Culture and heritage always attract human minds, and their roots give blood to our growth. No doubt life moves every moment in the future, but still past plays its role to shape our present and future. Many things of the past can be the reason for making our life more beautiful and worth living.
Puffing Billy’s steam train is one of those things of the past that are worth being preserved forever. I visited this dreamland during my visit to Melbourne in June 2010. As I feel on every travel, you see beautiful things; it was really a wonderful and memorable experience to see the rail preserved in its original look.
It is a railway track of 24 km running through dense and beautiful forest. Volunteers of Puffing Billy Preservation Society are putting their efforts to ensure the continued preservation and operation of the historic narrow-gauge steam railway between Belgrave and Gembrook.
Engine Front View
Built in 1900, Puffing Billy is Australia’s oldest steam railway. On the 18th of December 1900, this narrow-gauge railway was opened to serve the farmers in the area to transport their goods to the markets in Melbourne.
…reaching there
Belgrave, the gateway to Dandenong Ranges, is situated 35 km east of Melbourne. You can plan your way to get there. If you are not going in your own car, there is a second option to use public transport. Metro train service is available from Melbourne City to Belgrave via Ringwood. Belgrave is the primary starting point of this railway. It would take approx. One hour to get there. When I visited this place the first time, I used public transport, which is quite easy and cost-effective. After reaching Belgrave Station, take a short walk to puffing billy station.
Open-sided carriages add more fascination to the travel experience as you feel closer to the forest and nature. The whole track passes through many curves, where you can easily get the train’s view captured in your cameras. You can’t ever forget the thrilling sensation when you pass over an iconic wooden bridge. On the train, there are also several enclosed carriages, both saloon and compartment cars.
Belgrave Station
Menzies Creek, Clematis, Emerald, Nobelius, Lakeside, Wright, Cockatoo, and Fielder are the main railway stations between Belgrave and Gembrook. Neal Menzies Creek station, there is a narrow-gauge railway museum.
During my first visit to Puffing Billy
Emerald is a good place to stop off and eat and Lakeside to have a walk. Emerald is also the destination as well departure point of many trains of Puffing Billy.
..stop to relax at Lakeside
At Lakeside, there are many café refreshing points, lawns, supervised swimming pools, playgrounds, barbecues, and other picnic facilities, so passengers can alight here for a few pleasant hours and enjoy bushwalking, swimming, or just relaxing in peaceful surroundings. This station is 13.2 Km from Belgrave.
The operations and administration center, main refreshment room (also selling souvenirs), and ticket purchasing are located at Belgrave station.
Most trains start from Belgrave and travel to Lakeside and return. Except for Christmas Day, the railway operates every day of the year. One service each day has the option of first-class carriages and lunch.
..once decided to close, but preserved
This railway track was blocked in 1953 after a heavy landslide but again reopened in 1962 to Menzies Creek and in 1988 at Gembrook Station. A plan was made to close the line and a farewell day was organized. However, when people gathered to say goodbye, a dedicated group of train enthusiasts came together to save the Puffing Billy.
Children hanging their legs out of the steam train’s windows. The court banned this practice in 2019 after an accident.
Before you plan your trip, there are a few important things that you need to take care of. You must know the timetable of daily trains that starts from Belgrave. There were four trains daily when I last visited. You must check it while planning to go there. Trains have tickets that you also need to book well in time to avoid any issues later.
Traveling on the Puffing Billy train is like recapturing the romance and charm of the bygone days of the steam engine era. Puffing Billy steam train takes you through the dense and beautiful forest of the Dandenong hill ranges, and you feel like moving in some dreamland. It’s really worth visiting again and again.
Special events train for couples & families
If you are thinking that the puffing train is all about kids, families, picnics, and fast food, you are not very right. Sometimes on some occasions, special carriages are set out for parties with special cuisines, delicious foods, drinks, chocolates, soups, baked chicken, and different desserts. If you are looking for a unique and lifelong experience, you must plan to join special event trains. Puffing Billy is great for families and children, but it is also fantastic for couples, singles, and groups.
The century-old tradition of leg tangling outside train windows is banned
A minibus driver crashed the iconic pugging Billy train in March 2018. One passenger on the bus was injured, but no one was injured on the puffing Billy. The court ended the century-old tradition of children hanging their legs outside the train. Many people protested the court’s decision, but it ended what was a long tradition practice. Safety is more important than anything despite that, people love it as a kid, so they bring their kids, then they bring their grandchildren. Generations of families have done it for years. It would just be so sad to see that tradition disappear forever. Court’s decision is also taken as a complete overreaction by a group of masses.
I will end my article by saying that traveling always helps us understand the meaning of life, become better people, keep traveling, and keep exploring and never forget to visit once in a lifetime, this beautiful adventure of puffing billy train in Melbourne. Read about more Beautiful Places around Melbourne
Memories are like pages of a diary that we all carry with us. Sometimes we feel some memories are gone in the deep past, but suddenly, we see them floating back like some moving screen. Good memories are always the source of inspiration, and we try to keep them refreshing from time to time. Today in this article, I will share a few moments from my trip to Tashkent, and I hope you will also enjoy the brief description of those wonderful moments. I strongly believe that sharing adventures means enjoying them to the fullest.
