Hampi - The Land of Boulders, Ruins, History and Mythology!

Ramayana identifies this area as Kishkindha, home to King Sugreeva, his vanar sena (monkey army) and birth place of Lord Hanuman. 

The mammoth boulders ( huge rocks/stones) stand testimony to the vagaries of time in a gravity defying stance.

 They pile on each other in a beautiful symmetry, making you wonder, why don't they slide down?

History tells us the existence of a wealthy, glorious and powerful dynasty, The Vijayanagara Empire.

 The dynasty was founded by 2 brothers, Harihara and Bukka.

The legacy was splendidly carried forward by his descendants, amongst which King Krishnadevarya has inked his place in the annals of history with flourish. 

UNESCO has declared the city - or rather city of ruins - as a World Heritage Site. It will be protected as per international norms due to its historical significance.

This is the land of architecture, worship and sculptures.

The pious land of followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

The land of ruins.

The Land protected by boulders on 3 sides and by the mighty Tungabhadra river on one side.

The land which has withstood the invasions of the Bahmani kingdom and survived to tell the 600+year old history.

This is HAMPI.

Aimlessly, I watched the changing scenery from my car’s window. The car was moving at a decent speed of 100 km/hr, owing to smooth (albeit single road at some stretches) roads. 

As we approached Hampi, the land turned into vastness of rice cultivation. Clumps of rice plant stalk were neatly arranged in symmetrical rows, in standing water. It looked ethereal. 

To complement the greenery, brown boulders  surrounded the area. It was almost as if they are protecting the land in a defensive stance. Apt setting for photo opportunities during sunset. If you are a budding photographer, it will be delightful to capture this. 

Villagers help you with the directions with a smile, since google maps might not receive the EDGE signals here. To think about it, the 3G connectivity wont be great. 

Our sight seeing tour enriched our historical knowledge and tested our agility while walking on the hills and attractions.

 Jaws dropped while admiring the finesse of the rock carvings and the engineering/architectural skills of our ancestors. 

Granite is the main stone used in making temples and sculptures. 

A common temple structure would be 4 slabs standing straight, supported on top by a huge plinth in a horizontal manner. More information regarding the ruins follows...

Places of Interest :

Ruins are spread over a considerable area. Having personal transportation is a must, for effective usage of time. 

Although Hampi has more than 50 places to visit as per ASI and UNESCO, the main ones are worth visiting. 

They are divided into 2 parts as per convenience and proximity to each other.

It is advisable to cover one stretch of ruins together and then proceed to the other.

 It is important to hire a local guide who will be able to explain entire details. Charges will be maximum Rs.2500 for 6 hours,completing everything worthwhile.

The first trail starts from Hemkuta hills, comprising of Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha, Kadalekalu (bengal gram) Ganesha, Krishna Temple, Hemkuta hills and ending at Virupaksha Temple. Ugra Narsimha and Shivlinga are nearby.

Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha — Lord Ganesha is beautifully sculpted out of big chunk of granite, on the foothills of the Hemkuta. 

The name was kept to mislead the people into expecting a smaller version of the Lord instead of a massive one. 

It lies in the open air,with just a roof above. 

The masterstroke of the sculptor is the back of the statue. It resembles a woman’s behind, indicating that Goddess Parvati has seated Lord Ganesha on her lap. A snake is wrapped around the Lord’s tummy. 

Simply Brilliant! 

Temples on the Hemkuta — Many temples dot the surface of the hills,albeit without any deity. 

Archaeological finds suggest that these temples were dedicated to Lord Shiva. The structures are kinda similar in nature. Some are just 4 pillars supported by a roof, typical to this era. Hampi bazaar stores also look the same type.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - 

It is named as  bengal gram, kadalekalu in kannada, because of its appearance. Lord’s tummy is perfectly rotund. However, some part of it has been broken over time! 

The monolithic idol nests comfortably within the sanctum sanctorum of its dedicated temple. You would be surprised to see the enormous idol, since you wont be expecting something big inside. 

You should sit outside, near the carved pillars and view the surroundings! Ah, Peace! 

Each pillar has various avatars/demigods/idols carved intricately. A guide will explain you everything in detail. 

Virupaksha Temple - The gopuram, traditional doorway of a south indian temple, has mesmerised everyone by casting an inverted shadow. This is due to the pinhole effect of a camera. A small hole which acts as a catalyst, makes this phenomenon possible. It occurs during a specific time of the day. Its unbelievable, our ancestors possessed these kinds of engineering skills!

