Raja Kumar

Krishnagiri KRP Dam

2009-10-14T15:16:00.006+05:30

Trip time:
1 day

Commute:
Bangalore - Hosur - Krishnagiri (~100kms)

Links:
http://www.krishnagiri.tn.nic.in/tourism.htm
http://www.krishnagiridistrict.com/krp.html
http://www.krishnagiridistrict.com/krp2.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thezionview/2539674209/

Best time to visit:
Post monsoon (Sep)

Review:
Krishnagiri KRP dam is a very small dam. It is located off NH-7 near krishnagiri. Ideal to visit for relaxation when you are en route to some other destination. There is also a park adjoining to the dam.

Photos:

Sluice gates

View from the dam

Algae

Desktop shot

On the dam

Rocky terrain

River

Daisy

Road around the dam

Head on

Panoramic view

Parking near IIMB Postoffice

2009-10-14T14:53:00.002+05:30

If you wish to use IIMB post office, earlier you have leave your vehicle on the road and pray for luck. This public office does not have a parking space and IIMB does not allow outside vehicles for parking inside the campus. There is a Nirmala Public Restroom facility with no parking space on the same road. Bangalore Traffic Police had been very prompt in towing your vehicle for the No Parking offense in these areas.

For once my luck did not favor me and I had to pay fine (Rs100) along with towing charges (Rs200) to traffic police. Now, there is parking sign near the post office. Wondering who woke the bangalore traffic police.

TATA Nano

2009-10-14T14:49:00.002+05:30

Spotted this blue TATA Nano in my native town. It was a sure shot head turner. Everyone passing by had a good look at the car. I just peeked inside to find that the car can accommodate 4 adults.

Jog falls

2009-08-13T19:37:00.010+05:30

Trip time:
2N/1D

Commute:
Bangalore - Shimoga - Sagara - Jog falls (~375kms)
Used KSTDC Tour package

Stay:
Hotel Shant - accommodation to refresh yourself in the morning

Links:
KSTDC website
This web page has the itinerary

Best time to visit:
Post monsoon (August)

Review:
This is the first time I used the KSTDC services. It is one of the care-free ways to visit Jog falls. I have quiet a lot of review to write about them.

First on the reservation. They have a website and online booking. Unfortunately, Jog falls tour package is not listed for online booking. One can book this tour package through various authorized agents or visit central reservation office at Badami House. Reservation at badami house is hassle free.

The KSTDC bus looked new and clean. We started sharp on time and was punctual through out the trip. KSTDC ran the tour even when the bus was not full (min 10 bookings required to run the tour). The accommodation arranged by KSTDC in Sagara for the morning refresh was below standards. The room was dinghy and smelly. Usually, 4 people are accommodated in a room. We stopped for breakfast at Sagara itself and the restaurant was below average.

Then we were taken to keladi temple, Jog falls - British bungalow view, Linganmaki dam view point and Jog falls main view. Lunch was at KSTDC Mayura restaurant which was again below normal. We started back to bangalore at 5:30pm and stopped for nice dinner at shimoga.

Photos:

Bus

Stay @ Sagara

Tank @ Keladi

Tank @ Keladi

Temple @ Keladi

Temple @ Keladi

Vegetation due to incessant rains @ Keladi

Mushrooms

British bungalow view

Main falls starting

Deep down end point

Misty flow

Rainbow

Entire falls

Mahatma Gandhi hydel power station

Raja, Rani, Rocker, Roarer view

View from bottom of the falls

Sheets of water

Google Maps mashup idea

2009-06-30T17:54:00.003+05:30

We all knew that Google Maps is an ideal tool for finding places, directions, terrain, traffic and street view. I regularly use Google Maps to find directions to drive and see street view to get accustomed with the route.

With the fundamental infrastructure in place, I am thinking, could we line up the street view photos and take users on a virtual drive along on the driving directions. Such a mashup should give a virtual tour of the route. It will easy drive on the route direction and locate landmarks along the route.

Such a mashup will entail lot of bandwidth to get all the photos along the route and the load on the server serving the photos will be high.

USB Write Protector

2009-06-23T18:21:00.005+05:30

There was a false alarm of virus infection in my SanDisk Cruzer micro USB drive. This triggered me to think how good it will be to have write protection (hardware) in the USB drive.

There were lot of software solutions to this. But the utility needs to be installed in all the computers from which you will access the USB drive. This makes the utility cumbersome to use and also reduces the USP of USB drives.

