2002 - TOTAL EIGHT TRIPS.

Final . 2002 - TOTAL EIGHT TRIPS.

This is a screen shot of Total of EIGHT Trips we did in year 2002.

This Screenshot is just to give you over all picture of routes followed, hotels where we stayed, restaurants where we had food and the tourists attractions we visited. But these details can not be accessed here.

Full details and description about routes, hotels stayed, restaurants where we had food and the information/write up about tourists attractions visited by us can be accessed in "interactive" google map. 

For interactive map GO HERE. This will open interactive map in a new window.

In case you have problem/ not conversant about navigating through the map, guidelines are given below.
How to navigate through interactive map:

When you will open the interactive map you will see same map as is given in screen shot above.

On the left you will see a vertical panel.

Top heading reads "2002 - TOTAL EIGHT TRIPS". 

Below the heading, you will see 

Trip 1.  Trip 1.  DELHI - NAGPUR, via......... etc.

Trip 2.  Trip 2. Nagpur - Pune Trip.........,etc 

As you scroll down you can see all the eight trip.

A tick in the square on left of the trip indicates that the trip is selected. If the trip is not centered when it opens drag it to the center for easy and better viewing.

Tick mark on all the 8 trips indicates that all the trips are selected and details of the trips are displayed on the map.

To reduce confusion it is recommended that till such time you gain experience, except for the first trip, you click on 2nd trip. This will, for the time being remove trip 2 being displayed in the map. Similarly except for trip 1,  remove all the other trips from map. This will leave details of ONLY Trip 1 on the map.

 Click "Home" below the trip title. Location oh Home and information relevant to the trip will be displayed. Keep clicking locations one after the other and read detailed and complete informa information about " Trip 1. Trip 1.  DELHI - NAGPUR , via Rajasthan, Ujjain , Indore & Mumbai.. 18 Jan 02 -- 28 Mar 02.."

 Before opening next trip, it is advisable to close this trip from the map.

In this way you can see all the information of all the trips done in 2002.

PHOTOS.

Wherever photos have been taken they are given the information panel of that place.

Link to photo albums are included wherever photos have been uploaded. DO SEE the album photos as many photo captions have loads of information researched on the net. 

Secunderabad - Nagpur. 12 to 18 November 2002.

SECUNDERABAD - NAGPUR.

The MAP- PHO - GRAPH gives complete : ​Secunderabad - Nagpur Trip.

This is a screenshot of that map.It shows complete Trip done ​between 12 Nov 02 to 18 Nov 02 Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map GO HERE.

OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15A7RPaHbwNGz3GElnLVzk90bnRDO7j86&ll=19.153810651311584%2C77.31679009202844&z=16

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.

For photos go to Album 23 and 24..​

Album 23  HERE  and For Album 24 HERE.

Secunderabad - Nagpur. 

After trip to Warangel, rested on 11th. Started for Nagpur on 12 Nov 02. 

Route followed was : Secunderabad - Nagarjunkonda Island - Anupu - Ethiopthala Falls -  Nagarjun Sagar  - Shikharam - Srisailam - Kurnool - Alampur - Mantralya - Adoni - Alur _ Hosepet - Hampi - Hosepet - Khustagi - Gagendra Garh - Banashankari - Badami - Mahakoot - Pattadakal - Aihole - Kudala Sangam   - Bijapurr- Solapur - Tuljapur - Nanded - Umarkehd - Wardha - NAGPUR. Reached on 18 Nov 02. 

Our places of interest , Nagarjun Sagar Dam and archaeological sites in the vicinity of Nagarjun Sagar Dam, Ethiopthala Falls a scenic spot down stream from the dam. Shikhram famous religious shrine. Shrisailamone of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Temples of Alampur. Mantralya, had heard about it but it was a mutt being run by deciples of  Raghavendra Swami, Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal all world heritage sites. Banashankari, Mahakoot, Kudala Sangam, Tuljapur all famous religious places. Bijapur a historical city. Nanded famous Gurudwara. So full use was made of return trip.

Nagarjunkonda Island : After reaching Nagarjun Sagar Dam we crossed the rive and went to jetty to catch ferry to Nagarjunkonda Island. The valley where there is deep reservoir there was ancient buddhist civilisation . Traces of which were found by archaeological dept. Before the water levles rose due to dam construction, archaeological relics were dug out and taken to higher ground on the hill. Work was planned to reconstruct them on on hill  to  In 2002 the archaeological ruins were still being developed. There were no guides, at least we could not find any. Also the museum, seen on the map today, was also not there. Took photos of whatever we could find. Caught return ferry and came back on shore.Left for Anupu. 

