Year: 2017

Categories
Central India Corporate Outings Staycation

Pench Tree Lodge – Home in the midst of jungle

Away from the hustle bustle of city life, we #ghoomophirosisters usually plan our weekends to the jungles of central India, and this time it was Pench Tiger Reserve for us. While we were shortlisting the place to stay, we could not stop ourselves from exploring Pench Tree Lodge supported by Pugdundee Safaris.
After a long 3.5 Hr drive from Nagpur, we reached to the Pench Tree Lodge and to our surprise the place has maintained nature in its best form. No destruction of the existing ecosystem has been made. As we reached, manager Amit Mukherjee with his staff gave us a warm welcome and briefed about the property. Few interesting facts include, do not leave the room or balcony slider open, reptiles might get in!! This itself suggested how close the place is to nature.

It is primarily an eco-conscious retreat spread over 36 acres and to your surprise has only 6 treehouse cottages. In rest of the place, one can see snakes, civets, foxes, jackals, wild boars, doves roosting in the trees, parakeets, and several other birds. The place also has kitchen garden wherein almost all seasonal vegetables you can find and it does sustain the kitchen of the property.

Rooms

They were simple elusive rooms with all modern facilities that you can ask for. A small welcome note from Pugdundee caught our eyes and was indeed heart warming. Our cottage was supported by big Mahua tree. Interiors of rooms were beautiful. Small hand made paintings of birds added the charm to the room. Must congratulate the masterminds behind the architecture of these tree-houses to come up with such marvelous tree-houses.

Iron rod bed stuffed with cushions of all sizes, what more one would want as part of the luxury stay.Lighting in the rooms was dim and sufficient enough to charge up your mood.

Small video as we explored room is here, that will definitely inspire you to pack the bags and rush for wilderness.

Smallest care was taken not to play around with nature and hence two steel water bottles were kept instead of plastic bottles. Alongside, kettle tea bags, milk powder were stacked for the convenience. A beautiful balcony with coffee table and an unimaginable view wait for you in the evening, where either you can sip a coffee or read a good book or simply gaze the nature and enjoy the parakeets, civets or other wild animals. We never found ourselves as close to nature as stay in this property made us to.

Dining Experience

We must thank chef Pankaj and his team for some delicious fusion vegetarian meals. It was just perfect. With every meal served to us, our benchmarks increased and they never disappointed us. We liked all our meals from breakfast to dinner to high-tea. Not to miss was dumplings, corn kebabs, Onion soup, beetroot pudding and the list is endless. To top it all, the presentation was icing on the cake. Needless to say, our dining experience were redefined at Pench Tree Lodge.  Overall staff was courteous and was available for our help anytime.

It would be the injustice to the team if we do not mention the breakfast in the jungle and moonlight dinner. Both of them were well executed by everyone in the staff. In the former, we were served the buffet of breakfast in the midst of jungle whereas in the later, there was small kerosene lit lamps were hanging to the trees and dinner was served under the stars. Believe us, it could not more romantic as it was.

What to do

You may customize your itinerary during your stay with the manager as they have activities lined up for you. This list includes jungle safari to Pench Tiger Reserve, Walk to the nearby Village, cycling sessions, Birding, Night Safari or simply relax in the pool.

We must say, the Pench tree lodge gives you endless opportunities to interact with yourself, stay close to nature and definitely, you are going to treasure the experience for long. The retreat is the best example of how man and nature co-exist in harmony. Needless to say, it is indeed a plush and romantic escape.. Get your bookings now!!

Categories
Staycation

In between Himalayas and Dal Lake- Vivanta by Taj, Srinagar

Hotel Vivanta is just a drive away from the airport and is located on a hill which gives you the perfect view of mountains and Dal lake from your room window. Nearby, are located some beautiful gardens such as Indira Gandhi memorial Tulip garden (2.1 km), Cheshmeshahi Garden, Hazratbal Shrine (2.1 km ) and Pari Mahal.

Lobby and Rooms:

As soon as you enter, the lobby greets you with the vibrant ambiance. The ceiling has a wooden frame that has been placed for aesthetic beauty and it also has ball-like ornamentation hanging from it. The wooden interior, as well as the Kashmiri rug that has been placed in the lobby, gives you the feeling that you are finally in Kashmir.

