Tag: India

Categories
wildlife

Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary – a place known for the most amazing Crococodilians!!

Located near the magnetic Khajuraho temples and the very famous Panna national park, the Ken Ghariyal sanctuary is a very attractive tourist spot for the ones interested in the sightings of Ghariyal, an endangered family member of the crocodile family. Spread across the area of about 45 square kilometres the sanctuary happens to be located at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar River.  The popular tourist spot happens to be located in the Chatarpur district in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.

Reasons to Visit

  • There are ample reasons for having a visit at the place, the brightest one among them being the literal one itself, and the ghariyals. They look similar to crocodiles in many ways but there are certain things that set them apart from their cousins. One thing being, they are far less frightening. Well, only from the outside. They can be seen lying down in the sun, with closed eyes. One wonders whether they are alive at all. They just don’t move an inch while resting, and while on the lookout for the prey. Their patience is incredible while they await the perfect food to eat. They are majestic, they are fierce and they are beautiful. This is one enough reason to visit the Ken ghariyal sanctuary.
  • There are other animals that could be found here in their entire wilderness such as wild boars, deer and Nilgai. Other than that, the sightings of some rare and beautiful birds are also quite a common occurrence at the place.
  • One other reason to visit the place is the nearby attractions. The best among them all, the Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its wall carvings and beautiful artworks. The Panna national park is also there within a few hours distance.
  • The forests are well managed and preserved by the authorities. It offers a beautiful view of the Ken river. You can choose to do boating in the Ken river.
  • There is a place called Vulture Point situated into the park which can be seen via a safari If one wants to spot vultures. It’s a must place to visit, which seems like a gorge with forest in the background. Tigers,bears, and leopards are said to visit the bottom of the gorge because of the water resource here and it’s a delighted scene to watch.

Ken Ghariyal sanctuary has done a great job in breeding the rare ghariyals on its own and however, the things aren’t as easy as they seem. They are trying their best to preserve one of the most endangered and beautiful species of reptiles that ever walked the planet. Visit Ken Ghariyal sanctuary and you’ll appreciate the work they are doing, for their love for the Ghariyals.

How to Reach

Satna railway station happens to be the nearest to the place and the best medium to travel in case you were planning a trip here. Jhansi railway station is also a great option and coming out of the railway station, you can either take a bus or hire a taxi to the place. Khajuraho airport is the nearest airport to the place and the best time to visit is winters, when the ghariyals will be seen outside of their pools warming themselves up in the bright sun.

Travel Tip

The place remains closed during the monsoons so the visitors are not advised to come here during the rainy seasons.

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings Relax South India

To DO’s in Kochi aka Cochin

Kochi or Cochin is one of the biggest Indian cities and the financial capital of the south Indian state of Kerala. Also known as the “Queen of the Hills”, Kochi is one of the evolving cosmopolitans in the southwest part of the country and a bustling commercial port. It is also popular due to its proximity to Allepey, where-in travelers rush to experience the alleppey houseboat

How to Reach

Cochin airport is the 4th busiest Indian airport and one of the main getaways to India. The international airport is located 29 kilometers away from the city center and is well connected to major cities of India and the world.  Kochi is home to two major railway stations – Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction and is well connected to all the major railway stations in India. Cochin has a well-established network of Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services that enables good connectivity to all the major cities in Kerala and other neighboring cities and states.

Places to visit

Fort Kochi- Once you reach the Kochi City of Kerala, you can board a cab, auto-rickshaw or bus to Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is a region in the south-west part of the city of Kochi and an important part of a handful of water-bound regions. This little island offers some main tourist attractions such as Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi beach, Sree Gopalakrishna Devaswom Temple, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and Jain Temple.

Hill palace museum- It once was the palace of Kochi’s Maharaja and now it’s a full-blown museum that has been attracting the tourists in hundreds every day. With about 500 artifacts placed inside, this museum is rightly known as the biggest museum in the entire south Indian region. There is also a small zoo nearby.

Santacruz Basilica- It is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala and amongst the oldest churches in India built by the Portuguese in the year 1502 when they shifted their base here to make the most out of the business opportunities the city had to offer. The place is counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala and visited by tourists the whole year-round.

