Ranthambore National Park Tour

Wilderness, enchantment, adventure - these three words govern my wildlife-obsessed heart. And the bait of enchanting wildlife was enough for me to take the Ranthambore National Park Tour once again. I can never have enough of wildlife which makes me visit wildlife destinations of India time and again. With my friend Vaidehi I visited this Park with some expectations in my heart.

Ranthambore National Park Tour

We were booked in the heritage Hotel Nahargarh Fort Ranthambore which is located just a few km from the National Park. The hotel is fashioned like a traditional hunting lodge. We liked the old-world charm of the hotel and mesmerizing interiors. One of my friends had told me about this wonderful heritage hotel of Sawai Madhopur district. We had reached here at night and after gorging on traditional Rajasthani cuisine we retired to bed dreaming about the wildlife we would soon get to see.

The next morning I woke up to the melodious chirping of birds and cool breeze which was no less than some movie scene for me. What a pleasant beginning of the day it was! We had our morning tea and left for a jeep safari to Ranthambore National Park.

As we entered the Park we got overwhelmed by its sweet fragrance and soothing hues. Everything was so beautiful and admirable. Every now and then different beautiful birds would pass over us and we would try to catch a glimpse of them. Our guide could recognize some of the birds.  

Ranthambore National Park is a famous wildlife destination of Rajasthan where wildlife enthusiasts come from all over the world. Located in Sawai Madhapur district, the Park sprawls over an area of 392 sq km. This Tiger Reserve remains open from October to June. Rich in bio-diversity, the Park has three lakes namely Raj Bagh, Malik Talab and Padam Talab.

While exploring the Park we came across several wonderful creatures of nature such as Sloth bear, Marsh crocodile, jungle cat, sambhar, deer, Indian hare, nilgai, mongoose, porcupine and Monitor lizard. It was so good to see these creatures. We did have a desire to sight a tiger but his absence in our list of ‘wildlife sighted’ didn’t dampen our spirit. It is purely a matter of luck. So telling ourselves ‘better luck next time’ we moved to the Ranthambore Fort. Built in the 10^th century, it is one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan. We were amazed to see the huge Banyan tree in the fort. It is the second largest Banyan tree in India. Many monkeys were jumping from one branch to another as if flaunting their fitness. Overall experience of the Ranthambore Park was a good one. We left the Park with a desire to come back soon to enjoy its wilderness.

While coming back from the Park I and Vaidehi were discussing the tiger issue in India. The future of this enchanting creature is gloomy and the word endangered seems to be inseparable from the word tiger. It is so sad to know that now only 1411 tigers are left in India. I wonder is it the same India which was once the home of thousands of tigers. These enchanting creates of Mother nature are very much a part of the heritage of India which we must save with the best of our efforts.

Ooty – The Hill Station with Timeless Appeal

One of my friends work as a dubbing artist for National Geographic Channel, which gives her a chance to know about the various interesting events and destinations. The other day she called up and said that she did a program on Ooty and was really mesmerized by its natural beauty and attractions. It’s a great tourist destination to visit. So we a group of five friends packed our bags and flew down to Coimbatore international airport and from there we drove to Ooty.

Ooty - The Hill Station

Ooty is an enchanting hill station of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Ideally located in the gorgeous green hills of the Nilgiris, this destination attracts tourists from across the globe. It is a famous summer retreat of incredible India. It was established in the 19th century by the British.

We stepped into this wonderful land in the morning when it was enveloped in mist and offering breathtaking views of rolling hills. It was refreshing to the hilt. I felt as if a wonderland has straight away come out of a fairytale book.

We were booked in the Lakeview Hotel which offers picturesque views of the lush green surroundings, lovely lake and mesmerizing terraced slopes of a hill. It is the largest hotel in Ooty. We stayed in a luxury cottage and the experience was great. Our guide told us that many Bollywood movies have been shot in this hill station.

Ooty Tour offers attractions like rolling hills carpeted with lush green vegetation, orchards of plums and peaches, terraced tea gardens, captivating lake and a beautiful garden with a wide variety of floral species. Ooty hill station is located at an altitude of 7, 347 feet above sea level. It attracts tourists round the year as it is blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year.