Lord Shiva is the main deity of the temple, which is functional even today. The view from hemkuta hills, enables you to see all the 3 gopurams in entirety. 

Hampi Bazaar - Situated outside the temple, its an ancient bazaar which featured rows of shops at 2 levels. UNESCO has forbidden any commercial establishment on the vicinity, including vehicle parking. Auto Rickshaws can be hired for Rs.20/- per head till the parking lot. Either ways, you can walk the minimal distance as well. 

Ugra Narsimha Statue — 

This massive structure is carved on a stone pedestal from a single block of stone! Goddess Lakshmi, which is believed to be seated on his lap is no longer attached with the main statue.  

He is called Ugra Narsimha because he appears to be angry. One of the icons of Hampi ruins.

Shivalinga — At the cost of sounding repetitive, i would again say, massive statue of Lord shiva, worshipped in the form of shivalinga. 

It stands adjacent to the narsimha and was constructed by a poor woman,ode to her devotion. The floor of the shivalinga is full of water, rendering it impossible to go and touch it.

The next trail comprises of the Royal Enclosure and Vithhala Temple complex.  

Vitthala Temple Complex - 

The temple features the iconic stone chariot, musical pillars and kalyanamantapa. One half of the temple was constructed by King devaraya and taken forward by his successor king krishnadevaraya. 

Stone chariot now adorns the INR rupee note and is the most popular icon of hampi. The statue of garuda, vehicle of Lord Vishnu is installed within it. The wheels are now stationary but the wear and tear indicates it's usage in early times. 

Home to Lord vitthala, the sanctum sanctorum now stand empty. The idol was shifted to maharashtra apparently by priests when they feared Muslim invaders, long time ago.

Architectural marvel are the musical pillars. Also known as saregama pillars. They emit sounds when tapped. Currently due to undergoing renovation and preservation of the pillars, tapping isn't permitted. 

The musicians used to create melodious sounds for the king's entertainment using them. 

A tourist needs to purchase ticket at the entrance to enter. This ticket gives you entry to royal enclosure as well. Make sure you keep them handy.  

Journey from the parking spot till the temple complex is about 1-1.5 kms.

 You can walk, if you feel up for it otherwise Govt. runs electric buggy services, for nominal fee of Rs.20/- to and fro. Keep your ticket safe for return journey. 

Royal Enclosure -- 

Living quarters of the royalty and public buildings comprise the royal enclosure. 

Queen' s bath -- The King's two wives had access to the bath which features a brilliant drainage system for inflow and outflow for the waters of the Tungabhadra! 

Maybe you will feel let's just check it off the list and visit, that's when it will blow your mind off with the layout. 

The swimming pool area is spacious and in depth. Historians tell us that the surrounding chambers were for the handmaidens to hold the Queen’s clothes instead of keeping them down. 

This acted as their spa treatment centre! 

Lotus Mahal- The stone part of a royal zenana quarter which was primarily constructed out of wood. The rest of it has been burnt away centuries ago. Named as the Lotus Mahal due to its resemblance to the flower, is a confluence of Indo-Muslim architecture. 

One can also see the aqueducts and granary nearby. 

Dasara Dibba — A high stone pedestal which allowed the King to preside over the Dasara celebrations. Intricate carvings are found on the platform. Durbar halls are situated nearby. 

Elephant Stables — The King had more 4000 elephants at his service, out of which only 12 were deemed as Royal Elephants. These stables are located amongst perfectly manicured lawns. If you didn't know they are stables, then you would assume it is one of the royal buildings. 

The mahouts (caretakers) have a special opening inside the stables which makes them walk through the individual spaces. 

Relax and enjoy the atmosphere in these lawns. 

Virupapura Gadde

Termed as “Hippie Island” owing to the high influx of foreigner tourists during favourable season. The place offers cheaper accommodation and quirky cafes. 

If you prefer to drive, it is almost 40 min away from main city. Ferry ( mostly coracles and speed boat) will transfer you in 5-10 minutes, last service being at 5 pm. 

Lord Hanuman’s birthplace is marked with a temple on a steep hill, with approx 200+ steps. 

Shopping in Hampi 

Be prepared to bargain with the shopkeepers, since the charges get higher even for an Indian tourist. Dont even ask the foreigner rates, thou shall faint! 

