'Nammura Upahara' - A Darshini for Masala Dosa Lovers

On Doddakallsandra road, near to my home there is a small Darshini called Nammura Upahara. I frequently visit this darshini for Masala Dosas. This is bit different from other darshinis. They have very small menu with limited items on the list. Masala Dosa, Avalakki bath, Shavige bath, onion  pakodas, fresh filter coffee and tea - thats all. Except Masala Dosa other varieties of dosas are not available here. If you want  any item for parcel then you have to bring your own carry bags or boxes. 

In the evenings there will be more crowd with most of the people ordering for Masala dosas. Here Masala Dosa is served with green chutney and potato palya which will be crispy and tasty. Masala dosa per plate costs just 20 Rs which is cheap compared to other hotels and darshinis dosa. Other items are equally tasty :) 

Nammura Upahara has normal ambiance like any other darshinis. But it is neat and clean. As their tag line says food served here is clean and tasty. 

Hill Temples Of Bengaluru - 4 : Vaikuntha Hills - Krishna Lila Park By ISKCON

Last Sunday we had been to Krishna Lila Park which is being set up by ISKCON Bengaluru on the hillock on Kanakapura Main Road. They have named this huge hillock as 'Vaikuntha Hills'. It is very near to my home and can be reached easily. Krishna Lila Park is behind Gokulam Appartment which is again an apartment complex by ISKCON. From the main road direction boards are put up everywhere. 

Krishna Lila Park, a magnificent cultural complex is spread over 28 acres on Vaikuntha Hills. Construction is not yet completed. When we went to Vaikuntha Hills, construction was in full swing. However two temples on the ground level - Shri Jagannatha Mandir and Radha Krishna Mandir was open to the public. These two temples have traditional design with modern architecture. Jagannatha Mandir has the deities of Shri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra along with the deity of Sudarshana Narasimha. These deities are in Odisha style and reminded me of Puri Jagannatha Temple. It also has the statue of Shri Sheela Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON. 

Shri Jagannatha Mandir of Krishna Lila Park On Vaikuntha Hills 

Deities of Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra along with Sudarshana Narasimha

Statue of Shri Sheela Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON

Sri Radha Krishna Mandir has beautiful idols of eternal and divine lovers Radha and Krishna. First Ratha Yatra was held recently on Vaikuntha Hills.

Shri Radha-Krishna

The purpose of Krishna Lila park is to present, preserve and promote the cultural heritage and Vedic history of India to the society in an interesting and captivating presentation. Today, our children's minds are obsessed with Superman, Spiderman and such other characters coming from the West. Hence Krishna Lila Park aims to impress upon the younger generation the glorious pastimes of our Vedic heroes like Krishna, Rama and Hanuman and instill in their minds the deep values they represent. It may take another 4-5 years to complete the project and once this is fully open to the public, it will become yet another important cultural and religious tourism destination in Bengaluru city. 

The Proposed Krishna Lila Park on Vaikuntha Hills by ISKCON (Img Source - ISKCON Bangalore Website)

My attachment with Lord Krishna goes back to the time when Doordarshan was telecasting the serial 'Mahabharat'. I was 6 years old then and regular viewer of the serial. Lord Krishna's eternal and supreme personality left a great mark on my mind. I have an immense devotion, love towards Krishna. For me he is an ultimate friend who stays with me in every stage of my life, who listens my prayers, who solves my problems, who guides me and shows the right path. When my little kid started speaking his first words, I asked him to say 'Krishna' and with his sweet baby language he said 'Nikka' :) He is two years now and till he says Nikka whenever he sees Krishna. It feels so lovely!!

When I was staying in hostel near Rajajinagar, the main ISKCON temple on Hare Krishna hill was very close to me. Most of the Sunday mornings I used to go there to attend the first pooja to the Lord Krishna which will be performed around 6 AM. Attending their first pooja is once in a life time experience for every one. But after shifting from that locality I missed ISKCON and its first pooja. Now by Krishna's grace, again I am near to the Krishna Lila Park and no doubt, I will be the frequent visitor to the temple :)

My previous posts on Hill Temples of Bengaluru :

Shrungagiri Hill - Shanmukha Temple
Omkar Hills - Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple and Matsya Narayana Temple
Hare Krishna Hill - ISKCON Temple

Gaganachukki and Bharachukki - Twin Falls of Shivanasamudra

We visited Shivanasamudra falls almost four years back and it was just one day trip. Our plan was to visit Shivanasamudra falls and Talakad in a day. I think almost all Bengalurians are aware of this falls and most of them have seen these twin falls. Nature lovers, bikers, trekking enthusiasts, tourists, photographers love this place. River Kaveri forms these twin falls called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki near a small town- Shivanasamudra. This place is popularly known as 'Bluff'. These two falls are separated by just few kms. Though there is a very short distance between two falls, Gaganachukki is in Malavalli Taluk of Mandya district and Bharachukki is in Kollegala Taluk of Chamarajnagara district. Their approaching roads are also different.

