Travel India: December 2017

Some of the popular treks in Himachal Pradesh

Trekking is more than just “climbing and descending”. It is an adventure that leads to self-realization. Its significance lies in helping to know our potential and our limitations. It is the way to explore what lies beyond our limits. It also develops the quality of determination, courage, confidence, alertness that results in improving our overall strength. Below I am giving details of some trekking routes.

Shimla-Churdhar (via Rohru, Ranahat, Haripurdhar)

For this trek one has to travel Shimla to Rohru by bus (6 hours), from Rohru to Chirgaon (15km) is a moderate ascending through villages along Pabbar river, then to Larot (15km) it is about 5 hours ascending, Larot to Dobra (20km) through Chanshil Ghati (4220 m) up and down to Kalapani via Gajani thach, Dodra to Kawar (18 km) first to descend to Rupin river and afterwards to ascend via Pujarali village to kawar. From kawar trekking (18 km) route is rising to the thatch where camping is possible. Form thereafter trekking further 18 km towards Uttrakhand to Natwar is now descending. Form Natwar to Ranahat is about 51 km. by bus, the route goes zigzag, up and down. Now is steady ascent through forests from Ranahat to Panog (18 km) from there route ascends gradually (15 km) to Haripurdhar in Himachal Pradesh.

TattaPani (via Tara Devi and Chail)

One has to start in from summer Hills in the capital of Himachal Pradesh towards Prospect Hill and than descend to road, crossing the ridge, from there it is a regular route to Tara Devi temple (16 km). Then to Sadhupul (18km) trekker has to cross Nandpur and other villages, from here Chail is 14 km and out of this 8 km is a steep climb. On the way, one may visit Duna temple. Chail has a palace, the highest cricket pitch in the world and panoramic scenery. Then onwards to Mundaghat is (18 km) steady climb through forests from there to Kufri top is 17 km. To reach Craignano (15 km) one has to descend via Wild Flower Hall and Mashobra viewing the Himalayan ranges. From there one trek via Naldehra and Basantpur to Tattapani (18 km) and back to Shimla (51 km) travel by bus.

Shimla to Shali Peak

One has to travel by bus from Shimla to Durgapur (4hours) from there to Devi Dhar is a good route (15 km) of declined height. Then to Palyad (16 km), one has to descend through villages. From Palyad to Tattapani(14km) has a descending route. From there to Gumma via Chaba is 16 km. where drinking water is purified and supplied to Shimla. As Chaba, an old hydroelectric station is supplying electricity to Shimla.This hydroelectric station is one of older hydro power station of Himachal Pradesh. This hydro project preserved century old British heritage which shows aged machinery and Architecture. Further one has to trek (10 km) from Gumma to Shali Peak (2867 m). There is a Bhima Kali temple among dense forests. From Shali Peak to Craignano(20 km) down to Naoti stream one may visit an amusement park. From there walk to Dhali (Shimla) via Naldehara.

Manali to Manikaran

This trek starts from Manali to Naggar which is 21 km and Naggar is famous tourist destination of Kullu Valley. There are some tourist attraction in Naggar like Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, Naggar castle etc. From Naggar one proceeds towards Mati kochhar (16km.). From Mati Kochhar to Jari (20km.). Jari is near Kasol which famous among the trekkers and then towords Malana (10km.). Malana is small village in parbati vallley Himachal Pradesh. This village lies a little ahead of the 'Chanderkhani Pass' and it is famous for the temple of 'Jamlu'. Malana village is reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants of the village take part in managing its affairs. It is famous for trekking. Malana to Rashol (12km.) and then to Manikaran (12km.) to Manali back (96km.) by bus.

