The journey matters more than the destination. When you travel anywhere, memories of the journey take up more space in your life than reaching your destination. Last year, we had a trip to Kedarnath. It was certainly a mystical journey. Covering the distance of 216 km by road, from Gaurikund to Rishikesh, we reached late at night. Our stay was at Summit By The Ganges Resort & Spa, Rishikesh. It is really a pleasant stay that offers all the space one needs for relaxation, romance, self-discovery, escape, excitement, rejuvenation, solitude, or sheer thrill. We all were extremely tired, so we just had some drinks, dinner and went to sleep. After having a refreshing and relaxing night in the hotel, we were all excited about the next day’s fun activities. We planned some adventure activities and Rafting in Rishikesh was the very first thing that clicked in our minds.
Stay at Summit By The Ganges Resort & Spa, Rishikesh
Enriched by the amazing Ganga River, lush green forests, and lofty Himalayan peaks, Rishikesh has many adventurous sports for energetic people to explore. Rishikesh, on one side, is popular for spiritual pilgrimage, on the other side, we also know it for adventure games, especially water games. The water of the flowing Ganga is very perfect for this game and it’s totally safe as well. The perfect time for Rafting in Rishikesh will be during the winter weather that’s from Oct-Feb.
All good things are wild and free.
Rafting in Rishikesh has all to make you believe that it’s wild but certainly a worthwhile experience, one must have in life. Rafting in the turbulent waters of the Ganga is an experience that no one ever forgets. It attracts thousands of adventure seekers every year. There are so a good deal of certified rafting operator companies, and experts available from where you can choose different packages. We took one from nearby our stay.
As we stood in front of the flowing river Ganga, the sheer beauty of the sight stunned us. Following brief formalities and guidance on safety, our instructor asked us to sit, keeping the balance of the raft. It was my first time experiencing this adventurous activity, so was feeling a little scared, but it was just being over conscious, all went smoothly. Our rafting guide managed everything safely and smoothly. We were four of us in the raft along with our guide, and our excitement at the adventure was full. The weather was sunny, but the chilled water of the river was making it pleasant.
Interesting names of rapids
The river’s rapids range from gentle to challenging, making it suitable for beginners and experienced rafters. You can enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery as you navigate through the rapids. Rishikesh also offers various rafting packages, including half-day and full-day trips, with trained guides to ensure safety. It’s a thrilling way to explore the beauty of Rishikesh and create unforgettable memories!
As you flow in the river and pass through rough water, called rapids. Locals give those rapids different interesting names or rafting guides. If you are a first-timer there, the names of the well-known rapids fascinate you. I remember when our guide started calling rapids with unique names like Black Money (Grade 1), Sweet Sixteen (Grade 1), Good Morning (Grade 1), Golf Course (Grade 3), Double Trouble (Grade 2), Rollercoaster (Grade 3) and many more.
River Rafting in Rishikesh
Jumping in water & floating around the raft
Passing through all these gives you a uniquely thrilling experience. At some points, the guide asks you to jump and hang in the water by the sides of the raft. Our instructor also asked us to jump in the water, it was exciting but scary too. Slowly everyone jumped out there and we all have been floating around the raft, holding it. It has been fun.
Floating moments
It was difficult for everyone at the initial stage, but slowly everyone was feeling ok with this activity. I can easily say that we all enjoyed it. We passed through many rapids with water splashing on our faces and finally completed our ride. This all was an exceptional experience that we can’t forget ever.
Littel Armaan in RishikeshAt my stay in Rishikesh
Other adventurous games in Rishikesh
After rafting and camping in Rishikesh, there are other thrilling adventures like bungee jumping, Cliff Jumping, and Trekking that you may try. Rishikesh has several trekking routes passing through fantastic landscapes where you will get an incredible experience. You may also try Cliff jumping, but this needs a more courageous spirit to jump in bone-chilling water.
Our team rafting in Rishikesh
When we finished our rafting adventure, we came back to our hotel to get ready for our journey back. It was a fun-filled and thrilling experience that we all will not forget for years. Finally, we can say River rafting in Rishikesh is a thrilling and popular adventure activity. The Ganges River offers exciting rapids and scenic views, making it a great experience for adventure enthusiasts. You must plan a trip to this beautiful place.
It was in the 90s when I visited this hill station for the first time. We planned a brief trip for 2-3 days, which was really wonderful. I along with my few lawyer friends, enjoyed it a lot. This tiny hill station in the Chamba district is a dream come true for any traveller who wants to rediscover what the words nature and peace mean. After so many visits in the past few years, I feel Dalhousie & Khajjiar is a land of pines and deodars and a lot of things are there that make it really a mystical land. In this write-up, I am blending all the impressions I got about this place on different occasions. My last visit to this place was a few months back with my friend. Here I am, sharing all my memories about this dreamland.
Built on and around five hills, Dalhousie is on the west of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Natural beauty is spread in every corner of this place. At the height of 6,500 feet above sea level, long trees of pines, deodars, oaks, and flowering rhododendron surround this beautiful hill station. Awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks filling an entire horizon can be seen any time whole the year. This place perfectly combines all-natural beauties. Lush green woods, warm sunshine pleasant air, and beautiful landscapes all are here to make your trip memorable. Dalhousie is a famous destination with a pleasant climate for most of the year, making it tourist-friendly. Summers are perfect for nature walks, whereas winters are too chilly. Snowfalls usually occur during winter. Nature-loving tourists visit this hill station every year, as the land is awesomely blessed with natural beauty.
St John Church Dalhosie
St Francis Church in Dalhousie
Dalhousie, back in the British Period
Dalhousie is named after the British Governor-General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie. Initially, British people established this hill station in 1854 as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. This is the reason that there are lots of old building structures of that period. In colonial architecture, Dalhousie is also known for its old churches and other landmarks built in the British period. It preserves some beautiful churches. St. John’s church is the oldest one built in 1863. Among the few other churches are St. Francis, St. Andrew, and St. Patrick.
