Being an aspirant for high altitude trekking and mountaineering, the Basic Mountaineering Course has been on my to-do list forever. Having done quite a few summer treks in the mighty Himalayas, I decided to do a winter trek this time. So here's the story of my trek to Kedarkantha summit (or rather not). Various blogs would've been written about this beautiful winter trek, but what's better than a unique near-death (some might have gotten an idea looking at the name, while some might find it exaggerated) experience which created memories forever, where not many things happened according to the plan, which's just the way I like it. These kind of experiences make you stronger and better prepared for the challenges in the future, also encouraging you to try your hand at writing about it.

When Divyaj and I decided to go for a trek in the winters, there were a few options, Chandrasheela, Kuari pass and Kedarkantha being some of them. Being a winter trek, I knew that the highest altitude of the trek wouldn't be above 13,000 ft. After taking a look at the beautiful descriptions and absolutely stunning pictures on various websites, we finalised Kedarkantha, which was supposed to be a easy-moderate trek (as it turns out, it wasn't). This trek was a short one, only 4 days of trek, as the altitude was less. We came from Pune, so there were always going to be two extra days of travel.

Finally, the much awaited leave began and so did our journey to the airport. We boarded a flight to Delhi hoping that the pollution wouldn't get the better of us there. We roamed about in Delhi and eventually boarded the Nanda Devi express to Dehradun that night. In the train, we were joined by two fellow trekkers from Chennai, two of the most interesting people I have ever met. The first impression was of a to-be-married couple, but we were surprised when we got to know they were married 5 years ago and have a 3-year old girl. They had left her at her grandparents'. My parents also used to do the same thing when they went trekking, leave me to my grandmother and I used to count the days on my blackboard. So as we got to know each other, we also got news which kind of dented our excitement for the trek. One of the batches to Kedarkantha had posted photos of the summit and there were only patches of snow even at the summit.

Day 1 : Dehradun to Naitwar (5,600 ft)

The trek starts from Naitwar in Uttarakhand. Our travel from Dehradun to Naitwar the next day was booked by Indiahikes. We got into a Tempo traveller along with a group of 7 Delhi-ite engineering students. The road travel is always accompanied by 'Avomine' and dozing off for a couple of hours as a result of that. As we crossed Mussoorie, the cold began to set in. The road passes through Barkot, Purola (where we had lunch), Mori before getting to Naitwar.

We drove through the forests and the meandering ghats till we reached the beautiful roads alongside the crystal clear waters of the Tons river. The travel was a long and tiring one, and we reached our beautiful guesthouse at Naitwar in the evening.

There, we met our trek leader Ashwin, and Divyaj and I pestered him, asking him about solo trekking and his experiences, especially considering that we were of the same age (of the same engineering background as well). Whenever you walked upto him, there was a constant smile greeting you along with a helping hand. We were also introduced to the two local guides, who would be accompanying us all along, Santosh and again, Santosh. They briefed us about the itinerary of the trek. Even at 5,600 ft, we had to layer up to fight the winter as it really became cold at night. Ashwin also told us about the problems people face during treks like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and other severe conditions if they are not dealt with properly. The two most important things when you go for high altitude treks are hydrating (drinking lots and lots of water regularly, even if one isn't thirsty) and layering up (putting on layers of clothes to get acclimatized to the altitude). They also checked our oxygen and pulse readings twice or thrice each day, to check if our body was coping up with the cold and high altitude.

Day 2 : Naitwar (5,600 ft) to Julota (8,950 ft)

The first thing the Indiahikes leader mentioned was the route they took, as many other groups generally go by the alternative Sankri route. This day was pretty basic trekking under the sun, which we, from Maharashtra, are pretty used to. So we began very late as per trekking standards and were accompanied by the trekker's best friend in the mountains, a dog, Simru.

I always carry a camera with me for my treks and I could use it quite often as it was a pretty easy trek to start with. We went through a small village where many local kids were very excited to see us. Some of us played with them, while some clicked photographs with Simru.

The first day was a gradual ascent most of the time, followed by a pretty steep one at the end. Divyaj and I were always leading the way with one of the guides. Some of the trekkers found it tough as we covered around 6.5 kms in the sun after starting quite late. There was also a 'Maggi and Chai' point in between. We reached our campsite at Julota where 'Nimbu Sharbat' was eagerly waiting for us, followed by a pretty late lunch. Just when we got our tents and began to layer up, the sun started to go down. In winter in north India, the day is very short and the early sunset kept all the photographers busy.

They always say : Go to the mountains with your questions, and you'll surely find answers by the time you return. This was somewhat true for me too, when a thought came to my mind that trekking was something I'd surely be good at. First night at Jalota, we were greeted by a clear sky and a perfectly cool atmosphere for stargazing. Lying on the grass, looking at the sky full of stars, one could feel the sky freeing the clutter and the distractions. I would've loved to sleep out under the stars but the dropping temperature forced us back into our tents.

Day 3 : Julota (8,950 ft) to Pukhrola - Kedarkantha Base (10,800 ft)

We began at around 9 am the second day, which was supposed to be a trek of a smaller duration. This trek had gradual ascents and a steep ascent towards the end, but was still more challenging according to me, because we were trekking at above 10,000 ft altitude for most part of the trek. The steep ascents at such times can turn out to be much tougher. It becomes more and more difficult to breathe as the oxygen level begins to fall.

One of the highlights of the day's trek was the walk through the dense forests which disappear all of a sudden as we cross the tree line onto the lush green meadows. We were extremely happy when we saw a small patch of snow as we trekked towards Pukhrola, which we thought was the only snow we would see. Climbing through the pine tree forests, we trekked for around 4 hours and reached the campsite for lunch.

Pukhrola (10,800 ft), being on a flat land at the base of Kedarkantha, had the most stunning views of the all the surrounding peaks. The photographer in me was having a wonderful time, as were the fellow trekkers who told me to capture their memories.

That afternoon, we played cricket after we reached Pukhrola. All round view of the mountains and beautiful skies surrounded us. Playing cricket at 11,000 ft was just the start of what was one of the most extraordinary days in my life. We kept cursing the snow (or the lack of it), but little did we know what lay ahead of us.

As it began to get cold, we were called to play warming up games and some really exciting ones where everyone got involved. Hot tea, the need of the hour, was served at around 5 pm and darkness set in gradually. As we went inside the dinner tent, tiny flakes of snow made their way onto the barren ground. They gave us soup at 6 pm and we couldn't even dare to wash the mug in the ice cold water. That's when the couple started telling us their beautiful love story, which was well worthy of a movie, or even a long marathi TV serial.

It had started snowing then and we were told to gather in the dinner tent to listen to our guides tell us about the summit day. Generally, for the summit day of any trek, we need to be back from the summit before the snow starts melting, and for that, we have to start really early (we started at 4 am at Roopkund). But considering it was winter and it was snowing too, our trek leader decided to leave at around 7 am. After dinner, because of the continuous snowfall, we had nothing better to do outside, so we got in our tents and slept off a little too early. We were all hoping that the snowfall would stop late that night.

Day 4 : Pukhrola (10,800 ft) to Kedarkantha Summit (or not) and back to Hargaon (8,450 ft)

In the middle of the night, when I woke up and had to attend nature's call, what I saw outside blew my mind. There was around 6 inches of soft snow outside our tents, and I had to go out, which had already made my night miserable. The main problem was when we realized that it was just 11.15 pm. If the snowfall didn't end, our chances of the summit were diminishing. We went off to sleep. A few more hours into the night, I could hear my trek guides yelling out to everyone to shake their tents so that the snow could fall off. In heavy snowfall, the snow gathers on top of the tents and if not taken care of, the tents might get buried inside the soft snow. A similar thing had happened at Bhagwabasa (Roopkund base camp at 14500 ft), so we knew what was to be done then. We took turns in getting up and shaking the snow off until finally the alarm went off at 6.10 am.

The outer cover of the tent had saved our shoes from the snow, but the zips of the tent flap had frozen overnight. So, the challenge for everyone was to get out of their tents and put their shoes on (also go and complete the morning formalities). We were among the first to come outside, the heavenly sight graced us, which felt like a dream come true. This would surely beat all the 'imagine waking up to this!' posts on Instagram!

There was at least 3 feet of extremely soft snow outside and walking on it became a nightmare. Our shoes got covered by snow in no time and we could not stand outside for long as it was still snowing. Everyone who had gotten up made their way to the dinner tent. This sight had made us forget how the campsite looked the earlier day. Some were already busy making the 'before-after' pics. But this time, those clicks were priceless. In that snowfall, no one dared take their cameras out, but that's when our phones came to our rescue. Gloves were all covered by little snowflakes. Tents looked nothing similar to what they were the day before. The once bare Pukhrola was covered with a thick blanket of soft snow.

Once we were back into reality, we started assisting those who weren't able to get out by clearing the snow outside their tents. Everyone still had a glimmer of hope of making it to the summit. But when we got to the dinner tent (for breakfast), Ashwin was waiting to announce the bad news, which wasn't surprising at all considering what had happened over the last 12 hours. He announced that we had to descend but still they had two options because of the route taken by Indiahikes. We could either go back to Julota (our first campsite), but there was another batch of trekkers there. So we decided to go by the planned route (as so we thought). Everyone, mainly first time trekkers, had already made their mind to descend. The so-called traverse though required us to ascend for some time before climbing down. There was absolutely no chance we could trek through all that snow without our shoes getting full of snow. For the final ascent in snow, they always keep a huge sack full of gaiters at the campsite. Trekking in soft snow is just not possible without these gaiters, which prevent the snow from getting into the shoes. Despite of that, our toes had gone numb even before the trek began. We were told to be ready by 9.30, so we helped each other get the gaiters on. All of us were ready for a wonderful adventure, wearing our ponchos over our backpacks. At 10 am began one of the most adventurous treks I would ever be a part of. As usual we were leading, just behind the local guide.

Something inside me was saying that the summit was still a minor possibility, though it seemed ages away. We had no idea how much we had to ascend before the descent began. As we made our way through the zig-zag pathways made by our guide's footsteps, we realized that the more you thought when this was going to end, the more you thought how much more we had to ascend, the more painful it was. The best you could do is keep walking, keeping in mind that you'll have to weather the storm to see the rainbow on the other side. We asked the guide how much altitude we had gained, he said we were at around 11,500 ft. The issue that the head guide was also facing was the complete white-out caused by the snowfall. At this altitude, it was freezing cold (around -10 degrees), but we could barely feel it as we had 5-6 layers on. Every 10 steps, we heard a voice from behind, telling the guide to stop. The winds were as strong as they would ever be, which was the main reason for the drop in temperature. Nobody, not even the locals, had experienced snowfall of such intensity this early in the winter. We realized that we'd been the most lucky batch, because the early batches had missed the snow and the next batch could not come to Pukhrola after seeing what had happened. We had to wait and face the other way in order to evade the stormy snowfall, the snow blizzard as they call it.

After 2.5 hours of trekking in the snow blizzard, we reached 12,100 ft. Having gone within 400 ft from the summit, I really wanted to get to the summit and my hope was slowly turning into reality. As the guide later told us, he would have taken us and completed the summit if only the three of us were there, which wasn't the case. For a team of 23 trekkers, it was impossible to make it to the summit, some couldn't even believe they'd made it that far. At one point because of the whiteout, even the guide seemed to lose his way. He made us wait at a relatively safe spot, and the two guides went off route and were able to find the right way. We were told to follow them and so began the descent finally, for which some of us had waited forever. The conditions remained the same for a while, the only difference was that we were descending.

The only motivation that kept all of us going was the presence of a 'Maggi point' around 10 minutes away. The guide told me to lead the way (make the way, footsteps through the soft snow) and stop at a point on the trail. There I realized how tough that job was, compared to just following his footsteps. It's always tougher to make your own way rather than follow someone's footsteps. We approached the break point and there was nobody who would've denied the fact that it had been hectic, both physically and mentally. Suddenly the blizzard eased out, the sky became clear and descending felt like an easy affair. We could now see the metaphorical rainbow in front of us. Taking off our backpacks finally, itself felt like a mini-victory for all of us after what we'd gone through. We ate hot maggi and some didn't hesitate in taking 2-3 cups of chai.