I have heard that falls will be in full glow during peak monsoon when water is released from KRS dam. But our visit was post monsoon. First we saw Gaganachukki falls. There is ample parking place and neatly maintained view point. Gaganachukki looks more beautiful when mist surrounds it. It is a glorious sight to behold. As it was an open view point, hot and burning sun made us really tired :( 

We went to the one more view point to see Gaganachukki. It is known as Darga view point (Near Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib also known as Imam Ali Darga). We wanted to view the waterfalls closely. So we climbed down the rocks from back side of the Darga. We stood on the dangerous rocky terrains. I had never seen a falls so closely!!! An unforgettable and lifetime experience!!! But Darga premises and surroundings are not at all clean. I could not tolerate the horrible and bad smell coming from the garbage around Darga and I started vomiting. We enjoyed Gaganachukki near Darga for almost 45 minutes and moved towards Bharachukki which is located 2 kms from Darga. 

From parking place we walked almost 300 meters to reach the falls. If you want to take a coracle ride or want to take a dip in the clear water of Bharachukki then you need to climb down more than 100 steps. But this place is very dangerous and many people have lost their lives. We can see caution and warning boards everywhere. As there was shortage of time and we also wanted to visit Talakad as planned, we did not go till the base of Bharachukki. Overall it was very enjoyable trip. 

Note : It is better to carry your own food/pack your lunch before leaving to Shivanasamudra. There are small shops and eateries near falls but after looking at those foods we wont feel like having it. 
Kids need special and extra care as falls area is very dangerous. Better not to take kids between the age 0-3 years.
And I want to know why  Shivanasamudra is called as Bluff. If any one knows please leave a comment.
Read my post on Talakadu here :
Talakadu : The land submerged in sand

A Big Honey Bee Hive

Recently we had been to Maiyas Restaurant @ Jayanagar for lunch. As usual we were waiting for our turn and we saw a big honey bee hive on the roof of restaurant building. We were so close to the bee hive that just a glass window separated us from the hive. I was seeing such a big hive so closely for the very first time. While bees were busy constructing the hive, we killed the time by watching their activities till the receptionist called our names :)

Beautiful and Colorful Roses From Lalbagh Rose Garden

August arrived again and Lalbagh is getting ready for its annual flower show. Preparations for the week long flower show must have started by now. This time flower show is open to the public from August 7th to 15th. Last time I had visited the flower show in the year 2012. After that I have visited Lalbagh many times for other reasons but not for the show. Hope this year I can make it to the flower show if circumstances allow :)
Whenever I visit Lalbagh, I make sure that I spend some time in the rose garden. These Queen of flowers always attract me. Standing in the middle of the rose garden with full of beautiful and colorful roses, I feel like I am in the heaven :) Here are some pictures of Roses which I had clicked last time when I was in Lalbagh.

Lalbagh Rose garden

Heart stoppingly beautiful Roses...aren't they? More than just a beauty they are symbol of Love and Life !!!

Read my previous posts on Lalbagh here :

Lalbagh Flower Show
Mango and Jackfruit Mela @ Lalbagh
An Evening in Lalbagh

Varadahalli/Varadapura - Shree Shreedharashrama

We got an opportunity to visit Varadahalli (also kown as Varadapura) when we were returning from Sagar after attending a marriage. Varadahalli is a small village in Sagar Taluk (Shivamogga district) where Bhagawan Sadguru Shree Shreedhar Swamiji's Shrine is located. It is just six kilometers away from center of Sagar. In my place, Shreedhar Swamiji is worshipped by almost all Hindus and most of the homes have his photo in pooja rooms. But I never knew that there is an Ashram for Swamiji until I visited Varadahalli. It is said that Swamiji lived at Varadahalli and spent last few years of his life here preaching the religion.

Shree Shreedhara Swamiji (Img source: Google)

The Ashram is located atop a hill and surrounded by lush green rain forests and areca nut farms. To reach the Ashram one should climb nearly 300 steps that lead from base of the hill. While climbing the steps we can see a Dhyana Mandira on the right side. The Ashram structure is simple yet beautiful. Ashram premises is very silent offering visitors a sense of peace and tranquility. It is the perfect place for doing meditation and to awaken the soul.

