I was not much of a traveler at college, or even at school. Though, my mom and dad ensured that I see some part of India every 4th year of my life. Maybe because they had a financial reason behind it. They wanted to claim their LTC (Long Travel Concession) which Government of India gives to all its employees and can be claimed once in every 4 years. All said, it was fun traveling with family in cosy AC 2-tier coaches, and staying in 3-star hotels/ resorts and drinking ‘Coca Cola’ and ‘Limca’

Since childhood, I was always into was photography, I loved to click pictures — not of my family members but of nature, somebody interesting, someone who strikes out, animals who do interesting things, birds when they fly.

I remember I cried for an hour and made my dad buy me a Nikon camera when I was 9 years old. It was 1300 INR — a basic point and shoot, film based camera. It was my dream machine for the next 4-5 years . My 233 MHz, 64 MB RAM computer became my dream machine when I was 14.

I clicked numerous pictures and made my mom and dad pay for film roles, and print development cost. If they didn’t agree — I will cry and and then they will agree, For the last time, like my mom used to say — but there was never a last time

Then I went to college, everything changed. The first year was the most difficult year for me, I had so much to prove after my pathetic performance in Class XII. I wanted to make a point and I invested all my time to study and learn Maths, Statistics, Business Management and what not — a sheer waste of time. The next two years flew quickly while I was busy sipping chai and eating Samosa at canteen, going out with girls, learning how to drink whiskey, late night parties and other important things that life has to offer when you are young and wild. Though I ended up being the university topper (my shameless act of self promotion in this post) but I don’t think I learned a lot. I joined Google post college.

After I joined Google, for the first time in my life I had long-term financial freedom, not like a freelance website designer which paid you for a while and you are broke again. Though, the job didn’t pay much but life was comfortable and I could save a little, I could do what I wanted to do without taking permissions from anyone.

It was at Google that I really started to discover myself.

At Google, you meet 100s of people from different walks of life. They all have something unique, something which stands out, and the best part is they talk a lot — most of us do. (Disclaimer: I am not referring to Gossips, though they do happen as well)

I had many interesting conversation at work with my colleagues — not related to work that is. I had a chance to talk about music, politics, history, languages, art, movies, education, literature, travel, photography, crosswords, religion, and what not. I was thrilled — I didn’t know a crap about all these things. History, Movies maybe a little but everything else I had barely scratched the surface.

Googlers talk with passion, and you can feel how excited they are about the subject that interest them. All of a sudden, I found educating myself. After every interesting conversation I used to go back to my desk and research on it — learn more about a particular topic by Googling it.

I think this is by far the best thing about working at Google. Sub-consciously you become self aware, you develop new interests, or revive old hobbies.

I remember I was particularly impressed by folks who used to tell me about their travel experiences, share their photographs, and tell me about the history, art, culture and people of the place that they had visited. I had never heard of Hampi before, I didn’t knew how amazing Europe is, not even in my wildest dream I had though that Africa can be such an interesting continent. I was convinced that if I do not travel, I will never learn and I will never know what I want to do with my life in the long-term.

I decided to travel — travel a lot — travel whenever I can.

With travel, I revived my lost passion for photography. I saved and bought a basic digital camera Kodak M833 which gave decent quality output. I wanted more so I upgraded to a DSLR and a couple of lenses soon.

After traveling to about 23 locations in the last 2.5 years I can assure you that if you do not travel — you will never know how beautiful this world is. Moreover, you will never discover yourself if you do not travel.

In all my travels, I try to meet as many local folks as possible and learn more about their city, their country, their food (my other passion) and click as many pictures as possible.