After a much needed break of 45 minutes, we began the last stretch of our descent of about 30-40 minutes before we'd reach the Maalvi campsite which was higher than Hargaon. They had to manipulate the route a bit again because of the snowfall. The only thing we couldn't see was the beautiful lake - Juda-ka-Talab as we took a shortcut to reach the campsite. We spotted the campsite and took off in the snow, reaching Maalvi (9500 ft) at 4 pm. They had to bring down all the tents to prevent damage. That was the first chance since morning that I got to take out my camera. Till everyone reached, we took rest, contemplating what all we had gone through since the day began.

There were two choices; either we could have lunch there till they set up the campsite at Maalvi (which would be a mistake considering what had happened at Pukhrola), or we could descend to Sankri (6,400 ft, the trek endpoint) the same day, which would take around 5 hours. Despite of being drained out, we took the wiser option and started descending.

This was the most challenging part of the descent because, with loss of altitude, the snow kept reducing and it became more and more dangerous of everyone to walk on it. We made it through the dense forests, passing the campsites of various other groups on the way. As it became dark, it became tougher for us to walk without slipping. With our head lamps on, this part of the late evening trek also became a memory to cherish.

We reached a point when we could see the snow getting converted into rain droplets. This was the first time we had rain during the last few days. The word had reached their correspondents in Sankri and sudden arrangements had to be made for our team. Some local guides joined our team and began to motivate slow movers to complete the trek. That's when we got to know the seriousness of what was going on. This was just a small part of an evacuation which lasted around 12 hours in which we climbed from 10800 to 12100 feet, overcoming a snow blizzard where the temperatures touched -14 degrees, and started descending to our base Sankri. The guides along with the zig-zag route, which couldn't have been more obvious, helped all the trekkers reach Sankri safely.

The evacuation which comprised of a 5-hour trek to Sankri, ended at around 10 pm when every trekker reached the guest lodge safely. That night the sleep was peaceful and the level of achievement and satisfaction in the minds of each of the 23 trekkers and the guides was unequaled.

Day 5 : Sankri to Dehradun

As we wound up the trek inside three days, Ashwin conducted the debriefing session and everyone departed to Dehradun a day earlier than planned.

Those who found it nightmarish during the trek, also felt good after the completion of the trek. This gave many a sense of satisfaction that they couldn't have gotten even if they'd made it to the summit. That's why they say, the struggle during the journey to success is what makes it taste good. As my friend Divyaj says, one always leaves a piece of his heart behind in the mountains. It had been that kind of experience which would change lives for the good. If you're stressed about life, visit the mountains and it will change your mindset completely. If you feel you can't answer the career question, come to the mountains and you'll discover yourself better. Mountains seem to have answers to almost all the questions you come with. I would recommend everyone to take time out from their busy life and go and visit the mountains. Trekking in the Himalayas is one thing which no one who has done it, will ever have enough of it. This is what rejuvenates me and keeps me going when I'm about to surrender.

What better way than to share my experience through pictures...

A lovely trip to Sri Lanka storified through photos!

The city of Colombo.

Where to Eat?

The Gallery Cafe

Tea Avenue

Curry Leaf

Ministry Of Crab

Where to shop?

Odel

Dutch hospital shopping Precinct

The Country Life at Habarana.

Where to stay?

The Lake House

Highlights?

Jungle Jeep Safari of the Kaudulla National Park

UNESCO World Heritage, Sigiriya

What to do?

Climb 1200 steps & reach the top of the fort.

Photo sessions at different points.

Cave Temple, Dambulla.

The Heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy.

Where to stay?

Camarin Residence

What to do?

Kandyan Cultural dance show

Where to shop?

Kandy Lake Club - Handicrafts & souvenirs

The Hypnotic Town of Nuwara Eliya.

What to do?

Train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella

Lake Gregory

Where to Stay?

Forest View Lodge

Historic Galle.

What to do?

Early morning Whale watching at Mirissa

Cycle around the Galle fort

Talk a walk around the historical site

View the Sunset

Take a nice Ayurvedic body massage

Where to eat?

Pedlar's Inn Cafe

Elita Restaurant

Pristine Beaches of Hikkaduwa

For more such beautiful photos, click here!

Rajasthan is renowned for its grandeur heritage, culture and hotels. Similarly, Fort Jadhavgadh in Maharashtra is an amalgamation of historical places like ShaniwarWada and Raja Kelkar Museum. Fort Jadhavgadh is a modern luxury hotel located near Pune, built in the early 18th century as a residence of Maratha Sardar, showcasing the grand Maratha history.

The grandeur of Fort Jadhavgadh can be observed by its extravagant appearance, from the wooden floor to the wall and from the main entrance to the stairways. The architecture is simply stupendous and the restoration done is just speechless

There is an entrance fee of INR 500/person at Fort Jadhavgadh, which is adjustable against the restaurant bill. It has a typical royal Indian entrance of its time, as you are welcomed and greeted by Malves in traditional attire (Malves were the Maratha soldiers during the great Shivaji & Peshwa era).

The astonishing wooden main door of Fort Jadhavgadh takes you through a small passage, which used to be a conventional design practice to slow down the attacks of enemies army. Once you enter through the main stairways, you witness line of prudently preserved artefacts, that leads to the primary courtyard, where you get the mesmerizing glimpse of 18th century Maratha heritage in conjunction with the 21st century.

One of the most dazzling aspects of this heritage hotel complex is the Maratha artefacts museum that displays a collection of the owner (Jadhavgarh and the Orchid group) Mr. Kamat.

The museum in Fort Jadhavgadh showcases multifarious objects behind the glass panes, depicting the saga of Royal Martha from 18th to early 20th-century with tobacco pipes, mirrors, nut cracker's, jewellery boxes etcetera, located just outside the fort. The building of museum offers an incredible view of aristocratic Wada's of Maratha Sardars that literally gives you the ride of its era by Maratha craftsmanship.

Restaurants in Fort Jadhavgadh

Fort Jadhavgadh provides a different dining experience altogether, that includes barbecue, al fresco, ethnic fine dining to casual dining.

Chhajja :- Sitting in the Chhajja (balcony), is a pleasant experience. It is a place in the fort where the king and queen used to sit to feel the romanticism for hours with each other on swings. Converted in round the clock dining restaurant decorated in a subtle style, similar to the fort, it's a Jharokha sit out that offers the experience of lavishing green farmland of Jadhavgarh.

Payatha :- Payatha is a Marathi word, which means something that is situated at the foothills of the small hillock. It's a dinning fresco restaurant popular for its sublime evening and conventional Maharashtrian cuisine. The environment of Payatha gives an uncustomary experience, as gazals in the evening let you relish your single malt.

Aangan - The Courtyard Cafe:- Aangan The Courtyard Cafe is an ideal choice for open-air candlelight dinner, serving multiple traditional and continental cuisine. The venue is an absolute delight for all sort of get-together.

Kund - The Poolside Bar :- The most miraculous experience one can have in Fort Jadhavgadh is of Kund - The Poolside Bar, surrounded by hundred-year-old trees of Magnolia, Azadirachta indica etcetera. Interestingly, the designing of the pool was done 300 years ago, in such a way that it harvests the rain water.

The pricing of restaurants in Fort Jadhavgadh is around ₹1500 - 2000 for two people, considering the importance of this heritage, environment, facilities and ambience the price you pay for getting such luxurious services is simply worth it.

Rooms in Fort Jadhavgadh

It has a total of 38 rooms and 12 tents that offers exclusive elegance and comfort, spread across 3 wings. The interiors of rooms have a combination of both old-world charm and modified stoned walls, having a contemporary luxury for pure fascination. All the rooms are facilitated with the convenience of modern time, out of 38 rooms some were used by the descendants of Pilaji Jadhav until the 20th century. Almost all the rooms share similar amenities that include mini bar, internet connection, plasma televisions, direct dial telephone and in-room tea/coffee maker.

The tariff of Fort Jadhavgadh varies between ₹ 6780 or up to ₹ 7910, though the prices may vary based on season and date of travels.

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there!”

Long bike rides have become my way of getting high. The hypnotic views and the untraveled roads liberate me and remind me there is so much more to life than just a 9-5 job that end with a Friday night party every week and a weekend trip home. It’s just me, my beast Pulsar 200NS, and the open world to just ride on and explore.

I have been a solo rider and I used to really love the rides I do alone until this trip.

One day, me, a friend Shubham (who has now become a ride brother) and Vikram were riding back home after watching a movie. Me on my Pulsar, Shubham on his KTM Duke 250 and Vikram on his Dominar, we were riding through the night, when it clicked. I could see a group bike ride. Three of us. Shubham was already ready for it. Vikram agreed too (but had to drop out later) and couple of days later Shubham’s friend Prasad joined. I volunteered to suggest the places and plan the ride. And finally, it was on…

Pune-Daman-Trimbakeshwar (decided on the way)-Igatpuri-Bhandardhara-Pune.

740 kms.

2 Days.

Day 1 | Start at 5 AM from Baner, Pune

We decided to leave by 5 in the morning. We three met up. Clicked a picture and geared up to begin the much awaited journey.

As soon as we started the ride, the first challenge was already waiting for us. Fog. Thick fog with visibility to just about 10 metres. It reminded us of the Delhi debacle. We were really worried as there were many trucks on the highway with faulty tail lights which scared us to death when they would appear from nowhere. We slowed down to 30-40 kmph. We later came to know Pune and Mumbai was in heavy fog that day. Riding through the fog was scary but fun.

Later, as soon as we could see clear, we bolted towards Lonavala. We stopped by at a tea stall. Sipping some really good chai, admired the beautiful sunrise.

We moved ahead, towards Thane. It was cold enough which made the ride easier, through the Mumbai traffic. We stopped by Vasai for a refuel. Then arrived the time to unleash the beasts in our bikes on the NH48 highway. This highway is a real treat for bikers.

We took a left turn at Kasa near Dahanu and left NH48, to ride towards Bordi Beach. We stopped by and had some delicious sea food near Bordi. It was the best one I had ever had.

After lunch, began the beautiful beachside ride. Earlier we had planned the highway to Daman. But thanks to a friend Rahul Banga, we chose this coastal road.

We continued our ride through the beautiful village roads towards Daman.

We couldn't stop praising the roads of Gujarat. When we were in Mumbai highways, we always had to be careful about the road, because sometimes we wouldn't know when a deadly pothole would turn up. And when we do, its usually too late.

We reached Daman by 4 PM, checked into a hotel in Moti Daman, near Daman sea face. We chilled there a little bit and later strolled the Jampore Beach. We waited overnight at the hotel and made sure we slept enough as the next day was going to be more adventurous.

Day 2 | 9 AM - Ride towards Trimbakeshwar

Plan was to leave by 7 AM, but we left Daman by 9 AM. Something we regretted a bit, later. You will know why. We rode again towards Kasa by the NH48. Took another left turn to the ghats. The roads here were surprisingly smooth and blessed with a view of the beautiful country side and the mighty mountains . The zig-zag roads became our playground.

Though the roads were really good, I was riding slow to feel the surroundings. There was a constant smile on my face, gazing at the beautiful farms, the mountains, the villagers, and kids who waved at us.

Next stop was Trimbakeshwar temple. This wasn't part of the itinerary, but Prasad suggested this wonderful place as it was nearby and we agreed to pay our visits.

We continued our journey towards Igatpuri. And the roads just blew our mind.

Later, we didn't stop for any pics. Because we didn't want to stop at all! We kept riding through this beautiful road from Trimbakeshwar to Igatpuri.

We stopped by the beautiful Upper Vaitarna Reservoir, because we could not help but stop by to admire the beauty. 

We continued on our journey..and that’s when this happened.

Thankfully we were not speeding. The road was actually there, but submerged. We chose not to get more adventurous and took a route around the lake.

We couldn’t get enough of the roads. It continued to be smooth. We had a sunset ride along the big Upper Vaitarna reservoir and through Igatpuri.

The Sun was down when we started our journey to the final checkpoint – Bhandardara. 

And began our night ride.

It was already 7 PM when we reached Bhandardara, but we got a chance which we may hardly ever get. Riding along the Bhandardara dam in moonlight.

Then started the descent and the challenging night ride from Bhandardara to Baner, which I'll never to forget. We got to test our headlamps and our riding skills. The road was sandy and rocky and our bikes slipped a lot. At times, we also thought that we had a flat tyre. But it was the sand tricking us. We still enjoyed leaning our bikes through the turns. We looked into our maps and found that this road connects to a State highway SH21. We were relieved that we will get to ride on good roads finally in 10 minutes. 2 hours passed and we were on the same rocky road but were treated with a beautiful night view of the villages near Narayangaon from the ghat. Finally, we connected to the SH46 and realized we were riding on SH21 all along. The chilling night ride continued until we reached Pune by 12AM.