Bookworms can head to akash art and gallery, situated near virupaksha temple to buy novels and other literatures. Amazing hand made soaps and essential oils are also available. Would highly recommend sandalwood soap for Rs.85/-.

The adjoining street shops sell T shirts, handicrafts, metal statues and junk jewellery. Half of them look rusted and not worth buying. 

Accommodation 

• Trip Advisor lists many guesthouses at nominal rates. They are either in virupapura gadde or nearby virupaksha temple. They seem convenient for budget happy travellers. The village of kamalapur and nearby areas have decent hotels which are apt for family travels. They look much cleaner and value for money. 

• I would recommend clarks inn and heritage resort. 

• Clarks inn is in kamalapur village whereas heritage is 6 kms away from it. 

Heritage Resort

• Heritage is a quaint, picture-perfect resort with amazing food, staff and rooms. Nominal rates as well. They have their own organic garden and pool villas. Drivers are provided free accommodation and food. 

• Orange County resorts, now renamed as Evolve Back resorts lies 5-6 further than the village. Stay here for relaxation and enjoying the money’s value. 
  

  

  Jal Mahal

  This is luxury redefined. Styled in form of Vijaynagara palace, you feel like royalty, thanks to exemplary service, well anointed rooms and attentive staff.. I can simply write on and on about these resorts, maybe another specific post for it. If money isn't a constraint, book Jalmahal ( Rs.60k for one night)! 

• Hospet is the nearest town wherein many options are available for every budget. 12-13 kms away. 

• Alternatively, Hyatt Place is a new hotel within vicinity of Jindal steel plant in toranagallu, 45 min drive away.

How to Reach 

• Nearest Airport is Bengaluru, 6 hours away. 

• Good news.. Toranagallu airport starts weekly flights soon. Hyd-Hampi will just be over an hour’s flying time. Further it will be 40 min drive to hampi. 

• Driving from Gulbarga to Hampi took us almost 7 hours on its smooth roads. Route being Glb-jewargi-shahpur-lingsugur-gangavathi-hampi

• Driving to Hyderabad will take 7-8 hours. The 4 lane highway connects after you cross mahbubnagar/jadcherla. The route: Hampi- gangavathi-raichur rd-mahbubnagar/jadcherla-shamshabad-Hyd.

Tips 

• The ideal time to spend in Hampi, according to me, would be 3 days. One day of travelling and rest at night. Next day, visit one section of the ruins and the remaining on the day after. 
• However if you are on a tight schedule, then you can cover everything in one day also. would take you maximum 6 hours (that’s what my guide suggested initially)!  

• Its best to start your sight seeing early i.e. before noon, since the Sun is at its best glory and rewards you with litres of sweat and irritation. 

• Wearing comfortable clothes is highly recommended. Sunscreen is very important to avoid tanning. Sunglasses and hats are optional.

• Walking shoes/comfortable flat footwear is a must. 

• Carry your water bottles while sightseeing. The reason being, the commercial shops are far from the places due to the UNESCO heritage tag. Many shopping areas were apparently demolished because of the proximity to the ruins. However, things will be available, just not conveniently. 

• Hire a guide. 

• Opt for your own personal transport. 

• Visit during Oct-Feb, the favourable season.

Heartful thanks to Google for providing me with few pictures,which i couldn't click from my Samsung C9 Pro! 

Thank you for reading!! 

Ping me for any questions/assistance! 

Best Sellers — Mythological Fiction!

Mythological stories provide the perfect fodder for imagination and curiosity. Tales of mythological beasts, mysteries, secret brotherhoods, religion, old manuscripts etc captures a reader’s/listener’s interest. 

The latest trend in the Indian literature is mythological fiction. Authors research myths and facts to spin fictional stories around them. 

The excitement of many clues leading to unlocking a well kept secret, definitely heightens the reading momentum and piquing the curiosity levels. Also, varied versions/point of view of a epic legend makes for a nice read.

Some of the Indian bestsellers which have well sketched characters and narratives are listed in this article. Pick this up at your nearest book seller or simply buy it online, without regret.

Palace of Illusions — Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni  

Mahabharat is the epic saga of revenge and dynasty politics. It is one of the exhaustive tales to be written in the entire world. 

The Pandavas and Kauravas are pitted against each other right from their childhood over their rightful inheritance of the throne of Hastinapur. Pandavas are led by Yudhistir, follower of dharma and Kauravas are led by Duryodhan, short tempered and egoistic.

