Category: Adventure

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Adventure Inspiration Travel Tips Travel Trends

Letter to Indian Parents: Let your daughters travel solo

goa travel

Dear Indian Parent,

We all know the bond Indian parents have with their kids. Moreover, the way they keep their child a part of the family even after he has become self-reliant and starts a family of his own. That bond between a parent and a child is incomprehensibly strong but the second you told your daughter that she couldn’t go on that weekend trip with her friends, you broke her heart.

We understand you are being protective. The world is a big harsh place but if you don’t let your child go out into the world, face those hardships, travel across borders and see the kindness of strangers, you will be robbing them of the simple joys of life.I understand your mentality of having your kid get good grades, join a stable job, start a family but

We understand your mentality of having your kid get good grades, join a stable job, start a family but traveling is not a ‘luxury’ for the rich like it was before. Now, it is a necessity for the wandering soul. Today, the youth is more curious and hates to be confined. You could see the wanderlust in your child’s eye when they mention some far off place. And you can see the sadness too when you shoot down their hopes at ever being there.

Today, technology had made it too easy to stay in touch and the internet has made it convenient to know all you can about the place you visit. So, even with all these precautions, if you don’t let the apple of your eye, get on a bus with a backpack and go seek out the greater perhaps, then what is the point of all those years of education and nourishment?

Humans weren’t meant for routine and staying at the same place. In the heart of every one is a little spark of passion towards seeing the whole world and its wonders. And life is the greatest teacher imaginable.

When you send your daughter to go see the world, she will come back a more compassionate, self-reliant and gentle soul than when she left. Despite all the fears of uncertainty that one is thrown in the midst of in the start, most of us, we make it in the end. We adapt and adjust. You pamper your kids, indulge their every wish, teach them to be fair, strong and kind but don’t allow them the freedom to ever be that. How can they be with you always behind them, supporting them when they fall, correcting them when they go wrong?

Some lessons, one needs to learn on his own. And the world is so wide, its secrets vast and beautiful. Don’t you wish to let your child witness all of it, before they go back to the mundane routine and stability which is a cage from which there is no escaping?

Being a travel blogger myself, this is the one question that I have come across a lot. I am an Indian. How do I persuade my parents to let me travel? Even self-reliant independent people have asked this question which makes me wonder, what keeps them from just walking out of their families and just doing what they want anyway?

Love and respect.

So, shouldn’t you consider their feelings as well? Yes, they will have to take on many responsibilities and be careful. There will be times when they struggle but in the end, they will come back with a smile on their faces and lots of experience tagging behind them. Even you would be amazed at the stories they will have and the transformation that would have occurred. They will become everything you wanted them to be, and more.

So the next time your child asks you, “Can I go on this trip?”

Say yes.

Happy Travelling

Ghoomophirosisters

 

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Adventure Corporate Outings South India

A Drive to Pearl Valley, the popular picnic spot

One of the best ways to explore Pearl Valley in Bangalore is by driving to this precious gem in your car or bike. You get to experience the world that surrounds it with its majestic scenic views. However for a road trip to Pearl Valley, you got to keep a few things in your mind and plan your itinerary accordingly.

First of all, plan things in advance so as to avoid last minute rush. This way you will not forget things essential to your trip and save your experience from ruining. Plan your trip on a good weather day so that you can save yourself from applying sunscreens. Otherwise, you can really have sun burns as the distance to Pearl Valley from Bangalore is quite long.

Leaving early in the morning for the trip is advisable. It will help you avoid unnecessary traffic that you anyway will face during the afternoon on the highway. So at least have a good congestion free start by kicking off your trip in the morning.

On the way, you will pass through one of the most popular temples—Meenaskhi temple. You can stop here for a while to experience the serene surroundings and to let yourself drown into the silence of the peace. You are likely to get confused if you are driving to Pearl Valley for the first time. It has a number of cross roads. However, you can ask for directions to any passerby as it is very famous. Everybody knows it in Bangalore.

On the way, you will be required to pay a toll to enter a barricade. It costs Rs 30/- only. Remember, this is not a toll to the government. For parking, you will have to pay Rs 10/-.

You will not spot any restaurant and hotel on the way. However, there is a number of them at Pearl Valley. There is a privately run KSTDC restaurant beside an array of some pretty good shops. It is advisable that you visit this place with your own food and drinks arrangements. You might not like the menu of the hotel. Some of them are bars and pretty expensive. So pack your food before you leave for this place.