Steps that lead to the Ashram

Dhyana Mandira

The Ashram premise consists of -
 ->Shreedhar Swamiji's Samadhi (Tomb) Mandir - It is a cave where swamiji had spent his last year in complete solitude.
->A Sanskrit Pathashala - where Vedas, Upanishads and Swamiji's preaches are taught.
->A Yagnashala - where homas are performed.
->The Gowshala - housing many cows ..we could not see the gowshala due to the shortage of time.

The Ashram

->Dharma Sthambha with the Dharma Dhwaja (flag) - located at the top of the hill - which is an inspiration to the Sanatan Vedic Hindu Dharma followers.

Dharma Sthambha

Base of the Ashram ie, near the entrance we can see Shreedhara Teertha and a pond.
->Shreedhara Teertha is a continous source of water and said to be formed by swamiji. It is said that this holy water has the power to cure skin diseases. We tasted the water and it was really sweet :) There is a pool to store this holy water. 

Shreedhara Teertha

->We can also find a small pond near Shreedhara Teertha where people can take bath.

"Nalapaka" - Pamper your taste buds with Jowar Roti Meals

I am a foodie and would love to pamper my taste buds with different types of vegetarian foods, specially south Indian foods. South Bengaluru, where I live has many restaurants and hotels which serve authentic and delicious South Indian Food. Nalapaka - is one of the best hotels which serve traditional north Karnataka style Jowar Roti meals(ಜೋಳದ ರೊಟ್ಟಿ ಊಟ) and Davanagere Benne Dosa.
Nalapaka is located in Rajajinagar 2nd block near Navrang Theater Circle. When I came to Bengaluru for my further studies and job, I was staying in a PG near Navrang Theatre and Nalapaka was just a stone throw away from my PG. Me and couple of my PG mates used to go to Nalapaka whenever we get bored with our PG food. I had Jowar Roti meals for the first in my life at Nalapaka and totally fell in love with it. Though there are many other good hotels near Navrang circle, Nalapaka stands out from the group because of its mouth watering Jowar Roti meals. After I shifted from Rajajinagar, I am missing Nalapaka very badly.

Unlimited Jowar Roti meals will be served on plantain leaf. Rotis are fresh, hot,aromatic and super soft. Along with rotis there are three types of curries. Brinjal curry known as Badnekaayi Ennegayi, Matki sprouts (Moth beans) curry - both are awesome combination with rotis and one more vegetables curry. Dollop of butter adds more taste to rotis. Green chutney, vegetables salad, papad, long green mirch fried with special masala, thick curd, pickle... will decorate your meals. Masala butter milk to quench your thirst. Sweet kheer for sweet lovers. Yummy...heavenly!!! my mouth is watering :) If you go there on Monday you can taste Holige (obbattu) with Rotis.

Menu is not over. After Rotis white rice will be served with tasty rasam and delicious sambar. All you need to do is have rotis burp!!! make some space in the stomach. Have some more..burp!!! have some more.. burp!!! till you are satisfied :) Does heavy meals complete without paan? wait..here comes delicious sweet paan in a bowl...All these for Rs 130/- Definitely not heavy on your pocket. So pay the bill..leave to home with full stomach and full heart and I bet you, you will come back again :)

I have to mention about their service. Servers are very quick in serving. They all have khaki uniform with Northt Karnataka style white hat on the head giving the surroundings a North Karnataka vibe. If you say 'No' to any item they are not going to leave. Wearing a smile, with polite note they say "Have it Sir, it is hot and you wont get this taste anywhere" :)

The ambience of Nalapaka is not star rated. It is like a medium size restaurant, neat and clean. Portraits which depict village life of North Karnataka have been displayed on the walls. These are eye catchy. Photos of some Swamijis and their sayings  also have displayed on the wall. One saying I always read is "ರಾಗಿ ತಿಂದವನು ನಿರೋಗಿಯಾಗುವನು, ಜೋಳ ತಿಂದವನು ತೋಳದನ್ತಾಗುವನು, ಅಕ್ಕಿ ತಿಂದವನು ಹಕ್ಕಿಯಂತಾಗಿ ವೈದ್ಯರಿಗೆ ಇಕ್ಕುವನು " meaning - "One who eats Ragi (Millet) is free from diseases, one who eats jowar will have strength like wolf, one who eats rice will be light like bird and visits doctors frequently" :)  First floor of Nalapaka has self service system. Nalapaka also sells Rotis, obbattu, North Karnataka style chutney powders, pickles and laddoos. Only one downside of Nalapaka is its waiting period. It is crowded during weekends and waiting period may exceed 30 minutes. On week days you have to wait for 10-15 minutes. If you are after taste then some compromise should be necessary :)

Recently on my birthday when my hubby asked me what gift I want, without second thought I told him to take me to Nalapaka :) I had jowar roti meals at Nalapaka after five years. Nothing has changed over these years. Same taste, same service and same waiting period :)