The Hidden Places of Uttrakhand – CHAKRATA & LAKHAMANDAL (Day -3)

Next day morning again I got up at 5.00 am to watch the sun rise but the weather was too bad , worst than the previous day. We got ready by 7.30am as we planned but soon it started raining but we didn’t have any choice , none of us want to leave Chakrata without seeing Tiger fall which is the main attraction of Chakrata. We waited for one hour, now rain was not too heavy so our driver said that due to heavy rain in night & morning the mud must be washed off the road hence he suggested to start our journey towards Tiger fall . It was still drizzling. We left it over god and started our journey , by the time we reached close to tiger fall rain stopped.After 20 kms of drive we had to trek for 2 kms downhill. 

Tiger Fall - CHAKRATA

The Hidden Places of Uttrakhand – CHAKRATA & LAKHAMANDAL (Day -2)

Next day we got up at 5.00 am to see the Sun rise but unfortunately we were not able to see it because of the cloudy weather. After having our Breakfast we started our journey for our next destination “Kanasar”. The road was good as compared to Deoban. Kanasar is located on Tuni highway at a distance of 30 kms from Chakrata. On the way we passed through the Apple / Pulam garden.

On the way to Kanasar 

The Hidden Places of Uttrakhand – CHAKRATA & LAKHAMANDAL (Day -I)

Since my childhood , I have been hearing about Chakrata from my father who spent his considerable time there because my grand father was working with forest Department & posted in Chakrata.

CHAKRATA

Spending a Day on Mehrauli (Delhi) – Gurgaon Road

We planned to visit the nearby areas of Mehrauli – Gurgaon road. So we covered Qutub Minar , Ahinsa Sthal & Chattarpur Mandir on the same day. These spots can be visited within a day as they lie on the same path. Visiting these spots is a good time spend for whole of the day.

Qutub Minar

A Day in Lalbagh Botanical Garden – Bangalore

Once I was on official trip to South, I reached Bangalore from Chennai by Shatabdi Express. On reaching Bangalore I came to know that due to some local festival all the offices were closed. I checked in Hotel Empire, Koramangala. I took some rest , had my lunch & I left to visit Lal Bagh Botanical Garden. 

Tehri Dam (New Tehri – Uttrakhand )

Tehri Garhwal is one of the largest districts of state uttarakhand and which lies from the snow covering Himalayan peaks of Thalaiya Sagar, Jonli and the Gangotri group all the way to the foothills near Rishikesh.

New Tehri is newly established township, it is situated at 1550 m above the sea level. Old Tehri is converted into a Lake.

It is around 350 km away from Gurgaon and takes about 10 hr. to reach New Tehri

GARDEN OF FIVE SENSES

Nowadays people are going away from the nature and like to spend their weekends and holidays visiting the malls and get bounded inside the walls of malls made from the concrete and glasses. Our children are also deprived to enjoy the beauty of nature.

MALAYSIA TRULY ASIA

Malaysia is a country that consists of 13 states & 3 federal territories. At one time it was the largest producer of tin, rubber& palm oil.

Main population of Malaysia are Malays, there are sizeable Chinese & Indians communities as well.

The official Language is Malay & Religion is Islam.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia.

Best time to visit KL – Kuala Lumpur is an affable city that can be enjoyed in every season. As regards to travel peak season, there is no definite period. KL is hot & humid through out the year.

Local transport in KL – Buses, Taxies, Monorail & Metro.

Malaysia

Guwahati – Gateway to North East

 North East

1. Shillong - Part I
2. Shillong - Part - II
3. Cherrapunjee
4. Guwahati


We left for Guwahati from shillong at 10 AM. On the way once again we stopped at Bara Pani , captured some pictures. We reached Guwahati Army transit camp by 12.30 PM. Had our lunch in mess and left for sight seeing at 2.00 pm

Bara Pani

Cherrapunjee – Wettest place in the world

North East

1. Shillong - Part I
2. Shillong - Part - II
3. Cherrapunjee
4. Guwahati

Woke up early in the morning, prepared breakfast & lunch to carry with us as there are very few options of restaurants on the way to Cherrapunjee.