Tourist Attractions in and around Dalhousie
Panchpula
It means five bridges. It is a beautiful spot covered in a green forest with water flowing under five small bridges, making it amazing. People enjoy themselves there like a picnic spot. This place is so calm that you can have a good time relaxing your mind and soul.
Panchpulla
This place is at approx. 4 km from Dalhousie. It can be within walking distance for those who enjoy walking in the green forest. I love waking up, so I always prefer to go there walking. There is also a memorial of S Ajit Singh, uncle of Shaheed Bhagat Singh (A great freedom fighter), at this place.
It is a pleasant picnic spot, where you can spend some time with your family and friends and enjoy the loveliness of exotic waterfalls and refreshing streams. Some of these streams even contain medicinal properties that are helpful in healing skin diseases.
At a height of 2040 meters, it’s a place with Amazing greenery, a pleasant climate, and natural scenic beauty. All these attractions make this place worth spending time on.
Trekking from Panchpula to DainKund is very popular, and adventure lovers often love to explore unknown paths. The Dainkund Peak is the highest and a popular peak of Dalhousie, at an altitude of 2755 meters. The peak offers a splendid view of the valley that is a treat to watch. Everyone from adventure lovers to trekkers to photographers loves visiting this stunning destination, which is surrounded by beauty. The best time to visit this wonderful spot is in summer and monsoon, as the water gushes with full force during this season
Another view of Panchpulla
The dense forest of Kalatop
One of the major tourist destinations of Dalhousie, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, is the gateway to Khajjiar’s beauty. Surrounded by a thick forest, Kalatop is situated 10 km from Dalhousie. It is the place near Dalhousie that has snow all year round. Long pines and deodar trees surround the entire way from Dalhousie. The name Kalatop means black cap in Hindi and refers to the thick, black forest cover on the hilltop in the sanctuary.
The other place touching Kalatop is Lakkarmandi. Lying in the depths of River Ravi, the 30.69 km animal sanctuary comprises thick deodar forests, a plethora of wildlife species, snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, and stunning water streams. It is not only a scenic picnic spot for tourists to enjoy but also a favourite trekking place for adventure lovers. For wild and adventurous people, nerds for wildlife especially, this place is for them indeed.
The blissful solitude here makes this place an ideal choice for honeymooners. Couples can have a wonderful time without disturbance from anybody. Nature is offering all they need to be with each other. I remember my visit a few years back; this place was fully covered with snow. The road was completely covered with snow, and it was challenging to drive rather than perilously on snow-covered roads. It was a hard time, but today I still remember that we enjoyed ourselves a lot. Tourists were playing with snowballs in less risky areas. We took photographs there. I can’t forget those moments in my life ever.
Forest Rest House @ Kalatop, is a nice place to stay and enjoy nature
The wildlife sanctuary at Kalatop
The nearby wildlife sanctuary shelters a variety of wild animals. The sanctuary, spread over an area of 1962 hectares, lies in the path of the Ravi River and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests. Jungle Safari highlights the sanctuary that almost every visitor opts for, along with families and children. The exotic wildlife sanctuary holds a great diversity of flora and fauna. The sanctuary houses wildlife like Bear, Himalayan Black Marten, Leopard, Deer, Barking Goral, Squirrel, Jackal, Langur, and many more.
You can go for tracking along the dense forest. You can walk here for hours, enjoying stretches of silence, sloping roads, and the singing of birds. While walking, you can have sips of hot tea, as there are many small tea stalls along the way. Forest has black bears, so it is better to take a guide along. The sanctuary lies in the path of the Ravi River and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests.
View of a typical house in the area
I still remember the soothing sounds of birds. The silence of this place, with the occasional humming of unknown birds, makes this place one of the most romantic places on the earth. It was an amazing jungle walk. This place can set deep impressions on anyone’s mind. I still feel long-back memories like it is a thing of yesterday. Once you visit this place, it always keeps on calling you.
Khajjiar, mini Switzerland
Situated 13 km from Kalatop on the same road as Dalhousie, it is also known as Khajjiar as Mini Switzerland and Gulmarg of Himachal. Khajjiar is full of natural landscapes, as it is at the base of the mountain range. You can see snow-capped mountains at the top of the lush green trees of pines and deodars. Here you can view panorama views of natural beauty. Khajjiar uniquely combines three environments, grassland, and forest, all in one place. Khajjiar and its nearby places are ideal for adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, para-gliding, and ice skating.
The best way to enjoy Khajjiar is by doing nothing and just gazing at the idyllic pastoral scenery featuring a lake, pine and cedar forests and snowcapped mountains, grazing sheep & horses. Khajji Cottage, run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism, is ideally located just opposite the main ground, where you can book your stay to watch this place at different times of the day. But we preferred a different hotel to stay in, which was in a more dense forest, as I always prefer a less crowded stay on such trips.
Natural Lake with a small wooden Bridge
In the middle of the main ground, there is a natural lake with a small wooden bridge up to the centre of the lake. Tourists stand on this bridge and enjoy watching the landscape and also clicking their photographs. There is also a horse track on the circumference of the ground. You can hire horses for horse riding. We enjoyed horse riding there.
There are different stalls selling eatables and other things. Kids can enjoy different games. Air balloons are a major attraction for kids and even grown-ups. You can also get your photograph clicked in traditional dress, and we can save those in unforgettable memories.
Khajjiar View with a natural lake in the centre
The Temple of ‘Khajji Nag’ is the principal attraction to visit while you are in Khajjiar. This temple belongs to the 12th century AD and is dedicated to snake worship, and there are some snake idols inside.
Kajji Nag Mandir
We spent the entire day in beautiful surroundings on our trip to this place, enjoying all that nature has gifted to this wonderful land, and went back to our hotel, which we preferred near Dalhousie. It was a brief trip of two days, but we enjoyed it a lot. It has the potential for longer holidays if you have more time to spare.
