Category: North India

Categories
North India

Ten Places in Kashmir No One Should Miss

Places to visit in kashmir

Kashmir has been called the paradise on Earth. And the title is very well-deserved given the pristine beauty of its natural surroundings and panoramic views from its mountains. One can stand anywhere outdoors in Kashmir and enjoy the mind-blowing views. Thus, the delights that Kashmir has to offer are not limited to a few places. Yet, even though Kashmir is beautiful everywhere, it is especially beautiful in some places. These places that manage to stand out even in a paradise should be a must-visit for everyone. And this article will discuss them.

Let us get started:

1. Dal Lake

The first and perhaps the most place in any list of must-see places in Kashmir is the glorious Dal Lake of Srinagar. Once the capital of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar sits on the banks of the Jhelum River that flows here in all its magnificence. It is wonderful to merely exist here but the biggest delight of Srinagar is in its world-famous Shikaras and houseboats at Dal Lake, which has been rightly nicknamed ‘the jewel of Kashmir’. Dal Lake! It is a lake so beautiful that one fails to believe in its existence even as one sees it. To anyone who has not experienced itself, its incredible beauty would just sound like the stuff of fantasy. The colorful shikaras stand on its shores like so many cherries on a picture-perfect cake.

2. Shalimar Garden and other Mughal Gardens

Srinagar is also home to the next must-see place in Kashmir – the legendary Mughal gardens. The world-renowned writer repeatedly sings praises of Kasmir including in his magnum opus Midnight’s Children. One of his lesser works is named after the famous Shalimar Bagh or Shalimar Gardens.

The word ‘Shalimar’ has several meanings depending on the source of the word which remains debatable – it may mean ‘Abode of lover’, ‘beautiful’, or ‘moonlight’. All these meanings hold to the Shalimar Gardens. The 400-year-old garden was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan. Nicknames ‘crown of Srinagar’, overlooks the jewelry Dal Lake.

Shalimar is only one of the several Mughal gardens that make a part of the charm of Kashmir. Some other parks include Nishat Bagh and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden.

3. Gulmarg

The next-must-see place in Kashmir, Gulmarg is named by combining two words – ‘Gul’ means flower and ‘Marg’ means paths, thus Gulmarg means a path of a meadow of flowers and that is exactly what it is. Along with Dal Lake, the sight of these colorful flowers smiling with the majestic Himalayas in their backdrop might be exactly what seems to inspire so many artists and poets to write about the beauty of Kashmir.

Gulmarg’s beauty is not entirely floral though. No wildlife enthusiast can miss a chance to visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. Some other attractions include Gondola rides, mountain biking opportunities, Alpather Lake, and Strawberry Valley which we discuss next.

4. Strawberry valley

The lush red color of strawberries seems to make them the sexist of all food items. Thus a walk in a valley full of strawberries might just be the perfect element of romance. That is what the strawberry of Gulmarg offers. You might also want to take a look at the best places to visit in Coimbatore here!

5. Dachigam National Park

Wildlife enthusiasts will love a chance of spotting the endangered Kashmir Stag in the next must-see place in Kashmir – Dachigam National Park. The area of the park has been preserved for over 110 years now, being declared a protected area since 1910. Black bears, musk deer, langurs, etc., not to mention several species of birds make the National Park a perfect spot for trekking, Jeep Safari, or a bird-watching tour.

4. Sonamarg

After the meadow of flowers, the next must-see place in Kashmir is Sonmarg or the meadow of gold. This meadow is filled fully with several trekking opportunities besides serving to offer a spectacular view of mountains and waterfalls.

5. Vaishno Devi Mandir

No list of must-see places in Kashmir will be complete without Vaishno Devi Mandir, one of the greatest and most glorious temples of Hinduism. This temple dedicated to Vaishno Devi, a form of mother-goddess Durga Mata, is a magnet for Hindu pilgrims around the year despite the 13-kilometer upward climb it requires to reach the temple. The walk to a temple can be a great hiking experience especially since the trek has several shops alongside it offering snacks and refreshments.

6. Amarnath

Bring the end of this list of must-see places in Kashmir is the famous Amarnath Shrine. A cave at a height of 3800 feet above the ground, this shrine is in a snow-clad area and remains open only for a few months of the year. The Shiva lingam in the cave, so the legend goes is created naturally of water drops that drop and freeze here in the form of the Lingham.

You might also want to take a dip in Amravati along the way and check the place of its confluence with Patjarni.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are several questions people ask that relate to the tourist attractions in Kashmir. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) on this subject:

Question: Where and what to shop in Kashmir?

Answer: Srinagar is the best place to go shopping in Kashmir. Some of the things to buy here include the iconic Kashmiri shawls and Kashmiri apples as well as fragrant local spices and artifacts.

Question: How to reach Kashmir?

Answer: Kashmir is well-connected to the rest of the country by air, rail, and road. Srinagar Airport connects it to all major cities of the country. Jammu Tawi Railway station is the nearest railway station from where one can use road transportation. National Highway 1 provides road connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country.

If the reader has any other questions, they should feel free to ask them in the comments below.

The Bottom Line

One can easily wrap up the above discussion by concluding that Kashmir try is a paradise on earth and these places make the paradise picture-perfect.

Categories
Himalayas North India

A delightful day in Landour

Landour, the small town located at a distance of mere 5 kilometers from Mussoorie and yet a whole world apart has repeatedly attracted us to its mesmerizing mountains and architecture which leaves nostalgia for the British era as one rams its streets.