We strolled through the aromatic tea gardens which was such a refreshing experience. The workers at work in the tea gardens were plucking tea leaves. We chatted with them and they told us that there is a special technique of plucking the leaves. One old man at work showed us how to pluck only the typical two leaves and a bud from the tea plants. He also told us that the tea plants have an average life span of 100 years. Well this is something I didn’t know.

Next we headed towards the Ooty Lake. On the way to the lake we stopped at a tea shop where we relished masala tea. It was really very tasty. The boy at the shop also asked us to taste the chocolate tea. We had it for the first time and the taste was quite good. We even bought some tea packets from the same shop which I relished for a long time after coming back to Delhi.

Ooty Lake is one of the most famous attractions of Ooty. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by green surroundings. We enjoyed boating amidst refreshing surroundings on the lake and then headed to the Botanical Garden. Walk through this garden and you will be greeted with overwhelming views of the colorful flowers and birds. Here I found myself close to nature. While exploring the garden our guide told us that during the month of May the garden serves as a venue for the famous Flower Show. Well, Ooty is truly the baby of Mother Nature.

Day3: Golden Triangle Tour With Khajuraho

After exploring the Mughal city Agra and its world famous Taj Mahal we reached the heritage village Khajuraho.

Khajuraho Tour

This internationally renowned town is famous for its erotic sculptures carved out of stones on the outer walls of the temples. We reached there in the early morning and were booked in 'The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho' hotel, one of the most famous five-star hotels of this culturally rich town. Our hotel was located only at a distance of 200 m from the Khajuraho temples. Khajuraho is a World Heritage Site which is a must-visit destination of incredible India.


After refreshing ourselves and gorging on delicious breakfast we headed to the temples of Khajuraho. This is a small village full of greenery so we decided to walk down to the temples enjoying the pleasant weather and the beauty of lush greenery. Our guide Shankar told us that these Hindu and Jain temples were constructed between 9th to 11th century. There are several legends attached to these temples and the erotic sculptures carved on them. Initially there were 85 temples in total but now over the centuries only 20 have been restored. All the existing temples have been divided into 3 groups: Eastern group of temples, Western group of temples and Southern group of temples.

We saw all the three groups of temples and were really amazed at their architectural beauty. The Western group of temples are the most fascinating among all. The temples are located amidst lush green gardens which adds more charm to them. Here the sculptures reflect eroticism draped in beauty. After witnessing the arresting beauty of the sculptures and enjoying listening to the stories behind them we went to the nearby Raneh waterfall which is located only 20 km from Khajuraho town. It is a breathtaking waterfall famous for its 5 km long, 100 ft deep canyon of crystalline granite in varying shades of color ranging from red and grey to pink. It started raining when we reached the waterfall which made it look simply wondrous.

In the evening we reached Shilpgram, a government run cultural center located in the heart of Khajurao. The shop inside its complex sells varieties of tribal handicrafts which are extremely beautiful. After buying some wonderful handicrafts we went inside the auditorium of Shilpgram to enjoy folk dances of different states. My Japanese friends were elated and after seeing the various dance forms said 'what a wonderful culture India has'. The dance performances were awesome. This marked the end of our Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho. My Japanese friends said that they are taking back home some golden memories of India which they will remember for long.

Shimla: The Romantic Hill Station of India where Nature Bloom at its Best

As the summer temperature of Delhi making new records everyday I with my two friends went to Shimla last  weekend to beat the scorching heat of Delhi. This is among most popular and conveniently located hill stations near to Delhi which is visited by scores of national as well as international tourists round the year. This land of enchanted beauty can be reached via rail, road or air but for us the overnight bus journey is the most convenient and reasonable one. On Friday night we boarded a luxury Volvo Bus and reached Shimla next morning.

Shimla - A Popular Hill Station of India

The cool and pleasant climate welcomes us the moment we reached this Capital City of Himachal Pradesh. When we step out from the bus we saw a hotel representative waiting for us with a placard of our name. He took us to Bridge View Hotel located at the Mall road. After check in we relaxed and refreshed for an hour before we embarked our Shimla exploration.