Chendamangalam Fort- Historically, the fort is known as the prime minister of Kochi and is one of the important forts in Kerala. Now a great tourism spot, the place is famous for coir manufacturing and handloom weaving. Three rivers are flowing nearby the Fort, which adds to the scenic view of this place.

Durbar Hall ground- The place is the center for various cultural activities in the city. It’s a great place to take a break from the bustling city and spend time exploring the skyscrapers, restaurants, shops and crowded streets.

Cherai Beach- Kerala is full of beaches and backwaters that could satisfy your tourism bones to their core. Cherai beach is known to be one of the best beaches in the city which happens to be totally safe for water sports and general hanging out. This place filled with locals during weekends and backwater stretch is the scenic and pleasing sight.

Things to Explore

Kochi Books

This is one place you must visit if you are an ardent lover of books. It is the one-stop shop destination for all types of books that you ever wanted to own.

The Onam Festival

And there is the Onam festival. The festival of Onam is celebrated every year for 10 days that lasts from mid-august to mid-September. The festival marks the welcoming back of the mythical king Mahabali. The people are known to celebrate the festival with high-level enthusiasm as a parade takes place with showcasing different art forms. The final celebrations take place at Thrikakkara temple located in the city.

The Chinese fishing nets

Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations used for catching the fishes, as the name suggests. Each installation is operated by a team of six fishermen.

The Chinese fishing nets are a great reminder of the close relations the city shared with Chinese emperors at one point in the history. These nets have been the official icon of the city and were gifted to then king of Kochi by the Chinese emperor Kubalagi in the 14th century. He gifted more than a hundred of them to the kingdom of Cochin, but only a few remain in the working condition.

Kochi Tips

–It may very well be a place as beautiful as Goa, but far more conservative. Wearing short clothes here is not good for the women.

-A half an hour time to the soothing ayurvedic massage must be tried. Ayurveda comes from Kerala and the massage parlors in Kochi are nothing short of magnificent.

-Coconut milk and cashews are a part of every other Kochi meals, so in case you are allergic, be aware every time of what you have been eating.

-There is a high margin of the population that doesn’t speak or understand Hindi, so be prepared for the worst.

Food

The cuisines from Kerala are popular all across the country for their seafood quality and other vegetarian and nonvegetarian cuisines. The restaurants in Kochi such as Hotel Thali, Hotel Unnikrishnan, Uruvi, Shri Krishna Cafe and the Royal food court serve some great Indian as well as international food items.

Places to Stay

There are some great hotels in Kochi to stay such as the Mariott hotel, Le Meridian, Hotel Crown Plaza and Keys hotel. There are options for every budget range.

The intense natural beauty of the state is perfectly reflected in the city of Cochin, so in case you want to spend some quality time away from the hectic city life, head here, you won’t regret.

Categories
Adventure Festival Himalayas Inspiration

Leh- Interesting Things not many people know

One of the most favorite tourist destinations in the entire country is Leh Ladakh. North Indians are fond of riding their heavy bikes up to this place; they come here for stargazing and to get lost amidst the natural beauty that lies here in abundance. The Himachal Pradesh transport ministry and Jammu and Kashmir also has special buses that will take you to Leh in a few hours. Cars and vans along with the bikes are also quite frequent here. One of the coldest places in the country is having some interesting things about that many people don’t know about. Let’s have a look at them.

Ladakh Leh is known as a high-altitude place surrounded by natural marvels. But a very know that this is also known as a very religious place. There are many festivals that take place here every year such as Hemis Festival, Dosmoche Festival, Losar Festival, Sindhu Darshan Festival, Ladakh Festival, and Tak-Tok Festival along with the Hindu festivals. The tourists must keep that in mind and should try to come here in the times of one of these festivals to experience them.

Buddhism happens to be the most dominant religion in the area and there are many Buddhist monks that reside in the nearby places, especially the monasteries. The tourists must take some time away from the calm and composed natural beauty to visit some monastery sometime. The monks are extremely friendly and it would make you see Buddhism in an entirely different light.

Bird watching is something many people don’t do when they make their trips here. The natural sceneries and landscapes bind them and the extreme cold doesn’t let them stay here long. There are about 250 different species of birds that can be found here in their entire natural habitat. And there are many chances for you to come across some rarest species of birds as well.