Once you reach Pearl Valley you realize why it so famous amongst nature lovers. It is one of the most popular picnic spots for people in Bangalore. This beautiful getaway boasts a number of sparkling waterfalls. The most interesting part is that the water falling from the valley, when it is splashing down on the rocks, will look like pearls. This is why this place has got its name Pearl Valley.

This exotic picnic is around 5 km away from Anekal, South Taluk of Bangalore.

Tips while you are there

  • It would be a good trekking place for young and adventurous visitors. So do try trekking once you are at this place. You will find many visitors climbing down the hills through the rocks and shouting in joy although it’s a quiet and calm place.
  • You can find many monkeys around at Pearl Valley so be careful while you are having your lunch.

The Pearl Valley can be described as a paradise for people who are fond of exploring natural beauty.

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Adventure North India

Zanskar Valley, the remote corner of Ladakh is worth visiting for adventure lovers

Covering an area of 7,000 sq km and with a height that ranges between 3,500-7,000 meters, Zanskar is a semi-desert high-altitude tourist destination of Ladakh region. It mainly consists of the part that is situated along the rivers of Doda and Lungnak, the main tributaries of Zanskar River. Despite being one of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the valley has striking natural vistas.

Zanskar is bounded by the Himalayan Range in the southwest. That is why it is known as a ‘place wrapped with snow-clad peaks’. Though the place is known for trekking, rafting, and mountaineering, there are other tourist attractions too. Some of the famous attractions in Zanskar are Drang Drung Glacier, Phuktal Monastery, Zangla, Karsha Monastery, Zongkhul, Stongdey Monastery and Panikhar.

How to Reach

There is a weekly bus service that runs from Leh in Ladakh to Padum in Zanskar with a one night halt in Kargil. If seats are available, one can decide to travel to Zanskar valley in this bus. In the morning, buses commence from Kargil for Sankoo and Panikhar, villages in the Suru valley.

Nimu

Nimu, at an elevation of 3150 meters, is a village that is built along the bank of River Indus and is the end point of the river rafting activity in the Zanskar region and the beginning point of river rafting on the Indus River.

Drang Drung Glacier

The source of River Stod, the Drang Drung glacier, has an approximate length of 23 kilometers and an elevation of 4,780 meters. It is the largest glacier in the Ladakh- Zankskar region that is built near the Pensi La mountain pass.

Phuktal Monastery

Constructed by Gangsem Sherap Sampo in the 12th century, the Phugtal Monastery is one of the major tourist attractions in the Zanskar region because of its distinctive architectural work and construction. It has a library, prayer rooms and also houses 70 monks.

Zangla

A home to 150 lamas, the Zangla Monastery situated in the village of Tsa-zar near Zangla is famous for its collection of wall paintings. Further, Zangla is a prominent stopover on the Padum-Stongdey-Zangla-Karsha-Padum trip.

Zongkhul

The Zongkhul Monastery belongs to the Drugpa sect and was constructed by Naropa, who is believed to have meditated for 2 years at one of the caves in the monastery. It appears on the Padum-Kishtwar trek route and encompasses the great piece of artwork that belongs to the ancient age. It is home to 15 monks and has precious artifacts like the ivory image of Samvara, texts containing the spiritual songs, a crystal stupa, and thangkas. One of the murals of Zhadpa Dorje, which is 300-years-old, is quite splendid.

Stongdey Monastery

The Stongdey Monastery was constructed by Naropa’s disciple in the 11th century. It is 20 kilometers away from Padum and has over 60 monks. Further, it has seven temples that exhibit several artistic works. Nonetheless, the Gustor Festival, which is held in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar, is hosted in the Stongdey Monastery.

Panikhar

On the way to Zanskar from the Suru Valley, Panikhar is one of the most amazing inhabited areas in the Trans-Himalayan region. It is a refreshing stopover on the way to Padum. From the nearby Parkachik La one can enjoy the wide view of the glacier situated north face of the mighty Nun-Kun Mountain. Further, Panikhar is a hub for the trekkers and hosts a number of trekking routes.

