Pride of Bangalore ( cubbon park)

Today I got notification that 1year back memory from my photos. A year back at this time I visited cubbon park. The view of cherry blossom trees and newly born leaves in summer attracts my eyes the most. The beauty of Cubbon Park in spring is indescribable. 

Cubbon Park is one of the most beautiful and popular parks in Bangalore, India. Spread over an area of about 300 acres, it is a green oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The park is named after Sir Mark Cubbon, who was the Commissioner of Mysore during the British rule in India. It was established in 1870 and has since then been a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. The park is home to several species of trees, plants, and birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers. In the spring season, Cubbon Park takes on an even more enchanting beauty.

Spring is the season of renewal, rejuvenation, and new beginnings. As winter recedes and the temperatures begin to rise, nature comes alive with new energy. The first sign of spring in Cubbon Park is the blooming of flowers. The park is home to several species of flowering plants, and in spring, they burst into a riot of colors. The most prominent of these flowers is the Tabebuia Rosea, also known as the Pink Poui. These trees are native to South America but have been planted extensively in the park. When they bloom, they create a breathtaking pink canopy over the park.

Apart from the Tabebuia Rosea, there are several other flowers that bloom in spring. The Golden Shower Tree, the Jacaranda, the Gulmohar, and the Flame of the Forest are just a few of the flowers that add to the beauty of Cubbon Park in spring. These flowers attract a variety of butterflies and bees, making the park a haven for pollinators.

         

The beauty of Cubbon Park in spring is not limited to its flowers. The park is also home to several species of trees that shed their leaves in winter and sprout new ones in spring. The most prominent of these trees is the Rain Tree. These trees are named so because they have leaves that close up in response to rain. In spring, they shed their old leaves and sprout new ones, creating a lush green canopy over the park. The Gulmohar tree is another tree that sheds its leaves in winter and sprouts new ones in spring. When they bloom, they create a stunning orange-red canopy over the park.

Apart from the flowers and trees, Cubbon Park is also home to several species of birds. In spring, these birds are more active and can be seen flitting around the park. The most common bird in Cubbon Park is the Indian Pond Heron. These birds can be seen wading in the park's ponds and water bodies, looking for fish and other aquatic creatures to eat. Other birds that can be spotted in Cubbon Park in spring include the Common Myna, the Red-vented Bulbul, the Indian Robin, and the Purple Sunbird.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cubbon Park is also home to several monuments and statues. The most prominent of these is the statue of Sir Mark Cubbon, after whom the park is named. The statue is located in the center of the park and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Other monuments in the park include the Bangalore High Court, the State Archaeological Museum, and the Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall.

Cubbon Park is not just a place for nature lovers and history buffs. It is also a popular spot for joggers, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts. The park has several jogging tracks and walking paths that are well-maintained and provide a peaceful environment for exercise. Visit this place early morning or evening times because temperature of bangalore city on summer is high this year. There are also several open spaces in the park where people can practice yoga, meditation, and other forms of exercise.

Kalahasti

                                                Tirupathi to Sri Kalahasti

Tirupathi and Srikalahasti are two popular tourist destinations located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. While Tirupathi is known for the famous Venkateswara Temple and attracts millions of devotees every year, Srikalahasti is known for the Srikalahasteeswara Temple, a renowned Shiva temple known for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.

The distance between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti is approximately 36 kilometers by road, and there are several options available for travel between these two places.

One of the most popular and convenient ways to travel between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti is by bus. APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) operates several local buses that run between these two places, making it an affordable and convenient option for tourists and devotees. The journey takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi or a private car to travel between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti. This would be a more expensive option but provides you with more flexibility and convenience. The travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions at the time of travel.

As you travel from Tirupathi to Srikalahasti, you will witness the natural beauty of the region, with lush green forests, hills, and fields stretching as far as the eye can see. The journey is quite scenic, and you can also stop at various points along the way to take pictures or enjoy the local food and culture.

Once you reach Srikalahasti, you will be greeted by the majestic Srikalahasteeswara Temple, which is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India. The temple is known for its unique architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls and pillars. It is also believed to be one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing the element of air. Devotees come from all over the world to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual energy of the temple.

There are few small temples around main temple, I have confused which was main temple at first but then with guidance of few people around reached main entrance. The people at small shops before main entrance will suggest you to buy lamps and flowers to do rahu and kethu pooja but those are not allowed inside the main temple because flowers and lamps will be provided by temple itself for special poojas. So we need to lit the lamp and use them in other small temples.

The temple's history dates back to the fifth century, during the Pallava dynasty. The temple was built by the Chola kings, who expanded and renovated it during their rule. The temple's architecture is a perfect blend of the Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles, with a unique gopuram or tower at the entrance, which stands at a height of 120 feet.

The Sri Kalahasti Temple is famous for its unique features that distinguish it from other Shiva temples in India. The temple is known for its Vayu Linga, which is one of the Panchabhoota Lingas, representing the element of air. The temple is also known as Dakshina Kailasam, which means Kailash of the South. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in this temple and blesses the devotees who visit it.

The Sri Kalahasti Temple has a significant spiritual and mythological significance. According to the legend, the temple is built on the spot where Lord Shiva appeared before three devotees and blessed them. The three devotees were a spider, an elephant, and a snake, who were all ardent followers of Lord Shiva. The spider is believed to have weaved a web around Lord Shiva to protect him from the scorching sun, the elephant is believed to have washed the Lord's feet, and the snake is believed to have placed a gem on his forehead. These three incidents are said to have happened in the same spot, which is where the temple is now located.

