Yours Consciously Sneha

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Wandering Memories in 2016!

2016 started with full zoom as I knew it is going to be one of my biggest years so far. I had decided to leave my job by then & was very excited to write my resignation email. The excitement was also towards my footsteps on getting into full time traveling & writing. Just like luck can have it, I started my travels in January on Western Ghats-my home.

Into the soul of a Forest: Hulivana

Nested deep in the rain forest, Hulivana is situated on the lap of mountains. Roller coaster Jeep ride through the forest, trek on all the mountains around, view of thick forest, eco-friendly environment, learning about birds & insects, friendly host & not to forget the yummy food. Everything together constitutes this place to be one of its kinds.

Highlights: Only place located in the forest, eco-friendly environment.

Tea & some conversations in Chikmagalur: Megur Homestay

Chikmagalur is always about coffee, that’s not true is what I realized during this visit to Chikmagalur & my stay in Megur Homestay. Situated around acres of tea plantations, coffee surrounded by it, view of Kudremukha/Kemmanagundi, stay in ancestral property which was owned by the locals of Malnad region. Not to forget to mention, of course a visit to Chikmagalur was mandatory when the year starts J

Highlights: Located on acres of tea plantations, local food.

Peekaboo with Nature: Bird of Paradise

A Garden full of Bird of Paradise flowers, Cauvery River passing by, beautifully built tree house, paddy fields view from the window, birds knocking on the door of the tree house, an old house with red oxide & stories to tell, local food. Bird of Paradise named after the flower, located in Coorg; is a place to get a break from city’s hustle & bustle & spot lots of birds while you are watching bird of paradise flowers.

Highlights: Tree House, Local Food.

Sri Lanka

Realization to achieve my dreams happened during my visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 & to commemorate this I decided to go to Sri Lanka for a longer time-a month. I traveled around the Galle Fort to mountains in Deniyaya & Haputale, misty village Mandaram Nuwara to a 400 years old village called Meemure, from a busy town Kandy to a sandy beach in Mirissa. Sri Lanka is one of those places that remain closer to heart, always!

Highlights: First trip for a long duration after quitting the job, visiting 400 years old village.

Sadhana Forest

Volunteering is one of the ways to travel if you are on a low budget, but this concept seemed nicer when you are volunteering to an organization that is giving back everything they do to nature. Sadhana Forest is the first place I volunteered in for 10 days, 70 acres of dry land is converted to a dry evergreen forest which is now home for many animals & birds. There is no one person I haven’t mentioned about Sadhana Forest, it is an experience to stay & volunteer in there. Everyone should visit this place at least once or more 🙂

Highlights: First time volunteering, Vegan environment.

Pondicherry

Our little own France is Pondicherry, stayed in an ancient house in Pondicherry & slow traveled the 3 days wandering around the cobbled streets, watching people cycling like old times, Vespa scooters adding some color on the road, bougainvillea flowers lit up on the streets, colorful row houses, shopping on the streets.

Highlights: French Colony, colorful houses, beach

Karuna Farm in Kodaikanal

While I was looking for a place to stay in Kodaikanal, I happened to stumble upon Karuna Farm & was happy to know that there was a job opening. I was super excited that I could work here & enjoy the freedom of being with mountains; I worked here for 2 months & 8 days watching the same mountains every day that looked different each & every moment when I looked at them.

Highlights: Eco-friendly environment, Community living.

Maharashtra

Stayed in Mumbai for a while to catch up with few friends & then headed towards Matheran as I heard so many good things about this place. Matheran is the only eco-friendly hill station in Asia; commute is only by horse or by walk. Words wouldn’t give justice to describe Matheran, everywhere you look you can see lush green mountains & waterfalls running through.

Panchgani, another hill station around the Western Ghats is another beautiful sight where it has table land & Asia’s second largest plateau.

Highlights: Western Ghats tour, an Eco-friendly hill station.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad was my dream place to visit since the day I saw a scene in a Telugu movie. Finally, I could visit as a friend was getting married; it is pretty much like any other city but carries a very nice vibe. The food was mind blowing; I sipped coffee at Minerva, glittered in the colorful streets of Char Minar & loitered in Golconda Fort.

Highlights: Food, Historical monuments.

Blooming…

Wild Flower

April 8, 2017
Cloud kissed mountains, Evergreen Forest & some Creative energy @ Artist Cottage

What you seek is seeking you-Rumi

I crossed from one mountain to another mountain, from rain forest to evergreen forest, from one form of solitude to another. At the elevation of 3000 ft as I took my first step on the ground where rain had just danced & the clouds were slowly clearing up, I was welcomed to Artist Cottage. Vipula Perera, a textile engineer by profession & drawing has always been his hobby since he was a kid. After spending years in Japan & USA, he returned to Sri Lanka to spend time in his home country after retirement. Also got influenced by the art form both in Japan & USA, Vipula continued his passion towards drawing & now has developed his niche in line drawings.

While looking for a place to build a studio & practice his drawings somewhere close to nature, he found this beautiful piece of land in Beragala Mountains, Haputale. Landscape architecture has also been his hobby where he has created some brilliant places in Sri Lanka & California. This place seemed like an ideal place to build a studio & a getaway retreat; he also came up with an idea to invite artists from all across the world to work or even conduct workshops that would benefit each other as artists. That’s how the two beautiful cottages came up with the view of mountains & the weather here stays cold all through the year 🙂

It rained most of the days that I stayed here, I tried to be indoors which is unlikely me but the cottages & the view from those French windows were just more than beautiful to just let them go. The view from the cottage kept kindling me to continue with drawing that I had stopped long ago, cannot even remember when! Oh yes, I did start drawing again.