Anupu. Plenty of relics from the valley were brought to place called Anupu . The sites were reconstructed. Here large number as well as far more work seemed to have been done. saw some good ancient sites reconstructed.

Ethiopthala Fall.  Had to travel a bit before we could reach the falls. Almost 11 odd kms down stream of Dam but not on the main river on which dam has been constructed. Efforts have been made to make the site tourist friendly by making paved pathways and constructing a viewing platform with safety railing . It was quite ok . In monsoon and wftr rains must look beautiful, 

Shikharm. The road passed through Nillamala Forest. When we had travelled it was a dense forest with canopy of the trees covering tne forest . Foilage was so thich that even noon sun could not penitrate and there limited light . Hardly any traffic. In fact we did not see any other vehicle during our journey through forest. In fact a thought came if we have a breakdown help may not come readily. A scary thought. Good climb on well constructed stais, Shiva Temple and huge rotating Nandt at view point so finley balanced that Priti could rotate it at the top. Breathtaking view of Srisailam dm from view point.

For more info on Sikharam GO TO. 

Sri Sailam. Before rached Srisailam saw Pal dhara/ Panchdara, ans Sakshi Ganapati. Sri Sailam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The Deity is called Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna. It is significant to the Hindu sects of both Shaivam and Shaktam as this temple is referred to as one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva and as one of the eighhteen Shakti Peethas of goddess Parvati. Shiva is worshiped as Mallikarjuna, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Brahmaramba. It is the only temple in India which is revered as both Jyotirlinga and Shaktipeeth.

Temples of Alampur.  Thanks to the Star in our TTK maps we went to Alampur. It is a village with hardly any city facilities or comfors. Initially thought may be the star was misleading but when we reached the temple site we were in for a surprise. Alampur is the meeting point of the sacred rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna and is referred to as Dakshina Kashi (also Navabrahmeshwara Theertha) and the Western Gateway of Srisailam, There were more than 9- 10 temple . Also close by there is Jogulamba Temple which is a Shakti peeth. Checked three sites 1./en.wikipedia.org. 2. /www.trawell.in/t 3. http://templenet.com/Andhra/alampur.html.

Third was best ,​Well worth looking up. Got accomodation in Govet Rest House. Stayed the night.

​Hampi - Badami -  Pattadakal - Aihole. All beautiful places World heritage sites. We had seen them all on 2000. Were happy to see that Archiological Survey of India was doing a good job . In two years not only the earlier excavated site were vastly improved and worked upon bur many more new sites were under exploration and excavation. 

 Banashankari, Mahakoot, Kudala Sangam. Banashankar ther was hardly and change in the temple itself but were shocked to see that the watre resivor was totaly dry not a drop of water in it . Felt sad as it had lost not only its beauty but soure of water as well. Mahakoot wae a Shiva temple wighere gharbhgraha was submerged in wate . Kudala Sangama . as the name suggests ig on sangam of Krishna and Malprabha Rivers. Quite an engineering feat as the temple it self is much below the water level of nearby flowing rivers.

Bijapur.  Bijapur, officially known as Vijayapura, is the district headquarters. Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. 

Bijapur, one of the popular heritage city​ ​​in Karnataka.​ Bijapur, the land of five rivers and the domain of different cultures, is an ancient city. The city established in the 10th and 11th centuries by the Chalukyas of Kalyani was known as Vijayapura (City of victory).  ​Stayed Sainik School. Next morning set course for Tuljapur But before leaving Bijapur saw. Ibrahim Roja, ​, ​.Malik - e - Maidan​, Bara Kaman, Gol Gumbaz,​& Archaeological Museum at Col Gumbaz.​ Description of all these places are given with their photos.​

Tuljapur​.​ ​This is the home town of Tmple of Tulja Bhavani. She was Devat of Shivaji Maharj . It is said that she had given him Bhavani Sword. It so happenen that we ah approached the temple from the rear gate. As we were pressed for time we asked around if we could gae early darshan. Even this place money talked and for 200 we jumped the 'Q' gor a garland,acoconut and prasad..  

Info on Tuljapur can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulja_Bhavani_Temple​.