Zorbing in Khajjiar
An adventurous sport which is recently introduced in Khajjiar is Zorbing. It is like they pack you in a plastic ball, which rolls down in slopes. Initially started in Russia in the 1970s and later introduced as a regular sport in New Zealand in 1994 and is now used as a fun game in various places. I have seen Kids feel thrilled while enjoying it.
Other places in India where you may enjoy Zorbing at Pahalgam, Manali, Delhi and Lonawala, near Mumbai. Khajjiar, with its grassy slopes and meadows, is probably the best Zorbing destination. Rolling amidst snow-capped mountains and nature is utterly priceless and amazing.
Zorbing balls in Khajjiar
From Khajjiar, you can further travel on the same route to reach the district headquarters in Chamba. Again, many options are there for tourists. I visited this place many times. I will surely suggest visiting the beautiful Dalhousie & Khajjiar.
Visit Chamba, a beautiful place
My recent trip across Chamba took me across various tourist attractions near Dalhousie, including Kalatop, Khajjiar, and Chamera Dam on the way back from Chamba to Banikhet. Chamba itself has a lot of beautiful things to experience in this town of Himachal.
Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Chamba
Exploring temples and other things about history and spirituality is the best thing while you are in Chamba. The temples in Chamba are not only known for their religious significance but they also take you back in time with their awe-striking, ancient architecture. Laxmi Narayan Temple is a must-visit spot in Chamba.
Spend a few moments at Rang Mahal, Chamba
Rang Mahal, one of the most significant monuments, is in Chamba. You can see this building while you entering the town. It is a building designed with high fort-like walls and the architecture has an unparalleled combination of British and Mughal styles. As the legend goes, Kind Umed Singh made this palace, but later Raj Sri Singh- the king of the same dynasty, repaired the Rang Mahal. One state college partially uses the building of this Mahal. The other part is not well maintained. The government must take care of this historical monument so that we can save it for the coming generations. The old palace currently also houses an emporium, which remains open from 10 am-1 pm and 2-5 pm on all days except Sundays. The emporium sells handmade shawls, kerchiefs, chappals, etc.
One Corner of Rang Mahal, Chamba
Enjoy a boat ride at Chamera Lake
Camera Lake is a beautiful and picturesque destination located near Dalhousie, a popular hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a stunning backdrop of mountains. At a distance of 25 km from Dalhousie, the exquisite Chamera Lake is a reservoir formed by the Chamera Dam, positioned at an altitude of 1700 meters. Built over the Ravi River, the Chamera is an artificial lake, surrounded by beautiful green trees and exquisite valleys. We all had memorable moments spent there. The weather was outstanding, making it more enjoyable. I visited this beautiful spot three or four times and every time experience was wonderful.
Visitors can enjoy boating in the tranquil waters of the lake or simply sit back and relax while taking in the breathtaking views. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of Camera Lake makes it a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature.
The lake is also a popular spot for picnics and family gatherings, making it an ideal destination for a day trip with loved ones. Whether you’re looking to capture some stunning photographs, enjoy a peaceful boat ride, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings, Camera Lake is sure to leave you with wonderful memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Overall, Camera Lake near Dalhousie is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquillity of nature in the pristine Himalayan region.
If there is a heaven on earth, it is here; it is here; it is here! – beautifully quoted by Emperor Jahangir on Kashmir back in the 17th century, the quote holds true even today. Words of quote are Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o, hameen ast-o, hameen ast! When you visit Kashmir, you feel nothing is exaggerated in this statement. The beauty of Srinagar is fascinating to tourists for centuries with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop. It always fascinated me to visit this paradise. In December 2018, we planned a family trip. We opted to go there by air from Amritsar to Srinagar.
In the past few decades, Kashmir is portrayed with colors of terror. Media reports have played a negative role. But I experienced few tales are just in media and Bollywood stories, not on ground realities. In reality, where ever you go in Kashmir, you find people who are very gentle and soft-spoken.
The beauty of the Kashmir Valley is beyond description. With the gushing rivers, shiny waterfalls, picturesque surroundings, and lush green forests, it has always appealed to tourists. So many writers, filmmakers, and poets described the beauty of Kashmir as unmatched. Srinagar is in the heart of Kashmir, so the beauty of Srinagar is also beyond description. Here I am sharing my expressions about this beautiful land.
Shikaras & House Boats of Dal Lake
While in Srinagar, you can’t ignore the role of Shikara in day-to-day life. These small boats are a very important part of Kashmiris living in Srinagar. In Dal Lake, these boats are like lifelines, helping people to move from one place to another. Right from routine things of life, like vegetables, fruits, bakery goods, dry fruits, and even services like doctors and tailoring, you will find everything on these small boats.
Shikara Boat in Dal Lake
Tourists enjoy rides on these boats. These rides take you to breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. I still remember the joyous ride we had. I suggest going for a ride during the evening so that you can enjoy the reflections and changing colors of the skyline with snow-clad mountains. We also enjoyed the eatables offered by other sellers’ boats. We clicked a few memorable moments. Dal Lake’s splendor is unmatched in terms of natural beauty. Spending evenings floating in Shikara and buying eatables and other things make moments unforgettable lifelong. You can relish the lip-smacking authentic Kashmiri delicacies. Just relax and take this time to rejuvenate your mind and soul.
Spend a few nights in House Boats
Spending a few nights in a houseboat is one of the best things to do while you are in Srinagar. It cannot be so luxurious as staying in a five-star hotel but still will be a memorable experience. We can say houseboats are a perfect blend of comfort & luxury at an affordable price. Any trip without staying in a houseboat cannot be completed. Proximity to nature will certainly make your trip a lifelong memory. There are a lot of boats for you to choose from, few with all facilities.
