places from:
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Pudukkottai.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s10
Avudayarkoil: 50 kms from Pudukkottai and 13 kms from Aranthangi
Thirumayam: 18 kms from Pudukottai, Shiva/Vishnu rock-cut cave temples
Peraiyur: Naganathaswamy
Government Museum is located at Thirugokarnam
Aug 8th (Tuesday):
Kodumbalur: 35 Kms from pudukottai and 40Km from Tiruchirappalli.
Viralimalai en-route highway to Trichy, visit if looks safe
Back to Chennai
Pack:
Thirukkattallai Is 5km from Pudukkottai town. Sundareswarar temple
Kunnandar Koil: 25 kms from Pudukkottai, rock-cut cave temple, portrait sculptures OR
Ponamaravathy Is 37 kms From Pudukkottai: The two temples are of Choleeswara Alagiperumal, and they belong to the later Chola and Pandya period.
Aranthangi
Other places nearby:
Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary, Kodikkarai, 68 km from Nagapattinam
Ucchi Pillaiyaar Kovil
Kallanai
Brihadeeshwara Kovil, Thanjavur
Airavateshwaran, Darasuram
Srirangam Kovil
Manora-eight storeyed miniature fortress, 65 km from Thanjavur
Royal Museum, Rajarajan Museum
Kailasamundaiyar Temple, Thiruverumbur, 12 km from Thiruchirapalli
Viralimalai Sanctuary, 30 km from Tirchirapalli, 40 km from Pudukkotai
Nagapattinam Kayaroganam Shiva temple
Kaya Roganam Shiva temple
Soundaraja Perumal Vaishanava temple
Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, Sowriraja Perumal Temple, and Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple
Sikkal The Sikkal Shri Singaravelan temple
Vedaranyam Saptha Vidanga Thallam
Ettukkudi Murugan Kovil, 28 km from Nagapattinam
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Nagapattinam1.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s17
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Chidambaram10.aspx?catid=c1&subcat1id=c1s1&subcat2id=c1s1s4
Tiruvakkarai Petrified forests
http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/citiestowns/Pudukkottai.aspx?CatId=C1&SubCat1Id=C1S1&SubCat2Id=C1S1S10
Friday, June 02, 2006
Andhra Pradesh Kurnool tourism
| Tourist Locations in AP> Kurnool |
Legend has it that in the 11th century A.D., the Odderas carted stones for construction of a temple at Alampur and halted at the present town of Kurnool before crossing River Tungabhadra. The locals supplied oil for greasing carts here and the place came to be known as Kandenavolu (Town of grease) which subsequently became Kurnool. |
The temple of Ahobilam, the Jyotirlinga at Srisailam, the large caves of Belum, all stand testimony to the rich heritage of this district. Another link: http://www.aptourism.in/kurnool.html |
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Bangalore travel suggestions
Let me tell you the places to see based on my experience. I?m attaching my blogs written then for your perusal.
1. Architectural places (almost all places will require you to remove your footwear, as a mark of respect for traditions)
a. Remote: needs planning and probably more than a day to visit and return
i. Shravanabelagola-Gomateshwara: Huge Jain statue of a king who left everything for spirituality-leave early and you should be able to get there and back in a day. Recently, there was a Jain religious rite performed there, where the first person to perform the rite paid approx: $35000 via an auction.
ii. Mysore Maharaja?s palace
iii. Halebid: An ancient Hindu temple destroyed by Islamic invaders. Pretty popular, but I haven?t been there. You should leave really early to visit this and Belur.
iv. Belur: An ancient Hindu temple, which was covered with sand to escape the Islamic invaders. The architecture is pretty good and worship happens to this day. One of the temples that allow westerners inside the sacred areas of the temple.
v. Tipu Sultan?s summer palace
vi. Brindavan Gardens
b. Local: you can visit these places in a day
i. Gavipuram Gangadhareswara Cave Temple and Bull temple
2. Natural places:
a. Local
i. Bannerghatta national park: they have safaris here. Expect rickety vehicles and a very good wildlife outing.
