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.