Located midway between Delhi and Jaipur, Alwar is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, with history going back to the time when Viratnagar used to be flourishing center. Viratnagar, the same Matsya Desh dating back to the times of Mahabharata, where Pandavas spent last year of the 13 years of exile. Despite located close to Delhi, Alwar somehow gets missed out from the itinerary as crowds prefer opulence of Jaipur or probably information about unseen spots in Alwar is rather limited.
Alwar - Unseen Getaway
Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra
Where you
will find the Gods, where is the heaven?
Simple
answer, please visit Hindu temples. And if you want to enjoy a walk with the
Gods alongside, please come to Brahma Sarovar (Pond) at Kurukshetra.
Legend says the Sarovar was created by none other than Lord Brahma. After performing a huge Yagya (ritual) here, Lord Brahma went on to create the universe from the sacred land of Kurukshetra. Cradle of civilization, Brahma Sarovar is breathtakingly picturesque and the most visited site in Kurukshetra.
Asan Barrage - Waterfront stay with Nature
Along the scenic confluence of the river Asan and Asan Barrage, there stands a resort that feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The journey to get here includes a drive amid the scenic hills, incredible valleys and dense forests setting a perfect stage to disconnect from the fast lane and reset your soul at this secluded spot.
After the necessary formalities and before you head to your room, please take the front desk number for ordering tea, coffee, lunch, snacks and dinner.
The first floor and is equipped with a bed, tea table for two, slanted V shape ceiling, and balcony on both sides.
As will be standing in the balcony in the misty morning.
- Ashokan Rock Edict, Kalsi – 20 km.
- Lakhamandal – 100 Km.
- Renuka Lake – 51 km. (and on way - Poanta Sahib Guridwara, 8 km. and Citrus fruits' orchards at Dhaula Kuan, 24 km.)
- Dehradun
- Mussourie – 70 km.
- Chakrata – 65 km.
On Nainital and Mukteshwar: A Lake, Deodars and Maple Leaves - part 1 of 2
Lake Rewalsar...
We started at 8:00 AM from Shimla and took the way to Kullu via Mandi. The objective was to visit Lake Rewalsar, 140 km. from Shimla. Lake Rewalsar (locally called as Tso Pema/ Lotus Lake) along with statue of Padmasambhava (popular as Guru Rinpoche in Tibet) is one of the most popular symbols in Himachal Pradesh tourism advertisements. Surrounded and hidden in rugged mountains this sacred lake is 23 km. from town of Mandi.
It was from this place Indian teacher Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche in Tibet) left for Tibet to spread Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet. Annoyed by fondness of his daughter for long haired Padmasambhava, legend says that the king of Mandi, Vihardhara tried to burn alive the sage Padmasambhava, to prevent his daughter Mandarava running off with him. It is believed that the charred corpse of Padmasambhava liquefied into water forming Lake Rewalsar. The spirit of Padmasambhava is said to still reside in the islands of floating reed since then. Statue of Lord Padmasambhava defines the skyline of Lake Rewalsar.
Nahan - for real vagabonding
While in middle of such a temptation, I decided for some real vagabonding in the himalayan ranges in Nahan region. Totally secluded from the hustles of any type, Nahan is an ideal place to roam around like a free bird. Once out of Delhi the excellent highway ends up adding to your impatience of reaching Nahan as soon as possible. "Resist the temptation". Nahan is a small town and headquarter of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Lytton memorial is the entry point and a renowned landmark of Nahan.
There are a few accommodations available here, however locales advised us to go uphill 14 kms. and stay at Jamta. As we had no obligation for destination, we started meandering uphill along the snaky roads.
This is a place to enjoy your evening tea, morning
breakfast alongside the green airs of the hills. One here it was the time to
further explore the virgin beauty of this region. We were surprised to know that the
largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, "Renuka Lake" is separated from us
by a distance of only 27 Kms.
