Jaisalmer

You know you are in Jaisalmer when there is an earthy scent of chulha cooked food in the air and the sight of locals in attires that literally create a riot of colours all around. As the city is a popular tourist hub, you will find a lot of taxi and auto drivers hovering around when you alight at the Jaisalmer Railway Station. On entering the city, you will discover an unusual charm in the way the city seems to be taking baby steps towards modernity. While the hotels, cafes and restaurant owners are still learning about the importance of their reviews on the World Wide Web, the historic mansions and castles that decorate the skyline of the city stand upright with pride and grandeur, welcoming you into the Golden city of the country. The royal era of brave kings, beautiful queens and their stories of grandeur, affluence, war and love come alive on a visit to the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, while the Sam Sand Dunes will give you a sneak peak in to the life of people living in the desert. A boat ride at sunset in the Gadisar Lake and shopping in the buzzing main market will leave you wanting for more.

Places of Interest

Jaisalmer Fort

Inhabiting a quarter of the city’s population, it will not be wrong to call this majestic fort the lifeline of the city. Unlike other forts, here when you enter the fort premises through a steep pavement, instead of walls shrouded in silence, there is life all around. A small city in itself, as you move forward you will find the place buzzing with hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and temples. Not much far from the entrance is the Laxminath Temple, one of the main attractions in the fort. The intricate detailing on the temple walls will leave you awestruck. Explore the fort meandering through the lanes, some of which are flagged by shops selling artefacts and souvenirs and other are lined by houses on both sides. Coming to food, one will not be disappointed with the myriad of choices available in the fort premises. Restaurants and cafes, serving Italian, Indian and Chinese are galore. But then do not enter a restaurant or café with high expectations to enjoy authentic Chinese or Italian, most of the dishes are cooked to please Indian taste buds. While here, do not miss to treat your eyes to the spectacular view of the city from the famous spot where the centuries-old cannon is placed.

Patwaon-Ki-Haveli

With its stunning architecture, the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is a star among the many Havelis in the city. Even years after its construction, the Haveli stands testimony to the affluent life of the city traders. A cluster of five, this was constructed in 1805, by Guman Chand Patwa, a rich trader of those times. Ask the locals and they will tell you that the merchants living in these Haveli used to deal in gold and silver threads that were used in dresses of different kinds. That explains how these kinds of Havelis came to be known as “Mansion of brocade merchants”. On further digging, you will also get to know some other theories on how the city merchants gathered enormous wealth by lending money and smuggling Opium. But then there are no proofs and the only thing left today is this and other hundreds of years old Havelis that give an insight into the life of the rich and the famous during the early period. This yellow sandstone building can be entered through a brown coloured gateway. Adorning the walls of the Haveli are colourful paintings and mirror works that leaves you all praises about its spectacular architecture and décor.

Salim Singh-ki Haveli

The quest to know more about the opulent life of the merchants of the city during the royal era will grow many folds stronger when one visits the Salim Singh ki Haveli. Built during the 17th century, this Haveli was owned by Mehta family, a very influential family during that time. Two tuskers guard the entrance of this Haveli. With the roof in the form of a peacock and the front depicting a ship stern, the architecture is quite amusing. There are more than thirty balconies in this building and all of them have beautifully carved eaves. The grandeur of this Haveli tells many things about the lifestyle and taste of its owner. He must have been a man who loved art and lavish life. The locals describe the man as shrewd and very ambitious. Nonetheless, the opulence with which he lived might have made even the then ruler insecure. One shall not miss to take a guide along who will help explore its several hidden corners, which were used by the merchant to store treasures. The unique architecture and stories about the place are the two things for which one must visit the place.

Kuldhara Abandoned Village

Whether or not, you believe in the supernatural or stories about ghosts, Kuldhara village must not be missed when in Jaisalmer. Situated around 20 kilometres from Jaisalmer, the village can be reached within half an hour’s drive. A flourishing village two hundred years ago, it lies in ruins today. It is believed that the entire community, inhabiting the village, vanished overnight, leaving behind a curse that anyone who tried to live there would be eventually be devoured to death. Since then, bats seem to be the only inhabitants that can be found in the remnants of the houses that once accommodated life. Legend has it that a powerful ruler of the times wanted to marry a beautiful girl who lived in this village. The village chief’s daughter, the girl and her family denied the ruler’s proposal. Furious, the ruler threatened the girl’s family and the entire village. So the village chief along with people from adjoining eighty four villages left the town. Nobody knows where the villagers went, but they left behind a curse with heavy hearts as they left their homes behind. It is fascinating to hear the stories and spot the well, temple and house of the village chief that stand mute witnesses to the happenings of the past.

The Sam Sand Dunes & Desert Camping

For experiencing life in the desert, stay in camps on the outskirts of the city. Make an advanced booking for the complete tour that generally includes a camel safari to the Sam Sand Dunes, cultural programs in the evening and traditional Rajasthani meals. Most of the camps are away from the hustle and bustle of the city and they do offer pick-up services. Living in tent houses with the basic necessities in the midst of the desert rejuvenates one to the core. With its head held high, the ‘Ship of the Desert’ arrives and a ten minutes ride takes one to the sand dunes. Small hills of sands spread far and wide; the sand dunes look charming on the backdrop of the setting sun. After the visit one will be transported back to the camp where all the arrangements for the cultural programme have already begun. Most of the camps provide a traditional welcome to their guests. While enjoying the folk dance and music show during the cultural programme, snacks are served to satiate one’s taste buds. While in the camp do not miss to have a look at the night sky, which seems to be a galaxy of millions of stars that is so close by. Sacrificing sleep and getting up to witness the sunrise on the backdrop of the blue horizon with windmills around, is equally rewarding for the eyes.

To a generation that seeks tranquility in the chaos of everyday life, travel is the nectar to the parched urban souls - young and old alike. 

Top that with the convenience of smartphones that have amazing cameras, your vacation or for that matter, each day in your city becomes a frame for the perfect moment! 

Check out these budding instagrammars whose travel tales will give you some serious wanderlust and make your day a little brighter.

Footlooseforever

 Posts: 45

 Followers: 79

 Following: 40

Slowly but steadily, this handle is gaining followers, what with its vibrant photographs of different destinations in India and a visible passion for travelling.

Satashree_cleopatra

 Posts: 249

 Followers: 189

 Following: 399

You’ll mostly find the everyday places of a city which are taken for granted, being seen with an eye that only a romantic can possess!

Murtaza Arif 

 Posts: 96

 Followers: 218

 Following: 130

His photos are a dream a come true. Observe the hues that make the pictures and the destination come alive. Need we say more?

SS_photography52684

 Posts: 22

 Followers: 123

 Following: 67

He displays a different side of Goa – the sun, sand and the beaches engulfed in serenity.

Beautiful aren’t they? Don’t just sit back and admire these, instead channelise the traveller and photographer in you…after all, seeing life with a filter isn’t all that bad! 

Don't you love everything about the mountains: the hiking, the camping, the fishing, the skiing, and not least of all the breathtaking surroundings?

Whether it’s for any exciting activity or just plain relaxing, there’s always a mountain escape waiting to cure those cooped-up city blues.

Arunachal Pradesh

1. Koloriang

This verdant mountain town has enough activities to prevent you from ever being bored, but is small enough to be charming and quiet.

Why Koloriang: Worth visiting for enjoying high mountains and the colourful tradition and culture of the Nyishi community of Kurung Kumey district.

Sikkim

2. Pelling

Pelling's effortless beauty is characterised by its serene mountainous terrain and cheerful and hospitable locals.

Why Pelling: The pleasant town of Pelling is famous for magnificent views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range.

Uttarakhand

3. Champawat

Visiting Uttarakhand? Look no further than Champawat. This serene hill station is one of the least crowded destinations in Uttarakhand.

Why Champawat: For it's rich variety of fauna and flora. Almost 65 per cent of the district is covered with forests. Teak, Babool, Eucalyptus, Sagon Bail and Jamun are some of the important trees found here. Also, don't forget to visit the Baleshwar temple and Nagnath temple which displays fine architectural excellence.

Kerala

4. Anamudi

At an elevation of 2,695 metres, Anamudi is the highest peak of the Western Ghats and South India. The name Anamudi literally translates to 'elephant's forehead', a reference to its resemblance to the mountain. Anamudi Peak is the highest outside the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Why Anamudi: The Anamudi peak is famous for trekking expeditions in Munnar.

Gujarat

5. Saputara

The name Saputara literally means the ‘abode of serpents’ and one can find an image of a snake situated on the shore of the river Sarpganga that flows through the town. Saputara has mythological importance as it is believed that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile here.

