Yagyaraman Mahadevan's Weight Loss Tracker

www.my-calorie-counter.com     The webs free Calorie Guide

Rate Card for Downloading in Internet Cafe

Rate Card in Internet Cafe seems to be moving out of per hour into per GB. Saw this in Murugeshpalya in Bangalore

 (Pardon him for the spelling of “Videos”)

I have Dropped 10 Kgs

Today is a big day for me. I have dropped 10 Kgs in almost 8-9 Weeks. Though some more Kgs to be dropped, it is good to feel 10 Kgs down . This is purely through working out in the Gym for 1.5 hours a day + disciplined Diet.

People who know me for quite sometime know of the fact that 4 years back I was reducing weight. This time it is to drop the additional weight I have gained in the last 2-3 years . This is the last time I am reducing weight. Once I reach my Target, I will maintain it.

One interesting usage of English. As I was speaking to my Friend I said “I have lost 10 Kgs”. He corrected me saying, you have Dropped 10 Kgs. You can lose a pen or something else unintentionally and when you reduce weight, it is completely based on your personal decision and hence it is better to say  “I have dropped 10 Kgs” . Interesting to understand this. Thanks Arun.

Trip to Bandipur

After an excellent Journey from Nagarhole, reached Bandipur around 1 PM. Checked into the Resort and it was a completely Greenery place. Did not expect such a kind of Extraordinary Cottage. Suddenly, coming from Nagarhole, it was living life KING size (little costly though).

The day progresses like this in Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Bandipur. Safari in Jeep into the Bandipur Forest from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. After that a Video Show (thats what they call this but this is actually putting a VCD in a TV and around 20 of them sitting around watching the Wild Life VCD) go for Dinner. Next day morning Nature Walk (this can be converted to Forest Safari again if you are staying there for 2 days) from around 6:15 AM to 8:15 AM. After breakfast, they took us to a Gopalswamy temple. After lunch, the same program continues like previous day

We had an Opportunity to go for 4 Safari’s we went to 3 of them and skipped one. What a good experience to go into the Bandipur Forest. We were inside the forest for around 6 to 7 hours in the span of 2 days. It is certainly a different experience to be in the Forest and searching for Animals and Birds in those Busehs and Tress and in the Open places. We were able to Sight Wild Elephants, Wild Dogs, Lots, lots and lots and Deers, Bisons, Few Peacocks, Peahens, Eagles etc. We were unable to Spot a TIGER in the Forest. They said the best time to spot Tiger is between December and March (We will certainly go there once more during that time to complete this incomplete cycle)

Overall an amazing place to stay and roam around in the Forest and nothing to Shop around for. A good break into the actual Jungle instead of Concerete Jungle.

 Entire set of pictures of Bandipur Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), Bandipur Forest Safari (Most of the photos in the Album taken by Madhu)

We stayed in this house

A huge hall…

Balcony for relaxing in the evening

What a beautiful couple…

Deerssssss

Wild Elephantttttt

Beautiful deer….Very close

Beauty at its best in Peacock

Beauty at its best again

Trip to Nagarhole

We had decided to go on a Vacation for a week. There was a Function to attend in Coimbatore on Friday. So we decided to get out of Bangalore the previous Sunday and take a Week Vacation. At the last moment, decided to start the Vacation from Nagarhole and then go to Bandipur. But, Nagarhole does not have any great Hotels for accomoation. Dilip, my Manager gave me contact of a Homestay where he had stayed, when he had been there.

It is Green Retreat (www.greenretreatcoorg.com), by Manu. Called up them to find out details about Accomodation. Even before I could confirm, he was ready to guide me about the Route from Bangalore to Nagarhole, what all can be done there etc.. After getting all the details, gave the Confirmation after couple of hours.

The 2 days of our Stay at their “Manu Estate” is certainly unforgettable. They have a 30 acre plantation. Hospitality at its best. First, we were given an Accomodation in the old bungalow, but then we moved into the New house (there were guests already in the basement rooms). The place was very very well maintained. Manu uncle and Muthu aunty made sure we were very comfortable there. The rate we paid was for accomodation and 3 times food . Food was truly extra ordinary. If you are visiting Nagarhole, I personally think, this is the PLACE to stay and enjoy life.

 We went in for a Walk in the morning in their plantation area. Uncle guided us as to what all activities are there and when to go for what so that we are also relaxing there and dont miss out on any place

We reached the place around 1 PM, after a good lunch and rest went to the Wayanad Forest Safari (Wayanad is around 3 Kms from there). This was our first forest safari and we were enjoying the trees around us, sounds of birds etc. and as we were in the middle of the forest, it rained very heavily. The thunder sound was heard in Dolby DTS effect very close to our ears. Lightening was too close. Great experience to be in the mid of the forest on a Jeep when it was raining. Could not spot anything other than Deers and Bison there.