Trek Four Passes and two Valleys from Manali

Form Manali walks via Prini, Hamta villages to Sethan (12 km.). from Sethan to Chhika (12km.) enthral walk is known for wild flowers from Bhalu ka Ghera up to Chhika one finds a lot of caves and good rocks on the way. From Chhika to Chhatru (12km.) on the way from Hamta Pass (4268 m) the view of Deo Tibba, Indra Killa and Inderasan is superb. But trekkers will have to be careful of the streams while they descend to Chhatru to Chhatru and cross Chandra river. From Chhatru to Chhota Dara (17 km.) the walk is along the right bank of Chandra river and opposite to Chhota Shigri glacier with mountains in view. From there to Batal (17 km.) one has to walk along the river opposite to Bara Shigri glacier and enjoys a wonderful view of high peaks. From Batal go to Chandertal (4270m) (16 km) climbing Kunzum la (4558 m) and enjoy glimpses of valley and descend toChandertal. It is the best place to rest, enjoy the nature and relax. Across Chandra river one would see glaciers and peak of Mulkila and other ranges, besides view of Snow-clapped high peaks of Bara Shigri.

Chandertal is a big lake with spotless clear water. It is also known as the moon lake. From there to Tokpo Gongma (12 km) one enjoy throughout a good view of the mountain peaks and glaciers. Tokpo means river and Gongama means big in Spiti. From Tokpo Gongma to Tokpo Yongma (10 km) the river has to be crossed early morning when the water is low or find some snow bridge up near the source. Yongma means small. From there to Baralacha La (4883 m) (10 km) the 8 km long interesting Pass gives rise to three climbing small peaks exploring the area. From Baralacha to Zingzingbar (4270 m) (18 km) one has to trek via Surajtal, the source of Bhaga river and descending along Bhaga through zigzag ways. From there to Darcha (3360 m) (20 km) one goes via Patsao, a big trading and exchange place between the traders of India and Tibet during older times. From Darcha one route leads to leh over shingola through the Zanskar valley. From Dorcha have a bus (10 hours) to Manali via Keylong over Rohtang Pass.

which is your favorite trekking route? Do share and comment.

No comments

Christmas holidays in India

Christmas is a most awaited festival and the holiday season in the world as during this time maximum no of people go on vacations with their families. Every year on December this festival is celebrated in India, the most awaited month of the year. People started planning in advance for this occasion, making a schedule for shopping gifts for their loved ones and preparing a travelling plan to be with their families. Here I am going to discuss some of the best Indian places to visit this vacation.

Shimla the queen of hill stations

Shimla is also known as the queen of Hill of stations. It is capital of Northern Indian state Himachal Pradesh and also summer capital of British India. All the travellers who are chalking their travel plan for Christmas vacation must not give Shimla a miss. It is beautiful hill station full of dense forest and Victorian architecture buildings have its own charm that doesn’t fade away easily from hearts of travellers. Its streets, pleasant weather and ambience make it a hotspot for tourist. There are many good resorts situated in Shimla, which overlook the Mother Nature. The hotels provided wonderful chance to just sit on the balcony and enjoy a hot cup of tea while admiring nature’s beauty at its best. In December you can expect a white Xmas in Shimla. You realize that one trip to this city is not enough and you want to come back again to an unforgettable experience of life.

Goa

Goa is the best place to celebrate Christmas as it is famous for its beaches and vibrant culture. There is sizable roman catholic population live in goa and don’t forget the Portuguese influence in the culture of society. India party capital becomes livelier during the Advent Season and one can actually feel the much-spoken warmth of Festival. The entire city is decorated with flowers and lights. In the midnight, denizens sing carols and this goes on until early hours of the morning. Even the restaurants serve special lunches and dinners and organised live bands performance. There all night long parties organized on the beaches like Baga, Vagator and Anjuna.

Puducherry

Puducherry is union territory of India and you can find a good French influence here. If you are looking for great Christmas celebration but peaceful at the same time, then Puducherry is the best place to visit. Puducherry also has a good population of Roman Catholic like Goa which means you find great ambience for celebration. The climate during the December is pleasant in Puducherry and you can visit various gothic churches here some of them are Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the church of assumption etc.

