NavaJyothi Sree Karunakara Guru’s ‘Parnasala'

NavaJyothi Sree Karunakara Guru’s ‘Parnasala,’ a fully bloomed lotus in marble structure, nearing completion at Pothencode, the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala to be dedicated to Guru on September 12, 2010 is catching the attention of people across the globe. 

Parnasala

Years ago, 'Parnasala' was a thatched hut supported by four poles, where Guru lived and interacted with visitors. The thatched hut was later converted into a one-room tenement with a tiled roof.

The current structure of Parnasala, received in visions stands at a height of 91 feet, radius of 84 feet, 64 feet inner diameter and 21 petals. The structure contains twelve upward facing petals of 41 feet length and nine downward facing petals, 31 feet each. Lotus bud shaped 27-feet (made of high teak wood) sanctum sanctorum will contain an image of Guru in pure gold. The first floor of the Parnasala contains 12 rooms and will maintain articles used by Guru.

Guru left His physical body and merged in Adisankalpam - the Primordial Consciousness, the source of Creation on May 6, 1999. It was revealed from the Supreme Light that His body should be laid to rest in the Parnasala itself.

For more information, log on to http://www.santhigiriashram.org/

Tips for Road Travel

All set for a road trip? I have taken several of them since I was six or seven years old. These road journeys were family holiday tours within South India. The longest among my road trips were the three times I took the road journey from Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) to Mumbai (Maharashtra) and vice versa. It is over 12 years since I took such very long road trips – yet I cherish my memories of traveling through different States, terrains and different cultures. I still travel by road – but often restricted to within Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Here are a few pointers to consider for road travel:

Before you begin your road journey:

• Buy a road map and will work as your good companion during your drive.
• Plan your route.
• Identify points where you may want to take a break or stay at a hotel, if the journey is long.
• Talk to your friends and colleagues, who know the route. They may be able to guide you better – in terms of condition of the road etc.
• Ensure your car is in good condition. Servicing your car, before your journey.
• Take along your driving license and documents of your car including insurance.
• Fill your fuel tank, a day before your start your journey.

On Road

• Take break every two or three hours or whenever you feel tired or drowsy. If there are multiple people in the car, who drives, let them take over (if you are not comfortable driving long hours). Better avoid night travel during long journeys.
• If you are taking breaks ie; if you take your break at the end of your first day travel, on your way to your final destination; if time permits, you can visit the nearby park or go shopping at night.
• Try to get a good sleep at night to continue your next day’s long journey.
• Keep a book / notepad. If you aren’t driving alone, and if you have company, you can ask him/her to jot the places, distances, major spots and funny incidents.

12 Tips : Safe Travelling for Women in India

Understanding and following the unwritten laws of code and conduct of the country you are visiting, makes your travel experience a memorable one. Here are a few pointers, for you to take note of when you decide to travel to India.

1. Dress Codes: Following a country's dress code isn’t always easy. Think of your safety – and it will help you decide, it is better stick on to the dress code. When in India, avoid tight dresses (tops & bottoms) and sleeveless tops. Wear half sleeved churidars, preferably cottons, to avoid the sweat. If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, wear a loose top with not-too tight jeans or a long skirt with top.
2. Try 'group' travel: Instead of being a solo traveler, why not have a friend accompany you? Let “Travel safe,” be your motto!
3. Learn to bargain: Local shops meant for tourists do not follow a fixed price for the items on sale. They decide the amount, depending on if the customer is from the local region, other part of the country or a foreigner. They mostly charge the twice or thrice the amount from foreign tourists. Bargain with them; tell them you know they are charging too much and start walking back. They will come after you, lessening their price. You can also tell them you will buy the item say, handicraft only if they give you for a particular amount. Alternatively, you can also have a local person with you who know the tricks of the traders, provided he is not in favor of the shopkeepers and help you out.
4. Choosing mode of travel: For short trips, bus is the cheapest and safe transport mode except when you are traveling with luggage. For long distance, if you have enough time, travel by train, you will enjoy seeing the hidden beauty of India. Train services, however, are not available to all parts of India, like most hill stations. Under such circumstances, choose bus service.
5. Finding toilets: Public and paid toilet facilities are not so common. Almost every restaurant and some tourist spots have toilets attached to it. Have a cup of tea at a hotel and take this opportunity to use the toilet facility available there. Alternatively, if you are traveling by car and stop for a petrol fill, use the toilet facilities available at most petrol pumps.
6. Refrain from lonely places: Avoid traveling to lonely places alone and spending time in tourist locales after the sunsets. Even if you are a group of women travelers, avoid lonely places.
7. Move away from beggars: Never give money to beggars. You will find plenty of them on the streets, bus stands and railways stations. Turn your head and try to look at the opposite side or walk-on, if you are already on the move. Be extra careful, if you have a purse or luggage with you.
8. The necessary accessories: Carry a torch, a candle and a matchstick. Power variations and stranded without power are common, especially in smaller cities or towns. Also, carry mosquito repellents. You will need them as mosquitoes are in plenty in many cities in India.
9. Beware of strikes: “Strikes” (locally known as ‘hartals’ or ‘bandh’) are common in all parts of India. Do not travel on such days, even if it means postponing or rescheduling your travel for a day or two. The duration of strikes varies from 12-24 hours. Shops and restaurants do not open on such days. Transportation is often nil. Avoid traveling on the day of strikes.
10. Hiring Services: You will find pre-paid taxi services at most airports and railway stations. Use this facility. Otherwise, you are sure to end up creating a big hole in your pocket. Under other unavoidable circumstances, hire taxi's only with meter readings and before hiring, make sure they charge you only as per the meter reading. Same rule applies for Autorickshaws (three-wheeler).
11. Entry to Worship premises: Remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship. Churidars are also not allowed in many temples. You will need to wear a dhoti on top of it or wear a sari, if you know to wear one.
12. Greet the Indian way: Instead of shaking hands, greet people with “Namaste”, by folding your hands with palms touching each other. And smile generously. People will be friendlier with you, if you follow these two simple unwritten rules.

