Nature

Rewalsar – A sacred confluence of multi religions

By Vipin

When you come to Rewalsar, you cannot be untouched by the spiritual vibrations being reflected in every activity in this sacred land, be it the chirpings of the birds, soulful chantings from the monastery or temple or Gurubani from the Gurudwara, people feeding hungry souls in the lake, pondering monkeys over the trees, Buddhist prayer flags swirling in the air, swimming ducks in the lake, meditating and contemplating holy people on bank of the lake, the green and serene water of the lake, monks running the prayer-wheels, beautiful surrounding hills, finely ornated colourful monasteries with young monks playing around, burning oil lamps, ringing bells, cows and dogs resting near the lake, swaying trees, smiling flowers etc, whatever passes through your eyes gives you a sort of positive vibrations.

Self-Drive trip across Thailand (7 days, 2000 kms) : Part 5 – Bang Saen to Kampaeng Phet

By AUROJIT

We had plans of visiting heritage sites and local night market, but lassitude takes over as soon as we arrive. After strolling around the neighbourhood, spying on local shops and outlets, we are back to the guest house.
There are number of cosy sit-outs within the house. In the evening, guests have gathered here to relax and chat-up. Soon I connect up with Bill, an Austrian from Vienna and Shoo, a Thai traveller. Yes, they tell, they are also travelling across Thailand. While exchanging notes I discover that both of them (though travelling separately) are very special Ghumakkars. Bill (actually Bills, a couple) has arrived here Cycling all the way from AUSTRIA! Well, the story goes like this. They are avid cyclists. They have covered large parts of the globe cycling. Bill roughly cycles for an year in one go! By end of the year long loop, he is back in Vienna to earn his livelihood. After earning for about 6-8 months, he is again out for the next trip. He tells us that he does not own a car and has a very small house in Vienna. He works just to make enough money for the next trip. Same is the story of his partner. She is from the same place and they share the same passion. They are 6 months into the current trip and plan to cycle north to China and then through Kazakhstan and Eastern Europe to Vienna. Their belongings, typical for cyclists, comprise of two rucksacks (strapped to either side of the carrier) and a sleeping bag cum tenting equipment.

Motorcycle Diaries. Road to Ladakh (Bidding adieu to Leh)

By Rishi Raj Gupta

While returning from this point, I took a brief stop at the Magnetic Hill. This has always been a site of amusement for me. This hill is located on NH1, at around 45kms from Leh, at a height of 11,000 feet above sea level. Rumour has it that this hill has magnetic properties! In fact, BRO has put a signboard too, which lends considerable credibility to this rumor, at least for the first timers! There is also a square box-area painted on the road where the signboard requests drivers to park the four-wheelers in the neutral gear. According to the prevalent myth, the magnetic properties of the hill are strong enough to pull cars uphill! In reality, the effect is at best an optical illusion and there is no magnetic property in the area. I have experience this twice now. Yet this place is a crowd-puller and is now a popular stop for travelers to Leh. I am publishing an image I took last year!

Motorcycle Diaries. Road to Ladakh (Leh to Hunder)

By Rishi Raj Gupta

While descending, I saw the River Shyok flowing at a distance. As I rode further, I came across the road widening into sandy plains long-drawn-out between the rows of mountains. I stopped and filled in the changing views – the river, the mountains, barren sandy plains on which the roads look like thin, dark lines drawn till horizon. Hereinafter came several small villages, where kids would waved at me, tempting me to given them a Hi-five! The mountains around me were full of gravel, which threatened to come down anytime! This was indeed one of the most unusual places on the planet!

सिल्वन लेक और कैनेडा डे

By Surinder Sharma

जुलाई 1 को कैनेडा डे मनाया जाता है और यह सार्वजनिक अवकाश होता है. मैं इस दिन सिल्वन लेक जाने का प्रोग्राम बना लेता हूँ. विशाल भी मेरे साथ था. सिल्वन लेक फोर्ट सस्केच्वन से 200 किमी है. सुबह जल्दी चल कर नाश्ते के लिए टिम होरटन पहुँच जाते हैं. टिम होरटन कैनेडा में बहुत मश्हुर है. यह कैनेडीअन का है, इस लिए अमेरिकन रेस्तराँ से ज्यादा लोकप्रिय है. फोटो में SUV ( गाड़ी ) ड्राइव थरु पर जा रही है. आप जो दो बॉक्स देख् रहें हैं, उसमें माइक और स्पीकर लगा हुआ है. चालक अपना ऑर्डर माइक पर बता देगा, जैसे ही वह खिड़की पर पहुँचेगा, उसका ऑर्डर त्यार होगा. पैसे चुका कर वह गाड़ी ड्राइव करते हुए अपना ब्रेकफास्ट एन्जॉय करेगा. पर मैं आप को काउंटर पर ले कर चलता हूँ.