Iomega Select Portable HDD

2009-06-12T16:52:00.006+05:30

As part of 10 yrs of Iomega in India promotion, we were offered Iomega products at
33% discount from the MRP. There were additional discounts on certain products as well.

Most of the sale were related to portable HDDs. I picked up Iomega Select Portable HDD - 250GB drive. The Select range of portable HDD has fiber cover which offers better look, grip and static proof compared to aluminum casings in other ranges.

The HDD came with a USB cable and quick user guide. Iomega offered us Retrospect software as backup solution with 3yrs of extended warranty.

The portable HDD is pre-formatted for Windows and runs like a charm. The USB2.0 is real fast in copying the contents. The Select model has ventilation gaps for heat dissipation.

Jira Firefox Extension

2009-06-10T15:56:00.006+05:30

My office uses Jira as bug tracking tool. Quick search option in Jira is really useful to peak into the bug details when you know the bug ID. In my perspective, the deterrent to this feature is, one has start the browser, navigate to the jira site and then do a quick search.

To simplify, I developed a small firefox extension through which you can enter the bug ID and it directly takes you to the bug page.

In the course of this, I got a few good links to firefox plugin development.

Firefox Extension Devlopment
XUL Controls - MDC

If you are interested in the extension, pls leave a comment.
Note: This extension is not generic enough to support all Jira deployments.

Onion Pakoda

2009-06-08T13:45:00.005+05:30

Something crispy, spicy and hot to munch on a chilly-drizzling monsoon evening always tickles the taste-buds. Tried onion pakoda on a such occasion this week.

Mix
(Onion, Coriander leaves, Bonda mix, salt to taste)

Fry

Ready to serve

Connecting multiple monitors to laptop

2009-06-05T18:03:00.004+05:30

It is widely acclaimed that having multiple monitors increases the productivity. One gets wider viewing area and having different applications opened in the monitors helps you to concentrate and work better. I had been toying with this idea for a while and seem to reap some benefits.

Hardware setup
Dell D630 laptop
Dell Docking station (model: PR01x)
Two 19' Dell monitors

Software setup
Win XP
Multimon

Connection
Use the usual VGI video cable to connect first monitor.
Use the DVI cable to connect the second monitor.
The docking station should have support for DVI port.

Configuration
Now, you need to configure your OS to use two monitors.

With Win XP, Go to Display Properties and attach the second monitor.
Identify and check both the monitors
One can swap the monitor position on the Display properties window to suit your monitor placement
Install MultiMon (freeware) to get the Taskbar on the second monitor

Other Resources

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307873
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/northrup_multimon.mspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-monitor

NH7

2009-06-04T17:31:00.006+05:30

NH7 (bangalore to salem) is completely four lane now. I have been able to consistently do bangalore - salem(200kms) in 3hrs 15mins.

Driving the Krishnagiri - Thoppur section is a bliss now. This road section is build and maintained by L&T. Rs 48/- is the toll charges for cars. They have user amenities like restrooms, emergency communication systems, patrols and ambulances available at the disposal.

Pink Pearch Fish Fry

2009-06-01T17:42:00.005+05:30

This happens when the culinary mood kicks in during the weekend.

Adopted recipe from here.

Apply masala on pink pearch.
(Grind soaked rice, soaked red dry chili, green chili, coriander leaves, mint leaves, clove, garlic, pepper, tomato and salt to taste)

Leave it to dry for a while

Fry it with little oil

Fry on both sides

Garnish to serve

Belandur Railway Station

2009-06-01T17:37:00.003+05:30

A very quiet deserted railway station.

Single railway line
Only 2 or 3 passenger trains stops here

Innovative Film City

2009-04-28T17:56:00.008+05:30

Trip Time:
1 Day (10am to 7pm)

Commute:
Bangalore - Bidadi (~50kms)
Take the Bangalore Mysore state highway. After Eagleton resort diversion, look for Bidadi Industrial estate diversion on the left. The route to the place is well marked.

Links:
www.innovativefilmcity.net

Attractions:

Funplex - has a 4D theater
Ripleys Believe It or Not
Mirror Maze
Bungy Jump (different kind)
Miniature City
Wave Pool
Go Karting
Wax Museum
Haunted Mansion (but haunted by nothing)
Fossil Museum
Dinosaur Kingdom (for kids)
Host of other kids games

Review:
I felt the tickets are pricey as either you have get a combo ticket or pay for each attraction as you visit. Individual attractions are priced on higher side and easily this will set you back by 1000Rs per head.