During our last trip to Landour, we had planned a day full of mostly lazying about in the mesmerizing beauty of this town together with its twin-town Mussoorie has earned the title of ‘Queen of Hills’. We had already visited its some of its most important landmarks such as Sister’s Bazaar, St. Paul’s Church, etc; the eating points such as Chaar Dukan, Lal Teeba Coffe Point – both highly recommended as well as nearby landmarks such as Dhanaultri and Sukanda Temple; even had a chance to shake hands with one and only Ruskin Bond.

Although we had just planned a lazy holiday, the beautiful memories lived in these places might have tempted us to visit those places again if only it was not for the hotel we hade chose to stay at this time. For we had chosen to stay in Rokeby Manor this time. This heritage home that was built as far back as 1840 is one of the best hotels we have come across in the Himalayas.

Though its architecture that reminds one of the times of British Raj has been kept in its old-style – much like most of the buildings in Landour, it avails all the facilities that you can expect from a most modern hotel – flat tv screens with cable, wi-fi access, in-room dining, 24×7 open front desk, etc. They even avail bikes and scooters for exploring Landour, not that we took them – preferring walking instead.

The rooms of Rokeby Manor are spacious, well ventilated and maintain the same British Raj style interiors. The staff really friendly, hospitable and well informed with all the details a tourist might be interested in. The food here is incredible – in fact, the best we have come across in Mussoorie and Landour region. They have a café here and though we had our breakfast within our rooms. The first thing we did just after checking in was getting a massage. Our bodies exhausted from long journey welcomed the soothing hands of therapists with all delights.

We spent the afternoon exploring the streets of Landour and enjoying the simple pleasure one can get out of walking in them instead of committing ourselves to visit the old tourist spots this time.

We were back in Manor as we had already planned our evenings. After spending some time gazing at enchanting ‘The Tea Garden’ of Manor, we moved to the next item – watching the mesmerizing the sunset of Landour in Jacuzzi hot bath provided by Rokeby Manor. It was an experience of inexplicable delights to be in a hot bath amid the cool hills of Landour and watch the sunset.

We returned from the trip fully relaxed by this holiday and also full of memories. J

Categories
Corporate Outings North India

Top 5 things to do in Dehradun   

A classic and iconic holiday destination in Uttarakhand, the cozy and scenic hill town of Dehradun boasts breathtaking beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. Sitting at an altitude of 1400 feet, the town offers panoramic views, 365-days of perfect alpine weather, and natural wonders.

Traveling to Dehradun

The city of Dehradun is well-connected to major towns and cities in northern India by railways, airways, and roads. But the best experience comes from a road trip. Even the journey to Dehradun is equally fascinating, with roads passing through quaint villages and towns surrounded by forests and hilly areas along the way. The nearest metro city is Delhi, at 283 KM and takes about six hours to reach. You can easily book a top-rated and licensed Delhi to Dehradun cab for your one-way or round trip travel. Alternatively, you can also book tour packages which will cover your travel and local sightseeing tours. If you are traveling exclusively for treks, you should sign up with local adventure groups and the get the best deals on tours.

The best of Dehradun

Whether you are visiting Dehradun for the first time or returning to rediscover its beauty, here are a few things you would not want to miss.

Explore the Robber’s Cave

At about 8KM from the main town, near the Dehradun Clocktower, you will find this naturally-formed caves enveloped by mountains and streams. Locally called Gucchupani, It is technically an enclave of crags and hills with a mountain stream running through. The 600-meter-long passage has two parts. A locally popular picnic spot, Robber’s Cave and its surroundings is a great place to walk around and explore the wilderness. You can trek for a few kilometers and reach the surreal spot, where a mountain stream flows into an underpass and disappears, only to reappear a few yards ahead. Or you can explore the ruined fort, which sits centrally in the cave.

If you walk further into the forests nearby, you will reach the Malsi Deer Park. A reserve forest, it is a habitat of spotted deer and antelopes, which you might be able to spot in the warmer months.

Seek serenity at the Mindrolling Monastery

At about 7KM from Dehradun town, you will find the largest Buddhist vihara (learning center) of India. The Mindrolling Monastery is home to a huge school of monks, preachers, and Buddhist masters, who conduct religious discourses, ceremonies, and training. The monastery is also known for its impeccable architecture, designed in Zen style. The interiors portray wall paintings, narrating stories of Buddha and his journeys. Surrounded by greenery and mountain views, the monastery is the most tranquil corner of Dehradun and offers the perfect place for peaceful introspection.

Take a jungle safari

The forests of Dehradun is home to a huge population of wildlife and lets you enjoy a tryst with the wild side of nature. You can opt for a stay at places like the Tiger View Jungle Camp, known for wildlife spotting and camping. It is located about 10 KM from the town, in a secluded village called Goolar Kalla. The camp organizes jungle safaris, wherein you can spot tigers, leopards, Himalayan bears, among other endangered species. You can also go for birding tours in the late winter months when migratory birds flock from colder northern locales.

Get some thrill with trekking

Dehradun serves as the base for several exciting treks around the Garhwal Himalayas. Ranging from easy to highly difficult, these trek routes pass through various terrains, offering endless views of snowy mountains, grassy meadows, blooming valleys, alpine pastures, and sleepy villages in between. Har Ki Dun, Roopkund, Valley of flowers, Nag Tibba, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh, etc. are some of the most popular treks conducted from Dehradun. The best time to explore these trek routes is between June and December. For more adventure and professional level expeditions, sign up for treks through the Bali Pass, which connects Har Ki Dun Valley and Yamunotri Glacier, or the snow trek to the Kuari Pass, which happens only in the peak winters.