Shillong

Shilling is capital of State Meghalaya and a small hill station in the northeastern part of India. Meghalaya means “Adobe of cloud” as it experiences a lot of rains in monsoon season and in December Shillong is quite chilly. Since not many people visit Shillong in winter but you can visit this peaceful yet joyful place for Xmas. There is a huge population of Christians live here thus Christmas is celebrated with much zeal and passion. The streets, churches and houses are decorated with lights. People gather and spend time singing carols and preparing traditional dishes.

Manali

Manali is famous hill station situated in Himachal Pradesh. It is also a famous destination for those who want to celebrate the Christmas in real snow. This place is well connected by road and air, the nearest airport is Bhunter airport which is situated in Kullu. This place is a favourite choice for tourists because during the December it snows usually here. It gives chance to enjoy different snow games like skiing and even enjoying making a snowman. It is a lovely place to spent fairy-tale Xmas. But it is advisable to book a hotel room in advance as lots of tourist visit this place during this season.

Lansdowne

If you are looking for a place to celebrate Christmas away from the crowd than Lansdowne is the best place to visit. Lansdowne is the unspoilt and quiet hill station of India and popular destination since Britishers came to India. This place is well connected by road and surrounded by thick oak and pine forests. This place is in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state. St.Johns Church and St Mary church are situated here of colonial era. So head to this charming place with your family and friends and celebrate with some music, bonfire, and beautifully decorated Xmas trees.

So, which one of these top places to visit in India during Christmas will you be seen around this year? Take your pick! And if you know of any more Christmassy places one can visit in India, tell me in the comments below.

No comments

What is River rafting and how it is done

White water river rafting is an exciting sport for those who are adventurously inclined and are reasonably fit. It is one of the most inviting and attractive water sports which is very popular in Europe and America. White water rafting is a technique of river running which is done in the inflated rubber boats of different types. In the modern era the white water pneumatic rafts are specially made from base fabrics like nylon which provides material strength and is coated with either hypalon or neoprene to give rigidity and conditions of the raft. These are specially designed to take the severest adverse conditions of the fast current and boulders in the water. There are three different modes of rafting. Centre mount oar raft is propelled by one man. In paddle raft water paddles are used and is controlled by the command of a guide or leader. In a mix of oar and paddle raft the leader or guide manoeuvres with oars and the other members provide power using the paddles.

Reason why Himachal pradesh rafting is famous

The Beas River in kullu valley provides an excellent opportunity to the visitors during May and June. About 14 km stretch of the Beas downstream from ‘Kullu to Jhiri’ provides an opportunity for the lovers of this white water sport to taste, feel and enjoy the thrill of rafting, the challenging and continuous rapids. The 90 minute journey from Shamsi (Kullu) to Jhiri makes the participants a fully satisfied lot. All the leading tour operators in Manali and Kullu are actively engaged in conducting the package of river rafting. The Himachal Pradesh Government is laying great emphasis to promote white water rafting in the Satluj at Tattapani and Rampur and river Bhaga at Jispa (Lahaul and Spiti). With the construction of Kol dam, the Tattapani sort of river rafting has submerged under water, but keeping in view the increasing interest of the visitors in river rafting the H.P. government has set up state level and district level rescue and safety committees in adventure sports water sports, aero sports and trekking in Himachal Pradesh. The state level committee is headed by the Chief Secretary as chairman and other 18 heads of different departments as members Drector Tourism, as its member secretary. The district level committee is headed by the Deputy Commissioner as chairman and other 13 district level officers of different department are members and Divisional Tourism Development Officer as its member secretary.

Best time to arrive himachal for white water rafting?

Summers are the best for river rafting in HimachalPradesh. It is when the glaciers ice melt to give its waters to the ever hungry rivers. This also makes the rivers speedy and turbulent, making it a wonderful challenge for river rafters out there. If you get there during the winters for rafting in Himachal, which is December and January, you wouldn't find river rafting services around, since the biting cold winters withdraw it all. And certainly, you aren't advised to river raft or go kayaking in Himachal during the monsoons, since the rivers are way above from being wild and the currents are violent and unpredictable. At that time you can opt for trekking and one of the most adventurous trek of Himachal is Pin Parvati Pass.

