Sikkim Tour- Exploring the Treasures of Nature

Sikkim, the destination which conjures up the images of immense natural beauty, old monasteries and romantic hills in my mind. With my husband, I had planned it several times but every time we left in lurch. This time when I got to know about 1 week break of my husband, I too applied for leaves. I was feeling myself fortunate enough when I got the approval and we packed our bags for Sikkim Travel.

Rumtek Monastery Sikkim

Leaving from Delhi, we reached Bagdogra Airport from where Sikkim was a six-hour jeep ride away. On being reached theres, I found it among the most beautiful places which I had even seen in my life.The moody weather, the pristine purity, colourful flowers and beautiful peaks just enlighted my mood the moment I entered the place.

We stayed in a comfortable resort lodge in Gangtok which was situated in the outlying areas. The modern facilities and a good view from our room just made it a really refreshing experience for us. The home like atmosphere and scrumptious food allowed us to enjoy our tour without worrying anything. We used to get awake in the early morning as soon as the cool wind entered the room.

Endowed with wondrous natural resources, Sikkim is nestled in the Himalayas and offers an impressive scene with each turn of the road. We found people of Sikkim was very warm and welcome tourists with a big smile on their face which helped us to be friendly with them.

I had heard a lot about the attractions of Sikkim and among those, one was the Rumtek Monastery so I was eager to visit the place. Unwillingly my husband accompanied me to the monastery, which lies about 24 km from Gangtok. This monastery houses a number of sacred things and Golden Stu-pa is worth to mention. Visiting the monastery was to fulfill my much awaited desire to experience the spirituality at a monastery.

On our day trip, we visited Tsomgo lake which is an alpine lake with many rainbow trout. Considered as a sacred lake of Sikkim, it is a must visit attraction. Along with it, we also went Nathuala pass. It used to be a gateway to Tibet and prior to Chinese aggression, it was the only silk route to Lhasa.

Tsomgo Lake

We also visited a 17^th century monastery, known as Pemayangste Monastery. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, the monastery is known for its majestic sculptures. While seeing their decorated paintings on first floor, I was completely mesmerized.

How can I forget to mention the amazing view of mount Kanchendzonga which we enjoyed during our trip? Believe me, it seems like beckoning you with its spectacular views and to experience it, really enthralled me.

Being a passionate adventure, my husband decided to go for trekking in Sikkim and soon he was there. The thrill and excitement made me hold my breath till the time he was back. I wished to be with him but being scared of heights, I could not make it. After coming back from trekking, my husband told me that trekking through its dense forests, frosty waters and rocky trails is an amazing experience in itself. Next day, we woke up early morning, especially to visit Tiger hill. It was simply awesome and the best part of our Sikkim tour.

I love shopping and the charm becomes double when I am on any tour. The popular shopping items like handicrafts, the wall hangings and Tibetan carpets were just grabbed my attention and I could not help myself from buying them. At the end of our tour we drove to Bagdogra from Darjeeling to come back.  Our Sikkim tour ended with lots of photographs which we clicked with Sikkimese people.

Redefine the Luxury with Mahraja's Express-Part 2

As soon as we got up, we all were really exciting to visit the next destination, Agra. After having breakfast, we arrived at Agra. Having heard and read a lot about Taj Mahal, I was too curious to visit this architectural wonder and finally, I was there. The glorious monument still retains its old-world charm. To see the picturesque setting of Taj is like a dream coming true.

Maharaja Express Train interior

Standing proudly on the banks of river Yamuna, it is synonym of love and beauty. The exquisite ornamentation, the purity of the white marble and the spectacular location all make it a worth-visiting place. Thereafter, we proceeded to the famous Agra fort, which is also renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a maze of courtyards and huge private chambers that showcase the splendor of the Mughal Empire.

We also got an opportunity to visit the Diwan-E-Aam and royal pavilions such as the Shah Jahan Mahal. While wandering through beautifully decorated halls and courtyards, I felt as if I was in the Mughal era where all I could see was, the royalty of that time. Headed to the Taj Khema, we came across colorfully attired musicians and dancers who escorted us to the gardens.

We were also allowed to enjoy shopping at Agra. There we came across some popular shopping items like handicrafts, marble and soapstone inlay work, brass ware, leather goods, textiles, carpets and exquisite jewellery. Our co-passengers were busy in picking up their favorite items while Dhara also bought some handicraft items for the keepsake of the tour.

We rejoined the train and enjoyed watching live television, which truly calls for applause. I wonder that how perfectly everything has been arranged for passengers. It must be the result of minute observation, which has at last successful in making the journey unforgettable for passengers.

One more thing, which is worth to mention here is that besides the beautiful sitting area, adorned with regal sofas, there is also a separate dining area. It allows you to dine in private. I am running short of words to describe the grandeur of the decor of the suite. Perhaps it can be best defined as par with excellence in luxury, richness and comfort.

Next morning, we were in Gwalior. After a leisurely breakfast, we set out to explore the city. The city is a blend of modern and traditional place. On one side, we could see the vibrant and bustling aspect, while on the other side, a multitude of monuments and temples reflect its glorious past.

Gwalior Fort

Then, we relaxed and enjoyed lunch. Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum were also became the part of our exploration. The present Maharajas still live in a part of the place and the other part has been converted into a museum now. The museum displays remarkable collection of artifacts. We visited Usha Kiran Palace for enjoying cocktails and then board the train. Enjoying last dinner on board, we all were being ready for the next day to reach our last destination-Delhi.