Houseboats standing in Dal LakeNight View of House BoatHouseboat in Dal Lake
During my trip in April 2018, we stayed in a houseboat named King’s Boat for almost one week. It was systematically and beautifully managed, nowhere less than a pleasant hotel. Everything about the boat was royal – from the decor to the view to the service. We enjoyed ourselves a lot with all comforts. Mornings and evenings at the lake make your soul and mind relaxed and such moments always remain fresh in your memories.
Our Experience at Houseboat
Each morning, we would embark on a small boat ride to explore the city’s fascinating attractions. The gentle ripples of the lake and the picturesque surroundings added an extra touch of magic to our daily journeys. The hospitality on the houseboat was exceptional. Shany, the houseboat boy, treated us like royalty, ensuring our every need was met. From the warm welcome to the personalized service, we felt pampered throughout our stay.
One of the highlights of the trip was the delicious Kashmiri cuisine served onboard. Every meal was a delightful adventure of flavors, introducing us to the region’s rich culinary heritage. We couldn’t resist trying various local delicacies, leaving our taste buds truly satisfied. The April weather in Srinagar brought occasional rainfall, which only enhanced the beauty of our surroundings. The raindrops dancing on the lake’s surface created a serene ambiance, and we found ourselves lost in the soothing rhythm of nature.
In the evenings, we would relax on the deck of King’s Boat, savoring the breathtaking sunsets over the horizon. The combination of the setting sun, the calming waters, and the distant calls to prayer created an atmosphere of peace and reflection.
Relaxing on the Deck of my HouseBoat
Relaxing on the deck and watching the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset will be a wonderful experience. I still remember the quality and taste of food, veg & non-veg, served to us by the houseboat boy, Shany, from their own kitchen. He did everything on the boat, from keeping it clean to making sure our meals were served on time. He was also our guide to other places in Kashmir.
Going back in the history of houseboats
Going back to the origin of the concept of houseboats in Srinagar goes back to the British period, when the king of Kashmir Gulab Singh didn’t allow British people to buy land or do any construction activity in the valley. Then small houseboats were constructed to keep on Dal Lake and in those days, these small houseboats were moving in the water. These days, houseboats are not moving in lake water. They anchored these to one side of the lake. All basic amenities that a traveler would need, like electricity, toilets, and hot & cold water, are available.
Lotuses and Floating Market of Dal Lake
Floating market in Dal Lake
While being on dal lake, you can experience shopping from the floating market. This market is a famous tourist attraction in Srinagar. Tourists and locals buy daily needs, including fruits, vegetables. Kashmiris sell their produce at floating markets, which they get from their floating gardens. There are many floating gardens and vegetation that may astonish you. This is the primary source of income for farmers and lake dwellers. This wonderful scene also portrays the life of local Kashmiris living here, giving you an insight into the Kashmiri way of life. Another beautiful thing is countless blooming lotuses and lilies greet you on either side of Shikara when you go on an early morning trip to the lake.
Another memorable experience was the shikhara shopping. These ornate wooden boats adorned with vibrant handicrafts and souvenirs added a touch of colorful elegance to the lake. We couldn’t resist exploring the floating markets and purchasing unique treasures to cherish as mementos of our trip.
The beautiful hill town of Gulmarg
While in Srinagar, you can’t miss the beautiful hill town of Gulmarg. With its snow-covered slopes, it is globally known for Ski and other winter activities. There are so many Ski resorts offering training courses to adventure seekers.
Cable Car at Gulmarg
Another attraction there is a cable car, that takes visitors to Mt Apharwat from where you can enjoy a panoramic Himalayan view. Asia’s largest and highest and world’s second-largest and second-highest cable car project. Enjoying cable car rides is perfect for families, romantic couples, and adventure seekers. The scenic views of mountains and valleys during the cable car ride are also unforgettable and unmatched. Gulmarg town is the starting point of the ride and the top of Apharwat peak is the endpoint. Kongdoor is the center point in between. Kongdoor Mountain, from which skiers have access to many easy runs through the trees and to the groomed but narrow slopes.
Ski activities in Gulmarg
Whether you try Ski on a sloppy track of snow or just watch others doing so, a Gulmarg winter is definitely one of the most special experiences. If you are fond of this adventurous activity, then the best time to go is December to April. Still, it depends upon snowfall levels.
Valley of Shepherds, Pahalgam
Another beautiful place to visit, while you are in Srinagar, is Pahalgam. We also know it as the “Valley of Shepherds”, in the Anantnag District of Kashmir. On the banks of River Lidder, this beautiful place is full of lush meadows, verdant forests, sky-kissing mountains, and apple orchards. There are a lot of spots for camping, sightseeing, trekking, pilgrimage yatra, whitewater rafting, and fishing. We enjoyed a day at this beautiful place.
View at Pahalgam
Me and Atinderpal in Pahalgam
We all are well aware of Bollywood’s unending love for Kashmir and its surroundings. The famous movie of Sunny Deol was shot in Pahalgam and interestingly the valley is renamed Betaab Valley, on the name of the movie. Betaab Valley was previously known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon. The Betaab Valley is popular amongst trekkers as it serves as a base camp for many treks that go further into the mountains.
Our Group
Zorbing in Pahalgam
Zorbing is a recreational sport that is performed in a big inflated transparent ball. They do Zorbing on slightly hilly slopes or even an artificially made surface. While in Pahalgam, you can simply ask for zorbing. Baisaran, Pahalgam is a valley where you can try this adventure’s fun game. This is a perfect place for this activity, surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-clad mountains.
Zorbing in Pahalgam
Other places in India where you can do Zorbing are Khajjiar, New Delhi, Manali, and a few more. In the last, I feel Kashmir and in particular, Srinagar has a lot to offer to make a vacation trip, life long memory. It is one of the best places to travel in India.
During our trip to Srinagar, Bhawana, Deep, Atinder, and Rajni were all part of the adventure, and every single one of us had an absolute blast. From exploring the city together to staying on the charming King’s Boat, we shared laughter, unforgettable moments, and a true sense of camaraderie. The joy of experiencing the delicious food, the enchanting rainy environment, and the fun shikhara shopping was amplified by the wonderful company we had. It was truly a trip filled with joy and cherished memories for all of us!
