Trip to Kangaroo Island

We had a lovely handful of days on Kangaroo Island, staying in a wood house with a loft, beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife- although we saw more dead kangaroos / possums and koalas then live ones 



7/1/2010 – day1

We (Prasad, Vedanth, Pranathi, Shekar, Meghana and I) started to Kangaroo Island from Pranathi Shekar’s house @ 9:00 AM. Took a small break at Yankalilla for 15 min to have some coffee and then straight to Cape Jarvis to catch ferry to KI @ 12 PM.

Shekar loaded car in ferry and joined us up in the deck. Kids (Vedanth & Meghana) wanted to sit in moving chairs so we opted to sit in the front of the ferry. It was bit hot but we went out to enjoy the sea view. We are in the middle of blue water and can see both Island and Adelaide from the middle of the sea. In 45 min we were in Penneshaw (KI).

From Penneshaw we went to Kingscote passing American river to have our lunch. We had Veggie burger for lunch. We got additional burger from café even though Pranathi did not pay for it , I think people at café liked Pranathi  did some groceries shopping (jeez they cost 2 times more than what we get in Adelaide) and started driving to Vivonne Bay.

On our way we booked a guided tour to Seals bay. Seal Bay is a large sandy beach where thousands of Australian Sea-lions live. It’s a rough life being a sea-lion. They spend days out in the water hunting and feeding without any real rest. Once satisfied, they return to the beach where they sleep for the next few days and gather their strength. And then it starts all over again! We were able to go right onto the beach (with a tour guide) to see the sea-lions, taking some great photos (good that Raj brought his camera from car). We needed to keep at least 10m away though, because even though it wasn’t breeding season (where all the males become very aggressive) the strength behind these animals is still incredible and we don't want to disturb their rest. We saw hundreds of seals resting on the beach. It was the first time I saw seals so close (I saw trained seals in Sea world long time back but they are completely different from these seals here).



We came to know from guide that in KI rain water is the only source of water. They tasted great (much better than mineral water we buy at stores). There is no other source of water so mind you “use little water” when you go there.


We booked our motel at Vivonne Bay, Kanga stay(every single cottage/guest house got its own name). It is a beautiful wood house with 3 bedrooms, 2 rain water tanks and eucalyptus trees on all three sides. We took some rest and kids wanted to go out so we went to ‘little sahara’ near our cottage (5 kms) . It is spectacular vivid white sand dunes, surrounded by natural bush vegetation. Climbing over the first ridge, you are confronted by a second and much higher dune, which when scaled, does not expose the coast as one would expect. Megha and Vedu are much exited to go on higher sand dunes and surprisingly they did it. Pranathi gave up after climbing few dunes. Shekar went with kids and Prasad and I joined them a bit later. Surprisingly we did not find even a single person there so it is just 6 of us so we had great time shouting names talking loudly. Kids are amazing, after such a busy day they were able to climb higher dunes.

We wanted to go out for dinner but then realized there are no restaurants around 40 kms. Thank god (may be I should say thanks Pranathi??) Pranathi packed some Indian masalas and asked me to bring some rice and daal (just in case if we feel like eating Indian food we can cook was her idea). That helped us for dinner. We made veggie Biryani which we had with some curd.





Day 2 – 8/01/2010

I woke up at 6:00 AM to see beautiful sunshine. Shekar went for jogging and Prasad joined me for morning walk from our cottage. We started walking on the rugged/dusty/sandy roads and realized there were only 3-4 houses (may be guesthouse or cottages) around that area that’s all. After walking for 10 min we saw a spectacular, breathtaking and picture perfect beach with white sand on one end, sun shine from east and meeting point of sky and water on the other end. Not even single person is in the beach it was just Prasad and myself in that place. I am sure that moment will not wipe out of my brain for ever. On our return back home we saw few foot prints of koalas & possums on the sand road. We told everyone about the beach. Shekar returned from jogging and started telling us about the beach. So we decided to go back in the evening with kids.

While planning for our day we went through the information books and found that Vivonne Bay beach is once proclaimed the ‘BEST BEACH' in Australia.

I was bit worried about my project as there is no internet or mobile connection in that place. We were on road to find an internet café atleast to send an email to office people and get the file that I needed to start my work. Lucky we found one so I logged in for 20 min and downloaded the file I needed. We saw quad bike tours in that area.

After having breakfast we thought of going to Kelly hills cave but we saw similar limestone caves in Naracoorte and Shekars family saw them in NZ so we dropped that from our list. We went to Parndana in hot 43 degrees. By the time we reached Parndana it was 11:45 so we decided to have a break. Lucky we found a hotel and IGA there. We went to hotel to order some food and drinks. Vedu, Megha, Prasad and Shekar started playing pools. Pranathi spent her time watching them play pools and I was busy my office work as I found a nice spot to sit with my laptop (mind you no internet or mobile in Parndana too). We had lunch and spent few hrs there. Due to extreme hot weather we returned home. In the evening we took kids to the Vivonne bay beach and they loved it. We found two more people in the beach so we played and played and played in the water. Returned home, got fresh and cooked rice and daal. Had dinner watching movie and off to bed.

