Things That Bang

Travel Review: Tusker Trails, Bandipur

2008-08-20T01:38:23Z

Its raining ants!! I shrieked and jumped out of the bed. That was the only negative experience we had at the Tusker Trails lodge situated within the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, part of the vast expanse of forests spanning Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu - part of the erstwhile hunting grounds, quite literally, of first the Mysore Wodeyars and then, the poacher-brigand Veerappan. There were ants falling from the roof of our room right on our bed. It wasn't the fault of the management of Tusker Trials. They told us that the rooms had been fumigated but ants have a way of returning, especially in the rains. Our rooms were immediately changed and we spent our night in Bandipur in relative comfort after shooing away a pony who toddled towards us for an apple or two in the middle of the night.

Tusker Trails has a beautiful rustic look to it and is reasonably priced. The food is simple but delicious and the service prompt and friendly. The rooms are simple and pretty and the swimming pool inviting.

The safari provided by Tusker Trails into the Bandipur forests was fun and despite lasting two hours the picturesque scenery and animals caught off guard made it an exciting ride.

We drove at least 40 km into the forest and saw quite a few animals such as the Dhol (wild dogs), lazy cud-munching bison, deer, sambhar but missed the leopard sitting on a branch right above our jeep as we were too busy clicking away at the Dhols!

Which, obviously, came as a huge disappointment when a Venetian couple who had been in the Jeep behind us later on showed us pictures of the leopard who continued to sit at the same spot with a huge bellyfull of deer. But as we drove back to the Campus we heard another leopard snarling in the bushes and spook the deer that were busy grazing. But we didn't get to view the elusive leopard.

Deer are ample in Bandipur and so are wild boars. Tigers are a rare sighting but our safari driver swore he saw one ten days ago.

We did see wild elephants who turned tail and hid in the bushes waiting for us to leave.

The weather was cold and the forests were lush filled with beautiful birds like peacocks, bulbuls, woodpeckers etc.

When we returned to Tusker Trails by about eight in the night, we were pretty hungry and were greeted by candle lit dinner and congenial company.

Early in the morning we went for another Safari ride but got to see fewer animals - some bison, birds and some memorable scenic views. Ideally the evening safari is better than the morning one since by the time the morning safari starts, the animals go down by the riverside and the jeeps are not allowed to access to those areas.

After the morning Safari we had a hearty breakfast at Tusker Trails and drove on towards Ooty.

Bandipur is a good weekend getaway for nature lovers and those who still want the city amenities such as air conditioners, televisions etc could try the new Cicada Resorts.

Travel Review: Restful Ooty

2008-08-17T17:18:48Z

People tend to have their favorite haunts. They may roam around the world but find themselves frequently returning to certain places to rejuvenate. For me, Ootacamund or Ooty in Tamil Nadu is the place to be in. There are other places that are more beautiful, less crowded and perhaps even closer to Bangalore but the gentle beauty of the Nilgiris mountains and the amicable nature of the Ooty people made me wish I could make Ooty my second home.

There is more to Ooty than indulging in tourist activities like boating, pony rides or walking around the main city center. Ooty has a gorgeous Golf course and the Gymkhana club is the place to stay at. The service is spectacular at the club and the food is light and scrumptious.

It is best to go off-season. Ooty nowadays is cold without being damp. Warm clothes are a must but one can buy extra woolens at Mohan's. Mohan's is a versatile store which has things ranging from antique furniture, marble statues, rugs, paintings, clothes, toys etc. People who visit Ooty must visit Mohan's to check their furniture as most of their stuff costs far less than whats available in Bangalore. Make sure you ask to see their well-stocked warehouse.

For good food there are a couple of good places which serve awesome food. There are two Coffee Day Cafes, the hotels have good restaurants but my favorite restaurant happens to be a Chinese restaurant called Shinkow which was started in the 1940s and comes highly recommended by the locals as well. King's Cliff is a small and well-situated hotel worth staying at or at least having lunch.

Apart from Ooty, one can do some sightseeing at Coonoor which has tea estates and is well known for its scenic beauty. The central parts of both towns - Ooty and Coonoor - have sufferred the usual overcrowding, yet one gets some great stuff in the shops, and particularly at the Tibetan market.

While driving up to Ooty, one must remember to honk at the 36 hairpin bends and drive either on the first or second gear. The drive through the forest reserves of Bandipur and Mudhumalai refresh the soul and one may even spot some deer, bison or elephants en route to Ooty.

For a weekend getaway Ooty is a good option.

Picture Of The Day

2008-08-17T15:59:39Z

Movie Review: Singh Is Kinng

2008-08-17T09:09:47Z

With the movie-Singh Is Kinng making well over $20 million so far, Akshay Kumar is surely the ruling Pasha of Bollywood. With his bashful smile and twinkling eyes Akshay has won the hearts of his fans once again.

