हमने जिसपा की खूबसूरत घाटी मे बस कदम ही रखा था और पहोचते ही ठिकाना ढूंढ़ने की तलाश मे यहाँ वहा भटकने लगे। दोपहर के करीब 2.30 बज रहे थे और धुप की किरणे मुझे सुई की तरह तेज़ चुभ रही थी। हम कुछ क्षण के लिए बस आपस मे विचार विमर्श करने रुके ही थे के सामने caravan से एक पतला दुबला सा लम्बे कद का युवक हमारी मदद करने के लिए बहार आया। उसके बाल कंधे तक लम्बे और रुख-सूख से गए थे , चेहरा भी ठण्ड के चलते सुख सा रहा था। ऐसा व्यतीत होता था जैसे पानी से उसकी कुछ ख़ास बनती नहीं हो । मेरी नजर caravan के सामने एक लकड़ी के घर पे पड़ी जिसपे टैटू पार्लर का बोर्ड लगा हुआ था। इतनी एकांत वाली जगह पे जहा घर उंगलियों पे गिने जा सकते थे वहा यह दृश्य मन मे कई सवाल पैदा कर ही देगा। “क्या यह पार्लर ऐसी जगह पे चलता भी है?” “और अगर हा तो ठण्ड मे जब ये इलाका पूरी तरह बंद होता है, तब इनकी आमदनी का क्या?” “उन्होंने आखिर इतनी हिम्मत कर कैसे इतना बड़ा कदम उठाया?” मेरा मन बच्चे की तरह बस उनकी कहानियाँ सुनने के लिए विचलित हो उठा। बस उसी पल मानो मेरी मन की बात पढ़ तुरंत ही उसने अपने घर बुलाया । इस एक मंजिले घर मे तीन जने मिल कर रह रहे थे। कमरा कुछ ख़ास बड़ा नहीं था पर तीन जनो के लिए काफी था। घर काफी तिथल पीथल हो रखा था। टेबल पर दारु की बोतल, बीड़ी और सिगरेट बिखरी पड़ी थी, सामने दो कुत्ते दोपहर की नींद मार रहे थे और दीवारे paintings से भरी हुई थी। उसकी girlfriend ने हमें देख बड़ी चौड़ी मुस्कुराहट के साथ स्वागत किया और तुरंत ही घर जचाने लगी। इत्मीनाम से बैठकर हमने कुछ सिगरेट और बीड़ी पर घंटो चर्चा की। बातो से पता पड़ा की युवक IIT passout था और मुंबई मे chemical enggineer था और उसकी girlfriend भी मुंबई मे ही काम करती थी। मानो एक दूसरे से हमारा कितना गहरा सम्बन्ध हो और कई साल बाद मिल रहे हो। हमने कला, ज़िन्दगी, अध्यात्म, राजनीती, इत्यादि पे काफी चर्चा की। हम सब ने अपनी ज़िन्दगी मे आयी चुनौतीयों और उससे किस तरह सामना किया इस पर भी दिल खोल कर बाते की। सूरज भी अब ढलने को था पर बातो का कोई अंत नहीं। मेरे लिए तो यह सब एक सपने जैसा था ।
पर इस सपने का भी अंत होना तय था। सफर की यही ख़ूबसूरती है। सभी को पता है के इसके आगे शायद ही कभी मुलाक़ात हो। इसलिए सब एक दूसरे से विनम्रता से पेश आते है। विनम्रता मे इतनी ताकत है के यह ऊँच-नींच, सही -गलत का भेदभाव खत्म कर हमे एक दूसरे को बेहतर समझने मे मदद करता है और इसी दौरान हम बहोत कुछ सीख भी जाते है।
Dubai is a city full of surprises. Each year thousands and thousands of tourists visit Dubai to experience this glamorous city and see the marvelous buildings and architecture. Dubai Holidays is on most people’s agenda at least once in their lifetime. It has without a doubt become the entertainment capital of the world.
There are innumerable places to visit in Dubai and it is a city that caters to all age groups. Be it grandparents, parents or kids, everyone has loads of things to do in Dubai. But it is also a city full of surprises. And the list is so long that it is difficult to mention everything here. But I am going to list down ten facts about Dubai that will really surprise you. Want to know what it is? Read on.
10 Things that will surprise you when you visitDubai:
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world: Since its inauguration in 2010, Burj Khalifa still holds the record of being the tallest building in the world. At more than 828 meters and more than 160 floors, it offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. The visitors can go to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floor for a 360-degree view of this magical city, and also take a guided tour to the 148th The 125th floor pays a tribute to Arab arts and culture.
Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island: Dubai has always been a city of fascinating architecture. No wonder that they also hold a world record for the first man-made island Palm Jumeirah. Opened in 2001, the tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago famous for its extravagant restaurants, sophisticated apartment towers, and swanky hotels. Palm Jumeirah Monorail is the first monorail in the Middle East that connects it to the mainland.
ATMs that dispense gold: Yes, you read it right. You can buy anything from a gold coin to a gold bar from The Gold to Go ATM in Dubai Mall. The computer inside the vending machine changes the price based on the real-time market fluctuations. There are three such ATMS in Dubai, two in Burj Khalifa and one in Atlantis Hotel.
No Income-Tax: Wow! What can be more amazing than the fact that you don’t have to pay Income Tax? Yes, you get your whole salary without any deductions in Dubai. The only tax that you pay is the VAT (Value Added Tax) while buying products. This is one of the biggest reasons for many people to establish their business in Dubai.
Longest automated Metro Line: Another surprising fact about Dubai is that it has the longest driver-less single metro line. In fact, it made it to the Guinness Book of Records as the longest automated metro line. Currently, the Red and Green lines are operational with another line under construction.
Police Sports Cars: The Dubai Police owns a fleet of high-end luxury cars such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bentleys. The fleet also includes Aston Martin, Bugatti, and the likes. The idea is to break down barriers between the police and the public. And the icing on the cake is that most of the expensive cars such as Bentley and Ferrari are driven by women police officers.
Experience Sand and Snow throughout the year: Probably the only place in the whole world where you can enjoy desert safaris and experience snow any time of the year. Ski Dubai is a snow park with real snow constructed right in the middle of the desert. There is a 85-meter-high mountain and an indoor skiing facility. The park maintains a temperature of -1 to -2 degrees throughout the year and the highlight are the penguins that have been transported all the way from Antarctica.
Reward for losing weight: Looking for an incentive to lose weight? Well, the Dubai Government awards a family 2 grams of gold for every kilogram lost. This gives you a big motivation to stop making excuses and lose weight.
No address in Dubai: The residents in Dubai did not have a street address until a few years ago. They used to direct people to places using landmarks. Recently, the government has allotted unique codes for each building to streamline the process of finding an address.
Biggest theme-based mall in the world: For a real shopping experience, head out to the Ibn Battuta Mall. Named after the renowned traveler Ibn Battuta who traveled the world in 1335, this is the biggest theme-based mall in the world. The mall is divided into six different courts: India, China, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Andalusia, representing the different places he traveled to. Enjoy some lip-smacking food in the restaurants or pamper yourself with new clothes and perfumes in their stores.
Tips for Travelers:
Planning a vacation to Dubai and not sure what to do? The following tips will surely help you:
The best time to travel is from November to April when the weather is pleasant. All the major tourist attractions in Dubai will be open this time of the year. The months of January and February are especially crowded because of the famous Dubai Shopping Festival and the entire city comes alive. But, since this is the peak season, the hotel rates and airfares are really high.
If you are not looking to travel during peak seasons, you can travel during comparatively off-peak months such as May, September, and October. The crowd is comparatively less, and you will get good bargains in hotels and airfare.
Do some research about the season you are visiting in so that you can enjoy all the activities
Process your visa at least one month in advance to avoid last moment delays
Book hotels and air tickets at least a few months in advance to get the best price
Ensure you carry your passport, travel insurance, and other important documents
Carry your international debit and credit cards for purchases. For other expenses, it is better to exchange your local currencies with dirhams at the airport or the malls where you get a good exchange rate
If shopping for gold in Dubai Gold Souk, compare prices at various stores to get the best deals
Conclusion: No matter when you plan to visit Dubai, there is always something to do. A short trip will not do justice to this delightful city. Plan a long fun trip so that you can explore as many places as possible.
After exploring Mahabaleshwar for 2 days, we found ourselves saturated with the place and decided to return. The long weekend had invited a lot of crowd in the hills and we were so impregnated with the act of travelling that even though we had 2 more days before getting back to the routine, we decided to call it a quit and spend rest of the time at home. But is it so easy to convince the mad heart who has already tasted freedom? One often arrives at a point on the road where he has to choose the course that defines his journey and that is the beauty of travelling! On our way back, our silence conveyed that we were unhappy with the decision. My friend casually suggested that we visit his village which was not too far from Mahabaleshwar. Being raised in a metropolitan city, I’ve only had few opportunities to experience rural life that made me immediately second his idea.
As we took a detour from the main highway, the vehicles were replaced by the refreshing greens and contours of the hills slicing the horizon. I took deep breaths deliberately, filling the lungs with fresh air, enjoying the momentary freedom and soaking the beauty of the countryside. On the way, my curious eyes spotted a group of people burning crops on firewood. “This is called Hurda party”, my friend replied looking at my inquisitiveness. After toiling hard in the field, the farmers celebrate the good harvest of Jowar by roasting its seed and eating it with garlic/groundnut chutney or sometimes along with jaggery. Later, I learned that this simple dish of farmers is now loved by the urban people so much that it has begun to find its way in restaurants. Also, events are held up at various farms near Pune to celebrate the Hurda party. The discussion invariably gave rise to my fantasy of living a slow-paced life, unlike the cities. As usual, I found beauty in every aspect of simple living while my friend pointed out the hardships involved in living such a life. He told me how once they had to face a huge loss when vegetable rates had slashed in the market owing to seasonal produce which resulted in more supply than the actual demand. The traders bought the vegetables from the farmers by paying peanuts that did not even meet the cost of labor involved for production. As a result, many farmers decided to not sell the product and left it to decay. He also told me that his village was a drought-stricken area which depends majorly on the ground waters and artificial lakes. Although the government provides subsidies to farmers to build wells/lakes, there are poor farmers who are still not able to avail the facilities and have to face a lot of adversities. It left me thinking for a moment but how could a dreamer weave his dream with logic? The endless green farms and fresh air blowing on my face easily deviated me from the topic. Soon, the concrete roads turned into the dusty lane and few farmers were heading way back home. We had finally made it to the village and as soon as we reached the front gates of my friend’s home I was uninvitingly welcomed by the barks of the dog. Before I go and try to play with him I’m warned that unlike the dogs of the cities, he can’t be easily tamed and loved. The human-animal companionship is mostly based on give and take relationship here unlike in the cities where people adopt an animal for status/pleasure and are well trained. It was a street dog who resided in the courtyard of the house and was fed well. In return, he guarded the farms and the house. Now, a little cautious of the dog, I entered the house and was warmly welcomed by his family members. I noticed that the courtyard was a mess owing to the renovation work that was going on to convert the old traditional house into a big concrete one. At one end of the courtyard was a temporary hut where the family lived. My friend took me into the house to keep my belongings. It was a small room already filled with the household stuff, waiting to be shifted to the new house and could barely accommodate the family of 5. They were little hesitant if I would be able to adjust but I assured them that I was very comfortable and had no problem at all. With time, their guilt was also absolved as I got familiarized with the conditions. After freshening up and having refreshments, I was given the tour of the new house showing all the rooms and corners in its concrete form. We headed to the roof which was still under construction. It provided the whole view of the village with a temple in the center and farms on its periphery stretching up to the base of the hills in the far distant. The sun painted the sky orange in contrast to the green farms, replicating the image of the Indian flag. While my friend and his uncle got busy in monitoring the construction work, I got lost again, immersed in peace and the beauty of the countryside.