Tamil Nadu

6. Coonoor

Coonoor is essentially a small tea garden town where the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.

Why Coonoor: Coonoor has some of the most fantastic heritage hotels and guesthouses.

Karnataka

7. Chikmagalur

Located at the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range, Chikmagalur is often referred as the ‘Coffee Land’ of Karnataka.

Why Chikmagalur: Away from the banes of city life, this region is dotted with several hills, mountains and offers a salubrious experience of hill stations.

More often than not, the lesser a destination is spoken about, the more fascinating it turns out to be. So, Plan your next vacation to one of these lesser known destinations. Share this article with your friends and set out on a journey to witness the unseen India. To discover more of such destinations, read 10 Hidden Gems In India To Explore Before They Become Mainstream.

Do you dream of a simple life? If yes, then you may want to consider moving to Giethoorn, Netherlands.

Because this idyllic small town, once known as the ’Venice of the Netherlands’, has no roads. Only canals.

Travelling by boat is the only way to get around the village and the surrounding area, with its distinctive atmosphere of silence, relaxation and comfort.

If you've always wanted to get away from city life, to find peace in a beautiful place, the perfect destination for you is Giethoorn in the Netherlands. Take a look:

*Packs bags and leaves*

Image credits: giethoorntourism

Foreign trips are no longer expensive dreams! Going abroad doesn’t always mean going on an extravagant vacation to the States, it surely is more than that. This list contains some of the most affordable and beautiful destinations you can visit abroad with a budget of around 60,000-70,000 INR.

• Thailand

If soaking yourself in sunkissed beaches, heritage palaces and temples and Thai food is your idea of a perfect holiday, then pick Thailand, also considered as a popular honeymoon destination by a majority of people. Airfares are cheap and the stay also won’t cost more than 6,000 INR per night.

thomson.co.uk

• Sri Lanka

Often neglected because of the negligible distance, Sri Lanka is as charming and culturally rich as India. Ancient ruins, white beaches, and the heritage sites make it a popular, yet affordable holiday destination. Your stay in Sri Lanka won’t cost you more than 5,000 INR per night.

www.gov.lk

• Malaysia

Another favourite holiday destination for Indians, Malaysia has numerous national parks and beaches. Colonial architecture, amazing shopping malls, and the crazy nightlife make it a perfect blend of urban and peaceful. Again, your stay won’t cost you more than 5,000 INR per night.

www.visit-malaysia.com

• Nepal

Located just across our border, Nepal is famous for its rich spirituality and snow-capped mountains. It is perfect for people who would want to wake up to snow-capped mountains and lush greenery and scenic rainbows. The best part about visiting Nepal is that you don’t need a passport if you’re an Indian citizen. Accommodation costs as less as 3,000-4,000 INR per night.

forbes.com

•  Dubai, UAE

It is a perfect holiday destination for the middle class Indian, and second home to all Malayalis (stereotype alert!). Popular mainly for its architecture, shopping malls, glitzy skyscrapers, and insanely rich people. For the offbeat population, you could just explore historical districts, visit the spice souks, embark on a desert safari, or chill at a nice restaurant. It won’t be very heavy on your pocket with accommodation ranging from 5,000-7,000 INR per night.

emirates247.com

• Singapore

Extremely pocket-friendly, Singapore has a lot to offer when it comes to nature, modern architecture, beaches, cuisine and culture. It won’t leave you homesick, because of its small size and dense population. It is heaven for all fashionistas and shopping-freaks. You won’t spend more than 9,000 INR per night on accommodation here.

www.yoursingapore.com

• Maldives

An insanely popular honeymoon destination, Maldives is all about beaches, exquisite spas, water sports, and amazing sea food. The place is filled with Indians at all times of the year, and one can stay with the locals for a different experience. Food could be a little expensive here, but, not so much after all!

www.telegraph.co.uk

• Hong Kong

Delicious dim-sums, pretty architecture, museums sum up Hong Kong. A replica of Hollywood’s hall of fame and a life-size replica of Stonehenge are must-visit places if you go to Hong Kong. The best part is a free spirit and a wandering heart is all you need to go there, NO VISA REQUIRED! You would end up spending around 7,000 INR per night for accommodation.

www.tripadvisor.in

• Oman

An unexplored destination, Oman is beautiful and complete with traditional souks, deserted beaches, lonely mountains, dancing dunes, and scenic landscapes. Camp overnight at the edge of the snorkelling sites and your vacation to Oman would be complete! Your expenditure on accommodation won’t be more than 6,000-8,000 INR per night.

www.travel.nationalgeographic.com

• Qatar

A living evidence of the rich culture of the Middle East, Qatar has everything from traditional handicrafts, wooden ornaments, to ancient ruins and civilizations. Shopping is super affordable here, and a must visit is the calm Khor Al Udeid. This trip surely won’t burn a hole in your pocket with accommodation cost ranging from 5,000-7,000 INR per night.

www.wefindyougo.com

• Indonesia

A relaxing Balinese massage is all that one wants at the end of the day, isn’t it? Immensely rich in flora and fauna and lush green surroundings, spas in Indonesia are sometimes located amidst trees and natural landscapes. The land of volcanoes, and some of the largest tropical forests, Indonesia will you leave you wanting to visit again and again. Accommodation would not be more than 8,000 INR per night.

www.allianz.com

• Mauritius

Another famous honeymoon destination, Mauritius is pocket friendly if you choose an all-inclusive hotel. Along with the luxurious spas, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, another attraction is Le Morne Brabant. Accommodation might come up to 10,000 INR per night.

www.mauritiusattractions.com

• Vietnam

An uncommon tourist destination for Indians, Vietnam's beauty ranges from rugged sceneries to tropical islands. Ditch the high-end hotel and stay at a cheap homestay to reduce expenditure.

www.ciee.org

• China

China isn’t only about eating earthworms and cheap unreliable goods. Famous for The Great Wall of China which is also visible from space, China has a lot to offer to the exploring mind. Shanghai is a treat in itself!

www.eiu.com

• Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun, and Anime-land (as I’d like to call it) Japan is in this list of budget destinations abroad because of the similar currency exchange rates. Its unique culture, Japan will make you feel like you’ve walked into a fairytale. Diverse cultures, beauty of the Mount Fuji along with its spiritual beliefs and mesmerizing landscapes, Japan is breathtakingly beautiful!

ashwagi.com

So, it’s time to stop thinking about the money, and start planning your next vacation!

12th March, 2016-14th March, 2016

DAY 1

Life is a journey, and every journey brings with itself adventure and peace, tragedies and fun, problems and happiness. It's a mixture of emotions. That is how my two days journey to Bharatpur was. 

After experiencing bike trip to Kasauli (http://nancyagarwal.blogspot.in/2016/03/my-first-trip-in-himalyas-on-bike.html), me and Ashish decided to go on another road trip, this time to Bharatpur- some 220 kms from Delhi.

FINDING THE TRAVELLING PARTNER

I met Ashish Sohal- a traveller, biker and photographer on Facebook (I owe something to Facebook now). We had one thing in common- our travelling. A 25 year old lad from Himachal, Ashish is innocent but mature. Chatting with him for a while, I felt that our travelling temperaments match and we planned a trip to Kasauli- my first trip in Himalayas on bike. There is a concept of blind date, I call our meeting as blind friendship. So as the weekend was approaching we planned another trip to Bharatpur.  

BIKE- ROYAL ENFIELD

My love, Duke (Ashish's bike) was in Himachal, so we hired another bike Royal Enfield.

It was raining and lightning in morning and the sky looked like a water colour painting I used to make in school. Sun and clouds were playing hide and seek. Well, I must say that the journey was fun on bike, but hiring bike was not such a good idea. We hired bike from StoneheadBikes, near Karkardooma Metro Station. Hiring the bike was itself the major task in Delhi. There were so many formalities to be completed- ID Proof, post dated cheque, recent photos alongwith Rs 5,000 deposit. We couldn't arrange the post dated cheque, so we had to deposit Rs 10,000 as security. And rented bike with 2 helmets and saddle bags costed us the same as hiring a taxi with driver. 

TRAGEDY ON BIKE

Though we checked the bike properly before taking it, but still the bike created certain problems in the journey- difficulty in starting and we had to put lubricant in the chain to make it smooth. 

The major tragedy was when I burnt my luggage bag. I had put my bag in one of the saddle bags at the silencer side. The heat of silencer burned the saddle bag alongwith my bag inside it. Luckily my things were saved except my rain coat which turned into ashes from one side. And we had to pay Rs 1000 extra from our security. 