Now a suggestion is to pick the right room. The one on the top floor have the best sights of Dal lake from the front and a view of snow-capped mountains in the back as well. The location of the hotel is just perfect as you get to have the ultimate viewing experience.

All rooms have private balconies and comfortable beds and bathrooms with a great interior. Our room had a maroon contrast with cream. That was with the drapes and bed rest. It gave a good vibe. The room itself was spacious and comfortable. The room service facilities were quick and helpful. There is TV in every room but who cares when the view out of the window is so mesmerizing.

Dining:

You can have your dining experience at Latitude, Jade Dragon or the Tea Lounge.

While the Wazwan experience and taste of Kashmiri delicacies at Latitude is incredible, you can try Chinese cuisines at Jade dragon. The whole dining experience where they lay down the seating arrangement in the way of Kashmiris and serve deliciously cooked food is a memorable one at latitude. You can have inside/outside dined.  The interior of the place as well as the presentation of food adds to your experience.

After having shikhara rides and other wandering expeditions in Kashmir, you can sit back and enjoy some delicious Kawa in the Tea Lounge. The food itself is delicious but what is better is the view and services. Everyone treats you very warmly. I highly recommend the breakfast Buffet or ou can try traditional Kawa while looking at the sunset.

Additional services:

There are Wi-Fi facilities available along with swimming pool and fitness center as well.

Go explore the comfort and picturesque views in paradise on earth. Hotel Vivanta by taj will give you the best staying experience in Kashmir.

Categories
North east wildlife

Kaziranga National Park can give you a super rich birding experience

Kaziranga National Park is a world heritage site, which supports two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population.

For the bird watchers, this may very well be the best place in the entire country. Jorhat airport is the nearest to Kaziranga National Park which is about 100 kilometers away. Bus or a taxi from there can bring you to this place. Guwahati happens to be the nearest railway station. So one can also choose to reach Guwahati and then hire a cab or take a bus from there (220 km).

An estimate says that there are more than 478 different species of birds that can be seen here throughout the year and almost half of them are migratory birds. However, what makes this place one of the UNESCO world heritage sites is the very fact that there are about 25 species of birds that are on a verge of extinction and 21 which are less endangered but still are hard to find in many parts of the globe.

A very versatile biodiversity

Made unique with a lively, well preserved and sustained ecology this park has a very versatile biodiversity which makes Kaziranga National Park a very important and admired tourist destination.

  • One can see all kinds of birds in Kaziranga and the key species include Swamp Francolin, Pale-capped Pigeon, Bengal Florican, Great and Wreathed Hornbill, Jerdon’s Baza, Slender-billed Vulture,  and Pallas’s Fishing Eagle. But this is not the end!!

  • One can see and observe more varieties of birds such as the Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Pied Harrier, Pied Falconet, Oriental Hobby, Black-necked Stork, Greater Adjutant, Hodgson’s Bushchat, White-vented Myna, Rufous-vented Prinia, Marsh Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill and Finn’s Weaver. Besides this rich birding haul, there is a breeding colony of Spot-billed Pelicans near Koladuar in the Agoratoli area.

  • Out of the rarest of rare birds that can be found in the park in their natural habitat are species of geese (lesser white-fronted goose), and ducks (ferruginous pochard, Baer’s pochard).
  • Along with that, there are riverine birds including kingfishers (Blyth’s kingfisher), herons (white-bellied heron), pelicans (Dalmatian pelican, spot-billed pelican), shanks (spotted greenshank) and terns (black-bellied tern).

  • There are also many rare migratory birds that make their annual presence felt in the park (lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, Asian openbill).

  • The place also has a great number of raptors, which can be seen as a sign of very healthy ecosystem as these predatory birds maintain the balance in nature. These birds include eastern imperial eagle, greater spotted eagle, white-tailed fishing eagle, Pallas’s fish eagle, grey-headed fish eagle and the lesser kestrel. And vultures, one of the rarest birds on the planet once had the Kaziranga national park as their unabashed home.

Apart from the wildlife, the park itself is enormously beautiful with water bodies and forests. Kaziranga is the place to go for a trip full of thrill. While at this place, enjoy the best and most of what Assam’s nature has to offer.

Did you know?