The movie lacked depth but rarely are Akshay Kumar movies known to have serious elements in them. That is the beauty of the movie; it was comedy from beginning to end without descending to making fun of a community as was previously done in Bollywood. Take movies like Parosan, Amar Akbar Anthony where the idea of comedy was to exaggerate the characteristics of different communities of India and many a times they were extremely racist.

Singh is Kinng took another route. It highlighted the characteristics of the Sikh community that makes them endearing. Qualities such as being people of their word, having a strong sense of integrity and being large-hearted.

Akshay did a few stunts on his own, looked hot and even Katrina Kaif looked pale before him. In fact Katrina's role was no more than that of a bimbo (supposedly a soon-to-be lawyer but seemed more of a fluff-brained twit) who looked pretty and laughed all through the second half of the movie.

Neha Dupia in fact had a far more significant role to play in the movie and along with Kiron Kher delivered a character portrayal as well as the rest of the cast.

The formula of the movie was predictable but the lightheartedness and aplomb with which actors acted as bindaas Sikhs made the movie a pleasure to watch.

The numbers were foot tapping and the song with Snoop Dogg awesome. Two thumbs up for the movie and a definite watch with kids.

Happy 15th August

2008-08-15T04:04:12Z

Happy Independence Day everyone:)

The 7th Chapter Of the Not So Grand Novel

2008-08-13T14:50:06Z

So, here I am writing a grand novel. Right! Its so grand that I haven't gone beyond the sixth chapter in about five months. People generally finish an entire series by that time. What's holding me back? I could blame it on laziness, my tots, domesticity, the rain, the heat, sweat, sex...ahem...you get what I mean.

The words here are 'distraction' and lack of courage. You read it right- its lack of courage and bit of doubt. Fine, its like bucket full of doubt and more spilling over into the shower area, the pee pot, the drain hole- the entire damn loo. The entire stinky deluge of not believing that someone would really want to read what I have to say makes me not take it seriously.

The word- Rejection- scares me!! I don't dream of my work becoming the next Harry Potter more like the next trash filler. Its stuck at a point the characters are left hanging. Even now I stare at the screen and think of millions of things that need to be done, can be done right now or for the rest of my life but writing the 7th chapter just doesn't seem to be happening.

Beauty Behind The Burqa

2008-08-12T02:56:53Z

A couple of days ago while waiting at the parlor I found myself sitting next to two women in burqas. The veil was lifted and they chatted with my daughter. I smiled at them and they smiled back. I continued to read my magazine. It was natural for women to wait amicably at a beauty salon and I had nothing against women in hijabs. Well, nothing until one of them took her hijab off and made me catch my breath.

Her colorful clothes under the severe burqa jarred my senses. It was as if from complete darkness I had walked into burning sun shine. She looked beautiful in her garish orange and red sequined salwaar kameez. I tried not to stare. She caught me staring and I gave her a sheepish smile and returned to my magazine. The printed words dance in front of my eyes while my senses reeled.

I couldn't comprehend why beauty is to be kept hidden from the world.

Related Article: Yemen Divide On Vice And Virtue

Phoonk - If Thoughts Could Kill

2008-07-30T14:55:51Z

I have yet to meet a person who hasn't wished another human being - death at some point of their lives. Obviously none of them decided to actually carry out the act but asked fate to do it for them .

And these are perfectly nice people. People like you and me who open doors for mothers with strollers, give their seats to old people, love animals, make donations and love their families and friends.

But when rage takes over they wish the victim of their rage- death. Maybe its the impotency of being unable to best the person or feeling invigorated by the sheer malicious of wishing someone ill.

To make matters more complicated in cases such as family disputes often one gets to hear of Tantric influencing; that is - when a person actually dies or falls sick, loses large sums of money- accusations of black magic are made quite easily.

Even amongst the educated, many believe that there are those who can harness dark powers/souls to do their dirty deeds.

It never fails to amaze me when people whisper about finding totkas in their homes or driveways. And they then believe that the misfortune was caused by someone else and wasn't an act of fate or sheer bad luck.

That's when they fall victim to pandits, god-men and astrologers. Sometimes its the other way round when the seeker is told that someone had done - 'jadu tona' on them and heavy sums of money is extracted from them to bring 'harmony' back in their lives.

Do I believe in the power of cursing or in black magic- No. Wouldn't half the world be dead if words and rituals alone could kill people?

Wishing someone ill at a heat of moment is one thing but going to a Tantric to ensure the deed is done is like giving supari a 'spiritual assassin'.

I have a hard time believing that regular people actually go looking for Babas with killing powers. Kind of hard to believe a harried daughter in law saying - Baba kill my witch of a mother in law but its believable that an innocent daughter in law may be accused of doing so.

