Rewind with the Mughals Agra Travel

Agra Fort Agra

Framed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World- Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra city is famous for its extraordinary monuments and buildings. It is a city with rich cultural heritage, historical architecture and religious attachments. Agra, a medieval city, was assumed to be built in 1475, had been found its place even in the epic Mahabharata as Agraban (means paradise). I also ventured for an Agra Tour to witness the grandeur of the Mughals.

Agra Fort: Also known as Red Fort of Agra it is built in red sandstone by Akbar. The fort contains palaces both in red sandstone and white marble; the fort is crescent shaped. The fort originally has 4 gates out of which 2 are high walled. Jahangir Mahal is the most important and notable building here. Built as women quarters, it is the only building that has survived. Other buildings in the fort are Jodha Bai’s palace, Anguri Bagh, Sheesh Mahal and many more.

Taj Mahal: The most extravagant monument and one of the 7 wonders of the world built as a token of love. It is built of white marble. Apparently the 4 minarets are built taking care of the earthquake; they are slightly tilted outwards. The main gate has Quran inscriptions written over it. The Taj Mahal consists of gardens, tombs, fountains, mosques and gateways. The glory of the Taj Mahal is best on a full moon night.

Fatehpur Sikri: Is the home to the birth of Navratnas (9 jewels). The city in red sandstone was built to celebrate the birth of Salim, Akbar’s son. Designed as per Mughal architecture, the massive monument is fortified by towers and has 7 gates. Some of the important buildings in the city are Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid and Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and Birbal's House.

Buland Darwaza Agra

Buland Darwaza: Located in Fatehpur Sikri it is known as gate of magnificence. Built in red sandstone the gateway stands 40 m high. The gateway features calligraphic inscriptions of the Quran. The gateway is approached by 42 steps and also serves as an entrance to Jama Masjid.

Thus with this ended my incredible travel to Agra.

Adventure Trekking on Nagaland Terrains

Adventure Trekking in Nagaland

Nagaland, the land of the hospitable and warm Nagas, lies in the corner of India’s North-East-bordering Myanmar. Nagaland in the north eastern part of India is trekker's paradise. The adventurous land of Nagaland offers bountiful trekking opportunities. The physiology of Nagaland is hilly and mountainous with lush green surroundings. The environment of Nagaland is salubrious, providing healthy atmosphere to the tourists for adventure trekking in Nagaland.

For a driving and daring leisure seeker like me, trekking in Nagaland seemed to be a perfect option and I went for it. The journey to the extreme north eastern part of India is arduous and extremely adventurous in its nature. Trekking through the challenging terrains of Nagaland with outstanding wealth of varied botanical species is justly unique and breath-holding. The route to each trek in Nagaland is quite a unique experience.

The major treks in Nagaland are: 

Dzukou Valley: Is tucked away at a height of 2433.4 Sq. Mt. Above the sea level. The gentle rolling hills and undulating values of Dzukou valley offer solace & peace to any tourist from any part of the world. Dzukou Valley is a favorite destination of young trekkers and meditation groups. Dzukou is also blessed with a rich ecosystem of bio-diversity.

Mokokchung: This is situated at an altitude of 1325 m above sea level. It is one of the great centers of Ao Naga tradition. White water rivers of Milak and Tzula are of scenic interest has a lot of potential for monsoon angling. This is also an ideal trekking haunt for the trekkers.

Pungro: Pungro is a small and beautiful hill top hamlet on the Naga Hills. The town of Pungro is covered with hills that are amazingly beautiful and are snowcapped. From here it takes two days of trekking to reach Saramati peak, a part of which falls in Myanmar and from where one can see the entire Naga Hills, mesmerizing valleys and Myanmar border.

Satoi Range: One of the only remaining unspoilt forests left in Zunheboto district. Satoi Range is a place of pristine beauty. This place is the natural habitat of the Blythe's Tragopan, a rare bird on the verge of extinction. It is an ideal spot for outdoor camping and trekking tour.

Satoi Range in Nagaland

Mount Tiyi: Situated at an altitude of 1969.61 m from sea-level, trekking is an adventurous experience here. The mountain peak offers a panoramic view of the valley down below.

Not much requirement is necessary for low-altitude trekking and nature walks. However, for high-altitude trekking, the physical requirements are almost the same as for mountaineering and climbing. People with high or low blood pressure or who are overweight are advised not to participate in high-altitude games and sports. People below 16 years and above 60 years are also discouraged from participating in this sport.

Muse the Place Drass Valley

Drass Velly

Ladakh, the far flung Eastern corner of Jammu and Kashmir is India’s most remote place, a high altitude snow desert cradled by the Karakoram and Great Himalaya ranges. There is no other land like Ladakh. It is rich in natural beauty, sightseeing destinations and calm weather.   The valleys of Ladakh are the perfect destinations for the adventure activities and the best way to explore the beauty of the ranges. Most of the valleys give you a break to explore monasteries and Gompas. To enjoy the pristine and calmness of the valley, I decided to explore the valleys personally. My journey included the beautiful Drass valley.

Nurtured by the Drass River which rises in the Machoi glacier near the Zojila Pass, the enchanting Drass valley is situated at an altitude of 3230 m. this cold valley starts from the Zojila Pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. As I stepped into the valley, I noticed the carvings of a king and 2 women on the pillar. The pillars bore some inscriptions in the old Brahmi script. The valley is inhabited by Dard Stock which is an Aryan race. Drass experiences the lowest temperatures in the valley, it is said to be the 2^nd coldest inhabited place in Asia. Drass is famous for the Kargil war which was fought in 1999. Rugged landscapes, adventure buffs and trekking cliffs are some of the main attractions in Drass valley tour.

