Amruthapura

I go to my native mostly via NH-206. Though I had been to Amruthapura, 6 km deviation from highway, in the past, my wife hadn't seen it.

We were coming back after last year's Diwali, 15th Nov. 2012. We crossed Shimoga and coming past Tarikere when we saw signboard towards Amruthapura, thought why can't we pay a visit.

I like stone temples. Amruteswara temple is one of those, built in 1196 by Hoysalas. More information on that can be found here.

My kiddie was very happy and all along she was just touching and feeling those cold big pillars!

A Word on Swift, Ritz and Fabia

Regular readers of my blog know I am fond of driving. I haven't driven high-end cars for long distances. I have read both professional reviews and user reviews of almost all the cars sold in India. Until Hassan Trip, I never thought of writing a blog post on a car, let alone Maruti Suzuki Swift.

My friend Jagga has a Swift Vxi, 2009 model (1.3L, not the new car which is 1.2L). 5 of us went to Hassan to attend a marriage and also visit some of the places nearby. Having driven for over 600 km in 2 days, I fell in love with this car and thought of writing a few words about the car.

Car has good power and I managed to keep consistently with 135-140 kmph with 5 people and their luggage on board. While coming from Chitradurga, I even raced to 160 kmph for a couple of minutes before slowing down as the car, I thought was not designed for such speed because since it was becoming unstable. This time, we were only two people and so, the weight was less.

A month back I drove my friend's recently bought Skoda Fabia diesel. I always thought diesel cars have better power though a little less acceleration. When I drove the Fabia diesel, I was very disappointed with it's acceleration. If someone, regularly drives a petrol, test drives it, he won't buy it. However, I didn't drive long distance, so I can't tell how it's power is distributed among different speeds (gears).

My cousin bought Ritz diesel and I happened to drive it from Chitradurga till Bangalore a couple of weeks ago. I was a little skeptical about it's power because on spec, it is 75 ps and 190 Nm torque, which matches that of Fabia's. However there was a surprise for me - the acceleration. Ritz diesel's acceleration is much better and almost comparable to petrol similar sized engines. Both are common rail direct injection technology diesel engines but stark difference in acceleration, which makes me believe Fabia's engine was not refined (or rather fine tuned) for initial acceleration, which people like it very much in India to race when the signal becomes green!

Now, I need to drive more cars on different road conditions to compare them better.

PS: Views expressed here are based only on my personal experiences and the particular cars I drove.

Kanva Dam

While coming back from Kokkare Bellur, we took a left turn around 10km before Ramanagara to reach Kanva dam as planned. One wouldn't miss since there clear sign boards on the road showing the way.

It is a small irrigation project built in 1946 across river Kanva, a tributary of river Cauvery. It is named after sage Kanva who is said to have lived in caves on river banks during Ramayana. Now, it's a popular tourist place, with tourists being mostly from Bengaluru.

It's a nice place to spend an hour or two in the evening. If you are expecting anything more than this you might be disappointed! If you are particular about birding, then it's one of the places to visit in early mornings.

There is a compound on a hillock (more like a hillock rather). Somehow it was reminding Great Wall of China (structure resembling if you imagine so).

Dr. Raj is a veteran Kannada actor, he was lead actor in a movie called Sipayi Ramu, released in 1971. While passing just saw a plantation with the same name and captured it.

We spent an hour at Kanva before heading back.

Kokkare Bellur

This is a post long overdue. I always wanted to visit Kokkare Bellur and thought why not go on a day last year.. Though I was not sure that we would sight birds since it was March 5th, 2011 and the season was almost over. Nevertheless, set out, thought atleast it would be a nice drive with wifey and a friend if there were not birds.

Reaching Kokkare Bellur was easy. Drive towards Mysore on SH 17 and cross Channapatna. After about 10 kms take left at a village named Rudrakshipura. Until reaching this place, I didn't know such a village exists. It is not that it should not exist, but the name Rudrakshipura is used extensively in a Kannada TV serial Mukta Mukta and in the serial, it is the capital of Rudranchala state. Now, every time I see the serial and they refer international airport I remember this village and smile unknowingly.

Coming back to travelogue from TV serial, Kokkare Bellur is around 12 km from Rudrakshipura. We were just approaching it, and a couple of boys aged 8-10 came running towards the car and volunteered to guide us. I had read about this in Aravind's blog, and thought of getting some books but forgot to carry. I gave some stationary items which I would keep in car. If somebody goes there, you may give them stationary items, if you feel you could give them something, which would be better utilized, instead of money or shooing them away.