Spend a day in Mussoorie

A trip to Dehradun is incomplete without paying a visit to its sister-town Mussoorie. Sitting at a stone-throw distance from Dehradun, the quieter settlement of Mussoorie makes you travel back in time and makes for a great day trip. You can book a reliable and comfortable Dehradun cab service and easily reach Mussoorie is less than an hour. The mansion of Sir George Everest, Kempty and Bhatta Falls, Christ Church, and Mussoorie Lake are some of the iconic sites you cannot miss in the town. Don’t forget to stop by the 100-year old bakery in Landour.

With traces of a long-lost colonial vibe, exotic flora and fauna, and endless opportunities for the adventurous soul, the capital city of Uttarakhand will make you want to lose yourself in its dreamy atmosphere and never wake up.

Categories
Adventure Group Travel Himalayas North India Relax Solo Women Travel

5 Must see destinations in North India

North India is one of the most gifted lands when it comes to natural beauty – whether it be in its beautiful Himalayas offering Panoramic views or historical cities like Delhi or Agra. Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mussoorie, Chandigarh, Jammu, Nainital, Ladakh, Dehra-dun, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Mohali, Amritsar, etc the list goes on and on. Today, we will bring you a list of 5 must-see destinations in North India.:

1.    Mussoorie

Aptly dubbed as the Queen of hills, Mussoorie is the first destination in our list of 5 must-see destinations in North India. It might as well be called the travel capital on North India for it is a favorite tourist spot for people of Delhi, Chandigarh, NOIDA, etc looking for a hills station getaway for a weekend. The Kempty falls of Mussoorie is a really fun picnic spot if you are traveling with family or friends. The spirituality important Jawalaji temple of great spiritual importance for Hindus is not much far. You can do your shopping at Mall road and the best of it all is that you can do all this and much more within two or three days and still be back home in time to find enough rest before you start on your next week.

How to reach Mussoorie?

Mussoorie is connected by roadway to Delhi via Saharanpur-Delhi road – a distance of only two hundred and ninety kilometers from Delhi. The nearest railway station and airport though both at Dehra-dun from where you will have to get a taxi or a bus to Mussoorie – a bus leaves for Mussoorie every hour or two.

2.    Chandigarh

Next, in our list of 5 must-see places in North India is Chandigarh. A union territory and a capital of two states, Chandigarh is one of the few planned cities of the country and one of the cleanest. Thus it is no surprise that it is one of the most favored destinations in Western India. The Rose Garden,  Sukhna Lake are some of the major tourist attraction but its strength lies in its markets (especially popular is the market in Sector-17). Being the educational capital of Punjab and Haryana, It has developed a very active nightlife too.

How to reach Chandigarh?

National Highway 1 connects Chandigarh to New Delhi. The green city is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities in the region.

3.    New Delhi

How can the capital of the country be left out of our list of 5 must-see places in North India? New Delhi has a rich history and thus have many historical landmarks – Qutub Minar, Lal Kila, India Gate, Jama Masjid to name just a few and there are several museums making it a great destination if you are interested in country’s rich history. In case you are out for fun and partying, its pubs and nightclubs ensure a rich a nightlife.  The street food here offers a great variety and is a tourist magnet in itself. And there are different markets selling almost everything on the planet and catering to consumers of different budgets.

How to reach Delhi?

Delhi’s international airport connects it to the rest of the world. It also has brilliant road and rail connectivity to the major cities of both North and South India

4.    Jaipur

It seems preposterous not to include at least one of the amazing array of tourist destinations of the Rajput state of Rajasthan in our list of 5 must-see places in North India. And the city to get this credit is Jaipur. Dubbed as the pink city, Jaipur deserves the honor. Its popularity is owed mostly to its forts and historical sites – Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal,  Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort to name only a few as well as to the friendly people who live here. One also gets a chance to enjoy the delicious street food and you can get photographed in traditional Rajasthani dresses. You can also buy locally handcrafted goods as souvenirs.

How to reach Jaipur?

In terms of convenience, nothing beats traveling by road – by bus. Sanganer airport that is only 12 kilometers away handles both local and international flights. However, we highly recommend trying a ride on Palace on Wheels at least once if you can.

5.    Agra

Any list of 5 must-see places in North India would be incomplete without a mention of Agra – the city that is home to one of the seven wonders of the world – Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory and love for his deceased and beloved wife Nur Jahan. It is a stunning wonder in marble which is said to be the result of the labor of over twenty thousand masons, jewelers, workers, artists, etc whose hands, so the local legend tells us, were ordered to be cut off Shah Jahan after the construction was complete. The city is thus a magnet for romantic and honeymoon tourism among both local and international tourists.

How to reach Agra?

Agra’s airport hs flights to and from New Delhi. By railways, it is connected with major cities throughout the country while by road it is well connected to the surrounding region including Delhi.

Conclusion

How did you like this list? What places will make it to your list of 5 must-see places in North India? Do write to us in comments below. 🙂

Categories
Architectural North India

How beautiful Jaisalmer looks in Monsoon

Rajasthan is home to a number of amazing tourist spots whether it be Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc. The city under the spotlight is Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer is situated in the deep west, just a little away from India-Pakistan border. This remote city has won the title of the ‘Golden city’ on the back of its majestic beauty.

Best time to visit Jaisalmer

Let us get it out and clear that the worst time to visit the desert state is summer season – that is from April to August.  This is too hot especially in afternoons and temperatures rise up to 42 degrees – your experience will be spoiled by the heat. This, however, is the best time for budget travels.

