I had to read it for wanted to know how this was recevied by the masses on both sides. Ofcourse I was hoping that the journo would have done some decent digging.

A few surprises were in store as I started reading.

The first one – there is a Hyderabad Colony in Karachi – wow!

No.2 – A certain pickle seller stated that he’s proud of sania mirza and most people have their roots in apna Hyderabad. Cool!

No.3 – there are a million hyderabadis in pak.

No.4 – there are claims that the invitations are out already with a few stating they have already been invited.

I don’t know abour Shoaib Mailk but sania sure is getting some cool PR out there. And with everyone who knows the sport in india already gossiping about the future of this relationship, I wish them both good luck.

What remains to be seen is the country’s reaction to giving away the girl in marriage to our outstanding neighbour. I’d say the neutral home in Dubai will be perfect for the love birds .

The adda those days was the canteen or the samosa trailer a little walk from the college. Both provided solace from the lectures . After all how could anyone do the same thing over and over again. I have always wanted 2 subjects per quarter, this way the pressure is less and you gather in-depth knowledge of a subject. But who except you cared for the curriculum? I remember the little bunch we were, each one wanting to show off individuality but well aware that we didn’t possess much to talk about except some good marks in tests and assignments at times. Amidst all the buzz in life there was the big daily decision – how much to spend each day?. Funds were limited and needed to be rationed well to last the full month. Good management could still go awry if some sweet chic decided to join you for a sandwich or suddenly most of the bunch decided on beer as the drink of the evening more than once. Money really mattered.

By the time I got really lucky to land a part time job in the 3rd year much the fun was almost over.

The cutting chai(half a small glass of tea) break was when most hot discussions happened. And if you didn’t want to miss it you would have to be there with your cutting in hand. And when someone would slurrp a big sip from your glass you couldnt do much but smile and become part of the congregation. The 2nd and 3rd cutting was a given and as most of the gang was used to long debates. Between discussions of why difficult subjects need to be scrapped, professorial tantrums and the most beautiful chic of the day you would have your ex-bestfriends and next best friends walk upto you and ask you to treat them to a cutting. In most cases you smile and oblige because the challenge was in the art of saying “no” which was an uncomfortable thoughty. Wonder why they never teach “how to say no when you want to say no” at college. Anyway this was the pincher one always kept an eye on for budget control. Every time you hit the 20th of the month the art of saying no suddenly surfaced from nowhere, as if you had been an expert at it. Suddenly you had to rush to a lecture, you were missing a bus, you forgot the important book in class, you had to reach home early, you had to prepare for something the professor never asked…….ha ha ha ha….you could only confide in your few best friends coz they seemed to understand.

The coffee incident is one such unforgettable event. The cutting at Rs.1.50 was the everyone’s choice compared to Rs.6 coffee. It was almost towards the end of the month, some of us were low on pocket-money. The gang gathered at the canteen and started discussing the forthcoming exams. In the middle of the conversation a meek voice ordered coffee and suddenly we were all staring at him. The most miserly guy we lovingly called Fatso had just decided to spend a mini ransom. As passing stares turned to smiles a quick unspoken decision took shape – fatso would be the days target. And everyone ordered coffee!

Amidst all the cacophony we suddenly sang the birthday song for him and ordered another round of coffee and then samosas followed. And when all was over the shocked birthday boy did not know why everyone was deliberately wishing him and leaving. As usual I was relishing my share of the spoils while everyone was making a hurried exit. Suddenly fatso said “who paid the bill, I must thank him”. I almost fell flat and as I turned around looking for support and the exit. I realised we were the only 2 in the canteen. And as destiny would have it the canteen boy was at the table with the Fat Bill waiting to be paid. I looked at fatso and he gave me questioning look and suddenly I realised that he hadn’t got it yet and I was caught with him. I was smiling on the outside and number crunching inside. Was this was bad dream? No, a pinch proved me wrong! And then started a series of exit strategies but the canteen boy wouldn’t budge. Obviously the manager hadn’t seen many kids pay such bills often. While I cursed fatso for being so naïve and stupid I knew something had to be done. Ultimately me and fatso stood up and walked to the manager like 2 rich kids who had forgotten their wallet back home and flash what was just half the bill and before hell could break loose Fastso’s surprisingly brilliant acting skills saved the day. He was AB for me that moment. Not only did we pay half the amount but walked away with some credit period for the rest. But I knew the next few days were to a different kind of disaster. A coffee I can never forget.