Solshi village lies in the district of Satara. According to the locals, it acquires its name from 16(Sol) shivlingas that lies in the surrounding area of the village.
Dinner was served at around 8 and tough it was a simple food served with bhakri, dal and vegetable, I remember eating it more than the usual. My stomach always has enough space for home cooked delicacies and most of the time it doesn’t even make me regret overeating. Rather, I feel happy and satisfied. Since there wasn’t enough space for me and my friend to sleep in the makeshift hut; we took our bedrolls and slept in the village temple that night.
The next morning, after having breakfast, since my friend got busy doing the household chores, I set out alone for a walk around the village. There were old men sitting under the tree, children playing cricket in the temple courtyard while few passersby stared at me smiling and inquiring about my whereabouts. Walking further towards the farm, I could identify few crops like jowar, grams, onion and tomato which is grown here in abundance. I aimlessly hopped from one farm to other watching farmers going about their day, sat by the well watching children diving and bathing in the well and after feeling tired wondering, found a place under a tree and irresistibly got lulled to sleep by the cool breeze. Later, my friend along with his granny took me around their own farm. Granny plucked the gram crop for me and was delighted to see me feasting on it and enjoying the village life. Upon returning home, we were served scrumptious puranpoli for the lunch post which I retired to bed again. It was all about taking a rest and going with the pace of slow village life.
We prepared for the ride back home in the evening. The family kept persisting that I should visit them again after the renovation and apologized for all the troubles I had to face. But, how could I explain to them the childhood fantasy of mine whenever I saw the farms and mud houses from the window seat of the train and to have actually experienced all of it here. I was indeed living my fantasy without even going through the harsh reality of living a simple life. A sense of gratitude filled my heart not only because of the experience but also for my own conditioned life that I often took for granted. I hope my smile expressed at least a little bit of what I felt inside as I bade farewell to them heartily. Spending some leisure time in an obscured village made me realize the kind of vacation that I was actually yearning for. The insatiable hunger for exploring new places can sometimes blind you with the delusion of having fun. Sometimes all we need is to slow down and really enjoy the vacation in true sense. I got lucky with this opportunity and was glad to be able to recognize it. It’s not always foolish to listen to the impractical heart after all. It can take you to places you have already visited a thousand times before even actually having arrived there!
Mumbai has become synonymous with the madding crowd and commercialization. People are so used to the working lifestyle here that most of them find it hard to imagine living a slow-paced life. The old colonial buildings in South Mumbai are just any other office building on a regular day outside which people can be seen taking a break from their work, sipping chai, devouring on roadside snacks or puffing a smoke. The beaches and the seafront areas quietly observe the vehicles rushing past by them on the weekdays, embracing few love birds and college students, only waiting for the weekends to be filled with the crowd. Ask any Mumbaikar after they return from a holiday away from the city, they will say how slow the life is in other parts of the country/abroad and that it is now difficult to enjoy the life of such kind for a longer period. However, it would be wrong to perceive Mumbai as machine-producing robots. From what may seem a life of constant hustle-bustle to many, Mumbaikars have somehow learned to embrace this lifestyle and find strength and hope from the daily grind. And where there is a struggle, there is art! There are rebels and people desperate to find their expression. And of course, being a business capital, the city has given freedom to many, who are above the struggle-for-survival bar to explore their interest in the field of arts.
Myriad of colors at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.
In between the pulsating Mumbai- A city that never sleeps, art is like a skipped beat, a moment of joy breaking the monotony and bringing people closer while spreading awareness about the socio-cultural affairs of the city as well as the country. No wonder, Mumbai is the hub for art lovers that provide a platform to many aspiring artists to showcase their talent even on international level. The Kala Ghoda arts festival is trying to conserve that spirit of Mumbai, passionately for 20 years, making it the biggest street festival of arts in India.
The weekdays generally see a lot of crowd from colleges all over Mumbai. It almost feels like walking on the college campus.
Felt a little old to sit on the steps and pass away time like that.
Being a person who prefers walking over taking a cab, reaching to the event from Churchgate station itself felt like a part of a heritage walk as the road is flanked by the colonial buildings taking me back to old Bombay days ( Bombay is an old name for Mumbai). Kala Ghoda, the location of the event, is surrounded by prominent buildings like Rythm House, Jehangir art gallery, Sassoon Doc library and the Max Muller Bhawan, which itself is an assurance that the place cannot let down the visitors and has something to offer to everyone, be it a theatre enthusiast, cinema, architecture, music, painting, literature or even a food lover! (Did I forget to mention the new selfie lover generation?)
An ode to Bollywood.
The famous Bollywood celebrities, musicians, dancers, comedians grace the festival with their performances while the authors, painters, filmmakers, etc engage with the budding artists in the various events held throughout the festival. The small scale entrepreneurs and local artisans grab this as an opportunity to showcase their crafts by selling handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, home décor, ceramics, etc. Many of the stalls, in fact, see a lot of customers throughout the day. The 9-day long festival becomes a haven for both, the artists and the connoisseur of art bridging a gap between the two by exchanging each other’s ideology, struggle and interest. The various events held during the festival are free of cost and welcomes people from all walks of life not only from the city and country but from all over the world making it stand true to its tagline- Of the people, for the people, by the people.
A nostalgic moment for the ’80s and ’90s kids.
Although I was unable to attend the various scheduled events due to lack of time, I made sure to go through the art installations. Many of them left a deep impression on me and made me appreciate the effort put in to spread the message on a public platform. On the other hand, it was disheartening to see many people attending the festival without understanding the message being tried to convey. I heard many youngsters remarking that they hardly understood anything about it without even reading the explanation given beside each art form. Art- a combination of reality and fiction is rather based on the simple philosophies of life, trying to retrace our roots. Anyways as the saying goes, the teacher arrives when the student is ready- the aesthetic art that can jolt a person’s deepest desire and feelings in subtle ways, is appealing mostly to people who are willing to learn and expand their horizons. One thing that I would take along from this festival is that the art lies in details and patterns that are everywhere. It is how an individual perceives things and expresses them that give art so many forms and colors.
The colorful ceiling of taxis in Mumbai caught the eye of Rachel Lopez introducing visitors to the interesting but often overlooked art form. Follow ‘thegreaterbombay’ on Instagram for more pictures. Source- Google
Apart from celebrating the 20th anniversary of the festival, it commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and also tried to spread his teachings. The art installations conveyed the message for dreamers, educated about the existing social stigmas, depicted various moods and phases of life, tried to decipher the roles of people, memories, dreams, and time while also reminiscing the journey of the festival so far. Below are few of them that may leave you spellbound and appreciate the art as well.
The Cloud of Diamonds
The installation depicts how consciously/subconsciously, we form a cloud of diamonds built from our aspirations and experiences in life. The ladders denote the path to reach the cloud. Sometimes, the way to the cloud is simple but we often take a complicated route that is denoted by crisscross ladders. The carriage symbolizes the world we live in with friends and community playing an important role to help us reach towards our destiny, thereby warning us to choose people carefully. It acts as a platform that life provides to climb the ladder and the wheels at the base denote the circle of life with its sole purpose to help us reach toward that cloud of diamonds. Are you moving toward your cloud of diamonds?
Roots to sky:
A tree made from a scrap of bicycles denotes the importance of healthy childhood days that shape our adulthood. Just like the strength of the roots determine the growth of a tree, the simple joys of childhood like playing, riding bicycles, dancing, singing, painting, etc strengthens our cognitive and decision-making skills and helps us to face the highs and lows of life.
Kalantar
An hourglass with sand in the upper part depicts the present moment, slipping away with time and settling down as memories. The wings reflect the aspirations to soar higher and evolve as a better human being.
The Infinite Spindle
Reflects the infinite loop of life with our memories and dreams intermingling with others, denoting solidarity.
Kalpataru
The tree itself portrays hope as it is also known as a wish-fulfilling tree. The trunk wrapped in receding colors from bright to dark symbolizes the truth of life. The books, degree, medals etc. show the joyous moments in the life of privileged ones, while the dream catcher depicts the unfulfilled dreams of underprivileged children who have been victims of trafficking, abuse and child labor. The mirror on the trunk reflects the face of an individual observing it as if asking him/her if they are contributing their bit to the society.
Ghoda Ghadi
The structure when rotated upside down reveals the irregular colors of the bar opposite to the hourglass in the perfect shape of a horse. It depicts the mystery of time and journey conveying the message that everything makes sense with the passing of time bringing out a new spirit and healing all the fragmented emotions.
Shah Rangi
The horse head made from stained glasses is dedicated to the journey of the Kala Ghoda Festival responsible to bring out the colors of the city.
Warping Time
Denotes the continuous progress of time weaving with the memories and experiences.
Life in Mumbai is always chaotic. This is one city in India that never sleeps. Mumbai is dynamic, exciting and full of life. The hustle and bustle of life is always restless and working 24 x 7. But other than the shimmers and glitters of this city, Mumbai also has to offer a lot of weekend trip near Mumbai. These are the places that everyone should visit to relax their mood and rewind themselves. Mumbai is surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats and offers a lot of getaway options to the tired soul. This is what made us create this article for travellers who are looking for superb weekend getaways. Read on
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary in on the Mumbai- Goa highway. If you are looking for a peaceful and lovely getaway near Mumbai then this has to be your first choice. The forest is spread over 4.8 sq km and it is the home of more than 150 bird species. Not just this over 37 immigrant birds can also be seen in Karnala Bird Sanctuary. This could be your ideal picnic spot for the weekend too. Take along your family and drive here.
The distance from Mumbai to Karnala Bird Sanctuary is 60 km and the best time to visit here is from October to April. Avoid the monsoon season to visit this place because you will hardly see any birds during the rainy season.
Source: Google
Things to do: Bird watching, trekking, the botanical garden.
Karjat
Kajrat is 62 km away from Mumbai and it won’t take you a lot of time to reach here. On the basin of river Ulhas nestles the beautiful town ofKarjat. This is a place which is immensely blessed by nature. Mountains, picturesque view, forts, vistas, and rock-cut cave temples make this small town a must visit place near Mumbai. There are a lot of things to do in Karjat.