What is your favourite Adventure Sport ? Do share you choice.

No comments

Kerala- a gem of Indian Subcontinent

Kerala is one of culturally rich, diverse and picturesque state in India. Each district is worth to watch. It is famous for its backwater and truly defined the tag line of Indian tourism i.e.Incredible India.

Here is list of some best things to do in Kerala.

Kayaking in Backwaters of Alappuzha

Kayaking is best way to begin an introduction to backwaters, as houseboats are only allowed on the major backwaters. Think kayaking up close with village and learning the core village life of Kerala backwater. You can also learn about local history and local indigenous tales.

Visit Guruvayoor temple and its elephant sanctuary in Kochi

If a person love India’s spirituality and he visit kochi than his visit is not complete untill you visit to Guruvayoor temple it is one of the holiest temple to devotees of lord Vishnu, one of the three prime Hindu god in south India. This temple is famous for its Elephant sanctuary. Centuries old traditions are governed the daily rituals of the temples. It houses esteemed image of Vishnu in his Krishna roopa, hero of Mahabharata. A large number of pilgrims and tourists visits this holy place every year.

A visit to Attapadi -- tribals home in kerala

Attapadi is situated on the north-eastern side of Palakkad district. It is one of the largest tribal settelment in the state. This place is filled with forests, river and mountains whichmakes breath taking scenery.

Different tribes live here like Irulas, Kurumbar and Mudugas although population of these tribes is very low. These tribes worship the mountain peak "Malleeswaran' as a Shiva Linga and sivarathri at the Malleeswaran temple. Nearest airport is Coimbatore (58 km) and one can get accommodation here in PWD rest house and few private hotels.

See endangered Lion Tailed Macaques in their natural habitat

Experience the awe of being in the most picturesque stretch of beautiful rainforest of Western Ghats. Silent Valley is estimated to have a history of more than 50 million years of evolution. It has one of the largest populations of Lion Tailed Macaques, a true arboreal monkey which is highly endangered. Silent Valley is 5 hours’ drive from Kochi.

Bird watching in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

There are two bird sanctuaries in kerala and Thattekkad is one out of these two. It is situated in Ernakulam district, this sanctuary is a feast to the eyes and music to the ears. Different species of birds found in South India are seen here. The famous ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali, was the architect of this sanctuary. He identified 167 birds during the Travancore-Cochin Bird Survey. The Bombay Natural History Society had reported 253 species of birds in Thattekkad. It is spread over an extent of 25 sq. km, Thattekkad attracts the nature lovers from all over the world. Best season to visit this sanctuary is August to May.

Munnar

The most admired tourist destination in South India is the town of Munnar. The name comes from the conflux of the 3 rivers in the Western Ghats range. It is an elegant hill station favoured by world travellers due to its never ending tea plantations and cool climate.

The picture perfect town in God's Own Country gives calms with its aromatic plantations and peaceful ambiance. The sprawling natural resort has spilling falls, rolling hills and beautiful valleys, with soothing greenery and recreation spots. It is a haven for shopaholics with variety of spices and souvenirs. This blissful location has everything to keep you entertained.

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram is jewel in the necklace that Kerala is for the Indian sub-continent, must surely have priority visit destination for ages, long before National Geographic Traveller classified it as one. It is also known as Trivandrum and capital city of Kerala state. If you want to visit Trivandrum better stay at Kovalam because Kovalam has beautiful beaches. It is 17 km far away from Trivandrum which is not far from capital. Another attraction is Padmanaba swami temple. You can plan a day trip to Poovar beach which is famous for its Estuary, where backwater and sea meet.

What are your favourite places to visit in Kerala? Do share you recommendations.