I just opened the curtain in our bedroom and found zillions of bright stars in the blue sky which we never find in cities. I showed it to Prasad and he was surprised to see those many starts in the sky.


Day 3 – 09/01/2010

Woke up at 6:00 AM, went out for walk near the beach (don’t want to miss this walk during my stay in KI) returned home quickly as we thought of going out early today to cover most of the places in south and west.

We drove to Flinders Chase National Park touching Hanson bay. We started our tour with Remarkable rocks. It is 100% scenic drive to reach Remarkable rocks. Most of the green disappeared due to 2007 bush fires but still the drive is nice. We stopped near the T junction to take pictures of R rocks and ocean together. True to their name, Remarkable Rocks are rocks that are quite remarkable. The rocks are very peculiarly shaped natural formations on a granite outcrop over the sea. They have been slowly eroded over millions of years into the very peculiar shapes that are there today and we spent quite a while climbing over them and taking dozens of pictures. We rested 15 min inside the rocks looking at the waters.

From there we went to light house and started walking to Admirals Arch. We started walking on wooden decks to find seals all over the place. This time it is home to the New Zealand Fur Seals. Instead of a beach these furry critters live on rocky outcrops that we were able to view from walkways above the crashing waves. Further along the walkways we also went to visit the spectacular Admirals Arch, a natural arch in the rocks over looking the ocean. We spent some time watching the young seals fighting and playing. These seals looked more active then Aussie Sea-lions .

We saw the two islands on the south of KI which are untouched for natural rehabilitation. I think by this we reached end of Australia.

After lunch we started driving to West bay. But, after driving in the bumpy muddy roads for 35 kms we started getting panic as we did not see even a single vehicle on our way and mobiles are not working for emergency. We went upto snake lagoon and returned back. On our way to cottage we saw hundreds of dead possums/kangaroos/koalas. Prasad took a snap with dead blue tongue lizard waaaaak 

In the Evening we went to jetty near Vivonne bay. We saw some soft stones (small, big and huge) and started walking on them. After walking for 5 min we found waves coming from sea. Shekar jumped into water and vedu followed him. Megha, Pranathi, Prasad and myself started walking on the rocks and went to huge rocks where we found loads of dry salt and from there we can see waves very clearly. We asked Shekar and Vedu to join us. I went on to bigger rock and sat there. Rest of them went to get wet in the waves. Suddenly there was a big wave and Shekar went missing for few seconds. He was 15 meters away with scratches and wounds all over his body due to the rupture of rocks from the big wave. Vedu and Prasad protected Megha but Pranathi was wet all over. It was a massive wave – Thank god I was not in the water. I took photos of the whole scene but my heart went numb when Shekar was missing. Kids also had few scratches for falling on the rocks. We immediately came back from there. We discussed about how tsunami affect would be on people as we felt it was like a mini tsunami and no one was around to help us.



We went home wet and with big shock. We cooked coconut rice and daal and started relaxing with drinks, food and movie. I went out to see stars again and off to bed looking at the stars.


Day 4 – 10/01/2010

We packed everything to go back from KI to Adelaide. On our way we took kids to Horse riding place but we did not find anyone except horses ha ha ha. From there went to Strokes bay. It was very hot. We had our lunch there. Vedu wanted to explore around. He came to us with a big smile and said you must come with me I will show you something special then we all started following him into the caves sort of thingo.. in some places we have to squeeze ourselves to go further. The bay was accessed through a crack in the cliffs made by people who were frustrated by having to take the long route there over some cliffs and dynamited another entry through the cliffs (as per some locals info). After 10 min of walk in those cracked cliffs we found a beautiful beach and puddles full of people. After 3 days we are looking at 20-30 people around  . Pranathi and myself sat in a cool place dunking our legs in water but boys went out to explore more. It was a nice place and we got some cold breeze due to the rocks and water. We took some rest there for 2 hrs. We went to Penneshaw on rugged roads betting about next dead animal on the roads 

We wanted to catch an early ferry so that I can come home and finish my work. Lucky we got an early ferry and we are back in Adelaide by 7:00 PM.

KI is a beautiful place to visit if you really want to go on holidays. It is full of wilderness and natural beauty. If you are like me who loves natural things then this is the place to go.

A massive thanks to Pranathi, Shekar and Megah for spending an excellent time with us.

