On 26th march 2009, I, trideep, ashish and denzil set out for Vidisha. We took the Punjab mail from dadar departure time being 7.55 p.m. Next day at 10.40 a.m. we reached Vidisha station. The station had the similar looks of the traditional upcountry stations of India, however we all were feeling good and were feeling the freshness of the clean air. Outside the station there was a market –as anticipated, markets develop around railway stations in India. There is a SBI ATM near the station. We all decided to take a lodge to rest, have bath to set out for the journey. Very near to the station there was a temple which had the entrance in the form of Lions mouth and was looking marvelous. We enquired and took a lodge ''SWAPNLOK'' for 1-2 hours. Total damage: INR 80.00. The rooms were of bare minimum standard, with a common bathroom outside the room, however on the same floor. We took bath and other morning chores and rested for 30.00 minutes. We took breakfast in one of the nearby restaurants ''Shree Krishna Sweets & Restaurant '' comprising of poha, poori-chola, juices, and lassi. The hotel owner advised us to take an auto to visit Sanchi. The bus stand was around 1.00 k.m. away from the railway station. Nearby the station was the taxi stand, and after hard negotiation got an auto for INR 190.00. The autos in Vidisha accommodate 4 people and we set out for our journey to Sanchi. Locals in the train advised us to visit Udaygiri caves and we asked the auto to take to Udaygiri. At 12.20 p.m the auto after going through the market, finally took a route which was the traditional deserted trial with trees on both the sides. Finally after a travel of roughly 25 minutes we reached Udaygiri caves. The cave had a deserted look with hardly any tourist—perfect recipe for all four of us. It was an area with small villages surrounding it and small hills which were bearing the structures. The cave 1 itself was having the huge Krishna avatar – bore and was quite a marvel. There are local guides available – depends on ones interest level. Beside this caves were other surrounding places –Krishna in sleeping posture. We walked up the mountain and could see some structure far towards the north and walked towards it. It was a 10-15 minutes walk up a small hill and reached the temple place from where we could see the entire surrounding place. The view from this place is worth remembering and we will never forget in our lifetime. Nearby the cave1 there is a beautiful garden, which is usually used by the young couples. After spending almost 1.00 hours we set out for Sanchi. There is new road which has been built and takes directly to Sanchi bypassing Vidisha market. The road lacks the normal chaos of the Mumbai traffic, however surrounded by fields, breezes, far- off mountains and pure O2. We all were so impressed by the nearby serene that we all stopped at one place in the middle and took impressive photographs. Finally the auto reached Sanchi market- too small as compared to Vidisha at 2.10 p.m.There was an entrance fee of INR 05.00/ person and is a short climb, tiring if one were to climb. Finally we got the first glimpse of the stupa of Sanchi—World Heritage Sight. We all were left speechless at the first glimpse of this magnificent sight. There is a parking site for vehicles and after the security check we entered the site. At the entrance on the left side was the water tap with clear and cold water- with which we quenched our thirst. The main stupa stands right at front with stupa-2 on the left side and stupa-3 on the right side- however not visible and one needs to walk down. The way to the stupa-1 is surrounded by a garden on which we all rested down and looked at the beautiful structure lying on the grass. However lying on the grass is not allowed and the caretakers will ask you not to do so. We all started taking the photographs and Ashish was the leader in this. The stupa was basically a tomb shaped structure – which does not have any entrance inside. There are steps which encircles the entire structure. Immediately to the left of stupa-1 on a short climb one can see small structure with the status of Buddha. Within the compound is a shop for refreshment and a museum – closed on Friday. Stupa-3 was on the left of Stupa-1 and while walking down we saw a wall structures which could have been the bathing place. Near stupa-3 was a small artificial tank, which was great since I was resting with my legs in the water. After spending almost 3.00 hours we all set for Bhopal at 4.41 p.m. Coming down we couldn’t find an auto and hence walked down. It took roughly 15 minutes to reach the main road and easily found a mini bus to Bhopal. Total damage: 75.00 INR. The journey to Bhopal took 1.25 hours and reached the bus stand. We took an auto to the station, since it’s always better to stay near railway station. Total damage: INR 20.00. There were few guest house very next to the station, however was not worth. The automan finally took us to a hotel – 5-7 minutes walking from the station – which was however decent. We took 1 room with an extra bed to accommodate all 4 of us. Total damage: INR 650.00. It was already 7.00 p.m. and we all decided to see local Bhopal. After getting fresh we took an auto and went to Tajul mosque—India’s largest mosque and worlds second largest. Total damage: INR 110. 00. Bhopal city is exceptionally clean and was looking quite decent and not so overly crowded. By the time we reached it was already 8.15 p.m. however could see the magnificent mosque. It was really huge and the scene from inside the mosque was thrilling. We set out for our dinner and finding a veg restaurant was a slight challenge. There is lot of juice corners selling fruit juices—worth a try. JAMEEL Restaurant is great for Non veg in Bhopal. Finally we took the dinner at the hotel – beware of the dal and ask the waiter in advance of not preparing it spicy. The dal was so spicy that we couldn’t eat.