If you are planning a tour for two or three days, you can add Grampians National park and Ballarat and Sovereign hills as both destinations fall on the same route if you are going from Melbourne. At 235 km west of Melbourne, Grampians National park is an oasis of diversity, having an abundance of things to see and do, including Aboriginal art sites, bushwalking, wine-tasting, native wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and mountains. Other activities in the Grampians include cycling, rock climbing, and fishing. The Grampians are also home to many kangaroos, koalas, emus, and so many birds. There are so many stunning lookouts and free-flowing waterfalls, all adding to the region’s natural beauty. A wide range of recreational activities like bushwalking, rock climbing, horse riding, fishing, and bird watching can make your trip memorable.
Ararat: A Beautiful Town
somewhere in Ararat
If driving from Melbourne, head towards the gold mining town of Ballarat through the Western Freeway; Ararat is the next important destination on the way. It is an attractive and old gold mining town. A Chinese discovered gold here in 1857, and soon, people shifted here, and this town came into being. After finding of goldmines, this place turned into a boomtown that continued till the beginning of the 20th century. Ararat is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including Grampians National Park, Mount Langi Ghiran, Mount Cole, Mount Buangor, Ararat Hills Regional Park, and the Pyrenees Ranges. All this makes Ararat an ideal base for visiting these natural attractions. There are so many wineries in the surrounding of Ararat. If you are in your vehicle, you can stop for a while and taste different wines.
Halls Gap
Another beautiful place near Ararat is Halls gap which provides an ideal base for exploring the region. It is famous for fine dining while you are in the area. There are several motels, hotels, and caravan parks in town providing accommodations if you are staying for few days in Grampians Park. Waterfalls are another attraction of this region. McKenzie Falls is one of the best waterfalls, which attracts tourists. Halls Gap is home to Aboriginal Cultural Centre. In the picturesque township of Halls Gap, there are so many restaurants catering to fine dining. You can also enjoy the use of the Halls Gap swimming pool in the summer months.
Night View of Sky High. Glittering Lights of Melbourne city are visible on one side.
Dandenong Ranges
Like the Grampians region, another destination with abundant opportunities to be close to nature is the Dandenong ranges. Just at 35 km east of Melbourne, it can be your party time destination whenever you feel. Dandenong has an abundance of beautiful things where you can escape to breathtaking beauties. The scenic attractions of Dandenong are outstanding, and you can’t stop yourself praising them. Enjoying nature, exploring wildlife, and other outdoor activities like walking, hiking, cycling, golf, and camping can be your favourite things to do in Dandenong. Several locations throughout the ranges offer excellent views. Mt Dandenong provides you with a beautiful skyline from where you can see the whole of Melbourne city. Fairytale-like forest makes the entire region a perfect destination for a romantic weekend.
For nature lovers and outdoor adventures, this place is like heaven. As it is just on the doorstep of Melbourne, I used to go there frequently. You can experience nature by cycling, walking, skiing, camping, golfing, ballooning, and other outdoor activities. You can also disappear in a mystical forest to breathe more fresh air, to see the beauty of birds, listen to the sound of thundering waterfalls. This place is also known for its flair with food and atmospheric eating-places like tearooms and restaurants with stunning views. Being a popular destination for weddings, Dandenong has many things to make you more romantic.
Sky High is a popular restaurant where you can arrange your romantic dates with your partner. This place is Melbourne’s unique ‘special occasions‘ venue. You can enjoy your day at this beautiful place. A deep forest surrounds beautifully landscaped gardens where you can sit and enjoy different cuisines with coffee or wine. After sunset, you can see Melbourne’s skyline from the heights of Dandenong. The glittering lights of the city seem like stars and diamonds glowing from one horizon to another.
Puffing Billy Train
Puffing Billy Train
Dandenong ranges are full of wonders and excitement. The famous Puffing Billy Railway, a steam engine tourist railway, runs through the southern parts of the Dandenong. Just 40 km east of Melbourne, this fantastic steam train runs every day except Christmas Day from Belgrave to Lakeside and Gembrook. Throughout the whole track, the train passes through scenic forests and breathtaking views.
Puffing Billy is now a major tourist attraction. You may plan your one-day picnic trip to this place. Hanging your legs outside or wrapping arms over the window safety bars, you can feel fresh air on your face.
The trestle bridge is a famous point on this track. Its timber bridge is having 15 spans, 91.4 m and 12.8 m in height. It offers a thrilling feeling when the train passes on this bridge.
Lakeside (Emerald Lake) is a usual stoppage of the train to fill the locomotive water tanks. This place is lovely to spend a few hours in the surrounding forest, a gigantic pool with paddle boats, tracks for pleasant walks, and some cafes around.
The Puffing Billy Railway line has been in operation since 1900. This train was used to transport vegetables, fruits, and other farming goods in the early days.
Train Route from Belgrave to Gembrook
Phillip Island
Mt Buller, Phillip Island, Yarra Valley wineries, and Great ocean road are a few more important destinations you can’t miss visiting.
Phillip Island, situated approximately 130 km southeast of Melbourne, is a major tourist destination, attracting surfers to its beaches. We know Phillip Island for its coastal scenery, best surfing conditions, and world-famous penguin parade. It’s the world’s largest colony of little penguins. Thousands of little penguins emerge from the sea with sunset, march across the beach to their dune burrows.
The day I visited this place with my friend, it was drizzling and freezing. They made fenced platforms from where you can see moving penguins. I still feel the romance of waiting for little penguins. Thundering sea, darkness and drizzling were making those moments really memorable. As we did not have an umbrella, we were covering our self with our long jackets. Suddenly few little penguins appeared from the sea, and in a few moments, there was a full parade of thousands of penguins. It was really amazing to see them moving towards their natural shelters.