The ultimate battle between the warring groups was the Kurukshetra war, fought for revenging the disrespect meted out to Panchaali, also known as Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas.

This battle tested their loyalties, cunningness,strengths, sportsmanship and strategic abilities.. 

However, this brilliantly written book shows us the entire saga with a different viewpoint. The protagonist is Draupadi, who shares her feelings and viewpoints right from the time she is born from the ceremonial fire, married off to 5 husbands, being the queen of Indraprastha till being manhandled and disrobed in the court of the hastinapur after being wagered in a bet. 

Her vow of revenge sets the wheels in motion for a blood thirsty war. Also mentioned is her special friendship with Lord Krishna and her secret crush on Karna. 

This is a good read since its Mahabharata retold with a twist.

 Chanakya’s Chant — Ashwin Sanghi 

Chanakya was a kingmaker who is credited to have installed King Chandragupta on the Mauryan throne , written “Arthashastra” the political treatise, being a great orator and possessing a brilliant mind. His style of retribution from his foes made him a fearful adversary. He was at the pinnacle of power aided by his crafty and strategist mind. 

This novel is a beautifully ode to the master. The storyline spans two era, separated by 2000 years. Older era narrates the story of Chanakya, from his humble beginnings till his ascent to power. Similarly, in the present time, Gangasagar mishra is a clever kingmaker who is determined to install a small town girl, Chandini in the Prime Minister’s role. 

Delve into the world of political intrigue with this fast paced novel. Absolute Must read!

The Pregnant King — Devdutt Patnaik  

Doesn't the title seem quirky? oxymoron-ic? unbelievable? 

Author Devdutt Patnaik, a mythologist, revisits the epic Mahabharata and extracts a lost-in-the time story of King Yuvanasha. 

Yuvanasha is the son of Shilavati, an ambitious woman, who is unable to rule the kingdom because she is a woman. Guided by her diktats, Yuvanasha is the puppet head.

The King is, as the title suggests, pregnant after drinking a magical potion which was meant for his wives! What made him gulp the potion? How did he deliver the baby boy? What were his associated feelings? will the kid call him dad or mom? 

All these questions along with by-stories of interesting characters, make this novel a bestseller! 

The Krishna Key —Ashwin Sanghi  

It has been prophesied that in the kaliyuga -the dark age, a new avatar of God shall manifest on earth to purge it of all sins. 

What if some psycho thought he was the aforementioned avatar and chose to unleash terror? Committing sins in the name of God? 

A hidden prized possession of Lord Krishna, the enigmatic saviour of the masses is at stake!

A historian leads the path in finding out the real legacy and secret behind the Krishna key. A trail of evidences which helps to discover the hidden truth and put a stop to the serial killings. 

Book your seat in a fast paced roller coaster ride from east to west, north to south of India. 

The Mahabharata Secret — Christopher C Doyle 

2300 years ago, Emperor Ashoka formed a secret brotherhood of 9 men, entrusted with the books of immense knowledge. After stumbling across a deadly secret,which had the potential to destroy the world, within the pages of the epic Mahabharata, it was decided to bury the secret in a such a way that it should be forgotten with the winds of time. However, time took a different course.

In present times, a cold blooded murder of an imminent scientist is discovered. His nephew receives cryptic e-mails and clues from him at the time of his death. He vows to solve the mystery and shoulder the responsibility entrusted to him, unaware of a powerful dark organisation who are also keen on the same. 

Will he and his accomplices be able to unearth and safeguard the mystery? or will they just watch the world perish? 

Find out more, when you read it. 

Hope i have sowed the seeds of curiosity in you to read any one or all of the above..

Thank you for reading my post.

love,

Anu

Shrinathji - The Child God of Nathdwara

Clockwork precision is needed while rearing a child. Right from waking him up, bathing him, feeding food till he retires to bed at night. Handling the naughtiness and being mesmerised by the crazy antics is part of the routine.

Did you know, in India, we have a beautiful temple dedicated to the child avatar of Lord Krishna, worshipped exactly how a kid is taken care of.

Intrigued? 

Read on if yes.... 

50 Kms away from the beautiful city of Udaipur,Rajasthan lies the temple town of Nathdwara. Small lanes and their by lanes all lead to the holy gates of the temple which is popularji known as Haveli.

Shrinathji, the residing deity of the place, is the child avatar of Lord Krishna, who lifted the govardan parbat/mountain on his little finger. With mesmerising eyes and a beautiful diamond studded chin, the Lord blesses all its devotees with their wishes. 