Day-2
Next day morning myself and dada (Trideep) set out to the station to find out means to reach Bhimbetka-unesco site at a distance of 41.00 k.m. from Bhopal. Finally we negotiated with an auto---total damage: INR 650.00.we all set out at 7.40 a.m. and first went to a place –breakfast as suggested by the auto driver. The breakfast comprises of poha, kachori, tea. The route to bhimbetka was slightly altered to accommodate Bhojpur as suggested to us by one local. Finally after a ride of almost 45.00 minutes we reached Bhojpur- small place with a temple on a small hill at 9.00 a.m. The climb to the temple made us reach a place –which was like an ultimate surprise to us. It had a huge shiv-ling ---22.00 feet –tallest in the world. The shiv-linga was such a huge that the poojary was using a staircase to reach the top and by the time we reached he was bathing the linga with milk. Beside the temple- 10 minutes walk on the left side took us to Betwa river. The scene from the top of the rocks was great. We proceeded with our journey towards Bhimbetka at 10.30 a.m. The road was passing through paddy fields, trees. The auto then took the highway and after travelling for certain distance it took right and had to cross a railway crossing. At the cross itself there is a hotel—for accommodation available. The path to bhimbethka is a climb with an entrance fee of INR 15.00/ person. The place has a totally different look with rocks surrounding the entire place. Finally we arrived at the entrance of the place at 110.20 a.m. One needs to take a guide for complete understanding of the place. The guide was quite decent, English-speaking and knowledgeable. The first point is a huge rock on which there are paintings of man, animals, bows-arrows. The paintings are believed to be around 50000 years back and still remain intact. The guide showed us other rocks-enclosures nearby where the primitive human beings used to stay. The total experience was great- however since short of time we could spend much time over there. There are believed to be total some 50-75 such places with the forest area. At few places the excavations are still on as advised by the guide. 5- Minutes walk takes to a temple—one can actually miss this since it’s not any ancient temple. We all set out for Bhopal and very near to this place after crossing the railway crossing on the high-way is a DHABA. This palace serves delicious food and we had lunch packed till the last space. Since the summer was just setting in we were feeling thirst every 10 minutes. Finally we reached the hotel at around 2.30 p.m. Ashish set out for TAJUL since he wanted to take snaps of the mosque in the day light. We 3 decided to go for local shopping and reached the main market of Bhopal-CHAUK BAZAAR. The place was live with shoppers-ladies and was having numerous shops. I bought 3 ladies purse – for home. Denzil bought ear-rings and Dada bought a bag for carrying goods while travelling.
Thus came the journey too an end and we left Bhopal on 28th March 09 with fond memories.
Key takeaways: Bargain hard for auto fare, carry sufficient water, carry eatables while off bhimbetka, avoid summer, don’t miss Bhojpur.
For pictures please follow this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30002962@N05/
Friday, May 15, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Malkapur- Lonar Crater
On 3rd April 09 Ravindra Mishra, Manoj Shriyan , Denzil Dsouza and Ashish Negi set out for Malkapur to visit Lonar—(Worlds third largest crater of basalt rock). We reached dadar station to catch the Howrah mail at 8.50 p.m. After finishing our homemade dinners which myself and manoj had got we decided to go for sleep since we had to get up early morning. I and Ashish had a good sleep, whereas Manoj and Denzil would have slept for not more than 2 hours. We reached Malkapur next day at 5.30 a.m. The station was quite calm without any hussle and bustle of passengers. Very few passengers alighted at the station. We started our photo session with the snapshots of the Malkapur station board and a group photo. We finished the brushing of teeth and washing our faces on the station itself. Immediately out of the station there was a rickshaw stand and few tea stalls. The appearance outside the station was of a small town with limited stores/stalls. We halted at the Satyam Pan Mandir and had tea, poha and vada-pav. The tea was really good, however was too sweet (peculiarity of interiors in Maharashtra). The bus stand was roughly 1 k.m. from the station and we caught hold of one to take us to the station. They charge INR 5.00 / person. Outside the station there is this single road which takes to the bus stand. On the way we got the glimpse of the city, which was like any other traditional small towns of India. The shops had not opened since it was just 6.15 a.m. in the morning; however the atmosphere was quite thrilling. We were able to breathe in lot of fresh oxygen and the calm, tranquility and peace being experienced by all four of us. We had reached the bus stand, which was almost at the centre of the market. Surprisingly it was not as crowded as one would have imagined. I checked for the bus timings and was told by one of the cunductors that the first bus was at 7.00 A.M. he also informed us that it would take 4-5 hours to reach Lonar. This set us back as 4 hours of journey was going to be painful and trying. Manoj threw the idea of going by rickshaw. The same person who had taken us to the bus stand agreed to carry us, however put the total damages at INR 1700.00. Finally we all decided to go by Maruti van, which was being offered at INR 2200.00. After hectic negotiation the final price offered by the guy was INR 1700.00. We disagreed and moved on for some other travelling agent. In the interim we bought lots of fruits from the vendor and he advised us to go to Satyam stores for the vehicle. We finally landed at satyam refreshments after a walk for 10-15 minutes. It was a refreshment centre selling tea. Poha, colddrinks, sugarcane juices etc. He first showed reluctance of arranging, since just a month back, some tourists had come for a vehicle to take them to lonar and at a remote place asked the driver to step down and took the vehicle away. We somehow managed to convince the person and who agreed to arrange for the vehicle. Finally the deal was stuck with the driver for INR 1400.00 to and fro. It was already 8.25 a.m. by the time we left for Lonar. We were comfortable seated with Negi at the front and rest three of us at the back. The road condition was quite good and was a main road with trucks, buses passing by. We could see fields, as far as we can see and mountains which was not so tall. At one place there was a temple where we halted for darshan and took snaps from there. We crossed 2 toll naka on the way which charged us INR 30.00 each for return journey. We crossed Buldana on the way, and few other places where one can stop for refreshments. We finally reached Lonar market at around 11.10 a.m. It was a good sized marketplace with lot of villagers who had come for buying, selling their produce. The place however was decent and we could find shops of all types along with guest houses including AC. Within the town itself the van took a right turn and we proceeded toward the crater. After driving for just 10 minutes we had arrived at Lonar crater. It was a magnificent view from the top. All we could see was blue water at the middle of the mountain. We started taking snaps from all the angles possible. We could find lot of bushes with thorns and one needed to be careful of not walking onto them. By this time the heat started taking its toll. The place was quite dry and the suns ray was striking us directly. The temperature was roughly around 42. We returned back and came to the main entrance. We asked the driver to wait for us at the entrance and we started our march to the base of the crater. We found lot of villagers who had come to this place; however they had come to visit the ancient temples which were one the way to the base. We reached the first temple it was quite old and the carvings and the looks of the temple really gave it a great appearance. There was a water stream inside the temple and all the devotees were taking bath. We proceeded downwards and the way down was full of slopes, however not