Sevagram - Exploring The Less Explored Historical Site

Neither am I a photographer  nor a traveler. But I do both. When I travel for pleasure, I share lots of pictures and then blog, because I am only a blogger. My travel experiences that I share here are my memoir. Now,  it's not everyday that I introduce myself in my posts. Am a simple town girl from Manipal and there are three things I love in this world. My blog, my blog and my blog.

Well, and so it happened, that one  morning not long ago we landed in this place called "Sevagram'. So getting to the point, Sevagram is a small village, renamed from originally "Segaon". Sevagram is about 5 km from Wardha town and 50 kilometers plus from Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra.

The picturesque roads with faint smell of dust and dung; Beautiful Prussian blue buffaloes that consume more space on the roads than your SUV; The vegetable vendor squatted by the roads sides with hand towels wet scrubbing the  sweat even in the monsoons; Driving in rural areas has its own bumpy charm.

Now, we had reviews about this place about being historically popular for M.K.Gandhi last resided here before his march to the strike for Independence. He had decided to make this his headquarters until his struggle for independence succeeded. Shortly after his untimely unfortunate demise, this place started turning into a historical place, a museum reflecting the aura of  activities of this freedom fighter. He had used this place as office too and the place was supposed to have spiritual vibe. That was not all, I was told about the finger licking food, the Maharashtra thali (meal)  that was served in the canteen of the museum in this place and the  exotic collection of hand-woven Khadi cloth.

BAPU KUTI

"Punyadham Sevagram" reads the board at the entrance

You get to walk inside a path with no asphalt, covered on both side with gigantic trees, a few shops lined near the gate that sell the authentic Khadi cloth,  into a wide compound. The various "Kuti" or the Katcha houses  with hay thatch here and there mark the rural beauty, showcase the scenes of the great freedom fighter's habitats. The house that he lived in with his wife . Kasturba Gandhi with its uneven mud flooring, the bathtub that blended with luxury for that era; the office space with a now antique wooden table, the neatly kept glass shelf with few bits of paper clippings and an honest letter of love he wrote to his wife when she was ill;  and telegrams of those times are the main attraction here. One can definitely get the feeling of waiting at the door as if for an appointment with Gandhi himself.

This model Gandhi with shining scalp is my sonny, too excited, unable to understand if this was a house we wanted to buy and stay in!! Accordingly he inspected the bathrooms and other rooms and declared the place was nice.

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THE MUSEUM

It is beautifully constructed new concrete building that exhibits master pieces from life and habitats of  Bapu times. The display is well polished and well-kept. As for me, I felt like a revisit to the class 10 history lessons and as for my kids, older one was busy studying details of each and every exhibit. She was first introduced to Bapu by  "Lage raho Munna Bhai "and my little one hopping like a happy rabbit unknowing why the hell were we busy watching old tables, chairs, lamps and stuff like these while there was the smell of food and sight of ice cream right outside the building.

The most important thing to do is to visit the canteen with beautiful ambience , cane furniture, and the authentic Maharashtra food with the ghee smeared "Puranpolis," Kokam kadi"  and 14 other delicacies served in lovely steel  plates that come in "family size". A super example of best quality and most quantity at a time.

Any travel includes food and more food but this one includes food and rich and best food!

A historian or a would be historian would love to explore this place. Nevertheless any nature lover too will end up exiting the place with a happy smile.  Our Nagpur visit got a lovely touch touring the serene interiors of Sevagram village.

The favourite items of Gandhi that is a must in display

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The famous "Salt Satygraha"

Prayer Ground In Sevagram

And then, it all ended there.

Two Best Beaches Of Udupi - Bengre The Silent Estuary And The Swarming Malpe

Enjoying the company of camera in Bengre beach

I just can't stop my own rhythm of an endless fathom for the mystery of a SEA. 

There is always something about "Sea", I always say this. And there is a secret I must tell you regarding the beaches of Udupi. Without sketching big agendas, just let yourself there and get carried away by them. Udupi is otherwise the flavoured "cuisine" town and also the "Temple Town" situated a few kilometers away from the sea coast.

I recommend you to reach out to these two beaches for two contrasting reasons. Find complete peace and silence in one and absolute noise food and crowd in the other. 

1 - BENGRE / DELTA / KODI BEACH - The silent paradise, hosting the confluence of "RIVER SUVARNA" meeting the Arabian Sea. 

We do reach out to beaches for various reasons. And this is a perfect place to rejuvenate yourself from a hectic routine in the serene noiseless aura. There is absolutely less number of visitors frequenting this beach. Also, it is way easy on your wallet.  The drive from Udupi city would be about 10 kilometers or little more that will take you past the randomly laid coconut palms that whisper cool winds in your ears. 