The high altitude zone that Leh is, this is a pure heaven for the ones studying the cosmos. Other than the stargazers, there are many astrology and astronomy centers in here. Among the said facilities are Infrared Telescope and the Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle

The very famous salt lake is one of the very few lakes in the world that are set up this high. The lake is located at about 4350 feet above the sea level which is another cool thing to know about it. So, next time you visit the place, keep in mind that you are gazing one amazing wonder of nature.

Jammu and Kashmir is going through turmoil nowadays. The tourism industry has gone down due to obvious reasons. But places like Leh and Ladakh are still here, away from all the dreaded happenings going on in the state. Leh is a paradise for the tourists and serves as a beautiful spot to be amazed about. The view of the great Himalayan range is mesmerizing from the high altitude.

Categories
Adventure Treks

How I triumphed the hardest trek-Sar pass!!

Sar Pass is one of the most challenging treks and one of the main reasons I took it upon myself to experience it because I wanted to go through these different terrains and let me tell you, it was all worth it. For every obstacle that we faced and every twist and turn, there was a reward to be found in terms of sheer beauty that I saw.

The most wonderful thing about Sar Pass trek was that I saw so many different kinds of people there. There were beginners, thrill junkies, people who had already done it multiple times and of course regular trekkers like me. I was glad that out of all options, I picked YHAI (Youth Hostel Association of India).

The beginning is at base camp in Kasol, in Himachal Pradesh. The base camp itself was very good and informative. I got to interact with many interesting people and other trekkers to prepare for the day. Even the food served was good. Day first had no activities, so just settling in. The next day started with a bit of exercise in the nearby ground and some rock climbing to make us used to the climate and the hike.  Then we get to sit through a round of instructions. Next day, I left the Kasol base camp .

The first hike was just incredible with the thrill and excitement running in my veins. We walked through forests and the river flowed alongside. From base camp to Grahan, it was just greenery all around, mountains, plateaus, and beautiful flowers. Before reaching the Grahan camp, we met some children and I shared some candy with them. After reaching the camp, I just soaked my feet into the river and relaxed for a while. (The water was cold though). The food was ready along with the tents and the view was just incredible. Must Try: Piddus with chutney (local cuisine)

Next hike is to padre, the terrain is relatively easy and it is fun. The foggy woods just give off an adventurous vibe and afterward, the camp at the base of valley gives you a breathtaking view. The next day we had to walk uphill towards our way to Ratapani. The flowers on the way are just so beautiful and it actually started raining on the way. Fortunately, there were tea stalls near the camp and by the time it started raining, we were already inside. It would be have been one uncomfortable walk otherwise. By now, we were already close to the snowline.

The next stop was Nagaru and we were informed that it was going to the most difficult trek till now. With harsh wind blowing and snow, I did not think that I would love it so much. For most of the way, the snow nearby was just melting patches. I loved looking down; the sight just filled my heart. When we finally approached the snowy area, it was so slippery and I had to be really cautious but it was fun. The second we reached the camp, I was exhausted but the sights from there made me fill up with energy once again.

I thought most of the difficult part, we had endured but that was nothing compared to what was about to come. From Nagaru to Sar Pass and then further to Biseri, walking in snow was so difficult, I kept hoping I don’t fall. The stick helped and moreover there was something splendid about the struggle as well. The sights wouldn’t be worth it otherwise. What blew my mind is that we still got our usual tea and stuff. This trek is something to be experienced and not just explained in words. The feeling of sliding and sitting on snow, watching the majestic mountains and sun setting through the peaks.

Moving on to the last campsite, the path to Bandaktach was downhill and while the path may not be your usual beautiful, lying under the starlit sky during night time made it my favorite part of the whole trek. Then it was time for our journey back and there was a melancholic feeling about leaving such a beautiful place.

Categories
Adventure Beaches Deserts Rejuvenate Travel Trends wildlife

These places could be a perfect holiday escape for families

A good trip is a remedy for almost every other problem you face in life and if that trip happens with the people whom you love the most in the entire world, there is nothing better than that. Today, we bring you the list of the best holiday destinations across the country that you can visit with your entire family. Have fun!