so difficult. We came across one more temple which was of Lord SHIVA and quite old probably of 5-6th century A.D. there were lots of devotees and nearby villagers taking bath, washing clothes. We proceeded further and came across the last temple of SHIVA which was in dilapidated order and the walls had fallen down. The carvings inside the temple was really great and was of 5th century A.D. we found lots of monkeys over here and the place was really quiet, cool and pleasant. Surprisingly very few devote come to this temple. We halted and decided to quench our thirst and hunger with grapes and other fruits which we were carrying. Finally after relaxing for 15 minutes we proceeded further and reached the water. There was human habitat at the base and they were carrying out farming. The base of the crater turned out to be a disappointment as the view from the top was much more spectacular then from the base. The journey to the base took us almost 45 minutes. There were buffalos that were enjoying the summer heat in the water and we could see one temple of DEVI at the other side of the lake. We rested over there for roughly 15 minutes and decided to climb back. By this time the heat started taking toll on us and we were terribly hungry. Climbing up was a bit challenge since everyone was tired and we halted at the second temple on the way. I decided to lighten myself, by taking a bath and did so and was really fun. Reaching at the top we asked the driver to take us to some good restaurant. He took us to a restaurant type of setup and we ordered lots of chappatis, dal, rice, butter milk. We had our tummy full to the last with no space to accommodate. The food was simple and tasty; however was by no means cheap looking at the place. Total damage was INR 167.00. We started our journey back to Malkapur. We were consuming lots of water since it was really dry and we could feel the heat and warmth. We had closed the window of the car as the air was quite hot. Finally at around 4.00 p.m. we arrived at Malkapur. Since our train was at 10.15 p.m. we decided to rest in some lodge since there was nothing else in Malkapur where one can spend time. The driver after enquiring with few lodges took us to Rohini Hotel and we settled for the non ac room. Total damages INR 300.00 for 5 hours. We took bath and rested back watching TV. At 7.00 p.m. we decided to go our for dinner and shopping. Manoj, Denzil and Negi tried Pani Puri which was really cheap. Then we for juices i.e., pineapple, mango, sugarcane. We visited the wholesale market, which was really big and was in two lanes. Finally we took the dinner at KHADEKAR Bhojnalay as recommended by the locals. It was a pure veg joint which was frequented by all sorts of people. The food was simple and spicy and total damage was INR 148.00. We visited a sale offer of Chinese items and picked up few items for home. Finally we came back to the hotel and set for the station. Finally we had tea at Vaibhav tea near the station and went to catch our train ( Vidarbha Express). We arrived at dadar station next day at 6.25 a.m.
Key Takeaways: Avoid April till June, Avoid going by bus, start early morning.
For photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30002962@N05/
Key Takeaways: Avoid April till June, Avoid going by bus, start early morning.
For photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30002962@N05/
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Gangtok-Sikkim
On 1st March 2009 I, parul and daksh left for gangtok and arrived at sealdah railway station. Priyesh had accompanied us to the station and we were slightly bulky on the luggage front. As it was a first visit to such a cold place we didn’t wanted to take a chance especially since Daksh was of only 2 years and 1 month. The best part of the station was that there is no bridge to board the train since all the platforms are parallel to each other. We got ourselves seated to our respective places. There were lot of foreigners in the train and were carrying huge lugguages demeaning what we were carrying. The train left at 10.10 p.m. and after few minutes we straight away went to sleep. Next morning at 8.05 A.M. we arrived at New Jalpaiguri station. The climate was pleasant and I could feel the peace and tranquility in the air. We arrived near the taxi stand and I could find SBI, AXIS ATM on the station. Outside the station there was lots of SUMOS/JEEPS/Mahindra waiting for tourists. I enquired for the trip to GANGTOK and there were 2 options: book the entire vehicle for INR 1425.00 or settle for shared one (INR 155.00/person). Since I have always been a budget traveler decided for the shared one. We got 2 seats next to the driver in the front; there were 4 seats in the middle and the back. Outside the station there were lots of travel agents shops for booking trips along with small eateries. We left for GANGTOK at 9.35 a.m. with a new wed couple in the middle who had booked the entire seat and 3 people in the last seat. After driving through the small habitat and few shops we were on our path, and reached Siliguri which was roughly at 40.00 mns from New Jalpaiguri. The driver filled the tank at Siliguri and we moved on. The roads were pretty good and the temperature was roughly around 18-22 C. the scenes were picturesque and was surrounded by mountains on both sides. After driving for roughly 2.00 hours we stopped at a place for some refreshments. It was a small shop selling wafers, biscuits etc. I ordered for dal/rice and tea and Daksh took wafers and peanuts. The peanuts were provided in small plastic pouches with a small plastic container with salt. The food was really good and we enjoyed since we were feeling hungry too. At 1.40 p.m. we arrived at Gangtok. The place was amazing since it was roughly at a height of around 3500 ft and was surrounded by mountains and lots of trees. The climate was cold with temperature of around 18c.we could see locals well dressed and didn’t look like Indians. They were having fair complexion and looks like the Chinese have. I was amazed as I could find everyone good liking and was giving us a complexion. We arrived at the taxi stand where everyone got down and now had to search for my hotel. I managed to find one taxi who knew our hotel i.e., Basar Residency. It took roughly 15 minutes and he left us at a tax stand opposite Sadar police station opposite to which was my hotel. We reached the hotel which was just 3 minutes away from the famous M.G. Road. The hotel manger didn’t had confirmation of my booking (Through Travel Guru). I called up the portal who in turn clarified my booking and the manager took us to the second floor. Our room was great, big, having good view with newly carpet and furniture. I decided to not waste the day and asked the manger for some tour operator who could take us to some nearby place of visit. Within next 10 minutes there were 2 young chaps named Anil and Deepak and they advised us to visit Rumtek monastery since it was almost 3.00 p.m. I agreed and within next 20 minutes we were out to Rumtek. The Maruti van was zipping across twists and turns of the road which was climbing up the hill and by 4.40 p.m. we had reached at Rumtek. The last 10 minutes was a walkable distance and vehicles not allowed inside the gate. It was like a dream come true since the view from the top left me speechless and we were roughly at a height of 4500 -5000 feet with temp of 10-12. We stepped inside the gate which was having 2 army personnel as security guard. The temple was looking like the ones I had watched in Chinese movies and was lucky to reach just in time, since the temple closes at 5.00 p.m. inside the temple was Buddha’s statue and places where the monks sit and pray. We took pictures and the monks were loving DAKSH and playing with him. Outside the temple was the bell which is rotated and was good moving all of them? We came back and it was almost 7.00 by the time we reached the hotel. Total damage for the trip INR 550.00. The next day trip was decided to Aritar lake (I always believed in visiting places which was close to nature).we took the dinner that day at M.G. Road since that’s the place where you find all the tourist and it’s the happening place in Gangtok where you find all the stuffs i.e., Eating, shopping, fun etc. we had Chinese at one of the food joint.