Kaziranga national park was once home to about seven species of vultures but the sad thing is that almost all of them got wiped out due to severe kidney failures caused by eating infected animals and birds in the park. The red-headed vulture and the Eurasian vulture are on the verge of the extinction while Indian vulture, slender-billed,  and the Indian white vulture are technically extinct as there are no sightings of them anymore anywhere in the park.

Categories
Adventure North India Travel Tips

Easy steps to rent a bike for your Leh-Ladakh Trip

Exploring the beautiful landscapes of Leh on a bike tops the list of every traveler in the world. The feeling of fragrant breeze trying to embrace you in its arms is phenomenal. However, lack of information on bike rentals in Leh can spoil your trip completely. This is why we have got you a list of few essential tips on renting a bike in Leh

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Here we go:

Find a Bike Rental Shop

 Considering the fact that there are hundreds of bike rental shops in and around Leh, you won’t face a problem in renting the one that suits you. However, it is important to ensure that you rent it from a good reputed shop so as to not face any problem with the bike during the trip.You can take help of locals to suggest you some really good bike rental shops.

Zero in On the Right Price

 Bike rental charges in Leh vary from Rs 800 to Rs 2,000. The price actually depends on the condition of the bike, model, and make. So choose the bike that fits your requirements like duration of the road, destination, and other key factors etc.

 Book a Bike in Advance

 Leh is a heaven for bikers. Almost every traveler in Leh dreams of going for an unforgettable road trip of his or her lifetime. Hence, it is advisable to book a bike for a road trip in advance—may be a day before the trip. This is a great way to ensure that you get the bike that meets your expectations. Otherwise, you will have to bear with just any machine.

Do Not Rent a Bike From Places other than Leh

 Bikes rented from outside Leh are not permitted for sightseeing in the entire Ladakh. Hence, you are advised to rent a bike only in Leh. It is a beautiful city and your trip without exploring it on your bike is incomplete.

However, you can ride your own bike for sightseeing purposes in Ladakh. You must have all the necessary documents to prove that the bike is your property. If the bike is on somebody else’s name, then also you must have a non-objection letter from the owner.

Plan for Big Budget if Planning to Visit Manali or Srinagar

If you want to go outside Ladakh, then you will have to pay a security deposit. This is around 15 k per bike. The deposit will be returned to you once return the bike to the shop. Hence, it is recommended that you plan your road trip according to your budget, days, and convenience. Do not indulge in anything for the heck of it. The real fun is in logical adventures.

Have a Partner on Trip

 While taking a road trip down the lanes of Leh, you will ride through several no man’s land stretches. If your bike breaks down in these stretches then you may get trapped into a big problem.

Hence, it is advisable to always travel in groups or have a partner on your pillion. A partner can help you in such odd times.

We hope that above set of tips will help you prepare much better for renting a bike on your next Ladakh trip.

Categories
Adventure North India Rejoice Travel Trends

Gear up for a great experience amidst the natural beauty of Leh

Leh is not just one of the world’s most exotic destinations on the map today but also the one that emanates spirituality from its every fiber of existence. Surrounded by the Great Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges, its beauty cannot be expressed in words even by the seasoned wordsmiths of the country. Full of spectacular attractions, Leh is considered as the heaven on the planet earth. This is only in Leh that people suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. This place holds many other unforgettable surprises for its beholders.

We bring you some of the best sightseeing options for you in Leh. Here we go:

Zanskar and Ladakh Mountain Ranges

You will not even know when these two mountain ranges become your friends during your trip to Leh. They do not always appear as your beautiful friends. At times, there massive structure might intimidate you. You might feel very small in front of these mountain ranges. However, you should always look at the bright side of their beauty. There are sparkling rivers running through the mountains, snow capped terrains imitate skies above them, and breeze sounds like music to your ear. You cannot get enough of echo points here.

Pangong Tso Lake

Although this lake was always the major attraction of Leh, it got popularity after a scene of the famous Bollywood movie 3 Idiots was shot here. This lake floats across the border of Bhutan. This is probably the most popular site in all of Leh-Ladakh for camping. This lake is visited by millions of tourists from across the world every year. Boating in the lake is not allowed. However, you can do ice skating on the lake in the winters when it freezes.