Drass Valley Trek

This valley is the world famous trekking site; it offers a number of small and long trek routes to the tourists. The 3 day long trek to Suru valley across the sub range separating the two valleys is the popular Drass valley trek. The trekking tour passes through some of the most splendid upland villages and crosses Umbala pass offering a scenic view of meadows and flower valleys. Some of the must visit attractions in Drass valley travel are Tiger Hill- The highest peak in this area known as Point 5353.  

It was subject to the 1999 Kargil war; it is a strategic route way and connects Srinagar to Leh in Ladakh. I also visited the Kargil war memorial- a memorial built in pink sandstone and has an epitaph commemorating the sacrifice of the soldiers. A war gallery known as the Manoj Pandey art gallery showcases weapons and artillery recovered from Pakistani forces. With not much to explore further, my tour had ended. Overall my trip to Drass valley was snow bound and quite chilly but has left a scintillating experience with its grace.

Crystallizing chaos Khajuraho Temples

Adinath Temple Khajuraho

A historic city widely acclaimed for its lovely temples, Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is located in the woody plains of Bundelkhand region. The city has been rightly called as the symbol of medieval heritage. The appealing temples of Khajuraho present a wonderful blend of architectural and sculptural sheerness, representing one of the preeminent examples of Indian Art.  I also had always wanted to witness the grandeur and delicacy of the temples and planned for a Khajuraho tourism.

The temples at Khajuraho are a brilliant example of medieval architecture built under the later Chandela Kings between AD 950 and AD 1050.  The temples are divided into various categories namely Western group of temples, Eastern group and Southern group of temples. My temple tour started with visit to Adinath temple; richly ornamented with frail and pretty sculptures, this temple is dedicated to the 1^st Jain tirthankars, Adinath. The temple is constructed in the form of lime plastered masonry, showing arched doorways. Constructed in the form of ‘sapta rath’ with the passage of time only the sanctum and the corridor roofs of the temple have survived. The walls are decorated with beautifully carved images and postures of court musicians.

The next temple was Parsvanath temple. It is the largest Jain temple in the Eastern group; the temple features intricate stone carvings and sculptures enshrining a throne facing a bull emblem that represents the 1^st tirthankar. Next on the itinerary was Chitragupta temple; dedicated to the Sun god, it is one of the venues for the Khajuraho dance festival. The temple features a massive 5 feet tall deity in the inner sanctum driving a horse drawn chariot. The Chaturbhuj temple located in the southern side of the complex is the only important temple that faces west.

Parsvanath Temple Khajuraho

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the temple is so named because of idol of the presiding deity Vishnu has 4 arms. The temple has a huge cross shaped congregation hall that caters to devotees of Krishna Bhakti cult. Lotus emblem and other symbols provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Indeed the Khajuraho tour of sacred temples is one of the most illustrious symbols of native Indian structure signifying religiosity, patronage and creative professional and visual feelings.

Sikkim the Land of Mystic Splendor

Himalayan environment, gurgling streams, Snowcapped Mountains, Richness of culture and Monasteries; the most alluring features of Sikkim makes you want to visit this energetic and refreshing place. I also made up my mind to enjoy the untouched natural beauty and freshness and headed for Sikkim holidays. On arrival at the Bagdogra airport, I was driven to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim state. The first place was the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which is literally known as source of the lake.

Rumtek Monastery Sikkim

It is situated at a height of 12000 ft on Gangtok Nathu La highway and falls in the restricted area for which a permit is required. A small temple of Lord Shiva is forged on the lakeside. Going upwards the hills, the next destination is Nathu La Pass. Also known as the Silk Route, Nathu La is situated on the borders of India and China. It is at an elevation of 14450 ft and one of the highest motor able routes. One needs special permit to visit this Pass. The place is extremely cold and temperature drops below freezing point.

After this Sikkim attraction, coming down the Pass way lays the legendary Baba Mandir. It was built in memory of a soldier in the 23rd Punjab regiment. The temple is believed to have wish- fulfilling powers and the water kept in the shrine gains healing property. It is believed that he is still doing his duty on borders even after his death some 3 decades back!! The whole roadway has a picturesque backdrop of Kanchenjunga range. After this tour, my next on itinerary was Sikkim monasteries; the 1st being Rumtek monastery.

It is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim built in the 16th century. The main temple is 4 storied with a golden sculpture and is decorated with traditional colorful murals. The shrine hall stands on strong red pillars with silk banners and ancient thankas suspended from them. Next in Sikkim tour was Bakthang Waterfalls- the most beautiful falls in Sikkim. It is along the national highway 31A. It is a completely crowd free place to enjoy the scenic views; ideal for picnicking and photography.

Ganesh Tok Gangtok

Then next place to visit was Ganesh Tok. It is a very small temple located on the Gangtok- Nathu La road. The temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha. It is so small that it can just accommodate only one person at a time; one must crawl to get into the temple. Being situated at a height, one can get a clear view of the whole town.

My trip concluded with a shopping spree in M G road, which is the most famous in Sikkim. Lined with bustling shops and colorful activities, one can find a wide range of items here to choose from. With this my Sikkim tour came to an end. Though small but beautiful, Sikkim is a prominent destination for every travel enthusiast. Steep heights and plunging gorges, stretches covered in snow- this is what sums up Sikkim.