Rajasthan- Rajasthan is India and India is Rajasthan. This north Indian state has something about it which makes it feel like the real India. Whether it is the massive forts or the amazing food, this place is for families having the time of their lives. You could enjoy a lovely boat ride on the Nakki lake in Mount Abu and get dazzled by Udaipur’s Lake Pichola and the fine monuments such as Jaipur’s City Palace and Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort.

If you could spend a little extra, there are enough luxurious options that you can choose from in order to give your family a grand experience.

Goa- Many may disagree with this one and argue that Goa is a party destination and no kids should be allowed there. But the reality is that not all the beaches are filled with alcoholic adults. There are some great beaches in Goa where families can be seen together having a great time. If you are heading for a family vacation in Goa, you should visit places as Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the oldest churches in Goa, Calangute Beach perfect for a great family time together and Palolem Beach which is famous for dolphin sightings.

One other plus point is the food. From the north Indian to the Chinese to the seafood, it is a paradise for the foodies. The cherry on top is some lush visuals which are perfect spots for clicking photos to create memories.

Jim Corbett national park- Children love nothing more than seeing a tiger all out in the open in its natural habitat. Jim Corbett is the most popular Indian national park and offers some great sightings of rare and interesting species of birds and animals. The safety arrangements are top notch along with the night stay options. Just the very perfect place for a family outing!

Kerala- Whether it is the dense forests or the exotic backwaters, Kerala must be at the top on the list of places you should visit next. The beaches are all lush and beautiful plus the rainforests, everything is far better than you may have imagined in your dreams. However, for the relaxation and health tourism also, Kerala is the best, thanks to the Ayurveda and spa treatments that are given here in its purest form.

Kutch- If you are one of the very few who doesn’t happen to have much interest in the greenery and animal kingdom, head to Kutch in Gujarat to experience what rugged beauty can do to your senses. The barren and wide lands are exotic and the sunsets and sunrise at those places is a sight to savor. This is one of the most underrated tourist spots in the country and could be a perfect spot for your family to spend some time away from the usual life.

Darjeeling- Made popular all over the world thanks to the wide tea plantations, Darjeeling is one of the best tourist spots in the eastern India. The toy train ride is something the kids would enjoy and the adults can go for some more adventures. In short, there is everything for everyone to take some great memories back home.

India is diverse and beautiful, and reeks of true beauty from every corner, ideal for family outing. 

Categories
Travel Tips

The Art of Negotiating in India

The Indian market has its own taste of shopping. Just like the diversity of Indian culture, diversity is prevalent in shopping experiences too. You may never feel satisfied even after you have negotiated enough with the shopkeeper. It may seem to you later- “Oh! I could have got this at a lower price”. This is because the product price that they quote in the beginning may be 2x, 4x or even 8x.

They may sense your know-how about the product and its quality (what they generally excuse at) and your willingness to buy that product. You have to possess a good negotiating skill to be a perfectly happy customer. There are certain things that you need to be cautious about to be a smart customer. Don’t get too excited over seeing a product or at least a seller should not be aware of your interest. Keep your attitude casual as if you are just checking it out like the normal ones. When you are asking for a price, try to judge his mind especially if you have no idea of the actual prices.

  1. Try to give a look as if the prices he quoted sounds crazy. The seller would start to lower the price and you should wait to let him go as low as possible. Now it’s your turn to start negotiating (Note that you have not negotiated yet). Try negotiating as much as you can. After you are done with it, ask him smartly- “What is your best price now”? This leaves a scope for further negotiation if still left any. You can even try to walk off just to show him and get a better price.
  2. Buy as much as you can as they can offer you even less for high quantity. When buying in bulk, still adopt the same strategy of negotiating with a single quantity. Now ask him what more discounts he can offer if you buy in bulk. You can also play on round off figures after the total in 50’s and 100’s. 😛
  3. “Don’t shy away from negotiating”. They are looking for those ignoramus people who can pay them the higher price. It’s like they are demanding prices to laugh on you at your back. They don’t feel bad selling it at very high prices, then why should you care about what people will think if you start negotiating.
  4. Remember don’t appoint this negotiating style everywhere. Firstly encounter that the shop is not a fixed price shop. It may help you to avoid unnecessary bargaining at certain places like restaurants, ice cream parlors, stationery, etc.
  5. If you are a regular visitor to a shop, and he offers you a great deal, you can offer them to keep the change to let them know that you appreciated it.