Shimla is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ which is situated in the north-west Himalayan region. It is the place which has been blessed with all the natural bounties that satisfies the temperament of every tourist. This place is located at an altitude of 2,128 meters above sea level and known for its magnificent hill slopes, green pastures, snow-capped peaks and Victorian architectural buildings.

As we stepped out of our hotel we were on a Mall Road which is the heart of the city and encompassed by several departmental stores, shops, showrooms and restaurants. This is also called lifeline of Shimla bustling with social life which fascinates most of visitors during their tour to this place. Fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along this place mesmerized us most during visit to this place. Apart from this the jovial crowd, youthful environ and scenic beauty around the road kept us busy till afternoon. After enjoying the scenic beauty of Mall we headed towards the Jakhu Temple.

This temple is situated on Jakhu Hill which is Shimla’s highest peak at a height of 2,455 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman which is believed to be in existence from the time of Ramayana. Though the Jakhu temple is famous for its religious significance but scores of tourists visit this place because of 2 km trek through dense pine forests. The trek was very tiring but we enjoyed it as we get excellent views of the ethereal Himalayan Mountains and the town below the valley. We stayed at this place till evening so that we can enjoy the panoramic sunset.

While returning to hotel from this place we took delectable food in our dinner at road side restaurant. The taste was so good that it still lingering on my taste buds. The whole day Shimla excursion was good but exhaustive which made us tired.

Next morning when we wake up we saw heavy rain outside which disappointed us because we cant go out. But after an hour the rain stops and atmosphere became cloudy. The beauty of cloud over the hill slopes enthralled us most and soon whole Shimla was covered with cloud blanket. Without giving any second thought we rushed out from hotel to feel and touch the cloud. It is for the first time in my life when I was surrounded by clouds. We enjoyed the nature’s panorama at our best for 2 hours and after that the cloudy blanket disappeared and we return to our hotel for check out.

Day 2: Golden Triangle Tour: Agra

Tajmahal - Golden Triangle Tour India

After basking in the royalty and luxury of Jaipur we moved to Agra, our next destination. No wonder we all know about Agra, the glorious city famous for Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. This is the most famous attraction of India which has earned this incredible country international fame. Agra tour is an important part of the Golden Triangle Tour. Playing a great role in India Tourism, Agra is visited by scores of tourists throughout the year.

Agra, the city of the Mughals, was ruled by several great Mughal rulers in the past. They left behind the heritage in the form of outstanding monuments. In Agra, we were booked in Hotel Taj View, which is one of the finest five star hotels in India. It is located only 1 km from the Taj Mahal and from our rooms we could see the Taj Mahal. After relishing delicious breakfast we went to see the Taj Mahal. At the very first sight of the Taj Mahal from close quarter my Japanese friends said “wow! What an architectural wonder”.

I told my friends about the history of Taj Mahal. It was built in 1632 by the famous Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. And it took around 22 years and more than 20, 000 labors to construct this architectural marvel in white marble. The architectural design of this monument is based on the principle of the interlocking arabesque concept, where each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements. The wonderful minarets are around 150 feet each. Everything about Taj Mahal is truly fascinating. It is truly an epitome of human creativity.

The entire monument is adorned with intricate pietra dura inlay work of floral designs and calligraphy which makes it awe-inspiring. At one point of time the interiors were studded with precious and semi-precious stones. The architectural style of Taj Mahal encompasses Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic styles. This mausoleum is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My friends were delighted to know the history of Taj Mahal. They said that it was a great experience for them and they will remember it for long.

As we were pressed for time so after some shopping in the colorful bazaars of Agra we headed for Khajuraho, our last destination.

Alleppy Tour - The perfect blend of beauty, adventure and pleasure

I along with my office colleagues Monika, Parul, Tahir, Sanjog and Govind reached Alleppy in the evening. We were greeted by gorgeous greenery of this land which was very refreshing. We were here to spend time in the lap of mother nature. Alleppy is a wonderful place located in God's own country Kerala. Tourists from all over the world come here for experiencing the charm of backwaters. Embraced by the enchanting waves of the Arabian Sea, Alleppy is popularly known as the Venice of the East. It is also known as the 'rice bowl of Kerala'. It is the very few regions in the world where farming is practiced below sea level.