Karsha monastery

The Karsha Monastery, which is also known as Karsha Chamspaling, was constructed by Phagspa Shesrab. The Karsha Monastery is the biggest and one of the most renowned pilgrimages in the Zanskar region that have ancient rock architectural works like the Avalokiteshvara temple, which widens the era of Rinchen Zangpo through its wall paintings. The monastery has a number of shrines and relics of Dorje Rinchen. It is also a resident to more than 100 monks. The area is also dotted with other monasteries like the Khagsar Monastery, Phagspa Monastery, and Purang Monastery.

Travel Tips

Zanskar remains cut off from rest of the world between November to May due to heavy snowfall and it is best visited between June to September when the road is free from snow.

On your excursion to Zanskar Valley, tourists could find accommodation along the way in campsites and homestays. Once you reach Kargil via Zozi La Pass, you could cover places such as the Kargil War Memorial at Drass and Tiger Hill View from a roadside Dhaba while relishing your lunch. While at Padum, you can cover places such as Sani, Stongdey and Karsha monasteries, Zang La Fort.

While at Zanskar Valley, spend the night by the river in the lap of the Greater Himalaya mountains and leave in the next morning.

The beauty of the Zanskar landscapes will change your definition of beautiful forever. It is an admired destination for the adventure lovers who board on to the adrenaline rushing journeys in trans-Himalayas every year.

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Adventure Inspiration Travel Trends wildlife

Naturalist- The New Scope to your Travel Career

Looking for some career options in travel industry? The first thing that may strike you will be a travel agent or an approved tour guide. To your surprise a lot of unconventional choices are becoming popular nowadays. One of them is a naturalist.

Read further to know more about it
Who is a Naturalist?
It is a stream of those people who share a common interest in nature and understand the world of plants, birds and animals and their interdependence. They travel to a region of rich flora and fauna, for example, National Parks or Sunderbans, study about them and introduce the naive to this world.

What do they do?
Though the core job of a naturalist may remain same, with experience and tenure their role keeps changing. Some of them are:

  • Taking students and tourists on nature trails.
  • Teaching others about the environment- its importance and steps how to protect it through seminars, discussions, and workshops.
  • Provide consulting services to government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
  • Studying and teaching about the climate change and weather patterns.
  • They take up projects that aim at protecting and preserving geographical areas such as forests, parks, rivers, and wetlands.

What are the Skills required to be a Naturalist?
There are a certain set of skills that are required to be a Naturalist. Some of the most important ones are:

  • Passion towards nature.
  • Ability to work long hours and stay in isolated locations.
  • A multilingual- especially if you know the local language.
  • A keen observant.
  • Some of the added advantage goes to those who know driving, storytelling, writing & photography.
  • Physically fit and active to explore the jungle.
  • Flexible to work with people from around the world.

How much do they earn?
The starting salary of a naturalist may vary between Rs 20,000 – 25,000, excluding accommodation and food. As compared to the corporate world, the growth and perks here are much less, but still, people opt for it. It is because not money but passion drives people towards this career. Aiming a life towards the betterment of environment and mankind is not a cup of tea for everyone. Those who do something exceptional or go out of their league in their field are accorded with TOFT Awards, as the Naturalist of the year.

Where all can they work?
A lot of resorts and lodges in jungles have their well-experienced team of naturalists. Wildlife agencies like WWF hire nature specialists on their different projects. Apart from that you can work with National Parks, forest departments and be a nature entrepreneur.

After a few years of learning and experience, you can even set up your own NGO and start training those who are new to this field.

Educational Requirements and Courses in India
To be a naturalist, one must pursue bachelor or master’s degree in any of the following field- environmental science, forestry, botany, outdoor recreation or similar fields. You can even opt for subjects like ornithology, plant taxonomy, and urban planning.
There is no specific course as a Naturalist, but some of the ones that can be beneficial are

  • Bombay Natural History Society
  • Nature Conservation Foundation
  • Nature Foundation India
  • Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History

So if you feel that nature inspires you, and travel is all that you aspire then this is something you can go for.

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Adventure

The spectacular Nelong Valley is another Ladakh for tourists

The one place in Uttarakhand that remains untouched from the interference of human race is Nelong Valley. Also known as the Leh-Ladakh of Uttarakhand, the place is located near the Indian China border and offers some of the best picturesque visuals to the beauty seeking tourists. Due to the heavy segregation, the place looks more like a desert and while it must be brimming with the chaos of the tourists, it remains silent for the most part of the year.

