Why do I travel so much????

Hiiiia Friends
How are you doing?

Well my things are going super slow and sleepy.

More than often i am asked by my colleagues and friends same question-Why do i travel so much?How can i get so much leaves?
And whenever my colleagues peek into my leave account,they wonder how i am still having so many leaves left?I try answer
them every time but they don't seem convinced .So i decided to pour my whole heart through my blog here.I will answer few questions separately in other blogs but today i am covering what travel teaches me? Why i strive so badly for travel.

pics courtesy-quora

1.Travel makes me more alive-It may sound weird but true in my case.Doing repetitive things in routine we tend to loose appreciating those little things i.e. food, sunrise, sunset,
rain, wind, people and list will go on.When you are out in alien land you are just more aware for every single thing,let it be road or scenery around,food you taste,people you meet.You are just more receptive to take then and live that moment.

2.Travel makes me more Independent-Two contradictory things comes here.When you travel actually you have to depend on people around for many things like getting directions,getting review for best place to eat from your autowala and likewise many more. But when you cross every hurdle which suddenly comes on your way,a acute feeling comes from within that says you are far more capable for doing anything than you can think of being within safe box.Your self reliance raises.Your confidence reaches new height.

3.Travel teaches me better finance Management- Apart for saving from all "not so necessary"things to manage travel expenses,there are other lessons too comes when you travel.I am sharing one story here.In the month of October i visited araku which was blazing with protest for Samyekhya andhra. While coming back there was a complete "Bandh".We walked around 10+ km to catch your train.30+KM  we covered in shared auto(changing thrice).Auto fare was skyrising. I saw rural people there, for them extra Rs 10 hike makes travel impossible.When i came back from the trip my
respect for money increased. I started using it more wisely.Every penny counts.

4.Travel makes me compassionate-Same in Araku trip,due to bandh businesses, which are run barely on tourists were badly affected.I saw number of people lying hungry.When you see how there are different kind of problems people have and are able to make peace with it your complains seams tiny.You become more compassionate and giving.

5.Travel teaches me patience-Have you ever got annoyed standing in Que in super market or in front of trial room in mall.I did many times and i still do.I resolved that issue with ordering everything i need online including vegetables and groceries. Well but truth remains same not everything available online.When you are travel you can't do anything when your train or flight gets delayed or you missed your bus.You can't keep frowning for what happened but you have to act immediately for next possible option. That's how sick things happen in life and we keep frowning for that forever.After facing these situations many times i have grown much better to have patience in real life.Understanding and taking things normally when they go wrong. Travel taught me about those places and also showed about different facet of human life,It makes me more mature and grown while still keeping that child heart alive which can laugh madly on crankiest joke or who can dance on every single celebration.So keep travelling and celebrating the joy of life....
Happy Travel............

One Postcard From My Life-Kondaveedu Fort

Hello Everyone
How are you all?

Seems like late start for new year for me.
Well i had wonderful celebration for new year eve and next day,away from city,away from crowd,beneath open sky,in the arms of nature.Will share the detailed story soon in my next blog.
As new year started i am still in the process of decluttering and simplifying my  everyday life.
Thoughts are settling in mind for longer duration than usual.Yeah brainstorming for best ideas are going.
So for now i am sharing this postcard,which was taken from my last visit to Kondaveedu Fort.

We trekked up the hill to the lost Kondaveedu fort,located near Guntur,Andhrapradesh.
There is one thing i want to admit here,since the time i have moved to Hyderabad,the landscape of entire Deccan Plateau never fails to allure me to trek with them..I am in love with those rocky terrain.
So here is a virtual tour via this postcard......Happy New Year 2014...

Few Healthy Habits For Living Better

Hiaa Friends

It's raining in Hyderabad  for past 3 days without any break thus making idea of going out impossible.How is weather at your places?

Anyways I have been thinking for a while about sharing these little things we can add in daily life to live better and healthier.
Here we go...