Proceeding on a tour exploring the appealing sites of Delhi, we bid goodbye to the Maharaja's Express. Our mystical journey on the train was over, which was still unbelievable thought for us. The memory of the tour still refreshes my mind and takes me to the world of royalty and luxury.

Experience the Royalty with Maharaja's Express (Part-1)

Maharajas Express

The moment I started my journey with Maharaja Express, I could realize how royal it was going to be. Well, traveling from Kolkata to Delhi will be that memorable for me, I did not think.

The tour was planned with two of my friends, Dhara and Veronika. We all three were ready to spend our savings for treating ourselves with this royal experience. This was 8 days and 7 night’s journey that was full of surprises for us.

Decided to make the most of the time, we set out our journey with this luxury train. On being reached, we were served with a welcome drink.

You can imagine the royalty and luxury by just having a glimpse of the five deluxe cabins, six junior suites, two suites and a grand presidential suite. Redolent with the romance and charm of bygone era, interior of the train is considered to be the most luxurious in its class.

All the modern amenities are waiting for you!

Maharaja Express Restaurant

Enjoy the time of leisure watching LCD televisions or listening to music DVD players. You can also avail Wi-Fi connectivity on board the train. What I liked the most is that you enjoy a panoramic view of the fleeting outside through the large windows!

Then, we headed towards Gaya where I felt the immense tranquility at several pilgrim places. With its rich cultural past, the place is renowned as one of the most sacred places for Hindu pilgrims. Visiting Maha Bodhi Temple is an experience to cherish. The temple complex is now renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We slept well as we were supposed to rise early to proceed to legendary city of Varanasi. The experience of witnessing a spectacular sunrise over the sacred Gangas, was simply amazing that filled my heart with peace and tranquility.

The third day that we spent in Varanasi was full of delightful memories. Lively bazaars, ancient temples, the magnificent palaces, what else could we ask for! Being amidst the loud sound of temple bells as well as religious chants just are a perfect way to connect your soul to divine.

Following lunch, we visited the ancient ruins of Sarnath. The guide told us that this was the place, where Lord Buddha delivered his very first sermon about Buddhism. Visiting ruins, stupa and the Ashoka Pillar was simply a great experience.

Maharajas Express Facilities

At night, we enjoyed lip-smacking cuisines on board. Dinning is a great experience here that simply takes away your heart with its warm hospitality.

Next day, which was our 4th day on this train, we proceeded to the Bandhavgarh National Park which is known for the highest density of tigers. We get to see many animals here like deer, sloth bear, languor monkeys and chirpy birds.

Following brunch, we enjoyed spending some time at leisure than visited nearby village. We had a scrumptious dinner on board. The food served was too good that we had up to our fill.

Our next destination was Khajuraho, the most awaited one. It was our 5th day which we were enjoying to see the magnificent temples of the place. Known as UNESCO World Heritage site, these temples present the beautiful example of architecture. The emotions carved in stones exhibit the finest example of architecture of bygone era. The erotic idols also reveal the fact that 'Sex' was not a taboo subject those days rather it has been beautifully depicted through various sculptures.

We returned to the train and shared the knowledge about the Khajuraho temples till we fell asleep.

To be continued...

Explore the Famous Wildlife Parks in India

India is a land, which has achieved a distinguished name for wildlife tourism. There are many wildlife parks in the country that are home to various abounding flora and fauna. They capture wildlife lovers and tourists from all over the world who come here to explore the wildlife. Tourists can also enjoy different exciting activities like bird watching, safaris and trekking.

Some famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India include:

·        Ranthambhore National Park

·        Sariska Tiger Reserve

·        Jim Corbett National Park

·        Kaziranga National Park

·        Bandhavgarh National Park

·        Kanha Tiger Reserve

·        Periyar Tiger Reserve

My uncle is fond of wildlife tour and he has been to many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Recently, he had a trip to Kaziranga National Park in Assam, where I also accompanied him.

It is one of the leading national parks in the world, which is known as the pride of North East India. The park is situated in the extreme geographical location, offering a colossal range of flora and fauna.

Wildlife Parks in India

The opulence of the rhinos in this park is the major attraction which is why this park has been rated as the finest park of India. It is a most sought after destination for nature lovers.

On being entered, we saw an amazing view of a variety of wildlife like Indian rhinos, wild water buffalo, swamp deer and elephants.

The park also features many famous hotels ranging from luxury, budget, deluxe and economy hotels. They cater to all types of travelers and serve them with world-class amenities.

Some of the major hotels in this park include:

·        Bon Habi Resort in Kaziranga

·        Hotel Landmark Woods

·        Nature Hut Eco Camp

·        Wild Grass Lodge

Indian National Parks

We also enjoyed a jungle safari on elephant's ride which was a great experience. Sitting on elephant's back, we could see the rhinos roaming around the park freely. The trip to the Kaziranga National Park was quite rewarding for us as I could see the animals from very close.

I wanted to make the most of my tour to this most famous India Wildlife Park. So, I decided to visit tea gardens of Assam. The beauty of these gardens and lush green surroundings captivated me for a long time. The thrill, excitement and fun which I had experienced during my India Wildlife Tour still fill my mind with great memories.

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.