Next morning, we went to Iruppu falls around 20 Kms from our Homestay. Was not the very right time to be there because water in the falls was very less. Monsoon is yet to set in. If you cannot walk for around 1.5 to 2 Kms on the plains, steps, stones not a right place to be in.

In the afternoon wen to the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (previously Nagarhole National Park). The Safari in closed Mini Bus is only between 3 PM and 5 PM. In case you are crossing the place by around 1:30, you can give your name, so that you are first on the Safari list. We went in around 2:30 and after waiting, I went and stood in the Queue. It is first come first server basis. Got into the Second bus. We felt, we should have been in the First bus so that we could spot animals first. Then we learnt that each bus takes different routes. Again, various varities of Deers along with Bison and Elephants was what we saw. Couple of days before they had sighted a Leopard there .

After the Safari, went to Tirunelli temple on the Wayanad side. Around 25 Kms from Kutta. First 3 Kms road is very bad. After that amazing road. Crossed the Wayanad forest and headed to Tirunelli Temple. Oh………What a view of hill and mountain from there…….

Finished the worship and left around 7 PM from there. No lights on the road because of Forest area. The first time, I saw the power of our Car’s light . As we were driving closer to Wayanad forest, we saw huge heard of Deers on the road. The headlight of the car on their eyes, made it look RED and it was an amazing experience to see.

Next morning, left to Bandipur. Passing through Nagarhole forest in the mornings is again a great experience. So many deers and sun rays passing through tall trees was a Scene to watch out for!!!

Overall Nagarhole stay was truly amazing experience though we did not see a Tiger yet in the Forest. Did we see it in Bandipur!!!!!!!!!! READ THE NEXT POST

Click on these links below to access the full set of photos taken [Most of these photos were taken by Madhu)

Photos in Nagarhole Forest   Photos of Wayanad Safari   Photos of Morning Walk in Homestay   Photos of Iruppu falls   Photos of Safari in Rajiv Gandhi National Park   Photos of route from Nagarhole to Bandipur

Sample Pictures

Madhu and Muthu aunty

Pacha paselnu Elai

We walked soooooo much

Sun rays coming…Black and White beauty

Deers in Wayanad Safari

Route that we came

Still raining…

Wild Bison in Wayanad Safari

This is Iruppu falls

View from Iruppu falls

Beauty of Sun rays

Yanai mele Kagam in Nagarhole

View from Tiruneli Temple

Morning beatuy of Nagarhole

Leaving Nagarhole to Bandipur

 

Vacation in May

After a very long time, it is going to be series of Posts about our Vacation in the last week. It was an excellent experience. Trip started from on May 17

Day 1 - Reached Kutta (10 Kms from Nagarhole). Went for a Jungle Safari into Wayanad Forest

Day 2 – Iruppu Falls, Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole National Park) Safari, Tirunalli Temple

Day 3 – Reach Bandipur from Nagarhole. Jungle Safari – Round I

Day 4 – Jungle Safari – Round II and III

Day 5 – Leave from Bandipur to reach Coimbatore via Ooty, Kothagiri

Day 6 – Leave from Coimbatore to Erode (to meet Grand Parents) and night halt at Salem (Parent’s house)

Day 7 – Leave Salem to reach Bangalore by Noon

Entire trip was by my Santro (first time went on for around 1100 Kms in a Week)

Lost bluetooth @ Service Station

I wrote a post about amazing experience at Hyundai Service Station – http://yraman.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/my-experience-trident-hyundai-service-station/

This time as well, it is about Hyundai Service Station @ Indira Nagar, but on a negative note

Gave our Santro for Service and the Service Engineer checked the vehicle completely and noted down all cracks, dents etc.. and asked me to take the CD Pouch, AC Freshener Spray, Visiting Cards etc and checked the dashboard, ash tray to make sure nothing is left.

Came back in the evening to pick the car back. For the first time in the last 6 services I have given so far, someone has taken the content from the tray below Driver seat and kept the contents in the dashboard. Everything was there except my Nokia Bluetooth handsfree. I checked with the Service Engineer, Manager and no luck. It was not there. He said the people who do the cleaning have left. He also said they have checked those people completely before the leave. They also argued it was my mistake because I did not inform them that I have kept my Bluetooth there. I totally agreed with him that it was also my mistake. But asked if they could help me in getting it back. Looked like they dont believe their own people and in doubts and in certaininity they only support their people.