The best time to visit here is in between July to September.
Karjat in monsoon.
Things to do: You can come here to relax, trek, and rock climbing, waterfall climbing, picnic, boating, white water rafting, and rappelling.
Matheran
The next that we have on our list is perhaps one of the most popular destinations among the weekenders. Matheran lies at a height of 2516 above sea level. What you will get to experience here is a lush green forest, peaceful environment, and serenity. Well, isn’t that a good reason to visit Matheran? You can also take a ride on toy ride from Neral to Matheran. If you require any taxi service to travel try Uber promo code.
Matheran is 83 km away from Mumbai and the best time to visit here is from October to May.
Source: Google
Things to do: Trekking, horse riding, sightseeing, walking and valley crossing. Once you reach here you can go to the Heart Point, Luisa Point, Lords Point, Echo Point, and One Tree Hill.
Lonavala and Khandala
Remember the “aatikyakhandala song” from the movie Ghulam? Yes, we are talking about the same Khandala. This twin hill resort at a distance of 93 km from Mumbai and to be honest is the heart of Mumbai people. Whether you are planning for a one day trip or want to embrace the hills and forget about everything, well Lonavala and Khandala are the places for you.
The best time to visit here is in between October to May. You can plan a two-day trip here to explore everything that Lonavala and Khandala has to offer
View from Tungarli Lake, Lonavala.
Things to do: You can visit Korigad Fort, Bedsa Cave, Tungarli Lake, Duke’s Nose, Pavna Lake, and Lonavala Lake. This place is famous for trekking, flee market and camping.
Kamset
After you complete your trip in Lonavala and Khandala travel for 16 km to reach Kamset. If you are an adventurous person and love to take part in enthralling sports then you are going to love us for introducing you to Kamset. Kamset is the king of paragliding in India. This place is covered with a plethora of paragliding spots. For a quick adrenaline rush make sure to do paragliding here. You can avail Ola coupon code to hire an Ola outstation cab.
It is 102 km away from Mumbai and the best time to visit here is from October to May.
Source: Google
Things to do: Kamset is famous among paragliders, apart from this come here to visit Karla Caves, Kondeshwar Temple, Uksan Dam, Bhairi Cave, Bedsa Caves, and Raikar Farm. You can come here to enjoy trekking, swimming, rock climbing, as well as boating.
Kolad
If on your next weekend trip all you want to do is take part in adventurous activities then visit Kolad. Once you see the Kundalika River gushing in full force, you will be blown away looking at the serene beauty. It’s an ideal place for travellers who want to have some fun along with sightseeing.
The distance from Mumbai to Kolad is 124 km and the best time to visit here is from June to February.
Source: Google
Things to do: You can visit Tala, Kundalika River, Kansai Falls, Kuda Caves, and Tamhini Falls. Come here for hiking, paragliding, rafting, boating, and kayaking.
MalshejGhat
Take a road trip from Mumbai to Malshej and enjoy the beautiful trip. You will cross the majestic Western Ghats Mountain pass which will rejuvenate your soul and uplift your mood. You know you need a break and nothing can be better than taking a long drive through the mountains.
The distance from Mumbai to MalshejGhat is 154km and the best time to visit here is either from July to September or from October to March.
Things to do: Trekking, camping, picnic with friends and family.
Now you know where to go for the next weekend getaway trip. So, pack your bags and drive.
After knowing the history of Mehrangarh Fort and understanding the grand scheme of things that ran the old blue city, it was time to explore Jodhpur breathing in modern times. The city that has a sense of familiarity with that of the crowd, noise, traffic, various smells, food, shops, etc.
Sardar Market/ Clock Tower
So we headed to the Sardar Market. Some of the things I could spot in the market were vegetables, spices, street foods, clothes, ornaments and jewelry, antiques, etc. However, it was the clock tower that attracted my attention the most. The clock tower situated at the center which was once the only means for the labor class to know the time is now a prominent landmark of the city. A more than century-year-old clock tower was built by the then King Sardar Singh. Apparently, he paid a huge sum to the London company to build this unique clock which cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Here are a few more interesting facts about the clock tower:
The clock runs by a movement of heavy iron loads suspended on wires.
It requires winding by a key that weighs approx. 10 kgs!
The bell makes a distinct sound each time it strikes.
The complex mechanism of the clock is only known to a family responsible for running the clock for 2 generations.
Mr. Mohd. Iqbal- The man responsible for the working of the clock- proudly flaunts the cutouts of the articles published about him in the newspapers and other magazines.
View of the market from the clock tower.
Turji ka Jhalra- Stepwell
A few meters away from the clock tower lies a stepwell which seems like a place for a social gathering of locals. Kids playing, people having snacks, a group of friends chatting, few tourists clicking photographs, while some sitting on the steps observing the life passing by, helped me experience the life in Jodhpur, in general. I was quite surprised by looking at its depth. The steep symmetrical steps leading to the water body tempted me to go further down to reach the water level. The stepwell was left in an abandoned state until it was restored a few years ago along with the surrounding area which is also refurbished with cafes and hotels keeping up with the tourist theme of the place. As a result, it is now attracting the attention of the tourists. However, I wish there was more information provided about the place.
In an attempt to convert a rocky wasteland surrounding the Mehrangarh fort into an ecological park, Rao Jodha desert park was created in 2006. It gives a glimpse of the local topography with different types of rocks, birds and native plants growing in this part. With very few tourists around, the place felt even more interesting to explore at our own pace. The sturdy castle of Mehrangarh lay on a rugged hillock right across the park while we ambled through the overgrown bushes, crossed lakes and rested on the rock when felt so. I also observed the tourists zip lining from the Mehrangarh fort up to the park, which I think is a good idea to have an aerial view of the city and its heritage.
My love for nature made me ditch Jaswant Thada– A memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh to visit Kaylana Lake during the sunset hours. But to my disappointment, the sun hid behind the hills well before casting its orange rays. The place is also poorly maintained and is not as good as reviewed on the internet. Although with the sitting arrangements and the boating facilities, it serves as a picnic spot which is mostly frequented by locals.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built by the erstwhile ruler Maharaja Umaid Singh, it is the last royal palace built in India and is one of the world’s largest private residences. The palace is now divided into three parts- the first being the residence of the royal family (Maharaja Gaj Singh, the grandson of Umaid Singh is the current resident of the palace); the second is part of a Taj hotel; and the third is converted into a museum housing vintage cars, collection of clocks, furniture, antiques, armories, family memorabilia, and paintings.
With the architecture as beautiful as this, I wonder if beauty really lies in the eye of a beholder?
To say that 2018 was a roller coaster ride would be such a generic statement to make. When we look back at the past and realize how far we have made it, it always seems to be a roller coaster ride of emotions, challenges, defeats, and victory. However, for me, 2018 was to consciously take a ticket for a crazy ride. Somehow I had already realized that it is going to be a year of persistence and bold decisions. Was this ride worth it? Of course yes, but did it lead me towards success or finding a purpose in life? I know not!
After experimenting with so many solutions in the chemistry lab of life, all I derived was the precipitation of lessons which I would like to carry with me in the years to follow.
Stop. Introspect. Choose.
Reasoning from my point of view after taking advice from others and learning to say “No” to people/ experiences I don’t like helps me to be content with my choices, irrespective of good/bad.
Lost in contemplation. Successfully ditched the new year plans of Goa and escaped to a relatively quiet place- Vengurla Beach, Maharashtra.
When slogging for 14 hrs. a day took a toll on my health, I decided to call it a quit. But, even difficult is to get rid of the past that leads to over-thinking, procrastination, and fearing the possibilities that may/ may not arise. The more I learn to let go my past, the more I feel detached from these mental habits associated with them. It also helps me to focus on the road that lies ahead.
Most of the things in life are simple.
Now that I have quit my job and have time to observe myself as a third person, I realize that how subconsciously we are entangled into habits that are worthless. And some of them become the reason for restlessness and complicate things to a point from where it is difficult to return. Like always craving for fast food, constantly checking the phone for no good reason, spending a lot of time in the toilet, etc. It feels surprisingly good to be active throughout the day after relying on raw vegetables, fruits, and home cooked food. Keeping the phone away saves a lot of time which can be invested in other useful things. Going quickly through the morning chores helps me abide by the daily routine of exercise and mediation. It’s simple. Really!
Forget everything for a while. Go watch a sunset!
Loneliness is a gift, we fail to admire.
From sleeping like a bear and socializing for rest of the day to sitting in a bedroom trying to utilize the siesta time, being alone made me feel anxious at first but gradually helped me to learn a thing or two on my own without even realizing of the efforts put into it.
Having not yet figured out what I really want to do with life, I find it wise to win each day and patiently hope for things to fall in place. This is the only way I know to console my heart. Meditation also helps.
Aren’t we all travellers traversing from one experience to another by learning and unlearning things and meeting new people on our way? And in the end, we are all alone making our choices on this journey called life.
Whenever I feel discouraged, I look back at my younger self who was an impulsive child, always willing to learn and win. With the time and maturity, I seem to have lost a deeper connection with myself which I continuously try to trace back now. I strongly believe that we had all the qualities as a child that we are now looking for.
Prove everyone right when they say travelling is escaping from responsibilities. Travel more often! Also, don’ rely completely on humanity while travelling. Racism and bad people exist in society. Be alert and travel smart.
Varkala: Where caucasian foreigners are respected more than the fellow countrymen.
Very close to the tourist destination lies an interesting town/ a village unexplored.
This year I stuck to a formula to explore an alternative place to the famous tourist spot where transport, food, and accommodation wouldn’t be a problem owing to its proximity to a well-known place. My experiences in such places were so good that I’m yet to find the right words to describe those places in my blog.
The sun bids a final goodbye by enchanting the snowy peak with its last few rays! Picture clicked at Bathad village in Himachal, situated at the last motorable road ahead of Gushaini (Tirthan Valley).
In my quest to finding interest in things I would love to do, I noticed that doing anything repeatedly, however for a small period of time, not only helps to grow interest in the subject but also increases will and focus to do it. And in order to develop such a good habit, discipline is necessary.
After reading a countless number of books on effective ways of living, writing and even blogging, there are a few common points in all of them stressing on the power of affirmation, visualization and practicing silence. I always found it difficult to obey the step-by-step rules mentioned in the books. But spending a week in YSS ashram in Ranchi helped me understand that the simple and effective way to achieve this can be prayer. Let’s just say prayer acts as a lubricant applied to the mechanical ways of “10 steps to success…”
Above all, I have learned to make peace with myself. Happiness, sadness, mistakes, struggle are part of all of us. We can’t remain in the same state forever. Can we? All we can do is to sit and observe them sometimes, like a motion picture where we are just a spectator. Only then we’d realize how much we were missing on the simple details, that makes the picture a brilliant cinematic experience. Some of those moments teach us something while many of them don’t make sense to us. And that’s okay!
Take it easy!
Did you jot down the lessons learned in 2018? Do you have a resolution for the next year? Share your views in the comment.
