November 2015 - TravelbugDiary

Life at Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India – The Unsung – Wild Life Documentary

November 19, 2015 By thetravelbug Leave a Comment

The Unsung is the first documentary film on the Bhadra Tiger Reserve forest spread across Chikmagalur and Shivamogga, which was declared the country’s 25th tiger reserve in 1998. The documentary captures the diverse wildlife, beautiful streams, rivulets, waterfalls, thick clouds, humming of birds, and the majestic trees that thrive under the watchful eyes of the forest department.

The Bhadra Tiger Reserve is surrounded by the scenic hills and steep slopes of the Mullayanagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Bababudangiri hills.

Some of the mammals commonly sighted in Bhadra Tiger Reserve are tiger, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, wild boar, black leopard, jungle cat, jackal, wild dog, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris, small Indian civet, common palm civet, pangolin, porcupine, flying squirrel and the Malabar giant squirrel.

Some of the reptiles commonly sighted in Bhadra Tiger Reserve are common vine snake, king cobra, common cobra, Russell’s viper, bamboo pit viper, rat snake, olive keelback, common wolf snake, common Indian monitor, Draco or gliding lizards and marsh crocodiles.

Some of the bird species in Bhadra Tiger Reserve are peacock, river terns, grey junglefowl, red spurfowl, painted bush quail, emerald dove, southern green imperial pigeon, great black woodpecker, Malabar parakeet, hill myna, ruby-throated bulbul, shama, Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, four species of hornbill and racquet-tailed drongo.

According to Prashanth S Nayaka, director and team leader, the documentary narrates an untold story of one of the most pristine jungles of Karnataka. “Besides showcasing the untainted beauty of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, the film follows the footsteps of forest guards who protect the reserve with dedication and passion.”

“It was tough making a movie covering 500 sq. km. of forest. We started our work in October 2013 and completed it in May 2014. We worked for nearly 122 days shooting, facing tigers and elephants deep inside the jungle. We had to shoot at night for several days. Usually, tigers moved at nights as they are nocturnal. There were snakes on our way also. We saw an Indian rock python, bears, gaurs and many other animals,”

Today, 36 anti-poaching camps protect the tiger reserve, with jeeps patrolling day and night and forest watchers covering nearly 15 km on foot.

“Once, I noticed a tiger at very close range. I did not know what to do. I just stood still and stared at it for five minutes. It quietly left,” recalls Govindaraj, watcher, anti-poaching camp.

According to Prashanth, the film aims to create awareness among public about the need to protect forests and animals. “We have not taken money from anyone for the project. The team members pooled in money and spent nearly Rs 1.5 lakh. We plan to screen the documentary in schools and colleges. The intention is to convey the message that guarding forests is as important as guarding our nation.”

Watch the full documentary here. Recommend Full Screen Viewing.

Planning a trip to Bhadra

Bhadra Tiger Reserve is about 285 Kms from Bangalore and can be reached in 5 hours by the super-fast Bangalore-Hassan highway.

Bhadra Tiger Reserve is open throughout the year for the visitors and the best time to visit, is between the months of October and March.

Visiting times of Bhadra Tiger Reserve are 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Safari is provided at River Tern Lodge (Jungle Lodges & Resorts).

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Thailand – One day in Bangkok for the Culture Buff – The Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn

November 18, 2015 By thetravelbug Leave a Comment

Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and exciting city, Bangkok is an intoxicating mix of modern and ancient. Scattered concrete skyscrapers share space with traditional gleaming temples with golden Buddha statues. Built on the floodplain of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok was once known as the “Venice of the East” because canals crisscrossed it. A great option is to spend one day in Bangkok visiting the peaceful, cultural, and spiritual neighborhood of “Old Bangkok” – Rattanakosin district.

Rattanakosin district houses the most prominent and must visit destinations:

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) – The most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – The birthplace of Thai massage.
The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) – The tallest temple in Bangkok and has brilliant views of Bangkok from the summit.

If you are wondering Whats with all the “Wat”? In everyday language in Thailand, a Wat is a place of worship. Temples are an essential part of the daily life of most Thais and are beautifully decorated with thousands of colored glass pieces, Chinese porcelain, and have massive statues of the Buddha made of pure gold.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and the Grand Palace.