1.Massaging
Do you massage your body?Let me tell you being working everyday and exercising makes your muscles tired.Massaging makes good blood circulation and also relaxes those tired muscle.Next time you free at home, get some olive oil(you can use any oil of your choice but olive oil works best for me) and massage your arms,legs,eyebrow areas.You will feel the difference.You don't have to run to spa every time but you can do these small tricks at home.

2.Exercise-
I have already emphasized about exercising in my last post but this is such an important thing i don't mind repeating it again.Do you have problem like no place to go out for jogging or running/no gym or very costly gym nearby/No time etc etc.Think what do you enjoy?Do you enjoy dancing,buy a dance workout dvd from flipkart,run it on your computer and just dance.That's it?Yaa that is possible.
Do you have some little spare area on floor,buy one yoga matt and allow yourself to do some easy asanas or suryanamaskar anytime you are free.I have been exercising through out my life as early as i can remember but trust me set backs are with everyone and it is equally harder to get back onto  routine.Crossing initial inertia is the difficult part.Get started first,if you feel better then good feeling will  drive you further.

3.Getting up Early
I myself is not a morning person and i have really struggled hard for making this a habit.See i don't guarantee about whether brain or memory works better(i have felt the contrary i feel very sleepy no matter what i do) but observed few things for sure.
a.You can't breath as pure as air in the early morning at any part of your day.
b.Min noise to make you more relaxed if you want to do yoga or meditation.
c.There is no substitute of the beauty of the rising sun.That will fill you with energy and vibrancy for the day.
For getting up early you have to go to the bed early too else you won't be able to sleep for adequate hours.So if possible alter your schedule a little and balance for it.

4.Including Salads And Fruits In Your Diet
You are lucky if you eating "Ghar Ka Khana"(i.e. Daal/Rice/Sabji/Roti/Sambhar).They are good but i feel still we ignore necessity of raw veggies.You don't have to buy costly Italian salad dressing.Just cut carrot,cucumber,cabbage and sprinkle some salt+lemon juice,that's it.Enjoy your healthy meal with significant amount of vitamins and roughage.

5.Drinking Water As You Get Up
Again i am not advocating drinking 4-5 glass of water(which seems impossible to me,i am trying for years) just drink as much your belly allows.I my case i can drink roughly 0.75Ltr(i have been drinking this since first time heard a speech from Dean of Ayurvedic college at the age of 14).A lot has proven in medical science about its benefits(i am not sure how true they are) but personally i have felt,your digestion system does work very well with it.There is no harm in giving it a try i guess.Later you can decide on the basis of your own result.

I don't think there is any hard and fast rule for living healthier.everyone has different type of body,temperament,nature as whole and getting what best works for you is always going to be on trial and error basis.What i have mentioned above did work well with me and people i have shared with.
Hope it will also work for you.

Have a great living and pink health.

Write me if you have any queries,suggestions or comments.


Happy Blogging

With Love
Mini

Balancing Between Work And Life

Hia Friends
How are you guys doing?Hope everybody is in the pink of their health.For many days this subject was hanging in my mind for blogging.I think i am getting better everyday for bringing life in balance between extreme pressure of work and personal demands. :)

Ok let me first tell you about my work background.I am an Aircraft Engineer which requires long stressful hour of physical work(though i thoroughly enjoy that).I start for work at 7:30 am and reach back to home at 6 pm in minimum load condition.Else it can be between  8 pm to 10:30 pm while returning.Balancing Work,Workout,Homework and Time for yourself.All essentials but i was juggling through all of them for past 1.5 yrs and now i am feeling at least few of my trial-error method are working :).So if you are also having such issues, here i am sharing my experiences.

1.Getting up little early and doing Yoga-

Trust me people it is great way to start your day.Not necessarily you have to do for an hour or more.It's hard time getting anything done in that rush hour. Try to get up little early than usual and do some kapalbhanti,then any no. of Surya Namaskar possible.Or if you enjoy Jogging,little brisk walk will work.