BHARATPUR

We started at 5.30 am from Delhi and with heavy rain and thunder on the way we took enough breaks and reached Bharatpur by 12.00 pm. We already booked Raj Palace, a hotel just opposite to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. A nice, neat and clean hotel which costed us just Rs 560 as we had booked it through Goibibo by using its discount coupons and points. After resting for a while we started exploring Bharatpur. 

Bharatpur is a small village like city with very less population. The roads were almost empty with hardly any vehicles. The roads were properly maintained and the architecture of Bharatpur is ancient which makes it really attractive. 

Major attractions in Bharatpur apart from Bird Sanctuary are Lohargarh Fort- a fort wall, Kishori Mahal and Government Museum.

The view there was mesmerizing. There were peacocks roaming as if those forts were their house. There were parrots sitting all over in pairs. It seemed that they were celebrating some love festival. After visiting bird sanctuary the next day I realised that in India we don't find parrots, they are actually parakeets. And our guide told us that this is their breeding season. 

Bharatpur has simple life- people playing badminton in front of their houses, karate classes going on in a ground with majority of girls learning it, cows and handpumps in front of the houses, basically simple people with peaceful life. 

While coming back we looked for a restaurant to have evening tea and snacks and it was very difficult to find a good restaurant in Bharatpur. Luckily we found Om Sai Restaurant near our hotel which became our hub for food for these two days. 

While visiting these ancient places I realised that I have certain attraction for doors and windows and I kept clicking every new door which I came across. 

KEOLADEO (BHARATPUR) BIRD SANCTUARY- DAY 2

Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary famously known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is paradise for birds and eye candy for humans. Seeing the birds all around, birds of all colours, shapes and sizes - I felt I was in a different world.

There were three options to go inside sanctuary- by cycle rickshaw, your own cycle or on foot. I couldn't control my love for cycling and we hired two bicycles and a guide Mr Prakash who had his own bicycle and a spotting scope.

I was mesmerized by story of Mr Prakash. Prakash was very knowledgeable and very passionate about birds. I could see the happiness in his eyes when he spotted some rare birds. He told us that the spotting scope which costs around Rs 4 lacs was gifted to him by a foreigner who got very impressed from his knowledge and his jovial nature. We kept on following Prakash on our cycles and halting quietly wherever he stopped. Prakash is featured on BBC website also by one of their reporters. To spot a rare bird Prakash used to make sounds and told us to play certain bird calls on our mobiles through YouTube. With help of YouTube we were able to spot Siberian Ruby Throat from Siberia, rare and beautiful bird. 

I was talking to Prakash trying to learn more about his life and in between the talks he mention about one of his friends- Dr Ahmad, the environmentalist. I had met Dr Ahmad before in Delhi. I had attended one of his sessions in Delhi in Sanjay Van, near Qutub Minar (Story of my visit to Sanjay Van- http://nancyagarwal.blogspot.in/2015/06/a-walk-in-forest-sanjay-van.html) and I thought indeed it is a small world.

Birds- I developed a special love for birds after visiting this sanctuary. They are so artistic and every bird has some unique quality. Prakash told us that mostly the birds have arrived their names from famous bird watcher Mr Salim Ali, sometimes referred to as the "Birdman of India". Mr Ali used to sit for hours waiting for birds. He adopted a method where he used to tie a ring in birds' leg and leave them. It was found that the bird which left from India with the ring, that ring was found somewhere in Siberia. That was how the study of migratory birds was conducted. Later on that ring was replaced with transmitter to keep a track of their movements and directions. 

Here sharing pictures of some of the unique birds we spotted in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

We all have that one friend who lures us by offering discounted travel deals and people like me buy them without even thinking twice !! :P And that one friend cum colleague offered us a weekend getaway to Shimla with an almost free stay at some Bank's guest house in Shimla. He was pretty confident that the day rental would just be Rs. 5 per day !! Two more of my colleagues couldn't resist the deal and this is how my first visit to the Capital Hill happened ! Oh btw later the 5 rupees deal didn't work but we still ended up going to Shimla.

I've always been a fan of Himachal Pradesh when it comes to exploring the mountains and valleys, but this visit was an entirely different experience. We were two girls and two boys, all three of them, except me, had been to Shimla before, so my excitement level was a little more higher than them. 

We started on friday, 20th November, 2015 at 05:15pm via Kalka-Chd Shatabdi from New Delhi Railway Station. At around 10, we reached Kalka, had dinner at a nearby dhabha and spent a few hours at the executive lounge before beginning our Toy Train journey at 4 in the morning. 

Day 1- 21-11-15

Our actual adventure started when we boarded the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, it was my first ride and the child inside me was way too excited to come out and enjoy the beautiful ride. The temperature was pretty low, we all were packed in our woollens. The train started to move and all that time i was humming 'Kasto mazaa hai' ... ;) from the movie 'Parineeti' ! Well, if you have been a fan of Ruskin Bond's childhood oriented stories, i am sure you can totally relate with the journey especially when the train passes through the various tunnels that connects the wonderful track. The naked view of the hills and surrounding villages alongside people taking a stroll on the footpath beside the railway tracks is just so scenic and mesmerising. The speed is even slower than a Tram. You can even fulfill your childhood fantasy of touching and counting the branches of the trees planted beside the narrow track. FYI Kalka Shimla Railway is also a part of the World Heritage Site Mountain Railways of India. We completed our train ride with random little naps until the sun rose, enjoyed every little halt, sipped tea and coffees *bad coffee* and also captured a few landscapes and panoramas.

By 10 we were in the beautiful capital. Shimla is a clean hill station except for the notorious monkeys that have terrorised the entire city. I have had a terrible experience when a monkey tried to snatch food from my hand on a busy road and the situation had gotten even worse when my friend was peacefully sitting in the room, smoking near the window, when a monkey appeared out of nowhere and had his eye on the lit Cigarette ! Thank God the grill mesh didn't let the monkey get inside the room! But the good news is that the Government has finally allowed culling of monkeys, so now you can stroll down the capital streets without any fear.

After a lot of hiking, we reached our Hotel. One can easily walk and reach the accommodation, of-course if you're willing to hike ! Without wasting much time, we got fresh and stepped out to scroll the Mall Road.

We started with the ridge, not a good idea to visit the Ridge at 1 in the afternoon as it is way too crowded with tourists and lots of them. Best time to enjoy the view at Ridge- Early morning ! Yes ! Doesn't matter how cold it is, just go out and feel the fresh air! One can definitely go visit Christ Church. Go to the Church, light a candle, thank the God for everything, feel the good vibe, get a picture outside and I think your purpose is solved ! :)

The temperature had started to drop with the sunset, so we headed back to our hotel for a quick rest.

How do you beat the winter chills in India especially when you're travelling in the mountains and temperature dropping down to 6-7 degrees ? Rum and warm water with some chicken and rice ! Perfecto ! And when your male friends end up being sober, sipping juices with chips :P and you and your girlie are gulping down pegs of Rum, the evening even gets better! :D Just the perfect way to end the day and gear up for the next.

Day 2- 22-11-2015

Since it was just a two day trip, so without wasting any time, we checked out and headed towards Sanjauli, one of the main suburbs of Shimla. One can easily board the Himachal Roadways from the bus stops, and women get to enjoy pretty good discount on tickets ! :) About an hour past we reached Sanjauli, a crowded little town, having some renowned colleges, my dear male friends were so busy having a real good time eying up pretty himachali female students, we lost track of them and they came back after like an hour. God those girls were really pretty, even I couldn't stop looking at them ! :D

Meanwhile, I was all by myself walking down the streets, exploring the street market, observing beautiful and smiling faces, i ended up buying little souvenirs for my close ones.

We all gathered for lunch at the very famous, Himkiran's Pappi ka Dhaba ! Yes, it's one of those vintage and popular eating joints where you find pictures of celebrities with the owner and their testimonials framed on their old walls. I could see Bollywood actress, Preity Zinta's pictures all over the walls as Sanjauli is her hometown. Now, its a tiny little restaurant, having a seating capacity of not more than 20 people, in fact no place to even stand but when you get to see the restaurant packed and still realise that there is a waiting queue of around 30 minutes, your excitement level rises to heights! Well, we waited and finally managed to get a corner table. Their Butter Chicken is very famous, whereas Shahi Paneer for the vegans is a good treat. The food was average, the restaurant has lost its charm lately, they seem to have compromised with the quality of the food.

