GATEWAY OF INDIA, BOMBAY

Photo Travelogue :


Nobody can forget 26/11/2008 - the mumbai terror attacks that shook not just the country but the world. The iconic taj Mahal Palace hotel near the historical Gateway of India was one of its main targets where it had become a battle ground of sorts on that particular night lasting till 29th. 175 people had lost their lives ( at the various places including the taj ), and over 300 injured. Seeing the crowd and security arrangements on my recent visit to this place ( on Republic Day ) instantly reminded me how vulnerable this place was that day. Even when I strolled about, the crowd made me uneasy. And, even though there are currently heavy security arrangements in place; a certain 'what if' constantly buzzed in my head till the time I exited the place. The crowd - oh well, everybody comes to see the place and its well err...crowded! I made a quick entry and exit because I simply hate it when its so crowded.


pretty rangoli design... specially created for Republic Day...


indian tri-colour... and there, thats the GOI!


GOI - gateway of india...


SWAMI vivekand statue near GOI...


omg, the crowd!
the place being both tourist attraction as well as ferry point to elephanta caves and alibag makes it insanely crowded...


the iconic taj mahal palace hotel ( both old and new )...






In the past I have visited this place as a tourist when I was a school girl during my vacations, when I had visited Bombay. Also, during my college years, I visited once or twice...as my college was in its vicinity and we had gone to Elephanta Caves via the GOI. But after I became a permanent resident of the city, I hardly came this side. So, visiting this time did ignite those school vacation and college outing memories. It was so less crowded then compared to present times. Phew!


The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city's top tourist attraction. It was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V of the United Kingdom for his coronation as the Emperor of India in December 1911 ( wiki ).
Address : Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Bombay.
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HERITAGE TREE TRAIL THRIVING BAOBAB OF MADAGASCAR

Photo Travelogue :


I feel so happy when I see efforts made to preserve trees. I pass by this unique Madagascar origin Baobab tree often and a closer look revealed that it is included as a 'heritage tree trail' by the local administrative body. The tree stands out because it is so uncommon. I've seen such a tree only at 1-2 other places in so many of my travels in India. So, it seems someone brought this specie specially ( perhaps the portugese? ) and planted them in our soil. The tree looks as if its kept upside down. The branches looks like roots spread in the air. The trunk is as thick as it gets. Since it is included in heritage 'tag', the tree is protected and cannot be cut. And it is a part of heritage walks conducted in the city. Lets admire this lone beauty, shall we? :-)


some pretty bougainvilleas giving it company...


lets have a closer look...


there's a plaque too that says 'heritage tree trail'...


trying to look at the skies through its branches that weirdly looks like roots...







The city I live in has identified about 909 or so such heritage trees out of which 180 are of exotic species, like this one. For a tree to be included as heritage it needs to be over 5 decades and rare. It also needs to have cultural, religious or some type of significance. Some of the other trees included are over century old as well. Have you seen this tree where you live?






typical baobab of madagascar - an african icon...

Address : Maharashtra, India
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SOLO RIDE DEEP INSIDE GARBHANGA RESERVE FOREST

Photo Travelogue :


With my aim to explore all the forests near Guwahati city nearly complete, I had saved the best and largest one for the ultimate climax. Its Garbhanga! And its quite huge...almost all the forests I covered so far somehow was a part of it once, but due to settlements and developments, these forests have shrunk a lot. Garbhanga lies to the south of the city bothering Meghalaya. So, if you start in Assam side, you may end up in Meghalaya. It is quite massive, so, do take adequate preparations and precautions before attempting it. As for me, I try to stick to the main trail always...and even if I'm going off-trail, I do make note or keep some kind of signs so as not to get lost. I venture early and try to get out of the forest before dark. Forests are thrilling and adventurous as well as refreshing, but, are equally if not more dangerous. So, enjoy them cautiously and always respect nature and keep it clean :-) Garbhanga has many entry points - this was my attempt from Lokhra. I crossed the Lokhra chariali and rode straight leaving the highway behind. The road ended at some point where the hill appeared indicating that I had reached the edge of the forest. Civilization ended, but, the wild had just started ;-)


is that a beam barricade with a signboard by forest department discouraging vehicles?

oh...well...not a follower of rules...I go past a narrow gap..my scooty squeezes through..hehe...

going inside...

welcome to Garbhanga Forest at Assam-Meghalaya border...



a narrow road goes winding up the hill almost like a snake...no wonder cars or big vehicles are not allowed, its so narrow...


its a steep climb up...I'm on a watch out for elephants though, its their home territory...and of countless butterflies too...this forest is famous for both...I hope to spot a few--- butterflies!




the ride uphill is thrilling to say the least, especially, if you are alone...

and the greenery...ah...








untouched, raw, wild, wilderness...


For the daring, there are many raw treks and trails that go very deep inside in various directions. I decided to stick to the motorable track...didn't want to take risk. There's also a small temple on the way, and I met a bare chested man in just a dhoti walking by carrying a khurpi. I got talking and asked him if he wasn't afraid to walk alone in such dense jungle on foot...as he was the only person I saw in the 4-5 hours that I was in the jungles. He replied, the lord of the jungles 'babaji' looked after everything and that he protects everyone - 'sob xi sai aase', so, there was no need to fear. Hearing these words..I felt re-assured that indeed there was someone looking after all the matters of the forests and it was not necessarily human...but, something much higher and bigger. I went further up...and enjoyed clicking host of photos and videos. I was deep inside Meghalaya by then. The paved road turns into a tiny dirt track after some time and then you are completely one with nature with no human intervention for miles around. Tall trees surrounding the area, I was tempted to go on and on. The feeling is indescribable. If I went more I'd come across Khasi or Garo villages on the other side..so, I decided to head back.


waterfall???someone attached a pipe so that one can drink the natural water...Genius!

coming back...





its pure fun...


moi, will be back...

I thoroughly enjoyed my time. There are countless ways to visit the huge Garbhanga. One popular route is the Basista route, second the Rani route and third this one that I was taking i.e via the Lokhra road...go straight from the lokhra traffic stop. Its a highly recommended place..although, I'd again advice everyone ~ when in jungle territory to respect the laws of the jungles. Its a place of wild elephants and other animals; so take adequate precaution. However, please donot make unnecessary noises when in their territory. Don't litter, enjoy the jungles and come back.

Garbhanga is a reserve forest situated in Assam Meghalaya hilly terrain border near Guwahati at 16km distance. It is one of the many trekkings spot in and around Guwahati. Its a 32km (10hours) round trek.( wiki )
Address : Lokhra Garbhanga Road, Assam/Meghalaya Border.
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