Motorcycle Diaries. Road to Ladakh…at Khardung La

By Rishi Raj Gupta

Once I arrived at the Pass, it took me a while to get myself and True photographed next to the signboard which says “Khardung La, 18380ft, Highest Motorable Road in the world” – there were so many tourists around – I could see people from all part of the country and the world!
You see the above colourful signage? It belongs to the café at the Pass, claiming itself to the highest café of the world; where one can have a much-needed cup of green tea along with some snacks.
The walls of this café speak about the story of Maggi! A very interesting read…

Now, you’d be surprised – Airtel works here! After all the troubles I had with the network all through the journey, it was a pleasant surprise! Did you notice the tower in the adjoining image?

जम्मू से श्रीनगर राजमार्ग पर एक अविस्मरणीय यात्रा

By Sushant Singhal

ऐसे ही एक विलक्षण और ऐतिहासिक ट्रैफिक जाम में पंकज और मैं कार से उतरे और काफी आगे तक जाकर जायज़ा लिया कि करीब कितने किलोमीटर लंबा जाम है। यातायात पुलिस के सिपाहियों को जाम खुलवाने के कुछ गुरुमंत्र भी दिये क्योंकि सहारनपुर वाले भी जाम लगाने के विशेषज्ञ माने जाते हैं। हम अपनी कार से लगभग १ किलोमीटर आगे पहुंच चुके थे जहां गाड़ियां फंसी खड़ी थीं और जाम का कारण बनी हुई थीं। आगे-पीछे कर – कर के उन तीनों गाड़ियों को इस स्थिति में लाया गया कि शेष गाड़ियां निकल सकें। वाहन धीरे – धीरे आगे सरकने लगे और हम अपनी टैक्सी की इंतज़ार में वहीं खड़े हो गये। सैंकड़ों गाड़ियों के बाद कहीं जाकर हमें अपनी सफेद फोर्ड आती दिखाई दी वरना हमें तो यह शक होने लगा था कि कहीं बिना हमें लिये ही गाड़ी आगे न चली गई हो। ड्राइवर ने गाड़ी धीमी की और हमें इशारा किया कि हम फटाफट बैठ जायें क्योंकि गाड़ी रोकी नहीं जा सकती। जैसे धोबी उचक कर गधे पर बैठता है, हम कार के दरवाज़े खोल कर उचक कर अपनी अपनी सीटों पर विराजमान हो गये। पांच सात मिनट में ही पंकज का दर्द में डूबा हुआ स्वर उभरा! “मैं तो लुट गया, बरबाद हो गया।“ मुझे बड़ा आश्चर्य हुआ क्योंकि पंकज एक मिनट के लिये भी मेरी दृष्टि से ओझल नहीं हुआ था तो फिर ऐसा क्या हुआ कि वह लुट भी गया और मुझे खबर तक न हुई। रास्ते में ऐसा कोई सुदर्शन चेहरा भी नज़र नहीं आया था, जिसे देख कर पंकज पर इस प्रकार की प्रतिक्रिया होती। गर्दन घुमा कर पीछे देखा तो पंकज भाई आंखों में ढेर सारा दर्द लिये शून्य में ताक रहे थे। उनकी पत्नी चीनू ने कुरेदा कि क्या होगया, बताइये तो सही तो बोला,

Motorcycle Diaries. Road to Ladakh (Sarchu – Leh)

By Rishi Raj Gupta

After 20kms of very good roads, we hit the under-construction roads. Bad, very bad they were! It was as if I was riding perennially over speed-breakers! The area appeared uninhabitable and has no construction at all, and also no population, save the migrant construction workers. Its was an extremely tiring and tedious ride; we also were forced from time to time to off-road into sand and ride wherever the roads were blocked for construction – BRO is constructing a two-lane road here. I always find riding in sand really painful and painful it was even this time. As we ascended, the road became worse – it is all under construction. Heavy amount of gravel on the road made the ride very tiring and I was in fact forced to stop several times before reaching Taglang La – the second highest motorable pass of the world. This was the worst patch to ride till now.

Despite a mild headache (one shouldn’t wait at high Passes in such case), I rested at the Pass for a good 15minutes. I needed it, badly!

Motorcycle Diaries. Road to Ladakh (Kaza – Keylong – Sarchu)

By Rishi Raj Gupta

Bara-lacha La was all clad in snow. Luckily the roads were devoid of any snow, making it easy of us riders to sail through. You’d notice that unlike other key milestones, I haven’t posted any image of a plaque reading Bara-lacha La – actually, I could’nt take any – there was a huge jam ahead, as we climbed up the Pass. I saw an oil-tanker overturned and fallen out of the road, taking the signage with it! Thankfully, the truck hadn’t taken the plunge. It seemed to be a very recent accident – the driver of the truck was safely back on road and was assessing the damages done. The Border Roads Organization that manages these roads was very quick to respond; they had already arrived with a crane and were working out a rescue plan.

Advantage Biker! We quickly made our way through the mounting traffic and descended to the famous Bharatpur – our lunch halt of the day. This place is something – all full of colourful dhabas!

कश्मीर चलना है क्या?