Where to Bargain?

For the best bargains, visit Brigade Road and MG Road in Bangalore. Also, bargaining is a common sight at the New Market in Kolkata, Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar Main Market and Karol Bagh market in New Delhi.

So unless you a have a lot of money to spare refrain from paying the price the seller asks for the first time. Haggling is a common practice in a country like India and permitted even at shops flaunting “No Bargaining” sign. So learn the art of bargaining soon and shop till you drop!

Categories
Architectural

Stepwells of Gujarat, you should not miss

Stepwells can be traced back to the cities of Indus Valley civilization. These are wells in which water is reached by steps. Gujarat is the place where more than 120 stepwells are found. These wells may have helped our ancestors during droughts but now they are considered sacred as they belonged to the time of Vedas. Some of the stepwells we visited while in Gujarat were:

Rudabai Stepwell or Adalaj Stepwell

When we saw the architecture and how those stepwells were built 500 years ago, it astonished our minds. It didn’t only impress us with its ancient architecture but also the system of water management. You can easily spend 45 minutes of your time here and get to know more about its significance through the information board outside. It is situated in Adalaj village close to Ahmedabad and is just at a 5km distance from Gandhi Nagar district.

Dada Hari Stepwell

Mughal architecture can be seen at this historic site. We believe that such an important place should be maintained a little better, but anyway, we spent an hour looking around. This stepwell has spiral step cases reaching to each level and it is built with sandstone. The most wonderful experience we had was looking up from the lowest level as its octagonal shape let a little light in. That is something one has to experience on their own to understand. This stairwell lies in the Asarwa area of Ahmedabad.

Rani Ki Vav

With an intricate structure and its location being near the Saraswati river banks, it is a popular tourist attraction. We saw beautiful scriptures on the wall of God Vishnu and the view from the top was breathtaking. From the carved pillars to inscriptions on the wall, this is a place that mesmerised us with its beauty. It is located in the town of Patan in Gujarat which is well connected. Don’t forget to keep your camera with you when you visit and also pack your own food and water since you won’t find much nearby. Because of its architecture and historical importance, Rani Ki Vav really is the Queen among stepwells.

Mata Bhavani Stepwell

Now this one is the earliest among all stepwells that we visited. It is also located in Asarwa in Gujarat. Along with long flight of steps that led to water, it also has a shrine of Hindu Goddess Bhavani at the lower level from which the name of the stepwell is derived. The columns and steps have been ornamented beautifully showing the artistic talents of people in 11th century. Yes, it really is that old.

Amritvarshini Vav

Also known as Panchukva Vav since it is located near the Panchukva Darwaja in Ahmedabad, it is a beautiful step well. The main thing we noticed was its L-shaped design. It has more elaborate arches than the other stepwells that we saw. It is a historic monument that shows both Hindu and Islamic architecture. It has three storeys and we spent around an hour there.

For all history lovers and people intrigued by old architecture, these step wells are a must-visit. These are good places to spend time with your family and friends and the climate remains cool in these stepwells. It is better to get a guide who can inform you about the historical importance of these stepwells but if now, there are information boards there that you can read.

Categories
North India Travel Trends Treks

Treks in Uttarakhand for Beginners

Uttarakhand which is also known as ‘Land of Gods’ is popular among nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Since it lies amidst the Himalayas, Uttarakhand provides ample opportunities for trekkers to enjoy some of the most beautiful treks. There are a plenty of treks in Uttarakhand, that either lead to glaciers or waterfalls or other attractions. If you are a beginner to trekking, here are some of the treks in Uttarakhand to try out:

Roopkund Lake aka Skeleton Lake

This high altitude trek that reaches Roopkund Lake goes through various spectacular terrains. The best part being that it is suitable for beginners. This lake is popular as it is surrounded by skeletal remains of humans sprinkled nearby. It is believed that those remains date back to travelers from the 14th century. It is en route to Nanda Devi temple and the trekkers get to enjoy lush forests, snow clad mountains and religious sites as well.