Yet another place that served delicious Srilankan food cooked by a local family entangled me to stay even more in one place; eat & stare at the mountains.

One of the days, when the clouds cleared up I decided to walk up the hill & ended up near a Tamil school. We call it Champa & the English name is Plumeria, the place was filled with the fragrance of this flower, on the ground, on the tree & decorated everywhere. This definitely looked like a kid’s art; they were peeping from their classroom & finally came out to talk to me. I conversed with them in Tamil & also with their teacher and then they posed for a picture. I tried to visit those kids until I was there, shared some giggles, spoke to their parents & also shared some laughter with their grandparents.

Those mountains, that cloud, this tree, hey butterfly, hello bird, they were all to myself; this is how I would converse with them. After some extensive traveling & socializing, I had to rejuvenate myself being in solitude around these beautiful creatures. Chugging up in the blanket, sometimes I would draw, read & write, sometimes sit still & let my brain fight with all the thoughts that’s been bothering me, if I don’t find a solution then I would start staring at the window on how clouds come together to let the rain dance, feeling the soft sway of breeze through my hair, looking at few birds screech while flying through the rain, and when the rain stops dancing the clouds slowly clear up to show how beautiful the sky is.

Do read about Things to do in Haputale

What if all these beautiful creatures are having a conversation to create this beautiful pattern, What if the mountains & trees send these clouds to pass messages on to the flip side, What if the rain & beautiful sky were just to celebrate once the messages have been reached 🙂

*I was hosted by Artist Cottage, would you like to have a conversation with nature too? Then pop in soon!

Blooming…

Wild Flower

November 22, 2016
A Guide to Galle & Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Traveling: It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller-Ibn Battuta

This pretty city Galle situated by the shores of Indian Ocean at the southern most part of Sri Lanka still holds the charm of European styled buildings, cobbled stoned roads, red tiled roofs, flowered pots in the veranda & a fort built by Dutch takes you back to centuries of years when Portuguese & Dutch had stepped to Sri Lanka in 16^th & 17^th century.

Things to do in Galle

Although there isn’t anything specific or a huge list to be covered, a walk in the fort in itself is on the topmost things to do. Galle has been so far the quietest city I have been to in Sri Lanka, most of the old buildings have now been converted to either cafes or restaurants or a fancy tourist shop. There are high chances to be lost while walking around the fort as most of the buildings look similar, but getting lost will always take you to something better 🙂

I got lost once & this is where I ended up with the colorful Tuk Tuk’s lined up & colorful flowers hanging from the pots looked like they were made for each other.

The Old Dutch Hospital which was built by Dutch as a hospital back then is now used for dining & shopping. Totally worth a visit if you are a foodie & a shopaholic like me 😉

There is a spectacular view of the cricket stadium from the fort, suppose to be one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world.

I also relished walking at the edge of the fort, watching the couples romancing under the umbrellas & hearing the silent waves kiss the shore. Water was as clear as the crystal & as blue as the sky, I sat here staring at the ocean for quite a while listening to all the life lessons they have been teaching.

Waves roar towards the shore,
saying be wild & free.
Wind whispers in my ears,
saying be wild & free.
Sun shines over my spine,
saying be wild & free.

Things to do in Unawatuna

Unawatuna is in the suburbs of Galle, a major tourist spot for its well known beach. I first landed at this sacred hill Rumasalla in Unawatuna where every plant/tree has some medicinal value. Tales of Ramayana flies around every part of this hill as this was one of the broken part fallen when Lord Hanumantha was carrying the Sanjeevani hill from India.

Japanese Peace Pagoda is located at a beautiful spot which has the views of the ocean, it is meant to shred Peace & the oceans across pours more shine to stay peaceful! At the entrance, there is also a statue of Lord Hanumantha as the tale in Rumasalla runs around him.

Jungle beach, this beach reminded me of Leonardo’s movie “The Beach”, from the walk to the beach till I reached the shore; the stills of the movie kept running in my head. It was my first time ever to walk alone in a secluded place & it was totally worth it. I witnessed one of the best sunsets as I was walking back from the beach.

Unawatuna beach is a little too crowded for me, although there are many restaurants if you would like to just go grab a beer & watch the ocean. That’s what I did 😉

Where to stay

Kikili House

Located in Galle & few minutes’ walk away from the fort; It’s a painting by itself, every step you take is filled with colors that tickles all over your body from head to toe, their quirky kitchen and the food served is a treat to your eyes and the stomach. Read the full post here, to stay at Kikili House they can be contacted through their website.

Silva Tree House

Located between Galle & Unawatuna on the sacred hill Rumasalla, a glass house with the view of forest and my favorite is their bathroom with the view of ocean & forest J 15 minutes Tuk Tuk ride from Galle & a few minutes’ walk to Japanese Peace Pagoda, Jungle beach and Unawatuna beach. Read the full post here, to stay at Silva Tree House they can be contacted through Airbnb.

Where to eat

There are plenty of options to eat in the Galle Fort & Dutch Hospital; I ate this yummy brinjal meal served on a leaf at “A minute by Tuk Tuk” & a drink at the “Hammock Café & Pub”. Hammock Café & Pub as the name says, where you swing on a hammock & chill with a drink.