Learn to forgive

What if the Ocean rejects the rivers from merging into it? What if the Mother rejects her children and their Love? What if nature rejects the humanity? What if God rejects the devotion of His children? The world will go topsy turvy if all the above incidents take place. It is astonishing and abnormal for all the above to reject. It is not their nature. The thin invisible thread in all of them is Love. Rejection is the greatest enemy of Love.

To reject a person is easy but to love a being, it takes enormous willingness, humility and egoless attitude. No being deserves rejection on this earth. If one thinks he needs to be deserted for his sins, every human being deserves to be alone. To err is human. To blame it on someone else is not. When you point out one finger towards others, remember there are four fingers pointing towards you and your mistakes. If every being minded his or her own business, this earth would turn into Heaven.

It is practicable to forgive and love the person whom you think deserves to be rejected. Firstly, think for yourself how many blunders and mistakes you have done all your life. Let alone life, count your mistakes in a day and then multiply them with 365. There will be countless mistakes in just one year. Imagine the mistakes made in all the past years? It is then you will realize your mountain of sins hiding in heaps. We think it is natural for us to make mistakes at that point of time. But isn’t it natural for the other person to make mistakes? Why are you not ready to accept him with the same feeling you forgave yourself? When you develop oneness with all the beings around you, you will never ever reject a being in your life.

Learn to forgive the people whom you assume as enemies. Hate the hatred and not the person. Hate the sin but not the sinner. If possible, help him overcome his weakness and mistakes. If you try to correct the sinner, he will be careful not to make mistake only in your presence. But if you correct the sins or his mistakes, he will never repeat them in his life.

God gives and forgives; Man gets and forgets. Man is the creation of God and so ought to remain embodiment of forgiveness. But he is acting in the opposite. When God is willing to forgive our greatest sins, why can’t we try to forgive our enemies? No person is worthy of rejection. In turn, reject his negative attitude and try to change him towards good. Prove you are a child of God.

Life is a rainbow of different colors. Even if we don’t like any color, we can’t separate it from the rainbow. Similarly life is a mixture of different tastes and various personalities we come across. Some are sweet and some are bitter. Yet life has to go on with all of them within it. Man is a boat sinking and floating with sorrow and happiness in the ocean of Life. They are inseparable. Man is born to accept whatever life bestows on him; not to reject. When he learns to accept all beings in his shadow of Love, there will be God at the other end of his Life’s journey just waiting to accept him in his heart bubbling with grace and love which confers endless bliss.

In Auckland

We boarded flight from Wellington to Auckland @ 7:00 AM and took a hotel room dropped our luggage and straight to site seeing. Auckland is also known as City of Sails is a big business development arena in NZ. We went to city center which looked to me similar to Sydney and some parts like Chicago. Entered in sky tower which is the tallest building in southern hemisphere. It is similar to Sydney tower restaurant. Vedu wanted to do Sky jump from 192 meters to ground floor. Prasad said yes and both went to get the tickets when I was talking to locals about Auckland. Vedu went up and said NO Way. I was happy for him coz it is impossible to jump from there even if it is controlled jump.

We went on tour around Auckland starting with Harbor Discovery from there went to underwater world which is great. Saw king penguins and normal penguins which live in Antarctica - rare chance to watch them and happy that I did not miss it. We saw Stingrays, Sharks, beautiful big fishes, eels, tortoise etc. (real ocean life) moving around and top of you in a glass covered environment. It was pleasant to watch city from underwater world.

We headed towards Auckland museum but did not get to see much. Thought of going to different islands on cruise but we missed it. Went on guided bus around the city. I heard that most of the population in city region is dominated by Asians and it is true.

We came back to Sky tower where we started our day and this time Vedu wanted to jump from sky tower. I thought he would come back again because of wind and rain but did not said to him. He went and JUMPED just like that very confidently. HO my lord he jumped from 192 mts and 630ft height. My heart was pounding but happy to see him very confident. When I went on the tower I was about to puke for going that high. I can only see cars in the size of Ants.. On the whole the purpose of him coming to Auckland is over :))

We missed Mt Eden highest point of Auckland but never mind there is always next time…. I got gifts from Vedu and Prasad (I guess for being a great mum and wife) as a mark of our trip.

Call from office upset me a bit but could able to direct them for temporary fix.

Had our dinner in city in a nice Indian restaurant and went back to hotel. Cannot wait to go home - sweet home (gruhamEkadA swarga sEma).

We did not touch South Island but heard from locals and friends that it is more beautiful than North. As mentioned before there is always next time and I will for sure go to NZ one more time in coming future.

2nd day in Wellington

I was amazed to see the sunrise from waters and between mountains. I wish I could be an artist to draw the picture that I saw. Never mind I captured that view in my eyes. We went to meet Mark and Leanne by walk from ‘Basin reserve’ – international cricket ground. It is very small ground when compared to Adelaide but we got chance to walk around the ground. Met Leanne in church and did not get to spend much time with them.