Jaggery processing unit, in Marayoor (Idukki district), Kerala

More Tips for Monsoon Travel

Let us look at where to head this monsoon? Find your choice!

• If you like cascading waterfalls, rivers, lakes and streams flowing lively, visit such destinations.
• Looking for lush green and waterfalls? Like mists, which block your way but gives that tender touch and makes you shiver? Try holidaying in hills.
• If you are heading to the hills, check the routes where landslides or similar natural disaster generally occur. If there is an alternative route to the destination, opt for it.
• Take care while selecting cities, which has poor infrastructure like poor drainage system.
  It’s better to skip heavily flooded locales. Also, this goes true for rivers, which start, from mountains.
• Avoid beaches and seas during monsoon.
• If you are heading towards a trekking region, have a stick along with you. Check your path with the stick before you put your feet there.
• Check if your hotel has hot-water running and heaters or keep you warm before you accommodate yourself there.

Checklist for Monsoon Travel

Checklist for monsoon travel:

• Clothes which keep you warm including sweaters and shawl, depending on the place’s climate. Winter dress is a must if you are traveling to a destination where both winter and rain coincides!
• An extra pair of dress as you has to forget washing and drying in a short time gap during the rains.
• Camera and films to shoot pictures of the best of the monsoon season.
• Iron box
• An extra pair of sandals or shoes. Avoid ordinary shoes and sandals. Try to go for a boot shoe. Use a rubber boot especially if you are going for trekking.
• Medicines to combat common illness like vomiting, fever, cold, throat pain, headache and First-aid kit.
• Torch
• Carry candle and matchstick since the chance of power disruption exists.
• Check the condition of tyre, brakes, radiator etc.
• Give your car for service before leaving for a journey.
• Do not depend on landline tele services during monsoon. Tele-communication facilities are at the poor end most of the time when there is heavy down pour.
• Be aware of the nearest hospital, health centers, police station, fire station etc in case of any emergency.
• Do not put your hands close to the firewood or heater when the temperatures are below (-) degree Celsius.
• If both snow and rain occurs together, every evening remove socks, clean legs.
• Always keep a watch on travel time. For instance, if you are considering a forest area, travel during morning. By noon, the wind tends to move higher. Trees are likely to fall down, block the roads, disrupt electricity and vehicles too are likely to be less in number by evening.

Monsoon Travel – Pros & Cons

Heavy down pour of water, floods, landslides, traffic jams, delays in reaching the destination, poor visibility. Sounds adventurous? Inspite of its odds, we all wait for the arrival of monsoon after brawling with heat for several months. During summer, we escape to the hills or beach. And in monsoon curl up in your bed? There is rise in people who love to travel during monsoon.

Here are a few pointers for monsoon travelers:

Monsoon, a good time for travel

• Discounts everywhere! – Monsoon is the best time to grab discount travel offers. Whether you are looking for air travel or a good deal for staying in hotels, here is good news. You can get all of these when it starts raining. And packages too. Contact your travel agent and get hold of the best offer.
• Thin tourist crowds – Many of us often shy away from traveling during the heavy down pour. This means, for those who love to chill out in the rain, expect less crowds and enjoy to the fullest.
• Pleasant weather – Forget blazing sun and sweating. Traveling is bliss when it rains as it is chilly. The surroundings will look greener.

Low-Down

Along with its benefits, come the shortcomings of travel during monsoon which could go to the extent of messing up your holiday plans!

• Expect delays: Delays are a part of monsoon. For instance, due to poor visibility you may not be able to drive at a speed as planned or as you do during sunny days. There may be delays or cancellations – of flights and trains. Be prepared for all these unexpected delays when you get ready for monsoon holiday!
• Traps, when it rains: Getting trapped due to traffic jams, floods, landslides etc are part of the heavy rains.
• Booking tickets & rooms: Due to the possible unexpected delays, it is better to avoid book connecting flights or rails. As with hotels, you can book over phone or email. If for any reason, you aren’t able to make it to the hotel on the said day, give them a call and book for another date.