Otherwise, for a cheaper option, there are lots of street foods available at every corner of the road with yummy rolls, vade’s & kothu parathas.

How to reach

Sri Lankan railways are very well connected to all the major cities/towns; there are trains from Negombo/Colombo to Galle. This whole journey is on the coastal route, it feels like train literally is floating on the ocean. Check this link to track the schedule of the trains in Sri Lanka.

If you do not wish to wait for a train, there are plenty of buses as well from Negombo/Colombo to Galle.

Bikes for rent are available too in most of the areas if you would like to travel around by yourself.

Blooming…

Wild Flower

September 24, 2016
Devrai Art Village – Where Art blends with Nature

The principles of true art is not to portray, but to evoke – Jerzy Kosinski

Dating back to thousands of years, India holds rich heritage in many art forms. One of them is Dhokra, which is being practiced for more than 4,000 years originated in West Bengal and now is practiced in most of the regions in India.

As much as most of our art forms are still practiced but hasn’t been recognized & rewarded as they deserve to be, they are slowly becoming extinct. Dhokra which is also widely practiced in Gadchiroli faced a major threat of naxalites that affected the adivasi craftsmen’s work to pursue it effectively.

Under an old Ficus tree an idea was seeded in 2008, which has now grown up to be Devrai Art Village an NGO in Panchgani that has created a platform for these craftsmen by nurturing their art work. Ms. Mandakini Mathur, founder of Devrai Art Village partnered with Mr. Suresh Pangati who is a craftsman by himself forming a creative set of team of adivasi craftsmen from Gadchiroli & Chhattisgarh.

Panchgani in Satara District in Maharashtra which is located on the Sahyadri mountain ranges is very well known for table land which is also the second longest mountain plateau in Asia and their strawberry farms. Stunning views of small hamlets in the alley, lush green paddy fields, Karvi flowers just starting to bloom and the still green mountains surrounding the whole town adds like glitters to the beauty of Panchgani.

Speaking about Dhokra, it is an art form that uses lost wax casting where a metal (Brass, Silver, Gold, etc) sculpture is formed using a mould which either can be made of wax or clay. I spent most of my time in Devrai by interacting with artists watching them manoeuvre their hands to form beautiful sculptures under the old Ficus tree.

Once in 15/20 days casting process takes place and I was lucky to see this as it was in progress on the day I reached. Shankar Nag, one of the artists explains how casting takes place. Every sculpture is shielded by mud that forms a mould and heated up for about 3-4 hours, at the same time brass is boiled for about 3-4 hours. Once the mould is heated, brass is poured and allowed to cool for a while before it’s broken & taken to the next process. As the process in itself was such a beauty to watch, I was also drawn to just stare at the fire & the boiling brass.

Once the mould is broken, the next step involves cleaning & providing the final touch.

The sculpture is heated again to dip in Potassium Permanganate & the last step is Buffing! Entire process would at least take about 2 weeks to get the final product.

Rock Dhokra is a new feather added to the traditional Dhokra art, one of its kinds which were invented at Devrai. I spent some time with Suresh to understand the process of Rock Dhokra. Stones are picked by the river, based on the shape of the stone artists decide on what sculpture can be formed. Artists design the shape around the stone using bee wax; it is then moulded with mud (brought from Gadchiroli) and heated. Suresh says, there were many challenges when they started Rock Dhokra as the brass needs to be heated at the right temperature. A slight variation in the temperature can also cause damage to the sculpture which adds to more work on the next process.

This piece was made using a wooden bark!

Devrai Art Village also offers workshops for who is interested in learning the art form, internships for the art & design students, they also have apprentice from the adivasi community who learn the art form to make their living.

Let Devrai grow as mighty as a tree along with many other art forming branches leading to fruitful artists! If you would like to buy their art or contribute to Devrai please visit their Facebook page or check out their website.

Devrai Art Gallery!

2 years ago Mathur’s family extended their house with an intention to form a likeminded community by hosting creative set of people like artists, writers, designers, etc. Different species of trees, ponds filled with lilies, birds singing all day, beautifully built house with the view of valley, gallery displaying their art work, super friendly dogs & a warm family with creative minds makes your visit more peaceful & comfortable. If you would like to stay at Devrai, you can find them at Airbnb.

That was my view, reading & writing spot for 2 days at Devrai Art Village.

If you are in Panchgani in September, make sure to be part of Karvi Festival which is an Art festival in harmony with Music & Nature. They have live bands performing in a cave & nature trails organized witnessing Karvi flowers that bloom once in 8 years.

*I was hosted by Devrai Art Village.

Blooming…

Wild Flower

September 13, 2016
Slow travel in Sinharaja Forest, Sri Lanka!

If you slow things down, you notice things you had not seen before – Robert Wilson

Dusk had kicked in; I was in Deniyaya bus stand where even the street lights were off. I heard a voice…it was Ranjith, Tuk Tuk driver who had come to pick me up. A relief, but was still not sure if I got into the right Tuk Tuk. He stopped at a point and asked me to get off, it was as dark as black. I could only hear water gushing; I flashed my torch & saw few trees. We had to cross the river with my two big bags to enter the forest. After 20 minutes of hike, I finally saw a light. We entered the gate & he introduced me to Katrina, Hi I said & then took a deep breath that I am safe, sound & alive! Sigh!