Day -2: 3rd March 09
Next day after our break fast (Aloo ka paratha) we left for the place at 9.00 A.M. it was a long drive and the journey was amazing since there were lots of greenery and the scenic beauty was breathtaking. There were few patches of the journey where the road was not good, otherwise it was comfortable. We stopped at a place for some refreshment. The food places in Gangtok normally stuff noodles, momos, dal/rice and WAI-WAI (substitute of MAGGI).AT 12: 15 P.M. we were at ARITAR LAKE roughly at a height of 5500 ft. my first impression was is this the place I should have come for any paid INR 1700.00, since it contained a lake (man made), however was surrounded by big pine trees and few guest houses. The lake had a boating facility; however I never wanted that since I was looking for something close to nature. Anil casually told us that there was a point at the top if we think of going there. I discounted that since I was not happy. Daksh was enjoying the place to the fullest since there were ducks inside the lakes and were quacking a lot. However the best part was that there were hardly any tourist and was not so crowded. We climbed up the place near the guest house and took lots of snaps. I told Parul to climb up to the top since we were curious of reaching the place. It was a 20-30 minutes climb; however it turned out to be the place I had always dreamt of. As we were climbing up on the stairs we were able to see the majestic range of mountains and the temperature was dropping at the same pace and must have been around 8-10. Finally we reached the top which was worth the sight and a place which has left a great impression on our minds. I felt like reaching heaven and the feeling and the emotions I was going through cant be expressed in words. We stayed over there for 2 hours and were enjoying the breeze and Daksh was at his best and was really delighted. We took lot of snaps we could have captured. There were few houses of the locals nearby, however none tourists and we were alone at a height of 6500 ft. after quenching our thirst of the glimpses of the mountain and feeling satisfied we proceeded towards the base. I thanked my tour guys from my heart, since by this time they had understood what I was looking for. We reached the hotel at 7.10 p.m. and took the dinner at one of the veg joints on the M.G. Road. Visit to gangtok can’t be complete without a trip to NATHULA PASS. I enquired with my hotel manager and he informed of the trip to nathula being cancelled on account of heavy snowfall. I decided to approach tour operators who had their shop on the M.G. Road and the trip was fixed for 5th March. We submitted 2 photographs each, PAN card photocopy and INR 1100.00.
Day-3: 4TH March 09
There was a sudden change in plan of Arun (newly wed couple) since they had to halt at Siliguri and so I asked my guys for a new place and after much discussion and thought we left for TENDONG HILL. This place was a gamble my me since Anil was also not so aware of this place. We were ready by 9.10 a.m., however started off late since I called up Anil at the last moment of my plan. We left at 10.00 a.m and the journey was full of surprise elements since for the first time we came across tea plantation and the scenic views was mindboggling. The gamble had paid since we were at a height of around 7000 ft and this place was none less than our visit to Aritar. We had stopped on the way where we tried out momos (fried) and was a good stuff. Finally we reached this small place where we started our walk, as we proceeded further we were told by the local that it was a 3 hours journey and would lead us to a Monastery. We kept on walking and were in the middle of the jungle without any human civilization except us three and the trees. The air we were breathing in was like the one which was something we have never inhaled i.e., clear, energetic, more oxygen content. After walking for almost an hour Parul was feeling slight tired (off course she was never used to such walk). I was carrying DAKSH on my shoulder and was no sign of fatigue or tiredness. I decided to call it off since we had moved quite inside the jungle and we had travel back too. The experience of not reaching the destination was not letting down, since alteast we experienced the kind of jungle I had never seen in my life. While travelling back we halted at a botanical garden on the way and the place is worth a visit.