Today I have graduated up the coffee drinking chain. I visit Cafe Coffee day, Barista and the newly opened Gloria Jeans Coffee. I pay a very steep Rs.100 for one cup of coffee. The ambience is different, the purpose too and sometimes I wonder if the good times can be brought back.

location – SEATTLE : 2 guys land up on each other while hunting for a place to rent. An interesting scenario unfolds, old auntie rejects their move by stating that the place can be rented only to the fairer sex as the current resident is a woman. Dejected they move out chatting.  here is where it all begins, while having hot dog they are faced with this army man who is crying while seeing them together. He explains how he is disheartened by his boyfriends despatch to iraq. This interlude triggers abhishek and he convinces john to go back to the landlady and rent the beautiful house.

Aunty like the thought of the guys being gay with their logic of safety and security for the woman. while debating whether they have done the right thing enters beautiful priyanka. one thing leads to another and they have to cook up a story of how they fell in love etc…its quite amusing.

All three become good friends and both john and abhishek are unable to come forth and convey their love to her. as their love for her deepens they sideline each other to express their love but are unable to do it right.

meanwhile its time for getting residency permits and they realise that its easier to do the same as a gay couple. a shot bathroom tiff later they finally apply and needless to say the desk manager happens to be gay too .

Our lady wants to top job as editor of the fashion magazine and proposes that he boss (played by Boman irani) who is also gay come over for a dinner and get together with the gay duo. The situation leads to a quandry with abhisheks mom turning up to verify her sons gay instincts (by the way this bocoz she had received the residency permit and fainted). as she adds flavour to the gay party, Mr. Inspector from immigration lands up to verify the couple claims of being gay. ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE – THIS IS THE BEST SCENE OF THE MOVIE AND THE END OF THE FIRST HALF. Till now you will laugh your guts out.

the second half looses steam as and revolves around how priyanka looses her opportunity to an outsider (bobby deol) to ultimately fall in love with him while both Abhi and John try all kinds of tricks to ensure that they do not get together. In the very end their tirade against bobby is revealed and Priyanka breaks all bonds with them by asking them to move out.

The movie ends with both attempting to tell her about their love for her and how they want the friendship to continue and will do anything for forgiveness. and lo! the much talked about ending – bobby asks them to smooch in public to be forgiven and a few tense moments and bragging later……there comes…

You may walkout after the first half……… unless you want to wait for the kiss though . A bold movie, with a script gone wrong in the latter half. Good first half, some good music and decent cinematography make it worth a watch.

Happy viewing.

The recent terror attacks have left some of us with pain which seems will never go and scarred some of us badly. For those who were not present at the situation it was fear and shiver all the way. Yes! the attempt was to have such an impact and probably the young indoctrinated bunch had no clue as to the motive.

If one was to in the aftermath of this horrendous tragedy, consider the implications the real wound will probably come to surface. Was it an attack meant to put fear into this country of fearless martyrs or was it an attack on our economic fundamentals ? Could it be possible that the sudden surge of our country as an economic powerhouse, one which will weild influence on future global decisions, drove the gullible fundamentalist outfits.

Think as i may, I cannot but foresee the impact as one on our ecomomy. An attempt to shake the commercial capital of one the worlds strongest nations.

No doubt we all agree that Tourism will take a hit. It remains to be seen how the residents of the global village react to this episode. A simplistic view is that all tourists will cancell their plans to visit India but the impact of a such a decision is driving me nuts.

The hospitality industry will surely take a beating. Imagine Cabbies, Tour Operators, Hospitality suppliers…etc all caught in this web. Those who have established businesses may sail through but it wont be easy. But those for whom tourism is bread and butter will be badly hit. This obviously will lead to lower earnings pushing many close to poverty and for many this will unemployment.

What do the uneducated unemployed do? They will be the primary targets of the indian politicians who are trying to score brownies on religious grounds, on grounds migration….. This will be followed by the anti social elements who will be keen to recruit those in search of bread by any means. This may lead to growth in crime rates. Imagine some being recruited for aiding and abetting similar attacks. While this may sound far fetched its not something we can ignore.