Next morning I woke up to the bright sun rays kicking through the window, glared quietly to a view of dense forest, Sinharaja Forest. I knew I was going to stay here for long, when I saw those trees & heard birds chirping, I was sure that I will. Traveling is an experience, once you stay longer in any place all these experiences grows into you spreading around like branches and keeps you grounded like roots. Those experiences are like nutrients that keep you enriched which moulds to be a better person.

Sam & Karina who quit their jobs & came here few years ago to setup their dream home, they also witnessed deforestation at the same time. They have planted around 800 + tress growing their own vegetables & fruits practicing sustainable living, using only solar power: they call it as Natural Mystic Sanctuary. It is heart wrenching to hear the trees that have been cut & was replaced by tea plantations. As most of the forest, Sinharaja Forest is also under threat; they are doing their bit to contribute to the nature.

The farthest white dot seen is Natural Mystic Sanctuary.

Open natural shower at their house!

One of the late evenings, Katrina took us for a hike in the forest which is now slowly converting to tea plantations; we watched the sunset through the shimmering leaves & headed back. This is what happens when the need is replaced with greed 😦

My reading spot by the river, also some work for the fish to nibble on my feet.

I have always found coolest places to do yoga and this was one of the best where a place was setup under an old oak tree where apparently a big cobra lives in, the thought of it was even more fun to practice yoga 😉

As curious as always, I had to see the local market where farmers sell their crops, and we all headed to shop. This market was covered by netted clothes as roof which seemed like a colorful path when the sun rays were passing through the net.

Wood fire pizza we made on one of the rainy day!

Renuka from a nearby village comes here to cook, one day she came to me with a plate of Vade and she said India. She meant this is from India; I giggled, nodding yes and she says she watches all cookery shows from India and learns lot of recipes. Next day, a mid aged man says Vanakkam (greeting a person in Tamil), he said he is Renuka’s uncle. She had told him that I am from India; he invited us home sharing his stories that he was brought up here; his older brother (Renuka’s father) speaks better Tamil than him. He also mentioned that many years ago, most of the property in Deniyaya was owned by Chettiyar’s: one of the renowned Tamil families. It rained all day and we couldn’t go to their house, next day Renuka seemed upset that they were all waiting for us with pan cakes, tea and tender coconut 😦

We promised to go with her the same day, Jabba also accompanied us. It was raining all through our walk, locals taking a dip in the water, washing clothes, glittering paddy fields, tall palm trees, cows grazing, tired trees with scorching heat looked all cheered up soaking in the rain!

She lives in a nearby village called Batandura, houses here are painted with bright colors which looks like a painting by itself. We were served with super delicious tea & I was conversing with her father in Tamil. He said his father moved to Sri Lanka many years ago and they later got adapted to Sinhalese culture. Renuka’s husband works in a tea factory which was shut recently as they did not have work due to less rain, Renuka works as a cook to manage the family. Her kids got dressed up in their new clothes & shoes that were purchased for their New Year and we all stood for a group photo! Say cheese!

Why do we travel? To meet such wonderful people and for such experiences that keeps you enriched & also moulds to be a better person.

Blooming…

Wild Flower

August 26, 2016
Time’s set to medieval age here in Sri Lanka @ Galapita Rocks!

Our admiration of the antique is not admiration of the old, but of the natural-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I paused; I could hear something when I reached a far off unknown land. It was my blood rushing through my veins; I knew I was going somewhere far, really far! Wheels of the bus start gliding on road through a forest, I knew I was going somewhere far, really far! My eyes didn’t want to rest for a second admiring nature; there is an elephant on one side and a dancing peacock on the other side! I knew I was going somewhere far, really far!

My backpack & I stepped out of the bus after 30 minutes of this warm welcome by nature, I knew I was going somewhere far, really far! Celebration of my arrival continued opening up to glittering corn fields, sun shine was sprinkling on the corn turning to golden lights that was beaming till a far off lake. Locals were greeting me with their beautiful smile, kids were peeping through the trees throwing a shy smile! I knew I was going somewhere far, really far!

Dry leaves were mizzling on me as I entered Galapita Rocks; I stand still watching the colorful leaves on ground. Those colorful leaves turn into beautiful shoes, I take a step ahead with a grin on my face looking at the hanging bridge. Gems in the river were crawling up forming a tiara; I slowly move my fingers on the rail of the bridge and start walking. Wind swirls around me with beautiful beads transforming to a gorgeous gown! I knew I was going somewhere far, really far! I was in the medieval age!

I was so mesmerized by the whole place and when asked about the history: It was started in 1995 by Mr. Rukman De Fonseka who found this land near Buttala while traveling with a friend, this land was then used for slash and burn cultivation by the local farmers. Mr. Rukman designed this whole place and was initially used as a place for a getaway with his friends. Electricity came to this village only few years ago, this place was then converted to a yoga & meditation centre. It is also a famous spot for river bathing; this river is located by the side of Gem River called Menik River which runs till Kataragama temple. Once a barren land is now home for Teak, Palm, Mango and many trees, Galapita means “Rock on a Rock” which is visible from this place and hence named Galapita Rocks!

Vibrantly lit room with antique pieces, soothing noise of the gushing river, pond with lily pads next to the bed, crystal stones throwing light to the room, courtyard to relax gazing at the huge trees forming a pathway for river to pass, a place to read/write, moon light sprinkling the entire place! I fall asleep with a smile as moon sways its reflection on the pond.