Duration: 9 days

Trek begins at Lohajung

Pindari Glacier Trek

For nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, this is the perfect trek as it is situated between Nanda Devi Peak and Nanda Kot Peak. There are breathtaking sights of glaciers, waterfalls and beautiful flowers on the path. As you cross the sturdy wooden bridges and interact with friendly locals about the mythological connection of this trek, you’ll be instilled with warm feelings. It is a great trek for novices and avid photographers.

Duration: 10 Days

Trek begins at Loharkhet

Chopta Chandrashila Trek

This is one of the popular winter treks and Chopta Village is famously known as ‘Mini Switzerland”. The natural beauty you see on this trek just fills your heart and the views from the top are an absolute delight. You get to view Trishul Peak, Kedarnath Peak, Chaukambha Peak, Nanda Devi peak.  This is a refreshing trek as you walk among pine trees and other varieties of flora. If you wish, you can also pay a visit to the Shiva Temple which falls on a slightly difficult trek but has great mythological importance.

Duration:6 days

Trek begins at Ukhimath

Dodital trek

This is one of the best treks in Uttarakhand region with stunning views of the Himalayas and mesmerizing Bernala Lake. As you walk through thick alpine forests, you’ll be lost in the scenic beauty and when you reach the meadows of Dayara, it will be an absolute bliss. Then there is the Dodital lake on the way surrounded by pine and deodar jungles. You will also see a temple of Lord Ganesha since Dodital Lake is known to be his birthplace. The reflections of Neelkanth peaks can also be seen in the clear waters of the lake.

Duration: 10 days

Trek begins at Uttarakshi, Kalyani or Hanuman Chatti

Kuari pass Trek (Lord Curzon’s Trail)

Kuari Pass is one of the easier treks in Uttarakhand. The trek offers a panoramic view of peaks as you walk amid bamboo, conifer and oak forests. The trek offers views of pristine rivers and exotic animals. As you view the beautiful meadows and listen to the gushing roar of rivers, you will realize that it is going to be a memorable experience.

Duration: 10 days

Trek begins at Dhak Village

If you are new to trekking but want to experience something wonderful, pick any of these routes and get ready for the trek of a lifetime.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas Treks

Detailed Itinerary for the Beginners’ Nagtibba Trek

About Trek:

Nagtibba is one of the beginner’s trek. In case you are near Delhi, and looking for some camping experience and trekking for the first time, Nagtibba is for you. We #ghoomophirosisters were completely thrilled and mesmerized by the beauty and closeness to the nature of the place. The best part of this trek is, it can be covered over a weekend.

About Nag Tibba:

Nag Tibba, also called as “Serpent’s Peak”. It is the highest peak in the lower range of Himalayas. It is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand state. It is situated at an altitude of 3022 metres (9915 feet). From Nag Tibba Top you can see the magnificent view of Bandarpunch Peak, the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley and the peaks of China bang.

How to reach

There are mainly two routes to trek to Nag Tibba. One is Panthwari route and the other one is Devalsari route. Panthwari is the short one and Devalsari is the long one. But the route from Panthwari is more steep and difficult than the Devalsari route, and we chose Panthwari. Usually, it is your trek guide who will decide your route.

Trek Features:

Total Trek Distance: From Panthwari: 17 km (up to Nag Tibba Base and down) & 3 km further more (Nag Tibba Top).
From Devalsari: 28 km (up to Nag Tibba Base and down) & 3 km further more (Nag Tibba Top).
Maximum Elevation: 2900 Metres (Nag Tibba Base) & 3022 Metres (Nag Tibba Top).

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Delhi. Took overnight bus to Dehradun

Boarded the bus from Delhi to reach Dehradun the next morning. A drive down the road takes approximately 8-10 hours.

Day 2: Dehradun to Pantwari village and starts trek to Nag Tibba Temple (4-5 hrs drive)

Our trek guide picked up from Dehradun bus stand and we started for Pantwari village via Mussoorie, Kampty Fall. Did overnight camping at Nagtibba temple.