Another place to chit chat and enjoy the landscapes is Buddy's Cafe. It's a pretty little cafe, on a hilly road, next to St. Bede's College. It will take you back to your college days, where you'll see students chit chatting or romancing and having the time of their lives. Do try to pick a table on their roof top, the view is mesmerizing. One must try their Cold Coffee loaded with lots of ice cream and chocolate sauce. The vibe out there was so pure and innocent. You can also take a walk amidst the green wild roads and observe beautiful vintage bungalows of retired army personnels. This place deserves a peaceful and work free life after retirement.

Post sunset, we headed back to the city, it was pretty cold, so we decided to cover everything that we could at the Mall Road. If you're craving for dessert, take a halt at Baljee's Restaurant and grab a plate of hot Gulabjamuns! They were the best thing I had in Shimla. :) Super Delicious !

You can also spend some time at the ridge in the evening and enjoy the view, but if it's a weekend, it's going to be crowded and not as peaceful as it is in the morning!

You can also visit the Shimla State Museum, built in the style of colonial edifice with sprawling lawns around, is a major attraction of the Mall area. A history lover can have a great time witnessing amazing collection of magnificent sculptures, coins, paintings and handicrafts, depicting the life and culture of hilly people.

Sunday was coming to an end, we had a train to catch from Kalka at 11:30pm so we bid our goodbyes to Shimla and boarded Himachal Roadways bus to Kalka at around 7 in the evening. At around 10:30 we reached Kalka Railway Station, Ohh did I tell you about a small eating joint just outside the railway station? You get really good home cooked vegetarian food with pretty reasonable rates. We had dinner and boarded the train to Delhi with sweet memories. :)

Budget- Rs. 3000- 4000 per person for a weekend

Delhi to Kalka - Rs. 500 per person Shatabdi Train

Kalka to Shimla - Rs. 150-200 KLK-SHIMLA Toy Train per person or Himachal Roadways Bus Rs. 100-200

Shimla Budget Hotel Tariff - Rs. 500-600 per person, per day 

Food- Rs. 250-500 per person,per day 

Misc. shopping - Rs. 1000 per person ( guys might save this ;) ) 

Himachal Roadways Bus Shimla to Kalka - Rs. 100-200

Return tickets from Kalka to Delhi - Rs. 600 per person

Local Transport Bus Tickets (Hiphopping)  - Rs. 50 per day

And I was so enthusiastic before being introduced to this place. So, it started from my hotel in Pench till my destination, that was the Pench tiger reserve safari. We had total 4 safaris. In our first safari there was no sign of tiger where we can locate them. But, this beautiful jungles are not just to hunt for tiger and get good photographs, but also to feel this natural beauty, the beautiful sound? No, the beautiful music of birds. The jungle had so much of positive vibes all round. Bird watchers must visit this place at once atleast, one can get amazing photographs of exotic birds which have beautiful colourful wings as well sound. ♥

 We were on our way to the third safari  were we all were praying to  locate atleast one  tiger.  We almost lost all the hopes when the safari was about to end. And when we were about to move towards the gate of safari something awesome happened, it might be natures miracle I should say, on half a way to the end of our safari our guide saw some movement of tiger he wasn’t sure, we decided to stop there for some time. We waited for almost half an hour, and after so much of patience and hopes the national animal of India, just walked in front of our gypsy. I just can’t resist that moment from my mind. I wasn’t able to take my eyes away from him. Without looking here and there I just removed my camera and just started to take photographs until he was visible.

And this is how we ended our journey with full of happiness and positivity. ♥

There are a few things which can never be described in words. A few experiences so subtle in nature but so deep that they touch your soul forever.

Sometimes it is mere coincidence that such experiences come your way by themselves but sometimes you make such wonderful experiences happen to you.

And I made it happen to me by fulfilling a long cherished dream of visiting the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand(India).

I was planning to travel to the Valley of Flowers since three whole years and finally made it possible this July.

The trip perhaps was a trip that made roads inside my heart forever. It made me respect mother nature and it's supreme and powerful yet caring character even more.

I started my solo bike trip from Gurgaon and the journey was to be of 1150 kilometers(to and fro). I was hearing in the news that there are heavy rains lashing the mountains and there are landslides and bridges been washed away but that could not stop me from starting my journey.

I had to tell my family that I am going to Amritsar as if I would have told them where I am actually going they would have never let me go there or at least tried there level best to stop me.

So I packed my stuff and left on my little but brave Honda Twister.

It was late evening when I left and as soon as I left I was met with the rain. Then from Delhi to Haridwar I rode in the rain with the visibility been zero many times as the headlights of the oncoming vehicles were making me blind and the water on my Helmet Visor not helping things at all. I had to completely halt at times so as to view the road ahead and the NH58 around Muzaffarnagar is bad and the traffic hazardous. So somehow I managed to reach Haridwar at around 12 in the night and stayed in a guest house.

The next day I started my journey from Haridwar to Govindghat which is situated just before Sri Badrinath Dham in the heart of the Himalaya.

I have motorcycled a lot in the Himalaya but every time it gives me child like happiness to traverse these mountain roads. Nothing entices a biker more than mountain roads and what can be better than the Himalaya.

And I was met with the rains again but they were so welcomed as I was literally riding in between the clouds. As this is the pilgrimage season both Hindu and Sikh devotees were going to their pilgrimages. Govindghat happens to be the stop for Hemkund Sahib(a major Sikh pilgrimage) so on the way I found several Langars organized by the Sikh community.

I was also welcomed by massive landslides but that could not deter me from reaching my destination.

BUT the B.R.O(Border Roads Organization) does a tremendous job in maintaining the roads in such treacherous conditions. It acts like a "true BRO" for travellers and especially bikers like me.

The Border Roads Organization at work.

So B.R.O I salute and respect you!!

And of course the Himalayas never fail to impress and awe you by their beauty.

After riding for about 300 kilometers from Haridwar I reached Govindghat in the evening and by that time my ass, shoulders, knees and back were paining like hell.

Govindghat is a small town located in the upper Himalayas and around 15 kms from Joshimath(A cantonment city). It is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is located at the confluence of the river Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga.

You can put up at the Gurudwara or Hotels. The hotels are cheap and you can get a good Hotel within Rs. 400(Do Bargain). The Hotels have parking facilities as well.

You need to trek from Govindghat to Ghangria(Basecamp for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib) and as I reached in the evening at Govindghat it was not possible to start the trek so I spent the night with good sleep at Govindghat and started the next day to Ghangria.

I started in the morning to Ghangria among the clouds kissing the mountains and the river Alaknanda raging with all it's might.

You can hire a pony or a potter for Rs. 500 to Rs. 700 for reaching Ghangria but then trekking has a feel that no other thing has. Also you can leave your luggage at the luggage store of the Gurudwara and carry only essential stuff required for stay at Ghangria for 2 to 3 days.

So my trek of 13 kilometers to Ghangria began and what a walk it was!!

The Trek to Ghangria

The trek is endowed with Greenery.

The trek is blessed by trees guarding the path and watching you silently.

The trek is nurtured with waterfalls falling from Heavens.

A trek with clouds whispering to the mountains on the way.

It is a tiring and exhausting trek but at the same time fills you with energy by displaying some amazing views and spectacle of nature.

And finally I reached the small settlement of Ghangria. The clouds move with you till the top sliding and gliding along the mountains.

During the trek carry some chocolates and dry fruits with you for instant energy. Also on the way you will find plenty of eateries. You are going to an elevation of 10000 feet so be prepared for it.

The settlement of Ghangria is at 10000 feet above sea level and surrounded by snow capped peaks but only if the clouds let you see them. :)

Ghangria is the base camp for both Valley of Flowers(4 KM from it) and Hemkund Sahib(6 KM from it). You can put up in a hotel as there are decent and cheap hotels available or at the Gurudwara.

A hot water bucket for bathing will cost you Rs. 50 and all the packeted content will be twice the cost. Rest assured that all facilities are available at Ghangria for you. Even warm clothes are available on rent.

Ghangria itself is majestic with gigantic mountains surrounding it.

With glaciers and waterfalls running across it and mother nature just giving a glimpse of what lies ahead. :)

I already was mesmerized by the scenic beauty of Ghangria and of the trek I took but was ready to stumped by what I was about to see.

There was strange thing that happened to me in Ghangria as a few people asked me "Are you from India?" and I looked at my skin and strangely said "Yes!". May be it was because of my beard that I had kept. :)

Trek to the Valley of Flowers from Ghangria

I started the 4 KM trek to the Valley of Flowers from Ghangria. The fees for Indians is Rs. 150 and the forest department man writes your details in a register and then off you go.

You start walking and then you enter a path where there is an untouched forest. All you can hear is chirping of birds and gushing of the river water. You feel that it is a picture straight out of your most splendid imagination. You keep walking hearing your breath and heartbeat as the quiet forest welcomes and engulfs you in it's wonderful charm.