My eardrums were knocked by the screams of peacock and my eyes were softened by the gentle sun rays!

Open shower with dry leaves on the ground, like I was showering somewhere deep in the forest!

Yoga by the river, breeze to chill my soaked skin! What more can I ask for?

Tree top was setup to have a bird’s view of the entire land, also to witness amazing sunrise or sunset!

Every gem and an antique piece found around this area are showcased in this Museum, Agasti!

Take a dip in the river crawling through the rocks, if you are lucky you can find some gem stones! Luck was all I had when I reached here 😉

The Crystal Lounge, Dining area is no less with the antique pieces and crystal stones surrounded. Lip smacking food is served on mud plates, and every meal was unique with the touch of taste cooked by locals. I don’t have to justify anymore that I was treated like a princess!

One of my favorite spot here was to sit and gaze at the sugarcane field for hours while I spotted a monitor lizard and a dragon in the sun!

Friends who gave me company as I was gazing at the sugarcane fields!

Full moon day is called as Poya, which also calls for a public holiday in Sri Lanka.

What’s with me and the love towards antique pieces, they are just a sheer beauty! Untouched!

*I was hosted by Galapita Rocks, I have just been too lucky!

Blooming…

Wild Flower

April 23, 2016
People of Sri Lanka
Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about-Marilyn Monroe

Scattered brain, job that I never liked, people that I love, place that I have hate/love relationship with, lost relationships, lead to a frustration which made me book a trip for 7 days to Sri Lanka last year in September. By then, I was already in the urge of quitting job but was just not too sure to take the risk. Those 7 days changed the way I looked at life, everybody here seemed so happy & carry smile on their face all the time. It was not just the place I fell in love with, it was the people!

After I quit my job and was confused on where to start my full time travels with, it was this same kind & smiling people who crossed my mind and that was it. This time it was not just 7 days, but 30 days. I wanted to experience everything that I missed in my last visit, this time I had no reasons to rush back soon; I am jobless now you see! I wanted to indulge in every place as much as I could, to understand their culture and what makes them such glorious people!

To all those marvelous people I have met on my way, here is my tribute to all of you!
1. Sala & Bludgy
Who knew just a random email on a random day to a random someone can lead to something so beautiful. It is not just their place; it is them making it more beautiful. I just stayed there watching birds, monkeys, peacocks, buffaloes, reading, writing, doing yoga. With quitting their jobs in advertising and into full time painting now, they made me realize I have made a right decision too. Read full story about them here.

2. Railway Security Police

I took the train from Galle to Matara; I was struggling to keep my backpack in the upper space provided. I noticed somebody looking at me through the window; I just ignored and continued with my struggle. He then came inside, helped me arrange it and left with a smile. Train got set to move, he came again along with his friends and sat beside me. One of his friend asked me where am I from, I said India and they were very pleased to know. They introduced themselves as Railway Security Police, we spoke about Railway Security Police in India & Sri Lanka. They asked on where I am going next and advised me the best way to reach that place. While we said bye to each other, the same Police who helped with me luggage stressed on being safe; while I was looking for a Tuk Tuk he again came & rescued me by not paying the high price.

3. A Little Girl’s smile & a generous Conductor in a Bus

I was traveling from Matara to Kataragama in a local bus, bus was really crowded and I had to stand for almost an hour and my journey was about close to 3 hours. Luckily found a seat after an hour which was saved by this little girl, she looked at me and called Akki (Elder Sister), I asked her if she can speak English and she said no. So, all we did was exchanged smiles every now & then. I did not find any tourists in the bus or on the road, with small amount of fear I kept looking at the map if I am going in the right direction. May be the girl sensed I was a little scared, every time she sees a milestone she would tell me how many kilometers is left more to Kataragama. After few minutes, the bus Conductor asked me where I was from and I said India; he asked if I am here on studies, I said no and showed him where I was going next. He said I need to take another bus to Buttala, after we reached Kataragama that little girl showed me the bus that was parked that goes to Buttala. It was all written in Sinhala, I wouldn’t have figured out if she had not mentioned. Later, even the conductor told me I can board that bus, I got in and after few minutes I saw him talking to the bus conductor and asking him to help me get off at the right place.

4. Kindest Person on Earth: Punchi Aiya

This place in Weerawila I wanted to stay was under renovation and the owner was a little hesitant as the place was not completely setup yet, as usual stubborn me wanted to visit and convinced the owner. He said, he doesn’t manage the place but Punchi Aiya does and he is sick right now so I had no luck. I was a little disappointed, he then called me back saying Punchi Aiya agreed and I can go there for a day or two. I reached there and heard that Punchi Aiya had just undergone breast cancer operation, cursed myself for being so stubborn and I didn’t know what to say. He was there with me all the time, providing tender coconut, making lemon juice, best tea & coffee that he made; I kept insisting him not to and he would just not stop serving me food. Next day morning both of us went to get fresh milk from nearby buffaloes, he again served delicious coffee. I couldn’t speak Sinhala and he couldn’t speak English, all thanks to non verbal communication! With his situation, if there was someone else in his place not sure if they would have offered to help. Would you?

