Rail Snaps from Kerala, India – 2 June 6, 2007
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Kerala, originally uploaded by arunmct.
A river in Kerala, India
Rail Snaps from Kerala, India – 1 June 6, 2007
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Sabari Express, Kottayam, Kerala, originally uploaded by arunmct.
For Travel Freaks March 29, 2007
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I read this interesting article on MSN about aviation buffs who fly on inaugural flights / landmark flights just for the heck of it. It reminded me of the many crazy trips I have taken, especially in Oman – where I used to travel long distances in buses and make quick return journeys – thus indulging in my love for luxury coaches – especially the Mercedes-Benz 0404 and Hyundai Aerospace LD.
It also reminds me of the frequent train journeys I used to take in India in 2004 – just for the heck of it – especially in the Trivandrum-Kollam-Kottayam sector in Kerala. It evidently got to a point that anybody in the neighbourhood who wanted some work done involving long distances and had to go through the pains of a train journey to get it done started approaching me for the same.
My passion for ‘railexperiencing’ have sent me on journeys as far as Bangalore, Renigunta / Tirupati, Madurai and Chennai from Kerala. Get to the station, spent a few hours in the place, before finding the next available train back to my home town. Though these travels would seem quite ‘freaky’ to a lot, there is so much fun and excitement in it.
Just ask Andrew Gibbons, who belongs to a super-elite subspecies of frequent fliers who chase inaugural flights because they adore airlines, airplanes, even airports, and want to be part of airline milestones.
Hit me, hit me not! March 24, 2007
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Indian Railways.5 comments
Dramatic shot at a railway crossing in India: Passersby make a valiant attempt to move an injured cow away from the path of an oncoming train – the Kota Jan Shatabdi. The cow had presumably been hit on the flanks by a passing train a little while ago. Pic by Karthik Nanda of IRFCA (Indian Railways Fan Club).
Schmoozeby in India January 14, 2007
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This is the story of my travels in India from December 2006 to January 2007.
16 destinations. 22 train journeys. Over 2000 snaps. And 8 movies. All in 30 days.
My blog covers most of my experiences, adventures and moments on the move. Understandably, I have left out quite a few adventures, especially the ones that can’t be shared on a public domain. Also, there are a lot of moments, which words or pictures failed to capture.
India is such an amazing country, and I don’t think one can ever be done seeing and experiencing ‘incredible India’. Last, but not the least, this blog is written from the perspective of a hardcore ‘rail-fan’ – so please bear with constant references to ‘the stunning Erode WDM2* at the helm of the 7229 Sabari Express effortlessly notched up the gradient….’ – just kidding!!!, I don’t think there is such a line anywhere in my memoirs. Rail-fanning offers a great avenue to explore large stretches of India, at less time, energy and money. You haven’t seen the world, if you haven’t seen India. I look forward to your comments, and queries, if any. Thank you for visiting my blog.
*WDM2 – One of India’s finest diesel locomotives (See the above snap). Often called the workhorse of Indian Railways. Has a power output of 2600HP and is designed for mixed traffic service, passenger or freight. Geared for a maximum speed of 120 Kmph.
Here are the links to my travelogue:
Thursday, 7 Dec 2006: Delhi beckons
Friday, 8 Dec 2006: Delhi Deewana
Saturday, 9 Dec 2006: Down in Delhi
Sunday, 10 Dec 2006: Adieu to Delhi
Monday, 11 Dec 2006: A ride on the Brahmaputra Mail
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2006: A date with the Gods in Varanasi
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2006: Crossing India’s heartland
Thursday, 14 Dec 2006: Mumbai madness, Konkan respite
Friday, 15 Dec 2006: An encounter with Bharathapuzha
Saturday, 16 Dec 2006: Rail-fanning in Cochin
Sunday, 17 Dec 2006: Killer Kovalam
Monday, 18 Dec 2006: Konkan, here I come!
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2006: Schmoozeby hits Goa!