The faint lines where the river greets the sea tide

It's something to rest your back on sands watching a river and a sea on either side

The calmer looks of the river make it obvious why one could hide away from the chaotic routines and settle in here. Listening to the whispers of the winds, watching the variety of birds or the boats. The local fisheries are quite a popular thing in here. A big mass of the coastal residents depends on seafood too. The "crow watching" a term I coin here was sheer fun from childhood times. They generally are seen pecking at stuff from trash cans or dried remains of fishes and sometimes get aggressive and give you a chase if you bite your snack in the open. One of us would find it amusing to run after a flock of them settled around the trash, in our childhood days.

Calmer Looks

The Three Idiots 

A local fisherman busy casting his blue fishing net in the river waters.

There is a pattern in chasing the sunset colours or the flights of the birds here. I adore how the birds love to settle on riverbank rocks or smaller trees however fly away over sea tides only when the sun starts fading away. There is a way how we watch the boats that wander away in the river and return back by dusk and side by side you could see a random ship that makes it move past the bigger waves away from the shore. 

The pristine sands so untouched by a huge human crowd poses a varying fresh look. The crawling grumpy crabs are seen scampering at the dusk looking for their homes deep in the sands.  They are the lucky ones to see no traffic jams but only fear of monstrous humans waiting to devour them.

With so much nature, so much of time to rejuvenate your minds, and when eyes are feasting on the myriad colours from the earth till the sky, our fingers automatically make irregular patterns in the sands. Sometimes the pattern could be non- concentric circles or our names. 

One of my favourite sunset view here

When you are not good at making sandcastles with your children this is what you  could carve our in the sands

2 - MALPE the popular port, crowned the best beach of Udupi.

Probably, the most interesting thing about this beach is it the FIRST beach in the country to supposedly get free Wi-Fi as a result of Digital Drive by our government.



After touring the Bengre, one can easily roll up sleeves and get set on the mark for the rapid activity-based beach. Human sea, street vendors selling variety of food especially the fried seafood in open, water sports, paragliding, or the giant wheels on the run.  There is not much time to romance the sea or the waves unless you are determined to ignore the food or the other happening rides. You get to witness the majestic feel of a fair here.



Also, you can rejoice the distant view of the St. Mary's Island. One can visit the island, picking up a boat ride from the port end. They generally close in the monsoon. And also it is safer to trip to bigger groups. 

And here's a local vendor offering the "CHURMURI" 

Catch me if you can, said the red ball and I tried in vain

A distant view of the St. Mary Island

Myself - In the process of vanquishing fear of heights 

Tempt yourselves to feel lost in the vast Konkan beaches. The nearest airport is "Mangaluru" and the best five-star stay would be available in Manipal. 

A Summer Sum Up Of Times Past

How much ever we crib about the scorching heat of the sultry summer days, the hot crisp air some times strikes a beaming smile on your face as you remember those school time summer holidays. There was so much life that brought me close to nature. I did not grow up with android, WiFi, or IOS but had trees. Today it is the other way round. 


And the summers of  times past, school days,

were absolute blissful vacation of gala ways.

Pranks on the prowl, jumping rope, swinging high, unending fun,

skinning knees, skipping fast, reading books, with WiFi none!


Those haunting escapades onto the streets,

tree climbing event with buddies were treats.

Shouting our lungs out, whip our hair and dance,

playing pranks on passers-by, leaving no chance.



Flower hours,  were my choicest few,

rejoicing the summer bloom galore each day new.

Neatly aligned rows of May Flower trees, shining with the sun,

were our air conditioners for the day in the open.



The placid  and alluring Champa I chose for my hair,

while Jasmine stayed on with its aroma diffused in the air.

Parijatak, untruly the tree of sorrows, was a favourite of mine,

bushy shrub by the gate, fragrant and so divine.



And then there were times, creeping down to kitchen store and peep,

in dark corners, steal granny's pickle bottles from shelves high and deep.

Pinching some of her jarred green mangoes, meant a ritual of the feast,

the huge green pickle jars were targets of life! simple at least.


And again, flicking granny's  "Vicco Turmeric", to look like a queen

tiptoe to her high window shelf, stealthily waiting to preen.

Reaching out to the yellow tube, randomly smack the skin with a layer,

and smile onto that silver framed small wall mirror.



Wearing those  sleeveless floral frocks, laundered neat and clean,

Amma paddled away on her brown "Singer" sewing machine.
The special material that it was made  from, the "Only Vimal "  

fresh and soft for summers, that was our brand to feel royal!


Quenching down the thirst with  Rasna drink,


that Amma readied and filled the fridge with, in colours yellow-green and pink.

Gulping down liters of it, and hold serious debates,

on colour of your tongue with friends, was madly cute.



Summing up those times, going down memory lane,

of spirit in heart, spring on our feet, and barefooted run!

Summers though were times, boundless, to chill

Hot rays of sun and waves of the sea, polishing moments to heart's fill.