Alleppy - Backwaters of Kerala

It is an amazing backwater tourist destination which offers palm fringed canals, shores with views from the day to day life of the people here, picturesque landscape, sandy beach and salubrious climate. Alleppy is also known as Alappuzha. This destination is also famous for its snake boat races. Truly it is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind.

We were booked in the Palmgrove resort which is a beautiful resort located on the banks of the mesmerizing lake Punnamada amidst natural greeneries. Far from the maddening crowd of a city, we were enjoying peace and natural beauty in plenty.

The next morning we started early for enjoying backwater adventure, which turned out to be the best part of our Alleppy travel. We went to the Kuttanad backwaters region of Alleppy which is very famous. The view of the rising sun from the boat was simply overwhelming. It is the place where the thrilling snake boat races are held and amazing houseboat cruises are conducted. This backwater region is surrounded by palm trees and paddy fields offering captivating views. Our six hour cruise adorned our day with golden memories and fabulous experience. While sailing through the backwater our guide showed us the temples we passed by. He also told us that in Alleppy life orbits around water. The children here learn swimming and fishing at a very young age.

During our backwater cruise we stopped at a local village to relish a cup of tea in a pleasant ambiance. While relishing hot tea we saw the local school children on their way to school. They smiled and waved at us. The people here are very friendly. Overall our experience of backwater cruise was great. We enjoyed the scenic beauty, natural greenery, talks with friends people and tasty tea.

Travel to Alleppy for wonderful holidays and go back home completely rejuvenated and with a record of your own golden memories. Alleppy tourism has a lot of things to enchant you.

Day 1: The Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho

The incredible India is truly an extravaganza of amazing attractions which make it a favored destination of both national and international tourists. No wonder India is a treasure-trove of fascinating attractions. There is so much to experience and explore in this destination. A few days back two of my friends Saito and Misikawa from Japan came to India for some business purpose. They came to India for the first time and were really excited. They had less time in hand but they wanted to explore some attractions of the country. So I suggested them to take the Golden Triangle Tour which is the most popular tours of the country, especially when it comes to foreigners. I along with my Japanese friends planned the Golden Triangle Tour. This tour encompasses three enchanting destinations of India: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

Qutub Minar: Delhi Tour

As my friends were already in Delhi for their business deal so we, after their official work got over, started exploring Delhi. It is the capital city of India which is a perfect example of the fine combination of traditional and modern. In the past it serves as a seat of power for several dynasties. The city is divided into two sections, Old Delhi and New Delhi, each part having its own distinct charm.

Our guide Dinesh took us to the arresting attractions. First we visited Qutub Minar, a magnificent structure built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek in 1206. It is famed as the tallest brick minaret in the world. It reflects a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is also a World Heritage Site. Then we visited Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Laxmi Narayan temple. My friends were delighted to see these historic monuments of Delhi. We did some shopping in Chandani Chowk market in old Delhi and feasted on a variety of stuffed paranthas( the specialty of Chandani Chowk) and Jalebi.

After an overnight stay at Marriot in Delhi, we headed towards Jaipur the next morning. To taste the royalty of the bygone era we stayed at a heritage hotel in Jaipur. Post breakfast we went to see the City Palace which was stunning. There we saw various belongings of the raja-maharajas. Saito said a visit to the palace was like a visit to the bygone era of raja-maharaja. Next we visited the Amber Fort, a majestic fort with several royal apartments. We covered the steep path to the fort on an elephant's back which was very royal and pleasurable. Then we visited the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical house with several stone devices which were once used to measure time and several astronomical events. Our last halt was Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, a wonderful structure which was especially built for the royal ladies to see the processions taking place in the streets without themselves being seen. There are more than 900 small windows in this palace which is quite amazing.

This marked the end of our first half journey. Now we were slated to cover two more fascinating destinations: Agra and Khajuraho.