By Sushant Singhal

कोच नं० C-6 में प्रवेश कर के, मेरी पत्नी ने पूछा कि कौन – कौन सी बर्थ हैं तो पंकज का जवाब आया – “20 – 21” | मैने पूछा “और बाकी दो?” पंकज ने रहस्यवाद के कवि की सी भाव भंगिमा दोनों महिलाओं की ओर डाली और मेरे कान के पास आकर धीरे से बोला, “अभी दो ही कन्फर्म हुई हैं, बाकी दो यहीं गाड़ी में ले लेंगे।“ मेरी पत्नी को हमेशा से अपनी श्रवण शक्ति पर गर्व रहा है। बात कितनी भी धीरे से कही जाये, वह सुन ही लेती हैं! इस मामले में वह बिल्कुल मेरे बड़े बेटे पर गई हैं! जब वह यू.के.जी. में पढ़ता था तो उसे घर के किसी भी दूर से दूर कमरे में पढ़ने के लिये बैठा दो पर उसे न सिर्फ टी.वी. बल्कि हम दोनों की बातचीत भी सुनाई देती रहती थी। बीच – बीच में आकर अपनी मां को टोक भी देता था, “नहीं मम्मी जी, ऐसी बात नहीं है। स्कूल में मैम ने आज थोड़ा ही मारा था, वो तो परसों की बात थी !

सिर्फ दो ही शायिकाओं का आरक्षण हुआ है, यह सुनते ही दोनों महिलाओं के हाथों के तोते उड़ गये। मेरी पत्नी तो बेहोश होते होते बची ! तुरन्त दीवार का सहारा लिया, बीस नंबर की बर्थ पर बैठी, फिर आहिस्ता से लेट गई। पानी का गिलास दिया तो एक – दो घूंट पीकर वापिस कर दिया और ऐसी कातर दृष्टि से मेरी ओर देखा कि मेरा भी दिल भर आया। पंकज की पत्नी ने भी तुरन्त 21 नंबर बर्थ पर कब्ज़ा जमाया और पंकज से बोली, “अब आप पूरी रात यूं ही खड़े रहो, यही आपकी सज़ा है। हम दोनों बेचारी शरीफ, इज्जतदार महिलाओं को धोखा देकर ले आये। हमें पता होता कि टिकट कन्फर्म नहीं हुए हैं तो घर से बाहर कदम भी नहीं रखते!”

Motorcycle Diaries. Road to Ladakh… (Delhi – Kaza)

By Rishi Raj Gupta

As I rode though barren patches, I would not help admire the exquisiteness of the rocks all around – they were as spellbinding as the Grand Canyon, all through the journey on the Indo-China border. No images can describe this splendor!

During last 100kms, as the terrain turned bad to worse, I had consumed all my water. Thirsty and tired, I found water only at Dubling, after riding for over 3.5 hours. As I gulped down water, I couldn’t help observe that the same Kinley packaged water bottle we paid Rs.40/- at the HPTDC hotels (a premium of double the cost!) was being sold by this mom-&-pop shop at the MRP!

यात्रा बद्रीनाथ धाम की

By Praveen Gupta

पौराणिक मान्यताओं के अनुसार, जब गंगा नदी धरती पर अवतरित हुई, तो यह 12 धाराओं में बंट गई। इस स्थान पर मौजूद धारा अलकनंदा के नाम से विख्यात हुई और यह स्थान बद्रीनाथ, भगवान विष्णु का वास बना। भगवान विष्णु की प्रतिमा वाला वर्तमान मंदिर 3,133 मीटर की ऊँचाई पर स्थित है और माना जाता है कि आदि शंकराचार्य, आठवीं शताब्दी के दार्शनिक संत ने इसका निर्माण कराया था। इसके पश्चिम में 27 किमी की दूरी पर स्थित बद्रीनाथ शिखर कि ऊँचाई 7,138 मीटर है। बद्रीनाथ में एक मंदिर है, जिसमें बद्रीनाथ या विष्णु की वेदी है।

1 Thinairexpedition The adventure of driving to Leh and Pangong from Kargil

Really nice Asif. I am going to Leh–Ladakh this June, feeling excited already
2 B Chandramouli Experiencing the temple town of Puri, Oddisha

Hi. Thanks for sharing your experience. Kindly share the Panda's contact details on my email id and also the dakshina that can be paid to him.
3 Shivani शिव खोडी – SHIV KHODI

What a wonderful blog, written very precisely and informative. This blog will definitely help me to plan my trip to shivkodhi.
4 sunil kumar गौरी से वो मुलाकात व इकाकुला का हसीन समुद्र तट !

Very well written about Bhitarkanika .
5 rjnivah Andaman and Nicobar – Around Port Blair

Really enjoyed reading this detailed Port Blair itinerary—it nicely captures both the sightseeing and relaxed moments like Wandoor beach and Chidiya Tapu. The mix of history, nature, and local experiences…
6 armaan Andaman and Nicobar – Around Port Blair

Really enjoyed reading this, it feels like a well-paced and genuine travel experience rather than just a checklist. The mix of relaxed beach time, museums, and a bit of trekking…
7 Abhinandan Sharma Delhi to Nepal in my Honda City!!

Great post. Planning to take my Honda city there soon. Was not sure if i can take a sedan there.
8 Abhinandan Sharma Delhi to Nepal in my Honda City!!

Great post. Planning to take my Honda city there soon