We left for Cherrapunjee at 8.00 AM from Shillong.

Cherrapunjee is about 60 km from Shillong . It is a small town located on the southern edge of Khasi Hills. Cherrapunjee is locally and now officially known as ‘SOHRA’. 98% of the annual rainfall at Cherrapunjee is received in just eight months from March to October. November, December, January and February get nominal or no rainfall. Rains during these months are mostly caused by cyclonic depressions in the Bay of Bengal.

It is credited as being the wettest place on Earth. However, nearby Mawsynram has more rainfall nowadays.

Shillong – Scotland of East India (Part – II)

North East
1. Shillong - Part I
2. Shillong - Part - II
3. Cherrapunjee
4. Guwahati 


Day -3  (Shillong)

Today we planned to visit some places which were just at the heart of shillong so that by lunch we could come back home for lunch and then go out for shoppingin evening. The main Shopping areas in shillong are Bara Bazar & Police Bazar. From Tourist point of view I liked Police Bazar. Don’t forget to eat Jalebi from Delhi Mishthan Bandhar as they are really delicious.

Shillong – Scotland of East India (Part – I)

 North East


1. Shillong - Part I
2. Shillong - Part - II
3. Cherrapunjee
4. Guwahati


We had been planning to visit Shillong & Cherrapunjee for the last one year, finally we decided to go in Dec.2009 but the program was preponed to September 2009 as just after the rain the greenery of the hills & the waterfalls were in their full swing.

Seven Sisiters & One Brother

The Seven Sisters of India are the seven relatively unexplored and isolated Indian states -Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim is smallest state and brother of seven sisters

Pink City – Jaipur

Kesariya Balama Aavoni, Padharoni Mare Des Re – These lines attract most of the domestic & international Tourist towards Rajasthan.

Some of the places are very close to my heart. Rajasthan is one of them. It is one of the colourful tourist destinations of India. One can enjoy the great Hospitality of the Rajasthani People. There are several tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Some of them are Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambhore, Bharatpur, Sariska……………etc and all the places are different from each other. There are multiple tourism options of lakes, desert, mountains, forest (Sanctuaries), Historical & Pilgrims.

Lansdowne - Garhwal Rifles Headquarter

My Family was enjoying their summer vacations at my in laws place – Dehradun , so we decided to visit Lansdowne while coming back to our home Gurgaon. I reached Dehradun on 7th May 2009 from Gurgaon. In Dehradun we enjoyed family (wife , kids , sisters in law & brother in law ) picnic in Robber’s Cave (Guchchu Pani).

After staying there for 2 days we left for Lansdowne on Tuesday i.e 9th May 2009 at 10.00 AM, after one hour drive we reached Hardwar which is around 60 kms from Dehradun In Hardwar I got my car’s tank full , just want to inform that there is no petrol pump in Lansdowne, so it’s better that you refuel your car before Kotdwar.

First day – First Week of 2011 , in DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) – Concluding Part

 Dehradun 

.DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – I 

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – II

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) —-Part III

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) – Concluding Part

Route 04 —— Datwali Mata – Chanderbani Temple – Mind rolling Monastery – Guru Ramrai darbar + Shopping


On this route one can cover the following places :-

1. Datwali mata :- It is situated on Delhi road which is about 10 kms away from Dehradun city. While coming from Delhi the temple is situated just at the entrance of Dehradun before the tunnel.On enquiring about the Temple , Lady priest of the temple informed the idol placed in the temple was found while digging the tunnel hence this temple was made adjacent to the tunnel.

Datwali Mata

First Day – First Week of 2011, in DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) —-Part III

 Dehradun 

.DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – I 

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – II

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) —-Part III

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) – Concluding Part

Route 03 —— Asan Barrage – Dak Pathar – Tapkeshwar Temple – FRI Museum

On this route we can see following places :-

1. Asan Barrage :- A water sport resort has been developed by GMVN, this includes Water Skiing, Rowing, Paddle Boating, Kayaking, Double Water Skiing, Mono-Skiing and Motor Boating. It was created in 1967 & popularly known as Dhalipur lake, situated at 43 kms from Dehradun city on Chandigarh / Shimla road.