Many achievements unlocked. Many lessons learnt. One great memorable ride. This ride has made my belief stronger that travelling or bike riding is much much more than just getting to the destinations and clicking memories. Its the path, the roads, moreover, the untraveled roads that make the best and lasting memories.

Fin.

Buying a motorcycle is one of the best investments you could make - it's cheaper than a car but just as effective in getting you from point A to point B, while it also looks much cooler. Not many people like motorcycles because they fear something bad can happen, but if you pay attention to safety, nothing can go wrong.

And if you want to enjoy your motorcycle, even more, you need to gear it up and take it to the next level, so here are some of the best ways to do so.

Find a proper jacket

This is the first thing you'll need in order to realize all your motorcycling potential - a proper leather jacket like Malvina mens Pu Faux Leather Jacketis a must-have when it comes to these two-wheelers. It's awesome, manly, mysterious and dangerous, especially if you know how to find the perfect model. After all, you can't hit the road in your dad's old jacket, can you?However, there's more to a leather jacket than a fashion statement: it makes your ride easier and safer. 

What most people don't realize is that riding at a certain speed puts you in danger of catching a cold (Max Care Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil, 250ml), even in the middle of the summer, simply because of the wind around your motorcycle. That's precisely the reason why a proper jacket can help you preserve your health and stay active for much longer. Equipped with several layers of material, a great jacket is a life-saver in more ways than one, so get it as soon as possible.

Maintain your motorcycle regularly

Just because you have a new motorcycle doesn't mean it requires no attention and care. On the contrary, brand new models ask for more love and demand constant devotion because that's the only way to keep them new in the years to come as well. Moreover, regular maintenance will help your motorcycle become faster and better, so you'll be able to enjoy it even more than before, and that's something all experienced drivers know. But, if you lack experience in motorcycle care, what are some of the things you need to learn?

Luckily, motorcycle maintenance and gearing up basically comes down to a couple of things: changing the oil and filter, checking the belt and lights, inspecting the tires and making sure there are no leaks. Finally, remember to update your policy regularly, just to be certain you and your motorcycle are covered and safe in case something bad happens.

Get some new gear

Once you've made sure your motorcycle is in check and is running properly, it's time to take things to the next level and get some brand-new gear that will make your rides safer, more exciting and adrenaline-filled. Start with a great helmet - these can cost up to a couple of hundreds of dollars, but are worth every cent. Most people think that helmets aren't that necessary and that real bikers shouldn't wear them, but true motorcycle aficionados know that a helmet is irreplaceable and can save your life in potentially dangerous situations.

Now that you have a helmet and a jacket, start looking for smaller details that can mean a lot: glasses, gloves, boots and protective pants will shield your body, while radiator shrouds, fork protectors, front and rear fenders will do the same for your motorcycle. And if you're more extreme than most drivers and are into motocross, pay close attention to reliable Racetech gear that lots of racing fans just love.

Finishing touches

Your motorcycle is now almost ready for the road, but it's still not as geared up as it can be. Some of the final details you should take into consideration include a digital sag scale, a pair of professional boots, such as, Unistar Men's Black Other Boot -8, that can withstand any wind resistance, a new exhaust and a protective suit that will keep you safe and sound even in case of an accident. Of course, you can ride without any of these things, but your motorcycle experience will be much richer if you're equipped with them.

Motorcycles seem like dangerous and life-threatening vehicles, but, if you know what you're doing, they're the best thing in the world - taking a properly maintained and geared up model to an open road can really make you feel like the king of the world!

Have you ever thought of surfing through the roaring blue seas while playing with both the wind and water? Just imagine yourself surfing along the coastline while manoeuvring the winds as well. Windsurfing is an extreme water sports that combines the elements of surfing as well as sailing. This exhilarating sport has all the thrill and adventure to give you the adrenaline rush that you might be looking for. India has a vast coastline that is quite suitable for windsurfing. Although surfing started off quite late in the country, but India is now gaining ground as popular surfing destination.

What is Windsurfing?

As I mentioned, windsurfing is a surface water sports that combine the elements of surfing and sailing. It consists of a board usually two to five meters long that is powered by the orthogonal effect of the wind on a sail. The board is attached to a rig by a universal joint that pivots freely; the rig is made up of the mast, mast base, boom and sail.

Windsurf can be said to be between both the laidback attitude of the surf sports and the more rule based environment of sailing. The windsurfer is steered by the tilting and swivelling action of the mast and sail and the cutting motion of the board. Thus the control of the surfboard depends both on the conditions as well as the surfer’s mastery over wind and water! Windsurfing is thus a much more extreme sports than sailing and the surfer has to have a great level of fitness and agility. Just imagine what a windsurfer can do with it. They can perform jumps, inverted loops, manoeuvre spins and other freestyle moves. The windsurfers were the first to ride world’s largest waves.

Windsurfing usually has a steep learning curve when compared to other extreme adventure sports. Those willing to learn the sports must gain basic skills of sailing, steering and turning. Developing their balance and core stability is also required. Thankfully, there are a number of windsurfing schools that provides training and practice for the sports.

Windsurfing in India

India has a massive coastline and also has some of the best locations to learn this extreme sports. Since windsurfing is such a sports where you have to manoeuvre both the water and wind, the wind condition is vital for it. Thankfully, the coast of India receives stable and strong winds almost 9 months a year; thus providing quite a long season to windsurf. The best places to windsurf in India are

1. Goa

Goa is the adventure hub of the nation; so naturally windsurfing is practiced here with elan. Calangute Beach, Arossim beach, Baga Beach, Bogmalo Beach and Dona Paula Beach are a few places where you can enjoy windsurfing.

2. Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep island in the Arabian sea are blessed with some of the world’s best reef breaks. With clear blue waters, this place has a lot of scope for surfing. The most popular sites for water sports in the Lakshadweep Islands are Bangaram (the only island accessible to foreigners) and Kadmat.

3. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a windsurf school located at Kathadi near Rameswaram. The channel between India & Sri Lanka is dotted with islands, lagoons & surf spots. Here the wind conditions are quite favourable for windsurfing. Quest Asia provides windsurfing training here.

4. Mumbai

The Mandwa Jetty at our own Mumbai also has windsurfing training facilities. Aquasail 360' Sailing provides windsurfing private beginner course at Mandwa. They provide training at Goa as well. Apart from this, the Mumbai Sailing Club also offers courses for learning windsurfing.

5. Kovalam, Kerala

Kovalam is one of the most tourist friendly beaches. It draws a large number of visiters including surfers. Since Kovalam is tucked close to the tip of southern India, it gets some big swells that are required for surfing. The Kovalam Surf Club can help you with windsurfing. The locals know of a few great surfing spots around Kovalam, but they are not for the faint-hearted.

Best season to windsurf in India:

October to April is usually the best months to windsurf along the coastline of India.

Just remember, windsurfing is an extreme water sports. Choose your operator/outfit who observes stringent safety standards. Before setting out, check and recheck your gears. Make sure you’re familiar with the international distress signals. Don’t set out in an offshore breeze! Happy surfing!

(Irish Pereira, Kaustubh Meher, Ashok Maurya, Priyanka Polekar, Vidnyan Pednekar, Umnesh Chavan, Alka Patil, Navanath Parte, Amol Gurav, Amit Mahindkar, Kasturi, Laxmi Mahindkar, Daniel Pandian, Vaishali, Swapnil Chavan)

Irshalgad was since very long on my trek list since I had first used Mumbai Pune expressway. This double pronged pinnacle is on left hand side while going to Pune. However almost all groups plan trek upto nedhe of Irshalgad and not top. Nedhe is a natural arch formed in the rock or mountain. It is almost the near to top but is not top of Irshalgad. Becoz it is biggest pleasure to reach top and enjoy panoramic view it provides. To reach top one has to climb one 20 feet rock patch, navigate through scree routes and exposed traverse patch. To do this one needs rock climbing equipment's such as ropes, harness, carabiners, safety helmets etc. Only few trekking groups arrange for this type of complete trek cum rock climbing missions. So I was looking for one of such complete missions of Irshalgad.

So I enrolled myself with one of few groups whom i trust with for such rock climbing treks but due to my logistics problem could not make for it on time at Panvel. And hence missed that trek.

Another of my trusted groups came up with Irshalgad top trek plans. This time around my buddy Kaustubh was also interested to accompany me and try his hand on rock climbing. So as per schedule we were to reach Karjat at 12:00 Am. So after boarding appropriate trains from Virar to Dadar and Dadar to Karjat along with slight delay in train we reached Karjat around 12:20 Am. There our entire group was waiting for us, actually everyone has taken the same train. We were group of 22 including trek leads.

There were 3 vehicles i.e. 2 Maruti EECO and 1 tumtum rickshaw waiting for us to us for our journey towards Chowk. Now Chowk is the base village for this trek. It is also on the Indian Railway network with Chowk station but has very scarce train frequency. So after half an hour journey on Panvel - Karjat highway NH4 we reached Karja village near chowk at around 1 Am.

There our trek leads sorted out all the rock climbing equipment's and handed one set to each one of us. The set included a harness, tape sling, carabiner, descender and helmet. We were to carry it with us and hand it over next day after trek. So after equipment break our trek started around 1:40 am. So after brisk 10 mins walk, we encountered steep climb on well-defined route made up of scree and small loose rocks. Here we got first glimpse of Morbe dam which was placed on our right hand side. There was cool breeze blowing from dam which was a pleasing for our bodies. At around half an hour of trek we took a short break on the plain area on the route. The cool breeze here was very refreshing. From here we could see pronged pinnacle in the moonlight. So we reached Irshalwadi at around 2:45 Am. This was our resting place for the night.

Irshalwadi is a small village at base of Irshalgad pinnacle with most houses were mud thatched with cow dung plastered outer verrandahs. We were hosted at a young lad named Ganpat pardhi's house. So here in his veranda we stay put for the night. Those with sleeping bags slept in it and others slept in their blankets and shawls.

We had good nap and were waked up around 5:30 am. After wrapping up our sleeping gears and finishing our morning chores, we had our breakfast of hot poha and tea.

Here after brief introductions of our fellow trekkers we started our trek around 7 am. We were surprised to see our youngest trek mate named Kasturi Amit Mahindkar who is aged just 7 years. Actually her parents Amit and both being trek enthusiast could not keep her back home alone, so she accompanies them on their treks. Please note to our surprise she made it to the Irshalgad top.

But so after a short walk we all waited to see beautiful sunrise.

After few minutes of steep climb we encountered few big rocks on the way and missed the route. The correct path was towards the left side of the rocks which leads to the top. Here we wasted our 15-10 mins due to wrong route. But still it provided kaustubh with hands on trianing for rock climbing. Everything happens for a purpose though.

After negotiating a steep rock patch with a small wooden ladder we reached the Nedhe at around 8 Am. There is also small water tank at base of nedhe. This Nedhe or 'needle's eye' is so huge and prominent that can be seen from even express highway.

Passing from nedhe towards south is the rock patch towards top.

Here our trek leads namely Sudhir and Kalpesh had already completed the climbing set up. So with guidance of other trek leads our team started to climb the patch. Ashok my fellow trekker also being experienced trekker himself did it with ease. As I have done hard-core climbing treks earlier, this rock patch seemed rather a cakewalk to me and I requested Ananda to allow me to climb the patch without rope support. But he concerned for my safety refused plainly. He was like if you are confident enough to climb on your own then consider the rope as just formality. Here I respected his concern as that what Vrangers stand out for "Safety comes first". So I climbed the patch with much ease. So after me my buddy Kaustubh also followed with much guidance as it was his first time around with rock climbing. Following him were Daniel, Amol, Navnath, Alka, Manisha etc. See my rock video below.

After rock patch, we still had hooded top rock still to be climbed. But we were given to know that it was not to be climbed, but can be reached by a traverse patch from left side.

So here the traverse is very steep and tricky. One need to be very careful at this traverse as one wrong step and you are down in the deep valley. With trek leads guidance and tape sling anchoring the anchor ropes we reached top at around 9:30 am.

What a wonderful feeling it was. With full view of Morbe dam to the east and surrounding areas was awesome. We can see Prabalgad, Matheran from the top. There was lots of breeze blowing at the top.