Indian students planning to travel to Australia have a question in mind that we all are trying to get an answer, but still wandering to fix it. Question is, when can Indian students travel to their dreamland to join their studies? Several international students, including thousands from India, enrolled in Australian universities remain offshore because of the strict border closure. Parents, students & education consultants are estimating the timeline for student return. Australia’s economy is on track, although affected by Covid-19 to some extent. Credits for this go to the country’s stable financial system. But whereas it completely affected the education sector.
Overseas students cannot travel to Australia to join their classes. Universities and other institutes are struggling hard for their survival. It scattered their economic structure so much that they cannot pay salaries to their staff, denying them regular jobs. Figures show that Universities shed at least 17,300 jobs in 2020.
Indian students are waiting for opening of borders
International education is the country’s fourth-biggest export, with A$40.3 billion in 2019. Closure of borders for International Students cost a loss of 9 billion. These figures are from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABC). The country’s borders have been effectively closed to international students for well over a year and there is still no clear-cut sign of when they will reopen. Over 110,000 international students currently enrolled in higher education courses in Australia are studying remotely because of the border closures, according to federal government figures.
According to data released by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment in May, the number of Indian students enrolled in Australian universities dropped by 13 percent between January and May this year as compared to a similar period last year.
An initiative by South Australia
South Australia had previously announced its pilot plan to let international students travel to Australia and quarantine at Parafield Airport last few weeks giving few indications of the early opening of borders for international students. Under the plan, 160 students would be quarantined at Parafield Airport and be required to have daily COVID-19 tests. Parafield Airport is on the edge of the residential suburb of Parafield. It’s in South Australia, 18 km north of the Adelaide city center. It is Adelaide’s second airport and the third busiest airport in Australia by aircraft movements. After China, India is among the biggest source of international students for SA. Outside of China, India is the next biggest source of overseas students for South Australia.
Sydney lockdown & its effects
Similarly, NSW announced its plan to bring back international students in June, which was under review by the federal government. They did not include though India in this pilot plan. This plan of the NSW government was about to happen, but the outbreak of the virus in Sydney delayed it. They extended lockdowns many times. NSW has paused plans to fly in international students to help kick-start the struggling education sector. Premier Ms. Berejiklian said recently we had put the pilot program on hold. Adding the government would not compromise its ability to exit the lockdown as quickly as possible.
Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge further endorsed the statement saying ‘the NSW government had made the right call in pausing the pilot’. Sydney is currently battling a spike in the highly contagious Delta variant infections, which has prompted New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian to pause its student pilot plan while the state remains in lockdown.
Over the past year, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory had also announced similar student return plans, but not implemented them. Other states also followed the same, but there’s no concrete answer. When international students can travel to Australia, which has kept students on edge since the country shut its borders in March 2020.
Changing the mindset of students
There is increasing frustration in students planning to study in Australia. whereas other countries are relaxing restrictions and openly managing and facilitating the safe return of students, Australia seems more conscious of it. Students are changing their choice to other destinations like UK & USA. It is very clear the fate of the international education sector rests on Australia’s border policy. The most important factor in the sector’s recovery is the rate at which both new and returning international students can enter the country. Experts claim global competitors are gaining because of Australia’s tight border policy.
In concluding lines, we can still keep hoping for the early opening of borders for Indian students. We all are expecting it sooner. The country needs a national proactive strategy to bring back existing students on priority. Although Prime Minister announced the opening of borders from November 1 for a few categories but has not yet communicated a specific timeline for their student return.
…recent updates (Nov. 2021)
As per media reports, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on ( 12th Nov 2021) in Melbourne that international travelers and students from India could soon enter the country. He further clarified that the government had already expanded the definition of the immediate family. This will allow the parents of permanent residents and citizens to be allowed for entering Australia.
UK education is always one of the best choices for international studies. It opens doors for you where ever you go. With its innovative teaching approach and leading minds, the UK has the best Universities that deliver world-recognized education. There is no doubt if we say one in four world leaders has studied in the UK. So if you are dreaming big things, you must choose the UK as your further education option. Here we will discuss different statics on changing trends among Indian Students choosing the UK & especially London as their study destination.
UK Education is once again in focus
Recent statistics from the Home Office show the changing trend in favor of UK education. Till earlier this month, there was a 6391 increase in the number of study visa grants to Indian students in the year ending March 2021, making a 13 percent hike over the previous year.
According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) data, British universities received 9,930 applications from Indians this year — a 30% increase from the 7,640 applications received last year.
To attract more international students, immigration rules have been amended. Post Study Work is a major change that will be beneficial for students to stay more in the UK after completing their degree.
The Graduate Route & recent changes
The department has launched the Graduate Route, commonly known as PSW.Under this plan, international students who have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree will avail of two years of work experience. Students who complete their Ph.D. will stay for three years.
If you have been studying online in your home country because of Covid-19, you can still apply for the Graduate Route, provided you meet the other requirements of the route. Last year UK Home Secretary Priti Patel announced 21 June as the deadline to be in the UK to qualify for a graduate Route Visa. They have extended the deadline to 27th September 2021. This change will benefit Indian students who have been waiting to travel to the UK to qualify for PSW.
A new trend in choosing a location: London is in focus
Another changing trend shows that the UK capital city is the most preferred one when choosing a University location. Statistics on this show an astonishing growth for London as a preferred location. Indian students coming to study at UK universities are enrolling in London Universities. Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) statistics suggest that 13,435 Indian students have been enrolled at London Universities. This is an 87 percent hike from the previous year’s 7,185 students. There can be many reasons behind this trend including quality & world ranking of Universities.
Introducing a two-year post-study visa is one of the major reasons for students choosing UK education overall. Let’s hope students will get more opportunities in one of the best countries for higher education.
Key Ranking Factors:
The ranking methodology considers six equally weighted factors, each accounting for 16.67% of the overall score:
1. QS World University Rankings: Evaluates the collective performance of a city’s universities in the QS World University Rankings.
