world peace

In a not so surprising report, by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), US was named as the biggest exporter of weapons in the entire world. Guess who was the biggest importer? No prizes…it is China followed by India. US exports 30% of the entire world export.
The volume of imports by India and Pakistan is increasing steadily and is expected to rise for another five to ten years until they agree an a permanent solutions.
The SIPRI said combat aircraft accounted for 27 per cent of the volume of international arms transfers during 2005-2009. Orders and deliveries of these potentially destabilizing weapon systems have led to arms race concerns in the following regions of tension: the Middle East, North Africa, South America, South Asia and South East Asia. Leading peace activists are finding it difficult to control this hike in weapon transaction in spite of well established protocols and platforms for discussion. It is just like a prisoner’s dilemma! Country ‘A’ buys weapons to become stronger than ‘B’ and vice verse. Thus increasing the expenditure for both. This is because the cost of not being strong enough to counter the opponents attack is much more than spending to become strong. However, if both do not spend,  both can survive without defense expenditure.Wow! so simple and yet so difficult to implement!

Rogues

Rogues

A little known hill station in Tamil Nadu near Salem, this place is more of a discovery. Infamously known as ‘poor man’s Ooty’, I’d rather call it ‘for those who are bugged of crowded and polluted hill stations like Ooty’. Yercaud has its own charm and beauty which you fall in love with soon after landing there.

First place which you’d invariably land up is Yercaud lake. First day of our trip had nice thick fog so although we were deprived of the valley views, we had a nice time boating with water below and fog clouds at arm’s length! 

We had a beautiful trek towards Killiyur falls but had to return midway due to very slippery pathway. Although had some nice pics on the way back!
Stay at Club Mahindra’s Lake forest hotel was equally relaxing and enchanting! Set amidst coffee plantations at stone’s throw from Yercaud lake, it’s well maintained property which boasts of its roots way back to Britisher’s times! Although, service is on a bit downside there.

All in all, a nice place to be atleast once!

The route from Bangalore to Tirupattur is very good with very well maintained roads, though very steep at times. If you want to enjoy the route, do take your bike or cab. Otherwise, Tirupattur is also well connected by Trains as well! Once you reach Tirupattur, there will be bus service from thereon to Yelagiri hills. On reaching the top, you will be surprised to find that there is a complete town situated at such great heights – its almost unbelievable! Accomodation is cheap and the food is real good. There are a few resorts spread across 27 villages that together make the Yelagiri hills. Fruits orchards are strewn across and the air is really fresh and clean. The Hills have many peaks, and will run for many many kilometers – ideal for trekking! Apart from the peaks, there is a temple of Lord Murugan and a lake where you can boat.

The view of the underlying city at night will take away your breath – the bulbs of the city will almost appear like milky way as you climb higher and higher. The roads are very clean cut and well maintained, but poor lighting at night makes it a bit risky to drive. Though there are no routes for trekking, we did find out one route all hidden in bushes. If you have any trekking plans do set off early in the morning – it will be real fun. As the sun gains the sky, it will be a bit hot though.

The hills are spread over a very large area, so it would be good if you have a couple of days in your hand when you go there – so that you can make the most of what this place has to offer.

Some words of caution though – there are no teller machines at Yelagiri, so donot forget to get cash before you get on the bus at Tirupattur. Also, remain gaurded about snakes. Though we didnot get to hear even a hiss thoughout our trekking of 10 kms through the thickest of bushes, it never pays to remain gaurded.

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At first it is hard to believe that there is such a place like this so near to Bangalore – 60 kms from Majestic to Chikbalapur, and then 30 kms from there to Nandi Hills. This place is so full of hills and terrain that at some heights you can see no ground beneath you – only clouds. So, ideally, one should plan when the sun is not so bright. The Hills are majestic – no rough and tough trekking, only gentle slopes if you follow the normal route – though you should be very wary of the monkeys that seem to have an upper hand there! If the weather is favorable, then you can feel the rain from the clouds hitting your face as you sit of the edge of the cliff. The weather adds to the magic of the place – which is a climb of an hour and two; a small Shiva temple perched at the top – where you are allowed to carry your cameras! You can also find restaurants there – and have your meals in breathtaking views. The main excitement that followed was the idling over the steep cliffs, and the gentle and smooth climb( they have proper steps to the garden at the top of the hill).

As for the mode of transport – it is well connected with state buses – any time of the day! Also, if you have your own mode of communication, thats even better. But all thing said and done, dont expect accomodation here in the hills – very limited and almost not there.

There is a trail of steps throughout the Hills up to the top, with trees flanking both the sides of the pathway. It leads to a guesthouse of some sorts. Since it is a hilly terrain, be on your gaurds always and look out for cliffs that fall all of a sudden – with no side-gaurds!

To Heaven and Back! – a place above clouds!

There are some places in the world where nature just overwhelms you with its beauty and grandeur… Skandagiri is surely one of them!

Although famous for its moon light trek, we decided to reach there early morning and give a shot on this moderate rated trek.

Chilly winds swept by as our bike engines blared on the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway in the wee hours of Christmas eve (Was good to compete with Santa on his reindeer drive ).
Reaching this place was a bit of pain as we took a shortcut to state highway and got confused (Should have stuck to NH and reached Chikballapur). Finally reached the foothills by 4:30 and started the ascent without a guide first with just one torch (6 ppl ). Soon realized we’d easily get lost like this… so took a guide who not only guided us on right path but also showed which were the ‘wrong ways’. Night trek was an interesting one, with nothing visible, we were all on the mercy of two torches and some mobile backlight.
It took almost 1.5 hours and finally reached the top, panting heavily and totally exhausted. But all the pain was worth it as we were rewarded with some amazing works of nature. It was better than those mail forwards of Skandagiri passed on to me!
We spent another 2 hours drenched in nature’s paint strokes and were spellbound by breathtaking panorama of clouds. It was truly heavens for sure on a Christmas eve! Below are some snaps from the trek.

Best way to travel: 1. Bike 2. Cab

Travel Route: Google might show you a way via State Highway which can be very confusing (which we took). Best way is to reach Chikballapur via National Highway and then find someone there (at least police guys would be there ) and ask them where is Skandagiri/Kalavaarahalli Betta[ya its a tongue twister which would go off your mind so better take a print:)]/Papagani Mutt.

Travel Time: Best to leave Bangalore by 12:30, reach BIAL (International Airport) by 1:30, have a break at CCD and then leave for Hyderabad highway by 2:30 so that you reach Chikballapur by 3:30 and ultimately Skandagiri by 4:00 (all times in AM )

Travel Tips: Carrying these things is a must:

1. Torch (per person) we had only 2 torches (including that of guide:)) and had a hard time finding anything using mobile backlight

2. Snacks

3. Raincoat and spare clothing

Also, do not travel without a guide as the trek is quiet treacherous and the way is blocked at some places by thorns by the guides ofcourse . Hope all this helps!

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