List of Best Treks in Uttarakhand that you must try
On Nainital and Mukteshwar: A Lake, Deodars and Maple Leaves - part 1 of 2
Wonderlands around Shimla...
The mountains, when covered with dense forests may look similar, but
something is surely in the air. When it comes to driving nothing beats the
romance of snaking in the hills around Shimla. Is something actually in the air
of Shimla and surrounding places or it is just
the unparalleled beauty of this heavenly region...?
Outskirts of Shimla are the places which separates
visitors from explorers. If you ask people if they have visited Chail, Kufri,
Mashobra and Naldehra; there is good chance to hear that most of the people
would have ended on Kufri only. These four locations can be covered in a day if
you start from Shimla before the first ray of the sunlight. Though you may also
enjoy a night stay of perfect solitude at Chail or at Naldehra.
To explore these out of the world spots where blanket of Pine and Deodar trees grace the landscapes, this eternal vagabond started his early morning drive to Chail (51 km. from Shimla) to get an authentic morning mystic feel of the valleys. Till Kufri (20 Km. from Shimla) you will find many visitors. Once you will move ahead from Kufri, its only nature and yourself, enjoy the symphony of birds chirping, whistling of tree leaves and your camera clicks.
Mesmerized in Shimla
Dehradun - Blended in culture of city and hills
Capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a small,
charming city that is known for its scenic surroundings, acclaimed educational
institutes, cool environment and lots of interesting attractions to explore.
Such is the location of Dehradun that one can enjoy the journey either via Haridwar/Rishikesh or via Nahan. If you are coming via Nahan then enjoy a number of spots in the way too. First one being citrus fruits' orchards at Dhaula Kuan (58 km. from Nahan).
Gurudwara serves 24 hrs. langar (free kitchen) to
everyone. Though it is not necessary, but if possible "Do
contribute something to support this divine initiative" by the
Gurudwara. Pray for a few moments here and continue the journey to
Dehradun.
Another 27 km. straight drive will take you to barrage at Dakpatthar. This is slightly (5-6 km.) off the track from Dehradun. Continue straight from Herbertpur crossing, right turn will take you to Dehradun. Thanks to my special friend, I got to enjoy such a lovely point.
Coming back from Nahan, a brief stopover at Dehradun is both wise and refreshing. Dehradun is a little town that boasts of hustle-bustle of a city with some quiet and calming corners.
First in line was Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple. The legend has it that this place was often used by the gods and saints for offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Guru Dronacharya, after many years of worship, too got the gift of the archery knowledge by Lord Shiva. The knowledge was later transferred on to Arjun, the greatest archer that ever lived and ever would live.The huge temple premises looks like a small tour of Gods’ land. It starts with Lord Shiva’s temple, the cave where gods and saints prayed for years. It daily attracts a large number of devotees who worship numerous forms, statues or shivalings that represent Lord Shiva.
The reach to the small sanctum sanctorum of Vaishno Devi temple, through the small cave route, is both spiritualistic and thrilling.
Next is Japanese Temple or Buddha temple for a similar soul-satisfying experience. This is an important of Dehradun and is widely acclaimed for its impressive architecture, beautiful interiors and pleasing surroundings.
The main stupa of the temple, about 220 feet in height, is built as a replica of Mindrolling monastery, Tibet. It is claimed to be the largest reliquary in Asia.
Stupa with company of adjacent structures, craft its own identity and
presents a magnificent skyline to Dehradun.
From the towering Lord Buddha statue, giant stupa, calm
praying halls to little monks showcasing some brilliant football skills, the
place seems like without any worldly trouble. Watching monks play football is
something which no one should afford to miss. You can also join them and
hone up your football skills. Free accommodation, clothing, food, and
other facilities are provided by the Buddha Temple authorities
to around 500 monks who live here and study.
The colourful gardens, full of various types of roses,
other flowers, plants and lush-green trees add to the place’s decor and
peace. The shops and temple garden are open for the public seven days a
week. However, the interior of the temple remains open only on Sundays.