2. Student Mix: Assesses the diversity of the student population, including international students, on campus.
3. Desirability: Uses various datasets to gauge the overall appeal of a destination, considering factors like safety and pollution.
4. Employer Activity: Considers factors from the QS Graduate Employability Rankings to identify cities most sought-after by graduates for employment opportunities.
5. Affordability: Measures the cost-effectiveness of a city for prospective students and their families, encompassing tuition fees and cost of living.
6. Student Voice: Integrates feedback from the yearly QS International Student Survey, reflecting students’ experiences studying abroad.
I took the title of this article from someone’s blog on Melbourne Experiences. Once again, my memories got refreshed, and I shared my impressions here. I visited Williamstown Beach a few years back. Despite that, I feel it’s a tale of yesterday. During my stay in Melbourne, it was my favorite place to spend time, whenever I felt to relax my soul and mind. I have seen different moods of nature there, like color-changing horizons, different shapes of clouds, and thundering waves. Quoting someone, I will say, the sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea’.
Williamstown Beach is located where the Yarra River enters Hobsons Bay and Port Phillip in the southwest of Melbourne. They originally developed this beach as an industrial port to serve the needs of those days. Now it is one of the most beautiful beaches around Melbourne with a lot of scenic beauty.
Williamstown Beach station
Another View of Williamstown Beach Station
Whether you live near or far from the ocean, river, or lake, hearing the name of the beach makes you full of enthusiasm, and many things come to your mind. I heard one popular saying, ‘If you’re lucky enough to be at the beach…then you’re lucky enough’ Life and nature are always together on the beach. No matter how upset and down you feel, visiting the beach can make you full of life once again. In every drop of water and every blow of breeze, there is a story of life. All this is true for Williamstown Beach as well.
Pleasant weather, clean water, and soft sand make this beach a nice place to spend time. In a few words, I will say that this beach is a fantastic place to be there and, if you like, for immersing yourself in the water with someone you really love. It will give you a wonderful life experience that you will never forget. A feeling of calmness invades your soul, and over time, it goes firmer and deeper in memories.
Sunset time @ Williams Town Beach
As a nature lover, here you will get all to make your visit a really memorable moment. The beach is around 550 m long, surrounded by water from three sides. The eastern shoreline comprises foreshore reserves dotted with piers, gardens, and remnants of Williamstown’s maritime history.
If you are not interested in going out and swimming, there is a bar facing the beach, where you can sit and enjoy the sea view. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants as well, where you can enjoy coffee and other things. Ice cream and meal shops will make your trip really enjoyable. The Williamstown Swimming and Surf Life Saving Club, formed in 1922, is at the western end next to the Baths.
During summers, this place remains full of people of all ages enjoying swimming and relaxing in the sun on the sandy beach, whereas during winter days people come here for a walk and enjoy calm and peace to relax their minds. During summer days, you can see people there doing different fun activities. You can plan a picnic with your family and kids. You will find people making sandcastles, playing volleyball, collecting seashells, taking picture shots, relaxing on beach chairs, and making beach tents. Going for a picnic at Williamstown will make another day in paradise.
Williamstown is a 30-minute train journey from Flinders Street Station, the last station on the Williamstown line. Railways station there has two platforms opening on opposite sides, and the beach is just a 5-minute walking distance away from the station.
I read somewhere that you can also reach Williamstown if you catch a ferry from Melbourne. I feel it would be a great journey passing through downtown Melbourne and the Yarra River, finally changing to a broad shipping yard. Ferries from Melbourne’s Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct take approximately 1 hour.
I wish to have a ferry ride on my next trip to Melbourne. Be sure to make Williamstown Beach your first place to visit when you are in Melbourne and when you go out to explore Melbourne Beaches. I will end this article by saying that Williamstown Beach has everything to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. Keep visiting this outstanding place whenever you get time. I will write more on Melbourne Beaches.
After complete closure because of the Covid-19 situation for several months, now Indians will be eligible to visit European countries even for tourism. Different visa application centres in India have resumed their work for different visa categories. Recently Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, Austria, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Estonia few more, has announced that its visa application centres working in different cities of India, which temporarily suspended their services because of the Coronavirus, have resumed their work. Europe is opening borders in steps.
Students and visitors who are planning to travel to different European countries will travel in the coming days. For the last few days, if not months, Europe is gradually opening borders to more countries. Hopefully, India will be on the list soon. Many Indian students, travellers, are hoping to travel to different destinations. All are also cautious on fluctuating situations affected by Covid. Vaccination and other safety measures will contribute a lot to free travelling in the coming months.
Germany has permitted entry to third-country travellers. This permission is for non-essential purposes like tourism, visiting family and friends. They must be vaccinated before the last 14 days. Permission will be in effect from June 25, 2021. European countries announced such guidelines in the past few days.
Given all this, aspiring students and other travellers must start their planning by taking all precautions. As embassies in Delhi & other cities are open now, you must start your applications for admission and visa permits. Countries like Malta, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland are among popular destinations for higher studies. It would help if you started well in time to excel in your future dreams.
Indians now don’t require Airport Transit Visa in France
Another good news for Indians, they don’t need AirPort Transit Visa (ATV) for France. From 23rd July onward, every Indian passport holder may go through the International zone of any airport in France without ATV. Mr Alexander Ziegler, Ambassador of France in India, announced this through a tweet.
Austria Lifts Quarantine Requirement
Austria lifted the requirement of quarantine for travellers from the UK, India, Russia, Nepal, South Africa and Zambia. Authorities have taken this decision after the countries are out of the virus variant area list, which became effective on 15 August 2021.
“The following countries are no longer considered virus variant areas but “other countries”: Botswana, India, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Zambia. Fully vaccinated travellers from these countries do not need to self-isolate anymore,” the statement of Austria’s Official Travel Portal reads.
We always keep on updating our articles, so keep visiting again.