Photos:

Main Entrance

Entrance @ night

Market Street

Classics @ Ripley's

Mirror Maze

View of the film city

Light house @ Miniature city

Falls @ Miniature City

Go-Karting Track

Laptop battery life

2009-02-12T14:54:00.003+05:30

The new generation laptops use Li-ion batteries for the power. I have observed that these batteries go defunct within a short time (~1 to 2 years) based on the usage.

As per my usage characteristics, I was assuming that the laptop remains hooked to the docking station most of the time and the discharge cycle from the battery is very low. Very rarely the battery gets discharged completely. And thus this affects the battery life.

On reading a few articles, it seems that Li-ion batteries does not suffer from the "memory" effect. But rather the heat generated from the laptop is the one that reduces the life span of the battery. More over these kind of batteries has the aging effect.

If you use keep your laptop hooked to docking station most of the time and have a reliable UPS backup, then remove and store the battery in a cool place to get most out of it.

Googling glitch

2009-02-02T10:34:00.003+05:30

On Saturday night IST, when I was searching for something in Google, all the results churned out of google had a warning and the link did not pass through. I had very little suspicion on google. I overruled the warning in certain cases as I was trying to load pages from wikipedia.

Finally the news turned out to be a google glitch. This reminds me the horror stories of hi-fi science fiction movies, where the computer takes control of everything and restricts/controls access.

Blogger with word verification

2009-01-27T17:01:00.004+05:30

Google's Blogger use to have word verification for the posts. When you create / edit a post, the word verification has to be done before publishing the changes. Though it prevents the spamming of the system, some times it is cumbersome to understand the words shown for the verification.

Apart from the sheer lengthy words, the display use to be convoluted which increases the frustration. Off late, I see blogger has removed word verification and does auto save as draft. Way to go!

Finally, I figured out that word verification gets shown for a blog that gets classified in spam category (because of the high number of posts). However my blog turned out to be false positive. Over a period of time (and some tune up to the algorithm), gave a clean chit to my blog . Hence no more word verification.

Bye Bye Side Middle Berth

2009-01-27T12:53:00.004+05:30

Over last year, Indian railways came up with the ambitious plan to increase the number of berths in trains to increase the revenue. To cut costs, they came up with the innovative idea of having side middle berth (SMB) concept.

This concept was flawed in many ways.

Did not give due consideration for comfortable travel
Getting in and out is difficult
For day time travel, the person with SMB ticket has to share his place in the other side coup
The booking system could not be updated with SMB option

There were lot of complains about this SMB approach. Finally the railways gave up the idea this year for the benefit of the people.

Hampi Trip

2009-01-06T18:59:00.011+05:30

Trip time:
2N/3D

Commute:
Bangalore to Hospet - Hampi Express
Hospet to Hampi (14kms) - local autowala (haggle for ~100Rs)

Stay:
Ranjana Guest House, Hampi (~1000Rs for a day)

Links:
www.hampi.in

The best website to know all about hampi. Has extensive details on all aspects.

Best time to visit:
Winter season (rest of the year, it will be hot)

Itinerary:
Day 1:
Cover the sacred part of hampi
Virupaksha temple, Hemakutta hill, Vitalla temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Sasivekalu Ganesha, hampi bazaar and adjoining areas

One can do this section by walk. Otherwise could hire an auto or moped to do a tour.

Day 2:
Tungabadra dam (5 kms from Hospet) and Royal Enclosure section of hampi
Underground Shiva temple, King's palace, Noble men's quaters, Queen's palace, Queen’s bath, Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stable

Need an auto / moped to cover this part.

Day 3:
Krishna Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha and Virupapur Gadde (other side of TB river)

Can hire a bicycle or by walk.

Review:
Hampi is a historical site. Prepare yourself to face rocks, boulders, stones, carvings, dilapidated temples and ruined palaces. The scared section of hampi and bazaar are infected by local tourists and looks in bad shape. Rest of the places are less crowded (comparatively).

Prepare yourself for a basic stay and facilities. Hampi is still a village with lot of foreigners. Being a typical tourist place, arm yourself to fight against getting cheated at all the places.