My initial plan before leaving to Pushkar was to meet my cousins in Jaipur and board the bus to Manali. I was hesitant to travel solo across Rajasthan, for its association with forts and museums hardly sparked any interest in me. Being a nature lover, it did not resonate with my idea of travelling. Imagine a schoolboy asked to sacrifice his Sunday for a trip to the museum. How boring! But as a traveller, I often find that happiness lies just around the corner when least expected. This time, my cousin did not want me to run away in the mountains. Instead, he insisted me, or rather should I say, forced me to board a bus to Pushkar. Jodhpur was the second destination of the same tour. After a 5hr long journey on a local bus from Pushkar, one may find his mind commanding to rest but as I arrived at the goStops hostel, I instantly felt rejuvenated. The employee at the reception, being a travel geek himself, ended up sharing his stories while I tried to gather all the information about Jodhpur as if I was to start exploring the city right away! In such a friendly atmosphere of like-minded people, conversations flowed and the bond formed easily with the staff and tourists alike. Lost in sharing the joy of travelling, the night seemed to be young and smiling at us.
The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort stands on a rocky hill, at the height of 400 ft. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459.
The last night’s experience paved the way for a morning to look forward to. After entering the fort and obtaining a ticket, I excitingly put the headphones (with a remote given for the audio tour) like a crown, imagining myself as a king who is out on an inspection of the fort. My friend Nico- an Australian fellow whom I met at the hostel- and I decided to explore the city together. As the soft morning sun expanded its rays from the imposing walls of the fort to the ground, I felt terribly small and weak to comprehend my position as a king.
One of the entrances to the fort.The heavy metal gate with iron spikes on it making intrusion difficult for the enemies.
I immediately shun all my imaginations and pressed the no. 1 button on the remote. The audio guide welcomed me and introduced me to the Rathore dynasty and their glorious years of the past. It instantly teleported me to the age when the kings claimed themselves to be the descendant of God!
The audio tour further guided us to the interiors of the fort. As we marched closer to the courtyard, there were tourists dancing to the tune of the musicians who were playing traditional instruments. Many local visitors found this a good opportunity to gather around Nico and click photos with him.
He must be feeling like a celebrity. Haha!
While the audio guide described the details present in front of me, my mind kept flickering between the present and the imagery of the past. Sometimes, I was a part of the subjects enjoying the celebration in the courtyard; while on the other occasion, I was the king discussing the important strategy with the chiefs in the courtroom or resting in my “larger than life” personal chamber. The vast display of swords adorned with precious stones and ancient inscriptions, daggers, spears, guns, howdahs, etc took me to the battlefield where cavalries charged at the enemies on giant elephants and horses, and where Rathores displayed their strength and valor! I peeked into the lives of queens who traveled in closed palanquins. They were not given much freedom to engage with other men/subjects of the kingdom and lived in a separate quarter with their friends. I looked outside at the tourist crowd from the latticed windows from where the queens observed the ceremonies and royal assemblies taking place in the courtyard while remaining hidden from the public view. The architecture and the strength of the buildings, paintings of Gods from various mythologies, floral carvings on the walls and ceilings, etc piqued my curiosity to learn more about them. It made me appreciate the knowledge of architectures and artists of that time and sympathize with the efforts of laborers. My eyes popped out in awe looking at the bright colors and decorative royal rooms with stained glasses imported from other parts of the world. It was quite evident that mightier than the planning, architecture, and art was the money involved in construction!
The assembly room for chiefs and other important members.
The Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace.
The bed-chamber of Maharaja Takhat Singh (1843-73) is decorated from ceiling to floor with paintings from Hindu Gods and Goddesses to European ladies. Even the floor is painted like a carpet!
Inside one of the queen’s palaces; notice the colonnade structure and the latticed windows that were designed so that the queen could peek outside at the ongoing affairs of the courtyard.
Antique cradle at the queen’s palace.
Smoking tobacco or opium in Hukka was a symbol of royal stature.
Visiting the Mehrangarh Fort helped me understand the idea of true Royalty which is a combination of wealth, health and knowledge, tradition and devotion, scientific and logical analysis, art and nature; which seems to be missing in our modern culture as it fails to maintain such a perfect balance.
A guard sitting in traditional attire so as to give a glimpse of the past.Playing music on a traditional instrument called ‘Ravanahatha’
After spending a major part of the day at the fort, I repented at the thought of not touring across Rajasthan. I am grateful to my cousin who helped me unveil my preconceived opinion and explore the places with an open heart. “Never shall such bizarre thought cross my mind again!”, I affirmed mentally.
The fort overlooking the blue city of Jodhpur.
In the growing travel age, where all of us are aware of the wonderful quotes and ideologies of travel, it is here that I realized the true meaning of a traveller. A good traveller is not the one who sticks to a travel niche and keeps ticking off the places from his checklist. A good traveller is an opportunist, who challenges his own perceptions and is ever hungry for new experiences. After all, it is the experience that one relishes about the place and not the place itself. Isn’t it?
Ambling through the streets of Pushkar, I try to navigate my way to the hotel. Even the Google map is not helpful enough to guide me through these narrow lanes but that is the last thing to be bothered about as the street is crammed with pilgrims, locals, and tourists alike, and all one has to do is ask for directions. Pushkar is a small temple town in Rajasthan and a prominent pilgrim place for Hindus. It is the month of February when the weather is cold and pleasant and I’m here to seek the blessings of God and indulge in the touristy charm of the place.
The Streets
Walking through the lanes of Pushkar, it’s difficult to not get distracted by the enormous enthusiasm of the place which is evident from its lively streets. The main street, encircling the Lake of Pushkar is the hub of various activities and is a gateway to the majority of the places around Pushkar.
One is always few steps away from the Ghats leading to the Pushkar Lake. The market of Pushkar known for its food, embroidered garments, handicrafts, leather goods, jewelry, etc., is strewn across the whole street while the cafes, hotels, and restaurants announce their way up to the building through large billboards hanging over shops and electric poles. The famous Brahma Temple also resides near the main street.
For those not interested in shopping, the old temples and buildings are most likely to pique one’s curiosity in the history of this old town which finds its place in many Hindu religious scriptures, including thousands of year old epic, Mahabharata. The street also gives a hint of the local lives intermingling with the tourist culture of the town.
The Stay
Out of many options available, I chose to stay in Lotus/Doctor Alone hotel, situated at Sikar Ghat which is cheap and famous amongst backpackers. The staff is courteous and friendly to cater to the needs of the customers and food is satisfactory. It has a courtyard with a low sitting arrangement, colorful murals, paintings of Indian Gods hanging on the walls and overlooks the lake which makes it a great place to chill, eat, smoke up and enjoy the activities at the Ghats as an observer.
Who minds paying Rs. 400 for a setup like this?
Pushkar Lake
The arches and domes stand tall surrounding the Pushkar Lake with the arid Aravalli Hills guarding at the distant. Most of the ghats are painted in white and shines brightly in the afternoon sun, like a pearl in the crown of Pushkar.
Out of the 52 bathing ghats, there are few main ghats where pilgrims generally flock to take a holy dip in the lake. The small and large temples, sadhus preaching a group of foreigners, the desperate money-making pundits, pigeons, dogs, and cows are some of the regular sightings at these Ghats; whereas the other Ghats reflect the serenity of this divine place. However, this may not be true during the famous Pushkar festival held in the month of Oct-Nov, when thousands of pilgrims congregate to take holy bath in the lake.
Staying close to the lake, I made it a point to bathe every morning in the lake and sit on the steps contemplating and soaking in the soft winter sun. In the evening, Arti echoes all over the lake with lights and diyas lit at the ghats and the whole place comes to a standstill for few minutes offering their obeisance to God. The temple bells and chants preside over all the other chaos infatuating me towards the aura of the place even more.
The Temples
Lord Brahma is the primary deity in Pushkar and hence, Brahma Temple is the most revered temple. It is amongst the very few temples in India which are dedicated to Lord Brahma- the Creator and considered as highly sacred amongst all of them. It is generally visited after taking a holy dip in the lake. The other famous temples are Savitri and Papmochini Temple- dedicated to the Goddesses Savitri and Gayatri, the consort of Lord Brahma. Both the temples are situated atop hills. I opted to hike to the Papmochini temple.
On the way to Papmochini Temple.
Papmochini Temple.
As the name suggests, the Deity is said to forgive the sins of a true devotee. Besides, it provides the aerial view of Pushkar and introduces us to the barren landscape of the Aravalli Hill Range.
View from Papmochini Temple.
The Food
Since Pushkar is a holy town, Non-veg and alcohol are strictly prohibited here. Although, there are a variety of vegetarian options available to savor upon, like Indian, Italian, Pizzas, Israeli, Chinese, etc. Owing to the mass tourism, finding a restaurant according to the budget is no big a deal here. The town is so small that one can wander along the streets and come across various food joints. I tried Dal Bati in a local restaurant and also had street foods like Rabdi Malpua, Lassi and Kachori.
Hot bati dipped in ghee, served with dal and churma. Yum!
Also, since Pushkar is famous amongst hipsters, the café culture is strong here and I would highly recommend spending time in a café. They are vibrant, creative and have relaxing vibes. I visited Out Of The Blue Café and tried Falafel and Hummus.
Rich feels at Out Of The Blue Cafe, though the rates are decent enough.
One can admire the traces of history, religion, and culture while indulging in the touristic pleasures of shopping, eating, and leisurely exploring Pushkar which makes it so interesting. While the old streets can remind you of Banaras, the café culture feels similar to that of Mcleodganj/Manali/Kasol and the restaurants with the view of the lake can make you compare it with the settings of Goa. Yet, festivals like ‘Kapda Faad’ Holi and Pushkar Fair are unique and can leave one amused with the energy this small town holds. It is filthy and clean, rustic and colorful, chaotic and peaceful- all at the same time!
We pay our bill on the roadside stall; pour water on our heads to cool of our minds in the sweltering heat of May. It is the last stretch of our journey to Harihareshwar as we wear our helmets and prepare to reach the destination.
Harihareshwar beach.
We had set out for Harihareshwar beach in the wee hours of the morning. Until now, the trip was a mix of scenic driveways, good food, lots of laughter and dodging several potholes on the road. After 10 o’ clock the sun showed no mercy on us and drained our energy. So we had a brief halt at Kolhad before continuing onwards and sat down by the river Kundalika to wash away the tiredness.
“30 km to go! The road is going to become steep and narrower as we ride through the ghats.” I warned my friend on realizing that we were on the last but the most challenging stretch of all. This was my second visit to Harihareshwar and I was as excited as my first visit. The bike raced through the hill and the wide road began to narrow down to a single-lane, serpentine road. Each bend unfolded a fresh view and took us closer to the destination which made us forget about the harsh condition. All of a sudden, the hot air that once felt like a fire melting our faces, now felt like a soothing breeze. The perspiration caused by the agitating humidity began to cool down. The road ahead that looked distorted due to the heat was soon going to lead us to our oasis. I was already imagining the fun that lay ahead. But adventures, as they say, are not something that you can always expect. In my case, it was more of a misadventure this time!
Harihareshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Dakshin Kashi’. It is believed to have a similar spiritual aura as that of Kashi/Banaras and that whoever is not able to visit Kashi can make a pilgrimage to this place.
The hill, seen in the picture is sacred and there is a well-carved path to circumambulate around it. The path starts from the temple premises and ends at the seashore. Look for the designer rocks that have taken various shapes and patterns over the years. There are also idols carved out of those rocks which are still worshipped by the locals.
Almost 10 km before the destination, as we took a sharp right turn, a bus from the opposite direction tried to race past us without compromising on the speed. Since there was not enough space for both the vehicles to cross the narrow road, my friend had to take the bike off road and in the process, we lost our balance. By the time I gained consciousness, the blood was oozing from my right knee and few locals had come to our rescue. Thankfully, my friend was safe and the people around quickly helped him to pick up the bike. Looking at my injury, they asked me to apply a bandage to stop the bleeding but we did not have the first aid kit. The locals then suggested taking a detour to a nearby hospital and we quickly rushed there. The doctor confirmed that it was not a fracture and the swelling would be healed by a week or so. Although I was relieved at first, the symptoms of swelling and the stiffness felt familiar. Only six months back, I was operated for a ligament tear of my left knee from which I was still recovering. I silently prayed that this shouldn’t be the case again. However, few stitches and the first aid later, the doctor gave me the green card and we finally reached Harihareshwar.
We kept brooding on how we could have saved ourselves from the danger and stressed on the importance of carrying the first-aid kit and also wearing the knee and elbow pads as a precautionary measure. The unbearable afternoon sun had also done the trick and in the anticipation to reach the destination faster; my friend raced the throttle a little more than he should; for which he was guilty. I thought of confronting about my injury to mom which was more difficult than sustaining the injury. I know the fear that she hides each time I embark on a new journey and the worries behind her constant reminder of being careful. This time, her fears proved to be true. As time passed, I learned to pretend normal. I didn’t want the topic to ruin the rest of the day. After all, it didn’t make sense to delve on the past.
This is how we woke up; amidst the rustic houses, tall trees, and the chirping birds. A view from our homestay.
What made sense was to look forward to the long holiday and be grateful for the beauty and tranquility around. We spent the rest of the evening on the beach. It was a full moon day and the beach glittered with silver sands and splashing waves. The atmosphere felt divine, as the wind carried the symphony of the bells ringing from the temple nearby. The whole beach was left for us. I sought solace lying on the beach, observing the constellations above. And so did my friends. We were lost in our own reverie, hardly conversing amongst each other. Was it because of the misadventure or a long bike ride on an awful summer day? I couldn’t say. It was dark and the moon’s light was only enough to create silhouettes of each other not allowing me to figure out what they were up to. Whatever it was, I liked it this way, as I myself kept fighting with dominating thoughts and emotions.
“Is it just an idiocracy to have come this far without proper planning or is this the price I have to pay for seeking freedom and happiness?”, I wondered. My thoughts then fickled with the glimpses of my struggle in the closed cabin. The pain of monotony soon outweighed the physical pain. I was instantly grateful for that moment on the beach that helped me live in my own imaginative world. But, deep within I knew even this was momentary. For how long will nature entice me with its charm? I kept looking above as if trying to find a clue. If I’m really afraid of monotony, what if the sky became monotonous one day? Or was it the sheer pain in my knee that made me think so much! When one is restless from within, it is difficult to find happiness from anywhere else. Perhaps, the answer laid in experiencing what is ahead and being curious rather than rationalizing the thoughts. And so I heaved a sigh and decided to let the time take its own course. For now, I’d like to bask in moon’s light and try to connect the dots (in the sky!). 😉
Tips:
Never lose focus from the road and try to hasten even if you have almost arrived at the destination. Always remember that the road trip is like a marathon and not a 100m race. Do not hurry!
Always wear helmets, and knee and elbow pads. (this goes for pillion riders as well.)
Always keep the first-aid kit handy.
FAQs:
How to reach?
By road: Harihaeshwar is 200 km from Mumbai and generally takes 5-6 hrs by road.
By train: Mangaon is the nearest railway station. One can board a local bus from here or hire a cab. Harihareshwar is approx. 65 km from Mangaon.
By bus: Not sure if there are direct buses to Harihareshwar but a lot of buses ply to Mangaon and from there one can take a bus to Harihareshwar.
Where to stay?
There is no hotel or lodging at Harihareshwar apart from the Harihareshwar Beach Resort. Hence, one needs to book in advance. There is also a Harihareshwar MTDC Resort which needs prior booking. But, there are plenty of homestays around that provides a glimpse of local life here. The place we stayed at was well maintained and charged Rs. 1200/ night for 4 people.
What to eat?
The dhaba opposite to the Harihareshwar beach resort serves freshly cooked, delectable food ( both veg and non-veg). Although I loved the veg thali more, the fish thali is definitely to look out for. Veg thali costs around Rs. 100 while non-veg thali costs Rs. 150.
Binge on the sweets bought from one of the shops outside the temple. Also, try the locally made fruit flavored chocolates.
Places to visit?
Parikrama around the hill is considered sacred and is also a lot of fun. Climb the hill and face the crazy winds as you descend through the steps cut out of the rocks that leads you to the shore. Look out for the natural carvings and patterns on the rocks. Note that it is not advisable to do parikrama during monsoon as the sea is rough.
One can also visit Shrivardhan and Diveagar Beach which is 19 and 37 km from Harihareshwar respectively. Anjarle-Dapoli is another circuit which can be included along with Harihareshwar.
Kovalam is a small coastal town which was once a forgotten village of fishermen. Kovalam beach caught the attention amongst hipsters after 70s’ and is now one the most visited places in Kerala. Its proximity to the capital city makes it a much more favorable place to visit. At least in our case, it was true as we had to catch a homebound flight from Trivandrum.
Hawa Beach, Kovalam.
Kovalam beach is divided into three parts by the huge rocks, namely Samudra Beach, Hawa Beach, and the Light House Beach. The first two beaches generally see the activities of fishermen while it is the large crescent-shaped, Light House Beach where the majority of the tourist activities take place. One can still feel the relaxing hippie vibes here as the tourists can be seen surfing, sunbathing and relaxing on the beach/the beachfront restaurants. Read: Vengurla- The unruffled paradise!
Just a usual evening at the Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam.
The Lighthouse Beach is named after Vizhinjam lighthouse which offers a panoramic view of the town from the top. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit and so we could only satiate our eyes with its view from the beach.
The promenade along the beach is fringed with souvenir shops, attention-grabbing hotels and the restaurants, and ayurvedic massage parlors that tempts one to enjoy everything Kovalam has to offer.
The colorful street in Kovalam.
After the experience of Varkala, the hustle-bustle of Kovalam felt like a respite. Our city instincts had kicked in and we were delighted to have street foods like bhel and pani puri. The hot and humid weather outside made us stay indoors most of the time binging on the TV. But, the spectacular sunsets and visiting the backwater of Poovar made up for the trip. The sunset time was even more special, as I noticed most of the people leaving their other activities aside, to watch the magic in the sky for the last time before the darkness engulfs the light. It radiated the feeling of togetherness and mutual love for nature. Read:Reminiscing old times: Road trip to Alibaug, Kashid, and Murud…
Visiting Poovar Island:
The boat cruises slowly in the muddy waters, passing through the road bridge overhead. It passes through mangroves and coconut trees flanked on either side of the backwater.
The ducks are carelessly pedaling in the rippled water while the young boys diving in the distance provides a glimpse of the local life. Birds shy away and fly back to its branches as our driver points out towards them. We are cautious for the next time to not make any noise to see fauna in their natural habitat.
Life on the backwater of Poovar.
A vendor selling coconuts on the backwater.
The only satisfactory picture of a bird that my kit lens managed to click.
As the boat enters into the denser foliage, there is a pungent smell of the marshy land. It is dark as the sunlight hardly reach the surface and the green-brown colors can make one build his own Disney world.
Just when I get lost in my imaginative world, the driver tells us that a part of the Anaconda movie was shot here and I wonder about the morbid possibilities of a carnivore creature living in this jungle. Read: From Guhaghar, with love
The symbolic picture of Kerala. What comes to your mind when you hear/read about Kerala?
As we continue to remain awestruck by the visuals, the boat slowly makes its way towards the Golden Sand Beach where the backwater meets the Sea. It is our pitstop before returning to the starting point.
Golden Sand Beach.
There are several floating restaurants around but we decide to relax and sip coconut water on the beach rather than spending too much and return home completely broke. Riding through the backwaters was my first experience and although it proved to be a costly affair, it kept me on my toes throughout. Read:Ganpatipule in pictures
Kovalam is 18 km (half an hour ride) from Trivandrum. Cabs and rickshaws are easily available from the main city. What to expect in Kovalam?
Kovalam is a small beach town with few attractions. Hire a chair on the beach and relax or sit in one of the cool restaurants/ cafes facing the beach. One can also visit the backwaters of Poovar. The stay and food in Kovalam are costly. The rates for stay may depend on the season and the crowd. An A/C room for 3 people costed us Rs. 2500. Where is Poovar?
Poovar is 15 km from Kovalam. Book a cab or a rickshaw from Kovalam and bargain for the cost of roundtrip beforehand. It is difficult to get transportation from Poovar. We rented a rickshaw for the roundtrip that costed us Rs. 600 for 5 people. What is the cost of the boat ride in Poovar?
The boat ride is expensive. They charged Rs. 4000 for 5 people for 90mins of the boat ride. But we managed to bargain and bring the price down at Rs.3000.
Of late, Varkala Beach is attracting a lot of attention, promising for being one of the ultimate hippie places in India. When one thinks about a hippie place, he/she expects it to be a carefree and friendly place, to say the least. Varkala has a rich flora and fauna with attractive backwaters, clean beaches and tall coconut trees painting the sky, various kinds of bird and the aquatic life.
The Varkala cliff, lined with the variety of shops and restaurants overlooking the Arabian Sea is one of a kind! I can keep ranting about the aura and the natural beauty of the place but it is only a small part of the bigger picture. Natural beauty doesn’t alone make traveling a good experience. The few instances I encountered during my stay in Varkala changed my perception of the place.
The famous Varkala Beach, also known as the Papanasam Beach.
We had reached Varkala in the wee hours of the morning after relentlessly changing several buses from Kodaikanal and spending a sleepless night in the train. Although we had booked our stay online, the check-in time was after 10. We were exhausted and in no mood to call it an adventure anymore. We desperately needed some sleep and hence started searching for places to stay in Varkala. During the search, we came across one of the Varkala cliff hotels where the owner was least interested to attend to our queries and quoted an unreasonably high price. We tried to bargain but it appeared that the owner was not willing to rent us the room. We did not heed much attention then, as we were too tired to comprehend the situation at 5 am and kept searching for another option. Finally, a kind owner of the Hibiscus Garden Homestay provided us with not only a comfortable stay but also refused to discuss the price until we have proper rest.