I wrote it down in the Feebdack form they gave me clearly stating the situation. Finally he agreed to give me a call next day to update me after checking with his Team. I did not get any call. When I called back I got a reply, it is not found after checking.

Usually I would get a call from Hyundai a week or 2 weeks after giving it for service to check “How vehicle is progressing etc”, this time even that call has not yet come. Is it because I had complained against them in the feedback?

Not very sure……..But the moral of the story is “NEVER EVER LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN THE CAR WHILE GIVING IT FOR SERVICE EVEN IF IT IS AT HYUNDAI”

Technology Vs Real Time Experience

In the last 3 months, whenever I had gone to a good Tourist / Picnic / Sight Seeing spot, many people are much interested in covering the entire scene in maximum 2inch * 2 inch display of their mobile or Digital camera display rather than enjoying the experience Real Time.

When we saw the Musical Fountain in Brindavan Garden, Mysore and Coorg as soon as the fountain started “n” number of mobile cameras and digital cameras came up to capture the scene. But the unfortunate thing is most of that was able to capture only complete Dark outdoor as it was quite a distant and complete darkness added to the complexity. By the time, they realized that Technology foresaked them, the Musical Fountain was complete and they had missed that experience.

The same thing happened while seeing Sunset at Raja Seat in Coorg. Sunset is certainly an amazing experience to be watched without any disturbance. Even seeing that through the small display while the whole world is available in front of us is toooooooooo much of Technological use.

I think at times Technology should not be used to miss out the wonderful experience of certain things like this.

Accomodation in Madikeri (Coorg)

We finalised our plan for vacation on the last day though we planned for it a month earlier. We wanted to stay in a Home Stay in Coorg as the Hotels are expensive and food might be an issue. The best place to look out for Home Stays in Coorg is http://www.homestaykodagu.com/home_stay.html. This lists all the Home Stays. Average rate of Home Stay would be around 1500 – 2000 per day for a Couple (with Break fast provided in some case). This is much cheaper when rate is compared with Coorg International or other good Hotels in Madikeri.

When I checked it out for our trip almost every Home Stya was full. Tried to reach out to a Hotel and they had accomodation for just one day (we needed two days). The Hotel Reception gave the contact number of a person and I though it was some Hotel Manager and contacted him immediately (all these happening on Saturday evening and our plan to reach Madikeri on Monday morning). It was Nitin Ganapathy and he was not directly related to the Hotel but a Home Stay agent who arranges Home Stays and Hotel Accomodation in Coorg. Spoke to him and he was an interesting and an amazing person. He said he can provide Home Stay accomodation in Madikeri town itself and said he has some properties tied up with him and can surely give us 2 days accomodation. I knew that rather than a Home Stay within the town, in an Estate Planatation would be awesome. He had a Home Stay option in an Estimate immediately. He said it is around 6 – 7 KMs from the Town, but really a great one. I have heard already that these people would need a day’s payment as advance (to be transferred to their Bank account and they take things as Confirmed only after that). He was very practical and said, you can no way transfer funds to us before you come here. So think it over and confirm me in an hour’s time and I shall block it. He went by the Word of Mouth and blocked it for us and gave the contact number of the Owner Lady of the Estate, Mrs. Prabhu. Deal was finalized for Rs. 3000/- for two night stay for both of us with Breakfast included (felt it was  a good deal). A room would be given to us in the Estate bungalow and she also stays in the same house.

We were completely skeptical of how the accomodation would be as it has been done at the last minute and we were thinking “is it 3000 as it was at last moment and they wanted to materialise on the rush” or would it really be a good. We even thought of coming back to Mysore in case we dont like the Estate Home Stay in Madikeri.

After reaching Madikeri town, called up Mrs. Prabhu and she gave us very clear direction to reach to a spot close to her Estate. For the next 7 KMs whatever Estate Bungalows we saw (however good or bad it was), we were discussing if our accomodation would be similar to that. The route to the Estate was good from the Town. Met her and she took us to the Estate. Wowwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was an amazing accomodation. Just inside the main entrance of the estate on both sides clearly laid gardens with flowers of many colors and in the middle is the pathway. After driving 100 meters parked the car and she took us to our room…… We were really surprised and felt it was really an excellent choice. A biggggggggg room with a dressing table, cup board, reading table, good bed and a hugeeeeeeeeeee bathroom (I have played cricket in young age in a place as big as that). Just outside the main building is an out house for the helper (she understood and spoke in Tamil). She stays in one other room, but for us it was completely Private experience. She does not speak much but only answers to our questions

 

We stayed here

Just Outside room

Just Outside room

Flower vase

Dressing Table

Car Drive Way

Out house

Out house

Coffe beans

The food that they prepared for extraordinarily good. We never thought we could have such tasty and good food in that place. Just superb!!!!. Different variery for every meal (we ended up having Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at that place). She charged just Rs. 400/- (Rs. 50 per meal for Lunch and Dinner per person) and food was great worth for the money we paid.