When the urban educated continue to believe in these arcane superstitions there is very little to be expected from our villagers.

Related Article : PHOONK- Ram Gopal Varma Film

Picture Of The Day

2008-07-30T06:55:48Z

This Be The Verse- By Philip Larkin

2008-07-30T06:50:37Z

They fuck you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.

But they were fucked up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats,
Who half the time were soppy-stern
And half at one another's throats.

Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don't have any kids yourself.

Movie I Am Looking Forward To

2008-07-29T19:01:03Z

Rock on

Ugly aur Pugly

The Purity Of An Idili

2008-07-29T18:15:09Z

Idlis have special meaning for me. My grandfather was the one who taught me how to eat idlis the wrong way. He'd put sambhar and coconut chutney on top of the piping hot idlis, smash it all up and eat like rice. Even now thats how I like to eat my idlis- smashed, sticky and ever so divine.

I can eat idlis at all times - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack time, post snack time- just about any time. Idli is the ultimate comfort food for me. Idlis somehow even in their bland taste remind me of innocence. How wrong can one go with idlis?

Its all in the batter, the further its made away from South India the more diluted its taste becomes. At least in Delhi, despite visiting the best South Indian joints. I could never get the kind of Idlis that we get down South.

The melting softness and the tangy sambhar can only be enjoyed here. If you have the urge to eat idlis the best place to enjoy them is at a nameless little shop in a small lane in Commercial Street. Ask any Bangalorean and they will take you there.

They serve idlis during evenings and they are positively swoon worthy.

Looking back, the best idlis I remembered eating when I was young were made by my dad's friend's wife. I was less than five years old and barely reached the kitchen sink. I remember Aunty showing me how idlis were made. I was in awe. My mom never made idlis.

Her delicate fingers indented the idlis with ghee. I remember her patiently answering my questions. And when she sneaked me an idli ahead of everyone waiting in the living room, I was in heaven.

It was hot, soft and soulful. I was in love with the idli and awed by the idli maker. Its funny how I barely remember what she looked like, except that she was slim, delicate, and in my nostalgic mind - pure like the idli she made.

Related Article : Dal Makhani: The National Cuisine By Shantanu Dutta

Picture Of The Day

2008-07-29T10:45:25Z

Death To All That Pain

2008-07-29T10:27:46Z

Back in the month of June I twisted my ankle badly and basically was in acute pain for weeks to come. My plan to hit the gym were shelved till the month of August. August is here but my ankle still hurts. Like old wounds that hurt when the temperatures fall my relatively new pain crops up frequently. The muscles tend to cramp and I walk like a lame duck.

No sexy heels; even sneakers hurt. Have I become old? Next week I will be 33 years old. Not exactly hitting middle age but it seems my body is sending me signals that it ain't as flexible as it was back when I was in my twenties. The machinery is slowly getting worn out.

Dunno whether I'd be all excited on the 5th of August. The pain does well to remind me that I am that much closer to dying.

Movie Review: Mission Istaanbul - Male Booty Call

2008-07-27T18:03:36Z

Cleavage!! There's a lot of it on Mission Istaanbul from Belly dancers, a pissed off journalist wife, lots of male cleavage, a wannabe Angelina Jolie and a product placement of thaanda Mountain Dew. Is there any redeeming quality for Mission Istaanbul? Its all about popular conspiracy theories coming true on the 13th Floor of a news channel which is a terrorist front. Its about looking like Matt Damon from Bourne and oh yeah! Its about smooching Jolie's little Indian sister.

There is a pseudo-President Bush suffering from Bushism - saying ~~Man-hole-Singh~~ Manmohan Singh, and not wanting to interfere in the shenanigans of some Indians finding out the truth about you know who being dead in the terrorist circles.

So, the movie isn't low budget, the action scenes are packed but here is what I don't get about the movie. Despite all the high tech talk of computers and all why didn't they use YouTube to let the world know the truth? Then again they had to stretch the movie to three hours. (Speaking of YouTube, the full Mission Istaanbul has already leaked in ten-minute clips, if you'd like to watch it in that painful format.)

Hence, there are a lot of chase scenes through the colorful streets of Istanbul, a love interest specially flying to Turkey to complicate matters further and the Indian ambassador chickening out and letting foreign cops into the Embassy.

After the intermission, the movie takes on a Rambo flavor. Two men fighting against terrorists while the world watches on the sidelines.

The movie is fraught with many loopholes, ugly looking terrorists having sauna baths, bare-chested fights and Abhishek Bachchan shaking his scrumptious booty as a guest appearance. Come to think of it, the only reason one should go to see this movie is to watch some male booty in action. Apart from that the movie has nothing new to offer.