It was only after another incident occurred on the same evening that we started feeling uncomfortable. We were sitting on a small beach towards the south of the cliff. The sun was not too hot and the occasional breeze accentuated our moods. There were only foreigners on the beach wearing minimal clothes. Some performed yoga, some read books, while some carelessly lay on the sand, bathing in the sun. The view added to the cool vibes of the place.
The alternate shoreline of beaches and cliffs stretch as far as 6 km towards the south of the famous Varkala Beach. The Kappil Beach in the south marks the end of the stretch.
As we sat there soaking the vibes, we were alarmed by the security guards to not take any photos and were also told that the entry on the beach is denied at this time of the day. It was clear that he was addressing us and none of the other Caucasian tourists on the beach. Upon asking the reason for the same, we were told about nuisance created by us (Indians) resulting in raising several complaints by the foreigners and he came to say up to the extent that the foreigners pay for their security. Now we can possibly understand why photography was not allowed but there was no signboard on the beach that said it was a private area to be guarded by the guards who worked in the favour of the foreign tourists.
The so-called private beach in Varkala.
Later that day, we learned from the caretaker of our homestay that there is no private beach and the guards are only appointed to save people from the potential danger as the sea is rough. Since the foreigners are good at swimming, they are generally spared.
Fishermen wrapping up their work as the sun begins to set.
Spectacular views from the rooftop of a cafe.
After a giving up on quarreling, we quietly moved away from the beach to save our jovial moods for the rest of the evening. But the damage had been done. Few of my friends did not like discrimination. This gave rise to the discussions and debate amongst us as the sun cast its red-orange lights in the backdrop. My brother recollected the early morning incident and linked it with the same issue. I had to agree with them but I still wanted to believe in humanity. I tried to defend my friends on a few points about the orthodox behaviour of us, Indians. I had heard complaints from a few female tourists talking about the awkward stare which makes them feel uneasy.
The staff of the Rock N’ Roll café pretended to be busy every time we called them for placing the order. Even after taking the order, it arrived late despite the handful number of people sitting in the café. Finally, we walked out when a group of foreigners sitting adjacent to our table arrived late, yet got all the special attention, which even we would have loved. Indians, be warned! Do not go to this café, until you want to screw your moods.
But my own beliefs were shattered, the next morning. I had set out for a walk alone and decided to stop by the shack near Edava Beach for breakfast, but the staff denied entry saying that it was only meant for the “Private Customers” who stay in their resort. I had no reason to believe them as it was located separately in the open area; very close to the beach (needless to say, there were only foreigners inside).
Edava Beach.
We felt dejected in our own country land. It felt like a different era when foreign invaders ruled our country. I hope that as much as it welcomes the foreign tourists, it treats everyone equal. I’m sure even many Indians must have had a great time in Varkala. But, I wish the same for all.
The sharp aroma of incense hit my nose, as I walk on the cliff. Also, there is a smell of food and spices, soft noise of plates clattering on the tables of the cafes, music that barely escape the café frontiers to reach the ears and the tiny shops selling souvenirs, glitter in vibrant colors. The constant splashing of the waves at the bottom of the cliff reminds me to look at the infinite spread of blue waters. Serenity pervades the air in Varkala but it is hatred and discrimination that negates the energy.
I do not mean to hurt anyone’s sentiment, neither do I want to demotivate the travellers aspiring to visit Varkala. The place is beautiful, but I could simply not deceive my personal feelings and opinion towards it. The debate, of course, can be endless! Rather than feeling sad/angry about it, we must travel more to such places so that this kind of attitude is changed towards our own people.
FAQs
How to reach?
Trivandrum International Airport is 39 km from Varkala. The nearest railway station is Varkala Sivagiri.
Where to stay?
Highly recommend staying at Hibiscus Garden Homestay. The rooms are spacious, well maintained, have a kitchen facility, a small garden outside to relax and the host is warm and welcoming. I suggest solo travellers stay in a hostel to avoid any kind of mishap.
What to eat?
Check out for the local food eatery away from the beach where generally the locals eat. They serve the authentic local cuisine. A fish plate costs around Rs 100-120.
Varkala is a paradise for seafood lovers. Many restaurants exhibit a variety of seafood for customers to choose themselves and relish the freshly cooked food.
Trattorias Restaurant is my personal favourite. The service is excellent and everything that I tried here was a pleasant surprise to the taste buds. I ended up sitting here most of the time.
Any recommendations?
Rejuvenate yourselves with Ayurvedic therapy as Varkala is a hub for ayurvedic massage, spa, and yoga. Explore Edava Beach and Kappil Beach to the south of Varkala Beach, if you enjoy less crowd and solitude. Check out for the backwaters near Kappil beach which is approx 7 km from Varkala. One can either take a rikshaw to reach Edava/ Kappil Beach or can rent a scooty to explore the nearby places. Renting a scooty can cost up to Rs 300/400. Janardanaswamy temple close to Varkala Beach is a popular temple since it is the oldest temple in Varkala.
There are days when I look at my previous writings and wonder how in the world did I pen down the idea? As if I’ve pulled out something that now seems almost impossible. Past few days has been of such kind. Days when the world outside the window looks much more interesting than sitting in the dark room trying to find the right words, when a classic Bollywood movie is more interesting to watch with the family again than to stare at the laptop screen, when overeating, sleeping and hanging out with friends are the only priorities in life. But, thanks to Neel who unknowingly helped me break the chain and nominated me for the Blogger Recognition Award. Neel is an avid traveler herself and her blog is a reflection of her conviction towards writing. She likes to experiment with her writing style and willingly takes up challenges like Barathon- where she wrote on the given topic, every alternate day and came up with the posts as beautiful as these-
While I’m still finding it difficult to come up with my travel stories, I can certainly talk about how I started blogging. (I am happy to open the word pad again. Yay!!)
How My Blog Started
My first solo trip to Kasol had made a profound impact on me and I knew that life is never going to be the same again. On my return, friends and relatives started taking interest in my travel story. Some found it adventurous; some appreciated me for showing the courage; some found it crazy as for why would anyone like to travel alone, while others thought that I’ve become more of an attention seeker. None of it mattered to me though because I had finally found an escape from the growing hatred towards office life. The year following the solo trip was a golden period of my life. It was the time when I used to talk, read, dream only about traveling. Most of the conversations and meet up with friends generally ended with making plans for the weekend-although many of which never materialized. I had suddenly become more fearless and courageous to do exactly what I liked- TRAVEL. I would work patiently for 5 days and wait for the weekend to pack my bags and set out to explore the places near Mumbai. In order to take up the longer journeys, I had learned to lie confidently and ask for the leaves from the office or in more desperate cases took the unplanned leaves.
With traveling to so many places, I began documenting my travel in the form of photo stories on Instagram and gradually developed interest for writing and photography. It helped me strive to look for new stories and have a fresh perspective towards the place having the similar kind of landscape. With the course of time, the will to write more intensified as I started sharing thoughts from the deepest corners of my mind and also tried my hands on writing poems. As much as it came as a shocking revelation to others, it was as shocking to me! Appreciation started pouring in the subtle ways. Some wanted to know how I improved my writing skills while some confirmed secretly whether it was plagiarized. My brother even gifted me a diary to encourage me to keep writing. Though I had begun to realize where this was heading, self-doubt and other logical factors kept me at bay from trying to reach out to the larger audience.
Much like my travels, starting a blog for many reasons was still not planned. But, it was fun to hone my writing skills and try writing a descriptive post. And so I wrote the first post through which I wanted to convey what I couldn’t verbally that how solo travel, for me, was much more than the adventure. Gradually, the article found its way into the mailbox only to be forgotten. Days turned into weeks and gradually a month, until one day while idling in the office, I came across a blog post about how to start blogging. The urge to do something more than the usual job had grown strong by now. The office felt like a pool of mud I was stuck into, desperately wanting to grow and bloom like a lotus. And that is how Lotusinmud was born- out of fear, frustration, hope, and love for traveling. Advice Be Honest– Consider blogging as a space to express yourself freely. Try to be as honest as possible. Maybe, this will help to create your own niche and raise your own opinion.
Enjoy the journey– You may come across a lot of rules and techniques to attract readers. Try not to be so hard on them and enjoy the process.
“Coaker’s walk, Bryant Park, Kodai lake…” a taxi driver shouted to seek our attention as we alighted from the bus at the Kodaikanal bus depot. We were back from Mannavanur, baffled about our next destination.
A wooden cottage in Vattakanal.
Vattakanal is definitely aware of the idea of a relaxing vacation. Perhaps, due to the large influx of foreign tourists.
Like a kidnapper grabbing the opportunity to abduct the lost child by luring him with a candy, the driver approached us with a pamphlet listing the best places to visit in Kodaikanal. “We are not interested in sightseeing. How much is the fare to Villapati village?” I retorted, using some knowledge acquired from Google, pretending as a regular visitor. “600 Rs. But I suggest you visit Vattakanal first. Both same distance… same fare.” he paused as if hypnotizing us with his words. “Besttt..a place in Kodaikanal!”, he continued, gesturing by bending the thumb and index finger in a circle. “Only foreigners come there. You will enjoy… 100%. Think and tell me.” and walked down the road at the nearby tea stall. The decision was made almost immediately but not without formally consenting to each other.
Had never seen the sky shimmer with so many stars before! My camera even captured the shooting star twice, although I failed to notice it with my naked eyes. (Not posting those pictures here as they are little blurred out.)
Before the deal could be summarized as a win or a loss, we had already passed the check post and entered Vattakanal. As we reached closer, the view opened up to the valley covered in a blanket of mist with the conical top of the peaks visible in distant as though precariously hanging in the air.
First glimpse of Vattakanal
Vattakanal was still getting used to the new day. The few shops by the roadside were closed. To our right were the cottages perched on the hill slope that were visible for few seconds and then would disappear in the shroud of mist.
Cool graffiti.
On the left, Altaf café had just been opened for the visitors. One of the staff was cleaning the main desk while a foreigner sitting in the café was gazing at the peak with a hint of a smile on her face. Our interruption did not disturb her much and she continued to remain in the meditative-like state. My friends approached the staff to inquire about the cottages/homestays, whereas I took out my camera and started clicking another miraculous drama. Gratitude poured out thanking the driver for his honest suggestion, as I remembered his words. Vattakanal indeed is a place one should definitely visit in Kodaikanal!
Dreamy mornings in Vattakanal.
Without a doubt, the best sunrise I’ve ever seen.
On the way to Dolphin’s Nose.
Dolphin’s Nose
Echo Point.
FAQs
How to reach?
Vattakanal is 7kms from the Kodaikanal bus depot. A cab for 5 people costed us INR 600 and it is negotiable. Also, the local buses ply up to Vattkanal which is comparatively very cheap but the frequency is less.
Where to stay?
The price for the cottages starts from INR 400/person. We stayed in the ‘Mountain View Resort’ (beside the Altaf café) costing Rs. 1500 for 5 people. It was the cheapest cottage we could find in Vattakanal.