Day-4 5th March 09
We left at 8.00 a.m. in the morning to the Changu stand since we had to reach there by 8.30 for NATHULA. I was wearing a t-shirt, on which there was 3 additional shirts and a jacket. Daksh was also having 4-5 layers of clothes, the same was with Parul. We were lucky to find the front seat and we left with 10 tourists on board. The journey was setting my adrelaine running since this was the day we had been waiting for. The climb for the vehicle was becoming challenging since it’s at a great height. The journey is marked with lot of army base camps on the way and there is permission to be soughed for vehicles plying on this route. We were enjoying the each and every moment of our journey. On the way we halted at a place where there was lot of tourist vehicles and a place for refreshments and toilet to lighten on self. If any one missed out woolen clothes, one can shop at this place, however should be ready to shell out extra bucks. We then proceeded on after a halt of 15.00 minutes. There were lots of labours building the road which was the only connectivity to NATHULA. The journey was full of twists and turns and the road quality was pathetic. Finally I saw a huge chunk of white object on the mountains “”” that’s it it was ICE…ICE…ICE. The thing which we had been waiting for. Amazing, speechless, nature’s creation…thrilling. Finally we came across CHANGU LAKE…which was great among the mountains at a height of 10500 ft. finally we reached a check post where there was a road to BABA MANDIR for which there was no permission required. After getting clearance from the army personnel he gave us the green signal. We proceeded on and the minute by minute I had my blood gushing to see what exactly was NATHULA PASS. Finally we had arrived at 14500 ft. that was NATHULA. There were were halted and asked by our guide to be there in next 2.00 hours. As soon as we stepped out it was amazing, being at 14500 ft, we were not having any breathing problem, however it was chilly atmosphere. We climbed on since there was a last stretch of 10 minutes. Now I was able to touch ICE and pick it up. DAKSH Was at his best… picking up ice and then crying and again picking. Parul was slight tired in climbing the last leg. We were amidst mountains which were having snow spread on them. Finally we arrived at an elevated platform which was NATHULA. On one –sides were Indian soldiers and on the other side were Chinese. Tourists were taking photographs with the Chinese and they too were enjoying. We also took snaps with them. Infact they were having fun with DAKSH and they took there digital cameras and shooted photo of DAKSH with themselves Daksh was without his shoes and socks and was enjoying the chill. Great spirit.that my son. We took lots of photos and infact on the Chinese side I could see a mountain which was of ice and not rock, that was amazing. After spending 2 hours we set to the base with Daksh enjoying the lolly pop given by the Chinese soldiers. We went to BABA mandir which is in the name of the Indian soldier who got lost in the mountains and never returned. UBI ATM could be found at this height. We then finally reached CHANGU LAKE, the place must a visit and was terrific, and we saw YAKS and took photographs on the YAK of myself and DAKSH (INR 60.00). The weather changes every minute at such heights and within seconds it became so cold that PARUL was shivering so we came to the base nearby which had lots of shops selling refreshments and woolen clothes. We reached our hotel but the fond memories would always remain.
Day-5 6th March 09.
We checked out of our hotel and Arun & Debarathi picked us up from and we proceeded to see a water fall which was just 20-25 minutes from Gangtok. The place was RIDGE garden and had a great water fall. We took lots of photographs and I also took bath in the fall, the water was really cold.
We then went to Aruns hotel and set out for Pelling, we were quite late on account of late availability of big vehicle. We reached pelling at 9.00 and had left at 3.00 P.M. the place could not be seen however was much colder than GANGTOK. It was a small place with the main road and the check in hotels on bothsides.we checked in our hotel—Rabdentse residency (travel guru). The room was good with an attached balcony and a wooden furnishing on the walls. After taking our dinner we went too sleep. It was quite chilling with temperature of 7 at night.
Day-6 7th March 09
We left our hotel at 10.00 a.m. with our first destination being KHECHEOPALIRI LAKE – the place is at a distance of 25 kms from Pelling and this route to the destination is great. There is more greenery in Pelling than Gangtok and better too. We arrived at the lake which was a great sight since there was so much of calm and serenity. It’s not visited by too much of Indian tourist except for foreign ones. It was surrounded by mountains and lots of greenery. We then proceeded to KHANGCHENDZONGA water fall on the way to YUKSOM .the waterfall is beside the road, however can’t be seen since one has to go inside to see this majestic waterfall. The scene was terrific with water flowing with such a great force. One however needs to be careful since the rocks are slippery and one can fall. The water droplets were falling on our faces despite we all standing quite far from the main fall. DAKSH was shivering on account of the cold. Debarathi was wet on account of the fall, and Arun was advising her to be cautious of catching cold. We took snaps of each other and were worth a fun. After spending few hours we left for YUKSOM. After a drive of 40 minutes we arrived at the place which was a quiet place with shops and houses and finally we arrived at NORBUNGANG CHORTEN, in the form of stone seats and a huge stone like structure. The place had lot of tall trees with huge trunks we had never seen before. Finally we took our lunch at 4.00 p.m. and set back with fond memories. In the evening we were told while taking dinner that we need to leave at 7.30 a.m. for Gangtok since the next mode available was only at 12.00 p.m.
Day-7 8th March
We checked out and left for Gangtok at 7.35 a.m. we got the last seat and was painful and reached at around 12.00 p.m We got the vehicle and reached NJP at 4.00 p.m. much before the expected time since the train was at 8.00 p.m. arun was returning in the evening to Siliguri and hence we couldn’t go together. We boarded the train at 8.00 p.m. for sealdah
Day-8 9th Match
We reached Sealdah and managed to find taxi to reach badabazaar to priyesh house. Since it was one day before holi we couldn’t venture out too much but managed to visit BHOOTHNATH TEMPLE of Shiva. After spending the day at his house we left at 5 .00 p.m.to visit the cousin of Parul on the other side of GANGES via ferry. Finally made to Howrah to catch our train at 8.00 p.m.
Thus came the journey to an end.
Key takeaways: visit during March start, nathula must, trip to lachung a must (I missed), woolen clothes must, stay close to M.G.Rod
Day -2: 3rd March 09
Next day after our break fast (Aloo ka paratha) we left for the place at 9.00 A.M. it was a long drive and the journey was amazing since there were lots of greenery and the scenic beauty was breathtaking. There were few patches of the journey where the road was not good, otherwise it was comfortable. We stopped at a place for some refreshment. The food places in Gangtok normally stuff noodles, momos, dal/rice and WAI-WAI (substitute of MAGGI).AT 12: 15 P.M. we were at ARITAR LAKE roughly at a height of 5500 ft. my first impression was is this the place I should have come for any paid INR 1700.00, since it contained a lake (man made), however was surrounded by big pine trees and few guest houses. The lake had a boating facility; however I never wanted that since I was looking for something close to nature. Anil casually told us that there was a point at the top if we think of going there. I discounted that since I was not happy. Daksh was enjoying the place to the fullest since there were ducks inside the lakes and were quacking a lot. However the best part was that there were hardly any tourist and was not so crowded. We climbed up the place near the guest house and took lots of snaps. I told Parul to climb up to the top since we were curious of reaching the place. It was a 20-30 minutes climb; however it turned out to be the place I had always dreamt of. As we were climbing up on the stairs we were able to see the majestic range of mountains and the temperature was dropping at the same pace and must have been around 8-10. Finally we reached the top which was worth the sight and a place which has left a great impression on our minds. I felt like reaching heaven and the feeling and the emotions I was going through cant be expressed in words. We stayed over there for 2 hours and were enjoying the breeze and Daksh was at his best and was really delighted. We took lot of snaps we could have captured. There were few houses of the locals nearby, however none tourists and we were alone at a height of 6500 ft. after quenching our thirst of the glimpses of the mountain and feeling satisfied we proceeded towards the base. I thanked my tour guys from my heart, since by this time they had understood what I was looking for. We reached the hotel at 7.10 p.m. and took the dinner at one of the veg joints on the M.G. Road. Visit to gangtok can’t be complete without a trip to NATHULA PASS. I enquired with my hotel manager and he informed of the trip to nathula being cancelled on account of heavy snowfall. I decided to approach tour operators who had their shop on the M.G. Road and the trip was fixed for 5th March. We submitted 2 photographs each, PAN card photocopy and INR 1100.00.
