Globetrotting Diaries: Wayanad, Kerala- India

Wayanad is a beautiful town in Indian State of Kerala. The name is formed from two words "Vayal - meaning Rice Fields" and "Naad - meaning Land". So it is the "Land of Rice (Paddy) Fields". It rests on high altitude varying from 700-2100 meters. 

As it rains most of the time the greenery is fabulous and the weather is humid but nice, the high peaks are mostly covered with lovely clouds.

Here are the picture of this beautiful place...

On the way...

 We passed through a Reserved National Forest Area...

 Spotted a few Monkeys, with babies...

Lucky enough to spot a Wild Elephant...

 Mountain Peaks covered in Clouds...

 Tea and Banana Plantation...

 Wild Fruit...

 Pookkode Lake filled with Purple Lotus Flowers...

 View From Top of the Peak...

 Karapuzha Dam...

 Water Stream...

 Tree House where we Stayed...

 Local Church...

Palm Trees on Roadside... 

Globetrotting Diaries - Pondicherry, India

Now renamed as ‘Puducherry’ meaning “New Town”, Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India. It is Union Territory of India located on the Southern coast. It is also known as "The French Riviera of the East". Strong French influence can be seen in this small city’s Architecture and Food.

Pondicherry has a unique spiritual feel and a great peaceful spot to run away from the hustle-bustle of a crowded city.

We had a small 2 day trip to this serene city. We rented a two-wheeler which is quite common there, to explore this small city. Apart from taking a City tour and enjoying the beaches and good food, we mainly visited  “Matrimandir” – meaning ‘Temple of the Mother’ located in a small nearby city called ‘Auroville’. The sphere of this temple is plated with gold and has geometric pattern and the inside is adorned with white marble. Meditation cushions are placed inside and the mediator must sit in absolute silence. It is surrounded by lovely gardens.

“The Shore Temple” located in nearby city Mahabalipuram,which is famous for its stone carvings. The temple was built with blocks of Granite. It is a really Ancient spot build in 700 AD this temple has been here for more than 1400 years.Due to wind and water erosion the temple has undergone quite a bit of damage in the past years and lost some of its detailing. Now it has been included in the UNESCO heritage project since 1984.

The Beaches...

“Matrimandir” – meaning ‘Temple of the Mother’...

Churches in the City...

Temples in the City...

 The Ancient Shore Temple...

For more info Visit - http://tourism.pondicherry.gov.in/home.html

"Soaring above the Trees" - Globetrotting Diaries

"Hot Air Ballooning" was the adventure that me and my hubby planned  for the past weekend near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

While driving somewhere I once saw a hot air balloon flying over us almost like a scene from a fairy-tale and that was when this thing stuck in  my mind!

So I finally convinced my hubby and though it was my idea... but as it came closer I was the one who was more scared. 

I  had a lot of apprehension...what if...this happens....that happens, I almost began to turn an adventure into a nightmare in my mind. 

Finally we met our Balloon "No Boundaries" and its Pilot Leslie Jeansonne, she has been flying balloons for about 20 years! Along with her was the wonderful "Chase Team" of her family and friends. To relax us a bit she told us what she says to all her riders...- look I like you, but I like me more and so I would never do anything to harm me!

Leslie's Team was amazing they did everything in just a few minutes...

The Team...

The Prep...

Inside the Rainbow...

Its Time to Fly Away...

And the time came for our sunset flight, the huge colorful balloon was ready and it was time to hop in the tiny basket and rise high up high in the air.

In just a few seconds we were high up in the air. And in a few seconds all my fear and apprehension also flew away!

We are Flying!...

And were floating peacefully above the tree tops, over the scenes form everyday life, and it was so surreal, peaceful & amazing, as if we really were in a fairy-tale...out of this world, something that we could only imagine. We watched kids playing, dogs running in backyards...and also barking at us! People were waiving and taking pictures of the balloon.

Scenes from everyday life...

We saw our reflection...

On top of the world...Complete Peacefulness...

The landing had a little hiccup...oh no nothing bad....just that my hubby accidentally pressed on the fire extinguisher and we were covered in white powder!!! We were scared for a second as we didn't realize what had happened...!

The Landing....

To my amazement my hubby who doesn't like climbing high building was not scared at all. We both loved it.

Will we do it again?.... well some things should be done Once in a lifetime...but you never know!

And thanks to or Pilot Leslie for this wonderful experience!

What did you do on labor day weekend? Have you ever done anything scary and adventurous or plan to do something like that? I would love to hear about it your comments.