My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
Cooped up at home for over 3 months, we were in dire need of a short break. Which is why, we made use of the Holi and Good Friday holidays to escape from the city. Our destination - one which has eluded us for years, which we have booked tickets to, twice, and had to cancel both times. We hoped to get, as they say, 'third time lucky', and we did, heading out to Coorg for a too-short vacation, just to break the jinx!
I have been back for two days, and the time has been spent recuperating from the trip - mountains of clothes to be washed, house to be cleaned, chores to be done...... and I haven't even been able to update my blog till now. Yet, amidst all this chaos is a peace which comes from the fact that I did manage to get out, for however short a trip.... This will probably last me for a few more days, till the travel pangs begin anew! Meanwhile, I am re-living the wonderful experiences we had.... of Samhith swimming in the Kaveri at Bhagamandala.....
Enjoying the thrill of adventure at Club Mahindra, Coorg....
Playing with the elephants at Dubare...
And, for me, the sheer beauty of the mountains, and the pleasure of seeing birds where least expected...
The trip was a short one, but I have loads to share.... Now, if only I could take a second break from the chores.... just to sit down and write!
I know so many things wait for you once you get back. But good to see that you and Samhaith enjoyed Coorg.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mridula! its only the thought of future trips that keeps us going!
DeleteNice images. Am sure your tales would flow out soon.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/04/ruralscapes-of-india.html
Thanks Niranjan. hope they do!
Deletelovely snap there of S in the water...
ReplyDeleteheres to more travel for you and soon:)
Thanks Sowmya!!
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