Jaisalmer’s tourism peak season falls in the winter season that is months from November to March. In terms of climate, it is the best place to visit Jaisalmer – the nights are even cold while even during day time you can travel around with convenience. This, however, can also be a quite expensive time to visit the state.

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is thus the monsoon season that is September to October – especially the month of October. Despite this period being named monsoon, the desert city receives very little rainfall which might even increase humidity a little. But by October, the climate has grown pleasant and you can still get off-season benefits. The temperature remains bearable not rising above 37 degrees most of the days making it easy to travel.

How to reach Jaisalmer

Once you are in Jodhpur (230 kilometers from Jaisalmer) or Jaipur (560 kilometers from Jaisalmer), you can take a bus to Jaisalmer.

Best things to do in Jaisalmer

The city is full of temples, forts, lakes … Even a ghost town. Here we bring you a list of its top attractions. :

1 Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort seems very much abandoned by the government. There are no guards that guard it and no fixed hours during which to visit it. Besides marveling at its architectural splendor, you can shop for your souvenirs in shops in the fort, eat at local restaurants, drink coffee and at easy to find cafes.

The fort also has a brilliant Jain Temple which is really beautiful and a sight worth seeing in itself.

2. Bada Bagh

Figuratively ‘big garden’, the Bada Bagh is a cemetery with a number of cenotaphs built in here. This tranquil place can be visited for a fee of hundred rupees

3. Gadi Sagar Lake

The beautiful lakes have a same somewhat abandoned look as the fort but it is still a splendid sight. Beautiful temples sit on it appearing to be almost floating.

4. Haveli Hunting

Jaisalmer is known for its Havelis – traditional Rajasthani styled Mansions where very rich people live. We recommend exploring at least a couple of them.

5.  Camel Safari in the Sand Dunes

There is no point of being in Rajasthan unless you have had a Camel Safari. Jaisalmer offers you this option at several places and the sand dunes in and surrounding the city offer the perfect place to go on a camel ride. They last from a few hours to several days – we recommend going for shorter ones unless you are sure of yourself for reason of weather conditions.

6.  Try the traditional Rajasthani dresses

Another must-do when in Rajasthan is to wear Rajasthan dresses and get photographed wearing them. It is one of the most fun things to do in Jaisalmer.

Conclusion

This is all from us today. We hope you will consider visiting Jaisalmer this monsoon. 🙂

Categories
Culture North India Spiritual Hubs

Everything you would want to know about Vaishnodevi !!

Maa Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most important of several manifestations of Adi Shakti. Its temple in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is of great spiritual importance to Hindus. In December last year, we Ghoomophiro sisters decided to go on a pilgrimage and have Darshana (that is enjoying the privileged sight of), Vaishno Devi. Here we bring you an account of our journey along with all the details you will need to smoothen up your travel plans if you, too, intend to visit this glorious temple.

The location of the temple

Mata Vaishno Devi temple is located at a height of 1,560 m above sea level in Himalaya’s Trikuta hills in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The nearest town to the temple is Katra which is in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir State.

What is the best time to visit Maa Vaishno Devi temple?

The Maa Vaishno Devi temple is opened throughout the year and meteorologically speaking the best time to visit is Summer (when the region offers a cool break from the heat of summers) and, in case you wish to enjoy the snow, around the new year. However, the temple is immensely popular among the North Indians and these are also times when the temple is too crowded and you might be asked to wait and this wait has been know to go up to 20 hours. This is because the capacity permitted for yatra is 30 to 35000 yatries and this capacity is easily reached during the peak seasons and no new registrations are made during the waiting period. The experience itself might feel rushed.

Thus, in our opinion, avoiding the crowds, in this case, should be a bigger consideration that choosing times of a good climate. The crowds peek during times it is likely to be school holidays – summer breaks, winter breaks (Christmas to the first week of the new year), end of the school year breaks, as well as the weekends of the peak summer season. Thus those are the times you should avoid if you wish for a smooth and comfortable journey. The best time to visit the temple is to check the shrine’s site (https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/) and check the yatries (pilgrims) visiting that day. If the number falls below 18000, you can expect a smooth journey.

We visited the temple within the first week of December. One of the major advantages of visiting the temple in the winter is that original Ma Vaishno Devi Cave is also opened in the winter and this cave offers a unique mystical experience.

Where to stay?

Katra has a number of accommodation options for pockets of all sizes. You can also get a rented accommodation at Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex near bus stand for staying at Katra, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat or Bhawan – and it is this option we took.

What to wear?

Wear the clothes according to the climate – bring raincoats and umbrellas in winters and warm woolen clothes in winters. An important point here is that you bring along good hiking shoes and, if need be, walking stick to assist you through the hike to the temple. These accessories (umbrellas, raincoats, walking sticks, etc) are also readily available in Katra and along the hiking route.

We made our trip in the first week of December

How to reach Maa Vaishno Devi temple?

By road

There is a 13.5-kilometer hike from Katra. If you are physically fit enough, we highly recommend making this hike on foot because that is how you lose yourself to the spirituality of the place. Anyway, this is what we did.

Katra is well connected to  Jammu, New Delhi, etc (as well as many other parts of India) by bus service and Jammu, in its turn, is connected to major cities of India

By Rail

The nearest railhead is at Jammu but Katra’s railway station is well connected too.

By air

The nearest airport to Maa Vaishno Devi Temple is the Jammu Tawi airport. The airport is 46.7 km away via NH 144. Taxis on hire and Public Bus services are available from Jammu Tawi to the temple.