In June this year, the US embassy announced the opening of bulk student appointment slots from June 14. So it was obviously hoped a noticeable rise in US study visa applications for this dream destination in the coming future. This was big news for all students planning to join US higher education and degrees in US colleges and universities. Don Heflin, who is in charge of visa operations at the embassy and the four consulates in India, said that time, ‘We will open tens of thousands of visa appointment slots on Monday, June 14, during the morning business hours.’
Department announces to open appointments in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Students can book appointments at their nearest center and avoid travel. He further clarified that the embassy would interview as many students as in 2019, the last normal year.
US Universities are welcoming Indian students
The US always remained a most sought-after destination for higher studies. A wide range of scholarship options, the cost of education, and entirely an international space are among the important reasons. This makes the USA a diverse society to live in. Over 150 Universities in the USA are among the world’s top universities according to QS rankings 2020. That alone speaks for itself for US education.
Source: Keystone Report
Changing trends
After the election of Biden as President, students see the US as a more favorable destination for their studies. A survey report released by Keystone Academic Solutions, based upon 5851 website visitors, shows that 83% of students from different nations are likely to study in the US since the election of Biden. As per these reports, 48% were interested in master’s programs, 21% in bachelor’s, 13% in doctoral, and 12% in certificate or diploma programs. Similarly, an IDP survey of 800 prospective students earlier this year suggested that 76% of prospective students said the election of Biden improved their perception of the US as a study destination.
Difficulty in getting appointments
There is a deluge to get an F-1 visa, whereas the slot is minimal. The US government has kept most non-immigrant international travel from India suspended since April 30. And now, because of the rush, students are finding it difficult to get appointment slots for their visas. Institutes across the US are ready to allow international students entry into physical campus programs from the Fall session onwards.
Department spokesperson encouraged students to apply early for visas, adding that the department prioritizes interview appointments for students and expedites appointments on a case-by-case basis.
Bhawana Salaria
Bhawana Salaria, an education consultant based in Jalandhar, & Director of CAAN World Consultants, said that students prefer to apply for US study visas because it has so many reasons behind it, including best and ranking Universities & better career opportunities. When other countries like Australia, New Zealand are still planning to open borders for International Students. The USA has opened visas for Indian students, and this step will certainly be beneficial to Indian students.
Update in September 2021
Media reports say over 55000 Indian students and exchange visitors to the United States have been given students visa in 2021. This is the highest number ever, a US Mission statement said. In June 2021, as soon as conditions allowed, additional slots of appointments were opened. Ultimately, these efforts paid off. A good number of students received visas to study in the United States, the statement further read.
This announcement of over 55,000 students and exchange visitor’s visas came when on the other side, countries like Australia and New Zealand have not opened borders for international students. So many European countries have not been clear about vaccination requirements for Indian students.
On a very positive note, Ambassador Atul Keshap said, ‘Indian students also enrich US society, and achieve a high level of academic success. This also deepens the bonds of friendship between our countries.’
…expecting more visas in the coming days
In light of these observations, it seems very clear that in the coming years, or at least in 2022, US education will be in the limelight, attracting more international students worldwide and in India.
Besides the quality of education, the cost of study, career opportunities, working, and welcoming immigration will be among a few important reasons behind this growing trend. As a professional working in the international education industry, I hope this will be a great opportunity for aspiring students.
Planning to study in the USA, Call our expert team +91-9216 310 310
The Company of Womenis entertaining, has a grip on readers, and has erotic, emotional, and social angles. Need mature readers who can see other things beyond a simple narration of a few sex descriptions. If we go with the title and a few other erotic details, it seems a tale revolving around the life of a rich businessperson who had an unsuccessful married life. Recently separated from his ill-tempered wife of thirteen years. And now trying to have the adventure of companions to share his bed.
Convinced that ‘lust is the true foundation of love, he is focused on his physical needs. He keeps on searching for companionship to spend his leisure time. When his marriage breaks down, he places an advertisement for a concubine. What he needs is a short-stay, live-in relationship. No strings attached. All this keeps on rolling throughout the storyline.
Ladies, those who came into the life of Mohan
Few ladies come into his life, one after another, and share intimacy and sexual relationship. A few remarkable women that can be named are Ph.D. Professor Sarojini Bharadwai from small-town Rewari, sweet-natured and talkative Molly Gomes from Goa, classy charmer, and seductress Susanthika from Sri Lanka. We can’t ignore his association in the US, where he was a student, his first love, the American black lady, assertive Jessica Browne, to whom he lost his virginity, and the wife of Azad Kashmir minister, Pakistani Yasmeen Wanchoo, who brought him the passion of an older woman. After each affair ends and before the next begins, Mohan finds solace in the practiced charms of his obliging maid, Danno.
‘The Company of Women‘ also talks about social aspects
I have mixed impressions about this book. No doubt it has a lot of erotic and endlessly entertaining content, but it has much more. It also discussed the concept of arranged marriages in India. Based upon the social and economic status of families, ignoring the basic nature of individuals. And how such relations keep on crawling without love bonding. Urban life cultures of social clubs, like the Gymkhana Club and the India International Center, where Mohan spends his evenings, also reflect the behavior of people and the hollowness of relations. People keep on back-biting each other.
The main character of the story, Mohan Kumar, also has a strong bond with his father. He went to study in the US. After completing it, I preferred to return and settle in India despite getting an offer of a green card. On the other side, Mohan’s wife’s behavior toward Mohan’s father also shows bitterness in such relations. Besides being focused on fantasy, it is also a comment on the hypocrisy of Indian society.
Overall, the book is worth reading if you are looking for cheap thrills and erotica. But it may shock others who like scholarly and meaningful prose quality. Those who have read other scholarly works of Khushwant Singh, especially History of Sikhs, Train to Pakistan & his novel Delhi will find this book below. The author wrote such an erotic fantasy at eighty-three, and he has a grip on its subject.