A Revitalizing Trip to Dharamshala

His Holiness The Dalai Lama was actually a lucky charm for Chennai Super Kings! Yes, this time my excursion & my last holiday trip were associated with the high on IPL cricket tournament. I planned for a two day trip to Dharamshala (lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh), and luckily my friend arranged for 2 passes for Kings XI Punjab VS Chennai Super Kings match there. All this raised my excitement level several times.

A Revitalizing Trip to Dharamshala

I boarded my train from Delhi and arrived Pathankot, which is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. While covering the rest of distance by a cab, I stopped for a quick bite at a roadside dhaba to enjoy morning breakfast. I was willing to relax for a while in my hotel, but the hidden wanderer and explorer somewhere inside me pushed towards the divine greens of Kangra town. The place is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town. My exploration started with Mcleodganj, located 9 km from Dharamshala. This is the place that serves as a headquarter of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. There I came to know that His Holiness The Dalai Lama himself would be going to Dharamshala in the evening to watch the match in the beautiful Cricket stadium overlooking mighty Dhauladhar. I spotted a few Tibetan shops there that sell authentic handicrafts.

In the day-time I explored places like Bhagsunag falls (11 km from Dharamshala), Dal lake (12 km from Dharamshala), St. John's Church (8 km) and War Memorial (3 km). And in the evening, I relished my senses with an awesome cricket match in this picturesque hill station. The auspicious presence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama blessed Chennai Super Kings and made the team enter the Semi-Finals by defeating Kings XI Punjab.

Next day, I planned short visits to places like Dharamkot (11 km) and Jawalamukhi Temple (54 km). While getting back to my hotel for check out, I spend an hour at Kotwali Bazar, a general shopping area in Dharamshala. In short, the divine scenic beauty, calmness and serenity at Dharamshala simply rejuvenated my senses. Spending days amidst high pine trees, tea gardens, and timber yielding trees was remarkable. Moreover, it exhibited the unique Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.

Kovalam Beach: Nature’s Best Description

Kovalam Beach: Nature’s Best Description

For me beaches are the most well composed landscapes of nature. The juxtaposed beauty of glittering sun, silvery sand and azure sea makes beaches a romantic destination where one can freely stimulate their sense of imagination. Particularly for me beaches are the source of fascination from my childhood. When I was child I used to think from where this waves come and why did it return back. I also used to ask about the places other side of this huge water land. These stupid questions sometime irritated my parents and when ever they tried to explain me I asked lots of question to satisfy my complete eager about sea.

For me seaside or beaches are the fabulous destinations to spend quality time in nature’s lap. It is the perfect destination which not only fascinates you but also inspires you, because the cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea’ as quoted by Isak Dinesen.

I often visit Kerala Capital City Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) for my official purpose which provides me an opportunity to visit Kovalam Beach which is one of the best beaches of the world. Every time I went there I find something new which refreshes my mind and provides solace to weary soul. But most of the time I enjoy my Kovalam Beach Visit because of its serene and scenic beauty.

Kovalam is among the most pristine in India which is located about 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram city on the Malabar coast of India. This is a beach town situated on the coast of Arabian Sea which attracts scores of nature lovers from various parts of the globe.

On Saturday early morning I went to Kovalam Beach in a taxi from my office guest house. This was my fourth visit to this mesmerizing destination where one can see the best of amalgamated beauty of sun, sand and sea. This beach is renowned for its three crescent shaped beaches which are separated by the rocky terrain. The largest beach is known as Light House Beach because of its 35 meter high lighthouse. Hawah Beach is the second largest beach which was also the first topless beach in India but topless bathing has been banned nowadays. And the third is Samudra Beach which is famous among the local fishermen.

This time I selected Light House Beach to spend my whole day in nature’s lap. It is perfect spot from where you can get complete view of this place. The long and clean sandy strip makes it a favorite hangout among tourists. The light house of this place is named as Vizhinjam Lighthouse which is situated on the promontory at the southern end of the beach. After enjoying sea waves I sat under the palm tree facing the sea. The cool breeze, whimsical sound of waves and panorama of nature engrossed me completely which rippled several my sense of imagination in me. I was lost in my thoughts which were invoked by the mystic and bewitching surroundings of this place.