Where to eat?
Altaf café for the Israeli and Italian cuisine. There is a small shop run by a couple beside the taxi stand that serves South Indian dishes.
Places to visit?
Hike up to Dolphin’s Nose Point which is approx. 500 mt from the Vattakanal taxi stand. 10 mins down the same trail lies the Echo Point. The trail further leads to Vellagavivillage, which is a bit strenuous trek of approx. 8kms. Confirm the additional details before trekking here.
Although the travel world is changing with people looking for more offbeat experiences and adventure, the clichéd trip to Alibaug is still one of the most preferred weekend getaways. It has long been catering to the recreational needs of wary travellers, especially from Mumbai and Pune who prefer breaking away, with comfort. While going through the old pictures, I became nostalgic remembering the simpler times when planning a vacation meant going to Alibaug/Lonavala.
On one such road trips from Mumbai to Alibaug, I convinced my friends to explore and travel all the way to Kashid Beach. While Alibaug still tops the chart for the crowd it attracts, I discovered that Kashid Beach is cleaner and a peaceful alternative (Not sure about the current situation though. This was a few years back).
Kashid Beach
Long stretched white sand beach lined with pristine palm trees, pocket-friendly homestays, fresh seafood coupled with chilled beer and friends by your side makes you believe in the much-needed respite from the mundane.
Next day, we also visited Murud-Janjira fort (which is a 20kms drive from Kashid) to get a peek into the history.
Enroute Murud.
Ah! The view…
A dilapidated structure overlooking the sea made a great frame to capture.
The 17th century built fort proudly sits in the middle of the sea, like a jewel in the crown. I remember that the boat services were closed when we reached in the afternoon due to high tide. It felt like it was taunting us, ironically in the same way, it had taunted its enemies.
Our visit to the fort was compensated by having authentic Malvan cuisine at Patil Khanaval hotel in Murud and tripping on repeated glasses of soulkadhi– An appetizer drink made from coconut milk and kokum.
Simple yet delightful setting under the shade of coconut trees. Patil Khanaval hotel is pocket-friendly and a great pit stop for trying local cuisine.
So here’s to the short break from a fast-paced city life to the slow rustic coastal life, rough weekdays to a carelessly-sipping-coconut water-on-the-beach weekend, the cry of struggle to the joy of freedom, concrete jungles to the natural aura. A place with lip-smacking local cuisine, temples, forts, scenic driveways- suitable for everyone. Being a Mumbaikar myself, no matter what, a trip to Alibaug/Kashid always pops up naturally to my mind when it comes to planning a short beach vacation.
As we celebrate the World Environment Day globally, it compels me to think how much we have taken things for granted and despite having a good educational background, we are putting our country to shame and degrading the environment at an alarming rate! To add to the misery, the internet is flooded with the articles about traveling as one of the major reasons for the pollution and the questions have been raised about the responsible travel. But rather than prejudicing and playing the blame game, I must confess that even I have contributed to the nuisance of spreading garbage while traveling.
Out of many things that travel has taught me, it has made me reflect on my own habits and be a responsible traveler. Here are few lessons I learned the hard way!
I felt guilty for the first time, during my first solo travel to Kasol. Though the spell bounding views kept me at awe, the ground beneath was laden with chocolate wrappers, plastic bottles, chips packets almost throughout the trail. And I realized that these were the same potential waste I was carrying in my bag. This was enough for me to pledge to not throw them carelessly. What made me even sadder was the heap of garbage besides the pristine Parvati River. It was clear that not only the tourists were at mistake but also many local hotels that must have cleared the huge chunks of waste in this manner. Although I was going to dump my wastes in the dustbin, I knew that these wastes are soon going to make its way in a large heap like this. I immediately concluded that even dumping wastes responsibly is not enough.
The result? I gave up on buying chips packets thereafter and also pledged to carry my own refilling bottle. This saved my money as well.
Moral- We are all aware of the garbage concern but tend to ignore it, maybe because we are habituated and think there are too many things to take into consideration. I remember my childhood days when my family always insisted on carrying a filtered bottle for the long journeys or at least a big portable bottle which could be refilled from safe water sources. Ultimately, it all goes down to habits and the choices we make. We may start from somewhere, however small. Take it one by one. For instance, learn to keep the wrappers in your bag, later think before buying that chips packet, carry your own bottle, etc.
On my trek to Kheerganga, I was talking to the guide about how the place would have looked before the advent of the tourists and his eyes sparkled with joy remembering the old days. “It was truly a heaven!”, he exclaimed. Now, he could have talked on so many things that made the difference. But he immediately pointed out to me the wastes on the trail and said- “The tourists have no sense of the place they are coming to. It is a pilgrim place for us and all they care about is good food, drinks and loud music in a peaceful place like this. Now, you tell me are chips and cold drinks required at such high altitude? But we don’t want to let our hosts down and since you all are our guest, it is our duty to make you’ll happy.”
(No wonder why tourism is banned in Kheerganga. Read the full article here.)
Moral- When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Although we may not help the changing times, we can sure contribute our bit. When traveling in remote places of Himachal, or anywhere for that matter, we must strive to live like locals and savor the local cooked delicacies. This will help maintain the decorum of the place without affecting the local beliefs and culture and also help to curb the plastic pollution.
(To learn more about the practical tips to reduce plastic usage, refer the blog written by Shivya Nath.)
But all these years, I had kept an exception in case of the cigarette butts. I always thought that there’s no way to discard the butts and that it was okay. (I was just being ignorant, actually!) Until I met an Australian guy with whom I traveled throughout Jodhpur and Udaipur. Whenever we smoked a cigarette, he would keep the butt in a separate bag, and I, on the other hand, would toss the cigarette butt on the ground and crush it with the shoe heroically. Never did he feel agitated with my behavior but deep down somewhere I was deeply ashamed of my wrongdoings. Being a foreigner, if he can respect our country and contribute towards cleanliness, then there was no reason for me to not do so! However, I did not give up on my habit completely during that tour (Maybe, because I had not realized the degree of my mistake by then). But I am happy to say that on my following visit to Himachal, every time I smoked, I remembered him and could not help but keep the butts in the side pocket of my bag. (It stunk badly though. Got to stop being so lazy!)
Moral- We must realize that our actions are consciously/subconsciously imitated by others. If we do good, there are people who will learn from this and follow in our footsteps.
The best way we can learn to contribute towards the environment is to express our gratitude towards the places we travel. How wonderful it is to realize that we are still amongst the fortunate few, who have traveled to such exotic places! The places that have now turned into emotions- A happy moment, a childlike glee, a break from the mundane. Such places must find its way into our hearts and I’m sure, this will automatically help us to be more compassionate.
“I care for you, nurture you. Will you not give back the same love to me?”
“Once you visit the place, you will start hating mankind for destroying nature!” my friend exclaimed on asking about Mannavanur, a farming village on the upper hills of Kodaikanal. His words held truth as I witnessed the roads covered in a canopy of pine trees and the dense jungle en route.
Clicked in a jiffy from the bus. This is Poombarai village which is on the way to Mannavanur. Another interesting place to visit for offbeat travellers.
We had reached Kodaikanal a night before embarking on this journey. We made sure to skip the sightseeing places and rather explore the offbeat places in Kodaikanal. Hence, we spent the night in the hill city and left the place in the early morning.
The vibrant hill city-Kodaikanal.
Over the years, I have learned that the hills are not the place for sight-seeing activities. Instead, I love to explore the offbeat places that provide modest accommodation and food options. This, I think is the best way to experience local culture and cuisine as the hills unfold its vistas in silence.
Mannavanur had all the checklist for an ideal nature lover. As soon as I stepped down the bus, the fresh air of the hills welcomed us. I could notice a cluster of the settlement with terrace farms rolling down the hill slope. A local pointed us towards the homestay. Hand gestures seemed to be a better way of communicating with the locals as they hardly understood Hindi/English.
Cabbage, radish, carrot, and peas are grown in abundance in this region
There were two food stalls in the village, a wine shop and very few options for accommodation. We stayed at the homestay which had just the basic amenities. The rooms were dark and somber. The walls were covered in graffiti of mushrooms, hills and random quotes. It was clear that the place was famous amongst the youth for psychedelic mushrooms.
Few rooms had balconies overlooking the farms and the hills of Western Ghat.
After freshening up, we made our way to the Mannavanur Lake which is approx. a km walk from our homestay. The lake falls under the eco-park and there is a minimal entrance charge. In order to boom tourism, one can notice the fancy bridges, colorful huts, benches and wooden logs to sit and enjoy the natural vistas.
There were signboards signifying the trekking routes. I learned from the forest officials that prior permission is needed for trekking. Horse riding and boating are an added advantage. I could notice many families, presumably from neighboring villages/towns that had come for a one day picnic. I enjoyed the nostalgia as I saw few of them sitting under the shade of a tree, chatting and laughing their heart out as the lunchboxes were opened and the food was being shared.
Mannavanur Lake.
Since we visited the place in February, the lake had shrunk and the forest was less green. I could imagine the place glistening in green colors during monsoon though.
Nonetheless, we spent a dime’s worth for the food and stay with the view of the charming hills and that made the trip worthwhile.
FAQs
How to reach Mannavanur?
Mannavanur is 35 km from Kodaikanal. Cab charges around 1500-2000 INR. There are local buses plying daily on this route but the frequency is less. The first bus leaves from Kodaikanal at around 8 in the morning. The ticket costs below Rs. 50.
Places to visit?
Mannavanur eco-park. One can also visit the Kookal and Poombarai village which is on the way to Mannavanur and within 20 km radius.
Where to stay in Mannavanur?
There are few basic homestays. The locals can guide you to few of them. We booked a room for 3 people at Rs.600. You can also visit the place in the daytime and return back to Kodaikanal.
What to eat?
There are two stalls just at the entrance of the village that cooks local delicacies (both veg and non-veg). It includes varieties of dosa, idli, vada, rice, and sambar. The price starts at INR 50.
Best season to visit?
Monsoon and post-monsoon period, i.e, June-October to witness waterfalls and utmost greenery. However, the weather remains pleasant throughout the year.
We have our eyes glued to the palm-fringed paddy fields as the driver drives the bus rashly on a narrow, single track road. My lungs are filled with the fresh air and head trying to hang out of the bus window to face the swooshing winds.
With the railway station as beautiful as this, I wonder how magical it would look if there were toy trains running in the Konkan region.
The indefinite waiting at the bus stop…
We are on our way to Vengurla from Kudal- the nearest railway station. The local people on the bus are helping us to know about the nearby places and hotels. They seem to be innocent, true and loving in nature and are happy to see us visit their local area. Time passes quickly and we reach our destination. We are walking towards the beach when we find the (only) beer shop on our way. The shop owner is jovial in nature and asks us to relax and have a beer first before enquiring about anything else. We all hi-fi each other and grab a bottle of beer listening to uncle’s witty jokes and laughing incessantly. The sunny weather too seems to smile with us. The road is laden with coconut trees and other green foliage I am not able to recognize. We are here to spend our new year and the mood just seems right!