Tso Moriri Lake

This lake is the heaven on earth for many travelers in the world. People can live here forever. This lake is like the beautiful painting of Picaaso in sparkling vibrant colors. The sky above snowcapped-blue Mountain is blue and white while pastures are green with light hues of yellow, and water is like gold from the distance.  Tso Moriri Lake is not as famous as Pangong Tso Lake but if you are in Leh-Ladakh then you must visit this place without which your trip will be incomplete.

Khardungla Pass

Khardungla Pass does not really look like a road. However, the truth is that this is the highest civilian motor road in the world. It is also called as the gateway to the north. However, you must take extra care of your health if you are paying a visit to this point.

Nubra Valley

Mountains, rivers, lakes, snow, green pastures and what else can you expect in Leh-Ladakh? Nubra Valley is the 8th wonder on the Earth treasured by this beautiful world. It is a beautiful desert that can give you Arabian like adventure right in the heart of snowy mountains.

Magnetic Hill

This magnetic hill should be declared a world wonder. If you park your car at the base of the hill without brakes, then your car starts moving uphill. The science has not been able to define the reason behind it yet.

Untouched and mesmerizing scenic beauty, snow-clad mountain peaks, lush greenery and secluded spots, so much to experience at Leh. Visiting this beautiful hilly region can be a great experience this weekend.

Categories
Adventure Inspiration

Journey to the highest motorable Pass in the world is a feat in itself!

One of the most exotic places in India, Khardung La Pass is also regarded as the world’s highest point for motor vehicles. Wrapped in snow disguised as white gold, this picturesque destination is a gateway to scenic Shyok and Nubra valleys in the heart of Ladakh. Karakoram Range is around 40 km away from Leh.

Khardung La Pass offers you the majestic views of the valley and serpentine roads that tie up the mountain secretly. The snow-capped mountains, open lands, fragrant air, and lemony pastures with a tinge of green all make for a spectacular view. Khardung La is one of the most loved destinations especially those who love adventure sports and biking.

There is a reason behind why the Khardung La Pass was built. In order to solve the supply problem of the Turtok sector by the Shyok river which housed nearly 200 families and also to construct a road connecting Chalunka and Thoise, a motorable road through Khardung La was built. In 1973 the road was completed and opened for traffic.

Major Tourist Destination

Khardung La Pass is a hot favorite destination among tourists who love to explore nature on their bikes. The frenzy to travel across the region on a bike sometimes turns into a long nightmarish traffic jams on the pass. Hence, it is important to plan your travel in advance especially if you are travelling during peak season. Hence to facilitate traffic movement on the pass, vehicles from Leh to Khardung are allowed between 9 am and 1 pm while vehicles from Khardung to Leh are allowed between 1 pm and 5 pm. It is ideal to check the timings with the local agencies and taxi drivers.

The journey from Leh to Khardungla can be a challenging 3 hours drive up on a winding road, and you may find the road often jammed and interrupted by minor landslides and avalanches. Higher up, the mountains are densely covered with sheet of snow that melts slowly into slush of mud and there is very thin oxygen around. The roads are maintained by the army throughout the day.

Things to Remember

Around 24 kms of road from Leh to Khardung La Pass is made up of asphalt till the South Pullu check post. From the South Pullu check post to the North Pullu check post, the track is made up of gravel and dirt. A tourist is required to obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to cross the pass from the office of the District Commissioner. It is recommended that you keep around 7 to 8 copies of the permit as you will have to submit the copy with every check post to pass through.

Travelling Tips

  1. If you are travelling to Khardung La Pass you must come prepared for the worst weather. It can change from mild to extreme in no time and leave you stranded without basic facilities. During winters temperatures drop to -40 degrees Celsius and there is almost 10 feet of snowfall. One needs to be physically very strong to visit Khardung La Pass in winters. During the summer temperatures remain around 20 degrees Celsius but the freaky weather could turn worse anytime and you would be left shivering in the bitterly cold weather.
  2. Remember, there is no way you can find any accommodation on the pass. The best you can do is travel to Leh, the nearest city, to stay in a hotel or you can carry your tents along. You can pitch your tents on the roadside at Khardung La Pass.
  3. You can find good eatery and hotel options at Nubra valley as well. Do carry your food all through the journey. Some of the best places to stay near Nubra Valley are Hotel Karma Inn, Olgok Guest House, Jehlum Resort and Gupta Resorts.

Best time to visit

The best time to travel Khardung La Pass is between May and October. The pass is free and open during these seasons until weather plans something different. The road to Khardung La could be shut down due to a landslide and this could be a major blow to your plan. The weather up there is so unpredictable so come prepared.