After some clicks we began our downwards journey as other of our subgroups was to climb the top. Group was divided into sub groups so as to avoid crowding at top. As there is very little place at top of Irshalgad.

Again after walking down the traverse patch, we had a group photo here. After that we awaited our turn to rappel down the first big rock patch. There was another group waiting for us to rappel down so that they can climb the rock patch.

Then after reaching the nedhe again by 11:30 am, we took a short half hour recharge break. Here we had snacks, cucumbers, khakras, dates etc.

After break we started again at 12:00 pm on our return trek and decided to reach Irshawadi as early as possible so that we can have lunch and get some rest till other of our group mates return to the place. On the way we found huge cave like structure and decided to pose like Baba's in the cave. Trekkers are awesome people to be with ...I must say. We 5 of us reached Irshalwadi at 12:45 PM.

At our host ganpat's house, we refreshed ourselves and had a hearty veg lunch. We were very hungry and literally gulped down the hot lunch. After lunch we lay spread ourselves till our other trek mates returned. Our entire group returned at around 2:00 pm.

Again after lunch entire group rested till 3:00 pm as the trek leads took stock of the equipments. Then at 3:20 pm we left Irshalwadi for chowk. The route is quite simple and well defined. The route is very steep at some points, but we had not noticed it in our night trek.

We were mesmerised to see Morbe dam and had a desire for swimming; but timings didn't permit us for the same. So we reached the pickup point at Chouk at 4:00 PM. Here in 15 mins our transporter arrived to take us to Karjat. After we left Mr. Navnath Parte tried some of his photography concepts with cheerful trekkers while they were waiting for their transporter.

We while returning to karjat insisted the naive driver to rush for us to catch 4:54 pm train from karjat to Mumbai. As the succeeding train was 45 mins after this train.

However Bhau didn't obliged to us, so he kept on driving leisurely. But to our good fortune we reached Karjat station at around 5:55 pm and boarded the said train; all thanks to always late central railway and reached Dadar Mumbai by 7: 40 pm. From there we took train to Virar.

To sum up, this trek to Irshalgad was a wonderful experience in itself. Beginning with night trek, then sleeping under open skies, then rock climbing to top with such a wonderful, cheerful group was experience to cherish with. Also it was well arranged by Vrangers who keep safety of each trekker to forefront and complete the treks as per schedule.

Founded in February 2009, Vrangers is one of the fastest growing trekking community with adventure passionate members. Geared with experienced mentors, they arrange for various forms of adventure sports.

By public transport, you need to reach at Chowk town between Panvel and Karjat.

Chowk is 19 kilometres from Panvel and 12 kilometres from Karjat on National Highway NH4. Buses and auto rickshaws plying between Panvel and Karjat stop at Chowk.

Ganpat pardhi provides with stay and food facility in Irshalwadi.

- Rs. 150 (unlimited - rice dal bhaji chapatti)

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

It has been long since I last travelled; well only about 45 days! And trust me, it's one of the worst feelings when you want to, but you can't- for one reason or the other!

My last travel logs are from Mcleodganj, Dharamshala. And ever since I came back with some astonishing memories from there, my butt has not seen a place worth talking about. But finally, I might get some time in the near future to pack my bags and experience one more change. And that made me think- where to?

I have seen enough of mountains, beaches, snow and hell I have also seen desert at its best. What I have not seen though, or spent some time at is- a tree house.

Surprisingly, there are a hell lot of them in India.

Here's my pick for what could be the best of the lot...

Magic Nature Resort

Located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, the three tree houses at this resort are nestled at a height of 86 feet up in the jungle above pepper and cardamom plantations and are accessed by a cane pulley style lift (sounds like a Tarzan act, isn't it? ;)). Now what you are about to read next might not sound fancy, but trust us- that is precisely how tree houses should be!

You would have to shell out INR12,000/night that includes all meals from a set menu. However, there's no hot water, no electricity and no cell phone coverage up there. Needless to say, this place is for people who want to 'get away from all' in a real way and not just pretend that they want to. There are a number of walking tracks for when you're not chilling and taking in the magnificent surroundings.

Spread over 30 acres, the resort is a perfect green getaway and a great way to explore the state's rich bio-diversity. Lit using traditional lanterns, the property is resplendent with the stunning bamboo decor. Access to these treehouses is either by a water counterweight lift or by a rope bridge.

Vythiri Resort

Kerala once again:-)

Winner of the International Quality Crown Award, Vythiri Resort is an idyllic eco-friendly jungle getaway. Hidden amidst the thick rainforests of Wayanad in northwestern Kerala, the resort really knows how to pamper its guests. The Vythiri Spa offers a luscious selection of classic and new treatments in a pristine environment.

There are four treehouses here, including one which is entirely child-friendly. Stay at the Luxury Treehouse for a truly lavish experience, at an altitude of 70ft. It comes with a private Jacuzzi and is specifically designed for couples **Exciting**. Guests staying at the treehouses are given separate jeeps to explore the surroundings.

The Machan, Maharashtra If you are looking for a perfect isolated getaway- look no further!

It's a huge three bedroom, four level, treehouse located in the midst of a private tropical forest in the Western Ghat mountains, near Lonavala (around two and a half hours from Mumbai). The house hangs over the edge of a precipice, providing a breathtaking view of the valley below. There are five kilometres of walking tracks, accessible only by guests, in the forest to explore.

If you are visiting this place during the weekdays then be ready to spend as much as INR25,000, but during weekends this place can dent a bigger hole in your pocket as the charges zoom up to INR30,000 for the whole house that can accommodate up to six people). What is interesting to know is that the Machan generates its own power through wind turbines and photovoltaic cells. Now that's what we call being eco-friendly.

"Mount abu is flooded, why you wanna risk your life! What if you get stuck, knowingly you creating grave for yourself" were the words of parents and friends, who knew about my travel. I felt I should follow the craziness which was all over me about the trip and just pack my bags and land up to the awaited destination.Never miss any opportunity to travel. Travelling and exploring isn't meant for those expecting comfort zone as they step outside their doors. While travelling anywhere in India you will see different customs, traditions, food, languages woven beautifully together with one thread of humanity.

This insane journey started from Mumbai via train and we landed at Abu road station few kilometers away from our destination. While travelling via train had many turns and tunnels with the mesmerising view which reminded me off childhood days, as being a kid was always curious to enter the tunnels and scare others.

On the way from Abu road to Mount abu, the scenic view is fab. Due to fog, the drive was slow at snail's pace so we enjoyed every bit of journey. We quickly checked into our villa, the view from my villa was priceless. Since a small town nested amongst the Aravalli foot we thought of exploring the town on bikes, so we rented bikes and scooters and my excitement knew no bounds. We had our lunch quickly and without wasting a single moment headed to visit Dilwara Temple

Spot 1- Dilwara Temple: Located amidst the lush green Aravalli hills, the Dilwara Temple is the most beautiful pilgrimage site for the Jains. Built by Vastupal Tejpal between 11th and 13th century, Dilwara Jain temples looks quite austere from outside but its extravagant doors of entrance tell about its architectural superiority this temple is renowned for the opulent use of marble and intricate carvings on every hook and corner. Once you enter the inside, you will go head over heels with the stunning designs and patterns carved on roofs, walls, archways and pillars. It is also important to notice that at that time there was no convenience to transport such big blocks of marble at a 1200 metres height. Elephants were used to transports marble on their back from Arasoori hills at Ambaji to Mount Abu

The Dilwara Temple includes five equally beguiling temples namely- Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha and Mahavir Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively, he richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and 'mandaps' or porticoes of the temple are simply amazing. The ceilings feature engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain mythology. The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of different designs supported on ornate pillars. The Gudh mandap is a simple hall once you step inside its heavily decorated doorway. Each of these shrines has Rang Mandap, a central hall, Garbhagraha, the innermost sanctum where Lord resides. Some other spell bounding structures include Kirthi Stumbh and Hathishala. With its simplicity and austerity, the temple tells you about Jain values and principles. Dilwara Temple is a perfect exemplar of architectural marvel. Its beauty surely creates a magical spell that will attract you here again and again!

After the religious feel, the 2nd halt was at Nakki lake. The cool pleasant evening added beautiful colours in our travel followed by a silent yet marvellous Sunset.

Spot 2- Nakki Lake: Situated in the Aravalli ranges in Mount Abu, Nakki Lake, locally known as the Nakki Jheel is a paradise for nature lovers. Flanked by amazing natural wonders, this lake is truly a gem of Mount Abu. Story behind its creation is the heart of Mount Abu, the legend has it that this lake was dugg by Gods or Devtas using their nails or nakh that's why the name Nakki Lake - few sections of local tribes also consider Nakki Lake as a holy lake and worship it, Nakki lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situated at a height of 1200 Mtr's above sea level. Located in the centre of the hill station, the fascinating lake is surrounded by lush greenery, mountains and strangely shaped rocks. As you sail through the serene waters of Nakki Lake, it is exciting to see the life of Mount Abu unfolding in front of you. The blowing winds and the soothing temperature of Mount Abu will add to the pleasure of boating and is sure to win your heart. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography fiends. It is also said to be the sacred lake for the proud Garacia Tribe. The nearby natural wonders that are visible from the lake increases its charm.

Spot 3- Toad Rock: On the main trekking trail of Mount Abu nearby Nakki Lake is Toad Rock, also known as mascot of Mount abu. Toad Rock is a massive rock structure resembling a toad. It is one of the most frequently visited places in Mount Abu. It is an excellent illustration of Igneous rocks with fantastic shapes in the oldest mountain ranges in the world. To see the panoramic beauty of the surrounding lake and greenish hilly regions you can climb up the rock and capture the breathtaking scenery.

After all this breathtaking and mesmerising moments we decided to go back to our villas. Due to fog it was pitch dark everywhere, but in rains it becomes mandate to hog corn, so we took a halt at a stall but the cold freaked us out and had to rush back to villa.

After waking up next day, I found myself in the lush green hills. It was a great morning because of cool, crisp mountain air and everything we can cherish. Everyone was on their toes and we got ready in a giffy since many places were lined up to explore. There was an adrenaline rush since our next stop top of the hill cherry on the cake was reaching there on bikes.

Stop 4- Guru shikhar: Guru Shikhar Peak is the highest mount peak in the Aravalli region and is at a distance of 15 km from Mount Abu. It is situated at a height of 1722 meters. Travellers can enjoy a bird view of the entire Aravalli range of mountains, from the top of this mountain peak. The mornings draw hikers for two reasons, the breathtaking sunrise and the breakfast served by the shops

Temple of Dattatreya is one of the main attraction at Guru Shikhar peak other than scenic views. Dattatreya is known to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A huge bell suspended from a wooden frame having an incription of 1411 AD can be seen at the entrance of the temple. This peak also named after Guru Dattatreya and a rock in a cave also sanctified his footprints. Nearby temple of Guru Dattatreya’s mother is also a major attraction for devotees. Just a half a kilometer distance there is an Gurushikhar visible-Infrared Observatory which in-houses a 1.2 m infrared telescope. This observatory is one of the most important infrastructures of ISRO, here astronomical experiments take place continuously.

Spot 5- Achalgarh: Achalgarh village is a picturesque village in Mount Abu which is famous for the Achalgarh fort and Achleshwar temple. The fortress Achalgarh is situated at the top of a mountain peak.

A 10 minute climb from Achalgarh brings you to the beautiful and historic Jain Temples which are famous for scenic location and beautiful sculpture. The Achleshwar temple is famous for containing a Nandi which is said to be made of 5 metals, fold, silver, copper, brass and zinc.

Just outside the Mount Abu Achalgarh Shiva temple adjoining the car park three stone buffaloes stand around a tank, while the shape of a King shoots at them with his bows and arrows. According to the mythological belief, the tank was once filled with ghee, but demons, in the form of buffaloes came down and polluted the ghee until the king shot them.

After the religious cum scenic visit, we couldn't think anything except the food. When you are in Rajasthan you can't afford to miss the tempting Rabdi. If you are looking for best place to eat authentic rajasthani cuisine in Mount Abu it is non other than Jodhpur Bhojanalaya, serving savory food which will tantalise you.

By the time it was sunset, we didn't wanted to miss the sunset view like previous day. All of us rushed towards sunset point.