Photos:

Virupaksha temple

Dilapidated mantap @ Hemakutta hill

Bazaar @ Virupaksha temple

On way to vittala temple

Vittala temple gopuram @ dusk

Vittala temple

Musical pillars @ vittala temple

TB river enroute to vittala temple

TB river enroute to vittala temple

Postcard shot of boulders

TB dam

From the gardens @ TB dam

Underground shiva temple

Ruined noble mens quaters

Near King's palace

Ruined mahal @ dusk

Stepped tank

Another monument

Lotus mahal

Elephant stable

Lakshmi Narasimha

Airtel misuses Cell Info

2009-01-05T17:52:00.004+05:30

Another bashing at Airtel.

Cell Info is provided to notify the users about the cell (tower) to which the phone is hooked at the moment. But most of times in Airtel, I see ads running in that.

Hope TRAI notices this and takes evasive action. This is kind of thrusting ads to your phone without your consent.

Digital fuel gauge

2009-01-05T17:45:00.003+05:30

How about having digital fuel gauge to neutralize the rampant fuel theft by pump operators?

The recent cars displays predictions on the odo, about the distance the car can go with current fuel quantity in the tank. Then why not have digital fuel gauge. Before refilling, note how much fuel is in your car's tank. If you add 10 lts of fuel, check whether it reflects in your odo.

This will prevent fuel theft by the pump operators.

Where am I? - mobile service to find location

2009-01-05T17:31:00.003+05:30

Wish to start the new year with an idea!

Last week when I was traveling in a train during night, wanted to find out where am I? The best tool I had was my mobile. Tried 'Cell Info', but found advertisements from the cell phone service provider or some location name which was difficult to identify (say like EB Bhavan, CHB colony).

How about having a "Where am I?" mobile based location service. Send a SMS request and you will get a short map with the cell location. For revenue purpose, the reply can include local hotels/restaurants (more like Google Map search).

This might not be as accurate as GPS enabled service. Since the location could be on the border of the cell or there could be overlap of the signals from different cells.

End of KPN monopoly?

2008-12-11T16:48:00.000+05:30

I have a couple of posts on the KPN monopoly practices and their callous attitude towards customer and their comfort.

Against KPN
KPN monopoly rant

There was a situation where there seems to be no end to this.

Finally, there is some competition in this area now.

ABT Travels
ARC Travels

Both these guys are conglomerates with long time service in handling parcels. They have started their tour operations recently.

A refreshing change to a normal whining travel. Their buses are brand new and all are air conditioned. Secondly their charges are very fair and way cheaper than KPN volvo charges. More importantly they have decent facilities at their depots and depart in time.

Time for KPN to change or perish.

Airtel Customer Care

2008-12-11T11:11:00.001+05:30

It is not worth saying that Airtel customer care (ACC) has still room to improve, rather they have a big warehouse to improve. Exactly, a lot more is desired from their pathetic customer care. For the same issue, every time I heard a different story.

Issue:
Wanted to change my tariff plan to corporate scheme

ACC Executive 1 says:
Need your corporate employee ID copy
Latest Pay slip
Introduction letter from HR

ACC executive 2 says:
Need your corporate employee ID copy
Latest Pay slip
Introduction letter from HR
Clear all your outstanding dues and unbilled amount through Airtel Relationship Centers (ARC)

ACC executive 3 says:
Nothing required. Corporate employee ID copy is sufficient but send a mail from your official mail ID.

With ACC executive 4 in ARC
With Corporate employee ID copy, I could change my plan (effective with in 48hrs)

Belur Halebidu Trip

2008-12-08T13:21:00.003+05:30

Trip time:
1 day (from 6am to 10pm)

Commute:
Qualis

Route:
Bangalore - Neelamangala - Hassan - Belur - Halebidu - Hassan - Sharavanabelagola - Neelamangala - Bangalore (Mangalore route NH 48)

Both Belur and Halebidu has ancient temples build in Hoysala architecture. The temples are famous for their intricate artwork using soap stones. The temples were latter destroyed during the invasion.

Sharavanabelagola hosts the monolithic stone statue of Gomateswara.

Links:
Previous visit post is here

Photos:

Chennakeshava temple @ Belur

Post @ belur temple

panaromic view of temple complex

Kalasam

Beautiful sculptures

Carved posts

Carvings @ temple entrance

Eg of intricate carvings

One more example

Closeup

perspective view

Hoysaleshvara temple @ Halebidu

Inside Hoysaleshvara temple

Carvings @ entrance

Example of intricate carvings

Roof carvings

Profile view

View from hill top @ Sharavanbelagola

Stupa on sunset

Gomateswara statue