Nanded. ​By the time reached Nadded it was prety late . Found out about guest houses . Located an Irrigation Dept Guest house. Luckly got accomodation. Considering distance to Nagpur startd very early. By luck and sheer coincenedence it was Guru Purub and our path took us roght in front of very well lit and decorated Gurudwara. It happend to be Takhta Sachakhand Sahib. This happens to be one of the five takhta's which are revered by Sikhs. Went in. Had Darshan and were given piping hot Kadha Prasad dripping with pure ghee and scaldinh Hot . Till date can not forget the taste not the experience.

Reached Home, Nagpur by evening. 

Nagpur - Hyderabad Trip.

Ajeet and Jayati had come down for Diwali stayed from 03 Nov 02 to 05 Nov 02.

They had come with the intention to go to Secunderabad as they wanted to meet Dilip and Ulka. 

So all of us packed our luggage and left for  on 5 Nov 02.Reached Ukla home by 1700.

On 08 Took Ajeet and Jayati to see Golconda Fort. We had seen it earlier when doing LDMC course. It is still an attraction. Route to Golconda not plotted to avoid clutter.

Ajeey and Jayati let for Delhi on Saturday, 09Nov 02.

We had heard that there is a thousand pillar temple wort seeing. Naxt day being Sunday Dilip had holiday so we decided to go visiting thousand pillar temple at Waranglr.

Did it on 10th. At Warangle some one said that there is a Bhadrakali Temple also worth a visit. So went and saw that temple as well.

Return route was same . Not plotted to avoid clutter.

Thousand Piller Temple. ​Rudreswara Temple locally known as Veyisthambala Gudi (Thousand pillars temple) is one of the fine and earliest available examples of Kakatiya art, architecture and sculpture. It was built by Rudra Deva, and named after him as ‘Sri Rudreswara swamy temple with the presiding deity as Rudreswara, in 1163 AD in the style of later Chalukyan and early Kakatiyan Architecture, star shaped and triple shrined (Trikutalaya). The temple is a fine specimen of architecture and sculpture with One thousand pillars. There are richly carved pillars, perforated screens, exquisite icons; rock cut elephants and the monolithic dolerite Nandi as components of the temple. Strengthening of foundations like sand box technique, the skill of Kakatiya sculptors is manifest in adroit craftsmanship and flawless ivory carving technique in their art. The ingenuity of Kakatiya sculptors is visible in likes of lathe turned, and shiny polish in dolerite and granite stone sculpture and craft work of Nava rangamandapa.

The temple was renovated in 2004 by the Government of India. Archaeological Survey of India and modern engineers have been working for the temple's further renovation.now it is located in hanamkonda​.

Bhadrakali temple. Located near a lake with tall rocky hill as the backdrop it is a beautiful Temple. Here is info from wiki.

The temple is believed to be built in 625 A.D by the King Pulakeshin IIof Chalukya dynasty to commemorate his victory over Vengi region of Andhra Desham, as per the writings on the temple wall.

Kakatiya kings later have adopted the temple and considered Goddess Bhadrakali as their "Kula Devatha". A lake was also built by Ganapati deva adjacent to the temple. Due to the fall of Kakatiya dynasty to the Muslim rulers of Delhi, the temple lost its prominence. Allauddin Khilji destroyed the temple and looted the koh-i-noor diamond, which was in crown of the goddess bhadrakali murti. In 1950, the temple was renovated by Sri Ganapathi Sastri a devi upasaka along with the help of a local merchant and other affluent locals..​ ​The history of the Koh-i-Noor diamond; part of British Crown Jewels, is closely associated with this temple as it was installed, as the left eye of Goddess Bhadrakali by the Kakatiya dynasty​.

Started ​back for Nagpur on 12 Nov 02. As usual decoded to return lookin at Nagarjun Sagar dam . Sri Sailam etc etc.

SECUNDERABAD - WARANGLE - SECUNDEARBAD. 

​The Map gives complete​ ​Secunderabad- Warangle - Seccunderabad.​  

​This is a screenshot of that map.​ ​It shows complete Trip done ​between 05 Nov 02 to 10 Nove   Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map ​GO HERE.​

OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1k0mQJSL44WHwHiKAO86NnBgP9YXV0dwO&ll=19.8707595048365%2C77.8033962056395&z=7

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.

For photos go to Album 23. HERE.​

Pune - Nagpur Trip.

After return from Pali. Picked up our luggage and went to stay with Sudhir for one night.