Asan Barrage

First day – First week of 2011, in DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) Part – II

 Dehradun 

.DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – I 

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – II

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) —-Part III

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) – Concluding Part
 

Route 02 – On this route we can see following places :-

Shiv Temple – Deer Park – MDDA Park – Sai temple – Tibet Temple – Robbers cave 

1. Shiva temple :- which is located about 20 km away from Dehradun on the Mussoorie Road. It is a private temple where you can not offer any donations. Initially, the temple was made for the personal use , but later it was opened for public. In Prasad they offer Rajma- Rice, Kadhi -Rice, Fried Rice. Tea is also served as Prasad.

Shiv Temple

First day – First week of 2011, in DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – I

 Dehradun 

.DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – I 

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) — Part – II

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) —-Part III

DEHRADUN (Capital of of Dev Bhoomi) – Concluding Part


Our first day of New Year began with the traveling to Dehradun. As Dehradun is our home town,most part of our vacations are spent in Dehradun only either visiting relative’s places there or taking a halt to explore Uttaranchal’s Hill stations. This time we decided to visit all the places of Dehradun which we have not visited till now. Some of the places were really not visited by us even if we are the regular visitors to this place. So through this post I want to give you the detailed information about the places which are less explored by the visitors.

This series of the post is included those places also which were visited by us earlier too except Rajaji National Park.All the worth visiting places of Dehra Dun can be divided into four routes.Giving the information about the first route and rest of the routes will be covered in the forthcoming posts.

On the way to Dehradun 

Pinjore Garden

Pinjore Gardens is  also called Yadavindra Gardens is located in Pinjore – Haryana on Ambala  Shimla road. It is situated at 22 kms from Chandigarh & 15 Kms from Panchkula. 

Cactus Garden - Panchkula ( Asia's largest outdoor Cactus garden)

We attended morning ceremonies we left for Cactus Garden - Panchkula.

Cactus Garden, situated in the heart of the city of Panchkula. It is Asia's largest outdoor Cactus garden spread over 7 acres.

Chandigarh - The first planned city of India

How Plan was made

Year 2013 was not good from the point of Ghumakkari because of constrain of time & finance as we were busy in renovating the house. Once everything was settled we planned to visit Dalhosiee / Khajjiar in Dashera holidays, by the time we were planning we got news that we have to attend a relative‘s marriage during that time in Panchkula. 

As my family never have been to Chandigarh before we decided to go in advance so that we can visit Chandigarh, Panchkula & Pinjore during our three days stay over there.

SHANGHAI – CHINA

 CHINA

1. Suzhou - China 
2. Shanghai - China  
In continuation to my previous write –up,  City of Gardens & Canals – SUZHOU (China).

Morning we checked out from the hotel Sofital – Suzhou (China), had our breakfast & left for Shanghai. My flight was to be departed same day -late night so I decided not to take a room in hotel. Some of my friends from the other countries were staying in Hotel JW Marriot -Shanghai as their flight was scheduled next day morning. I dumped my luggage in their room and proceed for sight seeing.

View from Hotel Marriot 

City of Gardens & Canals – Suzhou (China)

 CHINA

1. Suzhou - China 
2. Shanghai - China  
I was enough fortunate to visit China just one month before Olympics 2008. One can see the level of preparation & enthusiasm of Chinese to make the Olympics successful. Even the Inauguration ceremony date was interesting, it was 08.08.08.

It’s my suggestion for vegetarians, they must carry some dry ration. Food & language is a big problem there. I reduced almost 5 kg weight in 5 days. 

14.07.08 (Delhi – Shanghai – Suzhou)
There are direct flights from Delhi for Shanghai, but I was supposed to join some one in Mumbai. Jet airways operates Mumbai – Shanghai – St. Francisco. I reached Shanghai at 9.00 PM (as Per Chinese Time), the time hr. difference between India & china is approx. 2 1/2 hrs. same as Singapore /Malaysia.