And then you will also come across the "Indian Jugaad technology" of keeping things straight and simple but it is effective and gets people "across". I at least loved using it but also was praying for it not to get washed away if it rains heavily when I return.

As you walk forward the mountains slowly open up and start giving you a glimpse of the valley ahead.

You'll come across a bridge on the Laxman Ganga and after that a steep climb begins.

The tip is to walk slowly but continuously as in if you walk fast you will get tired and when you'll stop to rest that will consume your time so enjoy the view and keep walking at a gentle pace.

As they say slow and steady wins the valley. :)

You climb higher and higher and then flowers will start to appear little by little indicating that your are almost there. The valley is at 14000 feet above sea level so there will also be melting glaciers on the way even in the month of July!

And then the mountains open up to give way for the Valley of Flowers.

I was left spellbound as I simply was awed and left speechless by the stunning beauty of the place. I was perhaps looking at one of Almighty's most magnificent creations.

I now knew why they call the Himalayas "Dev Bhoomi" (Land of the Gods). No wonder the Gods chose this place as their home. So serene and so beautiful.

You will see blue, green, white and red patches. Those patches are the flowers and they are everywhere and that is why it is called valley of flowers. The colours keep on changing every month with new flowers coming and old flowers dying.

The valley opens for only 4 to 5 months from May to late September but is in it's full bloom from mid of July to mid of August.

The heavens literally descend on earth at this time. What was in front of me was nothing but heaven.

The green foot of the mountains with their top been bare and snow capped. The melting glaciers and subtle and gentle smell of the flowers was nothing short of of eternal bliss.

And as for the flowers they were everywhere! You will feel that a mild perfume has been sprinkled in all of the valley such is the smell sometimes.

Flower and the Beast.

It is not just the flowers that you will see in the valley but also waterfalls.

Not One!
Not Two!
Not Three!
Not Four!

But one waterfall neighbouring and accompanying the other. The scene might appear straight out of the Hollywood movie Avatar but was present in front of me. Each waterfall made it's own stream and they were coming down from the clouds in steps.

I met a few members of the Gurudwara who told me the other side of the above mountain lies Sri Badrinath Dham(One of the most pious places for Hindus) and the trek to Valley of Flowers goes straight upto Badrinath Ji. They also told me that Guru Gobind Singh Ji (10th Guru of the Sikhs) walked this path and at that time all the Gods showered flowers on him when he came for Tapasya here.

You also have to be careful as there are wild Bears and Leopards present so carry a stick with you. The bamboo stick made for walking are available in Ghangria and give support as well as protection.

I had other protection measures just in case I come across "Yogi Bear" who tries to be smarter than the average Bear. :)

I took the little knife out when I was travelling deep in the valley as it was only me who was there(I was travelling alone) and to be frank when I saw animal poop lying around the first thought came into my mind was that a Bear is nearby but I kept going.

Bear Grylls effect you can say!

And if everything goes wrong there is always prayer.

The entry in the valley is allowed only till 2 in the noon so start early and try to reach the valley by 9 in the morning as it takes the entire day for travelling the valley.

If you have time visit the Tapri Glacier which is at the far end of the valley but as I said return before dark.

Carry biscuits, chocolates and a lighter with you. A good raincoat, Warm Clothes(It gets very cold in the evening) and good waterproof trekking shoes are a must!

For water you can simply take it from any stream. It is absolutely fresh glacier water and safe to drink.

There are also some rules of the valley as the ecology of the place is very fragile.

So please do not! Absolutely Not! Pluck Any Flower! They are for the valley and your viewing and not for your girlfriend or boyfriend.

Needless to say do not pollute the place at all! I was happy that for once I did not see any wrapper thrown around and if you see any please pick it and bring it down with yourself.

We have to preserve the place for our future generations!

So finally after spending one hell of a time in the valley it was time to say goodbye.

I will return though and the next time will be with my life partner.

I began my spiritual Trek to Lakshman Mandir and Hemkund Sahib the next day

My trip also had a spiritual side to it and after visiting the Holy Valley I went to Hemkund Sahib the next day. It is situated at an elevation of 15000 feet above sea level.

It is a special place as it holds importance in both the Hindu and Sikh faith.

The Hindu Legend says that Lakshman Ji(Brother of Lord Ram) was taken to the banks of the lake situated there when he was mortally wounded in the battle against Ravan's son Meghnaad. It was here Hanuman ji found the Sanjeevani herb which gave life to Lakshman ji and in happiness the gods showered flowers which became the valley of flowers.

Another story gives reference to Sheshnaag and Vishnu ji.

Long before the Gurudwara was constructed in 1960's the place was known to the locals who went there for pilgrimage. The Gurudwara members told me that no ablutions and eating were done on the way and the villagers worshiped and took the holy bath in the lake and then they came down. Even today the toilets are situated away from the Hemkund Sahib Lake.

The Sikh Legend says that Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated here and became one with God but God commanded him to go to world and be born to get rid of the evil existing in the world.

So both the the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and the Lokpal or Lakshman Temple exist side by side.

And the next morning my 6 Kilometres trek began. The trek is tougher than the Valley trek as the climb is steep with nowhere coming downwards but again is worth every step.

You keep on climbing up and up until you merge with the clouds.

The clouds also covered the entire Ghangria valley until nothing was visible BUT in one moment as if God waved his hand to disperse the clouds the entire settlement of Ghangria and the humongous mountains were visible again. In one blow of some mystical wind the clouds dispersed and the whole Ghangria valley was bathing in sunlight.

When I saw the clouds clearing and the mountains revealing themselves by tearing from between the clouds that was almost a magical miracle I saw. I thought to myself this can't be real but it was.

Once again on the way you go through Glaciers and Waterfalls and what a treat they are to the human eye, mind and most importantly the soul.

Going through the Glacier whose origin must be the clouds. You see the mighty glacier slowly melt which probably depict that even the strongest will, at the end, merge into the oblivion.

Beautiful Waterfall at 15000 feet! Bon Appetit for the eye, body and soul!

It was a hard trek but finally I reached Hemkund Sahib and offered my prayers and did Darshan of both the Gurudwara and the Mandir. The entire premise and lake were covered by the clouds and it was raining.

I was a bit unfortunate as I did not know that the Gurudwara and Temple close down at 1:30 in the noon but anyway was lucky enough to do Darshan where both Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Lakshman Ji prayed. So reach the Gurudwara latest by 12 30 or 1 in the noon. It takes almost 4 hours for this trek for a healthy man so plan accordingly. Again there are potters and horses which you can hire and you can reach much early but it is a pilgrimage not a luxury ride. Right?

While on the way I met pilgrims who politely said Sat Sri Akal to me and I said Namaste to them. This broke the monotony and also their smile and respect gives you energy walk ahead.

So I washed my face and hands in the Sarovar(Lake) and prayed to god and wished(Of course I won't tell my wish). The atmosphere was quiet and had the vibes that something really strong is present here. It made me feel pious and peaceful at the same time.

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara

The Lakshman Lokpal Temple

The Hemkund Lake in which the Snan(Holy Bath) is performed

Even in the Gurudwara one Bhai ji(Brother) said Indian haan?(Is he Indian?) and I said "Hanji Agra se"(Yes I am from Agra). May be it was not the beard but something else. :)

After paying my tributes to the Gods I went down after saying a final farewell as the next day I had to leave.

Himalaya for me is something I cannot define.

There is a magic in travelling in the Himalaya as when you stand in front it you feel so small. You realize that in this eternity how minuscule you are. How your entire life is simply a moment's time in front of this miracle of nature and it will stay as it is when you are long gone from this world.

May be this feeling crushes your Ego and the Himalaya does it so gracefully. It shows how insignificant in time a human is and how even the biggest Mountains are mortals.

There is a legend associated with every mountain and a story with every river. Each stone has spirituality engraved in it and each path has been walked by great sages and still been walked upon by sages.

The Himalaya casts a spell of peace on you and there is nothing but thoughtlessness that remains inside you when you visit the Himalaya.

May be this is ultimate peace. May be this is being one with the creator.

I end my Journey.

"Mountains have always been special. The fact that they surprise you every time makes the journey more adventurous and YOU more richer with experiences"

This was my first solo trip and it taught me way more than books. I believe deciding to take a solo trip need guts but trust me it wont let you be the same after you come back. You become more humble, thankful and curious to explore the rest. If you want to take a solo trip one advise would be go with a trekking group as obviously you don't know the routes and the maps. As I chose "Renok Adventures" which has this great and helping crew. Also, the whole group was very caring and helpfull without them I could have not completed this journey. So Thankyou Everyone. And the rest of you don't think too much just book your leaves and reserve your seats because Hampta is waiting :) Also, avoid monsoons best time would be June and July to enjoy the nature. 