Spot 6 - Sunset point: Sunset point is a perfect place to treat yourself to stunning views of the sun melting into horizon. Just soak in the entire experience and you will be left with lifetime memories. Don't forget to carry cameras with you as you will love the sight of sunset here. The sunset point has all that takes it to be a famous picnic spot; a nice location, umpteen food stalls and a lively crowd who flock to this place to enjoy some relaxed moments in nature's lap. The twilight around, made the experience fabulous and the landscapes of the mountains around lake made it even more better

The evening in Mt Abu was very pleasant. The cool breeze added beauty to the walk of relaxation after months. We drove to market area to explore the local city behaviour and we found that unlike any other hill station this city was awake post 11 pm and was serving their best to everyone. Peaceful, musical and relaxing impression it left on our minds. The unforgettable experience was returning back to villa in the complete blackout like condition late evening were only fog could we felt. Scary situation as on way towards villa we might come across any wild animals, due to god's grace we reached safely. This incident is registered in my mind forever.

Next day was the last day of this memorable journey, and exploration didn't end. We took our rides and drove towards Trevor's Tank

Spot 7- Trevor's Tank: Trevor's Tank is just 5 kms from the main town centre. Trevor's Tank is basically a huge man made reservoir, built in the year 1879 AD by famous British engineer Col.G.H.Trevor. This place is an abode to variety of flora and fauna and also a paradise for photographers providing panoramic view of lush green nature. The other fascinating place is sher gaon village, it is basically rustic hamlets tucked away from the onslaught of modern developments

The final spot but not the end of this journey thou.

Spot 8- The Universal Peace park:

The Brahma Kumaris Peace Park is both lovely and serene; a natural environment where silence and recreation co-exist. The teachings of Brahma Kumaris are followed here which say that every religion leads to God and you should follow the principles related to them. People at Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University believe in universal peace and they advocate that the only method of achieving that is through Spiritual Knowledge and a form of meditation known as Raja Yoga. The Universal Peace Hall conducts free tours for introducing their philosophy and spirituality.

Like its said, 'Every clock that matters ticks continuously.’ Keeping this adage to its respect, we had to leave the place to reach our start-point again.'

After all the fuss had to check out of the villa, wave a goodbye to aravalli hills and Mount abu on its foothills. I had unforgettable memories packed and stuffed in my bag and started my way towards Abu road railway station to be back to pavilion. It turned an ice breaker and new friendships developed with mesmerising memories like it is said," The tans fade but the memories last forever.

Mahuli is fort near Mumbai. It is easily accessible from Asangaon railway station on central railway line of Mumbai suburban railway network.

We were in month of June and vrangers had planned for one day trek to Mahuli fort. Being saturday, a weekly off i chose to enrol for this monsoon trek.

As planned we all were to board a pre-notified early morning train and reach Asangaon station. There our trekking group was waiting for everyone to arrive. We were a group of 20 trekkers excluding coordinators. It takes around 20 minutes drive from Asangaon to reach Mahuli base. Once we reached, we had a short walk to highway from where we boarded a ST bus to Mahuli village. Being so near to Mumbai, the roads still are in very bad shape. There at the local shack we had tea and breakfast. From here the fort was very seldomly visible due to cloud cover. Mahuli fort and its other sister forts for an unique distinct mountain structures which can be recognised easily. Mahuli is surrounded by other other small forts namely Bhandargad and Palasgad.

Unlike other forts, Mahuli has been developed by state government as 'Eco- tourism' spot. There at the entrance near the arch, our trek lead Mayur gave us necessary instructions. Here we began our trek at around 8 am.

Being eco tourism spot and rainy season, it was all greenery around. The route track were however muddy. Within few minutes of regular walk, we arrived at a small bridge on stream following from the Fort. After crossing the bridge the actual ascend begins.

Being rainy season, here it started raining heavily. To reach fort, one has to pass atop another small hillock. After brisk climb for 20 mins facing west, one has to turn towards right to climb the hillock. Here the route divides into two, one to the right climbs up to Mahuli fort and one to left eventually ends up in valley. Many trekkers happen to miss this turn and lose their track to get lost in jungle. As for me it was a cheerful group to be with. We having fun were making inroads through green cover towards fort.

Additionally on a trek you tend to meet new people from different and varied backgrounds who adds to your acquaintainces. Also we get to meet our old trek buddies here with lot more info on different treks they have been to. But one thing is important to note, that trekkers tend to have a similar spirit and enthusiasm in them which is contagious. They are the most exotovert, adaptable, accommodating and friendly bunch of all human folks on earth.

Then after 30 minutes of trekking, we get first glimpse of Mahuli fort. It was still at height which we have cover for. It was covered by thick clouds all the while we were climbing. There we took a break of around 20 mins.

The route is straight and well defined from here on. One can see entire route to fort from herd. Again we started with route getting more and more steeper, till we reached the fortifications of Mahuli fort.

It was raining heavily by now and feeling very cold as we were all drenched in it. At this point, iron ladder is fixed to climb the fort walls. The point at the ladder is steep and one has to be very careful here, and more so in rainy season as route becomes slippery in rainy season.

After climbing the ladder we were to explore to the fort. It was all covered with cloudz and there was hardly anything visible. We all waited at point above ladder for all of our trekkers to reach. The fort just after entrancd has dense trees. We in that dense cloud cover reached for the mahadarwaja.

The cloud cover was so dense that the visibility was very low. The mahadarwaja or 'Forts Entrance' has been blowen away by British. It is thedead end here; so much that one could not enter or descend the fort through it. There are cave like structures along the mahadarwaza. They may be possibly the storage rooms. There we had our group selfie.

So after exploring the fort for half an hour more, we sat on a flat table land for lunch. By now rains had stopped, but the cloud cover was still present hindering visibility. Everyone had carried their own lunch. So here we had multi cuisine lunch with few exotic foodstuffs.

Then after resting for half an hour we begun our return journey. But as it was weekend, there wers many trekkers on the way to fort crowding the ladder point. So we had to wait to clear the human traffic. Till then had photo session at the mast flag on the entrance. The fog prevented good clicks though. Moreover it had started drizzling again. Then we started again and as the route was pretty much clear to us by then, we covered much of it within less time.

Actually reason for us to hurry was the stream i mentioned earlier. It is dream of every trekker to end the trek by swimming or at least getting drenched in the streams. So till our other slower trek mates make up to the stream, we had a hearty swim in the stream. There was a small cement water block/ dam being made on the stream just below the iron bridge. This was may be for water harvesting purpose i suppose. But it added to our joys. It provided us much essential depths to enable us to spread in water to clear our fatigues. It was to me one of the best part of the trek. This as one of the advantage of a rainy trek; it provides for both trek as well as swimming sessions. How thrilling it was. Moments later our other mates when they came to stream, seeing us they also joined us in this aquathrill session- i must say.

After 20 mins later we regrouped ourselves and changed our drenched clothes. There we had evening tea at the breakfast shack. The bus at 5 pm had already left, so now the next bus was an hour later. So here trekkers as usual had their fun games. So after it we boarded the bus to reach Asangaon at 7 pm.

Overall to sum up it was quite a interesting and refreshing monsoon trek with great trekmates making it more enjoyable. Mahuli is one of the easy one day trek in outskirts of Mumbai.

Founded in February 2009, Vrangers is one of the fastest growing trekking community with adventure passionate members. Geared with experienced mentors, they arrange for various forms of adventure sports.

Dipendra Mhatre: 99674 35673

Food Facilities at the Fort:

There are two food shacks at the beginning of the trek. They provide with all your food needs from breakfast to lunch. Here you can have breakfast to begin with and pre order your lunch while returning. They provide for both veg and non veg lunch.

I visited Pondicherry last year and was deeply touched by its quiet ambiance and cleanliness. And although we did a post about the place - Pondicherry From Eye of Art - the memories hit me back recently, as I was checking few old pictures in my laptop from my travel days to this serene place.

Here's sharing some of them with you guys, to have a look at. From Serenity beach to Auro Beach, Keerapalayam to Veerambatinam and last, but not the least; Paradise Beach- the place is just majestic!

I hope you did like the images and it would be great if you leave any feedback in the comment box below. You can also check my Instagram account at www.instagram.com/sarudraa for more amateur photography work.... And guys I am not pro, I just use my phone for clicking random images.. so do not keep your hopes high?

Look forward to hearing from you guys in the comment box below.

Till then -Cheers and have a nice week ahead!

With my sister coming to visit my, I was brainstorming for a weekend getaway. And while discussing with my cousin we finalised Udupi for our next trip. Three and a half year in Bangalore has brought me to a point where finding a new destination is so exhausting.

Having seen the pictures from a friend's trip we were sure to have a good time. It's around 9 hours away from Bangalore and the challenge was to complete this trip in budget. Mostly our budget for such weekend getaways isn't more than 3k. So, that's what we had in mind.

Ride to Udupi was a bumpy one but what I love about travelling is that it takes the fear out. It fights your inhibitions and you end up having good or bad experiences. There are still people who will restore your faith in humanity. All we have to do is step out of our comfort zone and experience life first hand.

Arriving in Udupi

We arrived around 6 in the morning with sore muscles from all the travelling and terrible roads. Udupi has a lot of spiritual value and hence people come here to visit Shri Krishna Matha. Famous for the unique temple, where Lord Krishna is not seen through the door to his devotees but through a window. Temple premise has a pond in which the temple's reflection can be seen.

We took an auto and headed to our hotel for a quick nap and got freshened up. It was afternoon by the time we started for the Malpe beach. Udupi is hot even at this time of year (Dec). Make sure you keep your sunglasses and stoles handy. You can either take an auto or a bus to Malpe beach.

Malpe Beach

The first thought at seeing the beach was "Wow !!! Foood" . There are lots of stalls selling sea food. And street side vendors with chur muri, cut mangoes, pineapple, watermelon, puchka etc. There were range of water activities to try like Banana ride, Jet ski and Parasailing.My sister had everything she wanted, food and adventure !!!

Look out for starfishes at the beach, it was my first time and i had to pick one up. I hope that doesn't harm them. They look like a piece of heaven dropped into the ocean. As the sun was setting, Malpe kept transforming. A golden and orange hue painted all over with children frolicking in water. There were school kids going all crazy , reminding of the good old days.There was a fair going on by the beach with different rides and a wedding ceremony in on of the beach side resorts. Imagine getting married in this kind of a backdrop. It's just so dreamy and perfect altogether.

But before engaging in the food and the stunning landscape we had to go to St Mary's island. Didn't want to miss on that after hearing so many good reviews.

St Mary's Island

I had high expectations from this place. My friend had been raving about this place and a week back my friend who doesn't like beaches went here and suddenly had a change of heart. Apparently he loved this place. I had to see this island which can do such miracles. A boat ride away was this secluded island which is not inhabited. And solely for opened for tourists. Bags needs to be deposited at the entry and plastic bottles are not allowed inside. Which is a great initiative taking into consideration that we saw beer cans floating in the water on our way to the island.

Outside are a few water activities available like jet ski and banana ride but I would suggest you do them on Malpe as the time here should solely be utilised in admiring the nature's work. The hexagonal rocks are a result of sub-aerial subvolcanic activity. Visitors can climb these rocks and have a find a vantage point to enjoy the vast ocean. Also known as coconut grove, this island has graciously standing coconut trees.

Take a dip in the azure water which reminds of the Andamans . This speactacular island with it's white sand and crystal clear water is not to be missed.

Sri Krishna Matha

Honestly we went there looking for this restaurant called "Mitr samaj" which is known to serve really famous "gole bajje". We were there for breakfast and unfortunately gole bajje are only served in evening. So, we settled with their crisply masale dose, Upma and Idli vada with a glass of tea. The day had a wonderful start and we were already thanking the fellow traveller who guided us to this place.

Next we planned to visit the famous Sri Krishna Matha but seeing the huge queue, we decided to visit another temple which was adjacent to the famous one. Bought gajra's of three different colours from the vendors sitting outside the temple. And with our basic skills and a few tic-tacs managed to fix them in our hair. The vendor was amused to see us struggling with something as simple as putting a gajra. But mind you guys, it isn't as easy as it looks.

This was the traditional end to our Udupi trip. And now we were headed to Agumbe for some nostalgia.

Where we stayed ?

Birndavan Lodge

Must Eat ?

Gole Baje at Mitr Samaj

Places we missed ?