5. Mr. Riza & Arjuna

The man who owns this place in Weerawila is Mr. Riza whom I could just get to speak on phone mostly is again one of the most helpful soul, not only he arranged for my stay here but also sent Arjuna to make sure I would get the essence of the place. We spoke about how tourism has changed Sri Lanka over the last few years, he explained about the lake in Weerawila and why the name Weerawila came in. Arjuna, who is a BCom graduate, worked in Japan for 3 years! Now he is undergoing a training to become a tour guide and he is also a certified Japanese teacher. When I asked him why towards tourism, he said he likes traveling, meet people from other countries and would like to improve his English. A big thank you to Arjuna for sharing details about some really beautiful places I visited in Sri Lanka.

6. Long lost Tamil Family

Just one of the days when I was enjoying the taste of slow travel in Deniyaya, Renuka who is the cook from the place I stayed in came with a plate of Vade and she said India. I understood, she meant this is from India; I said yes and she says she watches all cookery shows from India and learns lot of recipes. Next day, a mid aged man comes to me and says Vanakkam (greeting a person in tamil), he said he is the cook’s uncle; she told him that I am from India; he invited us home sharing his stories that he was brought up here, his older brother (Renuka’s father) speaks better Tamil than him. It rained all day and we couldn’t go to their house, next day Renuka mentioned that they were all waiting for us with pan cakes, tea and tender coconut L we promised to go with her the same day, they were such lovely family with beautiful kids who live in a nearby village called Batandura. Her father spoke to me in Tamil and said his father moved to Sri Lanka many years ago and they later got adapted to Sinhalese culture. Renuka’s husband works in tea factory which was shut recently as they did not have work to do due to less rains, Renuka works as a cook to manage the family. Her kids got dressed up in their new clothes & shoes that were purchased for New Year and we all stood for a group photo! Say cheese!

7. Tuk Tuk Driver in Beragala

Rains had just stopped as I got into the Tuk Tuk covered on both the ends, I wanted to look out and see the mountains but couldn’t. Wondering how to communicate with the driver, I just sat peeping out trying to remove the sheets that were covered. I heard him speak in Tamil over phone; I started a conversation in my broken Tamil. As all the stories, his grandparents had moved to Sri Lanka too or brought to Sri Lanka is the right thing to say. He remembers his childhood trip to India with his parents, his mother’s sister still lives there but sadly he doesn’t know where. There can be many such sad stories around here of those families who were moved from India! 😦

8. Hard Worker I met in Haputale

He is Mr. MBC Premalal, a retired post master with 3 kids. At this age, he drives a Tuk Tuk to live! He took us to some secret falls and spoke about few amazing places in Sri Lanka, he made sure we reached safe on the scariest hike to the secret waterfalls. Now, whenever I feel lazy to do my work, I think of him! Being retired and getting back to work again is something only hard workers can do!

9. Indian Ladies in the Tea Estate

It was early morning, mist was just clearing off. We headed back from Lipton Seat and the tea workers were just starting to pluck the leaves. My Tuk Tuk driver stopped asking if I want to take a picture, as I was clicking pictures I noticed 3 ladies preparing tea on a huge pot. I went to them and said I can speak Tamil too, I am from India. They were just so happy to see me and my bangles, haha yes my bangles & my anklets too. They said, they feel really nice to see a girl in bangles and anklets. They asked me to wait as they wanted me to taste the tea they were preparing; it was a huge pot that was getting prepared for all their co-workers/friends. As we had lots of time, we got into talking.

Their names are Papati, Aarayi & Valarmarai; lady sitting near firewood said her mother stays in India and she goes once in few years to visit her. I asked her why she isn’t staying in India, she sadly says her parents got her married and left her. Other two ladies have relatives in India too but like everyone they don’t know where, they were sharing their problems on how difficult it is to handle their life. They slog for 9 full hours and get 500 LKR per day, they said it is very less money to manage a family and send kids to school. As they always end up having less money, most of their kids don’t get to go to school L I asked what do they do when It rains, they said even if it rains they still got to work for 9 hours and one lady smiled and says its more nicer to work in rain than in the heat. I could see the pain in their eyes that they go through every day, worst part to me was being in a position where I didn’t know how to help!

They still refer to Sri Lanka as Ceylon and with all the problems they have they still carry a smile and carry on with their work. This is what traveling teaches isn’t it? We are not the only one who has problems in the world; we just need to know how to deal with it and of course with a smile! As all Sri Lankans do, they invited me to their house. They said next time, you come and stay with us; we will show you nice places around.

10. Most helpful people on the bus

Time spent on the research in finding this village, number of people I have asked if they know about it! Phew, now if I think of it; I just feel so nice of making it finally with the entire struggle and these two people made it even easier. When we figured out the direct bus to Mandaram Nuwara leaves only in the noon, we decided to go the nearby town and look for another bus. Conductor in this bus was trying to have a conversation, I told him we need to go to Mandaram Nuwara; asking him if there is a bus from Padiyapelalla. He said this bus goes to Mandaram Nuwara and apparently that was the last bus leaving to Mandaram Nuwara from Padiyapelalla. If he had not spoken, not sure if I would have made to this village; not only did he help to reach the village but also was waiting for almost an hour for us to return to take us back to the town as there was no bus leaving that village in the evening. Both the driver & conductor took us in their Tuk Tuk and showed us a beautiful waterfall, what’s with me and secret falls! I have no idea, ask all these lovely Sri Lankan people I met. They later dropped us to a nearby town and made sure we got into the right bus to reach Kandy!

