Category: Tourism

  • Double – decking it to Bangalore – Part 1

    As the title suggests, I was to take 22625 MAS-SBC DD express from Chennai- the day being 27th Dec. It was to be a one-day outing to Bangalore; the return being by 16022 MYS-MAS Kaveri express. As ever, please refer to the legend right at the bottom for all technical terms (won’t be covering all, though!) and…

  • Year-end mini-vacation to Chennai – Part 2

    I resume from where I had left off – regarding the account of my train journey by 11027 Mumbai Chennai Mail starting on Dec 23. Here is Part 1 https://ashwinkumar1989.online/2017/12/26/year-end-mini-vacation-to-chennai-part-1/ . As always, refer to the legend right at the bottom for all technical terms and station codes (haven’t included all, again!). Our electric loco from…

  • Year-end mini-vacation to Chennai – Part 1

    After a memorable trip to Chennai the previous month, it was time for yet another such trip in the final month of the year. I was to take 11027 Mumbai Chennai Mail (yet again! 😀 ) on Saturday 23rd night. I had booked an AC 2 Tier ticket, which was originally RAC3 and then became…

  • A Return Journey To Remember – Part 2

    This is Part 2 of my account of my train journey by 11042 Chennai Mumbai express on Nov 25 – sorry to keep you waiting; was busy with work over the last few days! Here is Part 1 if you haven’t read it yet! https://ashwinkumar1989.online/2017/12/03/a-return-journey-to-remember-part-1/  As always, please refer to the legend right at the bottom…

  • A Return Journey To Remember – Part 1

    After a rather enjoyable trip of Chennai of a week, during which I met my maternal grandparents, relatives and friends; it was time for me to return to Mumbai – again by train! Oh, and for my account of my train journey from Mumbai; please refer https://ashwinkumar1989.online/2017/11/22/a-two-night-sojourn-to-chennai-part-1/ and https://ashwinkumar1989.online/2017/11/23/a-two-night-sojourn-to-chennai-part-2/ . This time, I took 11042 MAS CSMT…

  • A Two Night Sojourn to Chennai – Part 2

    Like my journey by 11027 Mumbai Chennai ‘supercrawler’ Mail, my blogs also tend to be long; thus necessitating a split into two or more parts. Sorry to keep you waiting so long for Part 2! Here is Part 1 if you have not read it yet! https://ashwinkumar1989.online/2017/11/22/a-two-night-sojourn-to-chennai-part-1/  Again, for technical terms and station codes; please refer…

  • A Two Night Sojourn to Chennai – Part 1

    I was hugely lucky to benefit from the 15-day leave policy of my company; which I made full use of – to plan a week-long trip to Chennai in order to meet my maternal grandparents, relatives and friends. As the title suggests, I took the legendary 09 Down Mail (now 11027 Mumbai Chennai Mail); a…

  • The magic spell cast by Dhanushkodi

    As we head towards Dhanushkodi On a road smooth as velvet Tall trees of coconut surround us Forming a canopy to shield us From the wrath of the mighty Sun Whose eyes pierce us all And cast an everlasting glow Over the silken stretches of sand Erstwhile a tiny speck in the horizon Now omnipresent,…

  • A chaotic experience at Tiruchendur temple

    As I head into a temple Standing tall with its gopuram Underlining its grandeur and monstrosity Luring the faithful and the besotted As an ocean opens its arms To invite the mighty ships To sail in its capricious waters Even the cynical and non-believing Can’t help but turn their heads Letting their eyes widen and…

  • My first visit to Pandharpur – Part 2

    For those of you who have not yet read Part 1, here is the link: https://ashwinkumar19892021.wordpress.com/2017/05/21/my-first-visit-to-pandharpur-part-1/ . I had darshan at the Vitthal Temple, but could not see the main deity due to the crowd. I then came to my hotel room and slept for 4 hours, as I was tired after walking in the dry heat…