Kapu Beach

Budget breakdown :-

1050 - Bus (Round trip from Bangalore)

333- Hotel

300 - Boat to St Mary's

50 - fish spa

300 - Food

I have never been so nervous and scared in my life till date. The day has come, the day we go to the almighty and dreaded Khardung La has finally come.

We arrived at Hundar yesterday via the Shyok valley riding along the Shyok River. It was the most scenic yet most uncomfortable ride yet. We rode through the village first and then descended to the river banks. Where we literally rode in the river, on the slippery stones. This is not the usual path passengers take while going to Hundar, as it is not considered safe because of the several water streams that run down the so called road. It also experiences frequent land slides in the form of huge stones falling into the river from the top of the mountain. To our relief, we started early and were able to cross the river before 2 pm which is considered to be the threshold time in the summer to avoid the heavy water streams. But the relief did not last long and we hit the worst road possible. Well, it wasn't a proper road as it was being built from scratch. The pieces of crushed stones had not settled in yet and the whole tyre of my bike was buried in it. It was really difficult to maneuver the bike and given the fact that we were riding along the shyok river (the current was scary) added to the nervousness. We somehow managed to dodge that unforgettable stretch of debris that lasted for over 10 kilometers.

Soon before we knew we were in Nubra Valley, the place with the world's highest sand dunes. Yes, you read it right, sand dunes at 10,000 ft above sea. The place was breathtaking with the valleys looking like a sea of sand. The mountains too were as dry and dead as possible. We decided to go a little ahead and spent the night in Hundar (14 kms ahead of Nubra).

Coming back to the D-Day, the weather wasn't looking too good. It was cloudy and there were predictions of precipitation throughout the day. We did everything we could to stay dry as getting wet could seriously hamper our health. We left our hotel at around 8:00 am after having breakfast. The roads were really nice and smooth and did not offer any resistance till North Pullu. The weather also seemed to be on our side and the Sun kept shining now and then keeping the temperature under control as we approached the world's highest motorable road. The road between north and south pullu are constantly repaired as it is constantly damaged by mother nature. It was no doubt the bumpiest ride ever and trust me the suspensions of a Royal Enfield Classic are not meant to handle such terrains. Still the bike and I stuck together and persevered our way to the top.

The first feeling of just being there and looking around is sheer achievement and suddenly you realize that you're almost at 19000 ft above the sea level and there is not much oxygen in the air. You generally start losing breath and feeling nauseous but, that's not the case with us. See, we didn't come straight to Khardung La from say delhi. We planned the trip in such a way that our bodies had acclimatized and I personally did not feel the lack of oxygen at all. Once you overcome this thought of dying you start to enjoy the view which, by the way is as unreal as Trump being America's president.

I don't think I have relevant words to describe how it felt to be up there and stare at the dead mountains which seemed to be below my eye level for the first time. Just see for yourself:

I saw people panicking after spending 20 minutes here and the Army personnels helping them out supplying oxygen cylinders but, we were having fun just like most other bikers. It took a lot of effort to find a good spot to get a decent picture. We literally had to stand at the edge of the road in order to get a fine picture. Though dangerous but was totally worth it.

Again, it was not at all easy to get to Khardung la but without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life. Something that I'll probably cherish for the rest of my life.

I will leave you with a couple more pictures I took along the way and from the top.

I hope I was able to help you experience the thrill that I went through while visiting this gorgeous place.

Till next time !!

The Indonesia’s most popular holiday destination Bali has some amazing sports and thrilling activities to offer to the traveler of every kind. From white-water rafting to superb diving and trekking- it offers a range of activities for travelers.

Whether you want to laze on the beach with a cocktail or get into some action by land or sea: the choice is yours!

The facts remain you’ll have a holiday of your lifetime in this sprawling island famous for its kaleidoscopic sunsets and a lot more.

Read on for my favorite picks of activities to fill your holiday with thrill and adventure:

Snorkeling

Escape into warm tropical waters to explore the deep waters with a mask, swim fins and snorkel.

North coast of Bali: Snorkeling trips are available around Pemuteran to allow water enthusiasts to explore the waters of Pulau Menjangan.

Eastern Coast: Head off to the Gili Islands for the amazing swimming experience along the whale sharks and to get a beautiful sight of sea turtles.

Kayaking

Join a guided excursion trip or hire kayaks by yourself: the leisurely paddling exploration is a must-to-do if you are keen on exploring beautiful lagoons and archipelago.

Where to find Kayaking tours?

Join one of the morning tours run by:

Bali Canoeing & Cultural (Cycling) Tours

Bali Tour Operators

Kayak4Conservation

White-water Rafting

The white-water rafting day trips are quite popular amongst tourists. Join a rafting day trip to Ayung River near Ubud or Telagawaja River (Eastern Bali).

The Rapids are bound to give your adrenaline a rush. Even, it will give you a rare chance to know more about the local culture. The tour companies offer local delicacies as a part of the mid-deal meal (included in the day trip).

Also, you can opt for an overnight stay in one of the serene and scenic riverside huts.

Scuba Diving

To get an exposure to the underwater world and brilliant marine life: approach any of the dive schools located in Bali. Explore the expansive reefs or grab an opportunity to see manta rays and much more.

Adventure Scuba Diving Bali

AquaMarine Diving, Bali

Atlantis Bali Diving Center

Trekking

If you’re inclined towards exploring diverse landscapes and cultures, you can join one of the adventure tours for a trek and take a challenge. If you would rather want to take it lightly, you may even opt for easygoing walks amongst Ubud’s rice terraces and its cozy villages. It will be an enriching experience to discover the marvelous culture of this place.

Surfing

Surfers from across the world travel to this place to explore their interests in the given sport and enhance their learning. There are many surf schools located on the southern beaches of Bali for those who are planning their surfing sojourn.

Water Sports for Beginners

For the thrill seeker in you, the long sandy coastline of Bali with calm blue waters offers you an expansive list of water sports to ensure you a holiday full of adventure.

The interesting thing about the given activities is that they are offered at the most popular beaches of Bali and can easily be carried out by beginners. Even more, they are offered at rates that suit the budget of every traveler.

Choose one or more activities from the given list to give yourself a pump on your holiday:

Jet Skiing

Rolling Donut

Fly Fishing

Water Skiing

Banana Boat Ride

Parasailing

Finally, this beautiful paradise has something for everyone!

Kodaikanal is a city of hills in Tamil Nadu.Or you can say Princess of hills ,a gift of forest or mini Israel whatever name you want to give which must do justice with the place.It's not only famous for its nature surrounding but for chocolates and magic mushrooms.As i was in Chennai so it was two day trip starting from Friday night to coming back Monday morning.I have learned and it's true unplanned trip turns out to be best.One day prior to traveling we booked our tickets and hotel-rooms,fortunately we got the bookings.It was my first girl gang trip.I'll share all expenses of staying and traveling that might help hopefully whenever you visit the place.

Best Time:November to February

Duration:2 Days

Bus booking Cost (both side): 4500(3 people).

We booked the overnight bus from Chennai. It took almost 10hours to reach Kodaikanal.We boarded the bus from Perungulather at 9 pm,it is hardly 10 min away from Tambaram by local train.The fun part of an overnight journey is that you didn't even get to realize how time flies away,if you are adaptable and good observer.You get the chance to enjoy views which falls in your way other than your destination point.Amazing thing about traveling is that journey also matters as much as destination.Around 6-7 am we reached Kodaikanal bus stop(Sevanth road junction).

Hotel booking cost(2Days1Night):Rs 2500/-

We stayed in Hotel Green park,which was hardly 15 min far from the stop.It is very well kept and managed. Their staff came to receive us,that was very unexpected service and it was appreciable one.Location is excellent close to free ways,streets market and restaurants.We did check in and got ready for the day.Then we made to do list which places to visit on 1st day and which on 2nd day.Kodaikanal lake,Bryant Park and coalker's walk are at walkable distance from each other.That's why we decided to visit these three places on the first day and not to hire any cab.

We started the day with Kodaikanal lake.It is spectacular lake with strengthening the banks with pine trees, bush and lush greenery forest.Giving enrich sights of people boating ,walking, cycling and jogging around the lake.Then we took a refreshing walk along the road which rims the lake,which made us to feel more active and lively.You can rent the bicycle on hours basis .So we rented the bicycle, started the racing and middle of that few people also joined us for racing seeing our spirit. At that moment we behaved like child who is carefree and know how to enjoy the present.Lake has circumference of 6km and is rimmed by a clean,well paved streets and bicycle path.While enjoying the ride we saw tea stall where no othershops were.We planned to enjoy tea in such a pleasant weather,calm surrounding.We parked the cycle and then asked kaka to prepare three cup of tea.He said it will take time but will be best in taste.We said ok,no problem boss.Inbetween that we clicked the pictures .We sit on the edge of the lake ,had tea, relish the panoramic view and talked about happy things.After that again we started the racing, passing through local markets,streets shops to the finishing point.

Now it was time to do some water sport activities.As there are few boatclubs, so we went to one of them.From there we rent a paddle to hit the water by ourselves. In starting we were struggling how to move paddle but finally we got it.We were trying to go far and cover the lake as much we can.It was also a fun in itself.

After spending incredible time in kodaikanal lake,we headed to Bryant park that was at walkable distance from the lake.It is botanical garden blessed with wide varieties of flowers, hybrids and graft.Weather was changing continuously from clear blue sky to getting foggy then drizzling and again it clearup,the loop was continuing.Thankfully there were sheds where everyone took shelter.There is glass house in which different species of plants,shrubs and hybrids are arranged in rows.Person who is interested in knowing the detailing of flowers then it is one of the best park for the exploration.Then we took leisurely strolls through it and the sloping gardens for the complete exploration and enjoyment.It has huge,clean lawns where you can spend a lot of time doing nothing by just admiring the beauty of greenery.Once you just get out of the park,local market get started you can shop if you want to buy some souvenirs and chocolates .Then we made our way to coalker walk, as name suggests it was a walk with paradiscal view .It was foggy and cold.Walkway was very clean,level, with no hindrance and less hawkers. It wasn't so long walk neither tiring because it offers breathtaking scenery that captives everyone's soul.You can sit and relax there by allowing nature's peace to flow into you.You will wonder why beautiful things don't ask for attention.The evening was cold and wet with brisk wind which was sweeping through the faces very gently.It felt so pleasant.So we were done for the day,walked through the streets in search of veg restaurant for the dinner.After having dinner ,we went back to hotel.It was ridiculously amazing day.

When we woke up in the morning, looked out of the window,gaze at beauty non stop,felt the fresh air and bright sunshine it was so mesmerizing and hard to beat.It was the great start of the day. After we had breakfast,we booked the cab for the whole day.Cabs,mini bus/travelers are easily available there.The places we were going to visit on 2nd day were Pillar rocks,Guna caves,pine forest,cascade falls .They all were pretty far so you need vehicle.You can get cab or mini bus/travelers easily at reasonable price.We started the journey passing through the dense forest,narrow and zig-zag road,up and down hills.Romancing the scenic road while listening to the music,this all made us more lively ,active and putted our senses in tune.Then suddenly umpteen numbers of pine trees , standing impressively beautiful in a very organised way made their apperance.It was famous Pine forest of kodaikanal.As we stepped out of the car,what we see the entire pine forest with dried cones and leaves appeared gray because fogg covered it all like a blanket.It was nothing less than a nature's wonder,it was so mesmerising to see.It not only gives unique sightseeing but a perfect background of densely grown Pine trees for photographers.After spending some wonderful time there we headed to Pillar rocks. Actually there are three rocks standing like pillars.It was misty day.So we didn't get the clear view at starting but we waited patiently to get clear view, luckily we got.It felt so good.It was like nature wants to play hide and seek with us.If you see down from the view point,there was small stream of water coming through the hills.It was cherishable moment.We spend some relaxed moments there by wondering how foggy hills can brings out the best of nature in that overcast weather which emerges out to be appealing scene. Spending some quality time there ,we moved to next stop Guna caves.Took the ticket from ticket counter and started walking.It was short trek walk of around 1 km passing through woods and forest,it was worth walk.As we reached there we saw caves is fenced with iron rods due to some incidents took in the past.Due to tragic death of some people who went down into the cave chambers and never returned .Then some people also went their to rescue them but they also never make it back,this was the story told by driver.From that day local authorities closed the cave.Place was little slippery ,we were carefully taking the steps.Roots of trees of Pristine jungle coming out of the soil, forming a pattern like spiderweb will gave you indeed scary and spooky sight.