Vengurla- lies in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra to the north of Goa and is 30kms from the famous Arambol Beach in Goa. It is a horseshoe-shaped beach flanked by hills on both the sides.
We find a guest house named Waman mess situated on the main road with the view of the beach. The rooms are comfortable with all the basic amenities and costs Rs700/night for 5 people. There is a hotel and a bar just a few yards away from our stay which happens to be the only ones in Vengurla. The hotel remains deserted for most of the day. It serves the local Malvan cuisine. The food is so fresh that upon ordering, they start chopping the vegetables and grinding spices right in front of us. So, patience is the key to relish the food here as cooking takes some time.
The afternoon is quiet and the only sound dominating the area is the waves splashing right across the room.
In the evening, we take a stroll to Vengurla Bunder (port). It used to be an important port for trade, set up by the Dutch. Even today, the port comes alive with the activities of fisher folks in the evening. The boats anchored to the piers, fisherman folding nets and the woman selling fresh fishes with the sun setting in the background becomes a pleasant sight of chaos in the otherwise sleepy town.
Vengurla rocks or the Burnt Island!
We spend the New Year night at Sagareshwar Beach which is 3kms from Vengurla. The beach is lit up by the locals with dim lights and laser rays with the hope of few tourists arriving. Chairs and tables have been arranged and the locals are dancing on Marathi music. The drinks have been smuggled from Goa (at dearth cheap rate) and sold here 4 times the actual price. They have fried chicken to serve with the drinks that taste satisfactory. But we don’t mind spending a little extra on the New Year’s Eve and have a good time with locals.
Luxury in a village- A ride in a dazzling rikshaw!
Clearly reflects the jovial nature of the locals here.
Sweet memories! The only picture of us enjoying with the locals.
The night is cold and the beach is now quieter with few people. We are sitting by the bonfire, watching the moon mournfully sliding into the sea. The dawn is about to break! It is time to return to our hotel room.
New year-Just the way I would like it!
FAQs Where is it?
Vengurla lies in Maharashtra and is 30 km from the Arambol Beach (North Goa). How to reach?
Kudal is the nearest railway station. For people coming from Mumbai/Pune can board the Goa bound train and get down at Kudal. There are local buses at regular intervals that ply from Kudal to Vengurla. One can also hire a vehicle while being in (North) Goa, visit the place and return on the same day. Where to stay?
There are few homestays that have come up in this region. Though, I am not aware of the details. I stayed in Vaman Mess which is an MTDC approved guest house and is pretty decent for the price. They charged Rs.700/night for 5 people. (Note that the room is meant for two people or at the most three. We adjusted ourselves in a room by taking extra bedrolls.) What to eat?
Malvan food. Sea fish is a must try for non-vegans. There are not too many options apart from Malvan cuisine. I vaguely remember that the hotel also served Chinese dishes.
After wandering the streets for more than an hour, I finally found a cheap dormitory in Mahajan guest house that charged a minimal amount of Rs.100/night. I kept my belongings and headed straight to the nearby temple.
Chaugan ground situated at the center is the heart of all the major activities of Chamba.
Laxmi Narayan temple was built in the 10th century by the then King Sahil Verman. The temple holds an important place in Hindu pilgrimage (particularly for the Vaishnavites) and is also known for its architecture marvel. Especially, the roof of the temple that is made in the shape of the umbrella, primarily to protect the temple from snow.
It was post lunch period and I was trying hard to keep up with the energy. So I decided to rest in the temple premises. The weather was pleasant with the cool breeze blowing and the sun provided the necessary warmth. But, before the poet in me could arise and appreciate the weather more, I was already in the blissful state of sleep!
A bright day in Chamba.
After an hour or so, I woke up to the drizzles and thunders. I felt rejuvenated and soon continued my wandering. A local guided me on my way to the Chamunda temple but lured by the old streets, houses, and temples, I lost my way while clicking pictures. Read– Kalatop: The Poetic Beauty
Even wandering the streets is a surreal experience here.
By this time, I had reached the end of the road where a board indicated that the further steps lead to Sui Mata temple. Without further ado, I accepted my fate and started climbing. The steps soon ended followed by a trail in the jungle. Still unsure of the path, I continued to walk with a belief that I would get help on my way.
The advent of spring in Chamba.
Rightly so, I met an old man who confirmed that I am on the right path. He told me that he is a regular visitor here and comes daily in the evening as a respite from the mundane. “I like the peace here”, he looked at me smiling, as if knowing already that the feeling is mutual. It was already around 5 and according to the old man, there was still a lot of distance to cover. He asked me to return back with him. But, now that I had reached till here, I was adamant to walk further. I was able to convince him that I’ll go up to the village and return if the light gets dull. Read-Pie in the sky: Patnitop
The jungle grew denser with each climb. The temperature dropped gradually as the sun started hiding in the mountains.
Soon, I reached the village named “Kiu” (that’s what I can recollect) where I met a boy who had returned from Chamba after finishing his coaching. He narrated me several incidences of leopard intruding the village and preying their cattle. He said that the leopard had also killed a villager, a few months back. I took a good look at the village- perched on a hill slope, in the jungle with a boisterous sound of a stream. Such a setup could make anyone believe in his stories. “Ab to mandir pass hi hai, jaldi jaake laut ana” (Translation- The temple is not too far from here. Visit the place and return soon), he encouraged me after reading my scared face. Read- Kalga: A hamlet from a fairytale
As I moved further, the trail welcomed me with the flowers blooming all around and the crisp sound of chirping birds. Never had I heard so many vivid voices of the birds before.
Rich fauna of Chamba.
But, this was not the time to act as Walter Mitty. I hushed and puffed my way up to the temple and reached the place sooner than I expected.
The Sui Mata temple is dedicated to the Queen of Chamba (the wife of the King Verman) named Sunayna who sacrificed her life for the sake of her people. The story goes this way-There was a scarcity of water in the region and the king could not find the solution to the problem. One day, the deity of Chamba appeared in queen’s dream and said that if one of the members of the royal family sacrificed his/her life, the problem must be solved. After contemplating, she decided to sacrifice her own life. As she took her last breath, the water sprung immediately from the mountains.
‘Sui Mata festival’ is still celebrated to commemorate the queen. It lasts for 4 days where all the women and children of Chamba actively participate in dance and other folklores (this was the last wish of the queen before dying and according to the wish, no men are allowed to participate in the festival.) Read-Mythological importance of Kheerganga
Statue of Sui Mata or Sunayna Devi.
I clicked some pictures, quenched my thirst from the nearby stream and started to descend. While returning, I shuddered, even at the rustling of the bushes. Thankfully, I was out of the jungle soon with the town of Chamba clearly visible (though from a distant).
What a breather!
In retrospect, it looks funny how an evening that was meant for casual exploration around the town turned out to be full of stories and adventures. I guess this is the way of the mountains teaching us to follow our heart and learn to be happy and amused by whatever little comes our way.
The Instagram pictures of Khajjiar were tempting enough to make it on my top list, the day I boarded the bus to Dalhousie. During my exploration in Dalhousie, I had kept an eye on the roads leading to Khajjiar since Day 1. The direct road was closed due to snowfall and so I continued my wandering at a slow pace, hoping for the snow to get cleared soon. Four days had already passed and the weather showed no signs of improvement.
Sometimes, travel seems to be a futile pursuit in itself and I realized so as I woke up one morning, dazed and confused, not knowing my further plan of action. I was saturated after staying in Dalhousie for this long and felt the urge to move on. The road to Khajjiar was yet to open. A detour via Chamba meant travelling 75 km as compared to the former route which is 22 km. But, I had already made up my mind to visit Khajjiar and since I had enough time before returning home, I made a detour and boarded the bus to Chamba.
Khajjiar- Popularly known as the Mini Switzerland of India.
The bus halted right outside the ground and as I alighted from the bus, I noticed that the place was bustling with tourist activities that Instagram failed to display. I walked past the roadside stalls, tourists, horses that were lined up, with their owners looking straight into my eyes judging me if I could be their potential customer. I turned a blind eye to them and made my way to the ground to behold the beautiful sight. Rolling meadows with the view of the snow-capped Himalayas made me want to run, roll on the ground and lay on the grass. But, the grass was too moist due to the mist and the weather too cold to get wet. I saw children playing the same way I would imagine myself while some parents were running behind their children to stop getting them dirty and wet. I felt happy and content watching the kids that at least fears and reasons do not hold them back to follow their heart.
The lake is considered holy as many mythological stories are associated with it. According to the locals, the depth of the lake is still unknown.
Sunset hues.
Khajji Nag temple is situated on the banks of Khajjiar Lake and is dedicated to the Lord of Serpents. It is one of the oldest temples in Himachal.
As I continued to embrace the cinematic-like experience, I found a nearby dhaba to satiate my hunger. It was an open setup with loosely arranged chairs and broken tables which was compensated with the cheap rates and delicious food that tasted just like home-cooked.
Rice with rajma and dal. Yum!
I took a stroll around the ground and clicked pictures post lunch to while away the time. As the light began to fade, boredom took its toll making me feel lonely. I found my accommodation and visited the Jagdambe Temple which was just a stone’s throw away from my hotel.
Clicked while aimlessly wandering in Khajjiar. As you can see, I got a bit away from the main road just to experience how it feels to be surrounded by the dense deodar trees. He He!
Can you spot the paraglider in the background? Paragliding, zorbing and horse riding are a common sight in Khajjiar. Also, this is the view from my hotel.
The temple owner was delighted to see a tourist in the off-season and asked me to stay at the guest house of the temple. I humbly denied the offer as I had already booked my stay.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, with a statue of Lord Shiva in the front.
He seemed to be not so talkative and was completely lost in the devotional songs that he was playing on his mobile phone. Even I found solace in the unspoken and the cold night as the music in the background played-
“ sukh k sab saathi, dukh me na koi,
mere Ram, mere Ram
Tera naam, ek sacha.. duja na koi!”
Translation- Everyone is a friend in happy times, but no one is there during sad moments. Oh Lord! only your name is the true one, no other.
FAQs:
How to Reach Khajjiar?
Khajjiar is approx. 20 km from Dalhousie. There are local buses from Dalhousie running up to Khajjiar daily. However, the roads remain closed in winter due to snowfall (December to March). During winters, one can opt for an alternate route via Chamba which is 75 km long but remains open throughout the year.
One can also hire a local guide from Dalhousie and trek till Khajjiar.
Where do I stay?
There is ample option for accommodation. If one is planning to visit the place in summer, I would advise booking hotel in advance as the place remains crowded in summer. The cost for the room of 2 people starts from Rs.800/night.
Low budget travellers can ask for a stay at Jagdambe temple. Though the guest houses in the temple premises are meant for the members of the trust, they do offer stay if the room is vacant. Generally, it is available in winters. The price for the stay is Rs.300/ night that includes one-time meal and tea for the breakfast. Also, it has to be noted that the use of alcohol/drugs is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
Travel - my best teacher 