It’s my hunger that broke my thought in which I was involved for long time. I went to nearby restaurant to eat mouthwatering Kerala Sea food. The taste of fresh prawn and flavor of original spices still lingering on my taste buds.

After strolling some more time on this pristine beach I went to nearby souvenir shop to purchase conch for my mother. After that I returned to my guest house and from there headed to airport.

Jaipur: A Land of Man Made Marvel

Much heard about Rajasthan the land of contrast and diversity, which is known for its several mesmerizing attractions. This state has several places of tourists delight but the fascination of Pink City Jaipur is entirely different from any other tourist destinations. Since long I wanted to visit Jaipur the colorful city of Rajasthan but never got any chance.

Jaipur: A Land of Man Made Marvel

But opportunities comes in many ways and none of us know when and where, same thing happened with me last month when one of my close and childhood friend invited me to Jaipur for his marriage engagement. This invitation was unexpected and instigated discussion in our friend circle because it is a love marriage and we don’t know his fiancée. In our friend circle we inquired and investigate lot about this affair because of human nature of being interested in other affair. Finally after settling our urge and inquiry about this love affair four of our good friends choked out Jaipur Tour program on the occasion of this marriage engagement.

All of my friends residing at different places so we planned to reach Jaipur two days in advance so that we can have ample of time to enjoy this mystic place. Finally with Kingfisher flight I reached Jaipur from Banglore on Friday night. It was night when I my flight landed in this historical city. After checking out from airport I saw all three my friends waiting outside. We all met each other after one year, this joy of meeting was really touched us and our emotions burst out.

Soon this emotional drama ended and we became same old guys pulling each other’s legs, shouting, making noise and disclosing some of the hidden facts from our past life. After reaching hotel we took delectable Rajasthani food in our dinner. The food was really tasty which filled appetite but not able to satisfy our taste buds. Moreover the company of best friends reminded our college days when we used to eat in canteen.

Although we have two rooms booked but all of us stayed in a single room sharing our past, present and future thoughts. This long session of discussion enjoyed by us as it gave chance to know something new and hidden facts from their college day’s life.

Water Sports in Goa: Holding Your Interest Superbly

Delhi’s scorching heat is something that you cannot resist, actually. Air-conditioners, ice-creams and even chilled beer bottles seem to be ineffective. And for all the wanderer spirits, this calls for a freaky holiday trip. Being a water sports lover, I decided to fly to Goa Beaches. This is one such destination that is unbeatable in terms of water sports in India.

Water Sports in Goa

While peeping out of the window of my plane, I watched & admired vast picturesque coastline and serene beaches of Goa. The entire coastline was dotted with countless tourists busy in sunbathing and enjoying water sports there. I was booked in a beach resort there. After spending my evening at leisure, I enjoyed authentic sea-food delicacies (comprising of fish, prawns, lobsters & Feni) at my resort. My exploration started the very next morning from the famed Agonda Beach. I could see numerous restaurants / bars and handicraft shops there alongside the coastline. After having my brunch there, I went up to a water sports operator who assisted me with a trainer. He briefed me regarding thrilling water activities. 

I started with angling, which is one of the safest and easiest of water sport activity. I was provided with a fishing rod & food for bait. The sea was full of tempting seafood and my frequent catches were comprised of soormai, salmon and mullet. Next I was transported to Candolim Beach by Dinghy Sailing that is locally known as 'Beer and Sandwich Sailing'. My dinghy was about 15 feet long and sailing calmly in the direction of the gentle wind across the sea was remarkable. 

I also paid short trips to beaches like Anjuna, Baga, Dona Paula and Majorda where I enjoyed a number of sports like dinghy sailing, parasailing, scuba diving, water scootering, water skiing and wind surfing. Those adventure-cum-recreational activities also allowed me to admire the panoramic view of the entire region and marine life. It was, more or less, like enjoying summer vacations in a watery paradise for me. Goa simply captivates your soul and offers you the best holidays of your lifetime.