The first sight of birds was a little confusing. I thought somebody dumped dustbins (like typical Bangalore inner roads) and the tree looked like a garbage yard before realizing they were actually painted storks sitting on the tree! We could spot a good number of birds but not of different species. This was when I seriously thought of buying a better camera as the point and shoot I have was not supporting in any way to capture birds.

After rolling over farms and backyards of some houses, we started back, only to return in Jan end or Feb first next time.

While returning, we had a detour to see Kanva reservoir, which I will write in next post.

Vani Vilasa Sagar Dam

On our way back to Bangalore from Chitradurga, a fantastic fort visit, we saw the signboards leading to Vani Vilasa Sagar dam by Karnataka Tourism Dept. We had time and steered the car off NH4 towards the reservoir at Hiriyur, 40 km from Chitradurga. The dam is around 15 km on Hiriyur - Hosadurga road but boards (in Kannada) takes there without any confusion.

Vani Vilasa Sagar dam, also called Mari Kanive, is truly an architectural wonder. I have been numerous dams in Karnataka and according to my opinion, this reservoir is most marvelous engineering creation. The two mantapas or pavilion halls built on the two ends of the dam are constructions to watch. While I took a look at the halls, I forgot to take the snaps. The view points on the hillock at the other side leading on top of the dam provides a fantastic view of the forests and wind mills beyond the water.

Vani Vilasa Sagar dam was built by an engineering team headed by Tara Chand Dalal on the order of his king of Mysore, Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV in early 20th century. The Mysore king had to pledge some royal jewellery due to shortage of money and hence it was called Vani Vilasa Sagar. Vani Vilasa was the name of the youngest daughter of the Mysore king (source: Wikipedia). The dam, built across the river Vedavathi, measures 162ft by 1300 ft and is the source of domestic water for the nearby towns Chitradurga and Hiriyur and is the source of water for agriculture for Hiriyur and Challakere taluks through canals on the both sides of the dam.

It is a good picnic spot and one can spend a couple of hours with family.

Chitradurga Fort

Chitradurga Fort visit was planned in the previous night. And the count decreased from car capacity of 5 people to only 2 when we actually started. Nevertheless, we took off on September 24th, 2011. "Nagara Haavu", veteran Kannada actor Dr. Vishnuvardhan's first film was shot here. Following this, many other movies were shot. A Couple of years back a Kannada movie namely "Kallarali Hoovagi" was entirely filmed here which covers most part of the fort in detail.

The drive from Bangalore to Chitradurga was smooth except that we paid Rs. 213/- for the toll (most of it was 2-way since we were coming back on the same day). The road is very good and the traffic, apart from trucks, was less. We covered 200km in just about 3 hrs and reached fort by 11 am. Guides would be available, both of us were not much aware of fort and the dynasty, so we thought it would be better to hire a guide. There were 13 licensed guides who take around Rs. 250/- for a 2+ hrs tour through the fort. ASI has declared this fort as a monument of national importance and hence any destruction is considered a serious offence now.

The fort covers about 1500 acres and houses a palace and 18 temples, a series of connected water tank, 19 gateways, 38 entrances, 35 secret entrances and 4 invisible passages and almost 2000 watchtowers, store rooms and garadi mane (traditional gym) and a jail. The fortification wall length is 8 km. There were some rocks which looked like elephant and frog. There was an interesting method to cut the rocks for construction material. Masons used to drill closely-spaced holes along straight line and pour water for months and the rocks were split precisely.

The fort, built in stages and expanded from 10th century to 18th century, consists of seven circular walls and popularly called "Elu Sutthina Kote" in Kannada. Of these, 2 are now part of the town and only from the third one, the present day fort starts. The walls contain loopholes to shoot the enemy and are surrounded by moat. After couple of 90 degree turns The gateways are accessible only after a couple of 90 degree left and right turns through passages. This slowed down invaders and made them easy targets so as not to allow the enemies to force open the door with long metal or wooden pieces by hitting the door gaining the momentum running to it.

Many of you might have heard the story of legendary Onake Obavv. This was the place where single handedly killed hundreds of enemy soldiers who were trying to enter through secret passage with only Onake (pestle).

To end with, it was a fabulous day and it's worth a visit. It was 2 pm when we climbed down and we returned after something fill our stomach. While returning we visited Vani Vilas dam off Hiriyur, a town on the way to Bangalore from Chitradurga on NH4. I will write about that next.