How to reach

The nearest airport to the valley is Jolley Grant airport which happens to be located at about a distance of 380 kilometres from the valley and you then have to take a bus or hire a taxi that will bring you here in about 5 hours. The place is well connected by roads to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradoon. So travelling to the valley shall not be difficult.

About the place

The virgin natural beauty of the place has compelled more and more tourists to come visit the place and as a result, the tourism has begun to rise in the beautiful valley. Located at an altitude of about 11,000 feet above the sea level, the valley looks like a snow desert, much like Leh Ladakh. And as a result, Nelong valley is slowly becoming to be the best alternative for the tourists looking to visit the hard and unbearably cold terrains of Leh Ladakh.

Along with the charming landscapes, with the pure natural beauty all around, the valley also houses some of the rarest and exquisite wild animals such as snow leopard, the musk deer, and Himalayan blue deer. The lucky tourists can easily get a glimpse of these animals every now and then, in case they pay proper attention to the surroundings.

Road trips are quite popular to the valley, much like the Leh Ladakh trips that the youngsters have become accustomed to. The recommended period to stay in the place is about a day as in that time, you would see almost everything the valley has to offer in terms of the snow capped mountain peaks, delicious flora and fauna, the wilderness in their pure natural habitat among other things.

Best time to visit

Winters are the worst time to come to the place, so the tourism board of the state recommends that the place must only be visited only between the months of May-November. Although, being a politically significant place, the government has allowed only a limited number of vehicles to enter the valley.

Travel tips

-The tourists can not bring their personal vehicles inside the valley. The forest vehicles, total six in numbers will bring you here.

-The valley is available for the sightseeing by the Indian tourists exclusively, due to its closeness with the Indo-China border.

The tourists will need to go through a fitness test before entering the valley.

The strict laws imposed by the government are one of the main reasons for the place being deserted to a large extent. But despite all that, the place remains as beautiful as a place can be and the increasing number of tourists per year is quite hopeful.

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Adventure Corporate Outings Rejoice Western Ghats

Places where you can indulge in team sports in Pune

To discover an enthralling paradise and a peaceful retreat with your team, Pune is one of the best highlights. It lets you indulge in a lot of adventurous activities and enriching moments. So why wait? Take a day or two away from work and head off from Pune to taste some fun. Below are some of the things you can do in Pune as a team.

Corporate Day Outing and Team Building activities near Pune

The day begins with your arrival at Golewadi at around 10.30 am. The much-needed break from corporate life begins here. Following, allocation into smaller groups, engage in Raft Building and compete with your opponents.

Embark on the breathtaking river-crossing at the Dhom Dam, and indulge in a delicious lunch for a change.

Participate in team building activities like Australian Plank, Egyptian Walk, Bomb in the City, Caterpillar Walk, and 3D Pool with colleagues for enriching moments.

Kamath Residency Resort- Located right next to the very famous Alibaug beach, the resort is a pure fun place to hang out with your office mates. Raigad fort is also quite nearby to serve the history enthusiasts quite well. There are a few beaches around the place and a lot of other places which can prove to be great for some refreshments and sightseeing. This retreat offers the much-required change for the corporate team with a host of activities such as white water river-rafting on the River Kolad, It offers adventure activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, rappelling, rifle shooting, water sports and sightseeing for guests.

Della Resorts- Situated in Lonavala, a great picturesque location and one of the most important tourist attractions in the state, Della resorts is another superb place to satisfy your cravings for some unadulterated fun. There are more than 100 adventurous and fun activities which can be performed in groups. A restaurant, a coffee shop and other symbols of convenience are also there. Its an iconic place to bond with your colleagues over several adventure games be it on land, water or in the air. Chase adventure sports activities like zorbing , ziplining, bungee jumping, treasure hunt, and keep the fun going with several rides that will blow your mind away. The Della Adventure Resort is unquestionably one of the best resorts for the corporate outing in Pune.

Empower camp- Kolad has this wonderful camp where office and the college groups can be seen crowding the place almost all the time. The place is located at a very short distance from Mumbai and Pune and a great place to release the clustered stress due to the insane working hours. Sumptuous Buffet meals are just add ons to the services that are made available for the visitors. The camp is the perfect option to immerse in unlimited fun, thrill, and enthusiasm with activities like raft building and rafting.