2.Skipping breakfast-

Well i am not backing any philosophy like "Eating breakfast King size" but i have personally noticed skipping breakfast is a bad idea. Because it results in slowing metabolism down and you feel less energetic as time passes.But our actual constrain in about time.My idea is get a glass of fruit juice or eat 2 banana or an apple or quick corn-milk.These do not require too much time and you will remain energetic at work.

3.Not having time for Reading-

Well i have suffered from this issue for very long time.Work and rest other so called important things took priority and i found having no time at all for reading.I almost forgotten that i used to enjoy reading so much(no fiction) until i was reminded by husband few months back.I was trying hard to get back but could not.Reading book at your work place gives wrong impression to peers.My nature of job requires being on foot all the time.So what i did was involved technology at work.Having smartphone now i read forums, quora, blogspot, news etc every time i have any minute spared, let it be waiting for spare parts,waiting for some tools or when rest of team is involved in gossip.I am not saying that's all but it filled the gap to good extent.

4.Not having time to Talk to Old friends-family

Again this is my long fought battle.If anyone calls me after work i used to get annoyed badly because i kept struggling with my household work.Now what i do i use Bluetooth on my ear for making or taking all such necessary call while cutting vegetables or while making chapatis.This way you can really make peace of mind and give time to your near and dear ones too.

5.Stressful Household Work-

Well i have seen good number of people in my life those enjoy it(i.e. my mother,few of my friends etc.).They work with such a peace and rhythm i really wondered HOW?I am sure you guys have also seen many in your close circle.The lesson i have learnt from them is "Change Your Attitude".Don't think you are back from long hours of work and again you have to struggle with things remaining at home.If you like music,play your favorite playlist and slowly start your work in kitchen.It has brought big change in my life and reinforced my belief that little improvement and positive change in approach can do wonder.

Well i have hundred more small things i can write down in this subject but i think it's enough for now.Trust me no matter how bad is situation or time, you can still do something to change it or to change yourself to do and be better.

Have best of your Time,health and Wellness.
Do drop your comments,questions and suggestions.
Happy Blogging
With Love
Mini

P.S. -I am a technology repellent animal.Want to live with least possible of them and also argue that in long term they are spoiling our lives.There intrusion in my life is mostly through my utility oriented technology geek husband. :)

Haritha Hill Resort Ananthagiri-A Review

Hello Friends

As i mentioned in my last post about my Tyda-Ananthagiri-Araku trip,our next stay after Jungle Bells was at Haritha Hill Resort run by AP tourism department.First impression of this place was simply awesome.A beautiful resort nestling amid hills all around,neatly manicured gardens and walkway,and individual cottages around in circle.Also having one big cafeteria to offer delicious food to it's guest(breakfast was complimentary with stay but dinner/lunch and anything extras were paid ).Resort was very elegant and beautifully designed.Views from all balcony seamed  alluring but splendid hill range behind AC cottages was most spectacular.This resort offers two kind of Cottages AC and Non AC to fit in all pocket.Personally i feel Non Ac cottage is sufficient because temperature remains low at that elevation.It was cloudy weather when we visited.You can see and feel how cloud covers the whole atmosphere including you while sitting in balcony .It was a kind of magical feeling to watch this display.

So overall my review for this place is
Location-Very Good
Food-Good
Hospitality-Good
Cost-Expensive but affordable
Security-Good
I would highly recommend this place to everyone planning for Araku-Tyda-Ananthagiri tour,i believe this is best place to stay and cover all nearby destination.

Below i am attaching pictures for visual tour of the place :).

Me at Kids Slide

View from Garden

Walkway

Walkway all around resort

Me Sipping tea at our Balcony

Balcony

View From cafeteria garden

The entrance of the Resort

Our stay was memorable.Looking forward to travel and share more.Be part of my journey,keep reading my blog.

Please write me if you need any help or suggestion about this place i will be delighted to assist you.