Started for Nagpur on 04 Jul 02. 

As ususl we had checked and decided on our route back to include as meny unseen olaces as possible. So the route decided was :Pune - Lenadry - Bhimashankar - Sangamner - Trimbakeshwar Nasik -Graneshwar Ellora - Oundha Nagnath. -  Nagpur.

Route included four of the 12 Jyotirlingas at Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar and Graneshwar. One Astvinayak at Lenadry. 

Lenadry is one of the famous Astvinayaks of Maharashtra. Located on hill top in a cave. Had darshan of Shri Ganesh . Later came to know that there are many other buddhist era caves wirth seeing . Did not know about it then so missed out seeing them. 

Bhimashankar is located in hills.It had rained just before we reached the area . Though the hills are not too high thei were low clouds arr around . It was pleasantly cool with light breez. Very very powerfully remindend of our stay in Shillong. Wonderful scenic beauty. View of reservoir created by Yedagaon Dam on Kukadi River was breath Taking.

Trimbakeshwar at Nasik. It is unique Jyotirlinga. In that the linga is ont the usual phallus shape but three inverted depressions in shape of linga. Also had alook at Kushavart Kund Origin of River Godavari.

Graneshwar. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlings. It is just about 2 KMs from Ellora caves.We had visited Ellora in Jan 2000 on our way from Bangalore to Ngpur. Like Buddhists caves at Lenadry , we did not know abot Graneshwar then so had missed out in 2000,saw it this time.

Ellora Caves. Ellora caves were seen in 2000 on our trip from Bangalore to Nagpur on 26 January 2000. Here is So Just a link for information on Ellora. : www.britannica.com/place/Ellora-Caves.

ANOTHER VERY INTERESTING SITE FOR WORLD HERITAGE SITES IS :http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_ellora.asp  

Oundha Nagnath. We had passed this place earlier on pur way to Pune. Even styed a night at Parbhani, just few kilomaters fro there. Saw an impressive photo if a temple in the guest house. Asked caretaker about it he dlmot dismissed it by sayinf Some Nag Devata's temple. Only later realise it is one of the 12 famous Jyotirlangas. This ia also unique in the sense that what deity is visible is not the real one it is not the one which was installed with all the rites associated with 'pran prathistha'. This is just so thatthe conquering invaders, even if ther discreate it , noharm done . The real daity is underground with a secret paggage. With very low cieling. Lower portion built in stone is very grand with most beautiful sculptures. Higher levels are a disappointment, most probably in brick and morter white washed plaster. Either the work was left un finished or it was destroyed by invedars.  

    

Pune - Lenadry - Bhimashankar - Sangamner - Trimbakeshwar Nasik-

Graneshwar - Ellora,- Oundha Nagnath. -  Nagpur

The Map gives complete Pune - Nagpur - Trip. 

This is a screenshot of that map.It shows complete Trip done on 27 June 2002.  Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map GO HERE.

OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1mTdqWBqAgLiT0BObCx2har1cWkXAXtx2&ll=20.1617668889442%2C74.86414313022397&z=11

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.

For photos go to Album 23. HERE. 

Pune - Mahad - Pali. 03 July 2002.

Pune - Maha - Pali

After marriage guests started departing After having come wit us to Ranjangaon , Anil and the Indore group returned on 02 Jul 02. 

We also vacated Officers Mess Military Int School and went to Manday's place.

In the evening during the talks mentioned that we manted t see astvinayaks of Mahad and Pali. 

Mandya and Vahini had also not seen. So on 3 Jul went for Mahad and Pali.

Mahad Astvinayak is known as Varadvinayak Asavinayak of Mahad .

Pali Astvinayak is known as Ballaleshwar Astavinayak Pali. At pali there is an added attraction of hot water springs. For taking bath seperate facilities are provided for Men and Women. Even though we had no carried any spare clothing I had a bath and a ball.

PUNE - MAHAD - PALI - PUNE.

The Map gives complete Pune - Mahad - Pali - Pune Trip. 

This is a screenshot of that map.It shows complete Trip from 06 May to 20 May 2017. Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map GO HERE.

OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1AdXcdu0vIBCfEmVjjFRfcjDAsKGsLOtm&ll=18.5996933609976%2C73.26735078108175&z=10

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.
For photos go to Album 21 HERE

Pune - Ranjangaon..27 Jun 2002.