Bangkok’s most popular tourist attraction, the Grand Palace was the former residence of the King and is built adjacent to Wat Phra Kaew. The Temple houses a diminutive jade statue, the Emerald Buddha. Visitors queue up to get a glimpse of the Emerald Buddha, offer fresh water lilies and incense sticks, and pray for divine blessings. According to the legend, it was created in India in 43 BC after which it was taken to Sri Lanka, Cambodia and eventually Siam.

Arial view of Wat Phra Kaew. Image Src: bangkok.com

A very important ritual is changing of the robes on the statue three times a year which correspond to the summer, winter, and rainy season . It is performed only by the King, to bring good fortune to the country during each season. The temple of Emerald Buddha is beautifully decorated and has a great sense of peace about it.

The murals on the wall tell the Ramayana epic in its entirety. This depicts the crossing over to Lanka by Lord Ram and his army of monkeys.

The exterior of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with gilded garudas, mosaics, and marble floors. Image src: williamzhang.com

grand-palace — Each gate is guarded by Gate-keeping Giants.

Golden Heavenly Apsara statues. Image Src: emilyvantassel.com

Sculptures of Mystical creatures depicting the Monkey and Demons from Ramayana. — Sculptures of Mystical creatures depicting the Monkeys and Demons from Ramayana.

DSCN0274 — Upto some monkey business of her own.

The Grand palace has European inspired design at the old residence of the King, royal throne, royal halls used for conducting state business, war weapons museum and the house of the personal royal guard of the King.

Royal guard on duty. They do not bat an eyelid nor do they move despite your best attempts to make them smile.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:30 – 15:30
Cost: 500 baht (Rs. 920)
Dress code: Dress appropriately (no shorts, no flipflops, no sleeveless shirts) or rent clothes by depositing 200 baht at the entrance and risk looking foolish.
Prohibited attire as described on the official notice board of Grand palace. The drawings are quite funny.
Scam Alert: Don’t listen to anyone telling you the temples are closed, for a “Buddhist holiday”, or anything else along those lines. Ignore them and walk straight to the main entrance. These seemingly “helpful pedestrians” or “official agents” are in fact scammers, trying to get you into a full-day tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) ride around the city, where they’ll try to trick you into buying gems, souvenirs and other junk.
- We were approached by an official looking person, who told us the Grand Palace was closed for 2 hrs and we could visit another temple and return back after 2 hrs. My friends believed the person and we ready to board a tuk-tuk which was quite coincidentally nearby and ready to take us. As I knew about the scam, I asked my friends to ignore him and we walked straight to the main entrance and found it open.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It’s one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold.

The Buddha’s feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious ‘laksanas’ (characteristics) of the Buddha.

108 is a significant number, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection. If you would like a little good luck, we recommend purchasing a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall which you can drop in the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls.

Phra_Rabeang_Wat_Pho — The four chapels that contain 394 golden Buddha statues

It’s an easy ten minute walk between here and the Grand Palace, and we recommend coming to Wat Pho second, because even though the Reclining Buddha is popular, many people don’t take the time to wander around the rest of the complex so the experience tends to be far more relaxing.

The main entrance guarded by enormous Chinese stone giants that wear wide-brimmed hats and hold a sword. When Siamese ships exported rice to China, they brought these statues back to compensate for the loss of weight.

Wat_Pho,_Bangkok,_Tailandia,_2013-08-22,_DD_13 — These Giants were brought from China and used as ballasts to give the necessary floating stability to empty trade ships on their return voyage.

If you’ve never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to experience this popular leisure activity.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00 (Massage available until 18:00)
Cost: 100 baht (Rs. 185)
Dress code: Same as the temple of the Emerald Buddha/Grand Palace.

The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

The Temple of Dawn, is located on the other side of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi district and made up of colourfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water edge. Image Src: thelongestwayhome.com

Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi district) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location, but also because the design is very different to the other temples you can visit in Bangkok. At 88 metres in height, it was also the tallest structure in Bangkok until the advent of the modern skyscraper.

Wat Arun is almost directly opposite Wat Pho, so it is very easy to get to by a small shuttle ferry takes you from one side of the river to the other for only 3 baht.