AND NO, its nothing like shown in 'ye jawani hai deewani'. 

It was summertime. The temperature was hovering between 25 degrees to 30 degree Celsius. The roads were scorched and the trees parched. Water in our bottles was depleting in quick succession. We were yet to get lucky. In Magadi, the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Park, tiger sightings were rare and our expectations low. Mid way in the jungle safari, our driver who doubled up as a guide changed the route. He was well versed with the path and decided to park near a watering hole. ‘It is a hot afternoon, they will come to drink water’, he said. The watering hole had already reached its bottom. Sunset was still an hour away. That was our time limit. We had to get out of the jungle before the sun went down. We prayed for a rare sighting. Confined within the jeep, we absorbed the beauty the jungle had to offer. Spotted deer nibbling the scarce grass, Vultures circling high in the sky, a Blue Jay bird posing for our shutters. The long trees made for a dramatic view. It was serene.

The Indian Roller commonly known as Blue Jay posing. Picture Credits –  Akshaygn at en.wikipedia

The mother and her baby. Picture Credits – Wikimedia Commons

A couple of minutes later, what sounded like random jungle noises to us, were the call of the Sambar deer announcing the arrival of a tiger. Our driver jumped in his seat, cranked up the engine and stared into the wild figuring out the source of the noise. STAY ALERT, he yelled. There was a flutter of excitement as we could not believe our luck. He rushed the jeep towards the noise, accelerating ahead and reversing with precision. He raised his voice to make us keep quite. But by the time he could finish, everyone had seen Him. Bokha, the tiger; the ruler of the Magadi zone. A few feet away. Not single soul moved. The silence was deafening. Petrified, we tried to stand to catch a glimpse. The beast walked past us with poise that could beat a leading runway model. Coolly, He went down the watering hole and made himself comfortable. In all probability aware of the 10 odd roving eyes on him.

Watching a tiger in its natural habitat is an exhilarating experience. Picture Credits – Wikimedia Commons 

Bokha was one of the senior most tigers of Bandhavgarh. He was named Rajbhera at birth but became popular as Bokha, the name given by the locals after he lost his tooth as a cub during a conflict with another tiger. He was usually identified by his giant pug mark. Few more jeep reached the spot as the news of the sighting spread (The guides have a strong network). The shutter sound was endless. From a basic digital camera to a DSLR with 100mm – 400mm zoom lens, everyone pointed towards Bokha. We continued to observe the magnificent beast. For the next 30 minutes we enjoyed Bokha splashing around and drinking the leftover water in the pool, beating the sweltering summer heat. A rare, rare sight.

Pardon the poor picture quality. That’s Bokha on way to the watering hole.

Spotting him is a real challenge. Right there in the middle. Saw?

A loud roar later, he decided to move out. Bokha walked back into the forest with the same poise. That was our cue to leave. We had to exit before the sun set in the horizon. Enthusiasts from all over the world come to India for a glimpse and most go back disappointed. I was overwhelmed that my first wildlife safari was a success. Nothing had prepared me for an encounter like this.

I glanced back at the jungle just as our jeep crossed the outer check post. A sudden rush of emotions flooded me. I was ecstatic and melancholy at the same time. But most of all, I was relieved; to be back in civilization; to be back in my comfort zone.

One of my favourite sunset photos at Bandhavgarh

FACTS: Bandhavgarh National Park is located in Umaria discrict in Madhya Pradesh and was declared a National Park in the year 1968. The park is open from October to June. Peak tourist seaon is from November to March though chances of tiger sighting are best during March to May due to dried up vegetation.

REACH: Bandhavgarh is well connected by road and the nearest major towns are Umaria, Jabalpur and Khajurao. Nearest train stations are Umaria (35 Km) and Katni (100 km). The nearest airport is Jabalpur (approx 200km) and Khajurao (approx 250 km).

STAY: Numerous options are available for the budget and luxury traveller. The resorts provide meal throughout the stay as there aren’t any specific restaurants.

Standard Resort: Mowgli Jungle Resort

Delux Resort: Nature Heritage Resort

Luxury Resort: Taj Mahua Kothi

SAFARI: Most hotels provide assistance in booking a safari. As there is a limit on number of vehicles, it is suggested that you book them early.