Visit to BADRINATH and village MANA

1. Introduction to Dev Bhoomi - Uttarakhand
2. Scenic Spots on the Way to Yamnotri
3. Yamnotri - Origin of River Yamuna
4. Scenic spots on way to Gangotri
5. Gangotri - The origin of Holy river GANGA
6. Reverse gear to Dehradun 
7. On the way to Kedarnath  
8. Kedarnath  
9. Scenic beauty on the way to Badrinath  
10. Visit to BADRINATH and village MANA


We relaxed a while and left the hotel around 7.30 PM for Badrinath Darshan.On reaching we took the coupons for darshan from the market which was just near the temple on which expected time for darshan was mentioned. After crossing the market and a foot over bridge over Alaknanda river we reached near the temple, from there stairs go down to Tapt kund. Kund is filled with hot spring water. It is said that one should take a bath in Tapt kund before the visit to Badrinath temple.

Badrinath – Sunrise

Scenic beauty on the way to Badrinath

 Chardham Yatra
                           
1. Introduction to Dev Bhoomi - Uttarakhand
2. Scenic Spots on the Way to Yamnotri
3. Yamnotri - Origin of River Yamuna
4. Scenic spots on way to Gangotri
5. Gangotri - The origin of Holy river GANGA
6. Reverse gear to Dehradun 
7. On the way to Kedarnath  
8. Kedarnath  
9. Scenic beauty on the way to Badrinath  
10. Visit to BADRINATH and village MANA 


Our day started at 5.30 AM , It was deadly cold. We ordered our bed tea and requested for buckets of hot water.

We left the hotel around 7 O’clock and reached Shankaracharya Samadhi Sthal , which is situated at a few minutes away behind the Kedarnath temple.

On the way to Shankaracharya Samadhi Sthal

Kedarnath

 Chardham Yatra
                           
1. Introduction to Dev Bhoomi - Uttarakhand
2. Scenic Spots on the Way to Yamnotri
3. Yamnotri - Origin of River Yamuna
4. Scenic spots on way to Gangotri
5. Gangotri - The origin of Holy river GANGA
6. Reverse gear to Dehradun 
7. On the way to Kedarnath  
8. Kedarnath  
9. Scenic beauty on the way to Badrinath   
10. Visit to BADRINATH and village MANA 




We got up around 4.30 AM and left to have a holy bath in Gauri kund . There are two kunds , one for bathing and other for worshipping only. 

Kund for bath

On the way to Kedarnath

 Chardham Yatra

                           
1. Introduction to Dev Bhoomi - Uttarakhand
2. Scenic Spots on the Way to Yamnotri
3. Yamnotri - Origin of River Yamuna
4. Scenic spots on way to Gangotri
5. Gangotri - The origin of Holy river GANGA
6. Reverse gear to Dehradun 
7. On the way to Kedarnath  
8. Kedarnath  
9. Scenic beauty on the way to Badrinath   
10. Visit to BADRINATH and village MANA 



In 2010 we had been to Yamnotri & Gangotri along with my sister’s family and that time only we decided that next year we would visit Kedarnath & Badrinath. But due to some health problem it was not materialised.

But in June 2012 we were fortunate to plan the visit to Kedarnath & Badrinath with my sister’s family who also dropped their plan to visit Kedarnath & Badrinath because of us. This time my younger brother’s family and my parents also joined us. So a big group of 13 members was ready to visit. We booked 13 seater Tempo traveller @ ₹ 6000/- per day for five days from Dehradun.
We all reached my In-law’s house on June 10th, 2012 & next day morning at 6.30 AM we started our journey for Kedarnath.

Journey Begins …………

A Visit to the Protected Monument “PATALESHWAR CAVE” by chance

I have been visiting Pune for the last so many years for my official work but it was not known to me that the protected site “PATALESHWAR CAVE” is just at a walking distance from the hotel where I generally stay.

After having my lunch, I had approx two hours spare time before taking my flight, hence I thought of visiting a temple Jangali Maharaj Temple which is hardly 200 – 300 meters from my hotel.
The Jangali Maharaj Temple is one of the sacred place in Pune located on Jangali Maharaj Road , which is centrally situated at Shivaji Nagar.