The temple's rituals and customs are unique and have been followed for centuries. The temple is famous for its Rahu-Ketu Pooja, which is performed to ward off the ill effects of the planets Rahu and Ketu. The temple is also known for its Abhishekam, which is performed to the Vayu Linga with various materials like milk, honey, and ghee, to appease Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

The Sri Kalahasti Temple is a must-visit destination for all spiritual seekers and devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple's ambiance, architecture, and rituals create an aura of spirituality that cannot be described in words. The temple also has a serene and peaceful atmosphere that calms the mind and soothes the soul.

In conclusion, the journey from Tirupathi to Srikalahasti is a memorable experience that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural richness. Whether you are a devotee or a tourist, this journey is worth taking, and it will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder that will last a lifetime.

Note: These details are as per my experience in march, 2023. So if there are any changes at the time you read this article or if you have any other suggestions to add then please comment below because it will help other tourists.

My trip experience

                  Bangalore to Thirupathi

Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a bustling hub of technology and culture. Known for its pleasant climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Bangalore offers an array of attractions for both locals and tourists. One of the popular destinations near Bangalore is Tirupati, a temple town located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is known for the Sri Venkateswara Temple, one of the most visited temples in the world. If you are planning a trip from Bangalore to Tirupati, here's all you need to know.

Modes of Transportation:

The distance between Bangalore and Tirupati is approximately 250 kilometers, and there are several modes of transportation available to reach Tirupati from Bangalore.

1. By Road: The most popular mode of transportation from Bangalore to Tirupati is by road. Several buses operate between the two cities, both state-run and private. You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to Tirupati.
2. By Train: Another convenient option is to take a train from Bangalore to Tirupati. Several trains operate between the two cities, including the Tirupati Express and the Kanyakumari Express.
3. By Air: The nearest airport to Tirupati is the Tirupati Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. However, there are no direct flights from Bangalore to Tirupati.

Places to Visit:

Tirupati is known for its religious significance and the Sri Venkateswara Temple, which is a major attraction. The temple is located on the seven hills of Tirumala and is visited by millions of devotees every year. Other places to visit in Tirupati include:

1. Sri Vari Museum: The museum showcases the history and culture of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which manages the Sri Venkateswara Temple.
2. Talakona Waterfalls: Located amidst the lush greenery of the Eastern Ghats, Talakona Waterfalls is a must-visit destination near Tirupati.
3. Chandragiri Fort: Built in the 11th century, the Chandragiri Fort is a popular historical attraction near Tirupati.
4. Sri Kalahasti Temple: The temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, around 40 kilometers from Tirupati, and is known for its architectural beauty and religious significance.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Tirupati is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. Monsoons are also not a great time to visit, as the region receives heavy rainfall, leading to landslides and roadblocks.

My experience:

I started my journey towards Tirupati via train(CMNR TPTY EXP-16219) at 8:30 PM and reached my destination at 4 AM. We have looked for a hotel nearby and booked but if you are going to Tirupathi temple by bus or other vehicles, I would like to suggest you to book a hotel near the temple. We planned to climb the steps so, we booked a hotel near the railway station. I wrote this blog so that many people will have a proper idea of transportation because I searched google for information and those were not updated and not useful in a real-time experience.

The first step to Tirupathi temple starts from Alipiri, which is 4kms from the railway station, auto ride or taxi may cost you from 100rs to 500rs per head, we can get buses also which cost you of 20rs. 

Once you reach alipiri, people will suggest you to remove your slippers, but we wore slippers and went until the temple. It is individual choice and belief but there are no restrictions as such from the temple(we enquired). Total steps are of 3550 and before the end of 500 steps, there are 4 to 5kms of road path to walk. You will see multiple small temples in between, there are water facilities from the temple side. There are many small shops in between, but we decided not to drink or eat anything until we reach lord Venkateswara, so we chanted govinda until we completed 3550 steps.

Once you reach the temple entrance you need to submit phones and luggages at the entrance and go to free darshan(surva darshan) or if you have tickets(special darshan/VIP) then you will get a different queue. Some of my friends suggested that we can get tickets at srivaru steps entrance so we went climbing the steps but that was two years back, and now we won't get tickets anywhere in between. Once you enter free darshan queue, they will divert you to the waiting room, the food, and drinks will be provided for every 2 hours. There will be a huge crowd and will be eager to see lord Venkateswara, the free darshan might take time for 12hrs to 2 days depending on the day you visit, so we have planned our journey on a weekday(2nd March 23). We reached the free line early morning(10 AM) so our waiting time was up to 5 pm. If you have special darshan /VIP tickets then darshan will be completed in 1 hour.

The lighting of a temple on the evening was eye-catching and did shopping in street shops. After finishing our shopping we returned to our place, you will get buses from Tirupati to the railway station all the time. We stayed in a hotel at night and planned our next journey towards Kalahasti. To know more details of a journey towards Kalahasti then click here.

In conclusion, Tirupati is a great destination for a spiritual and cultural experience, and it's easy to travel from Bangalore to Tirupati by road, train, or air. With a host of attractions and pleasant weather conditions, Tirupati is an ideal getaway from Bangalore.

Note: These details are as per my experience on march, 2023. So if there are any changes at the time you read this article or if you have any other suggestions to add then please comment  below because it will help other tourists.