Day-3: 4TH March 09
There was a sudden change in plan of Arun (newly wed couple) since they had to halt at Siliguri and so I asked my guys for a new place and after much discussion and thought we left for TENDONG HILL. This place was a gamble my me since Anil was also not so aware of this place. We were ready by 9.10 a.m., however started off late since I called up Anil at the last moment of my plan. We left at 10.00 a.m and the journey was full of surprise elements since for the first time we came across tea plantation and the scenic views was mindboggling. The gamble had paid since we were at a height of around 7000 ft and this place was none less than our visit to Aritar. We had stopped on the way where we tried out momos (fried) and was a good stuff. Finally we reached this small place where we started our walk, as we proceeded further we were told by the local that it was a 3 hours journey and would lead us to a Monastery. We kept on walking and were in the middle of the jungle without any human civilization except us three and the trees. The air we were breathing in was like the one which was something we have never inhaled i.e., clear, energetic, more oxygen content. After walking for almost an hour Parul was feeling slight tired (off course she was never used to such walk). I was carrying DAKSH on my shoulder and was no sign of fatigue or tiredness. I decided to call it off since we had moved quite inside the jungle and we had travel back too. The experience of not reaching the destination was not letting down, since alteast we experienced the kind of jungle I had never seen in my life. While travelling back we halted at a botanical garden on the way and the place is worth a visit.
Day-4 5th March 09
We left at 8.00 a.m. in the morning to the Changu stand since we had to reach there by 8.30 for NATHULA. I was wearing a t-shirt, on which there was 3 additional shirts and a jacket. Daksh was also having 4-5 layers of clothes, the same was with Parul. We were lucky to find the front seat and we left with 10 tourists on board. The journey was setting my adrelaine running since this was the day we had been waiting for. The climb for the vehicle was becoming challenging since it’s at a great height. The journey is marked with lot of army base camps on the way and there is permission to be soughed for vehicles plying on this route. We were enjoying the each and every moment of our journey. On the way we halted at a place where there was lot of tourist vehicles and a place for refreshments and toilet to lighten on self. If any one missed out woolen clothes, one can shop at this place, however should be ready to shell out extra bucks. We then proceeded on after a halt of 15.00 minutes. There were lots of labours building the road which was the only connectivity to NATHULA. The journey was full of twists and turns and the road quality was pathetic. Finally I saw a huge chunk of white object on the mountains “”” that’s it it was ICE…ICE…ICE. The thing which we had been waiting for. Amazing, speechless, nature’s creation…thrilling. Finally we came across CHANGU LAKE…which was great among the mountains at a height of 10500 ft. finally we reached a check post where there was a road to BABA MANDIR for which there was no permission required. After getting clearance from the army personnel he gave us the green signal. We proceeded on and the minute by minute I had my blood gushing to see what exactly was NATHULA PASS. Finally we had arrived at 14500 ft. that was NATHULA. There were were halted and asked by our guide to be there in next 2.00 hours. As soon as we stepped out it was amazing, being at 14500 ft, we were not having any breathing problem, however it was chilly atmosphere. We climbed on since there was a last stretch of 10 minutes. Now I was able to touch ICE and pick it up. DAKSH Was at his best… picking up ice and then crying and again picking. Parul was slight tired in climbing the last leg. We were amidst mountains which were having snow spread on them. Finally we arrived at an elevated platform which was NATHULA. On one –sides were Indian soldiers and on the other side were Chinese. Tourists were taking photographs with the Chinese and they too were enjoying. We also took snaps with them. Infact they were having fun with DAKSH and they took there digital cameras and shooted photo of DAKSH with themselves Daksh was without his shoes and socks and was enjoying the chill. Great spirit.that my son. We took lots of photos and infact on the Chinese side I could see a mountain which was of ice and not rock, that was amazing. After spending 2 hours we set to the base with Daksh enjoying the lolly pop given by the Chinese soldiers. We went to BABA mandir which is in the name of the Indian soldier who got lost in the mountains and never returned. UBI ATM could be found at this height. We then finally reached CHANGU LAKE, the place must a visit and was terrific, and we saw YAKS and took photographs on the YAK of myself and DAKSH (INR 60.00). The weather changes every minute at such heights and within seconds it became so cold that PARUL was shivering so we came to the base nearby which had lots of shops selling refreshments and woolen clothes. We reached our hotel but the fond memories would always remain.
Day-5 6th March 09.
We checked out of our hotel and Arun & Debarathi picked us up from and we proceeded to see a water fall which was just 20-25 minutes from Gangtok. The place was RIDGE garden and had a great water fall. We took lots of photographs and I also took bath in the fall, the water was really cold.
We then went to Aruns hotel and set out for Pelling, we were quite late on account of late availability of big vehicle. We reached pelling at 9.00 and had left at 3.00 P.M. the place could not be seen however was much colder than GANGTOK. It was a small place with the main road and the check in hotels on bothsides.we checked in our hotel—Rabdentse residency (travel guru). The room was good with an attached balcony and a wooden furnishing on the walls. After taking our dinner we went too sleep. It was quite chilling with temperature of 7 at night.