Moir Point,by the time we reach there it was foggy and bit cold.In its calm surrounding one can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It offers a captivating view of the peaks and valleys around .You can admire the breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the point.We took some picture and headed to BearShola falls.It was the perfect place for picnic spot to enjoy with family and friends with lush greenery all around.At the end of the fall,one can spend some time in its fresh water as it forms shallow pond .Along with Bear shola waterfalls,there are many waterfalls like Pambar fall,which also know as Grand cascade,Silver Cascade fall but due to non-monsoon season there wasn't much water there ,so we didn't go their as suggested by Driver cum guide.So ,we preferred to go Luntheran Church which is famous for its granite structure,modern painting which showcase the events of Jesus Christ's life and stained glass windows.It is one of the best place for those who are interested in knowing the history of religion.It is very beautiful and peaceful place to seek solace.It is situated at very scenic place,where you can take or capture your moment's.We did some photography after that we back to our hotel.Our bodies left the place but our souls were struck by its beauty,we didn't only packed our bags but carried the beautiful memories with us.So, take out some time for yourself and give a chance to have an affair with the nature without having fear of giving any commitments.It will let go all of your worries.You will cherish each and every moment you spent with nature for a lifetime.You will fall in love forever.

"Traveling,its leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."- Ibn Battuta

The scenery is mesmerising. The winding roads take you through a maze of greenery . At every labyrinthine corner, you meet a collage of colours which explode into shades of greens, browns and yellows. The roads seem to have no particular destination . They just lead you from one part of paradise to another. As we squint though the green fabric , we pass plantations of coffee, cardamom and pepper which merge with forests, foliage and fauna. There are no villages, no people, no shops , no cars . We deliberately slow down to take in the moment. After all, you do not get to see paradise on earth often.

Our drive from Bengaluru took us a leisurely four hours as we crossed Hunsur, Tithimathi, Gonikoppa and Virajpet . A downpour greeted us as we entered Kakkabe. All home stays were running full, so we decided on a resort .The rains were unusual, explained our guide , And then began our initiation into the myths and legends of Coorg.

Spot 1: Tibetan Monastery (Golden Temple)

En route to coorg is Bylakuppe where we stopped(around 11:30 am) to see the beautiful Buddhist Monastery. Include this in your must see list and don't miss tasting the Tibetan food there.

There are souvenir shops around. So you can buy things like wind chimes, laughing Buddha, hanging masks, crockery with engraves of dragon etc. So happy shopping.

Here are some snaps from the place:

Spot 2: Raja's Seat

Raja's seat was very close to our hotel so we decided to see the sunset there just after checking in the hotel.According to legends the Raja used to see the sunset from here.It is a protected monument.The entry fee is Rs 5 per person.There is a small light n sound show everyday from 6:45 to 7 pm.

You do get a lot of fresh air though its nothing more than a common park.

There is also a toy train ride and you can book the tickets on spot.

Back to hotel and had dinner at the hotel restaurant. And that was all for the day.

Getting There:

By Air: Mangalore Airport is about 164 kilometres away and is the nearest airport to Coorg.

By Bus: Mangalore, Mysore and Bengaluru have daily bus (KSRTC deluxe buses) services going to and from Coorg.

By Train: 95 kilometres away, Mysore Railway station is the closest to Coorg.

Self Drive: Fly to Bengaluru and drive to Coorg. A four and a half hour journey and a delightful road trip.

What To Pack:

Pack light, pack less. Light, cotton, comfortable clothing is ideal. Carry a sweater or a jacket if it gets too windy or a bit chilly early mornings or late evenings. Sport shoes are a must, especially if you intend to trek or go biking.

Coffee and spice and everything nice.. With a hint of challenge and adventure. You’ll be back here again before you know it!

If anyone of you belongs to an Asian country and especially, India; you’re likely to agree with me that we have some serious disadvantages when it comes to living our travel dreams.

Talk to people in your periphery and most of them will tell you that they love traveling and exploring new places. But how many of them are actually living their dreams or doing things that will help them accomplish their goals?

A hard thing to say but a person like me, who is so much passionate about traveling, is far-off from accomplishing her travel goals.

Why?

Though I would not completely attribute it to my place of abode it certainly has a lot to contribute.

Mental Blocks that will Never Go

We live in a society that is developing fast but is yet to progress a lot. We believe in accumulating wealth and riches by completely dismissing the findings of science.

How does it even matter if the science says that the joy and memories of our travel experiences last a lifetime as against the material possessions that only give us temporary happiness?

The money spent on traveling is still considered the exploitation of our hard earned resources.

Our Passport that is Indian

Is it that your passport is Indian (or of any other Asian country) and you plan to travel a lot?

It is one of the most lethal combinations.

Visa: You need to procure all the possible documents and get them stamped to prove travel is your only intent. And the much-dreaded interview! Even after following such a drill and having traveled extensively, there is no guarantee that there will be no rejection.

What’s the result of a rejection?

All your plans come to rest immediately. Wow!

Even if it’s not the case with everyone and many of you are going to re-apply for the visa; you need to prepared that it is going to cost you a lot and your trip is going to be postponed.

Immigration & Frisking at Airports: Oops! So they are going to scan you and doubt your integrity. You know it already. Even after crossing so many immigration checkpoints (successfully), it still makes you nervous and you start thinking about all those things that will help you prove your genuineness (Fake smile, pleasant greetings, and what not?)

No wonders, even after traveling extensively you’re made to experience something terrible and horrific.

Distances that are huge!

When traveling from India (which is located far-off from a central location on the map), you have to travel huge distances to explore most of the places.

For a person who is not living in a metropolitan city, it is even worse. Because there are limited international airports, your journey to and from the destination gets prolonged and there are extended layovers. Not only, it gets really tiring but also demands the same amount of planning.

It goes without saying longer the flights, much more expensive they are. Given that, our weak currency adds much more to our misery.

Work-Life Balance

Every time I look around, I feel immensely happy to see the change that is taking place. Women are slowly realizing the importance of financial independence, doing something productive, looking at the options for solo travel and becoming adaptive to diverse sections of society. With the change that is happening, both men and women are striving hard to achieve work-life balance. But there is a long way to go! Taking off from your work is still a challenge (even if it makes you more productive on coming back). There is always so much to do before even thinking about a trip.

Final Words:

Challenging it may be but because liberating it is, travel is something I wish for everyone in my vicinity. Also, I simply can’t stop admiring people, who by battling all the challenges, have decided to embark themselves on a journey of exploring the unknown.

About Tansen:

Mian Tansen (born 1493 or 1506 as Ramtanu Misra – died 1586 or 1589 as Tansen) was a prominent Indian classical music composer, musician and vocalist, known for a large number of compositions, and also an instrumentalist who popularised and improved the plucked rabab (of Central Asian origin). He was among the Navaratnas (nine jewels) at the court of the Mughal Emperor Jalal ud-din Akbar. Akbar gave him the title Mian, an honorific, meaning learned man.

Tansen as a historical personality is difficult to extract from the extensive legend that surrounds him. His father Mukund Misra was a wealthy poet and accomplished musician, who for some time was a temple priest in Varanasi. Tansen's name as a child was Ramtanu.

He was born at a time when a number of Persian and Central Asian motifs were fusing with Indian classical music; his influence was central to create the Hindustani classical ethos as we know today. A number of descendants and disciples have also considerably enriched the tradition. Almost all gharanas of Hindustani classical music claim some connection with the Tansen lineage. According to legend, he was noted for his imitations of animal calls and birdsong.

The bulk of Tansen's biography as it is handed down in the musical literature consists of legends. Among the legends about Tansen are stories of his bringing down the rains with Raga Megh Malhar and lighting lamps with the legendary raga Deepak. Raga Megh Malhar is still in the mainstream repertoire, but raga Deepak is no longer known; three different variants exist in the Bilawal, Poorvi and Khamaj thaats. It is not clear which, if any, corresponds to the Deepak of Tansen's time. There is a popular myth that it disappeared because it could indeed bring fire, and so was simply too dangerous to sing. Other legends tell of his ability to bring wild animals to listen with attention (or to talk their language). Once, a wild white elephant was captured, but it was fierce and could not be tamed. Finally, Tansen sang to the elephant who calmed down and the emperor was able to ride him. Such was the power of his music that when he used to sing in the court of Akbar, it is said that candles used to light up automatically.

Many admirers are convinced that his death was caused by a fire while he was singing the raga Deepaka.

Wazir Khan who is of Saraswati Devi Lineage, attended a conference on music in Kolkata where number of Rajas and Nawabs were present, including Raja of Gauripur. Wazir Khan along with other musicians performed there. Before the performance he asked the attendant at the conference hall to put off the candles in one of the Chandelier's of the conference hall. He started playing the Rudra Veena and it happened for a moment that the Chandelier lit up in the glow of candles and the very next moment it came crashing down to the ground.

According to one version of the story, Tansen died on 26 April 1586 in Delhi, and that Akbar and much of his court attended the funeral procession.Other versions give 6th May, 1589 as the year of his death. Tansen was buried in the mausoleum complex of his Sufi master Shaikh Muhammad Ghaus in Gwalior. According to legend, Tansen's son Bilas Khan, in his grief, composed Bilaskhani Todi.

Every year in December, an annual festival, the Tansen Samaroh, is held in Gwalior to celebrate Tansen.

About Tansen Samaroh:

Tansen Samaroh is celebrated every year in the month of December in Behat village of Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh. It is a 4 day musical extravaganza . Artist and music lovers from all over the world gather here to pay tribute to the Great Indian Musical Maestro Tansen. The event is organized near the tomb of Tansen by the Academy of the department of culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Artists from all over India are invited to deliver vocal and instrumental performances.

Tansen Samaroh is organized jointly by Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet Academy and Department Of Culture, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh.

Images and information credit goes to: http://tansensamaroh.com/

Happy traveling

Fir milege kahi kisi roj ghumte firte :)

Wanaka

4 girls, in car, on a road trip, for 5 days and 4 nights, plan was to stay on the road as long as we could. We started driving on Saturday morning from Dunedin bearing in mind to reach Wanaka at lunch, making few stops on the way. We had a light lunch to avoid exhaustion while tracking towards Roys peak. Unfortunately, the track was closed which was bit of a disappointment for all of us. One of us suggested to drive to Trable Cone instead, which is a popular Ski field in Wanaka. We were not well equipped for skiing so decided to just go for the gondola, walk a bit on the top and come back. I walked on snow with my ordinary shoes only to realize later that my socks were wet inside. It was fun and exciting indeed. Afterwards we headed to Wanaka Lake for a nice stroll and to take some clicks of famous loner 'Wanaka Tree'. By the evening we reached our stay at a cute little house at Lake Hawea after having shopped for dinner. After dinner it was time to sleep and regain the energy for the coming day.

Driving through Highway 8 and 6

Next day that could have been the most happening turned into a hopeless nightmare. The plan was to have breakfast in Makarora and visit Blue pools, Fantail falls, Thunder fall, Diana falls, Knight Point Lookout, Monno Beach Lake Moeraki, Paringa and all, on our way to Franz Josef. But, one of my friends got sick and we had to rush to hospital first thing in the morning, due to Sunday doctor was not available. We waited for 3 hours to see the doctor, who declared later that everything is alright after x-ray and blood test reports came. It was late so we had a Sub on our way and headed on highway 6 driving along the spectacular lake Wanaka and Hawea.

We managed to stop by the Blue Pools Walk, which is rightly named after the color of the water. We forgot all our frustration and enjoyed the track along the stream. Trees were covered completely with moss from top to bottom, witnessed a true rain forest. We also played skipping stones and I made my record of skipping 7 times in one go that had never happened before. We saw fantail falls and heard thunder fall from the road. Heavy rains couldn't manage to visit the other side tracks. Due to rain and fog Knight Point lookout that is on the sea shore on West coast was invisible.

Rain stopped for a couple of hours while we were passing through Haast Pass. Haast Pass is beautiful with greenery all around and few falls here and there. We crossed a bridge that marks the start of the pass, is a nice stop to get out of the car and appreciate the scenery all along. The stream flows underneath the bridge adds on to the beauty. That was all for the day, we reached Chateau backpacker, served a hot soup on arrival. We took some rest before cooking dinner and then to went to bed.