Commuting within the proximity

Please note that if you are traveling by air or rail, you will have to change the mode of transport from Jammu but in case you are traveling on road whether by public, owned or hired vehicle, the journey is shorter there is an option of taking a by-pass from Kunjwani which is nearly 10 km. off Jammu and head straight to the base camp in Katra. But that said, you might be interested in landmarks within the temple.

The Myth Behind the Holy Cave Temple

According to legend, a priest named Pandit Sridhar of Hansali village had organized a Bhandara as a religious offering to the goddess. The goddess Maa Vaishnavi was pleased with his devotion and gave her a Darshana before disappearing again.  Pandit Sridhar was saddened by her disappearance and so he vowed to fast until death hoping for another Darshana. The goddess appeared again in his dreams and gave him instructions on how to reach her abode in the cave at the Trikuta Hills. Pandit Sridhar found the Holy Cave and was there met by Goddess Vaishnavi who appeared in her true form and blessed him with four sons. She also made him the official custodian of the Holy Cave and,  it is his successors who continue to hold custody of temple.

The Hike

We reached Katra bus stop at 3 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon. We registered ourselves at Registration Counter near the Katra bus stop. The registration is done by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board which is the only authority legally permitted to register yatris. Upon registration, we are given Yatra Access Card/yatra slip/yatra parchi which is the written permission to start the yatra. Please note that you can not do the yatra without this permission.

The permission also includes a travel insurance against accidental death (a rare possibility) – for amounts up to 3 lakhs for grownups and 1 lakh for children. As you can see, Shrine is really thoughtful about pilgrims. It has also established information booths throughout the trek to assist pilgrims.

The time allotted was two hours later which was just enough time for us to check in at the accommodation we had rented and freshen up a little. Checking in now will save us from losing for a place of accommodation later when we come back from yatra tired after hours of hiking. It also helped to rid of extra luggage so we could hike lightly. You could also deposit your unnecessary luggage in a room kept specifically for the purpose and recollect them on way back.

Within allocated time, we were at Yatra camp and the atmosphere that is a common characteristic of all Hindu Devi pilgrim places greeted us. The Temple or Bhawan is 13.5 km from Katra. This hike is done by many of pilgrims on foot often wearing a head clip saying ‘Jai Mata Di’ – we wore those too, and singing devotional songs and sometimes even dancing a little. We hiked by foot and highly recommend you do the same – to have the full experience of the yatra.

However, if you still wish otherwise, there are a number of alternatives available –  ponies, electric vehicles, ropeway, palki, etc. You can hire a Helicopter service which will cover 9.5 kilometers of the distance up to Sanjichhat.

At Ardkunvari, which is the midway point of the trek, you can take one of two paths. The first is a normal like like before or you can take a detour which will take you through Garbhjoom, a tiny cave which is said to symbolize the journey of a fetus in the womb of the mother.

Darshana

The hike lasted 5 hours for us (the time is variable depending on the speed with which you walk). Because of moving in the company of so many pilgrims, it doesn’t seem so long. The Maa Vaishno Devi temple that greeted us at the end was a sort of cave – which is rather narrow and thus it is not possible to visit it in groups – rather you take Darshana in a sort of perpetually moving queue.

The goddess appears in the form of three Pindies which stand for goddesses Mahakali. Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. They are always adorned with fresh flowers and gold crowns. I offered my prayers and exited the cave, collecting Prasad on my way out.

The Darshana last only a short time but to a devoted mind that is enough.

Nearby sights – Bhairon temple

The Bhairon temple, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva, is further 1.5 km away from the Vaishnavi Devi shrine. It too is built inside a cave and some pilgrims consider their yatra incomplete without a visit here. After visiting Bhairon temple, we made our way – hiking down is quicker but it still needed us three hours.

Traveling tips

  1. Confirm the rates of the Porters, Ponies, Palanquins, etc before hiring them and make sure that they carry a valid registration card – note down their registration number if you are entrusting them with your valuables.
  2. Video cameras and other electronic equipment are not allowed on the track.
  3. Respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage and respect the sentiment of fellow pilgrims. Avoid loud dresses, vulgar language or offensive talk or gestures.
  4. Respect the sentiments of co-pilgrims.
  5. Cooperate with the security agencies.
  6. Avoid resting near landslide-prone areas.
  7. Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco or betel leaves, spitting, spreading litter, playing cards, etc.
  8. Consumption of liquor, intoxicants and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited.
  9. Do not litter
  10. Beware of thieves and pickpockets. Don’t carry too much cash, jewelry or valuables.
  11. Report unclaimed objects to security personnel.
  12. Don’t encourage begging.
  13. Obtain cash receipt for any cash paid at the Shrine Board outlets.
  14. If you have high blood pressure or heart or asthmatic problems, you must first get clearance from your doctor before starting the journey. In that case, you should also avoid stairs
  15. Proceed for Darshans only when the Group number is announced.
  16. Don’t use soaps, shampoos, oils, etc while bathing at Ghats.
  17. Wear clean clothes before leaving for the Darshans.
  18. Maintain silence within the cave.
  19. Make donations in boxes kept for the purpose only and not in front of idols or some person.
  20. Do not offer or pay any tip or Dakshina to any employee of the shrine.

So when are you packing bags to the holy shrine?