Water Rappelling and Trekking in Lonavala- One other super fun activity that could be done in Lonavala is the trekking and waterfall rappelling. The trek will begin at 9 in the morning and will take you through some great locations and adventurous spot to tickle the risky bones inside you. Lonavala is one of the most picturesque hill stations in the entire country and trekking in here is a mind blowing experience. The waterfalls which cascade down the ridges of Sahyadri Ranges offer charming views of the valley below. One can indulge in climbing up the forest trails and rappel down with a harness through the refreshing falls.

Adventure Plus- One of the most popular spots for team outings near Pune and the biggest adventure camp in the entire country, the Adventure plus is the perfect place to spend a good day at. Very nice accommodations are provided to the visitors and a host of services along with the great visuals is the highlight of this wonderful camp. The site offers numerous water activities right from Hydro Bike rides, Kayaking, Paddle Boating, Paddle Caddie, Water Ball to water inflatable sports. Air based activities comprise aero modelling and zip lining. Group activities comprise army obstacle course, excursions, forest walk, paintball and treasure hunt.

Tapola River Camp- Also known as Mini Kashmir, the Tapola river camp is located near the great tourist destination Mahabaleshwar. The comfort and enjoyment factor is quite high in this one and it offers some great fun activities to do in teams. The madness and stress from the tiring work routine takes a backseat here as the groups enjoy themselves to their fullest.

Water scooter rides, kayaking or swimming, you can enjoy a horde of activities as you soak in the natural beauty of the region. In addition, there are several tourist destinations in the vicinity of the resort which are perfect for sightseeing and trekking trips. The adventure begins here at Tapola. It serves as the base camp for several trekking trails.

Team outings are important on so many levels. For one, they give a chance to the employees to connect on a wider level outside their small offices. Also, the productivity increases as the manpower goes to spend some quality times in the arms of nature.

 

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Adventure Asia Rejuvenate

Bandung-The perfect love for nature starts here

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. The city is nicknamed as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have flowers in abundance. Visitors can take a flight to Bandung from the major cities of Indonesia and can get to Bandung by plane through Bandung Husein Sastranegara Airport.

All full of the volcanoes and the craters formed due to the years of existence, the Bandung city is a bittersweet mixture. The other side of the city belongs to the wildly beautiful green landscapes, the tea plantations, and the beautiful people all around. The city is known locally to be among the most beautiful cities in the country along with being known as the third largest city in Indonesia. The people here are all cultured and elegant. Winters are especially suitable to visit the place. The chilly wind will give you goosebumps as you move forward to explore more of the city with your naked eyes.

Here are some reasons why one must never miss a trip to the place whenever they can-

Have a walk into the live crater- This experience is something really uncalled for, but once you have it, you feel the electricity running through your nerves. Tankuban Perahu is the name of the volcano located at closer to the city of Bandung. Up on the crater, there are ample stores where you can buy the artifacts to make the journey more memorable. The white smoke constantly erupting out of it may be frightening to you but also is a fascinating feeling. Don’t miss that at any cost!

See Dusun Bambu- The very relaxing park at the feet of the mountain is a very happy go lucky kind of place. The picturesque valleys around the park compel you to just lie down and stare at them for hours. And if the soft music is on, you want nothing else. The valleys all around echo peace and tranquillity and this must be the last place before you take off from the city.

Food at the Peak- This one restaurant is the most famous one in the city and the most favorite one of the tourists. All the national cuisines along with the popular international ones are served here in all their deliciousness. The live bands play music as you sit in the beautifully lit place along with your loved ones enjoying the fascinating food and drinks.

Witness the Saung Angklung Udjo show- The happiest place in the entire city is this! The Angklung is a local musical instrument made of bamboo and produces some great sounds which are enchanting and seductive for the ones listening to them for the first time. The music show takes place almost every day and everyone should visit it once at-least.

Kawah Putih- Literally translated as White Crater, Kawah Putih is one of the most interesting things about the city that may be the sole reason to visit the place. The land engulfed in whiteness is surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes and opens all the senses. From the beautiful lake to the photogenic trees surrounding the area, the place is just perfect.

These are enough reasons to give the Indonesian city of Bandung a try. Indonesia may not be a very popular destination at present, but the land of volcanoes is still one of the most photogenic Asian countries to not miss.