Dr. Subramanian Swamy on 2G scam

This is an hour video of Dr. Subramanian Swamy on 2G scam. You may just listen and continue your work. I was reading bits and pieces of Dr. Swamy's words on 2G scam. Thought of searching for some of his speeches and found this one among others.

It gives a look into extent of scam. For those who do not wish to support Anna for whatever the reasons, might want to see this since Dr. Swamy is always taking into courts and fighting against corruption.

Phishing E-mail for Income Tax Refund!

For those who are not sure what phishing is, click here. Basically, it is a method to get confidential information from you like bank A/c details or passwords etc.,

Well, I had received an e-mail today from Income Tax Dept. (somebody claiming so). I am pasting that here just to give a warning so that people do not get fooled and give away confidential information and being cheated in return.

#######################################################################

from: Income Tax Department refunds_portl11@incometaxindiafiling.gov.in

Dear Valued Taxpayer,

We have reviewed your tax fiscal payment for previous years and have resolved that you are qualified for a refund of the sum of 36,120.25 INR which is your accumulated tax excesses. Please submit a tax refund request and allow us to process it within 7(seven) working days.

To submit a request CLICK HERE

We appreciate taking the time to learn about our tax refund. It's one more way Income tax department can make your tax payment experience better.
Endeavor to fill in your Information correctly,to enable us make refund to your account without any delay.

Refund can be delayed for some reasons:

• Applying after deadline of notification.
• Submitting incorrect account information.

Tax Refund Department
Department of revenue,
Ministry of finance, India. 

#######################################################################

I knew it was phishing e-mail because of following reasons.
1. It was not from "incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in" but was from "incometaxindiafiling.gov.in"
2. Income Tax dept doesn't ask information through e-mail and more over if you take a look at the link, it was redirecting to some unknown website.
3. This week only I had got CPC processing status as Nil Tax Payable/Refund
4. Income Tax dept doesn't pay refunds of multiple financial years in single shot. (PS: As per my knowledge)

Hassan Travel 3 - Mullayanagiri

After returning from Manjarabad Fort, we freshened up and visited a previous day function of our friend's wedding. Before going to bed, Jagga said "We shall go to Mullayanagiri tomorrow. If we start by 5 or 5 30, we can easily go and comeback by 10 30 or so." I was very much interested to go, but was not keen on waking up so early! He had already been to Mullayanagiri and nobody else had been to there. Still, looking at his enthusiasm to take us, I couldn't deny and agreed half hearted.
 

Around 5 30 AM next day, I was woken up by his knocks on my room door. Now, the urge to visit the place overtook the need to sleep and within an hour, we were on the road towards Chikmagalur, at a distance of 61km. Early morning breeze welcomed us to SH57 and we stopped at Chikmagalur for breakfast before continuing towards the destination.

Chikmagalur to Mullayanagiri via Kaimara is about 22 km. The road after Kaimara to Mullayanagiri was very enjoyable amidst green coffee plantation and forest. We could see steep slope on one side and steep rise on the other side as the peak gets nearer. Most of the places, road is very narrow and two vehicles do not pass side by side, either one has to take reverse and pave way for the other. Over all, it was very fun but at the same time very risky and dangerous drive towards the parking lot, atop the mountain. Unless you are an expert driver and the vehicle is not new to you, do not attempt to drive on this stretch, especially on a misty morning.

 
Almost near the parking lot, there was one drunken driver who refused to take reverse and from the other direction, there were 4 vehicles, including ours, one behind another. After good 15 minutes of argument, he took reverse but we were already walking having parked the car roadside. We didn't want to miss the chilling experience by fighting with some fellas.

There are about 100 steps to be climbed at the peak. It was full of mist when we were climbing and we could not see the steep slope below (which, we were hoping to see as it was one of the views couldn't be missed). As we were climbing all of us' ears started paining because of chilling cool weather. Quite a bit crowd was already there by the time we reached.

Finally after an hour, we started back to resume our participation in the wedding! To end with, it was a Fantastic place, which, better be experienced than expressed in words.