ii. Parks: Lal Bagh/Cubbon Park
b. Remote
i. There is a bird/wildlife sanctuary somewhere along the drive to Tipu Sultan?s palace. They have a boat ride there in a lake with crocodiles. That is good, if you have the time.
ii. National forests around the western ghats (if you have more than 2 days)
iii. Origin of Cauvery river/Hogennakkal waterfalls (if you have more than 2 days)
http://yathra.blogspot.com
http://yathra.blogspot.com
http://yathra.blogspot.com
Another suggestion:
That's not a lot of time, but hey we never have enough time, right! :)
Okay, if I understand right your interests are historical architecture & nature.
Your hotel is an excellent hotel & should be able to help with your sight-seeing, just ask.
Again, remember India is a developing country, don't expect US style facilities, but then, the prices are a lot cheaper as well.
Day trip: Architecture
Sculpture/Architecture
One weekend day, if you get time, start early, hire a cab, got to Shravanabelagola, Halebid & Belur, if possible with a good guide.
Shravanabelagola is a huge male statue, is the 24th Jain Thirthankara, a mythical king Bahubali who renounced everything to go on the path of self realization. One of the most popular Jain architectures.
Halebid has intricate external carvings, but the temple couldn't be completed; so its internal carvings aren't as intriccate. I think it means House destroyed.
Belur is a beautiful temple with the Hoysala architecture, which literally means, covered with sand, to escape Islamic invaders. One of the few temples to allow everyone to visit sacred areas of the temple.
Day Trip: Palace
Go to Mysore Maharaja palace. On the way, go to the bird sanctuary & a boat ride with crocodiles. On the way, visit Tipu Sultan's summer palace, and maybe Brindavan gardens with its musical fountains.
Day Trip: Nature
Go to Bannerghatta national park. They offer two safaris, one for bears/tigers/asiatic lions/wild buffaloes; another for elephants. Try to take both.
Evening Trip: Nature
Lal Bagh park, Cubbon park
Evening Trip; Architecture
Gavipuram Gangadeshwara Cave temple, Bull temple nearby which has water coming continuously out of the Bull's mouth (be wary of crowds trying to beg or get money from you, you are an outsider)
I'll let you know if I can think of anything else.
Have a safe & fun trip,
Swami
Sunday, March 12, 2006
India Travel - Arunachal Pradesh tours & vacation guide - Arunachal Pradesh Hotels
India Travel - Arunachal Pradesh tours & vacation guide - Arunachal Pradesh Hotels: "Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat
This circuit Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat starts from the State Capital Itanagar which has Geker Sinyi (Ganga lake), a beautiful spot for picnic, outing and boating. The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, The Ita-Fort (ruins), Buddhist Temple etc enroute Ziro a hill station which stands at 5754 ft enclosed by blue pine-clad rolling hills. At Daporijo, the Menga cave (Temple) can give immense satisfaction to the believer of Lord Shiva. The way to Along and Pasighat is of immense scenic beauty with beautiful river banks. Most ideal locations are available for river rafting, angling with splendid picnic spots.
Places of Interest
Itafort, Gekar Sinyi (natural lake), Talley Valley, Menga Cave, D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, Mouling National Park."
This circuit Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat starts from the State Capital Itanagar which has Geker Sinyi (Ganga lake), a beautiful spot for picnic, outing and boating. The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, The Ita-Fort (ruins), Buddhist Temple etc enroute Ziro a hill station which stands at 5754 ft enclosed by blue pine-clad rolling hills. At Daporijo, the Menga cave (Temple) can give immense satisfaction to the believer of Lord Shiva. The way to Along and Pasighat is of immense scenic beauty with beautiful river banks. Most ideal locations are available for river rafting, angling with splendid picnic spots.
Places of Interest
Itafort, Gekar Sinyi (natural lake), Talley Valley, Menga Cave, D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, Mouling National Park."
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