Do you have any stories to share?

~~~~

Nupur

*An edited version of this story first appeared in Sakal Times

*Pictures are clicked by me unless mentioned otherwise

Gym and all the equipment that comes with it, is not for everyone. Some of us like to run through the woods, trek to the sunrise and dive deep into the ocean.

There are many ways to combine your love for fitness with travel. In fact traveling with the intent of getting into shape can be a lot of fun. And here are some ways you can do just that.

1. Take treks

Treks are ideal if you want to shed the extra weight in a relatively short time. Minimum 4-5 km walked on a steep incline everyday with the simplest dishes for meals, there is no way you will not shed the excess you have been wanting to. A week long trek can help you lose 3-5 kg. So, if gym is not your thing and you need quick results, then trek is the way to go.

Pick any from here: 44 Treks in Himachal Pradesh That Prove Why It Is The True Fairyland For Adventure Travelers

2. Hike/ Walk Everywhere

Walking never gets old. Human bodies have the capacity to comfortably cover over 20 km a day on foot. Though many "more comfortable" options are available now, walking is always the more scenic and healthy option. If you are traveling to a city, don't hop on the nearest auto or taxi, walk and explore the new locale. Especially if you are in the mountains, a hike to anywhere and everywhere is the easiest route to fitness.

Walks around Delhi: Insanely Scenic Walking Trails That Are Nature's Gifts To Delhi

3. Eat And Live Like A Local

Often in our travels, we reach out to our comfort food – the same burger we get back home. But the local food is what you should be opting for instead. If you are serious about getting into shape without entering the gym, then rent a room in the place of your choice (preferably in a less polluted town) and just live and eat like a local.

Check out this travelogue for street food around the world: Global Food Trail

4. Make The Stairs Your Best Friend

You don't have to travel to climb stairs, but you definitely should not stop even while traveling. From climbing up to the railway station to a meeting in a skyscraper, always, always take the stairs. You can always go a step further and make sure your hotel room is never on the ground floor!

If you get bored of climbing stairs, then check out these no-equipment workouts: The Only 14 Workouts You Need To Stay In Shape While Traveling

5. Take A 30-day Mountaineering Course

Mountaineering is a skill that will last you a lifetime. Several mountaineering institutes around India offer beginner courses that are upto 30 days long. Not only will you be walking out with a skill, but also a body fitter than ever. This course will also put you on the pursuit of mountains and hills, that include accomplishing the toughest of treks and summiting stunning mountains.

Read Sushmita Haldar's experience with the mountaineering course: Manali & Mountaineering

6. Escape To A Beach Shack

Find an isolated beach, find a beach shack and ask if they need help. Stay by the beach for a month or two, serving people and swimming during breaks. If this seems too extreme, then maybe rent a small place in a shack by the beach and explore the town you are in with local food and swimming breaks. Not only will your body experience transformation, even your perspective towards life would be turned.

Check out how Sharadhha Pandya backpacked to India's best beaches: Backpacking to Gokarna & Goa

In this story, I plan to keep updating the photos from the locations where I go... 

I AM monarch of all I survey; 

My right there is none to dispute; 

From the centre all round to the sea 

I am lord of the fowl and the brute 

O Solitude! where are the charms        

That sages have seen in thy face? 

Better dwell in the midst of alarms, 

Than reign in this horrible place.

- Alexander Selkirk

A few interesting lines from Solitude composed by Alexander Selkirk. Citations from wikipedia says Alexander Selkirk (1676 – 13 December 1721), also known as Alexander Selcraig,[1] was a Scottish sailor who spent more than four years as a castaway (1704–1709) after being marooned on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific Ocean, or South Sea, or more commonly the French Polynesia.

Well there you go another man bored to death being left alone on whats called paradise in modern travel blogs and tourist brochures. So that opens up ones mind as to what we want as travelers. I have always blogged about these awesome virgin islands away from the concrete walls, where solitude breathes enthusiasm into our burnt souls. But all seems futile if places are devoid of people. Beauty seems meaningless without an audience, without people who can share, appreciate or criticize.

As a matter of fact life for me took shape in Kolkata, a metropolitan city and the state capital of West Bengal which has approximately 91 million inhabitants, in the eastern part of India sharing its border with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Statistics show that I should never complain of solitude as in everything that happens in Bengal starting from pleasure to protests there is one common factor and that is people. Despite that, I must confess that this city has been my mother and it has witnessed most significant events of my life, be it smoking for the first time(I am not advocating smoking) or holding my first love by her hands and walking down it avenues. The queer old coffee houses, the dusty streets, the vermilion colored buildings, the football matches at Maidan, the bustling fish markets at Lake Market, infact everything I can still recollect, are all so close to my heart.

• BBD Bag

As I grew up amongst this multitude of people and got my hands on a Nikon F50 Camera(those days it was still films) I went out for a hike in the streets of Kolkata to document parts of this city, its men women and children, forever on celluloid and captured the Boy.

• The Anonymous Boy

As a common man I have always prized the sense of anonymity. For a person hiking the streets of Kolkata I really needed to be a no one. Something that always sets me free and perhaps keeps me safe on these extraordinary trips through the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

From my home in Kasba, a part of the ever burgeoning city, I took a cab to Rashbehari metro station. Took a 15 minute railroad to Esplanade and walked from the metro station to one of the most celebrated monuments of Kolkata, The Victoria Memorial. The building is a hall dedicated to the Queen Victoria and is one of bright example of our colonial past. Sampled from wikipedia Lord Curzon the viceroy of Calcutta was quoted to say:

"Let us, therefore, have a building, stately, spacious, monumental and grand, to which every newcomer in Calcutta will turn, to which all the resident population, European and Native, will flock, where all classes will learn the lessons of history, and see revived before their eyes the marvels of the past."

Intentions were so true that the hall is used as a museum now, however the massive gardens maintained by a group of awesome gardeners are thronged by couples and young adults seeking a lesson in love and relationship rather than a lesson in history. Well thats stark truth. However the building is a standing ovation to British Architecture. According to some historians there is a even a distant resemblance between it and the Taj Mahal of Agra, Delhi. If you see carefully there is a fairy at the top of the dome called the "Angel of Victory" supposed to be rotating and proclaiming victory of the British Raj. However due to some mechanical faults the the statue stopped moving. Hope it moves now which visitors can confirm.

• The Victoria Memorial, resplendent with early morning sun

• Kolkata Munical Trucks supplying water to the memorial gardens

• Someone resting

The peace and the beauty of this colonial piece of history gave my mind a clean slate to start off my day.

A father teaching his son to feed the crows and stray dogs, a very uncommon sight these days. Being human and no more and no less is quite rare these days.

After enjoying a nice morning at the Victoria Memorial gardens, I went on to my next destination, the great kolkata zoo or more famously the "Alipore Zoo". A 5 rupee bus ride was all that it took for me to reach Alipore Zoo from Dhamatala. Living and traveling in Kolkata was the least expensive among all the metro cities that I visited, ever. Thanks to its people to keep it that way.

• Dancing peacock

• Caged leopard

• Some birds

It was a nice day spent with all the inhabitants of the city both the caged as well as the uncaged. While I moved towards my home hailing a cab from Alipore to Gariahat, the sky looked ominous and goddess looked gorgeous.

• Ma Durga

Le fin

 It is probably one of the oldest festivals of India. This ageless festival is a celebration of faith and trust which people have put over these year on relegion. Its has no limits in terms of cast, creed, race, colour etc. I wont go in the history or facts of the Kumbh Mela, since no matter how much i tell you you will look for the same on the official site (no pun intented :) ).

"Woh kumbh ke mele mai bichad gaye thy" A line this or some other line with underlying concept being the same, of getting lost in Kumbh mela, this is what provoked me to go to kumbh mela thi time.Since kumbh mela was in Ujjain which is close to kota so traveling was not an issue (no cancelling the plan because the train tickets dint confirm).It was a pretty bumpy ride, but i did not matter at all because i was all excited about the destination and the experience which i was about to gain. It was 5 hour night ride. It was clear sky lit by sparkling stars. In terms of traffic, i never felt that i was taking a night ride to Ujjain, because the way was flooded with all sorts of vehicles reason being accessibility of Ujjain.

I left at 11pm and reached Ujjain by the morning of the other day (4am i guess). At that time it was not at all crowded. The car is not allowed after a certain a point and let me tell you the distance which is to be walked is huge. So, after getting the directions and information about the place, my next task was to find a place where i could freshen up. Now, if you are person who is okay with Jugad (just using what is available, and getting your work done) then you should make your reservations in advance if you plan to stay there for some nights. There is no point in choosing a hotel, because there are many options available which are proper and pretty lees in terms of price.
Since i went there in the ending days, all the tents were literally ruined (except a few), the situation of washrooms were far more worse. Some were without taps, some were without water, some where clogged (yuck). But in the end i did manage sneak inside an ashram, where things were okay.
By the time i freshened up and got ready, it was 6 am and it got crowded. There is no chance of you getting lost if you are going alone because you will find a security personnel at frequent distance intervals who have sufficient knowledge in order to guide you. There are proper milestones , demarcations, arrows present to guide you.

Now lets talk about the holy dips. The place where you are supposed to take the dips in water is called Ram Ghat (basically, its nothing but a river bank). It stretches to few kilometers and is on both sides of the river. The rule is to take 5 dips and chant the prayer. The ghats were all crowded. One can witness variety of people and activities happening on the ghats. After seeing the activities which were being conducted on the ghats and clicking a few pictures, it was turn for the holy dips. The water was pretty cold but since it is summer time, it was a bliss. The dips had a refreshing and rejuvenating effect. I had no feeling of coming out of the water because it felt great. But i had a lot to cover so i spent around 20 to 25 minutes in water (which i think is sufficient ). Now it important here that you keep you belongings in a proper place before you go for the dips. There are so many people and chances of things getting lost is pretty high.

Talking about photography, make sure you ask before you click or make sure that you are not being watched while you take a picture. Why i just said because of an incident which happened with me. Here it is, i was continuously clicking pictures and then i came across a sadhu and without thinking i clicked his picture and he saw me doing that. He called me, but i could see his face (he was angry) so i ignored him. But to my surprise, he came after me with a chimta in his hand ( obviously he had no intentions to hurt me) , it scars the hell out of me and i started running and disappeared in the crowd. I do not know what would have happened if he would have caught me. So, do not clicked pictures of individuals, specially the sadhus without asking.