Wednesday, 20 Dec 2006: The Miramar Magic
Thursday, 21 Dec 2006: Calangute comes calling…
Friday, 22 Dec 2006: Mangalore Siesta
Saturday, 23 Dec 2006: Wandering Ministrel in Mangalore
Sunday, 24 Dec 2006: Disaster at Pollachi!
Monday, 25 Dec 2006: Santa visits Kodaikanal
Tuesday, 26 Dec 2006: Adventure in the Kodai Forests
Wednesday, 27 Dec 2006: Taking a Break
Thursday – Saturday, 28 – 30 Dec 2006: The Cochin Sojourn & How to haggle in India
Sunday, 31 Dec 2006: The Ashtamudi Lake Cruise
Monday, 1 Jan 2007: Happy New Year!
Tuesday, 2 Jan 2007: Bits & Bytes from Bangalore
Wednesday, 3 Jan 2007: Blighted in Bangalore
Thursday, 4 Jan 2007: Toddy time at Thirumullavaram
Friday, 5 Jan 2007: Finding solitude at Paravur Lake
Saturday, 6 Jan 2007: Rail-fanning in Kollam, Kerala
Sunday, 7 Jan 2007: Back to Muscat
Friday, 8 Dec 2006: Delhi Deewana January 12, 2007
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Decided to explore New Delhi Railway Station which is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. Was greeted by the glorious sight of a stunning Vatva WDM2 beast lugging the Ahmedabad Rajdhani which had earlier arrived on platform 1. Felt a tremendous adrenaline rush… later got to the International Tourist Bureau to pick up the INDRAIL pass. Was advised by the helpful officer that it’s always best to buy the pass, after pre-booking all journeys. Since my journey plans weren’t clear as of then, didn’t end up buying the pass.
Later went on a 1-day package tour of New Delhi that cost around 150 Rs. Clicked my first snap since my visit to India. Visited Red Fort, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Parliament House, Qutab Minar, Bahai Lotus Temple and Iskon Temple. The sights on the road were pretty interesting. Gave an impression of Delhi as a city with a lot of buzz, even thought it was quite unclean. Got back late in the evening. Felt ill the entire day, as I was coming down with a terrible cold and fever.
Apparently a cold wave was on in Delhi, with the mercury dipping down to 6.5 degree Celsius, the coldest day that season. I had gone to Delhi quite unprepared without appropriate winter wear for this chilly weather, and it was no surprise that I fell ill. Crashed into bed after hogging tabs.
And oh yes, let me describe my ‘Vicks trick’, that came in handy during my Delhi sojourn. I always kept dabbing Vicks ointment around my nostrils, during my bout with cold. Gradually I realised that it kept me immune from the stench in streets of Delhi, especially in Paharganj. The Vicks stayed with me, even after the cold went away. Thus, I basked in a blissful ‘vicks generated aura’ wherever I went.
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Thursday, 7 Dec 2006: Delhi beckons January 12, 2007
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Left Muscat for New Delhi on WY 845 at 3am. The flight departed an hour late due to some problems with loading baggage. Arrived New Delhi in the morning, 30 minutes after scheduled arrival, in near fog-like conditions. Completed immigration and waited in the arrival terminal for a friend who was to travel with me over the next few days. Once we met up, we got prepaid cell connections from the Airtel booth at the airport. Took a cab from the airport prepaid taxi counter, and finally discovered Smyle Inn – the budget hotel we stayed in at Chandiwalan, Main Bazaar Road, Paharganj next to New Delhi Railway Station.
The ride was bumpy, yet adventurous. Checked in, had difficulty catching up sleep, and spent the evening navigating the dingy, but hectic alleys of Paharganj.
Went exploring Connaught Circle later. Watched Casino Royale at the Rivoli. Really swanky theatre; was pretty amazed at the level of security! Ate from a Punjabi Dhaba, and went to sleep with MTV blaring in the background.