Day-6 7th March 09
We left our hotel at 10.00 a.m. with our first destination being KHECHEOPALIRI LAKE – the place is at a distance of 25 kms from Pelling and this route to the destination is great. There is more greenery in Pelling than Gangtok and better too. We arrived at the lake which was a great sight since there was so much of calm and serenity. It’s not visited by too much of Indian tourist except for foreign ones. It was surrounded by mountains and lots of greenery. We then proceeded to KHANGCHENDZONGA water fall on the way to YUKSOM .the waterfall is beside the road, however can’t be seen since one has to go inside to see this majestic waterfall. The scene was terrific with water flowing with such a great force. One however needs to be careful since the rocks are slippery and one can fall. The water droplets were falling on our faces despite we all standing quite far from the main fall. DAKSH was shivering on account of the cold. Debarathi was wet on account of the fall, and Arun was advising her to be cautious of catching cold. We took snaps of each other and were worth a fun. After spending few hours we left for YUKSOM. After a drive of 40 minutes we arrived at the place which was a quiet place with shops and houses and finally we arrived at NORBUNGANG CHORTEN, in the form of stone seats and a huge stone like structure. The place had lot of tall trees with huge trunks we had never seen before. Finally we took our lunch at 4.00 p.m. and set back with fond memories. In the evening we were told while taking dinner that we need to leave at 7.30 a.m. for Gangtok since the next mode available was only at 12.00 p.m.
Day-7 8th March
We checked out and left for Gangtok at 7.35 a.m. we got the last seat and was painful and reached at around 12.00 p.m We got the vehicle and reached NJP at 4.00 p.m. much before the expected time since the train was at 8.00 p.m. arun was returning in the evening to Siliguri and hence we couldn’t go together. We boarded the train at 8.00 p.m. for sealdah
Day-8 9th Match
We reached Sealdah and managed to find taxi to reach badabazaar to priyesh house. Since it was one day before holi we couldn’t venture out too much but managed to visit BHOOTHNATH TEMPLE of Shiva. After spending the day at his house we left at 5 .00 p.m.to visit the cousin of Parul on the other side of GANGES via ferry. Finally made to Howrah to catch our train at 8.00 p.m.
Thus came the journey to an end.
Key takeaways: visit during March start, nathula must, trip to lachung a must (I missed), woolen clothes must, stay close to M.G.Rod
More Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30002962@N05/
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Howrah-Aruns Marriage
On 25th Feb, I, yunus parul and daksh started our journey to kolkotta to attend the marriage ceremony of arunabha with debarathi. We caught the Howrah mail, which left dadar station at 8.45 p.m. the train journey is nothing to write upon, except that the entire route does not provide good tea to drink. However at raigarh we managed to find good tea. On 27th Feb we reached Howrah station at 6.20 a.m. shridatitya ( debarathis brother) was to receive us, however could not make it. He guided me of the place and the hotel name where the arrangement was done. Outside Howrah station we were followed up by taxi drivers, who were quoting higher fares then the normal. We took the taxi from the prepaid service stand and the total damage was INR 110.00. The first glimpse of Kolkata made us immediately realize that it was a city full of chaos, dirty and an atmosphere difficult to breathe. The roads and the city were too congested and finally after a drive of almost 35 minutes we reached Ghariyat police station, opposite to which was our guest house Dover Inn. There were 2 rooms booked to our name opposite to each other. The rooms were decent with TV and AC facility. We decided to refresh and probably leave to travel and visit the places in the city. I enquired with the hotel manager and arranged one travel person who decided to take us for INR 1600.00. Just near the hotel was a sweet shop as told by the security person of the hotel and I visited the shop and took some sweets and samosa. Finally we left the hotel at 10.45 a.m. and we decided to first visit Arun, and he was putting up at a place which was roughly 30.00 minutes from our hotel. Arun was there along with his father and was all prepared for the D day. Finally we left the place at around 12.10 p.m and our first visit was Science city. The place was on the outskirts of the city and we asked our driver to wait at the parking lot. The place was huge and had various 3-4 domes shaped buildings within the compound. One can visit the places either walking or there was a skyway trolley. We opted for the trolley since it would provide us with the aerial view. The trolley could accommodate maximum 4 persons and the total damage was INR 60.00. The scene from the trolley was really good and after a ride of almost 5-10 minutes we reach the other side of the compound. We walked towards the first dome shaped structure and it was a place where there were shows going on. We decided to see time machine (10/person), evolution (10/person) and 3-D show (20/person). Total damage INR 120.00. The first show was Time machine and it was good fun, since we all were seated on a long bench in front of the screen and it was a simulation kind of an experience, where we were feeling as if we were moving and riding as per the screen movements. Daksh was enjoying a lot and was afraid also, but it was a great fun. The second show was the 3D however since it had a specific time; we managed to get 30.00 minutes, in which we visited the place where we enjoyed the magic with mirrors. There were various types of mirrors and the various image formations with ones body. It was great fun, since we enjoyed all experiences like i.e., inverted, backed, infinity image formations. Finally we reached a place which was like illusions, where there were multiple mirrors with our multiple images and we were supposed to find a safe exit. I managed to find the way to get out and was really thrilling. Yunus enjoyed the experience the most and was so excited that we repeated the same again. We then attended the 3-D show in which we were provided with black goggles to watch the show. The experience was amazing since it was like experiencing all the things close to our face. I had put the goggle on daksh face and he was enjoying to the fullest. Then we saw the science experimentation place where the various laws of science were applied in the form of application. We then reached the evolution game, it was mind blowing since it showed various types of dinosaurs’ which were looking like real size and with programmed moves. Daksh was thrilled to see the dinosaurs’, giant animals etc. we finally left the place and moved to other spot. By this we were hungry, our driver took us to a mall where there was a restaurant, however was expensive. We reached Nicco Park and in front of the park there were stalls selling eatables. I had papdi chaat -2 plates which was really good stuff and fried rice (pathetic compared to Bombay). Yunus had fried rice and parool