Categories
Group Travel Himalayas North India Travel Tips

5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh

It is as Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed, early to rise; makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Well, normally, we would return with “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man an unhappy wife” but if you are traveling Ladhakh the Benjy advice is very important due to a number of factors. Here we bring you a list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh:

1. Beautiful Scenarios

For you don’t come this far to visit Ladhakh if you do not love its natural beauty. The breathtaking views nature has to offer are at their best in time for sunrise and sunsets. And so the first of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is to have time to go click-happy and ornament your Instagram account.

2. Avoiding delays

There are plenty of construction projects forever in motion in Ladhakh sometimes blocking roads for hours, in fact, there are many scheduled road closures. The later you start, the more chances of being stuck in a road closure. So next in our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is that it is your best option if you wish to avoid delays or waiting for long hours in traffic. You may as well stay in your urban city if that is what you were going to do. Right? Besides the fact that delays will eat into your precious time (a traveler can never have enough time), they are just annoying and mood killers.

3. Avoiding snow slides and landslides

Another reason in our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is that it is your best option if you wish to avoid snow slides and landslides. With an increase in temperature during the day, the snow starts melting causing problems on roads and even closing roads especially during the latter half of the day.

4. Avoiding shooting rocks

Yes you heard it, there is such a thing as shooting rocks and it is not a very pleasant thing.  The strong wind can carry stones at the speed of bullets which won’t be good for your cars’ glass windows. The later in the day, the more the speed of the wind. It is thus fourth in our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh. Like with watersides, your car might have to suffer from shooting stars because of your laziness. Show mercy on the poor thing!

5. A contingency plan

With so many factors working against you, it is always good to have a contingency plan. For it is not a very good thing if you end up at nowhere place in Ladhakh in the middle of the night. The cold climate, if nothing else, would bug you. Thus the last of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh is to make sure to reach your destination well in time before darkness.

Conclusion

So this is all from our list of 5 reasons to start early and sleep early while in Ladakh. We hope this blog helps in planning your trip. In fact, some of these reasons hold good for traveling in rough mountain regions at high altitudes in particular and all kind of travels in general. If you are lazy or a night animal like us, it is easier said than done but we do hope this blog will give even the laziest among you reason to get up early. ☺

Categories
Culture Festival North India

The most vibrant festivals of Rajasthan you just can’t miss!

Arguably, Rajasthan is the only state in the entire country that has the most colorful culture and traditions. No wonder why most of the foreign tourists choose this north Indian dry state to start their Indian tour. The major credit goes to the festivals that get celebrated all across the year in this wonderful historic land.

Here are few such festivals that are celebrated in Rajasthan that you must visit.

Bikaner Camel Festival

Known as the ship of the desert, the camel is one of the most favorite animals of the state. In order to celebrate the grandeur of this huge animal, the annual camel festival takes place in the city of Bikaner in the month of January each year. This festival is a must visit as the camel owners from all over the state arrive here and showcase the talents their animals possess.

 

Desert Festival

The festival takes place in the beginning of the year, in January or February. It happens to be a three day event that celebrates the wide Thar Desert in the state. The event takes place in the desert and would be better to call it a desert fare. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state and a great way to experience Rajasthan in all its might.

Mewar Festival

The month of March-April is considered to be the best to visit the colorful city of Udaipur. This is the time when the Mewar festival takes place and the entire city is bathed in colors and brightness. A grand celebration follows and the locals can be seen organizing it with high octane energy. This is one of the most visited festivals by the tourists after the annual camel race.

Teej Festival

The Teej festival is also known as the celebration for the arrival of the beautiful spring season. The festival originated in Rajasthan and now it gets celebrated in almost all the major parts of the country. The women tie ropes on the trees and enjoy swinging on them. This is a very ancient festival that is around for quite a lot of time.

Marwar Festival

Jodhpur is the location and October/November is the time when this festival takes place. The Marwar festival is the celebration of the folk heroes that constitutes the glorious history of the state. The city comes alive as the day approaches and everyone celebrates it with a great joy and enthusiasm that perfectly showcases the greatness of Rajasthan as a state.

Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur

RIFF is an annual music and art festival that promotes traditional folk music and arts. Celebrated around Sharad Purnima, the festival offers a delightful time to the visitors. The festival is held in the month of October during 23rd October to 27th October.

If you are a folk music lover, this festival is a must visit for you.

 

The distinctively exceptional festival is hailed as a “People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development” and supported by the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Sir Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.

Pushkar Fair, Pushkar

The Pushkar Fair is the most well known of all desert festivals. It’s a spectacular five-day camel and livestock fair, fair held in the town of Pushkar, where thousand of devotees take plunge in the sacred lake of Pushkar.

The celebrations of this festival also coincide with the religious occasion of Kartik Ekadashi, when the Pushkar lake was supposed to be created by Lord Brahma. Primarily a livestock fair which observes the buying and selling of camels, the Pushkar fair is a center of attention for hordes of tourists and this is what makes it a true cultural bonanza of art.

There are many other festivals such as the Gangaur festival and Jaipur Literature festival which are as important as the ones we have just mentioned. Rajasthan’s essence lies in its people and the different ways in which they are known to celebrate these festivals. It makes the people to keep themselves in touch with the age old customs that they are very proud of.

Categories
Culture Himalayas Itinerary North India

#ghoomophirosisters recommended itinerary for 8 days in Uttarakhand

Ours was an 8-day long trip exploring the region in Uttarakhand. We saw incredible views of the snow-capped Himalayas and mostly clear blue skies. Since there is a lot to be explored, we followed this itinerary instead of fumbling on our own through the days. Our journey began from Delhi via tempo traveler along with other fellow members and through the course of the next eight days, we were blown away by the beauty that Kumayon had to offer.