It is a Coffee Plantation and we would walk all the way till where we could find a path and it was their own Private property. She had a DOG to safeguard the house. It was actually almost a small calf size (Kadichha 4KG flesh gali).

The best part was during night when we hit the bed, it is completely SILENT and only sound we could hear is some birds chirpping in the nest. No other sound other than that. It was COLD in the nights and EARLY MORNINGS, but a good landscape and good view of entire place from her Estate.

On 31st December morning, we left the Estate bungalow but carried with us an amazing experience which we did not have till that time.

Mysore – Coorg Trip

Me and Madhu went for a Vacation to Mysore – Coorg in the last week of December.

28th December 2008

We started at @ 3 PM after lunch @ Hotel Malgudi. It was an excellent drive from the Start. We reached Mysore and Checked into Hotel Ginger exactly @ 6 PM (Flat 3 hours from Whitefield, Bangalore to Mysore). Total distance travelled was around 160 Kms.  Heard from the Hotel Reception that Palace Illumination will be between 7 PM and 8 PM on all Sundays and Public Holidays (During Dasarrah illumination was from 7 PM to 9 PM)

Left to the Palace in an Auto (from our previous experience it will be difficult to Park Car near Palace during that peak time). We were surprised when the Driver said it is Rs. 20/- (We remember 3 months back we paid around 40) and he also offerred to bring us back to the Hotel for Rs. 40/- after waiting for an hour (good deal though).

It was an amazing experience to see the Illumination in the Palace. We both decided that last time, we had taken enough Photos and this time we would just be in the Experience of sitting in the grass and just observing the palace. It was really an amazing experience to sit and watch the completely illuminated Palace. We could not resist ourself from taking Pictures and clicked few.

Went through the entire strech and came back to the Hotel. Had a good Sleep after Dinner as we had to start early next day to Madikeri.

 

29th December 2008

After the good buffet Breakfast @ Ginger, started to Madikeri around 8 AM. It was again an excellent drive. On the way places to see – Tibetian Monastry (Golden Temple), Cauvery Nisagardhama and Dubare Elephant Camp. Driver from Mysore till the Tibetian Monastry was great. There are no Ghats/Hair pin bends at all.

We went into the Tibetian Monastry and spent around 2 to 2.5 hours there, including Shopping . This is a must see place to see a different temple altogether. It was great to see the 3 Golden Statues once we enter through the normal door. The middle one is 60 Feet tall and the other two are 58 Feet tall. All are made of Copper and plated with Gold. Completely silent place without any restrictions (can take Photos wherever we wanted). Just outside the temple there is a shopping complex with many Tibetian items like Bell, Wind chimes, Hand fan etc.

 It was almost 1PM when we came out and decided to directly go to Madikeri and see the Cauvery Nisagardhama while we return. The road which was very good till now, was not so from now on. The distance of around 30 Kms from Kushal Nagar to Madikeri is not so good. Reached Madikeri and called up the Estate owner (of the Estate where we stayed) to get the driving directions to her place and reached around 2 PM (in time for an excellent lunch).

In the evening went to Om Karaeshwara temple in Madikeri. Olden temple with a Kulam. It just started getting colder now. Day ended with the temple visit.

 

30st December 2008

Thala Cauvery was the first place to drive to in the morning. Started around 9:30 AM after a good breakfast at the Estate. On the way to Thala Cauvery is Bagamandala. Bagamandala was around 40 KMs and Thala Cauvery around 47 KMs from where we stayed. The road to drive was really very scenic. Lots of pictures taken en route.

Bagamandala is a temple. From there drove to Thala Cauvery. Drive from Bagamandala to Thala Cauvery is with lots of turns. Thala Cauvery is a great place to be in, with an excellent view of mountains all around. Agasteshwarar kovil is there. Also Cauvery is worshipped. There is a small kopuram in which no deity but water of Cauvery being worshipped.

Around 30 easy to climb steps took us to the deities. From that place, there is a pathway up the hill where we could see Cauvery. We did not venture out for that.

After a good lunch again at the Estate house, started out second shift for the day to explore Madikeri.