Jangali Maharaj Temple 

Kochi (Kerala) – God’s own country ----- Part 2

 KERALA 

1. Kochi ----Part 1
2. Kochi ----Part 2 

 
23.08.09 (Fort Cochin)

The best way to explore the near by area of Fort Cochin is to take a ferry boat (Passenger Boat) from Boat Jetty – Marien Drive & get down at Fort Cochin. From there walk down to Fort Cochin Beach via Dutch palace / Museum , Jewish Synagogue , Jewish town , Vasco da Gama square, Santa cruz basilica , st. Francis Church.

Kochi

KOCHI (KERALA) – GOD’S OWN COUNTRY ---Part I

 KERALA 


1. Kochi ----Part 1
2. Kochi ----Part 2 

Welcome to the God’ own Country – Kerala (India)

I was in Kochi from 19.08.09 to 24.08.09 to attend a conference in Hotel Le – Meriden. Morning to evening I had to be busy with the conference and time was a big constraint for me to explore this new city.

KOCHI

Sultanpur National Park

I had been planning to visit Sultanpur National Park with my family for the last many years but unfortunately due to the limited (peak) time period of visiting the park i.e. Dec. & Jan. , it could not be materialized. My children & I generally have off during Saturdays but my wife has to go. One Saturday due to some program in school my daughters and wife were supposed to go to school & I had to drop them. Luckily the school falls on the same way to Park. All of a sudden it struck on my mind that instead of killing my time alone at home I should visit the park.

Sultanpur National Park

Half day visit to Kolkata – The city of joy

Welcome to THE CITY OF JOY – Kolkata. 

Brief History of Calcutta (kolkata)

Kolkata is capital of West Bengal situated at the bank of river Hooghly. It was capital of British India .Calcutta city established in the year 1686, as a result of expansion plans of British Raj. Calcutta derived its name from the name of a village kalikata.

The period between 1820 and 1930 saw the growing of seeds of nationalism that reached its height in 1905, when people stood against Lord Cruzan’s plan regarding the partition of Bengal. Rabindranath Tagore led the nationalist anti partition movements. The Partition was repealed in 1911, followed by the shifting of capital of India from Calcutta to New Delhi. In 2001, Calcutta was officially renamed Kolkata.

I got an opportunity to attend a training in IIM – Kolkata. Although there was a tight schedule, but I along with other trainees got a chance to visit Kolkata for half a day.

Kolkata is a rare blend of tradition & modernity. On the roads of Kolkata you will find the old buses with antique designed wooden windows running & on the other side speeding up the Volvo buses. One can find tram as well as metro, taxi/auto as well as rickshaws pulled by man.

Kolkata Tram

A Divine Yatra to Dev Bhumi – Uttrakhand

UTTRAKHAND became the 27th state of India in Nov.2000.The provisional capital of Uttrakhand is Dehradun. It is also known as Dev Bhumi (Land of God) because of multiple Hindu Pilgrimages.

Uttrakhand is divided into two parts, the western part is known as Garhwal & Eastern part is Kumaon.

Char Dham of Garhwal – Badrinath , Kedarnath , Gangotri & Yamontri form the the Char Dham.

Last year during the Nav Ratras we planned to go to Chandrabadni Mandir in Tehri Garwhal. We followed the route Gurgaon –Delhi – Ghaziabad –Meerut – Muzzafar Nagar – Rorkee – Haridwar-Rishikesh- Devprayag , Hindola khal-Jamni khal – Nekhari –Jurana -Chandrabadni .

Johannesburg City Tour

 SOUTH AFRICA 

1. Rhino & Lion Park -- Johannesburg (South Africa)
2. Wonder Caves & Apartheid Museum  -- Johannesburg (South Africa)
3. Revisit to Johannesburg  -- Johannesburg (South Africa)
4. Lion Park -- Johannesburg (South Africa)
5. Sterkfontein caves -- Johannesburg (South Africa)
6. Johannesburg city tour  -- Johannesburg (South Africa)


In my last post I covered Lion park & Sterkfontein caves which was a wonderful & unforgettable experience, now let’s explore the city too.

We came out of Sterkfontein caves and proceeded to the Johannesburg city. The road was smooth and was not crowded untill we reach the main city.

On the way to Johannesburg city