2 comments

Kangra Valley

Kangra valley is a broad dun-type valley situated between the Dhauladhar run in the North and the Shivalik slopes in the south. it ranges from west to east rising from Shahpur to Baijnath and Palampur. Numerous guests and scholars have made references of this valley and the general population of this vale are lovely. Here in the valley, combined with the excellence of landscape is the magnificence of humankind. In this valley, we do discover the Kangra artistic creations known for their ever-enduring splendour, in which human love has been spoken to in line and shading with incredible delicacy and which keep on throbbing with enthusiasm even after the passing of two centuries.

This valley has been found importance from historical perspective, with the revelation of Paleolithic hand tools in the region. . The Kangra valley is filled with places of tourist interest, ancient forts, old temples, picturesque villages. The important towns of this vale are Baijnath, Palampur, Kangra, Nurpur and Dharamshala. Shoba Singh Art Gallery (Andretta) shiva temple (Baijnath), Mcleodganj, Chamunda Mandir, Bajreshwari temple are the famous attractions of valley.

Highlights of Kangra vallley

Baijnath - the original name of the place, as we get from various records was Kiragrama, located on the bank of river called Binduka, which is known in moderan period as Binwa, a tributary of the river Beas. Baijnath is situated thirty seven kilometers east of Nagarkot. the place is famous for Shiva temple popularly known as "Vaidyanath" (lord of physicians).

Palampur - palampur (altitute 1,219 meters), is a facinating spot in the Kangra Valley, surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests. The place enjoys a salubrious climate and pine scented air is believed to be good for health. Palampur town has two very important institutions- Agriculture University and CSIR complex. nearest airport is gaggal and the nearest railhead is at a distance of 5 km.

Nurpur- it is famous for an old fort and temple of 'Brij Raj Behari'. The image in the temple according to legends worshiped by 'Meera bai'. The fort is in ruins now but still has some carved relief work on stone.

Dharamshala- Dharamshala came into being in 1849. It was originally formed a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra valley. In 1855, the new station was recognished as the headquarters of the district. It is winter capital of Himachal Pradesh. HPCA cricket stadium which is one of most beautiful stadium in the world is situated in this place.

Shoba Singh Art Gallery- Shoba singh art gallery is situated in Andertta . It is the home of the famous artist, late Sardar Sobha Singh and Late play writer Norah Richards. It is 13 km from Palampur.

Dal Lake- lies amidst hills and stately fir trees and is 11 km from lower Dharamshala in Kangra valley . It is a starting point for excursion and trekking and is located next to Tibetan childern's village.

Chamunda Devi Temple- this temple is situated on the right bank of 'Baner' river with the Dhauladhar as a backdrop, this has an statue of goddess Chamunda, who, it is said was given the blessings to fulfil the desires of those who worshipped her. On the backside of the temple their is a cave in which a stone 'Lingam' under a boulder that represents Nandi Keshwar.

Dharamkot- it is situated on the crest of a hill, this favourite picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges.

No comments

Some of the popular treks in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla-Churdhar (via Rohru, Ranahat, Haripurdhar)

TattaPani (via Tara Devi and Chail)

Shimla to Shali Peak

Manali to Manikaran

Trek Four Passes and two Valleys from Manali

Christmas holidays in India

Shimla the queen of hill stations

Goa

Puducherry

Shillong

Manali

Lansdowne

What is River rafting and how it is done

Reason why Himachal pradesh rafting is famous

Best time to arrive himachal for white water rafting?

Kerala- a gem of Indian Subcontinent

Here is list of some best things to do in Kerala.

Kayaking in Backwaters of Alappuzha

Visit Guruvayoor temple and its elephant sanctuary in Kochi

A visit to Attapadi -- tribals home in kerala

See endangered Lion Tailed Macaques in their natural habitat

Bird watching in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Munnar

Thiruvananthapuram

Kangra Valley

Highlights of Kangra vallley

About me

Follow Us

Labels

recent posts

Blog Archive