Abbi falls was the next visit. Road is not very smooth and there are few hair pin bends (have to be careful while driving). After the Car Park, have to walk for around .5 KM into the falls area (which is like a Forest). There are benches kept along the way to take some rest as we had to walk up and down and not on plain. Suddenly started hearing sound of Falls and it was good to suddenly see the falls amidst the forest without any view from long. Walked on the Thongum Palam to take some photos and people said Water is not more in the falls as it was not Monsoon time, when it would be really be wild.

Raja’s Seat (Raja of those time used to come here and sit to enjoy his evenings to have a good view of the valley) was the next location. Sunset in Raja’s seat is something that should never be missed. It was a brilliant experience to see the Yellow ball go down between the mountain and suddenly one side of the horizon becoming Yellow. Really a sight to watch. There are well laid steps for many of them to sit and watch the Sunset. In the same park there is a Musical Fountain. I have seen musical fountain in Bangalore, Mysore Brindavan and in Raja’s Seat. The one in Raja’s Seat is brilliant among the three in terms of variation of colors and sync with the Music. Really a great work.

Our day is done with all sight seeing for the day and headed to the Estate for sleep. We had to leave this beautiful place the next day.

 

31st December 2008

After finishing the Breakfast, started from the Estates at  10 AM towards Mysore. Decided to complete Dubare Elephant Camp and Nisagardhama (close to each other with a distance of 17 KMs) on the way and reach Mysore before evening.

Dubare Elephant Camp was one place which we did not enjoy because we went there late (not being aware). Elephants are fed and bathed every day and heard it was good to see those. But all those happen only between 9 AM to 10:30 AM (if you plan to visit Dubare camp, be there only at that time). When we reached there it was around 11:30 and even the Elephant ride was coming to an end (only till NOON) and we had to be satisfied by taking some photos of elephant ride of some other family

Decided to finish our lunch and then go to Cauvery Nisagardhama. ATHITHI hotel in Kushal Nagar is a good place for lunch. Meals was decent. Now we were in Nisagardhama (it is a Bamboo forest). Crossed the thongu palam and entered the forest. It was good to see so many tall Bamboos around (with monkeys as well). Spent around an half in walking through the forest. It was a good time with lot of photos taken.

After that headed to Mysore and back in Hotel Ginger by around 6:30 PM. New Year eve and some Music and dance happening in the Hotel. Rested for sometime and was awake to Welcome to New Year 2009.

 

1st January 2009

Before leaving to Bangalore wanted to visit the Mysore Palace once more. Went in around 10:30 and spent time till 1 PM in the palace and temples inside the premises. It was good to know it took 15 years to build the palace and the cost of Building the Mysore Palace was 42 Lakhs (little less than the cost for which we bought our Apartment).

Headed to Bangalore from Mysore after lunch at Hotel Siddharth (good lunch – but very crowded). It around around 2 hrs 15 minutes to reach Wonder La and from there almost another 2 hours to reach our house (thanks to Bangalore Traffic).

Overall, it was certainly an wonderful experience for me and Madhu. The location was just what we both enjoy the most. So our 4 day vacation came to an end with close to 550 photos being shot

Mysore Palace – Entrance

Mysore Palace – Illuminated

Mysore Palace – Black and White

Entrance of Tibetian Monastry

Entrance to Golden Temple Hall

Golden Temple Hall

Abbi Falls

Abbi Falls

Abbi Falls Forest

Thala Cauvery

Thala Cauvery Pooja

Thala Cauvery View

Raja Seat – Sunset 1

Raja Seat – Sunset 2

Raja Seat – Sunset 3

Raja Seat – Sunset 4

Raja Seat – Sunset 5

Raja Seat – Sunset 6

Raja Seat – Sunset 7

Raja Seat – Sunset 8

Raja Seat – Sunset 9

Raja Seat – Sunset 10

Raja Seat – Sunset 11

Raja Seat – Sunset 12

Raja Seat – Sunset 13

Raja Seat – Sunset 14

Raja Seat – Sunset 15

What difference would it make if you dont have SLEEP in your life

In Target, I participated in a Impromptu speech discussion and the topic I got was “What difference would it make in your life if You dont have SLEEP”?

I just had to read the topic to the audience and start speaking for 2 minutes. Really a funny topic.

I started and spoke about:

1. 6 more hours in my day to spend time with my family

2. Very dificult to be in some meetings (which are boring) as I can sleep peacefully when I am not interested

3. What would happen to my dreamssssssssss. I fulfill many incomplete desires in dreams and if I dont get sleep, what would happen / how would I fulfill those.

I managed to speak for 1 minute 50 seconds on the above points added FUN in the speech.

For some reason, this topic is lingering in my mind and I keep imagining what would happen if there are NO MORE SLEEP in our LIFE (quite interesting……..THINK about this and come up with your own list)