Himachal Pradesh

In the lap of the great Himalayan Ranges lies this mesmerising state of Himachal Pradesh. Possessing an enviable diversity of natural beauty, Himachal Pradesh cradles snow capped mountains, snow fed rivers, dense deodar forests, cultivated terraces and apple orchards within itself. Fondly called as “Devbhumi” or land of the Gods, this land welcomes visitors to enjoy the natural splendour of Rajgarh Valley, Chail, Great Himalayan National Park and Pin Valley National Park. For a peek into the past, there are historical sites like Sujanpur Tihra and Kangra Fort.
Bird watchers would love the Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake Sanctuary, which attracts multitudes of migratory ducks from the Siberian region during winter months. Himachal Pradesh has pleasant summers and cold winters with snowfall in some places. Many favoured destinations for those who wish to get away from the heat of the plains are the hill stations of Simla, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Manali and Chail.

Himachal – Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar

By

We next stopped near Khab where Sutlej river coming from Shikpila pass towards the east meets Spiti river from north. Spiti has much cleaner water and it can be seen distinctly at the confluence. Shipkila which is a pass to Tibet/China is only around 40 km from here. One of the high peaks of Kinnaur district Reo Purgyil (6800+ mts) is also situated here.

Read More

Himachal – Shimla, Sarahan, Sangla Valley

By

Sangla is also famous for Kamru Fort. This fort is like a tower dedicated to Kamakshi Temple. The Goddess idol was brought from Guwahati (Assam). We braced ourselves and took to steep climb of stairs. The climb took us through houses of Kamru village and get a peek into their life. First there is a temple which has couple of shrines in the small courtyard in hill architecture. Their sloping roofs are lined with flat chipped stones tiles and the distinctive cone as the top. The main Kamru fort was still some climb away. Thankfully, it was quite sunny and pleasant for the climb. After some time, the Kamru fort came into view perched right at the top of the village. One has to tie a cloth around waist and wear a cap which is available in the fort to enter the precincts and go around.

Read More

Rewalsar Lake – त्रिवेणी of Love, Beauty & Dharma

By

This Gurudwara was built by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi in respect of Guru GobindSinghji. Guru Gobind Singh came to Himachal to seek support from the hill kings, for his fight against the muslim invaders. He chose Rewalsar as his camp site and had his meeting with hill kings and chalked out plans for a joint strategy against the invading armies of muslims. Guru Gobind Singh ji was so impressed by the holy vibrations of this place that he stayed here for more than a month and later Raja of Mandi built this Gurudwara in his memory.

Read More
Himachal – Kalpa, Shimla

Himachal – Kalpa, Shimla

By

I have lived in Shimla long back in early 90s when my father was posted here. I used to come in summers for 2 months for 3 years, so I was keen on visiting places where I had lived and visited during that time. We lived in a suburb of Shimla there called Kelti. The route to it is from Ridge to Longwood and then towards Kelston and then bifurcate at one point towards Kelti. It was nostalgic to walk on the same road which I used to frequent 20 years back as child. To my surprise, road was just like what it used to be. Same road barriers painted green and white, the rain shelters where I took refuge many times in rains, the ascent, descent. The final leg to Kelti was still unpaved like it was at that time. Though this time saw more people crossing me with phones in their hands, hoardings and presence of vehicles.

Read More
BRO Board

Rohtang Pass And Manali – Rohtang road review

By

A plate of Maggi for 50 bucks and a chai at 20 bucks may be a bit steep, but so is the place. Admittedly, the rampant crowd, jostling vehicles, hordes of animals, irrepressible mob of shilajeet sellers and such other elements do rob the place of exclusivity befitting a Himalayan pass at 3900+ mtrs – but that is how it comes,

Read More
Weekend Trip to Narkanda

Weekend Trip to Narkanda

By

Ah! It is always good to be back :-)

It has been a long hiatus – years I guess – since I have shared by travel experience on Ghumakkar. But its better late than never. It was a not so cold December Friday when I along with 3 companions arrived at Delhi ISBT to catch our bus to Narkanda.

Read More
An ancient church - St.John in the wilderness

McLeodganj – The mystical hub of Himachal

By

We then moved to the church of St. John in the Wilderness between Forsyth Ganj and Mcleod Ganj. This neo-gothic stone shrine was made in 1852 following Anglian structure. It was named after John the Baptist. As the structure lies deep inside dense woods, during the olden times, they appropriately named it as St. John In The Wilderness. There is a memorial devoted to Lord Elgin, who was Viceroy of India during British raj.

Read More

Dalhousie – how we made the most before the onward journey

By

The church just stood behind, surrounded by tall and dense trees. It was an old Catholic church built in 1894 exhibiting elegance of Victorian architecture. This church is a look alike of a church of England. Construction of the church was financed by people posted there during that time and local inhabitants. That is why its door remains open for all.

Read More
हिमाचल का अनमोल रत्न ‘त्रिउण्ड’ : आकर्षक पर्वतारोहण क्षेत्र

हिमाचल का अनमोल रत्न ‘त्रिउण्ड’ : आकर्षक पर्वतारोहण क्षेत्र

By

जिस प्रकार स्वादिष्ट व्यंजनों की चर्चा भूखे व्यक्ति की भूख को ओर अधिक बढ़ा देती है उसी प्रकार त्रिउण्ड के प्राकृतिक सौंदर्य की चर्चा ने घुमक्कड़ों की लालसा को भी बढ़ा दिया होगा. जिन्होंने त्रिउण्ड की घुमक्कड़ी नहीं की है उनके मन में अवश्य ही ये प्रश्न उठ रहे होंगे कि त्रिउण्ड कैसे पहुंचा जाए,

Read More