So what do we do? The answer lies in each one of us taking the responsibility of restoration and growth. Like Obama said “Yes we can”. We need to raise our voice to the apathetic attidue of the political system, share our views, suggest solutions we feel can help. We need to SPEAK. If we do not do it now (and we have not been doing it for decades) we will never come out of such situations. LETS NOT GIVE ANYONE ANY OPPORTUNITY TO HURT US IN ANY MANNER. We are INDIA and we are willing to die for our freedom but not without a fight. The platform provided by the peace march yesterday was an exceptional one and a step in the right direction. Let us add our support to such groups and show our cumulative strength as ONE. I was there yesterday, I was charged, I felt the tremendous energy of so many of us together. I shed a happy tear when I saw the young, the middle aged and the OLD come together to express solidarity. I was proud to be an INDIAN to belong to MUMBAI.

Lets give whatever way we can, I am not promoting any specific group or campaign but I must praise the TOI Teach India Initiative and the TATA TEA for a campaign which aims to wake up the real person inside us as movements in the right direction. LETS COME OUT TOGETHER, LETS SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE WILL NOT TAKE THIS LYING DOWN. Lets begin the process of change for the better.

Lets talk, make common interest groups, use technology to bring us together and suggest robust solutions which can withstand any tremor and reciprocate such that fear grips anyone who intends to attack our MOTHERLAND, Our FREEDOM, US!

While Ajay devgan has made an attempt to belong to his character it very clear he has not been able to get to it. Arshad Warsi and Tusshar Kapoor have managed decent acts to keep the movie afloat. The introduction of Shreyas Talpade was a good move by the makers and he manages to live upto his character. The women understandably have tried their very best and failed. While I am sure Kareena will be a big draw for Fans and she has definitely tried to get into the character but one cannot be connect with her a little lesser than the young and chirpy kareena in the last love flick.

The story is all about Ajay devgan manages to survive his very suspicious wife (kareena) who is a TV serial buff. Joining her is Amrita arora as ajays sister – a free bird and Tusshar as kareenas brother – a hair stylist. The foursome make this lovely family.

As the story moves on it showcases the hidden love Tusshar has for Anjana Sukhani but hides it due to his inability to speak (Hes still dumb u see) till he discovers that she is deaf!

Ajay lands himself into trouble while saving our girl in distress (celina) one night. While he is playing saviour someone kills one of his office colleagues and dumps him the middle of the street. Enter Arshad Warsi (he has already unsuccessfully made an entry once before) the cop who wants to get even with Ajay for his rudeness earlier. It also turns out that he is one love of none other than Ajays sister. Now you see the the love angles bonding these people.

In his distress to handle his wife and allegations of murder from the cop he chances upon Mr. Rajesh (Shreyas) who manages to get the job by positioning himself as Mr. Answer to all problems and plays his alias for the night of the murder (anthony gonsalves). All this to convince his wife and later on the cops.

While all this is on, enter the real anthony gonsalves who has received a letter from ms. suspicious wanting to confirm his true whereabouts. but before mr. anthony can meet her, his wife arrives into the scene alleging Ms. Suspicious (kareena) of having an affair with his man. The boys somehow manage to save themselves from this and put and end to mr. gonsalves by electrocuting hiim enough number of times to forget having ever existed .

By now Ajay has decided to reveal the facts to the cop who is desperate to put him behind bars and confesses. Wel naturally Mr. Cop wants to see the chick he saved and then starts the woman hunt leading to the boys (Ajay, Tusshar and Shreyas) even having to change colours and reveal themselves as pretty women. Lady luck has abandoned them and Mr. Answers (shreyas) comes up with a brilliant idea to hire a good looking prostitute Munni bai to deliver the assignment. As they agree and disclose the identity of the woman to the cop, Munni bai does the vanishing act leding to an angry boyfriend capturing Celina as a collateral against her release.

The movie enters its last phase with Ajays boss takes him to “lovers point” where he exposes the truth about the death of his colleague. They are followed by Arshaad, kareena, tusshar and Amrita. once they realise the situation they call upon Munni’s boyfriend for the fair exchange as munni was kidnapped and hostage with Ajays boss.

The movie does have its moments which will make u laugh, but they are surely missed among the rest of the  painful stretches.

You may watch at your own risk.

The movie has the standard 007 signature script alas! some crucial parts missing….

Imagine a bond flick without the signature introduction ‘My name is BOND! James BOND!”, imagine bond not asking for his drink in his own inimitable style, imagine 2 new actresses vying for Ursula Andress and Halle Berrys pedestals…nah! Bond got mixed up this time.