Franz Josef

Next day couldn't treat us better either. Rain continued so we decided to go to Glacier Hot Pools, Ngāi Tahu Tourism venture. It was nice to enjoy hot pools in a covered place while it was rainy and cold outside. When we finished it stopped raining and we made a snappy decision to drive back and visit Lake Matheson, which we missed the day before due to rain and late evening. The decision turned out a good one and we could do the loop track around the lake, clicked some good pictures and had a gala time. The color of the lake was whisky brown for a change, around the glacier landform.

We tried to do the Glacier valley walk in Franz Josef but rain started again and we returned from half way. At Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, there are options to do the walk/trek on glacier are available. Heli hike is quite famous and it takes you to the glacier on a helicopter where you have the chance to go through the ice caves and be mesmerized by the striking features of the terrain.

Fox Glacier

We did the fox glacier valley walk the next day. From the parking there's a track through native plants and trees and then a long walk on the river bed. At the end of the track there's a climb to reach the lookout point from where we could see the glacier.

On the way to Hokitika, we stopped at Lake Mahinapua with near to zero expectations as we have been a bit disappointed from last two days. To our surprise, it was stunning and I still feel thankful that we did stop there. Nobody was present except us four, the whole place was for us. The lake was calm and serene. I was overjoyed and filled peace and ecstasy.

Nevertheless, due to rain and bad weather we missed out on so many other places like Minnehaha walk (glow worms), sentinel rock walk, Okarito lagoon, Lake Lanthe and a few more. Still, I would say we had quite a nice day!

Hokitika

In the evening, we reached Hokitika before sunset. This gave us ample and perfect time to click pictures of Hokitika beach during sunset. Hokitika Beach offers beautiful views of Hokitika's driftwood-covered beaches with a 'Hokitika' wooden structure. In the night we did visit the glow worms' dell walk, easy and free.

Next day after a sumptuous breakfast at our Airbnb, we headed to Hokitika gorge. Believe me, it was the most amazing experience of the journey after blue pools. Due to, may be the rain that had been poured down in the last couple of days, the water of gorge was silver grey instead of turquoise blue. It changed the view dramatically, the walk through the jungle, crossing the bridge and occasional sights of tree orchids made it more pleasing. There's a lookout point right at the place where the stream turns, which is a perfect picture spot too.

Feeling of satisfaction and delight in our hearts, we returned to our car and continued the journey to Tree top cafe. This was a mediocre place, went there with more expectation and imagination of a cafe sitting somewhere on the tree branches. Cafe was at the entrance and then we went on a walk on a huge steel structure.

We continued our journey to Lake Brunner. Google map showed a short cut to avoid a long detour, we took it, realized halfway through that the route might not take us to the right place. Eternity wanted to make our trip more adventurous it seemed. The graveled road turned more narrow and to take a U turn seemed like a mission. We were flustered, had no internet, no way to call for help in that deserted land. Finally, we gathered some courage and decided to turn around and go back to the highway. After a bit of hassle we could manage to turn and went back to the highway from where we directly headed to Arthur's Pass. We stayed the night there.

Arthur's Pass

It was a cold night and our Airbnb house was so cold. We lit a fire in living area and all four of us slept on the floor. Next morning was gorgeous; we had breakfast and then went to track to the Devils Punchball Fall. The track was not difficult but took us more than an hour to reach up to the viewing platform. This place gives an appearance of some remote forest completely cut off from the rest of the world. You feel as if you are in the middle of a jungle, really amazing experience. After the fall we came back to the town and drove off towards our next destination which was Lake Pearson, due to heavy rains the level of water rose up and submerged the shoreline. We climbed up on a tree to take pictures, stayed there for a while and then headed to castle hill.

This is the place where the movie scene of abduction of Mary and Pippin by Orcs from the movie series LOTR was filmed. This was also a short stop. We then started on the way to Christchurch. My flat mate got her puppy (Jack Russell) from the owner and then a long drive straight back to Dunedin.

This was a fun filled road trip I had done since so long. WestCoast of south island is drop dead beautiful. It is a must do if travelling to New Zealand.

Nature’s heart beats strong amid the hills and especially in the majestic Himalayas. The Indian state of Uttarakhand is truly blessed by nature’s bounty, decorated with various picturesque locations to rejuvenate, away from the hubbub of city culture. The scenic hill retreats of Uttarakhand is all what you need for a perfect getaway.

Set in the charming Kumaon Himalayas, Nainital is a hill retreat where the Kumaoni culture mingles with the colonial lifestyle in terms of food and architecture. Blessed with a magnificent Naini Lake, Nainital is popularly known as the ‘Lake District of Uttarakhand’. This serene hill station is surrounded by lush green Kumaon hills, adorned with few ancient temples, beautiful lakes, and breathtaking vistas. The pleasant weather of Nainital makes it an ideal destination for travellers to escape the monotony.

Planning & Reaching Nainital

With a motive to explore a new travel destination, me and my family visited Nainital after my final year examinations. Before entering into the corporate life, I really wanted to go somewhere with my beloved ones to relax and chill amidst peaceful surroundings. I booked bus tickets from Paytm and went through few online travel guides of Nainital. We boarded the bus from ISBT Anand Vihar in Delhi and reached Haldwani after an overnight journey. The route between Haldwani to lake city Nainital is full of captivating views, passing through lush green deodar trees.

Since we were travelling during the Monsoon season, it was amazing to see the beauty of clouds kissing the hilltops. At some points the mist was so dense that nothing was visible. After a journey of 2 hours from Haldwani we reached Nainital. It started drizzling the moment we deboarded at Gandhi Chowk. Our stay was located in the southern part of the hill station known as Tallital. Whereas the northern part of this hill retreat is called Mallital. Both the ends are connected through Mall Road and Thandi Sadak.

I was really excited to explore this picturesque hill station of Uttarakhand that too in such a pleasent weather. Although in the same Himalayan state, but still the Kumaoni culture differs from Garhwali in terms of language, dressing style, rituals and much more.

The Heart Of Nainital

After getting freshen up, we headed towards the Mall Road located at walking distance. Since we visited in the off season, it wasn’t crowded. Numerous chic cafes, restaurants, and small eateries are situated on Mall Road and near Tallital bus stop. Also, there are various shops selling local handicrafts, aromatic candles and much more. Eating delectable food while overlooking at the scenic Naini Lake that feeling cannot be described in words. That’s the glamour of the city of lakes!

I was mesmerized by the serenity of Naini Lake, set in the arms of lush green hills, with clouds wandering above the lake periodically. Situated in the heart of this hill retreat, Naini lake is an eye-shaped natural pool of fresh water surrounded by three hills namely Naina or Cheena Peak, Tiffin Top and Snow View Peaks. The charm of this Himalayan lake is so high that even the Britishers fell in love with and stayed here away from the chaos of plain areas. You can easily see the impact of colonial period over the architecture, food and even education in Nainital.

The Mall Road is divided into two lanes, one for walking and rickshaws, and another for vehicles. Being in the heart of this picturesque hill retreat, the Mall Road is well maintained and I wish it remains the same forever!

Nearby Attractions In Nainital

There are numerous places to visit around Nainital which can be easily covered in a day. We hired a cab available near Mall Road that took us to some superb attractions with no discomfort. First, we visited the Eco Cave Gardens set in the beautiful surroundings. It is a perfect place to spend some leisure time amidst natural beauty. A musical fountain show is also held at Eco Cave Gardens every evening. But we missed that!

Next we headed towards Lovers Point and Suicide Point, two viewpoints in Nainital which offers scenic vistas of verdant Himalayan valley. As we visited during Monsoon season, the valley was covered with clouds. Though it wasn’t visible much but still the view from Suicide Point was breathtaking. You can enjoy horse riding at these viewpoints. Also, you will find few locals selling corn or other seasonal fruits here.

Also Visit: There are many places for sightseeing near Naini Lake like Tiffin Top, Snow View Point which can be reached via cable car (ropeway), St. Francis Church, Hanuman Temple, and High Altitude Nainital Zoo.

The Lake District Of Uttarakhand

The beauty of Nainital town is adorned with 6 large and small lakes. We visited Sariyatal, a small man-made lake which receives freshwater from Saria Tal Waterfall. We even saw this pristine waterfall when coming towards this lake. Surrounded by thick deodar and pine trees, set in the lap of Kumaon hills, we spent some leisure time amidst nature’s beauty. You can enjoy boating in this lake, click some nice photographs and relish hot maggi at small Maggi Point in Sariyatal.

Next we headed towards the magnificent Khurpatal, a lake secluded from the hustle & bustle of Mall Road amidst utmost tranquility. The main highlight of Khurpatal is that the lake water keeps on changing its color from emerald to blue and vise-versa. With clouds wandering over the lake, it was a sight to behold. Khurpatal is a perfect place for nature and photography lovers. The beauty of this quaint lake cannot be described in the words. Just visit and feel!

Also Visit: Other lakes near Nainital are Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal.

Highest Peak Of Nainital

The day was coming to an end, and we moved towards our last destination. Located on the highest peak of Nainital i.e. Naina Peak or Cheena Peak, the Himalayan View Point offers the mesmerizing view of some great Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi and more. The road towards Himalayan Point passes through towering pine trees.

The magic of clouds continued here also, giving us some splendid views and moments to cherish for lifetime. This place is completely undisturbed and the surreal environment here is just perfect to rejuvenate. Himalayan View Point is also known as Himalaya Darshan.

The Naina peak also offers the panoramic view of Nainital town. From here the Naini Lake looks like an eye or mango-shaped water body. Located on the highest peak of Nainital, this road is called Kilbury Road.

Shopping, Food, Amusement & Much More!

It was our second day in Nainital and we planned to explore few local places today. We went to a sweet shop near our accommodation to have morning tea. There we tasted the popular sweet of Kumaon region i.e. Bal Mithai, made up of roasted khoya & coated with white sugar balls. It was great to see some school children carrying out a cleanliness drive on the streets of Nainital. Such drives are frequently organized by the schools, colleges and locals of this Lake district to spread awareness among the travellers.

We took a rickshaw to reach Tibetan (Bhutia) Market & Bada Bazaar situated in Mallital area via Mall Road. I recommend you to experience the rickshaw ride along Naini Lake. Both the markets offers great options for shopping and to enjoy local food. The famous Naina Devi Temple is also located here. According to Hindu Mythology, the eye of Goddess Sati fell at this spot while Lord Shiva was carrying her mortal remains. Hence, this temple is considered amongst the 64 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. Nainital got its name from this holy temple situated on the banks of Naini Lake.

After seeking blessings we ate some delightful food at a nearby restaurant. We ordered Tibetan momos, noodles, sambar-dosa, parathas and chole bhature. Yes! we were starving from hunger that time. Just next to Bhutia or Tibetan Market, there is a large ground known as the Flats where various sports and cultural events are organized occasionally. You can also see Jama Masjid and a gurudwara situated near the Flats. New Capitol Cinema – Nainital’s only cinema hall lies in the Tibetan Market. The colonial influence can be seen here at Nainital due to the presence of few bakery shops. How can I forget that hot chocolate pastry and freshly baked cookies at one of the pastry shop?

When in Nainital, boating in Naini Lake is a must. Me and my cousins enjoyed paddling in the magnificent Naini Lake surrounded by beautiful Kumaon hills. While boating you can see the panoramic view of entire hill town. You can either choose to paddle your own boat or just relax in Gondola-like boat. It’s pleasure to sail in the boat that too in such an inviting weather. Boating in Naini Lake is one of the best activity to spend some quality time with your beloved ones in utmost solitude.

In evening I went for a small walk on Thandi Sadak near Tallital. This trail runs along Naini Lake and less visited by people thus peaceful. At night we went to Dominos located on Mall Road and later headed towards Jama Masjid (near Mallital) to relish non-vegetarian dishes. As it was Eid and the road towards the mosque was decorated with lights, therefore giving good festive vibes. If you want to eat some tasty butter chicken, kebabs, and biryanis then visit the restaurants situated near Jama Masjid in Nainital.

Nainital is all about clouds, lush greenery and majestic Kumaon Himalayas. The beauty of this vibrant hill retreat can only be experienced by planning a trip with your closed ones. It is a perfect place for adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners and peace seekers.

This charming lake district of Uttarakhand will not disappoint you in terms of quaint views, pleasant weather and serenity. Nainital is truly a heavenly beautiful destination in devbhoomi Uttarakhand.

Travel Post Originally Published On Ghoomakad.in.

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