• While at US, I heard the most amazing success stories which are not just inspirational but legendary. I learned about the city of San Francisco — which I absolutely love now, for its super duper people – the best in the world. Everyone seem to be so relaxed. Great Mexican food as well.
• I was scared standing at Time Square and seeing thousand of people just walk past you — no friendly smile, just a mad race against time.
• I enjoyed Seattle — cruising in the lake, going on a ship to see whales for the first time in my life. Though, I wish it rained it little less there.
• Las Vegas is out of this world — Crazy city. I can’t think of any other world.
• Amsterdam is glorious. I think it has so much of history behind it that I will happily take a job there and keep learning about it and enjoying the beautiful landscaping and European grandeur for many years.
• Singapore is just picture perfect. Clean. Vibrant. Asian. It is the gateway to Asia. I loved the city.

Now coming back to India, I think I am very lucky to be born here. There is so much to do. So many places to travel. So many ancient texts, and wisdom to learn from. So many cuisines to taste, and so many people (pun intended) to meet.

What I love the most about India is it chaos. I can only imagine what reaction my friends from west must have when they land in India for the first time. India sure is chaotic, but that is the beauty of it. Amongst all the chaos, loudness, and noise we still manage to live

In terms of travel and clicking photos — India sure is the best place on earth. From bustling metros of Delhi, and Mumbai to rural life of Andhra, to royalty of Rajasthan, to colors to Punjab, to majestic Kolkata, to chilled out Goa, to hills of Sikkim, to passion of Chennai — you name it, you got it. In my travels so far, I’ve learned a great deal about life in general, food, tradition, challenges of common Indian. I’ve clicked some of it and have started publishing it on my photo blog (http://www.kushagras.com.)

While I sole purpose of my travels is to learn as much as I can and experience new things in life. I found a worthwhile outcome from them. I think I am beginning to consciously realize that I can help resolve some of these challenges that I witnessed while I travel. I try to write to various District Magistrates, NGOs and inform them about what is working well and what is not, and where there is a possibility to implementing a better policy. So far, I’ve not been successful at it, apart from NGOs, I’ve not got a single response from the government. This is my challenge. How to ensure that government looks into these often overlooked areas.

Overall my travels and clicks have helped discover myself — I now know what I want in life.

• I know that in the near term, I want to travel as much as possible in India and other Asian countries.
• I know that I’ve a relaxing hobby – Click pictures
• I know that I want to live in different countries and learn about them
• I know that I want to get an International work experience
• I know I want to make recommendations to improve the life in general to the authorities who can make a difference
• I know that I want to visit all the places on earth possible before I die
• I know that how lucky I am to have a family and education
• I know that how much I underestimate myself
• I know now how to strech myself at work or otherwise
• I know that there is so much still to learn

I know that this is a never ending journey, but I am glad that I’ve taken this road.

Some shots I took on a recent trip to Konaseema

Konaseema

While planning a holiday to coastal Andhra, I found out about great Godavari backwaters and the leisure activities that you can undertake there. I read more about it on various blogs, wikis, and decided to take a trip in the long Independence Day weekend (August 14 – August 16, 2009.) The plan was to drive to a city called Rajahmundry besides the river Godavari, spend sometime there exploring local culture and cuisine later drive to the sleepy fishing village of Kakinada about 50kms from our resort and visit Kakinada sea port and beach. We came back to the resort by evening and had a great dinner, later went to the Isckon temple right besides the resort.

Next morning, we made a move to the village of Dindi about 60kms from our resort where we had pre-booked a houseboat. I am not quite sure what was better, the destination or the drive to the destination. Tall coconut trees sprawling the landscape with bright green rice fields, and beautiful huts made it one of the best drives I’ve been to.

We checked into our houseboat, but not before enjoying swimming at the Dindi coconut resort.  The houseboat has 2 AC rooms but they will only turn on the AC at night. That said, you really dont need it because you want to sit on the second level porch of the boat and enjoy birds-eye view of the backwaters. We sailed for about 3 hours and came back for lunch to the resort. Later, we went sailing again and sailed for about 5 hours only to come back and park the boat near the resort.