So, where was i, yes i got done with my dips  and i started for Mahakaleshwar Temple (Temple of Shiv Bhagwan). The Que was huge. There is an option to save time by paying Rs 250 (per head) and going through a VIP entry. This will save at least an hour or so. I got done with darshan in just 1 hour, whereas people took around 2 to 3 hours for the same. The temple premises has a lot of Temples inside it. Apart from that, there are number of temples in the kumbh Mela area , which one can visit if he has a the capacity to do so.

Now lets talk about the Akharas. There are number of types of sadhus who stay there till the Kumbh Mela ends (that means near to a month) and each such type has there designated area which is known as Akharas. Sadly, i couldn't find what i expected to find. I was told that there is a Gold baba (a saint covered in gold) , but i couldn't find him. So, if you want don't want to miss this part then make sure you visit Kumbh in the starting days or mid ones but definitely not the last days except the day of Shahi snan ( the last day of kumbh, which us assigned for the main snan).

There is a lot of everything which one can find in kumbh Mela. If you love photography, then you just cannot miss out on Kumbh Mela. Houses being converted into dormitories, an area of nothing converted into number of akharas and ashrams, stalls for food items and offerings to God and what not. It was like people were banking on this opportunity which arose because of Kumbh Mela.

It is a festival, which should definitely be visited at least in a life time.

Now, few things you should keep in mind before you go to Kumbh Mela:

1. Make sure you get done with your reservations, if you are not a last minute person.
2. Make sure your belonging are safe.
3. Take prior permission where required for clicking pictures.
4. If you find someone who appears to be lost, make sure you take him to the appropriate counter so that an announcement could be made about the same.
5. Carry sufficient food supplies.
6. Better to go in the starting days rather then the ending ones.
7. Don't be afraid of crowd and all the pushes, because it is one of an essence of the Mela.

 And yes congratulations to the Madhaya Pradesh Government for successfully carrying out Kumbh Mela . Everything (mostly) was in order.

 SO GO GET LOST IN THE PURITY OF KUMBH. TAKE THE ESSENCE, AND LET IT FLOW WITHIN YOU AND THROUGH YOU.

In this post, I shall tell you about our trip to the small farming Soglio village, high up in the mountains. Soglio village can be accurately described in just three words – Paradise on Earth. I hope you will agree with me after reading this post and seeing the photographs.

From Vicosoprano Plaza, we took the Post Bus in the direction of Soglio. Heading towards the south, we passed through the tiny hamlet of Stampa, the birthplace of the painter Augusto Giacometti and his son, the sculptor Alberto Giacometti. From Stampa, we followed the river Maira, coiling along the valley; past isolated little old stone houses, abandoned little churches and crumbling ruins of old castles on hilltops, into the hamlet of Promontogno.

In Promontogno, we got off our bus and after a brief stopover during which we walked to the little bridge over the gushing river, we got back to the bus stop to board a smaller post bus for Soglio, further up in the mountains.

All along, we were taken by the unspoilt natural beauty of the place – the hillsides and outcrops sprinkled with wildflowers – lupins, little yellow daisies, blue mountain gentians, orchids and clovers, massive, rugged rocks of strangely beautiful formations, deep forests, and bare jagged snow-capped peaks, towering at a distance.

Along the slopes of the mountains and amidst trees covered in moss, lichens, and ferns, we ascended steadily in sweeping curves and loops. We passed through narrow passes and arches, between enormous boulders and by cliff sides, shrouded in a shadowy blue-green mountain haze.And then, not far from the Italian border, we arrived at Soglio. We got off the bus at the lower edge of the village and explored the village on foot.Located on a sunny terrace at an altitude of 3,576 ft above sea level and over 1,000 feet above the valley floor, the village of Soglio occupies one of the most exclusive and sequestered locations in Switzerland. The village is located on the northern side of the Bregaglia Valley above the River Maira, with views across the valley to the distant Bondasca glacier.  It sits opposite the 10,826 feet Pizzo Badile and is backed by the equally lofty Piz dal Märc and Piz Duan, offering stunningly beautiful panoramic views over the valleys.

From this village, we had breathtaking views of the mystical Bregaglia and Bondasca valleys down below and the soaring peaks of grandeur unsurpassed, of the Sciora Mountain group and the lofty Alps at a distance. The largest sweet chestnut forest in Europe, I was told was to be found not in Italy but the Bregaglia valley below the village.

As we climbed into the village along the sloping road, we came face to face with the Evangelical Church of St. Lorenzo with its tall spire. This rather spartan church was built in 1354, then restored and enlarged successively in 1506 and 1750. We didn’t find this landmark Church to be particularly impressive, but then the Belvedere and cemetery in the rear garden of the church were spectacularly beautiful and profoundly peaceful. We spent quite of bit of time at the cemetery, on the edge of the terrace overlooking the valley, surrounded by vast expanses of towering snow-capped peaks, in silence and solitude. Blessed indeed are those who rested there in eternal peace, I thought.We then ventured into the village with its narrow, shadowy, cobbled lanes and alleys, lined with closely placed, wood and stone packed houses and dotted with little fountains.

Further ahead, we came to a little square with the Palazzo Salis, considered as one of Switzerland’s more extraordinary hotels. Soglio was the seat of the Von Salis family long before 1630 when the palace was constructed. In 1878, the palace was converted into a hotel and is still run as one and owned by the Von Salis family. The hotel is truly fascinating, with its vaulted hall, open fireplaces, suits of armour and antique furniture strewn all over. The guest rooms are supposed to be grand, with stone floors on the ground level and wooden floors above, complete with four-poster beds and antique heating stoves. There is a beautiful garden at the rear, with different varieties of flowering subtropical plants and even a few sequoias. A part of the garden hosts an open air restaurant in summer. The poet laureate, Rainer Maria Rilke is reported to have come to Soglio and stayed in the Palazzo Salis for creative inspiration.

We had our lunch at the Palazzo Salis, by it a crackling fireplace. Minnie (my daughter) and I being vegetarians, had some delicious chestnut ravioli. Nina (my wife) had a risotto with basil leaves and dried meat, which she raved about. And we had some awesome tiramisu for dessert.

After lunch, we rested for a while and then went out on a leisurely stroll through this little old village. We did what is best done here – got lost in the maze of alleys and by-lanes, walking past old houses, barns, cattle sheds, labyrinths like alleyways and grottos. We went past and peeped into beautiful walled private gardens attached to private houses, even trespassing into a few. There were also tiny squares or plazas with water fountains, and one of these had a large fountain – rather a series of three attached fountains for washing clothes, along with washing boards on the sides. There was an Italian flair to this quaint village.

By the side of this fountain, down a narrow passage and through a dark grotto, we reached a ledge which has a charming little house with a beautiful garden, overlooking the valley into the spectacularly beautiful snow mountain chains ahead. We spent some time here, admiring the views. In addition to this, we also found a small art gallery, which was closed and a little shop that sold cheese and chestnut delicacies.

It was the beginning of the peak tourist season, and there were hardly any other visitor to the village other than us. In any case, Soglio is one of the most remote and sequestered villages in Switzerland and is totally off the beaten track. It has less number of visitors even in the peak season, compared to other places. The streets were totally deserted, the villagers either busy at work on inside their homes. We felt as if we were in a time warped wonderland. According to Archaeological research Soglio was already settled during prehistoric times. The name of the village was first documented in 1219, and we felt that time has come to a standstill in this village since then.

One of the most famous artists of Europe in the late 19th century, the Italian painter Giovanni Segantini (15 January 1858 – 28 September 1899) had spent several winters in Soglio. He had famously described the village as the “Gateway to Paradise”. We disagreed with the artist.It wasn’t the Gateway to Paradise that Segantini hailed it to be. It was Paradise itself .

This trip was originally published on Tales from the Trail of a World Citizen

Someone has rightly said “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and this was proved true when we went to McLoedganj in October 2015 to do nothing but to Eat and Relax. Mcloedganj is a foodie’s paradise as it has so many good eateries to offer a variety of cuisines, such that one can’t have it all. The place has everything Indian food, pizzas, Tibetan food, Italian food and what not.

Had read about a lot of places and dishes to eat before going, was disappointed with some and was more than delighted with some. Everyone should go on a food trail in Mcloedganj at least once and satisfy their taste buds.

• Clay Oven

Clay oven is a quiet café located just 100 m from Mall Square on the Dharamkot Road. This place is a hidden treasure with down to earth staff and very relaxed seating. They have their own WiFi like other restaurants, and one can just sit and relax endlessly in this café. In a span of 2 days ended up here more than three times at different times. The rates are super economical, and the quantity is more than justified.

• Thukpa

Undoubtedly the best thukpa in town. The serving was more than generous. The taste was spot on and didn't need to add anything else to make it better. The best part about thukpa is that it fills up your stomach fast and at the same time gives nutrition as well as it has a lot of veggies in it.

• Cheese Omelet with Tibetan Bread

We had a hearty breakfast here with Cheese Omelet, Peach Tea, Oreo Shake, and Tibetan Bread with peanut butter on our table. Indeed, it was a King style breakfast. Breakfast in Clay Oven should definitely be on every foodie to do list.

• Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Went here with high expectations, but was disappointed. Tried the stuffed mushroom potato dish that I had read about on other websites. The serving was meagre compared to the hefty price tag. The taste was okayish; the potato was a bit bland.

• Carpediem

Had the best Pizza of my life in this place. The seating is very relaxed, and people from different countries and background were sitting, enjoying and having a hell of a time. The French fries is also a big hit in this place. Turned up here and had pizza and thukpa as well. The thukpa was not that good as compared to Clay Oven, but the Pizza was simply the best. The yummy taste still lingers in my mouth.

• Tibet Kitchen

This is more of a restaurant than a café. It is always full, and there is waiting. That itself bears testimony that how good the taste of the food is. Unlike other cafes, you can’t sit here and relax; it’s more of a hush-hush affair. This place has a lot to offer.

• Thentuk

Flat noodles served in a soup like dish like thukpa. Thukpa has long noodles, and thentuk has flat noodles. That’s the only difference between the dishes. It was something new for me which I enjoyed thoroughly.

• Momos

Tibetan cuisine is incomplete without momos. The filling was very good, but it was a bit spicy. If you weren't to enjoy momos, it’s better to have it on the road as they are homemade, and the taste is very different. Spending INR 100+ on momos in a restaurant is definitely a waste of money.

• Noodles and Fruit Beer

The Hakka noodles were good and tasty and with just the right amount of spices. Fruit Beer and Peach Beer was something which went very well along with the food.

• Street food

Any food trail is incomplete without exploring the street food options, and Mcleod has a lot to offer. Be it Bread omelet, Maggi or momos, this place has it all. One should also try the cakes and pastries from the bakeries which are in abundance.

McLoedganj has a lot to offer to everyone with different experiences every time one visits.

This post was originally published on Foodie On The Move @arnav2806