My Journals

Today, our family had an exciting day out to Yadagiri and Swarnagiri with my sister, filled with nostalgia and adventure. We started our journey at 9:30 AM in a private cab, heading towards Yadagiri Gutta. By the time we reached at 11:00 AM, the place was teeming with activity, and we were caught up in the bustling crowd. Despite the exhaustion from the rush, the vibrant atmosphere and spiritual ambiance made the visit worthwhile. From there, we proceeded to Surendrapuri, where the mythological museum captivated us with its fascinating exhibits and rich history. Our next stop was Kolanpak Jain Temple, a dry and calm place that offered a stark contrast to the bustling Yadagiri Gutta. The tranquility and beautiful architecture made it a peaceful retreat. Finally, we visited Swarnagiri, another crowded destination that left us tired but rewarded with its beauty. This trip was especially significant as my sister had last visited Yadagiri Gutta 20 years ago, and it was heartwarming to accompany her on this nostalgic journey, even though we had seen these places recently. The day was filled with laughter, exploration, and a sense of togetherness, creating memories that we will cherish forever.

Today was a remarkable day for our family. We began our journey at 5:40 AM, stopping first at the Vinayaka Temple in 1 Town. From there, we embarked on a 2-kilometer walk to the Kanaka Durga Temple, a journey filled with excitement and anticipation.

The temple was alive with a huge crowd of devotees, all drawn by the spiritual significance of Nava Ratri. The organizers had provided thoughtful facilities like floor carpets and water bottles, making our wait more comfortable. It took us 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete the darshan of Sri Chandi and Mallikarjuna Swamy temple by 8:05 AM. Despite the large number of people, the sense of shared devotion made the experience even more special.

We also savored some delicious prasadam, including Pongal and Pulihora, which added a wonderful touch to our spiritual journey. After the fulfilling experience, we took public transport and reached home by 9:15 AM.

The combination of faith, family, and festive spirit made this visit an unforgettable part of our Dasara celebrations.

Today, we had an amazing day at Wonderla with my family, sister, and brother. We arrived at the park around 12:00 PM, eager to start our adventure. We kicked off with some exciting water rides, which were a blast! Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious lunch together.

Post-lunch, we switched to the dry rides, including a fun session of Car Dash. The highlight of the day was definitely the Interstellar ride, which left us all in awe. We wrapped up our day at 7:30 PM and made it back home by 8:15 PM, tired but happy.

It was a day filled with laughter, thrills, and wonderful memories.

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/njUK-MYdSYo

Today was a special day as we visited Rastrapathi Nilayam for my daughter Bhavika’s cultural singing event, part of the Kala Sandhya organized by Sapthaswara Academy. We started our journey at 3:00 PM, accompanied by our cousin’s family, and reached the venue by 4:10 PM.

Our plan was to explore all the attractions within Rastrapathi Nilayam, but we managed to visit only the Knowledge Center. It was fascinating to learn about the past and present Presidents of India. Unfortunately, we missed out on seeing the Rastrapathi House and the Kitchen Tunnel.

We faced some difficulty locating the Amphi Theatre, which consumed a significant amount of our time. Despite this, Bhavika’s performance went smoothly, even though there was a brief drizzle during the event.

After the program, we enjoyed the Musical Fountain before heading home, arriving by 9:00 PM. It was a memorable day filled with cultural enrichment and family bonding.

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The journey to Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple, a revered shrine nestled in the verdant environs of Telangana, began with an early start at 9:30 AM. The travel was marked by a brief interlude for breakfast, providing a moment of respite before continuing on. Despite encountering ominous signs in the form of two minor accidents, fortune favored the travelers, ensuring their safe arrival at the temple by 12:15 PM. The temple, though modest in size, was bustling with devotees, reflecting its significance in the hearts of the faithful. The scorching heat and dense crowds did little to deter the spirit of devotion, as the Darshan was completed by 12:45 PM. The nearby water streams, known as Edupayalu, offered a tranquil retreat, their cool waters a stark contrast to the day's heat. The temple's popularity, particularly on a Sunday, was evident in the throngs of visitors and the traditional practice of animal sacrifices. Plans to visit Narsapur Urban Park were set aside, yielding to the exhaustion from the day's heat. The journey concluded with a return home by 3:30 PM, where the comfort of a familiar setting and a homemade dinner awaited.

Media Link: youtu.be/VisQWDL-LoE?si=te1qqCZPSfkavxIE

We embarked on a spiritual journey with our family and in-laws, arriving at Yadadri by 10 AM. The atmosphere was serene, with fewer crowds, and the cloudy weather added to the pleasant ambiance. At Yadadri, we sought blessings from Lord Narasimha Swamy, whose temple stands atop a picturesque hillock. The divine energy enveloped us as we offered our prayers.

After our spiritual experience at Yadadri, we proceeded to Swarnagirigutta. The journey took us just 20 minutes. Here, we encountered Lord Balaji, an imposing 8-foot-tall deity. His presence filled the sanctum with reverence. Post-darshan, we shared a hearty lunch and departed, our hearts uplifted by the day’s blessings. By 4:30 PM, we were back home, cherishing the memories of our sacred pilgrimage.

Media Link: youtu.be/L9STlfc0-Hs 

On June 16, 2024, we embarked on an exciting adventure to Ramoji Film City. Our journey began with a car ride, starting at 8:15 AM and reaching the film city by 9:10 AM. Unfortunately, we missed breakfast along the way, but the film city itself provided sustenance. Being a Sunday, the place was bustling with visitors.

The much-anticipated Carnival celebration, scheduled for 9:45 AM, slipped through our fingers due to the crowd. However, we eagerly boarded a vintage bus for a magical tour of the film city. Our exploration took us to iconic sets like the Baahubali set, Hawa Mahal, European Street, and Kripalu Caves. Amidst the hustle, we found solace in the Japanese Park, Butterfly Park, and Birds Sanctuary.

Our kids were overjoyed as we shuttled from one spot to another in the vintage bus. The Airport set and Railway Station Set fascinated us all. Complimentary attractions like the Action Theatre, Ramoji Film Studio, and Space Yatra were also on our list. Despite covering nearly 8 kilometers on foot, our legs protested with each step.

Lunchtime arrived near the Action Theatre, where we finally found a place to eat. The food was average, but the Rs 350/- per Veg combo felt steep. The relentless sun made further exploration challenging.

As the day wore on, we decided to leave by 5:30 PM. However, the allure of complimentary rides kept us till 6:30 PM. Just as it started drizzling, we boarded a bus near Eureka Stop.

But then, an unexpected hurdle: my car’s wipers were half broken, and the headlights had given up. Panic set in—I couldn’t fathom driving 70 kilometers home. Luckily, the rain subsided, and a helpful security guard guided us to Srinivasa Residence, a hotel opposite the Film City. We parcelled some food and water. The room was very small with average facilities. We started to drive home next day morning by 6.30 AM and reached Home by 7:30 AM.

And so, our eventful day at Ramoji Film City came to an end. Despite the challenges, the memories of this adventure will stay with us forever.

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