11. School Kids on the Crazy Van Ride

On the way to this remote village, there are many small villages where there are lots of tamilians. On my Van ride, there were these curious school kids who wanted to know if I know actor Vijay, yeah check out their innocence. And all of them wanted me to go to Vijay and say that they conveyed their regards to him. As the kids were curious to know if I live near actors, the ladies were wondering why did I chose to travel alone and experience this crazy Van ride with them. They just have one van operating to and fro in a day where they hardly have some place to even stand, and we complain of not having AC bus’s in the city!

12. One Man Army in the remote village

Mr. Navratana, 52 years old has all the energy in this world; half of which I don’t even have at my age! I was really amazed with his energy, he wakes up early to go on hike, he will be a kid when he has to slide through the waterfall or jump in the water. As we hiked through the jungle, he was picking all the trash thrown by the so called “Senseless People” and was saying this is how local tourist people come here and spoil the beauty. When will the Senseless People gain some sense? However, everyone in this village was such smiling beauties. There were 2 ladies who asked me to come again, they would dress me up with their wedding saree J I even saw a blind man working on the road clearing up weed grown in the corners. So feeling lazy on your bed to get your work done?

13. Family in Mirissa

The home stay in stayed in Mirissa, the first thing owner asks me. Do you have a boy friend? I laughed and said no; Husband, No! Why do you travel alone? Because I like it! One of the best things to stay in a home stay is the food; they cooked some amazing breakfast with so much variety every day. As it was closer to their New Year, they would prepare some special snacks and would invite me for a chat and serve those snacks! Of course, I got invited to stay back for New Year’s but the damn visa was expiring on the day I was leaving. He offered me a drop in his Tuk Tuk till the bus stand and asked me to come back again next year.

It was all you lovely people who made my first visit so memorable, it was all you adorable people who made me come to Sri Lanka for the 2^nd time, it will all be you fabulous people who will keep pushing me to visit Sri Lanka as many times as possible! It is not just the place; it is you people who are making it more beautiful!

Ayubowan!

Blooming…

Wild Flower!
April 14, 2016
Celebrating Life in the sacred Hill of Sri Lanka!

Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow-Anita Desai

I have learned a lot while traveling, mostly from the people I meet who always have a positive impact on my life! Hence, I am always choosy on the place I travel to & most importantly the place I stay in; I believe the relationship you hold with hosts has a serious impact on the place you consider as a home for the days you stay in. One of such amazing hosts I met are Sala & Bludgy & this is how!

I was looking for eco-friendly places to stay in; I found their website & shot them an email. They said they have moved to a different location but they are starting something new very soon. I saw the pictures of their new setup; it was an overnight dream that came true. Just a few days ago before I reached their place, I had seen a picture exactly like this on Instagram and thought I should stay in a place like this someday!

Also read: A guide to Galle & Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

View from the sky tent!

Sala was talking about how they came up with this concept, they have been seeing people cutting trees to increase the number of places to stay for travelers, and they were not very happy with it, so had to come up with this concept of not harming trees & can still host travelers. This could be an example to everyone who thinks cutting trees is the only solution; also they are having all their guests to plant a tree as well. They even segregate garbage; dump the garbage that can be recycled as manure in a pit to use it for plants. The soil is really good here, manure is not really needed but it is just one of the ways to use the garbage effectively by not harming nature; he adds.

Also read: Sacred Hill in Ramayana

This is where they live 😉

Sala & Bludgy both quit their jobs in advertising & followed their passion for paintings, to make it more accessible they have those paintings printed on T-shirts. He was talking about him wearing a tie & presenting to clients & I was sharing the job that I was doing that I never liked. When asked why they decided to quit, they said they found more happiness in what they are doing right now than their earlier 9-5 job. It was not even a month since I had quit my job; I was still struggling with the post syndrome and I realized I have made the right decision too. I learned that Quitting job is not a big deal, accepting the life that throws at you after quitting is!

Also read: Mistakes I learned from after quitting my job

It was a big day while I was staying at their place, along with my friend in Bengaluru we had finished 48 days of 108 Surya Namaskara & still continues!

Oh, you yummy breakfast!

We have had long conversations over dinner about how India & Sri Lanka were rich with Diamonds & Gems, spices, crops & so much richer in the culture before Portuguese, Dutch & British invaded and how we are struggling now to save our own culture. I was curious to know about this indigenous tribe in Sri Lanka called Veddas, I had read about how they originated earlier in a book and Sala was talking about how there is a change now in their lifestyle with modern technologies taking over all our lives.

I was a poet during my stay here, read through; it will explain how beautiful this place is!

It was dark & lovely,
I am floating in the air.
Fireflies passed by like twinkling stars,
I am floating in the air.
Peacocks screams at a distance as I fall into trap of sleep,
I am floating in the air.
I walk into a dreamland with fireflies & peacocks,
I am floating in the air.
Sleep releases my eyes to birds chirping,
I am floating in the air.

Sit at the edge of a rock staring at the trees,
Sit on the hammock reading a book for ages.
Lie down until the sun keeps winking,
Lie down until the stars start twinkling.
We all have one life to live,
Let’s just Live! Live! Live!

I have learned how to celebrate life from them, how to manage daily tasks along with work and a baby & two dogs, how to have balance in a relationship, how to look for happiness in everything you do, basically just how to celebrate life!