Take this local ferry and enjoy the amazing views of Wat Arun from the Chao Pri river. Image Src: orientalescape.com — Take this local ferry and enjoy the amazing views of Wat Arun from the Chao Praya river. Image Src: orientalescape.com

Walking around the temple gardens and looking at it from a distance is free.

The main compound entrance is 50 baht and its well worth a visit. Image Src: virtualtourist.com — The main compound entrance is well worth a visit. Image Src: virtualtourist.com

We recommend, you enter the compound by paying 50 baht and admire from up close the beautifully decorated spire with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns and as a result they glimmer in the sunshine.

Do not miss climbing up the steep steps of the central spire. Getting up is tricky and fun, and so is getting down!

Steep steps of Wat Arun. Are you up for the challenge? Image Src: tour-asia.net

When you reach the highest point you can see the winding Chao Phraya River and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho opposite.

nomadtrailsandtales_com — 360 degree views of the Chao Praya river and Old Bangkok’s skyline, a colorful blend of the ancient and modern buildings. Image Src: nomadtrailsandtales.com

Stay back till sunset and admire the absolutely stunning views as the sun slowly sets on Wat Arun and reveals its magical silhouette.

Wat_Arun_and_Sunset — Head back to the other side of Chao Praya river during sun set and enjoy the pleasant breeze and the amazing view.

And once the sun sets, Wat Arun is illuminated and its a glorious sight. Image Src: blacktomato.com

Panoramic view of the Chao Praya river with The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Image src: Taweesak Boonwirut

Opening Hours: 08:00 -17:30
Cost: 50 baht (Rs. 92)
Dress code: Same as the temple of the Emerald Buddha/Grand Palace.

All this walking must have gotten you hungry. You will find plenty of local street food stalls selling authentic cheap Thai food at the ferry pier on your return from Wat Arun. Indulge your senses, satiate your craving and enjoy the lovely spread.

IMG_20131107_143928 — Taan hai a-roei (Bon Appetit) in Thai.

Check this video of the walking tour around Old Bangkok’s Rattanakosin district.

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Try these 10 Quick Workouts to Stay Fit while Traveling – Indulge in yummy local cuisine, Don’t feel guilty.. Just burn it up!

November 13, 2015 By thetravelbug 2 Comments

Not gaining weight while traveling is HARD! The lure of trying mouthwatering local cuisine is too hard to resist. After all what’s the point of traveling to a destination and not trying its local cuisine.

But the one thing we constantly complain about is ‘How to avoid weight gain and stay fit while traveling’. We all want to stay healthy and maintain our weight, but also want enjoy the appetizing food on the vacation. A whole week of eating yummy pizzas, burgers, fried food and deserts can wreck havoc on your hard earned weight loss and fitness regiment. Our Excuses – But finding a gym is not easy and taking a whole hour off just to exercise is a criminal waste of vacation time.

Exercising regularly has so many benefits and we should try our best to get a quick workout even on vacation. No more excuses!

If Fitness is important to you, you will find a way. If it’s not you’ll find an Excuse.

Here are 10 Simple Quick Workouts you could do even when you’re short on time/space/patience etc. and maintain your weight.

Try these Simple Workouts

Walking – Try walking to the places you visit. You can explore and discover so many local sights and also get a healthy calorie burn.
Running – All you need is a pair of your faithful running shoes and the world can be your jogging track. Go for a run in the mornings!
Image src: learntolive
Swimming – Take a dip in the pool, river, ocean for a fun and refreshing workout.
Cycling – Rent a cycle, explore the city like a local and peddle away the calories consumed in your last succulent meal.
Yoga – Increase your flexibility, core strength, and melt away your fat. Great way to relax and feel at peace while on a trip.
Dance – Let your hair down, bond with fellow travelers, dance the night away, and Have the time of your life. Dancing is a great cardio workout.

Walking to Tourist places can also be a fun, challenging workout and helps you stay fit while traveling.

Taking the stairs can be an exciting workout too!

If you have only 7 minutes, try this High Intensity workout before heading out of the door.

Everybody has off days. Try these yoga routines on days when you are too tired to work out.

Image src: http://fitwirr.com/workout/plan/5-minute-morning-yoga/ — Image src: fitwirr.com

Bring out your inner child – Workout with a swing at the park.