Hassan Travel Loc 1 - Shravanabelagola
Hassan Travel Loc 2 - Manjarabad Fort

ಕಾವ್ಯ - ಹರಟೆ: ಕನ್ನಡ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್

ಆಂಗ್ಲ ಮತ್ತು ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷೆಗಳನ್ನು ಬೇರೆ ಬೇರೆ ತಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯೋಣವೆಂದು ಅನ್ನಿಸಿದೆ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ನನ್ನ ಎಲ್ಲ ಕನ್ನಡ ಬರಹಗಳನ್ನು ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ಕಾವ್ಯ - ಹರಟೆ ಎಂಬ ತಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯುತ್ತೇನೆ. ಬರೆಯುತ್ತೇನೆ ಎಂದರೆ ತಪ್ಪಾಗುತ್ತದೆ! ಬರೆಯುತ್ತೇವೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಬೇಕು. ಯಾಕೆಂದರೆ ನಾನು ಮತ್ತು ನನ್ನ ಅರ್ಧಾಂಗಿ ಇಬ್ಬರೂ ಕೂಡ "ಕಾವ್ಯ - ಹರಟೆ" ಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯುತ್ತೇವೆ.
ನನ್ನ ಕನ್ನಡ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್ ಓದುಗರು, ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಕಾವ್ಯ - ಹರಟೆಯನ್ನು ಹಿಂಬಾಲಿಸಿ (Follow). ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ನಾನು ಬರೆದಿರುವ ಬರಹಗಳೂ ಕೂಡ ಹೊಸ ತಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಸಿಗುತ್ತವೆ.

Tribute to Steve Jobs

When I tuned to a news channel on 6th October morning, I couldn't believe Steve Jobs had died. It's not that he couldn't be dead, for that matter, I knew he was suffering from a rare form of pancreatic cancer and I knew his liver was transplanted, but it was something which I didn't want to happen so soon. If one does not want 'something' to happen, then he would not believe at the moment when that 'something' happens really.

An year ago, I knew very little about Steve Jobs. Many of my friends were buying iPods and iPhones. I always thought they were not worth their price. Little did I know I was wrong. I was under the assumption that they were hyped until one of my friends presented me a third generation iPod shuffle. Along with, he handed over me a letter where in he had told me to use a wonderful product created by a genius, named Steve Jobs. I fell in love with it the moment I started using it. It's single LED which glows in different colors for different purposes, it's sleek size, single interface to go to next song, to previous song, to read out current song, to change the playlists and to inform how much battery charge is remaining and above all, amazing quality and effects of the music showed me to what extent I was wrong in assessing the Apple products. I became his fan.

What followed after was my interests in his biography. I went through about his way of seeing the potential of commercial success with the hobby projects, about his entrepreneurship, about starting Apple, coming up with Macintosh, about getting fired, starting new company, and taken over by Apple to have a very successful second innings in there, about his coming up with iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad and becoming iCon. I also read about his being adapted, two fathers - one legal father and another one biological father, about two marriages, controversy surrounding his daughter, diagnosed with cancer etc., on personal notes.

Though he was mentioned in the same league of great CEOs like Henry Ford, he was always criticized for not spending his enormous wealth for philanthropic purposes as Gates or Buffett did.

One of my colleagues told yesterday he was going to buy iPhone 4S as a tribute to Steve, I thought I should offer my tributes by writing a blog post about him and this is the result!

Hassan Travel 2 - Manjarabad Fort

Having finished lunch at Hassan, we didn't go to hotel that was booked for us. Instead we continued on NH48 towards Sakaleshpur for our next place - Manjarabad fort.

It is on a hillock beside NH48 at a distance of 7 km from Sakaleshpur towards Mangalore. There is a village by name Donigal where trucks stop for a cup of hot coffee. The path adjacent to these shops, rather canteens, leads to Manjarabad fort. The fort was constructed by Tippu Sultan, then king of Mysore. Started in 1785, it took 7 years to complete.

Primarily, the star-shaped fort was constructed as part of defense strategy to see British Army from Mangalore. Also, it was used to store ammonium, horses, and a secret tunnel to Srirangapatna, capital of Tippu Sultan. However the tunnel is closed now. There were lot of chambers and we were told they were used to house horses, used as kitchens, bathrooms apart from storing war weapons. In the middle of the fort, there is a well/pond with 'plus' shaped stairs leading to it, which was the source of water back then.

It was drizzling when we went and we drenched. However we didn't quite feel it since our minds were filled by the spectacular view of western ghats the fort was providing.

This is Manjarabad fort from Google Maps, satellite view

After about an hour, we got back to our car and returned to Hassan.

Hassan Trip Loc 1 - Shravanabelagola