The thrill of visiting the highest pass in the world will churn up your emotions. But it’s better to be safe than sorry and hence do not expose yourself too much and for too long at such high altitudes.

Categories
Himalayas North India

Chitkul village- The last inhabited village near the Indo China border

At a height of 3450 meters, Chitkul stands tall as the proud crown of India to the Tibet border side. This exotic destination in the heart of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the Baspa River, which travels with you on your right as you mount the Chitkul valley. One of the major attractions of the village is its apple gardens surrounded by several camping sites.

During winters, the place remains covered with snow and the inhabitants creep down to lower regions of Himachal. You can discover one of the best-grown potatoes in the world here but they are very costly. Situated on the banks of Baspa River, Chitkul is the first village of the Baspa Valley and the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. Houses with either slate or wooden plank roofs, the Buddhist temple and a small tower are the things which are of particular interest for the visitors.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to reach Himachal Pradesh is Indira Gandhi National Airport and Palam Domestic Airport in New Delhi. There is a huge bus network for Himachal Pradesh which hails from New Delhi. It is approximately 360 km away from New Delhi.

First, arrive at Reckong Peo which is approximately 60 km away from Chitkul. From there, you can hire a cab or board a bus to the village.

Himachal is well connected by the rail network. There are a number of trains from all major parts of the country to Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot-Joginder railway line is the longest in the state which traverses all the way from neighborhood Punjab. To savor the scenic beauty and picturesque landscape, one can choose to travel by the toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

Places to Visit

Raksham

One of the best places to visit in Chitkul Village is Raksham, which is approximately 11 km from here. This is one of the most exotic places of the country with the abundance of snowfalls in winter. Baspa River flows along and her sound is like music to your ears.

Kalpa

Kalpa is another small town in the heart of Sangla. The town is situated right next to Sutlej River. If you are a nature lover then this is the right place for you. It gives some of the best views of Kinnar Kailash Mountain.

Kagyupa Temple

Kagyupa temple has special significance because it is the home to a rare image of Shakyamuni Buddha with four directional kinds placed on every side. It is believed that the presiding deity of the village, Mathi is alive and must be paid homage to.

Things to Do

Trekking

One of the best ways to explore Chitkul village is by trekking around the hills. The real beauty of the place lies in places where no vehicle can take you. Hence, it is advisable to discover the landscapes of the village on your feet.

Camping

Thousands of tourists from across the country come to Chitkul Village, especially for camping. This village hosts some of the best camping sites in the middle of apple gardens.

Best Places to Eat

There are no luxury hotels in Chitkul village. You can relish the local delicacies of the village at local Dhabas and homestays. Situated right at the Tibetan border, you will find a confluence of Himachali, Punjabi, Easter flavors.

Places to Stay

In Chhitkul, there are wooden houses turned into hotels. These hotels are a bit expensive and most of the tourists prefer to stay at Sangla and plan a day trip to this place.

Hotel Royal Castle, Prakash Regency, and Hotel Rupin River View are some of the best places to stay.

Your discovery of the serene and lesser-known Himalayas begins at the Banjara Camp in the Sangla Valley. The Banjara Camp & Retreat is the pioneer in luxury camping, at a height of 2,700 mts.  The camp is encircled by massive towering mountains on all sides and situated on the banks of the Baspa river that gushes through the valley.

Travel Tips

While you set off for Chhitkul make sure you carry sufficient cash and petrol or diesel for your car as you would not find any ATM facility or fuel stations in this hilly area.

There is also neither a clinic nor any hospital flanking the area and one has to travel back to Sangla for emergencies.

The very cold and windy weather can add to some trouble for those traveling by road. The road usually closes down around November after the first snowfall. So avoid traveling at this time.

Categories
Foodie

Desi deliciousness – A review of Dhaba by Claridges

Interior Rating: 4/5 stars

Food: 5/5 stars

Staff: 4/5 stars

Overall: 4.5/5 stars.

How many times have you eaten on a local roadside Dhaba while with friends? The delicious food, the homely feeling, the whole experience is indescribable. But while you are stuck in the city, all you get on the name of eating outside is take outs and boring restaurant food. Dhaba by Claridges give you authentic Dhaba food with the same homely feeling.