Next morning we checked out from Dindi houseboat and visited the virgin beach of Antarvedi. It was a great sight to see black sand (the sand turns black when wet) and clean water. I couldn’t stop myself from taking a plunge and swam for about half an hour and enjoyed playing with local kids who looked at me as if I am coming from Amreeka.

Later, we drove back from Dindi to Vijaywada, the true Telugu city. You can feel the vibes of how close this city is too its culture. We took a moment to slow down at Bhavani Island and take-in the view and drove back to Hyderabad. On our way we stopped by at local dhabha’s. Unlike the great Punjabi dhabhas which I am used to in the north the Dhabha’s of southern part of India are small and modest. That said, they serve equally good food if you’ve a taste for South Indian cuisine. I absolutely enjoyed Sambhar, Rice, Curd, and Pappu meal. That said, I really wish I could bite into a big juicy piece Tandoori Chicken which was terribly missed. When I am road, I need my chicken

Me and my wife were looking forward to a getaway and decided to drive to this Rajasthani Resort called Dhola-Ri-Dhani. On our way to the resort we felt like driving a bit more so we took the highway. I had heard about Shamirpet lake from a friend and thought it is on the same highway so why not visit it. We drove 10 kms further only to find that Shamirpet is on some other highway. We asked around and found a bad patch of road which leads to Shamirpet thanks to a friendly Cabbie.

We took it and hit Shamirmet after driving for about 15 kms. And boy, it was worth it.

Shamirpet lake is beautiful, very appealing, and a massive water body. The rocks that surround the lake makes it look even more beautiful. See it for yourself.

Shamirpet Lake Hyderabad

Finally, a spot where you can go sit back, relax, enjoy near Hyderabad. The best part is that there are 5-6 dhabas which serve great North Indian food as well. And if you are a true blue Hyderabadi they have great Biryani, and Dosas too.

Now that we’ve been there once, we’ll definitely will hit the spot once more. And then, search for another weekend spot.

I talked about so called Mumbai Dreams with the girl sitting next to me on my flight to Mumbai, my chauffeur, my colleagues, clients, cook, vada pao seller, haji ali juice shop waiter, couple of folks at some fancy restaurants of the city and people at posh five star hotel lounges. I also talked with some social activists, a small time politician, a really brilliant boy who lives in the slum besides my building, and owner of a counterfeit designer goods shop.

It was not my curiosity to learn about the city or its culture, rather the urge to know why this city despite all its pain points, over used civil infrastructure, horrible traffic, occasional floods, and pollution still attracts hundreds of thousand of people from every corner of the country.

My impression about Mumbai when I visited for the very first time was  – there goes all the hype. However, soon I went to South Mumbai and sat besides the sea, it changed to wow. Soon again when with my friends, just for the heck of it, I visited Dharavi (claimed to be the biggest slum area of the world) and my impression changed to  – Oh My God!

Definitely a city of extremes!

And I concluded, much like India, it is not possible to have one specific view about the city. No wonder they say “if you’ve to experience India and you don’t have time to visit everywhere. Visit Mumbai!”

Mumbai – The city that once was!

What I absolutely loved about the city was its heritage which is depicted in form of buildings, and temples and mosques,  which ironically is nearing a slow death. South Mumabi has some of the best buildings one can find. Chatrapati Shivjai Terminus, Blackie House, Maharastra Police Head Quarters, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and almost every second building you’ll find on both sides of the road if you walk from the Regal Theater to CST.

They are marvels. Amazing creations. I can stare at the architecture for hours.

Unfortunately, I saw absolute disregard for these properties. The once beautiful stone, that carved these buildings is now black and rustic. No one cares.

I was standing in front of this old building which read “SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA” with beautiful blue glass window and could only imagine how beautiful and majestic it must have looked in its prime. And I was saddened

Mumbai – The city of common men

While I was at Mumbai, I witnessed how party workers of a very prominent political party of Maharastra “Shiv Sena” showed an act of aggression (it was not the first time someone did this) and confidently broke privtate properties at Hotel Intercontinental. A big punch on the face of law and order and nothing was done about it even after a week. Hello, some called Police? Are you listening?