Also read: People of Sri Lanka

Silus & Naggi!

Blooming…

Wild Flower

April 9, 2016
Sacred hill in Ramayana, Peace & some Beaches @ Silva Tree House!

Our Peace shall stand as far as rocky mountains-William Shakespeare

Ramayana is one of story that we Indian kids grow up hearing to by our grandparents or parents or on a TV series; we all know that Sri Lanka plays a major part in Ramayana. As I got into the Tuk Tuk to go to my next destination, driver Kumara started telling the story about this hill Rumasalla & yes it was part of Ramayana.

When Ravana kidnapped Sita, he hid her around many places in Sri Lanka to avoid the very strong Hanumantha. This is one of the hills where Ravana hid Sita, Laxmana (Rama’s brother) who came looking for Sita was injured and Hanumantha did not find any medicine for the cure, he went looking for it in Himalayas. He carried the hill and came to Sri Lanka, while he was flying pieces of the hill fell in few places and one of them is in Rumasalla. Every plant/tree here is supposed to have some medicinal quality.

As Kumara was sharing the story climbing up the hill, I was gazing at the trees and went back to my childhood imagining all the characters of Ramayana that I remember seeing in the TV series. Noise of the engine of Tuk Tuk stopped and I stepped back to reality, as I got down there were 2 smiling ladies waiting to greet me and there was my destination.

At the first sight when I looked at the house, it looked like a gift wrapped by trees around and tied with branches as a ribbon. I released a branch and stepped into the gift, it appeared like I was in illusion when I walked in. I slowly take steps on wooden floor; I see the reflection of trees & myself on the glass walls. Like a magical gift that I walked into, it took me few minutes to realize I was still in the normal world! John calls this magical gift as Silva Tree House.

Next day morning, I woke up to the peaceful prayers from the nearby Japanese Pagoda, sunlight sneaking through the French windows, not too far away ocean. I open my eyes slowly and stretch my arms as the cool breeze from the trees sneaks in.

Dining Hall & Lounge at the roof top!

Traditional Sri Lankan hoppers for breakfast

With a view like this, it was too difficult to come out of the shower!

Could capture Silva Tree House on my way back from the short walk!

I always chose to stay in eco-friendly places, I was happy to know that there were no trees cut when this house was built except for one tree that was removed as it was rotten. Water used here is only rain water; they are working on setting up the electricity to be completely solar. It was learning for me and also surprising to know that the sewage here runs through the natural filters like stones & gravels.

As always, on my morning yoga!

Japanese Pagoda & statue of Hanumantha on Rumasalla hill!

When asked what is so unique about this hill, John mentioned; Sir. Arthur C Clarke, a renowned British science fiction writer had a holiday house in Rumasalla because of the strong magnetic meridians passing through the headland. Magnetic Meridian is an equivalent imaginary line connecting the magnetic south and north poles and can be taken as the horizontal component of magnetic force lines along the surface of the earth. Therefore, a compass needle will be parallel to the magnetic meridian. Fascinating isn’t it? Of course, even I didn’t know what Magnetic Meridian means; explanation mentioned above is from Wikipedia. Another surprise, this hill also attracts more lightning than anywhere in Sri Lanka.

Walk does seem like how Leonardo finds that secretive island in the movie Beach!

Just one of those days when Sun chose to swim 😉

Jungle Beach and Unawatuna Beach are both are at walkable distance from Silva Tree House, although me not being very beachy person; I preferred to walk to Jungle Beach as the walk through jungle sounded exciting. It is about 15 minutes walk and I totally felt safe through the Jungle, it was the first time where I walked through a jungle alone. Fear of not being safe on one side and the noise of waves hitting my ears on the other side kept me walking.

Let this gift be unwrapped with many more surprises all along.

*I was hosted by Silva Tree House; you have to stay here to witness some more surprises.

Blooming…

Wild Flower

April 1, 2016
I walked into a painting @ Kikili House

Color creates, enhances, changes, reveals and establishes the mood of the painting-Kiff Holland

Take a Canvas, spill some colors and swing it around! That’s how this place was made, in one of the very quiet roads in Galle. I stepped in with swollen legs, eyes craving for sleep and shoulders begging for some rest; restlessly I sat on the colorful couch lifting my head up; I could hear my shoulders screaming thank you, my eyes weren’t blinking watching the colors on the roof, my legs giggling by the tickle from the colors on the carpet.

Henri & Kokila swung these colors on 1^st August 2012 and called this painting as Kikili House. Kikili means Hen in Singhalese; each room is named after different species of Hen: Plymouth Rock, Orpington, Wali Kakula, Faverolle and Silky Bantom. Each color on every art in these rooms opens up to greet you with a smile.

Detailing at every corner is so neatly done; there is no place where the colors are spilled outside the line. From the curtain holders to the lid that covers a mug, from a kitchen with quirky posters to an open balcony with a calm place to do yoga, from a living room where the colors dance to the seat out where the colors romances with light!

Also, read A Guide to Galle/Unawatuna

Yummy breakfast at Kikili House!

Stroll around the Galle Fort, few minutes’ walk away from Kikili House.

Let the Kikili keep cackling brightening up the colors every day! Let the colors keep opening up and bring smiles to every soul that pass by!

*I was hosted by Kikili House, envy? Well, don’t, pack your bags and walk into this painting yourself!

Blooming…

Wild Flower

March 25, 2016