had pani puri. We then took coconut water (10/ each). After filling the tummy we entered the park, which was having a lake and various games and water rides. We didn’t like the place and came out without even spending more than 10 minutes. We then left for Victoria Memorial, which were really a great artithucture and a grand white structure. There was an entry fee of INR 20/person .the place inside the structure was really good and contained books, historical articles, swords, guns. The place was surrounded by a big garden and is worth a visit. When then left for Birla planetarium which was close by and we attended the show which was in Bengali and was about the planets and the stars. That was our last place since we had to move to Arun place to attend the marriage. After reaching the hotel and getting refreshed we finally left at 8.00 p.m. and managed to reach the place only at around 9.45 p.m. since it was quite far off and was close to the dum-dum airport. We saw the ceremony which was the normal Bengali ceremony and arun was dressed in the typical Bengali attire. The marriage went fine and after having the dinner we left at around 12.00 p.m. next day we woke up late and after bidding good bye to Yunus we left to attend the lunch arranged by Debarathi parents. We took the metro route and parul and daksh was the first visit. The metro was ok, and surprisingly the a/c has been turned off by the authorities for the last 2 months. We reached debarathis residence and the lunch started at 2.00 p.m. the lunch was of importance since it was attended by bride, groom, bride’s father and the other close relatives. The lunch was having traditional Bengali fish, and was followed by rounds of sweets. I had eaten the rice quantity which I normally eat in a week. Since we were veg, we were being arranged vegetables and rice. The food was really tasty and good and few words left to describe the sweets. We left the place and reached badabazaar where we met Priyeshji and he took us to his place. Badabazaar is the main market in Kolkata and his residence was almost in the centre of the market. After refreshing ourselves we left to visit Kali ghaat. The place was as typical Indian temples full of devotees and after paying visit, we left for our hotel. Next day morning after our checkout, we again reached priyesh residence to set for our journey to belur math and dakshineswar. After visiting dakshineswar we took the ferry to reach belur math and the ride is for almost 25 minutes. The bellur was much more calm and pleasant. It’s worth a visit if one is visiting Howrah. Finally we left for new jalpaiguri in the evening since our train was at 10.15 p.m.
Key takeaways: Avoid visting in summer, dont overeat, do try all sweets
More Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30002962@N05/
Key takeaways: Avoid visting in summer, dont overeat, do try all sweets
More Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30002962@N05/
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Global Pagoda- Gorai
Manoj Shriyan (school friend) called me on 30th Jan 09 and told me about the PAGODA which in under construction at Gorai . He asked me whether we can make it on 31st Jan. I confirmed my acceptance to his idea. In the interim I asked Denzil Dsouza about the PAGODA, and he too agreed after making some adjustments with his guitar classes. Next day Denzil met me at 7.40 a.m. at Gokuldham gate and we started our journey. Manoj had asked us to meet at Raghuleela mall. Manoj was having loose motion problem since yesterday, however he still came.Thats the spirit of nature-lovers and travelers which binds together. So we were on 2 bikes and we reached the jetty. The link to the place where the jetty leaves is difficult for bikes as it skids a lot. We had taken a help of the helper who charges INR 20.00 per bike. The place where the jetty leaves is common transit for people going to Essel world. One can see the giant PAGODA clearly and was looking amazing in the morning. The morning environment was amazing and there were people waiting anxiously to be ferried to the other side of the city. Mostly we could see young couples since the place is known for couples. We loaded our bikes on the boat which is large enough to accommodate 4-5 bikes and roughly 30 persons. The boat left the bank and within 5-7 minutes we reached the other side. There is a checkpoint which charges INR 5.00 /person and INR 10.00/bike. The entry point has small shanties selling wafers, mineral waters, tea, and biscuits. There is a BEST bust stop too and autos which takes to the beach/essel world and the villages inside. We took our bike and started towards the PAGODA which is clearly visible on that island. After driving straight for roughly 10.00 minutes we came to a point where we took left. After driving for roughly 1.00 minutes we came to a security checking point. The security person enquired us of our visit, and I told him we had come to see the PAGODA. We drove straight and reached a place which was the bust stand and on the left side was the path to essel world. There is a security check point and after enquiry they allowed us to go inside and asked us to left right after reaching the petrol pump. The drive inside the gate was really amazing, since it was quiet, lonely path. Roughly after 7 minutes we reached the petrol pump and the magnificent PAGODA (Vipatsana center) was in front of us. We stopped and started taking the pictures of the giant structure. We were left speechless looking at the sheer size of the structure. The PAGODA was under construction and was buzzing with workers who were busy with chisels and other equipments. We parked our bike nearby and started taking pictures with our cell phones from all the angles. We stepped inside the PAGODA, and were left speechless. The place was such a huge structure and it looked like we were small dwarfs standing. It was very big and could easily accommodate 500 -700 persons. We took pictures from all the angles. We decided to climb on the PAGODA to have a much better view. Since the construction was still on, there were supporting structures, which we climbed to reach the level above. The island seems to come alive because of this structure as this was the tallest monument. On one side we were able to see Mumbai and the other side was mangroves as far as one can see. Adjoining the PAGODA was a tall pole kind of structure bearing ASHOKA emblem. Towards the left side was a small PAGODA. Adjoining to this was building which seemed to be the staying places for Monks. We were able to see few monks. The sun was becoming hotter and we decided to visit the beach and before that we stopped for some refreshments. We took 3 sandwiches and 6 cups of tea. Total damages were INR 100.00. After driving straight we reached the beach and walked into the sea and looked at the nature’s beauty. We had coconut water on the beach and left for home. Thus came the journey to an end.
This was my first travel with Manoj Shriyan , however not the only one.
Keytakeaways: start early, take your own vehicle.
More photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30002962@N05/
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