My Travel Tryst With The Growing And Roaring Gujarat

"The earth has a music , but, for those who listen" - William Shakespeare.

The masth masth dancer, Raveena Tondon duplicate I found In Jamnagar rains

Why I chose to write a travelogue after long period is, my travel tryst with the "hamara Gujarat"(the term so dear to our Modiji) that is undoubtedly lauded for it's economic success as a model state in our country.  I was left wondering, why did I not be here earlier or spend more time than a week? 

Travels for me have mostly been beautiful holidays with my family, right from my childhood till today. I have numerous insights I gleaned while traveling the length and breadth of the country.  And so, in July  2013 , I landed in the hometown of our current beloved Prime Minister, the "Hamara Gujarat". I hardly had a week's time to accomplish a multitude of things. Spend time with relatives, visit popular temples, also explore the land of Mahatma Gandhi and the  amazing secrets of the "Growing Gujarat, the roaring Gujarat".



Landing in Ahmedabad city known as the Manchester of India (because of rapid industrialization) itself was thrilling. My mind had already visualized the dhoklas, khakras, the garba and dandia raas, hand stitched cotton/handloom bandhani sarees, and much more. The city that boasts of a terrific mixture of the old charm and also the modern amenities. I did encounter a few interesting incidents during my stay in the state, that are just appropriate to share herewith.

As is a practice for most of us, we got busy, trying to strike some tit-bit conversations with the driver en route the airport to the hotel. He took pride in explaining about the massive infrastructure development that was the dream accomplishment of "our Modiji"! I was bitten by jealousy every time the driver mentioned "apne CM Modiji". 

@Sabarmathi Ashram-Residence of M.K.Gandhi

It was not just about that. The driver had even found an opportunity to taunt me "yeh aapka Bangalore nahee hai madam, aaram se jaavo bina darke". That was how the driver managed to convince me about the safety practiced in this state when I had felt insecure leaving my belonging in the car as we entered an highway side restaurant.  With a bang on comparison. Phew! But, we have to agree, Gujarat was a state safe from theft. To correct myself, safest state. Also, safe for women. I could see pregnant woman come out alone onto streets at 9 PM to have some street foods like the "chaats" or for a quick walk.

Yet another incident that even multiplied my love for the state was the friendly and caring people we encountered. We happened to experience a wrecked car on the highway and had to pass time around in the fields at wee hours of midnight that too with two children with us. As the car was getting fixed we were  keeping our eyes and ears open for any mischief making stalkers or any prowling big beast. But the most unexpected and overwhelming thing happened. Every other passer by , be it a car or a two wheeler would stop, talk to us, offer any help, water or food. This generous gesture, I challenge would hardly be offered in any other state of India. 

The beauty of the state were the windmills dotting the stretch across the highways. The serene yet lonesome unending sea lines roaring some loud lonely music were hit upon the turning blades of the wind turbines. What an excellent technological beauty. 



Round the clock supply of water and electricity was something that I was envious about again, especially hailing from Karnataka that is almost popular for power cuts. Also the schools and colleges there have a well preserved culture, no "donations" and regulated affordable fee structure. All together, a place an "aam aadmi aka common man in India" can dream to live in.

My stay was based in the Jamnagar District. In the serene campus of Gujarat Ayurveda University.  Yes, we did travel to the places around, but the Jamnagar quarters itself was a heavenly abode for nature's best form. The rains just decorated the flora like a bride in full green with magnificent fauna, mostly colourful birds, giving the right melodious touch. Nature is best cure for the mind and what more could we ask for. The best rain dance was not by our Raveena Tondon after all. All these days I was a fan of "tip tip barsa paani", and am sure we all have our favourites. But the splendour of the peacock dance, yes, the literal dance, just left me jaw dropped with awe. Indeed a unique experience. 

Never give up! Hold on.

That's how this green lady enjoyed rains

ehem, this perhaps was the parrot dance on the rope, in the rain

The wait was on. For the right moment, right partner and a photographer!

When the mornee bagaa ma naache song was proved false, see next,

Because, it was the mor not the mornee that danced

Glamorous, as long as it does not open its mouth!

Blue crowned, prided plumes

Perched high on tree.

And it was never a tiring tour. In spite  of every long day we were seen jumping out of our rooms each morning like fully charged "Energized Dura Cell bunnies".  The hamara Gujarat did have a magical spell. Throughout our  touring around the state, we hardly rested our back to the car seat. I could see the enthusiasm in each of us. My little girl made little notes for herself. We were overwhelmed by the science and technology well put to use especially after the observing the simple methodologies like dams and water sprinkler irrigation system.



True to the famous quote, "collect memories not material", we gathered some of our best, from the nature that no souvenir could make up as a memoir. A few words and a few pictures are just an attempt to get you close to the reality and the thrilling journey we experienced. 



A travelogue is always an incomplete diary....



More can be expected from my Gujarat diaries soon.