Next morning it was the voyage downhill to Renuka Lake. Every turn of the serpentine drive in the hills will surely keep your cameras in overdrive. Each click of the immensely artistic panoramic caricatures will only lead to click more and more. Enjoying the voyage also bought some envy, it was natural to envy the fortunes of the people living in such a heaven.
While enjoying our drive, we came across a pleasant surprise in the way. Check out the temple situated in middle of a waterfall - "Bedolia Waterfall".
Renuka Lake is the largest lake in
Himachal Pradesh and is 672 m above the sea level. Renuka Lake is named after
Goddess "RENUKA", mother of lord Parshuram. Welcomed by naughty ducks
in the pond called "Ram Sarovar", you have entered the place
of Renuka Lake which is also very sacred and is worshipped as a holy place.
This place is also birth place of Lord Parshuram. Check the history associated
with it...
With a circumference of about 3214 m. this lake is surrounded by a sanctuary too. A leisurely walk into the sanctuary will not disturb the inhabitants, Lions, Bears,...My favorite turned out to be bulky "Mithun Cow"...
The range of flora and fauna in the sanctuary is amazing.
This region can be described as land of valleys, meandering water streams and a place where you can drive throughout the day without getting enough of the place. This was turning out to be more wonderful than any of the expectations. As evening was approaching, settling mist was making the valleys more gorgeous. You can have the liberty of stopping your car, walking down to the bed of the streams and cherish the twilight in the woods...Once you are back at Jamta, evening and morning tea is also a pleasure. Immerse yourself in an isolated walk in the Shivalik hills and relish the ambience.
To reach Nahan:
Hit the Roads: 270 Km from Delhi Via: Sonipat-Panipat-Kurukshetra-Karnal-Shahbad Markanda-Kala
Amb-Nahan-Jamta
By Train: Nearest railway stations are Ambala, Chandigarh and Kalka and regular bus services connect these stations to Nahan.
While returning to Delhi take the other route (via Dhaula Kuan, Poanta Sahib and Dehradun) and
continue exploring more and more.
Another wonderful lake in Himachal Pradesh; worth exploring is Lake Rewalsar which is lying hidden in the mountains, 23 km. from town of Mandi...
Green side of Jamshedpur...
By this time, we both were a bit rejuvenated and started for our next destination, THE ZOOLOGICAL Gardens. Any doubts about the garden, it is indeed a garden; that was the first thought came to my mind when I was treated to such a beautiful portrait.
and large number of ducks to welcome us...
Mesmerized by the awesome greenery, I have forgotten for a moment that there are other commitments waiting for both of us.
Seeing the king of jungle in the cage, reminded me one famous dialogue of hindi movies:
(even small children can throw pebbles at caged tigers)
You might take your luck for granted with these tigers. However if you have it in you, try with him.
I am too adventurous, but this time I could not get any closer to the royal king of the jungle.
Innovation is not a patent of anyone, check out this simple yet effective way devised by this intelligent monkey to keep himself cool in this scorching heat:
It was the first time I had been to a zoo, but nonetheless I was cherishing the every moment of it. For the first time in my life I met with the following:
NEELGAI
BEARS
Looks like they were also delighted on meeting with me. Don't you all feel that these lives will be better off in their original homes, i.e. the forests.
While returning back, I was thinking that God has given me another venue to travel. This might be a humble beginning, who knows next time I will get a chance to go to Gir Forests or Ranthambore or Kaziranga Parks.
On one hand humans are destroying their dwellings to showcase their growth and later on to oblige these animals we are setting up sanctuaries, parks and zoological gardens. Whom are we trying to please or cheat..? We need to wake up in time, else when nature will seek back its due, human race will found itself too helpless and small.
Udaipur: Isn't Venice - Udaipur of the West..