Refreshing Darjeeling Tour

Refreshing Darjeeling Tour

Far from the madness of Delhi city I with three of my friends landed in Darjeeling. I had heard a lot about this destination and was very impressed. Now I was here to see it for myself. After reaching Siliguri we hired a taxi to Darjeeling which is around 75 km from this place. I really enjoyed the ride through the winding roads. No traffic jam, no pollution, it was a wonderful ride.

The moment we entered Darjeeling I was completely mesmerized by its charm and beauty. The sight of the verdant green hills was very soothing to the senses. The climate was pleasant and the environment was refreshing.

Darjeeling is a wonderful hill station of West Bengal state of India where nature lovers come from far and wide. Still retaining its old world charm, it is popularly known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. The most fascinating attraction of this destination is the refreshing and aromatic tea gardens. The forests here have their own unique charm.

Our first halt was the Tiger Hill which has an altitude of 2590 m. This is a famous spot as it offers breathtaking view of sunrise. I was enchanted to the hilt when I saw the sun rising like a fire ball over the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains from this hill. It was a Kodak moment. One can even get glimpses of Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak from here. Next we headed towards the Happy Valley Tea Estate. Roaming around in the gardens, breathing aromatic air and enjoying the mesmerizing views of the surroundings was a great experience. We also saw how tea leaves are processed. It was quite interesting.

Post lunch we headed towards the Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway which is the first of its kind in India. We enjoyed the cable car ride. After that we visited the monastery, garden and temple, which reflected the richness of this hill station. In the evening we went to the local market of Darjeeling and bought some handicrafts. We also picked up some tea packets as Darjeeling is famous the world over for its high quality and aromatic tea.

The Best Way to Reach Shimla

Shimla Tour

There are many things in our life which are destined and no one knows when and how it will get fulfilled. Same thing happened with me when I went to my friend’s engagement in Shimla. When his persuasion failed to convince me, he bribed me with a travel opportunity in Toy train from Kalka to Shimla. Since my childhood it was my dream to experience this riveting journey. Though I got several opportunities but somehow I missed all, why and how I don’t known. It was not destined that may be one of the reasons.

For me it’s not a bribe but he targeted on my Achilles’ heel and soon I headed for Delhi from Pune via flight. From here I boarded Howrah Delhi Kalka Mail and reached Kalka at around 5:00 in the morning. Kalka located on the foothills of Himalayas is an entry point to Himachal Pradesh. From here my long cherished journey started in a cozy seat of the Shivalik Deluxe Express. With smile on my face and joy in my heart I stepped inside the train.

It is a luxury train running between Kalka and Shimla. This train has only one stoppage at Barog that is why it is also called as ‘narrow gauge Shatabdi’. The train can accommodate 120 passengers at a time. There is a special tourist coach called 'Shivalik Palace’ attached to this train which is meant for elite tourists. Apart from this the Shivalik Express has individual posh cabins which are private compartments for couples or lovers. Some of the other distinctive features that impressed me most on board were the wall to wall carpet decorations, wide glass windows, reversible cushioned chairs, music system and microphone with an alarm bell for emergency communication. 

The slow and steady moving of the train over serpentine tracks, passing by charming hills, tunnels and bridges mesmerized me completely. The journey through green valleys, high mountains and steep slopes had left the impression of ecstasy and joy which will remain in my memory forever. Covering 96 km, the train passes through 919 curves, 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels and 969 bridges. 

The most fascinated duration of this expedition was when the train passed the longest tunnel at Barog. This tunnel is 1143.61-metre-long and the train passes through fissured sandstone. The train echo and darkness outside perplexed me and I got sacred for sometime. As soon as the train comes out of the tunnel, the spread over beauty of lush green natural ambiance is like a welcome sign of this bewitching land.

After 4:45 hours of this appealing journey the train reaches the beautiful hill station Shimla, where I saw my friends waiting for me. The moment I got down from the train two of my old friends hugged me and we all headed towards our friend’s house. 

It was really a memorable journey for me because not only it fulfilled my most cherished desire but also given me a chance to meet some of my old friends. After enjoying the company of natural vistas I spent quality time with my friends for two days which provided me a chance to enjoy everything at its best.