Ardently worshipped and referred as Thakurji, many households follow the daily ritual of worshipping the image of laddu gopal, termed as seva. 

Vallabh Sampradaya is a religious sect whose followers are known as vaishnavs. This sect was founded by Vallabhcharya, loyally followed by the inhabitants of Gujarat and Rajasthan states. Their main/family deity is Shrinathji. 

Rituals: 

The darshans are open for specific timings as per the Lord's schedule for the day. 

The most interesting part of this temple is that there are no lines which lead for the darshan. Yes, no lines or extra payment line. The area of viewing is divided into men and female section. It is said that "waves" are present in the darshan, basically meaning, that you have to push and pull people to get your heartful view of the beautiful Lord! It actually resembles waves of the sea.

Just like a kid is woken up from sleep, the Lord gives darshan in the "mangala" at early hours of the day. The best part of this viewing is that you are allowed in your night suits. Yes, no need to bathe and get ready. Just give company to the Lord in your night wear.. 

Shringar -- The God is now bathed, dressed and ready for venturing out with his friends to play. 

Gval - The mid- morning snack darshan.

Rajbhog- It is the Lunch time! A spread of sumptuous bhog is offered to the beautifully dressed Lord. 

Utthanpan -- The afternoon siesta is over :) 

Sandhya -- The twilight time wherein the Lord returns home after his sojourn with friends and cattle. He shall now bathe and get ready for the night.

Shayan -- The last public darshan of the day. The Lord is now done with his dinner and retires to his bed for the night. 


Accommodation, Food and Shopping:

Hotel Vallabh Darshan is the popular hotel (most like a functional guest house if you ask me) with average pricing and closest in proximity to the temple. Trip advisor can help you with more hotels in the vicinity. 

Food is lip and finger smacking yummy.. ! The main market area has innumerable stalls which sells pav bhaji, tawa pulav, sabudana vada, south indian and north indian stuff.. Must try is the thandai, freshly grounded and prepared.  
Lassi lovers will have a blast with its malai enriched lassis!
You will find amazing pudina tea in mud cups (called khullars) and steaming hot poha after the mangala/early morning darshan. 

Shopping includes apparel for laddu gopal idols with its paraphernalia, paintings and pichwais, superb silver jewellery and costume jewellery sets. Buying papads,pickles, khattas are also a good option. 


Inspired Art :

Shrinathji followers have significant influence on Hindu art in the form of the Pichhwais, which are intricate and colourful paintings on cloth, paper, walls and temple hangings which portray Shrinathji. These are devotional textiles that centre on the image of Shrinathji. 

Associated legends : 

The Govardhan Parbat episode is an important one in the Lord Krishna story. The inhabitants of Vrindavan, his native place, performed a long yagna/ fire prayer to appease the Lord of Rains, Indra for the well being of their land in form of good rainfall.  Little Krishna questioned his father and other elders about wasting their time in futile prayers for a natural phenomenon, but instead channelise their energies in doing their work in a diligent manner which is their dharma.

Convinced by his arguments, the people abandoned the puja ritual and got along with their work. This angered the king of gods, Indra. He felt insulted and humiliated. Egged by his ego, he unleashed torrent rains and lightning on the people which continued for a considerable amount of time. 

Frightened people appealed to Lord Krishna to save them from this fury. He calmly lifted the goverdhan mountain, which is massive in width and huge in size, on his little finger. The villagers were amazed by this magical phenomenon and sought refuge below the mountain which now resembled a gigantic umbrella. 

The entire village was sheltered beneath it comfortably, after some time, Lord Indra's fury abated and he seeked the forgiveness of Krishna for his actions. The benevolent Lord forgave him after teaching him a lesson of humility and restored the mountain back. 

Wish you explore this temple town on your own.. 

A big thanks to wikipedia!

Australia..! Info and details !

Another trip done. Another place explored. Time for another blog post.

My aim is to provide maximum tips/information which i term it as "vishesh tippani" :) 

So, fasten your seat belts.. keep tripadvisor/makemytrip tabs open..  apathkalin dwar/emergency exit from this blog can be found in the X symbol on the tab bar..
This is your captain, ANU, from the flight deck.
The journey till Australia - the continent-country with huge land mass & potpourri of various ethnicities- shall take us 4+8 hours, excluding airport wait time! We shall be touring the cities of Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne... Lets discover Down under :)


Passport... check!
Bags packed.... check!
Flights and hotels bookings... check!
Daydreams about a new experience... check!
Tripadvisor devoured.. check!