Day 3: Nag Tibba Temple to Nag Tibba top and return down to Pantwari Village (4 hrs trek) and drive to Dehradun (5-6 hrs drive)

Early morning after breakfast, we started for trek to Nag Tibba Top (3084m), from where it was breathtaking view of  Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Gangotri ranges etc. We had lunch at the peak,and the feeling was breathtaking. Post  lunch we descended to Pantwari village and then drove back to Dehradun. Took the bus back to Delhi.

If you are a first time trekker, few Do’s & Don’ts:

  1. Carry sufficient water.
  2. Carry small sling bag and do not make your bag heavy.
  3. Carry sufficient food and the food which gives you energy like juices, fruits, dry fruits, chocolates, etc.
  4. Don’t go fast. Maintain your pace according to your stamina and stick to it.
  5. Carry a good pair of shoes.
  6. Carry personal utilities like sunscreen, small towel, lip balm, sanitizer etc.
  7. Carry a raincoat because on mountains you never know what’s gonna happen.
  8. No network is available at the top, though at some places, airtel and idea can be found.

So what are you waiting for, pack your bags for this weekend to Nagtibba.

Categories
Himalayas North India Treks

The beautiful Scenic Hamlet in Himalayas!! The Chopta Valley

The beautiful valley of Chopta lies in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, situated at the distance of 450 Km from New Delhi. Resting in the lap of the Himalayas, the valley is commonly known as the mini Switzerland due to its magical snow covered mountains. It is the starting point for the travelers going to Tungnath and Chandrashila. The tranquil eye luring beauty is worth seeing, it is the perfect destination for those exploring heaven on earth.

Below are some important details for travelers.

State: Uttarakhand, India

District: RudraPrayag

Distance from New Delhi: 450 Km

Route: Chopta is located 450 Km from New Delhi. The one traveling to Chopta valley should start their journey from New Delhi.

Bus: People traveling from Bus should board from Kashmiri gate ISBT, New Delhi for Rishikesh or Haridwar. After reaching Rishikesh, they should relax in the hotel or Dharamshala and enjoy the mesmerizing view of Rishikesh. The Next day they can start their journey for Chopta either by bus or private accommodation to Rudraprayag. For those who are traveling on public transport need to board another bus going to Chopta via Chopta Pokhari Road.

Train: Those who are traveling via train can board any train going either Rishikesh or Haridwar. After reaching the destination, you can either choose to hold there for some time or continue your journey via bus or private car to Rudraprayag. It takes 4hrs 8 min to reach there via NH7. Chopta is 23Km Ahead  to Rudraprayag, which can be covered within an hour via Chopta Pokhari Road.

Air: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Sightseeing in Chopta Valley

The small town of Chopta lies in the Greater Himalayas surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks and thick dense forests. Chopta Valley is home to lush greenery and rare species of animals and birds which make which make the place an interesting one. If you are looking for Heaven on Earth, do plan a trip to Chopta Valley and experience the Heaven.

Tungnath Temple:

There are five shrines of Shiva, which are generally known as “ Panch Kedar”. The Tungnath temple is the highest among all situated at the height of 3860 meters. It is the divine pilgrimage of the Hindu religion and the most significant among Panch Kedars.  Every year thousand of devotees pay a visit to Tung Nath Yatra. The stiff rocky trek of 3.5 kms joining the Chopta and Tungnath is exhausting and tiring.

Deori Tal:

The beautiful lake “Deori Tal” is pleasing to the eyes. It is located on the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road, which can be reached via a 2km stiff track from Chopta. The mesmerizing and magical view of Deori- Tal is a wholesome experience in itself. It is one of the  best tourist attraction of Chopta.

Ukhimath:

It is one of the most popular pilgrimages of Hindu and devotees of Shiva. It is strongly believed that Ukhimath is the residence of Lord Shiva during Winters, as Kedarnath is covered with heavy snow, the lord is temporarily shifted to Ukhimath.

Magnificent view of Chandrashila:

The Chandrashila is the highest point of the peak near Tungnath. It is located at the height of 4000 meters and 1.5 Kms further from  the Tungnath. It offers the eye luring view of great Himalayas all around. The picturesque landscape is worth viewing.

Besides historical and religious importance, Chopta Valley in Uttarakhand is a famous place among the trekkers. People of several faiths flock in large numbers on a holiday to Chopta Valley.

Exit mobile version