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Saturday, 9 Dec 2006: Down in Delhi January 12, 2007
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Missed the sightseeing trip to Agra to catch the Taj and Agra fort. Spent the better part of the day fighting a lonesome battle against cold and fever. Managed to venture out to the IGIA (Indira Gandhi International Airport) to speak to the Airtel guys regarding my prepaid connection which they hadn’t activated as of then. Took an auto rickshaw to the airport from New Delhi Railway Station, asked the driver to wait for me, while I promised to return within 5 minutes. Came back to discover that he left without taking his fare from me. Watched him scoot away with another passenger, as I yelled in my frail voice for him to come back. Felt quite amused! The Airtel connection kicked itself to life in the afternoon. And then broke into cold sweat when I discovered that my ATM card from India wasn’t working! Thanked God for my NBO Card, which I promptly used to take some cash. You bet they charged me crazy for that. 😦
Took a much anticipated joy ride on the Delhi Metro from one end to the other in the evening. Enjoyed it tremendously… hats off to Delhi for coming up with such a marvellous transit system. Hit Connaught Place in the evening, dined at Berco’s, a swanky Chinese restaurant. Nothing better than Tom Yum soup for a soul down with the flu!
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Sunday, 10 Dec 2006: Adieu to Delhi January 12, 2007
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Spent the better part of the day exploring Connaught Place. Was among the first customers at McDonalds in the morning. Three cheers to the veggie burger. Went to New Delhi Railway Station to get tickets for our journey to Varanasi the next day. Was told that all trains were running full and was asked to come back three hours before the departure of a particular super fast train we wanted to catch. Headed to Connaught Place which had become our regular jaunt by then. Ate at TGI’s late afternoon. I gulped down a Mojito, while my friend devoured pasta and beer. Took the metro to Chanakyapuri and then had a round in a cycle rickshaw. Came back to New Delhi Rly Station, braved the long queues, the unbearable heat and put on a brave front as we were told there were no tickets available in Sleeper or AC classes on our train. Was recommended to see if Delhi Station had tickets. Took the metro to Delhi, stood in the long queue only to be told there were no seats. Was finally approached by a tout, who got us tickets on the Brahmaputra Mail to Mughalsarai which is 16 odd kilometres from Varanasi. Bought them with some trepidation, as I was kinda worried if they were bogus. Also felt quite annoyed about this criminal practice where railway officials told passengers that there were no tickets, but sold them to touts. Headed back to New Delhi by metro rail, got our baggage and then headed back to Delhi Station in an autorickshaw. Saw numerous marriage processions on the road (baarat). Apparently it was the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar to get married. And then it rained! Ran into a quite swanky eatery at Delhi station, couldn’t help laughing out aloud hearing another of those funny radiomirchi ads. Tucked into a sombre plate of curd rice…
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Monday, 11 Dec 2006: A ride on the Brahmaputra Mail January 12, 2007
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The 4056 New Delhi – Dibrugarh Town Brahmaputra Mail departed a little after 11.40pm. Settled into my berth for a rather uneventful journey. The 780km journey to Mughalsarai took over 15 hours. The train, which was hauled by a WAP5 – Vijay Utkarsh, halted at Aligarh, Tundla, Kanpur, Allahabad and Mirzapur. The highlight of the journey was idly crossing the spectacular Yamuna on a really long bridge. Got to Mughalsarai around 2pm, 3 hours after ETA. From the train, North India looked pretty green but quiet. Took a ride from Mughalsarai to Varanasi in a really strange vehicle called Vikram, which is a cross between a mini bus and an auto rickshaw. Held for dear life in the cramped and crammed vehicle which deposited us in front of Varanasi Railway Station. Went to the International Tourist Bureau to get train tickets for our next destination. Was advised by the very helpful officer at the counter not to get the IndRail pass, but to buy tickets for point to point travel, as I would be saving more money that way. We got two sleeper berths on the 2166 Varanasi – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Ratnagiri Superfast departing next evening. Had a walk around the railway station at Varanasi, was enamored by the monkeys goofing around the platforms. Met a rickshaw driver outside the station, struck a deal with him to explore Varanasi and Sarnath for a day in his auto and then get dropped at the station, all for 400 Rs. Checked into the Hotel Surya, loved it. Enjoyed the food in their restaurant, splurged on indigenous Sula white wine and hit bed. Pure bliss.
To view more snaps from Central India, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘Central India’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Arun Rajagopal 