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Adventure North India Treks

A Snowy adventure trek to Kedarkantha

As winter takes it full form in the Himalayas, it opens its gateway for the adventure seekers to the Kedarkantha Trek. This trek is especially meant to be experienced during winters when the meadow is completely under the blanket of snow. The trek lies in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

The Trek

Day 1
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri that goes via Mussoorie, Barkot, Purola, Mori, Netwar along the Tons river. Once you reach the campsite, set your camps to stay overnight. The campsite is surrounded by lofty snow peaks and is a perfect space for bird watching.

Day 2
Resume your journey next day for a destination known as Juda Ka Talab. The picturesque place is surrounded by huge pine trees and provides beautiful views of snow clad peaks right in front of you from the camp.

Day 3
The day three is a trek to Kedarkantha Peak base, which takes approximately 4 hours to reach. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beauty of nature in its full form.

Day 4
Gear up in full form for the next day as it is going to be a long day trek up to the summit of Kedarkantha peak.  The same day you can come back to the base camp. On your way back from Kedarkantha to Sankri, follow the route via Hargaon.

Difficulty level of trek

As compared to other snow treks, Kedarkantha trek is one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas to explore under the blanket of snow. This could be your first snow trek. The duration of the trek is less, but the altitude goes above 2000ft every day you trek.

Who can all go for this trek?

Anyone who is above the age of 7 and is physically fit can go for this trek. Make sure to start working out on regular basis 2 months prior to the trek.  As most of the trek is a steep climb, start preparing by climbing flights of stairs or jogging about 4 km every day.

Best time to go for trek

The best time to go for the trek is during winters. Here, the snow starts in the middle of December and stays until the third week of April. So it is ideally the best time to go on a snow trek.

Risks/ Precautions/Tips

Like any other trek, Kedarkantha trek also demands precautions as there are the number of risks involved.

1. The temperature ideally falls below zero, so it is advised to carry more minus degree clothes
2.  Starting from soil to snow with micro spikes, it might take time for one to get used to it.
3. Temperate at night falls below -7 degree and so there are chances of hypothermia. Prevent it by wearing dry clothes especially before going to sleep.
4. Start working out regularly at least two months before the trek.
5. Purola and Sankri have last mobile connectivity and ATM point. So make sure to make all important calls before you proceed.

Categories
Adventure Central India

The Haunted ruins of Kuldhara

Rajasthan has a dual nature, you fall in love with it and it can also scare you to death. There are countless places of pure manmade and natural beauty over here and there are plenty of haunted places to stay away from. Bhangarh and Kuldhara are two places famous in all over the world and acts as magnets for the seekers of supernatural experiences. Kuldhara, specifically is known for some scary stories that have been told and retold again and again to the point that it all feels so real.

And even if the stories aren’t enough to scare the hell out of you, there is this thing that the entire village is haunted. Not like other places in the country such as Bhaangarh fort. The ruin in the village reeks of horror and it feels like a ghost is just there staring at you right in the eyes. Literally anytime in a year is good to visit the place but the summers are considered the best. As the sun shines at its very best, the walk into the ruins of the place is made way more expressive. However, if you are one of thoghostbusterter types, the foggy nights in winter will give you the best horror experience of your life.

A 20-kilometre drive to the west of Jaisalmer city with brings you here. Located in the desert, this little village got abandoned by its inhabitants decades ago. But it wasn’t always this way. It used to be a quite happy and prosperous village that was flourishing under the Jaisalmer state. All that was some 300 years ago. The dreaded prime minister of the state Salim Singh had bad intentions for the daughter of the village head and he wanted her to be his wife. Under pressure, the villagers refused to give their daughter and decided to desert the village. Although, before leaving the village, they gave the village a curse that nobody will ever be able to inhabit the place. The legends say that since then whoever tried to stay here intentionally or unintentionally gets haunted by the evil spirits. Overtime, people have made their pact with the fact that this place can never become habitable.

The first monument you witness upon entering the town is a barren place. The remains of the building reek of years of suffering from the changing seasons, rains and desert storms. The place however is a protected area and is maintained this way by the Archaeological survey of India. After collecting the ticket to enter, we fall upon the village which sure looks like it must be full of life once. But now it all looks straight out of a post apocalyptic movie. The roofless walls, the rotten streets and rows of mud all tell a sad story. The story of the people who must have this place as their home and the dreaded reason they left this place for, it all seems so depressing.