Happy Travelling and Happy Blogging

With Love
Mini

JUNGLE BELLS TYDA-A REVIEW

Hello Friends

Firstly sincere apologies to all my readers for remaining silent for unusual long time.I was extremely busy working for 12 Hr shift and no leave for past 2 month(don't get surprised my nature of profession demands that).
So once this hectic work schedule was over i needed a much deserved,much awaited travel break :)

After screening out many places of interest from list,matching with  days of leave,fund,weather,we decided to go to TYDA-Ananthagiri-Araku-Vizag Trip.This trip became hilarious and extremely real time adventures due to many reasons(i am going to unveil them in coming blogs).

Our first Halt was Jungle Bells-Tyda,a jungle camp nestled at Anathagiri Hill range, at lower ghat section.Ride from Vizag to Tyda was delight to eyes.Rolling meadows,Deep Ghats,milky waterfalls and series of tunnels. Tyda is a very small isolated railway station(don't expect many people there).For reaching jungle bells,you can ask any local and sure they will guide you a way through paddy field.Probably due to Samikhya Andhra Movement,this place was quite(Though i love solitude but it was more that what i can appreciate).There are around 18 cottages AC&Non-AC spread apart to give you more privacy.View from glass wall of your cottage was wildnes of jungle,sound was bird chirping and bugs humming.Overall i loved the serenity of ambiance but in night that isolation was little scary too.So my overall review for the place is as follows

Location-Awesome(serene and peaceful)
Services-Satisfactory
Maintenance-Average
Food-Average(due to unavailability of many guest options became minimum)
Service-Good(people were good  and helping though not as polished as you demand)
Fare-little expensive but affordable

Advice-If you are planning for 2 days Araku Trip,i suggest give this place opportunity to serve you for one day.If you are a nature lover you can ignore some imperfection of the place and enjoy it's raw beauty.Please feel free to contact me if any more details requires,i will be more than happy to assist you.

Below i am attaching some pics of the place to give you better idea.

Me at Tyda Railway Station

View from glass walls of Cottage

Non AC Wooden Cottage

AC cottage

Interior of Non AC Cottage

If you have any queries or require any details please write in comment section.Happy Travel........

Leonia Holistic Destination- A review

Hello Readers
It's been long since last post.
Well i have not traveled outstation for past couple of months.
But on this Sunday me and hubby went to Leonia Holistic Destination for his birthday celebration.
I am writing here my genuine review.

Pic. Courtesy- Trip Advisor & Leonia

Leonia is situated 91km from Shamshabad(our residence).We took help from google map and took ORR which really helped to reduce travel time and maintaining speed.Though some segments of ORR near Shamirpet is still detached,lots of diversion, poor sign-boarding making navigation difficult particularly in night(we lost our way in return due to that) 

Onward drive was pleasant we reached there by 2:30 pm though our deal was from 4pm to 11pm (i bought it from groupon,cost-INR1399 for a couple).Resort was nice, spacious and adorned with many outdoor sports ground(it was fun to watch family playing together-gents,ladies,kiddies,aunties clad in saree).Ideal place for group outing.You have to pay charges for booking grounds and hiring bicycle.

Swimming pool was really huge,particularly the way it was designed  give you more of individual space.There were two slides for adults and one small  for kiddies. Dj was good and there were two rain dance floor which you can really enjoy in group(must carry nylon wear for swimming else you will be forced to buy from there which is costly ).Food was expansive or in completion with what we get in malls.

There is a theater program me 5pm-6pm and then 6pm to 7pm which is a much watch for all.which includes dance/gymnastic/circus etc.You will get your hi-tea here.Options are basic.

After 7pm if you again want to go inside pool,you can but we were in no mood to get wet again.Due to water,mosquitoes will get feast out of you so sitting on bench and watching is not a good option.Indoor games(Table tennis pool,chess etc) are available but coming to a resort and playing them is not my choice. So we decided to go for dinner at SUN n MOON.Which was delighting.Very good taste and variety.
So overall good experience.Great place for Family and Group outing(if you get some good deals in cheap price).

So enjoy one day out at Leonia.

Happy Blogging....