Day 1

We were so excited to be at our destination that we all reached our starting point on time.  During the journey, we took tuck buying, tea, photo break to keep ourselves entertained. Our guide  Mr. Ramesh, who decided to make KMVN’s Kathgodam as our lunch our pitstop. The lunch was delicious. We had Bhat ki dal, which is a traditional preparation of Kumaon. There is nothing much to do at Kathgodam, it is the last railway station on the railway line. Beyond this, you need to hire a car to discover Kumaon.

We stopped at Bhimtal. The main attraction there had to be the vast lake which was quite beautiful. Since it is monsoon season the tourist were almost nil and that have given we a chance to just sit by the lake and relax.

Then our last stop was Nakuchiatal, the nine-cornered lake. We stayed at KMVN Parichay which was right near the lake and our room gave the perfect view of the lake and the mountains in a scenic landscape. A stroll near the lake during sunset had us finally realizing that this trip was going to be incredible.

Day 2

The next day took us firstly to Kainchidham which is located on the Nainital- Almora road. The temple had its own ethos and it was quite a peaceful place to be at. It is popular as the religious retreat for people of all faiths and we felt quite at ease around there. The next place we went to was Kakadighat where Swami Vivekananda got his inspiration. There is a Peepal tree under which he sat & meditate, before leaving for the Himalayas.

Then, we had our lunch at Khairna in a place called ‘Standard fast food and restaurant’ which had decent food. We stuck to our North-Indian routine since there was a lot of driving to look forward to, so we didn’t want to try something new and spoil our appetites. We drove through hilly areas to reach Ranikhet Golf course, stopped and wandered around for a while and then headed to Sitlakhet which is approximately 24 km away from Ranikhet via Kathpuria. We were welcomed at KMVN’s TRH at Sitlakhet. Today it was Harela festival, a local sowing festival. On this occasion we planted trees. The view from the terrace was amazing we could see the Almora city.

Day 3

We got up early in the morning to capture the sunrise and see the snow peaks. But our luck was bad as it was too cloudy to see anything. We decided to hike around Sitlakhet and were lucky to see peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli etc. After breakfast, we headed towards Katarmal sun temple which was built by the Katyuri King Katarmalla. It is the second most popular sun temple in India after Konark and one look at the place tells you exactly why.

While we were heading towards Someshwar, we saw a lot of farmers doing paddy plantations as it was sowing season. Mr. Ramesh told us that like every one of us gets bored with their job & routine work they too get bored and too keep themselves entertained, the group sing local folk songs which sowing the paddy. It was such an amazing feeling to see women working hard in the fields

Throughout the rides, we looked out the window for sights of the region which never failed to amaze us. It was incredible how similar the cities looked in every place, but the remote areas always had their unique identity. The trip from Someshwar to Kausani was another 10 kilometers. The best part about traveling in Uttarakhand was the delicious local food which was a treat for our taste buds.

Day 4

This day was dedicated to doing sightseeing & discovering places near Kausani. Kausani is also known as Switzerland of India. We first headed to the Anasakti Ashram which is a religious site and Gandhiji stayed here in 1929. It had a small prayer room, a museum, and a beautiful setting.

Then, we also visited the Sumitra Nandan Pant Museum. The famous Hindi poet was born here. His house is converted into the museum which has manuscripts of his poems, & the glimpse of his lifestyle. There is a large collection of Hindi & English book as well. To comrade his birth anniversary, poetry sessions are organized there. If you have an artistic taste and want to revisit your school days, then it is a must visit the place.

The bus was now heading towards the Baijnath Temple which was 37km west of Kausani. It was a nice Lord Shiva Temple on the banks of Gomti River. The temples were built in 1150 AD by local kings. It is one of the four places in Shiva Heritage Circuit’ in Kumaon.

Before heading to our day’s final destination it was time to refuel ourselves, we had our lunch at Bageshwar at the KMVN TRH. Then we headed over to Chaukori and visited the picturesque Tea Plantation sites. Chaukori is another hill station and we stayed at KMVN Chaukori which gave the perfect view of the Himalayas right from our window. It is a quiet little relaxing place with great weather.

Day 5

Though we got up early to capture the sunrise, we another unlucky day the whole town was engulfed in clouds & fogs. But this view was quite mesmerizing. The flower plants in the TRH were in full bloom. Since the rest-house itself is in a secluded area, there was not much to do there except sit back and enjoy the scenery, so we headed over to Patal Bhuvneshwar which had the limestone caves that are popular among pilgrims. Legend has it that the cave enshrines Lord Shiva which accounted to their popularity. Patal Bhuvneshwar was not just one cave but a series of caves. We almost crawled down to 90 feet to reach sanctum. The guide followed us through the cave & explained the carvings which were quite interesting.

After that, we headed over to Gangolihat which is 14 km away from Patal Bhuvneshwar. Then we headed to Paanar Gaon to view the Saryu-Ramganga confluence which is popular mainly because of Lord Shiva and the holy rivers. Then we also went to Lohaghat which is perched on the banks of river Lohawati. For as far as our eyes could see, there was lush green scenery and oak forests. There were also many temples with a historical and mythological importance that we stopped to pray and get blessings.