Too much of spirituality lets now proceed to some cave exploration at the much acclaimed – Sahastradhara, around 11 km from the city of Dehradun. The earlier generation tells you tales of these mountains squirting out water streams in all their resplendence. However, the scene is not as stunning, but still too beautiful. However, the cool water, slowly trickling down the mountains around you makes your journey fulfilling.
Take a dip or just sit on the huge rocks with your feet in water or better
still do some casual climbing to discover a your very own hidden pool or some
historic cave. Once there, do not forget to try something from the small
eateries. Pick your favourite from hot and crispy pakoras, vegetable maggi or
mouth-watering aloo tikki.
And you can end your brief meeting with this small town
amid its main market, bustling with energy. Just a few moments away from its
new-age cafeterias, bakeries, restaurants, and shopping centres, is the old
market near the clock tower. A look at that age-old clock tower and any Ruskin
Bond fan would immediately identify with his many characters’ experiences and
stories. It is perhaps the lanes of this market only that his famous character
– Rusty – ran down with his local friends to savour local sweets and
delicacies.
The market not only is a treasure trove for souvenirs,
junk jewellery and local handicrafts, it also houses decade-old eating joints
serving the flavours from across the country in authentic style.
Even if for a day or two, the time spent here would make for lifetime memories.
Way to Explore: Nahan –
Dhaula Kuan (58 Km.) – Poanta Sahib (17 km.) – Dakpatthar (27 km.) – Dehradun
(40 Km.)
Happy travelling Friends...
Escape to Lansdowne...
Work pressures are sucking me, I cannot breath, city is so congested,
traffic situation is so pathetic, I cannot take time for myself… Hey dude chill, give me a break…no no no dude you
have to take a break from your mundane profile. And there is no other way than
travelling out somewhere to Relax,
Rejuvenate and Reclaim your inner self. But…But. But…where, how and
when are a few hurdles which prevent us from coming out of the vicious circles
of our lives.
Exquisite planning and strategy is not at all required to travel but yes, a heart full of passion and enthusiasm. "Where there is a will, there is a way". One extended weekend was more than enough to arouse the vagabond inside me. Selecting Lansdowne, that was the only planning I had to do. Start early from Delhi in order to escape the chaotic traffic in Meerut. Post Meerut driving is a sheer treat, almost deserted highways gave us abundant time to appreciate the adjoining farms and stretches of cultivating lands. Trees planted along the roadside makes the journey more comfortable.
Bijnor and Najibabad will pass in a flash and in no time, you will be in Elephant park, which is situated at the outskirts of Kotdwar. Park was too tempting to take a break and step out of the car, but "Resist the Temptation". The moment if you look around you will find a skyline dominated by the hills. That is something seriously very hard to resist. Guys keep on moving, but take due care in driving as splendid landscapes appearing on either side are worth taking away your concentration, which you cannot afford at all while driving on the hills.
Heaven called "SIKKIM"
"Sikkim is sheer magic”.
This is not just the most beautiful place in the world
but cleanest and safest too. Misty skies, mountains, and colourful butterflies,
coupled with unique culture and natural landscape, Sikkim is a picture of
perfection and pristine purity. Nestled in the Himalayas and endowed with
exceptional natural beauty, Sikkim is a hotspot of biodiversity and
development. Though small, yet Sikkim has been identified world over as an
important repository of germplasms of unknown dimensions. Perhaps,
there is no part of the world, which offers more spectacular panorama with
every turn of the road as Sikkim.
With a thrilling and ecstatic mood, we started from Kolkata in one fine October night (Buses ply regularly from Esplanade). It took 13 hours of bus journey to reach Silliguri at around 3 PM next day. Tea estates and light rains welcomed us, aura was simply overwhelming, and we were smelling TEA in the atmosphere. We hired a cab for Gangtok, which took 4.5 hours coupled with some great experiences of our lives. It was 8 in night when we reached our hotel, by the time Gangtok was chilling and we were with our spirits only to counter the cold coz we were without WARM CLOTHES. After dinner we were soon venturing out on the streets of Gangtok and were restrained only by unwelcomed rains. It rains without notice in Sikkim. We finally went to sleep with a dream of surrounding Himalayas and an impatient soul restlessly waiting the night to pass.
DAY 2: What a morning that was, clouds under our feet!!!