Went on cable car which is from mount top to city center. It hardly took 4 min in cable car which may take more than 25 min on road.

Afternoon we went around city and the evening Prasad and myself went for a long walk around the coast and saw sunset while Vedu is playing in skateboard park. Had dinner and went to Rush Hour 3 movie.

We went back to hotel to pack for tomorrow early morning flight to Auckland.

In Wellington

We had continental breakfast in hotel and out by 8:30 AM for sight seeing. We started with TePAPA museum. Everyone said it is good it is good – we understood after entering it – Entrance is FREE :)), No I am only joking. It is really good and worth seeing. It got everything. But not good as Field museum in Chicago which is much bigger than this.

After museum we went on a guided tour around Wellington. It is very small capital city. We started with mount peak (cant remember its name) where we have 360 degree view (yes 360 degree) of entire city and can also see south island. All the houses are built on top of hills. Of course we find only hills in Wellington. No wonder why people call it windy Wellington, it is very very windy. I liked the mountains and greenery a lot. Earth plate connecting to NZ and Australia is increasing every year by 1cm. If that is the case in couple of years we may end with more islands and rivers in between Australia and NZ.

Went to old and New Parliament house. Since old parliament house is constructed with wood same model and style is used to construct the New Parliament with brick. I liked state library cute building which looks like bee hive. Went to drive around the coast. It took us hardly 21/2 hrs to go around the coast. Beaches in Wellington are different from Australia. They do not have fine sand and most of them are raged.

Went to west pack stadium where all rugby games will be played. From there went to hotel and we had chine’s today. We had such a great view of city buildings, port and mountains from our hotel.

Wellington airport runway is smallest in the world. No wonder why we landed very smoothly :))

Reaching Wellington

Vedu and myself went out on a long walk around the mountain and beach. In the evening we boarded a very small flight from Toranga to Auckland where not more than 10 people can fit. Great experience going in small flight. By the time we had water in the flight we landed in Auckland. It is 25 min journey from Toranga to Auckland in flight. Boarded flight to Wellington from Auckland at 7:00 Pm and reached in Wellington by 9:00. Flight landing was very harsh, thought that is my last journey and almost said NarAyana (sacred word before death). Lucky we were in still in one piece. Our hotel is right in the city and all restaurants are open. We had Indian food today.

Trip to Rotarua

Today we started early morning to travel little bit down from top in North Island. Nice weather for long journey. Took a travel bus from Mt Maunganui to Rotorua. Went via ‘Te puke’ which means ‘hill top’. Such a beautiful and stunning views all through the journey. Lots and lots of Kiwi plantations and avocado trees. Does any one know that what ever kiwi fruits we eat are cold stored? Kiwi season is from April to July and they are stored in cold storage to export to different countries. They don’t lose there colour/texture or taste after taking them out of storage. That is the speciality of Kiwi fruit. Top exports are from Zespri (Prasad is working for this company) and Kiwi gold is exported only from this company. On our way to Rotarua we saw lake Rotoiti and Okere Falls.

We were in Rotarua by 11:00 AM. It is a beautiful place surrounded by Tullips everywhere. I think spring is the right time to visit NZ to enjoy the nature. Rotarua is very famous to show how famous Maori culture is (Native New Zealanders). We went to ‘Te Puia’ a Maori cultural centre.

First we started our tour with main entrance which have ‘Te Heketanga a Rangi’ I think I spelt is right – which means “heavenly Origins”. Then to Haka – which is a traditional Maori welcome dance , poi and war dance and stick games. To enter into Rotowhio Marae we have to take our shoes off ( just like how Indians do when they enter temple). I played stick games for 5 min felt like playing dandia ( a traditional Indian stick dance played during Navaratri ). We covered volcanic eruption which went upto 30 meters and went on and on and on. All the place is stinking with sulphur and heat from the eruption.

Saw Kiwi birds in the Kiwi house from there went to Mud pools where mud is steaming approximately 90-95 degrees. These mud pools are formed with acid gases and steam that cause the decomposition of minerals from ground. In Rotarua you find hot pools every where and there is not hot water system in that place coz ground water is hot. Maori people say mud from these mud pools help to cure many diseases like arthritis and muscle aches.

From hill top to ground we came by train. After our tour we went to gift shop to buy some gifts to friends and bought myself a Jade bangle (courtesy of Prasad - Did someone say I deserve it? OK agree :))).

Before coming home we went to carving school. In this place prestigious art of carving is passed to younger generations by providing training. I thought of 1000 pillar temple in Warrangal which is famous for rock carvings. I am sure they are much harder than wood carvings but are we keeping up our culture and heritage? When ever Vedanth go to India next time I make sure he visit that temple.

I strongly recommend every one who visit to New Zealand to visit Rotarua.