The stunts no doubt have been well worked upon, there is an excellent airplane chase and a near-death drop from the plane. There is a decent motor boat chase too. The finale leaves much to be desired.

The story revolves around a group of highly placed individuals who want to take charge of a small economy – Bolivia. And how bond discovers that the same is going to happen by financing a coup and bringing ina dictatorial regime. In return the economy will be controlled by a resource very precious to all which this very secret bunch has found hidden in the barren mountains of bolivia – WATER.

And Yes Bond has a personal agenda amongst this – to take revenge for the death of his Casino Royale love – Vesper Lynd, his Quantum of Solace rests in this objective.

The movie revolves around how he manages to save himself from a couple of near-death situations and move on towards his objective while almost getting sacked by “M” and killed by the CIA while uncovering the coup for MI6.

A dissappointment surely for me was the absence of “Q” the gizmo man of MI6. All in all a movie BOND newbies can watch but for the BOND followers may fall short of expectations.

Average

The route is untouched by modern transportation and communication (cell phones dnt work). This meant loads of time for myself to enjoy every bit of the mountainscape and beautiful valleys. The camp nights were spent with bonfires, exotic soups by our cook from Goa, Antakshari and leg pulling sessions…The temperatures ensured that we kept well covered and enjoyed the very best of each moment…

For those who have not done a long trek it, i suggest at least one in their lives. River crossings, fog, clouds, soccer to keep the body warm n moving, long walks to steadily gain altitude, the final climb and the feeling of having “Done It” is just..just Awesome…words fail me to express the moment. The summit was freezing at 3 Deg C and winds threatening to blow us away- but we held ground, tried to keep the smile on for the pics while low levels of oxygen kept us on the guard.

Nah! no risk, its cool for anyone who wants to do it! remember its in the MIND friends…its all in the mind…

For all those who want to be a part of another adventure next year feel free to mail me..and for those who would like any assistance on organising a trek for themselves, i am more than willing to help you thru the process anytime…

As for shingo-la here the route we took :

Mumbai-Delhi-Manali(Camp and Acclamatise) – Darcha(C & A) – Palamo(C & A) -Chumi-Nak-Pu(C & A) – Summit – Chumi-Nak-Pu(C & A)-Zanskar Sumdo (C & A)-Darcha(C & A)-Manali(C & A)-Delhi-Mumbai.

So start planning your weekends for fun frolic and some rejuvenation.

A true Madhur Bhandarkar movie is what i can say. This time he has done a better much better job after Corporate which had lots of dry patches. Here comes the Madhur Bhandarkar storyteller of a different kind.

A middle class dreamer Meghna (Priyanka) manages to win a local beauty pagent in her home town Chandigarh and breaks away against her dads wishes to pursue the dream of becoming a super model. She reaches mumbai and her struggle starts with the help of a talent hunter Rohit Khanna who also become a close friend. This naive little town girl learns it the hard way. After she is rubbished by a famous fashion co-ordinator (played by Achala Sachdev) for not having a proper portfolio, and her journey begins. She agrees to a shoot for a lingerie print ad campaign to pay for the photographers high charges.

Photographer likes her, recommends her to the best model agency in town and then starts the dream run. In her crazy chase to become a super model she transits through relationships she does not understand till she realises that her career depends on these. She wanted to becpome the DIVA of the RAMP and in chasing this dream she loses her true self. Her tryst with smoking, her first drink, her first night on drugs, her first night stand with an unknown pub swinger, Rise and Fall from super stardom, her return to home, and her bounce back to the RAMP is showcased very well. The director has managed to get the very best from Priyanka.

The movie would not be complete without Shonali (Kangana) who is the hearthrob of the fashion world before Priyanka decides to come pitching for the hot seat. Kangana has played her part with panache (she seems such a natural). Her supreme confidence, attitude, arrogance, Finickyness, being a drug addict, handling a unfaithful dependant boyfriend….going into rehab, life back on the streets and finally the brutal end…many parts to this character. I would say Three Cheers for Kangana here…

And the characters played by Mugdha Godse, Rohit Roy, Arjan Bajwa, Harsh Chhaya, Sameer Soni,Arbaaz Khan…..need a round of applause too.

The director has smartly woven in Gay characters and their tryst with family and the outer world too. The openness of gay characters portrays the need for society to understand and accept them as a co-existing part of our natural society mix.