Image src: http://thelivefitgirls.com/2014/10/slimming-swing-set-workout/ — Image src: thelivefitgirls

No time to workout? Just do 10 burpees for 2 quick mins. Get your heart pounding and your metabolism cranking!!

Image src: http://www.muddyrace.co.uk/latest/september-green-burpee-challenge-do-30-burpees-on-camera/ — Image src: muddyrace.co.uk

Kick and punch your travel rage away and get into fighting shape.

Image src: http://darebee.com/workouts/kickboxer-workout.html — Image src: darebee

Hotel room workout – When you have very limited space in your hotel room.

Image src: http://www.hairsprayandhighheels.net/2013/11/hotel-room-workout/ — Image src: hairsprayandhighheels

Workout barefoot – Quick workout without disturbing your travel partners.

Image src: http://www.mommieswithstyle.com/exercises-you-can-do-barefoot/ — Image src: mommieswithstyle

Lower back exercise – After a long day of traveling, you lower back can take a toll. Try this routine to ease your lower back pain.

Watch your diet – You cannot outrun a bad diet, and you can’t out-train it either.

Compensate for a fatty meal, next day but eating healthy, natural, and unprocessed food. This video explains the important of a maintaining a balanced diet, not going overboard with food, and stay fit while traveling:

Magic solution to avoid weight gain on vacation.

Commit to workout everyday – Add it to your calendar, set up an email reminder, do whatever it takes, but don’t take no for an answer.

And Finally, Stay Active – Whatever it might be, Do something! 🙂

Image src: http://nyhealthandwellness.com/top-10-reasons-to-exercise-other-than-weight-loss/ — Image src: nyhealthandwellness

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Your friend is back from Traveling and now has an accent! How Annoying!

November 12, 2015 By thetravelbug Leave a Comment

You’r friend has just returned from traveling to an exotic place. But you notice he has changed. He has developed a bizarre and funny accent which organically comes up in the conversation.
Here’s a funny video on how people’s accents change after returning from travel.

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Stunning filming locations of The Game of Thrones – The Winter is Coming..

November 3, 2015 By thetravelbug Leave a Comment

One of my favorite TV-series Game of Thrones, based on the best-selling book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin has been a huge success and has a cult following. The show has received several awards for its stunning visuals and are shot at breathtaking locations. Fans seeking a more immersive experience in the world of Westeros now have another option: “Game of Thrones” tourism. From Nothern Ireland, Iceland, Malta, Croatia and, Morocco lets check out some of the stunning filming locations of The Game of Thrones.

King’s Landing: Shot in Croatia and Malta

King’s Landing, the kingdom’s capital city and home of the Iron Throne, has been filmed in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, a fitting choice with its seaside locale, red-tiles roofs and imposing walls.

Azure Window

Malta’s Azure Window, located on the island of Gozo, was also featured in the series as the setting for the wedding between Danaerys Targaryan and Khal Drogo.

The North and other forest locations: Northern Ireland

Stangford Castle Ward

The Stark’s castle at Winterfell was shot at Castle Ward, an 18th-century fortified property located near the village of Strangford.

Dark Hedges

The beech tree lined road is known as the Dark Hedges to locals near Stanocum in County Antrim, Northern Ireland but to fans of Game of Thrones it will be more recognisable as the Kings Road and the Dark Hedges of Armoy.

Essos: Morocco

In the third season, Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled daughter of the targaryen dynasty, travels throughout the world of Essos in search of an army. Most of these scenes were filmed in Morocco.

The Ounila River and the red citadel of Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco provided the setting for the fictional city of Yunkai. (Third season of Game of Thrones)

The sun sets on the beautiful town of Essaouira a UNESCO world heritage site, in Morroco was the backdrop for the ancient city of Astapor. (season three finale)

Beyond the Wall: North Iceland

The men of the Night’s Watch protect Westeros’ northern border against marauding Wildlings and White Walkers, frozen zombie-like figures that come riding resurrected horses, mammoths or ice-spiders. To create a cold, barren world capable of housing such supernatural creatures, HBO shot many of these scenes in Iceland.

European Economic Development Fund have stumped up millions of pounds to encourage producers to keep filming in these locations. The opening episode of season four brought in over 8 million viewers on HBO in the U.S.

What were your favorite locations from The Game of Thrones. Let us know in the comments below.

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