Review:

As soon as I entered the place with a couple of my friends, I was astonished to see the whole set up. The interior is like a Dhaba set up near a ‘theka’ and there are Nimbu-Mirchi lights and an actual truck. It might seem hilarious but it was actually a good thing. There were Bollywood posters on the walls and good music that would make you want to start dancing. In fact, the staff did an actual dance with their song of the month. The whole ambiance of the place put me at total ease. The staff was very polite and cooperative. The seating arrangement is good with nice lighting.

Now for the most important part, the food! The menu is divided into tawa, tandoor and patila. Me, I love non-veg and one of my friends is a total vegetarian so while I munched on Chicken Biryani, galouti kebabs, Butter chicken and tandoori Roti, he ordered Bhune aloo, Kadhi pakora, Dal Dhabha and Dhaba Roti.

The food was in sizable quantities and being a food lover, I have a good appetite.  Glad to say that my stomach was just as filled with my heart as I devoured the delicious food. The Butter chicken was juicy and Chicken Biryani equally yummy. According to my friend,  Bhune aloo was also wonderful and Dhaba Roti was a mixture between Roti and Naan. I will be giving that a try the next time I go there. There was masala onions, salad, and chutney which also tasted fine.

For drinks, we got Kala Khatta which was also incredibly nice and Aam Panna which was just okay. The menu is very wide and it took us a lot of time to decide what we wanted to try. Since we were there for the first time, we did not know what would taste good and what would not. That is probably the only thing that stopped me from ordering Tiffen chicken and I saw that one person there ordered it and it actually came in a Tiffen! The place also offers a wide variety of drinks with their own twist on them like toofan, gulabo, santari and lal pari. In the end, we also ordered the alcoholic Kulfi to finish the meal and it was absolutely worth it.

Now for the cons, since the Dhaba is in the pulsating hub of the city, it is crowded and there’s a huge line of people waiting to get inside. By the time you finish waiting and actually get inside, you are famished and would dig into anything you can get your hands on. Also, for normal class people, it is sort of expensive.

But once you have tasted the food and start sliding into the whole aura of the place, you will have no complaints and only praise for everything about the Dhaba. I will recommend it to everyone to just go and have a meal there (especially my friends whom I’ll be dragging there). I myself will be going there again. Hopefully, I will find a day when it is less crowded.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas North India

This beautiful lake in the arms of the Himalayas will remind you of the Moon

The Chandra Tal Lake is located in the Spiti part of Lahul and Spiti district of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The lake got its name “Chandra Tal” from its crescent shape and is also called the Moon Lake. Situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres in the Himalayas, the place is one of the busiest tourist’s spots in the beautiful state. It is famous for trekking and various adventure sports all around northern India.

Best time to visit

June to September is the best time to visit the amazing lake.

How to reach

A few hours road trip from Delhi via Manali (533 km) will bring you to the beautiful Spiti valley. The place is located at an altitude of about 4000m above the sea level, and no vehicles would get you here. From Batal or Kunzum pass, you would have to walk for a few kilometers to reach the Chandra Tal Lake. The beautiful lake can also be approached from Manali.

About the place

As you walk towards the lake in a trek of about 8 kilometers, it feels like reaching the moon. The total circumference of the lake is about 2.5 kilometers and as you reach there and have a look at the bright blue water of the lake, you feel all your tiredness going away. The lake is the source of Chandra River that flows through the valley.

The clear blue sky and the untouched virgin beauty with the rugged brown mountains devoid of any trees are the perfect picturesque locations one can wish for. In the arms of nature, people also come here to seek peace and soak in the natural beauty of the place. The shining Chandra River flowing below and the surrounding green landscapes make the place nothing sort of a heaven.
Activities

Most of the tourists that come here for their passion for travel and adventure, so the place is ideal for adventure seekers. The mountain peaks and dangerous slopes around the place are the idol spot for the most daring of mountaineers to show off their skills. Apart from trekking, some other activities that you can get indulged into are camping and sightseeing.


The Chandra Tal trek is however deemed to be moderate by most of the people. The level of difficulty for trekking here is average as compared to other challenging treks in India. Along with the trekking, other things tourists like about the place is the incredible beauty of the landscape surrounding it which is a great treat for the senses.