Day 6

The next day consisted of us heading to Abbott Mount which was at a 7 km distance. The Abbott hill had an infamous bungalow on it called ABBEY which is believed to be a haunted place. Since no one goes there after dark, we visited the place in bright light of the day but the place still managed to give us the creeps, just by appearances and the ghost stories of mysterious instances associated with it. It was believed that the building that was donated to a hospital contained a Mukti Kothri where the patients died exactly as predicted by the Doctor. Though another theory is that the doctor himself killed the patients to prove his prediction and now the ghosts of those patients haunt the place. After the scary visit, we traveled to the Mayawati Ashram which is an Ashram dedicated to the study of Advaita Vedanta. Till date, no idols are worshipped here. Our next stop was the Vivekananda Ashram at Shyamlatal which is situated on the banks of the Shyamlatal lake. So, we also got to see the Shyamlatal Lake which is of dark color due to muddy substances present in the water, thus giving it the name of ‘Shyam’ synonymous with Lord Krishna of Hindu Mythology. Then we went to Tanakpur which is a buzzing town known mainly for its Devi Purnagiri temple. People usually breeze by this place while heading towards Kumaon hills or some other place, but we took our time exploring the region.

Day 7

The next day we crossed the borders. Just kidding, or perhaps not. Our 7th day morning took us to Brahmdev in the western Nepal area. The Brahmdev Temple is quite adored by tourists and one can easily guess why after being there. Then we visited the Nanaksagar reservoir which was a magnificent sight. The lake spread out in front of us in all its magnificence. For further spiritual satisfaction, we headed over to the Nanakmatta Gurudwara which was just nearby. We heard the sound of Gurbani and it relaxed us to the core and then we ate delicious langar (food) there. By this time, we were already feeling the end of the journey and felt nostalgic about all the days spent and the places we had seen.

Day 8

The next day was our return to Delhi and we spent the time scrolling through pictures on our phones, relishing all these memories we had created in just eight days. Uttarakhand is simply beautiful, and we were glad we took our time to see all the places.

There are many other itineraries for exploring Uttarakhand, but this is the most common one and that is for a reason. The reason is that it covers most of the places a tourist would come to Uttarakhand to see. So, make your plans and travel arrangements and go exploring this wonderful place. We did find the KMVN properties to be most comfortable for our stays, certainly had the best views, but you can pick according to your needs and travel packages.

Categories
Culture Inspiration North India Spiritual Hubs Travel Trends

Festivals of Uttar Pradesh one should not miss!!

Uttar Pradesh is one of the most well-liked spots in India popularly referred to as the ‘Heartland of India’. The state boasts of a rich cultural heritage where you can find and cherish all kinds of colorful festivals celebrated by all communities. Planning your tour to Uttar Pradesh? Then you should not miss the cultural and traditional festivals of UP. These festivals are the symbols of age-old traditions that those people are proud of and even though they have entered the 21st century, they celebrate these festivals with the same fervor.

Here, we list a few very famous festivals that the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is known for.

Ganga Dussehra- Ganga Dussehra is mostly celebrated in this particular state. The festival approaches in the excruciating summers in the month of June every year. Dedicated to the holy river Ganga, which acts as the lifeline of the people in here, the festival is highly awaited and the people participate in the celebrations with an insane level of excitement which is a great sight to savor. The festival lasts for 10 days.

Buddha Purnima- The festival gets celebrated in the rest of the country as well, but in UP it holds a special significance for the people. UP is one of the most populated states in the country and it has people from all the religions in abundance. The Buddhist community is one among them and they are known to celebrate the birth of their lord Gautam Buddha with great enthusiasm. This day is the most auspicious day for them in all year.

Ayudha Pooja- Hinduism followers constitute the biggest part of the population of the state and they are avid followers of Lord Rama. The festival falls in the months of October or November each year. Lord Rama is worshipped on this very auspicious day. It actually is celebrated around the time when the much-hyped festival of Dussehra is celebrated in rest of the country.

Makar Sankranti- Entire country celebrates Makar Sankranti, mostly in the second or third week of January. But the festivals takes an entirely different shape in UP. The festival gets celebrated here in the months of December/January and the people take their ritualistic bath in the holy river, Ganga. There are few other customs and traditions which get followed and that make the Makar Sankranti celebrations different from rest of the country.

Lath Mar Holi Lath Mar Holi is the most colorful and a prestigious festival in Barsana near Mathura not be missed in the state of UP.  The festival takes place just few days before actual Holi. This festival time is a great holiday option for visitors which captures attention from tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. During the Holi celebrations, Ladies are found hitting sticks (laths) at each man as the common custom during this fest.

Janmashtami- Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna celebrates and rejoices the festival of Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. The major festival celebrations take place at Dwarkadhish Temple.

Mathura the birth-place of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan where he spent his childhood, both the cities celebrate the festival with equal fervor. Around more than four hundred temples are dedicated to Lord Krishna in this sacred city. Among the list of temples, some of the major temples are Banke Bihari, Rangaji, Shri Krishna Balaram Temple and Gopinath temple.

Taj Mahotsav- Experience a cultural bonanza with Taj Mahotsav

Taj Mahotsav 2017 will be held between 18-February to 27-February. The event is held annually in the historic city of Agra and is known to be one of the most spectacular and awaiting events in UP according to the Indian calendar. The event organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism Dept in Shilpgram complex, 500 metres from Taj Mahal east gate encourages the unparalleled cultural heritage and cultural activities of the state and the country as a whole.

Durgotsav- Also known as Durga Pooja in rest of the country, the festival falls in the months of October/November. However, it can be said that the festival gets celebrated at its very best in West Bengal and other adjoining states but in UP as well, there is much hype about the festival every year.

Other festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid, and Muharram are also being rejoiced with great enthusiasm among the people here. But the style with which these festivities are cherished and celebrated by the colorful people here brings an additional charm to the overall festivities.

Exit mobile version