9 Instagram Photos at 9 Destinations in 2017 And The Stories Behind Them
2K17 Has ended and 2K18 is here with this post I am sharing all the adventures I did and the places I visited this year. I am way behind in submitting all my posts on my blog. But trying to keep them in sync this year with my youtube channel at least. Have a great New Year Guys. Happy New Year 2018.
#1 Hampi – Sai Plaza
I always miss the sunrise and some promises I do to people that we will reach a particular place before the sun rises. This was again where some of our friends were early to reach the other side of Hampi and we came along after some hours. As we were in bed when they left us with a note to reach there till they enjoy the view of the Virupaksha Temple beside the Tungabhadra River.
#2 Wayanad – Kanthanpara Waterfalls
My Birthday week when we headed towards Wayanad in Kerala. I felt great to take a trip to a new place on my birthday with friends. After my Birthday night, it was our last day in Wayanad. Where we headed towards the Kanthanpara Waterfall and met these awesome people who were there to have fun. They visited Mysore on there long weekend trip and came to Wayanad to end it visited the places which were open that time. As most of the places you can visit were closed as it was the Forest Fire Season.
#3 Kodaikanal – Devil’s Kitchen
The Kodaikanal Trip was kind of a Solo Trip as my friends had to return back to Bengaluru. But I chose to stay to explore the beautiful hill station. I took the tour which takes you around the place for just 300/person where I missed the Devil’s Kitchen as it was dark. But already plans in my mind I wanted to visit this place as this has the most breathtaking views I ever have seen. So I visited it the next morning taking a taxi and no return options but you can always figure it outright. Crawling up to these roots of the trees you will reach the place to experience the view of the Pillar Rocks which is just crazy. Standing there even gives you chills so add it to your bucket list if you are up for an amazing view.
#4 Chikmagalur – Mullayanagiri Peak
Last few steps to the top of the Highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri Peak. We visited this place in the morning and it was still crowded with people. I don’t remember the steps you need to take to reach the top but it was a fun small trek as they had the roads built to reach this place easily. But the ride towards this place was really beautiful with no support for you to the view ahead and some turn’s were really breathtaking but we managed to reach here. And the roads were under construction and with many vehicles going there and returning turned out to a long jam.
#5 Varkala – Golden/Ponnumthuruth Island
Our first spot we wanted to visit in Varkala. Where you have to take a boat to the Sacred Island in Varkala – The Golden/Ponnumthuruth Island. After reaching Varkala we immediately got ready and headed towards this place. This time not only the ride but the walk towards our boat was too was mesmerizing with the coconut trees all around us welcoming us that we are back to Kerala. The boat guy takes you to the Island and leaves you there for some time and then returns to take you back after you explore the Island. There is a Shiva Parvati Temple on the Island and it is said that the British Ladies used to store their gold on this Island and that’s how it got its name the Golden Island.
#6 Goa – St. Augustine Tower, Old Goa
Everyone must be thinking no beach photos for Goa but the church. Because I have been to Goa quite a number of times but this was my first time there Solo. Where I visited Old Goa exploring the churches, museum and other places you can go to. The St. Augustine Tower is one of the ancient cathedrals of Goa. Built in the 1602 AD by 12 Augustine’s on their arrival in Goa. Later when the Portuguese government imposed a ban on them for building a convent beside the church. This place got deserted and presently holds the ruins of the church.
#7 Mumbai – Elephanta Caves
It has been long since I visited Mumbai so I thought to go there on Diwali. Aamchi Mumbai has been a place near to my heart as I consider my best time of life is there. I have lived in Mumbai for 2 years but never got time to explore it as I did this time. Visited almost every place I could in the short span of time. And the ferry ride towards the Elephanta Caves is really an experience you should not miss. I headed over there before evening and took this picture while returning from there. It was an awesome day but a hot one as I was sweating the whole time going up and down the Elephanta Caves.
#8 Sikkim – With Nokia to Gangtok
This year has been really awesome. I got the opportunity to work with Nokia, Olacabs and HolidayIQ. This trip to Sikkim was sponsored by Nokia 8 as they were launching the phone in India. And took me there to promote there new feature #Bothie. Which covers both sides of the stories where both the cameras unite to capture your face experience on one side and the view or experience on the other. I explored the beautiful valley of Gangtok visiting the Himalayan Zoological Park, The Gangtok Ropeway, Changu Lake and much more… Took this picture while returning from the Baba Harbhajan Temple.
#9 Sri Lanka – Sunrise at Adam’s Peak
First time out of my country on a Solo Trip at Sri Lanka. Took this picture at the top of Adam’s Peak. It was not an easy climb with me getting tired of even 600 steps I remember the last time I was at Hampi. I don’t know how but I made it to the top. It took me 2 and half hours with 1000s of people who wanted to capture the sunrise at the Adam’s Peak. There were the others aged almost thrice then me to pray as its a pilgrimage centre too. As you enter the temple you see the golden footprint of Buddha as considered by the Buddhist and in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam, or that of St. Thomas.
