Mumbai Marathon - 21st January 2007

This year a group of 8 children and 5 staff & volunteers set out on a exciting train journey to Mumbai to participate in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday 21st January 2007.

We all cheered and saw Uddhav off at the crack of dawn. The rest of us made it to the Azad Maidan in time to join the millions of Dream Runners. Those of us who had planned to run the 6 km dream run had to shelve any hopes of running when we saw the teeming crowds. And for those of us who had intended to walk, it was the perfect excuse. It was an exciting weekend in which we travelled by bus and the local trains; had moments of panic when we lost some kids and great sense of joy when we were all reunited again.

Marathon Eve - Enjoying Sunset at Juhu Beach

Uddhav - Getting Ready for the half Marathon

The Sea of Dream Runners (Walkers Infact!!!)

The Dream Runners set for the Marathon

Latest** - North India Trip

A REPORT ON THE 15-DAY TRIP TO NORTH INDIA


Detailed Schedule of Events

Saturday, February 3, 2007 Departure from Bangalore City

Sunday, February, 4 2007 Train journey

Monday, February 5, 2007 Arrival in Agra Cantt, visit to Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort

Tuesday, February 6, 2007 Taj Mahal, Photo sessions, cycle rickshaw ride through Agra, depart for New Delhi

Wednesday, February 7 2007 Metro and bus rides through Delhi and shopping in Delhi Haat, INA Market, Chandini Chowk Red Fort and Karol Bagh

Thursday, February 8, 2007 Sight-seeing by Van: Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Jantar Mantar, Parliament House, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Doll’s Museum. Depart for Lucknow

Friday, February 9, 2007 Arrival in Lucknow. Sightseeing in Lucknow: Bara Imambara (Bhool Bhulaiya), Picture Gallery, Chota Imambara, Clock Tower Rumi Darwaza. Evening of Snacks, tea and dancing at Kautuk’s parents’ house.

Saturday, February 10, 2007 Morning breakfast at the Khare residence, Residency, departure for Kanpur, arrival in Kanpur, Shashank’s engagement ceremony and dinner

Sunday, February 11, 2007 Visit to the Kanpur zoo, Wedding and reception of Shashank’s wedding.

Monday, February 12, 2007 JK Temple, Ganga Barrage, Japanese garden, lunch with Shashank. Departure for Chennai.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 Train journey

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Arrive in Chennai. Depart for Bangalore and Arrival in Bangalore at 20.00

Hotels and Places of Stay

* Agra - Evergreen Hotel

* New Delhi - Sri Aurobindo Ashram

* Lucknow - Guest House

* Kanpur - Hotel Bliss

Modes of Transport

* Trains, Taxis, buses, Metro trains, Cycle rickshaws, vans, auto rickshaws, cars, and jeeps

Highlights

* Visit to Taj Mahal

* Having a go at Cycle Rickshaw riding

* Escalator rides at the New Delhi Metro Stations

* Trying to get lost in the labyrinth of Bara Imambara, Lucknow

* Visit to the zoo in Kanpur without any staff members.

* Dancing in Lucknow and Kanpur

Getting Lost in Bhool Bhulliya, Bara Imambara - Lucknow
Astronomical Adventures at Jantar Mantar - New Delhi

Imposing India Gate - New Delhi
Dwarfed by Qutub Minar - New Delhi

Magneficient Taj - Agra