Pune - Shri Maha Ganapati Of Ranjangaon.

Ther were no marriage functions on 27 Jul. WE were at Officers Mess Military Int School . Anil was also there.

When we decided to go see yet another Astvinauyak, Anil also wanted to come. So on 27 Morning went to Ranjangaon.

On the way saw a monument in not too cared for state. Out of curiocity went and checked it out as per the info boaur it was "First Battle Honour Memorium of 17 Poona Horse,The board called it" CORYGAUM MONUMENT"

PUNE - RANJANGAON - PUNE.

​The Map gives complete Pune - Ranjangaon - Pune Trip.

This is a screenshot of that map.It shows complete Trip done on 27 June 2002.  Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map GO HERE.

OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WNKYAlO_22Rs7JAT9VKn7a_21HcMlWxP&ll=18.669795947414826%2C73.82787258632823&z=10

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.
For photos go to Album 23. HERE.

NAGPUR - PUNE TRIP. 22Jun 02 - 03 Jul 02.

Nagpr - Pune Trip 

Marriage Viju's son Rahul was fixed on 27/28 June 2002. In due course we got invitations. Those days even at the drop of the hat we were ready to get in the car and start travelling. Even there we did not travel from place A to B. But made full use of the oppurtunity. Looked around for places of interest we had not seen.This time also decided to look around. So this time going from Nagpur to Pune route we selected was  LONAR - PARBHANI- PARLIVAIJNATH - (Bigwan, Baramati) - Maregaon - Jejuri - Uralikanchan - Theur. - PUNE. 

All will notice that route included one  National Geo-heritage Monument saline soda lake located at Lonar, one of the 12 Jyotirlings at Parlivaijnath, Three of the astvinayaks at Maregaon, Uralikanchan & Theur. A devsthan of Malhari Martand at Jejori.

Made full use of Pune trip. Even when in Pune we visited astvinayaks at Ranjangaon, Mahad and Pali. etc. Visit ot Ranjangaon where Anil was also with us in covered in this blog     

Started for Pune on 22 Jun 02. Following the given route reached Pune on 25 Jun 02. Ravi had made arrangement for stay in Officers Mess of Military Int School.

NAGPUR - PUNE TRIP.

Covers tip to Pune and to Ranjangaon

This is a screenshot of that map.It shows complete Trip from 22 Jun 02 to 03 Jul 02 Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map GO HERE.

OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1hoGVrTog4o5I63VyyxHAAlZ3vQGxW71V&ll=19.220850554329648%2C74.78966786179194&z=7

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.
For photos go to Album 23 HERE.

Our Rajasthan Trip .

Delhi - Rajasthan - Mumbai - Nagpur 

While in Delhi we had done a trip to Pathankot , Khazier , Dalhouise etc. Anuj was also with us.

Even including that trip the stay was unusually long.

This does not mean we did not have a good time or not enjoyed it. Went to Lodhi Gardens, Qutub Minar Enclave and few other places. 

Started for Rajasthan on 18 Jan 02. Route followed was Charu - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Ratlam unplanned un scheduled due to a flat tyre - Indore.- Next destination after coulpr of days halt, was Nagpur.

Trip for Rajasthan darshan went as planned. Reached Indore as planned on night of 30 Jan 01. Same night got a call from Pradip. He had to go urgently to Dubal for company work. Our father was admitted in hospital in a bad state. We asked if I could come there to look after him. So return to Nagpur was cancelled. 

Next morning 0n 31st started for Mumbai.at 0500. Drove nonstop, except for breaks for food and washroom, reached Pradip house at 1655 same day. A distance of 587 KMs.

Pradip was returning on 01 April so after speaking with him started back for Nagpur on 27 Mar 02. 

Reached Nagpur on 28 Mar 02.

Duration wise, One hell of a Long trip.

DELHI - CHURU - BIKANER -JAISALMER - JODJPUR - UDAIPUR - INDORE -  MUMBAI - NAGPUR

  

The Map gives complete Dehli- Rajasthan - Mumbai - Nagpur Trip.  

This is a screen shot of that map.It shows complete Trip from 18 Jan 02 to 28 Mar 02. Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map GO HERE

OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1rG9LNvFdnPC8C2LQdFbcKv6nJtlIgpJw&ll=24.094245865582423%2C71.09632033570699&z=6

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.
For photos go to Album 21 & 22. 

For Album 21 GO HERE.

For Album 22 GO HERE