Visa... OMG! uncheck!

 Our dreams were swinging like a pendulum, owing to the "your visa application is under process at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi"!

It was 5 hours for our flight to take off from hyderabad, when we received the most anticipated e-mail in our inboxes. Visa has been granted! This was thanks to the immense pressure from the Maruti Suzuki officials who ensured all dealers made it to the Sydney Conference!

I want to advise everyone applying for an Australian Visa, "please read the offer document carefully before applying"...! The processing time seems to be highest in this consulate. Make sure you have read all about the documents ( example: IT returns, bank statements, itinery copy etc) needed and the category which you are entitled for.  Apply for it with ample time in hand. 

Imagine losing your money, time and excitement!

Planning your itinery will be a huge task.. There is so much data available online, making you feel everything is a must to do thing. Prioritise the things which appeals to your vacation goals. Example: Yarra valley wine tours will be sounding exotic but if you are not a wine lover, then its futile.
Inter city domestic flights are reasonably priced and Virgin Australia flights are super comfortable.

Currency requirements are to be considered while budgeting. Australian Dollars (AUD) are easily available in India. Rs. 48.90-50 is the best rate which we got, i.e. 1 AUD = 48.90 INR. Safety blanket overseas are US dollars and credit/debit cards. Its better to have sufficient back up, just in case.

Australia is pretty expensive if you convert into INRs. Beer is cheaper than bottled water. Public transport is cheaper than taxis. Shopping @ direct factory malls are cheaper than Indian prices.

Walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing are a must while planning this trip. There is lot of walking involved due to the fact that transportation is expensive and maximum places require you to walk! Jackets, sweaters and thermals will be your best friends in april-june time..!

Restaurants close by 10-30 - 11 pm and few bars are open till 12-1 am ! Indian restaurants are available everywhere. Vegetarians may have difficulty on the whole. So, carry haldiram bhujia, thepla and knick knacks like i did.. jaan bach gayi! Tap water is drinkable in the country, keep a bottle handy for refilling!

Every australian will greet you with "how'ya doing mate / hows your day", the positivity and friendliness will make you feel super good.

Sydney

After a super tiring journey, we landed on the soil of the vibrant metropolis!
inching our way towards the city centre, many skyscrapers greeted us.. You shall have a fleeting thought, whats so special? all cities like hong kong, dubai, bangkok will look the same. True, yet different.

Its convenient to stay near to the main transportation hubs like Central railway station and Circular Quay. Recommended hotels are four seasons, shangri la, mercure, hyatt etc.

The ferries and light rail (trams) are unique mode of transportation here. It is advisable to buy OPAL travel cards and keep recharging it. They are required to be "tapped on and off" while boarding and alighting from your desired transportation. The cost of travel is almost 1 dollar less as compared to paper tickets.  Ask around or google for the routes and use them. Its fun,quicker and cheaper!

We took a Ferry from circular quay till Manly Beach. Ferries are spacious, very clean, time punctual, convenient and cool.

Manly Beach is a beautiful place just outside Sydney, 30 min by ferry. Stroll around the souvenir stores, walk on the beautiful sandy beach or just savour the freshly brewed beer.  Perfect for half day outing.

Circular Quay provides the perfect glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Recommended highly is a ferry ride for watching these iconic landmarks glide past.

Darling Harbour is the most beautiful spot to just chill.. cute birds fly around, many bars/cafes to satiate your gastronomy cravings, checking out majestic yachts docked by the side, feeling the nip in the air, indulge in people watching.

If you are a chocolate lover, then the Lindt Cafe is the temple you need to worship in. Lip smacking pastries and coffee!

Madame Tussaads wax museum is located here along with the Sea life aquarium and Wildlife zoo.
Advisable to buy tickets which grants access to all three. Saves money!
Indians represented at the wax museum are Gandhiji and Sachin Tendulkar. Australian celebrities have more prominence in the museum. A short visit of half hour is recommended.

The Sea Life Aquarium enthrals you by its variety of exhibits. Expect lot of walking in this area. Overhead aquarium is the coolest thing i have experienced.. you can watch stingrays and sharks along with beautiful fishes swim above you! Penguins are also exhibited here, waddling around in their area. they are simply cute.