The mythological significance

Once a glacier, the lake now lies amidst the wide grassy plain surrounded by all the natural beauty. The legends that go around the lake is that the last Pandava Yudhishthira was taken to heaven on Lord Indra’s chariot from this particular place. This is the reason why Hindus adds so much religious significance to the place.

Where to Stay
There are not much accommodation options in Chandra Tal. A number of PWD guesthouses and rooms are available at Kunzum Pass and Batal that are lent out by villagers. During summers, a majority of the tourists prefer to stay in camps at Chandratal.

Eating Options

Eating options in Chandra Tal are very limited. You will find mostly Tibetan food here. There are some small dhabas at Batal and Kunzum Pass which offer food to tourists. Some restaurants near Chandra Tal lake are Mahabudha Restaurant, Cafe Kunzum Top and Yak Cafe.

Other attractions

Out of the many wonderful passes in Lahaul and Spiti, the Rohtang la, Kunzum la and Baralacha la are worth mentioning. Also located at the place are some monasteries that are worth a visit such as Dhankar, Gandhola, Gemur, Gozzangwa, Guru Ghantal, Kardang, Key, Kibber, Kungri, Lhalung, Shashur, Tabo, Tangyud, and Tayul.

Chandra Tal, along with some other regions in the place forms a picture perfect image of what heaven would look like if it actually existed. So, pack your bags and embark on the wonderful journey.

Categories
Travel Tips

Tips to avoid Vertigo while travelling

Whether it is a serious medical condition or general dizziness caused by traveling, it need not keep you from enjoying your trip. Still, it is better to be prepared and with a few tips and words of precaution, you can travel carefree without worrying too much about vertigo.

(a)    Keep yourself hydrated by drinking liquids such as water and juice. Do not drink heavier liquids or something extremely sweet. Alcoholic beverages are also a BIG NO.

(b)    Eat solid food such as nuts but no fatty or oily food. Eating easily digestible food before the trip is a good idea as well.

(c)    Keep your eyes on the horizon and not on moving objects because that can cause Vertigo.

Prescription:

Consult your doctor before going on the trip and ask if you need a change in medication for your travel plans. Keep your medication as well as prescription or a letter from the doctor with you at all times. This will help you get through customs as well as get the right treatment in the worst situation in the place where you travel to. Take your pills half an hour before traveling. Also, take enough medicine to last you for the span of the trip.

Insurance:

Get yourself insurance with a good Health insurance and Travel insurance plan preferably one with Vertigo in the plans. It is important if you have a medical condition and can be a great help in assuring that you will get the necessary medical help if needed. There are many policies in the market so you should do your research before picking a policy hastily. Moreover, keep your travel insurance policy papers with you during traveling. You will need to keep them handy in case of emergencies.

VertiGo Exercise app:

There is an app available on Play store that helps you keep a handle on vertigo through both visual and audio guides. It tells you about the correct postures in situations which manage your body equilibrium and thus prevents vertigo symptoms. While I can be really helpful during travel, you can also use it daily to manage your vertigo.

Pack essentials:

Apart from your medications, prescriptions, travel insurance and all the above-mentioned stuff, you need to pack some essentials that will keep the symptoms of vertigo at bay. A pair of dark sunglasses (to avoid sun’s glare) and appropriate shoes are a must. Avoid wearing heels and opt for comfortable flats. The shoes should have non-slippery soles and something that keeps you steady. And just to be safe, carry a foldable walking stick even if you do not generally use one. Bring earmuffs with you during traveling as well. Being extra careful during traveling is necessary to avoid mishaps.  Also, traveling with friends, or family or just another companion is a good idea.

What to do and not do:

Normal traveling and sight-seeing are all fun and good. But do not attempt something extreme like tough hikes or mountain climbing and deep sea diving. Instead go to museums, visit the popular attractions of the place and try delicious cuisines. The change in the altitude caused by adventure sports such as scuba diving etc can cause vertigo. Avoid triggers that can cause a dizzy spell and check the medical facilities at the place you are traveling to.

Get a room on ground floor of the hotel and mention that while booking. Make sure there is nothing in your way to make you trip in the room. If there is, get it removed.

These are some simple ways to take care of your Vertigo while traveling and this condition shouldn’t stop you from taking a trip to your dream destination. As long as you are careful, you can enjoy completely and have a great vacation with no worries.

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