Love, Hate, Greed, Sex, Lies the movie has a little of everything. From a common mans perspective it clearly shows the truth as it exists today as a platform for the future.

The movie is worth its while.

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill).

The Temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.

The benefits acquired by a piligrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala. The Temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice.

The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala.

Since I have always travelled from mumbai the journey details are from here. The details of trains are available from the well detailed tirumala devasthanams website http://www.tirumala.org/travel_mumbai.htm

For details of poojas and sevas you may visit www.tirumala.org.

I have been to Tirupati a number of times. Started with a bunch of pals and now with family. I remember the first time I visited, I waited for Darshan in the queue for 12 hours. Didnt feel the wait and was very anxious to see the Lord for the first time. And when I did I cried, still unable to figure out why. From then on I look forward to each visit.

The first important pointer is that when you visit Lord Balaji you must visit the shrine dedicated to his wife Devi Padmavati at Tirupati, without this your darshan is incomplete. now lets get to planning your visit.

The routes :

You have to reach Tirupati or Renigunta Stations of you are travelling by Train. This will be your base station. This is from where you start for Tirumala Hills the abode of the Lord of the seven hills. Both Tirupati and Renigunta are en route to Chennai from Mumbai. Its almost a 24 hr journey by train so be prepared for it. Trains leave are different times throughout the day. During holidays there are special trains to tirupati too, do check on these before you book. Golden Rule – Book well in advance to ensure your bookings. TATKAL service of Railways is a good option but better kept till last as booking can be difficult to get.

An alternate route is to take a flight to Chennai and hire a vehile from there to tirumala and back. There are lots of travel agents who offer this Chennai – Tirupati – Chennai circuit cabs. Depending on season and vehicle chosen rates can vary between 3500 to 10000 for the return journey.

You will need atleast 4 days if you are travelling by train and 2 days if you are travelling by flight. The number of days purely depends on the Darshan.

Darshans are of various types, One is the general Sarvadarshan Queue, then there are special Darshans for which you need to pay some charges (Rs.50, Rs.100 & Rs. 500) which will save you time spent in the Queue. For people with disability there is a separate darshan queue. The paid darshan is nothing but allowing you entry at a point close to the temple entrance and usually takes anything between 1 to 3 hours depending on the rush and the Festivals / Poojas. It is best that you book your darshan / pooja tickets well in advance. Yes! its possible through their many offices or online here : http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/eseva/eSevaHome.aspx

Now lets come to Accommodation. You can if you wish stay at Tirupati and do the journey of the darshan and return the same day. There are buses which ply this route and you can also hire a vehicle to do the same for you. The journey to tirumala takes about about and hour and half and almost an hour to come back. Mind you the roads are quite steep and if you have a nausea or vertigo problem be prepared well. Alternately you can stay at tirumala ate the many TTD developed accommodations ranging from one room to cottages. Again a warning, TTD room and cottage booking need to be done well in advance to ensure you have a trouble free stay. The rates are very reasonable and range from Rs.50 to Rs.2500 per day. Booking of accommodations can be done online as also at various representatives across the country. For online bookings can be done at http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/eBooking/BookingHome.aspx

Ideal Plan :

Reach Renigunta / Tirupati by noon. This allows you time to you times to rest after the journey or reach tirumala before dark. Once you have secured accommodation you can relax and go around the tirupati markets or roam around tirumala markets and the temple complex if u are staying at tirumala.

Next day should be kept free for Darshan. Since the Darshan and visits to the nearby temples and religious places can take take, I suggest you keep one full day aside for this. Try and get a early morning darshan post which you can hire a Jeep at tirumala to take you around the places of interest. Feel free to eat food at any of the small eateries. I have always beleived in “live like the romans when in rome” so why not adapt it to the food too. 100′s of tea and coffee shops are all around and there are 100′s of stalls / shops serving hot DOSA, Uthappams, Vada typically termed as tiffin in those parts (representing Breakfast) where as the word Meals represents Lunch or Dinner and typically comprises of a full meal (akin to Thali) or a choice of porotha, veggies, rice, sambar etc For the continental type there are a couple of good restaurants serving varieties of food.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR DARSHAN TOKENS / TICKETS AS YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ENTRY INTO THE DARSHAN QUEUE AND THE TOKENS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO COLLECT THE PRASAD LADDOO AFTER DARSHAN. Now back to the Darshan process ;

