Morning Walks: A Memory of Peace

 Morning Walks: A Memory of Peace

This picture takes me back to a beautiful time, about 6 or 7 years ago, when life felt so simple and pure. I used to wake up around 6 a.m. in the morning—especially during winter. Near our house, there was a park where my cousin and I would go for our morning walk. Those early morning walks gave me such a peaceful feeling, like starting the day with a calm and clear mind. Winter mornings in particular brought this cool, crisp air that made everything feel fresh and new.

The park was always full of life—people from every generation gathered there. There was a grandpas’ gang who would be doing yoga, while kids played all kinds of games. My cousin and I would just walk around, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. One of my favorite things to do was collect fallen flowers on my way back home. I never plucked them from the plants; I always picked the ones that had fallen naturally from the trees.

In this picture, I remember collecting these beautiful yellow flowers, though I never learned their name. Do you know what they are? If you do, I’d love for you to comment and let me know! 🌼

Do you also have memories like this, where a simple routine brought you so much joy? If you do, feel free to share them with me. I’d love to hear your stories too!

Exploring Papikondalu and the Famous Bhadrachalam Temple

 Exploring Papikondalu and the Famous Bhadrachalam Temple

Have you ever heard of Papikondalu? It's a hidden gem located in India, specifically in Telangana, near the famous Bhadrachalam temple, which is dedicated to Lord Sri Rama. If you're not familiar with the place, don’t worry. You can always Google the history and geology, but today, I want to share my personal journey to this beautiful spot.

In 2019, my family and I took a trip to Papikondalu. The highlight of this place is the boat journey on the Godavari River, where you can soak in the natural beauty of the region. The boat travels through the stunning Papikondalu hills, and we were lucky enough to visit in January—during the winter season—so the weather was just perfect for a peaceful ride. The scenic views are mesmerizing, and the entire atmosphere was incredibly serene.

One of the best things about the boat journey is that it's not just about nature; it's also a social experience. The boat staff organize different interaction events and activities, so if you’re into making new friends and having fun with random people, you’ll enjoy it.

We stopped at a tribal village along the way, where we saw some amazing handcrafted items made by the local people. We even bought a beautiful bamboo house as a souvenir. It was really fascinating to see their craftsmanship. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture to share, but trust me, the handmade bamboo crafts were a highlight of the trip. Plus, you can enjoy some traditional food in the village, which is a great way to experience local culture.

After our boat trip, we visited the Sri Rama Temple in Bhadrachalam, which is a famous pilgrimage site. The story behind the temple is that Lord Rama, during his 14 years of exile (vanavasa), is believed to have come to this area. The temple was later built by Bhakta Ramadasu, and it holds immense spiritual significance. The architecture and the atmosphere of the temple are truly awe-inspiring. I’ve been to this temple three times now, each visit with my parents, but I was young and didn’t have a phone to capture the memories.

If you’re ever in Telangana or planning a visit to the famous Bhadrachalam Temple, I highly recommend taking the time to experience Papikondalu. It’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and spirituality—and an experience you’ll cherish!

pooja mattapalli