It was all excitement and counting of days as soon as we planned a trip to Udaipur, one of the most romantic places in India and also popular as “city of lakes”. Every lane of the city is worth falling in love and network of Seven (7) lakes provide an ideal setting for romantic evenings. Established by Maharana Udai Singh in 1553, when he shifted the capital of Mewar from Chittorgarh. Udaipur City is one of best examples of Royality defined from India is one of most visited tourist destinations across the world.
Along with Chittorgarh, Udaipur is a proud constituent of
Mewar region. Mewar is the region which has weathered most of the attacks
coming from the West to protect India. The folk tales of brave Rajputs and
Maharana Pratap can be heard at every street and corner of this city.
After history hunting at Chittorgarh, it was the
time to discover the Grand Udaipur City.
As all good things shall start by prayers; one auto rickshaw driver advised
us to first visit the Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple on the Machla Hills
and enjoy the ropeway ride to reach the temple on top of hill. While
enjoying the ropeway, one can click some breath-taking views of Pandit Deendayal
Upadhyay Park adjacent to Doodh Talai Lake.
From the ropeway, the distant emerald Lake Pichola was visible and calling us to cherish the legendary boat rides on its blue waters. As soon as we returned from the temple, within no time we were at the boat ride station entry.
In the front of us were visible the noted monuments of Udaipur. The Boat ride will take you closer to Udaivilas and Lake Palace hotels which are situated in the middle of waters. Lake Palace used to serve as royal residence during summers.
All the lakes are interconnected. While enjoying our ride, a beautiful channel of connection of Lake Pichola with Fatehsagar lake.
No doubts all the boats gather at this point to click, this beautiful spot. Now I fully understood, why foreigners prefer to call Udaipur as “Venice of the East”. Venice must be feeling proud on this comparison with Udaipur. Check out Udaipur City from the water side...
Ride turned a full circle and the majestic City Palace, the royal residence of royal family of Udaipur was standing in front of us.
City Palace is complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens and acclaimed globally for its intricate peacock mosaics, something heard only in mythological stories. A good part of City Palace is now turned into a museum. Camera is allowed inside after paying the prescribed entry fees. Take your camera to capture the grandeur from inside...
Around 200m. from City Palce is the major attraction and much visited Jagannath temple or Jagdish Temple.
It is believed that Lord Jagannath ordered the Maharana to build a temple in Udaipur where the God himself will come to bless this place. This 100 ft. high temple is also an architectural marvel and various mythological stories have been carved on the walls of this temple.
One has to take 32 marble steps to reach the temple. And to welcome the visitors, there stands two huge elephants with its trunk uplifted on either side of the stairs.
These elephants were built 11 stones’ blocks with such a craft that the joints are never visible. Lord Vishnu is called as Lord Jagdish here and is the worshipped deity here.
Located at the north of Lake Pichola is the Fatehsagar lake, which is an artificial lake and one of the most popular tourist hangout destinations in Udaipur.
Surrounded by Aravalli Ranges, the panoramic lake looks like an artists sketch. It is an ideal place to enjoy some quite moments with yourself or some romantic moments with your beloved.
A model of Chittorgarh Fort is also on display, as we were coming from Chittorgarh, we started identifying all the land mark features of the fort once more...

Water dripping down in the form of thin sprays from the terrace of the cenotaphs shaped like birds, create a
wonderful sight like singing rains. The Saheliyon-ki-Bari opens
from 8 AM to 5 PM.
We may have clicked numerous
pictures and enjoyed some great food here, but what which can not be
expressed fully in the words is the experience and remarkable hospitality
of the people. Something is there in the Udaipur weather. For food lovers,
Sukhadia Circle is the epitome of satiating the taste buds. Come early and
secure a place, else enjoy the fountains while waiting for your turn at the
food stalls.
Every moment in Udaipur is exploration of amazing history of our motherland and some memorable romantic moments with the soil of this region. Not only Udaipur city history is spread outside of Udaipur too, take some time to follow the trail of Maharana Pratap and the battle of Haldighati.
Keep Travelling Guys…