If you are at tirupati, then take an early morning Bus from the bus stand. If at tirumala then start for the darshan queue early. Once in tirumala have a quick breakfast and head for Tonsure at one of the many “Kalyanakattas” (big halls where the barbers will be seated). You have to a token from the counter for the tonsure and then buy a blade from the guy sutting outside the hall. Remove your shoes and walk right in and hand over the token to any of the barbers and they will do the tonsure quickly. Do not worry these are experienced guys and adept at the job. If you have a small kid for tonsure do not be surprised at the barbers demands for some bakshis (cash tips). They can get a little pushy but if u do not wish to pay them then DONT. Tonsure done, head to the darshan queue immediately. The darshan queue can be quite a walk depending on where the queue is, on the day of your visit, be prepared for some walking . Ideally have a quick bath post tonsure.

The main darshan is a very very very quick affair. There are volunteers all along the queue once you enter the temple complex and you will be pushed and shoved by the crowd and also by the volunteers. Keep your eyes focussed on the location of the Deity as, it is only for a few seconds that you will be face to face with the lord. The temple complex itself is a grand venue and once out of the darshan queue you have to go around the main temple to the prasad queue. Enjoy the old age carvings and architecture enroute to the prasad queue; you will see many hundis where devotees can put their offerings. Dont be surprised by the devotion, devotees offer everything from money, gold, personal accessories in precious metals etc..the lord always blesses us with more. Darshan done, take the prasad and head out of the main temple complex. To your left are counters for the prasad laddoo. Depending on the kind of darshan pass you have you will be entitled to a number of laddoos.

Once you have collected the prasad laddoo go around the temple complex and rest for some time. Have a coffee and maybe a snack if you feel like. Ask for jeeps on hire to visit the other locations – do remember to bargain Indian Style. Once you have toured the place come back and rest. If you are at Tirumala prepare to check out the next morning for tirupati for visits to the temples of Devi Padmavathi, Sri Kalahasthi, Sri Govindrajaswamy temple, Sri Ganapathy Temple (Swayambhu Varasiddhivinayaka Gudi) Temple at Kanipakam (this is about 75 kms from tirupati). You will need one full day to visit these temples. All temples have special darshans but do not get drawn to these immediately. Check out the regular queue before you pay for the special darshan ticket.

The most ideal thing would be to Hire a vehicle to pick you up from Tirumala and take you around the above temples and drop you to your hotel in Tirupati. Such an arrangement for an INNOVA will cost about Rs. 3500 all inclusive. Do remember that vehicle hire here is a little different. You pay for the vehicle hire and driver plus you add fuel basis the number of appx kilometers. In case of my recent visit in Sept 2008, the vehicle hire was 1800 + driver 200 + fuel 1200. If you are stationed at Tirupati then you hire a vehicle from tirupati. Just before u start for darshans to the above temples it would be wise to book a room in Tirupati as inflow of pilgrims never stops and booking can get difficult.

Accommodation in tirupati is surprisingly available for as low as Rs. 340 for non a/c and Rs.500 for A/c rooms. I was little skeptical but when I saw the rooms I was surprised. Well kept rooms with clean wash rooms were available aplenty. Rajmata Residency is a decent option and I will update on other hotels as well soon. Lets get back to temples visits.

Devi Padmavathi temple is pretty close to the town and Sri Govindrajaswamy temple is in Tirupati itself, Sri Ganapathy Temple (Swayambhu Varasiddhivinayaka Gudi) Temple is 75 kms from tirupati and Sri Kalahasthi temple is 40 kms away in the direction opposite. Hence its almost about 250 kms you have to cover in one day. Given the dry climate and the hot temperatures, I suggest you always hire a good A/c vehicle and keep lots of drinking water handy. Food options on this day journey are not very exciting so I suggest you stick to basic Idli / Dosa and curd rice which can do no harm to your urban stomachs. Once back to tirupati the options for food are many. I suggest Udipi Shree Krishna Bhavan (the first restaurant at the signal) and Hotel Mayura for dinner. The meals (thali / rice plate) are a nice and reasonable at the former and a tad high priced at the latter but in both cases its a vlaue-for-money opportunity. So, after all the temple visits, get set for a good nights rest and the return journey the next day.

*SMOKING, GUTKHA, TOBACCO CHEWING IS NOT PERMITTED AT TIRUMALA. IT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO AVIOD THE SAME.