The Wildlife zoo is kinda okayish. Koalas, Kangaroo and a huge alligator are star attractions. A quick walk is suggested through.

Maritime Museum is a free exhibit. A real navy ship is anchored, making your curiosity happier!

Chanced upon a 18th century ship, towards one end of darling harbour, entry to this exhibit was AUD 5 per head. Amazement floods your senses when you stand on the deck and crane your neck while viewing the high mast sails.. hollywood movie scenes flash in front of your eyes and you are transported back in history. The quality of timber used is phenomenal.. this is highly recommended!

Opera Bar is the best sit out for a quiet drink with your travel companions. Situated just below the opera house overlooking the harbour bridge. Loved the atmosphere!

Sydney Cricket Ground has a capacity of 46,000 seats. Its magnificent! Take a guided tour through its grounds and memorabilia, if you are a cricket fan.


Gold Coast

1 hour and 10 min is the flight duration from Sydney to Gold Coast. I thought it was australia's goa :)
Surfers Paradise is the most happening area, with affordable accommodation.

The public transport is yet again very good here. Buses run on time and at frequent intervals till the amusements parks.

The beach is alluring with its waves and glistening sand. Summer is the best time to see surfers display their skills,riding mighty on the waves. Flea Market functions on alternate days, showcasing very interesting souvenirs, cakes, talents etc.

Cavill avenue is the perfect area for bar hopping. Sin City is the famous club with opens at 10 pm and closes at 5 am!! If you aint a bar bird, then just stroll down the lane soaking the vibrancy in the air. Indulge your taste buds in a variety of cuisines and ice creams.

A host of amusements parks provide various kinds of entertainment here. Would highly suggest to buy a 3 in 1 park pass. saves lot of money on the whole.

Movie world is a warner bros promoted park featuring live parade, roller coasters, carnival games and much more. perfect for a half day outing. If you are a batman fan, then this place will delight you to no end!

Dream world is supposed to be the biggest amusement park in the southern hemisphere, or so it claims. I felt it was kind of anti climax, since i had more fun and fantasy type feeling in movie world.
Mind boggling roller coasters are for the adrenaline junkies. One ride featured travelling straight up on a 20 storied tower and then plunging down at a high speed.. gave me creeper jeepers!
This park consists of animal park section, kids section and the roller coasters of various intensities spread around. The Tiger Island show is MUST do!

Sea World's dolphin show is the cutest thing you can ever see... 4 dolphins show you amazing circus type tricks! The roller coaster here is amazing!! Buy souvenirs/merchandise from sea world since they are cheaper in comparison with movie and dream world !


Melbourne

Trams, bicycles and cars/buses co exist peacefully in their dedicated lanes on the narrow roads of Melbourne. A free tram zone runs along the popular stops for sight seeing. Its convenient to hop on and hop off trams. This city is a true potpourri of various ethnicities. Indian community holds a major chunk of population,followed by chinese. 

Sight seeing in melbourne can be done easily by booking a half day city tour package. The tours pick you from your hotel/pickup point specified, and cover the entire city with 4 hours. They show you the Shrine of Remembrance ( a war memorial dedicated to the first world war martyrs, styled in the form of inca temples), the various sports stadiums, Captain cook cottage, fitzroy gardens and so on. 
The buses are clean with informative drivers-cum-guide. Only hitch being, the pick up  will be at 7am!

Whether you are a gambler or not, visiting crown casino is a must! Just spend some time here, watching people play, their emotions, the electric atmosphere and indulge in some hide and seek with your luck. Many interesting versions of popular games are available along with thousands of slot machines! The dealers are helpful in making you understand the game. It is a massive casino, spread over 2-3 levels and floor size is equivalent to perhaps 4 football fields. Only water is complimentary. unlike other casinos where beverages and some snacks are on the house, crown features many restaurants and bars inside to order and pay !

The Great Ocean Road drive will feature at topmost position in your memories. Driving alongside blue turquoise coloured waters, stopping for snacks/tea in the tiny villages enroute, clicking 10000000 of awesome pictures and feel the breeze tantalise your senses. 
Many people prefer to rent a car for the drive. You can also sign up for tours in a small vehicle. 20-24 people in a mini bus with a guide-cum-driver. Go west tours are highly professional.

12 apostles landmark falls along this route. Its truly a natural wonder. try the helicopter ride for a super time!

 

Phew!!! my 14 day journey is summarised in this blog post. Hopefully it will be helpful in planning your trip. 

Love,
Anu