There is a place right in the middle of the village which looks like a house. Although most of it has been ruined, still there is pretty much of it that is left intact. There are few rooms with broken furniture, scary walls and everything else that makes you feel the presence of something supernatural. The roof is still intact and gives a great glimpse of the entire village. Although it did seem all scary to us, somehow, the village was accepting us. Maybe the nights would be scarier, but we didn’t wait for it and left.


All these experiences do make us realise that there are some outward forces in the midst of us. These haunted places are a great way to experience the complicated phenomenon that human existence is.

Categories
Adventure Festival North India Spiritual Hubs

One of the wealthiest Tibetan monastery – Hemis Monastery

The Hemis monastery is one of the wealthiest Tibetan monastery located 45km away from the Leh in Hemis, right on the bank of river Indus. The monastery has been dedicated to the prestigious Dugpa Kargyutpa order and is built surrounded by some of the most beautiful visuals in the entire country. The monastery is also ones of the oldest one founded in the year 1630 by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa, Nawang Gyatso.

The place is religious primarily, but from a tourist’s point of view, the place has to offer much more. Set amidst the enchanting greenery in the arms of the Himalayan range, the monastery has more than 200 branches, where about 1000 monks pray and live in peace. The richest and wealthiest monastery in India is the Hemis monastery of Jammu.

How to Reach

The monastery is about 45km away from the Leh in the south direction. By road, the visitors can opt for taxis, buses and one can travel through their own vehicle.

It is advisable to keep map while traveling to this place as the route is confusing. By air, flights run on the daily basis from Delhi to Srinagar from where Zoji-la pass road connects to Leh. Interestingly, for those who want to seek some adventure, they can reach the Leh by cycle with a large group of friends through highways.

The monastery is surrounded by majestic mountainous region and is well connected to motorable roads. The bike rides to the monastery are a common sight and one of the most memorable ones at that.

The monks here believe in living the life of grandeur and there is no dearth of necessities being provided to them.

Sightseeing

Impressive and intriguing, the sprawling complex of the monastery is segregated into two parts – the Tshongkhang and the Dukhang. As you take a walk along the corridors, the vividly painted corridors depicting the stories of the Kalachakra and the Lords of the Four Quarters are delight to watch.

The Hemis Monastery is the biggest and the richest in the Ladakh region and it is much evident in the eye-catching gold statues adorning the stupas, embedded with precious stones. The Hemis Monastery also has an interesting library that hosts that an inspiring collection of Tibetan books, relics, manuscripts and more.

You can also find an extensive museum inside the monastery, a little place that documents the history of the Gompa and has some very precious religious treasures. Do not miss the souvenir shop where you can buy curios.

The Hemis Festival

The famous Hemis festival shouldn’t be missed at any cost.  It is celebrated on every 10th day of lunar according to their calendar. The festival is celebrated annually somewhere near the end of June or early July. The monks perform the Chham dance wearing heavy brocade gowns and masks which are a visual treat to the observers. This dance depicts the victory of good over evil.

The festival lasts for 3 days in the month of June.

The monastery provides a great place to stay for the tourists who intend to spend the nights here. The food and butter tea provided by the monks to the tourists are in the house.

Food

Hemis shares cuisine varieties with Leh. Do not miss the different styles of cuisine including the thukpa (thick soup with vegetables), Pava which is made of sattu) ,  khambir and tasty sandwiches prepared with apricot jam.

Here are a few best restaurants to explore while you are here.

  1. Bon Appetit, Leh, Ladakh
  2. Lamayuru Restaurant(Indian Restaurant)
  3. The Nook
  4. Tibetian Kitchen
  5. The Zen Hotel Leh Ladakh

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Leh is the ‘season’ time starting from June, and this is also the time when the Hemis Festival is held. It’s an ideal time to visit as one can cherish the clear skies and take delight in the mountains sparkling in the sun.

Important details you need to know

The Monastery can be visited from 8 AM onwards and it is open every day for the visitors. There is no entry fee for visiting the monastery, but to visit the museum, you will need to buy tickets.

Places to stay in Hemis Monastery

The monastery provides a great place to stay for the tourists who intend to spend the nights here. However, if you do not want to stay in the monastery, there are other resorts and hotels to stay near Hemis Monastery.

Some of the best options to stay are Ratna Hotel Ladakh, Hotel Shangrila, Hotel Royal Palace, Hotel Ladakh Imperial and Hotel Cho Palace.

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