I saw how people travel miles and miles hanging in the local train, sweating in someone else’s smell and odor. I cursed the city traffic after being caught in it almost every time I traveled from one part of Mumbai to another. To worsen it, the VIPs of the city get a special treatment and long queues of car wait while they are given a clear road to travel. Do they deserve it? Ofcourse not!

Mumbai definitely is not an easy city for every Tom, Dick, and Harry. You don’t live you survive in the city if you are barely meeting your ends meet.

Mumbai – The glamor, and the high risers

Without a doubt Mumbai has some of the best buildings in the country, the best of businesses, the best of posh hotels, restaurants, rich and famous people and ofcourse bollywood star. Like the next line of my post title would say “Ee hai Sone Chandi ki Nagariya tu dekh babaua.”

People start staying in buildings even when parts of it are under construction, offices are occupied even earlier. No one cares of personal security, but this is something that you’ll experience in every metro of India, it is just that at Mumbai it becomes very obvious.

No one is complaining because when you are trying to achieve everything in one life and do things quickly an ‘under construction’ building doesn’t bother anyone. Everyone wants to get a piece of pie.

My views as a non Mumbaikar

The city rocks, the spirit that media talks about is still somewhat alive. But, No one cares – True. What holds even more crystal is that at the end of the day everyone knows how to move on. City is back to normal life after 26/11 attacks.

That said, nothing has changed but a few places where security has been beefed up. No one is complaining.

Right from dabbawaala’s to a white collar worker, all are working their ass off to pay the rent, eat decent food, and sometime later in life maybe buy a car, a house, or go on an international holiday. The ambition to win is evident.

The slums are a classic example of undying passion, ambition to buy an apartment in the 20 floor building next door. The tightly knit and united folks of dhobi ghats, and slums of Mumbai are a classic example of how they rule the place no matter it is a slum but they rule it. Cops cannot enter the place, occasional visitors like me are questioned and they ask for money, I am glad I was not mobbed.

Personally, I am impressed how people survive, and sustain their modest and sometimes high ambitions for a long time. Kudos to the Mumbaikars.

The city infrastructure sucks and so does civil governance. It deserves a 10X faster process to improve both. One thing which I hated about the Mumbai folks was how they litter. They themselves don’t care about Mumbai being clean. That explains why government doesn’t care. This has to change soon if Mumbai has to continue to lead India as it’s super city. But again, in the mad race to earn your bread and butter is there really a time when Mumbaikars can think about being a responsible citizen. There is just too much going on too quickly.

My call of action for a great Mumbai is simple 5 points:

1. Restore/ Re-Build heritage buildings and improve civil infrastructure

2. Government should become more accountable and hold people responsible for spreading communal violence and bring them to justice, no matter he is a film star or slum mafia.

3. Social responsibility will come with education, however, government should initiate and start working with 100s of city NGOs to inculcate a sense of these responsibilities.

4. Clean the beaches, make them better, they are the high light of the city.

5. Each educated Mumbaikar should do something small about the city.

I know that their may be flaws in what I propose. It may not be the best way to go forward. However, I recently understood why Mumbai is the city of dreams, why people flock there, why it rocks, and also why it may not be a viable city to live in.

Though, I am not willing to relocate or live their anytime soon, for one I can’t afford the same luxurious life at Mumbai as I do at Hyderabad, and for second, I am happily settled at Hyderabad. I know that deep down inside me I hear Mumbai calling. I am absolutely smitten by what the city has to offer but I am not willing to live their and travel in local trains for my soft cushion loving ass doesn’t like that.

For now, Mumbai definitely helped me rekindle that fire under my ass to go out get what I want, no matter what it takes.