Tourist Places Near Rishikesh

Tourist Places Near Rishikesh

New Year celebration was awesome in Rishikesh, but the hidden adventurer inside me insisted to extend my trip to at least a couple of days. So finally, I planned to explore the tourist places near Rishikesh. While going through the Rishikesh travel guide, I came across Narendra Nagar. This small and less frequented hill station is just 15 km from Rishikesh, and is easily accessible by an auto-rickshaw.

While heading towards Narendra Nagar, I came to know that it was the capital of the former state of Tehri. The best part to click there was an attractive place – Kaunjpura – that offers superb views of the Himalayas surrounding it. After spending a couple of hours there, I headed for Neel Kanth Mahadev temple – located at 22 km from Rishikesh and dedicated to Lord Shiva. En-route, I stopped at a dhaba for a quick bite where the dhabawalla told me about the mythology associated with the temple. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue on consuming poison produced after Sagar Manthan, Therefore, this place came to be known as Neel Kanth Mahadev.

Inspired by watching a rudraaksh mala around every second neck, I also bought one for myself. Next I headed for Shivpuri in search of some adventure sports. Located around 19 km from Rishikesh, this highly frequented place is the ‘Mecca for river-rafting enthusiasts’. Places like Sweet Sixteen, Marine Drive, Three Blind Mice, Cross Fire, Roller Coaster and Golf Course at Shivpuri offer rafting currents ranging from Grade 1 to 4. This way, it is an ideal town for amateurs as well as professional rafters. Since morning to afternoon, I enjoyed the best of river-rafting of my life. Being very tired, i spend the left day at leisure at a cottage there.

Next morning, while getting back to Rishikesh, I paid a short visit to Kunjapuri Mata Mandir that has excellent sunrise and sunset points. This way, my trip while enjoying the spectacular views of majestic Ganga was awe-inspiring. Rishikesh and the entire nearby region draw sadhus, yoga enthusiasts, celebrities, classical musicians and adventure buffs from all over the globe.

A Family Trip to Rishikesh

Trip to Rishikesh

The story begins with a family trip, when I was insisted by my mom to celebrate my New Year at Rishikesh with my parents and brothers. So we all first arrived at Haridwar by Dehradun Shatabdi Express, and then hired a cab for Rishikesh (24 km). We were 238 km from Delhi, and 25 km up the Ganges from Haridwar, at an altitude of 1,160 ft. I enjoyed the entire journey while listening that Rishikesh is not just another famous Hindu pilgrimage but it is also considered as the Yoga Capital of the world. I was pretty sure that my trip to Rishikesh could not be better than a freaky night out with friends in a disc or pub. But my first look to the place changed my thinking, my opinion and my philosophies completely. What a superb location in the foothills of Himalayas!

I could not control my excitement level when I came to know that it offers some of the most exciting moments of adventure sports such as trekking in the rugged mountains and challenging white water rafting in the most tumultuous and foaming waters of the Himalayas. My exploration began with the renowned Lakshman Jhula – a suspended iron bridge built in 1939. As the legend goes, Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama, built a jute rope bridge to cross the majestic Ganges. This Lakshmana Jhula is just a replacement of that jute rope bridge. While heading towards the Swarg Ashram, we crossed the same and clicked a few photographs as well. My next halt was Gita Bhavan – a huge huge huge library of spiritual texts! A thousand-page Holy Gita for just Rs. 120/-! Unbelievable! I spotted a few attractive paintings and statues there that depict scenes from Hindu mythologies. From the Ayurvedic dispensary of Gita Bhawan, I bought a few medicines for my grandma.

I also paid short visits to the temples at Swarga Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadeo (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and the Triveni Ghat. While asking for some thrilling sports with my brothers, I was permitted by my mom to go for White Water Rafting in the River Ganges and a short Trekking tour in the Garhwal Himalayas under the guidance of an expert. My last halt in Rishikesh was the shopping area of the Swarg Ashram, where I found the stalls loaded with brassware, incense sticks, sweets, Rudraksh beads, Ayurvedic and herbal medicines. Overall, the trip was outstanding. New Year celebration with my friends could not be better than this trip, for sure.