We planned a Tashkent trip in 2018
In September 2018, a few friends from the same profession planned a trip to the ancient city of central Asia, Tashkent, in Uzbekistan. In this article, I will share a few names; otherwise, the description will remain incomplete. I read somewhere, ‘A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles. This trip was initially planned by my wonderful friends, Amarjit & Gurpreet, although at a very initial stage, it was not an organised one but later we all enjoyed it a lot. Few of us were not quickly ready to join the trip, maybe having different reasons.
Tashkent, a tourist destination
Tashkent is still a very underrated destination, but it has many amazing things to make the tour trip worth memorable. Ancient mosques, dazzling minarets, and Medieval-style Islamic monuments gloriously exhibiting the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage make your experience really awesome. On the second day of our trip, the very first place we went was Alisher Navoi National Park. It is a beautiful and largest park having beautiful buildings located deep within the park, and while one can’t enter, it creates a stunning view. These buildings, especially Romanov Palace, are examples of Russian influence in architecture. They named the park after Alisher Navoi, the great Turkic poet and thinker.
Alisher Navoi National Park
me@ Alisher Navoi National Park.
We spent a few hours in the park while clicking a few photographs. Park is so large, having a water stream passing through it. You can enjoy so many activities like boating, cycling, and roller skating. Having seen a lot of greenery, a big lake, canals and fountains, meadow and decorative flower beds, most probably, that you will forget about being in the centre of Tashkent.
Alisher Navoi is a big garden with several monuments inside. There is a very large man-made pool. It is a good place to chill for some time.
Independence Square, in the centre of the city
Another place we visited was Independence Square, in the centre of the city. This is again a big garden with a lot of water fountains, statutes, and few buildings. Spread over 12 hectares, this place has so many government buildings and administrative institutions located there. During Soviet rule, the square was named Lenin Square. A monument to Lenin was erected in its centre, dismantled upon the Declaration of Independence in 1991. There is a monument of a woman, normally known as a mourning mother, sadly looking down onto an eternal flame in memory of her children who fell in defending the country, making us silent for a few moments.
..all friends, Mr Virk, Satbir Bhatia, Sachin & Mr Kamal
Group photo reminding, friends that travel together, stay together
A journey is best measured in friends than in miles
As the late Prime Minister of India passed away in Tashkent, his memories have been treasured as a monument by the Uzbek Government as a mark of respect to the great man. Visitors, especially Indians, visit this monument while they visit Tashkent. We also planned to visit this place and spend a few memorable moments and also clicked a few photographs as memories.
There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with. With Kamal & Hardeep in a leisurely mood.
Amir Timor Square
We went to Amir Timor square; his statue is fixed in a huge sized park, where visitors hang out. Amir Timur was the most famous Central Asian conqueror in history. At its largest, the empire stretched from the borders of Western China all the way to Turkey. He was the great-grandfather of the famous Mughal emperor Babur who ruled India.
It was a sunny day with pleasant weather as it was the month of September, so the weather was sunny but not hot. A beautiful garden surrounds the statue. In the background, the building of the Uzbekistan Hotel, a classic piece of Soviet design, makes the sight more beautiful. The park surrounding the statue and the Bolazhon Park is certainly worth exploring, especially around sunset as locals meet to chat and relax. We all friends clicked a few pictures with statues. There are so many restaurants, café in the square’s surroundings, where you can sit and enjoy your evening. In the evening, this area comes more alive with visitors roaming here and there. Tashkent’s nightlife is also amazing. Bars and clubs attract you. A few of us went there and shared our experiences second day. I still remember they were pleased.
cycling time with Kamal, my friend
Shopping in traditional market
There are so many other details that I am missing because of the size of this article. We went to a traditional market, a dry fruit market, and many food corners and enjoyed delicious dishes. Restaurants and cafes in Tashkent surprise you with perfect service and food quality. It will amaze you with the wide range of cuisines.
The traditional market, in the old city, is a major crowd-puller of tourists. Just perfect for souvenir shopping, you can pick gorgeous trinkets, handicrafts, apparel, home décor items, and spices. You must know bargaining art while shopping there. I still remember how we purchased a few things using this bargaining art; few of us have.
In the last, it was really a wonderful trip to Tashkent, we really enjoyed it a lot. I can easily recommend you choose Tashkent as your next destination for a vacation.
During my trip to Australia in September 2019, I got few days to explore Melbourne, although I visit this beautiful city almost every year. This time, I attended some family functions; hence, it was a gathering of family and friends. One day I planned to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo with family members.
Spread over 225 hectares, it is an African-themed zoological park. It is on the Werribee River, about 32 kilometres in southwest Melbourne. We spent an almost full day with several species of animals, birds and experienced a never forgettable moment there.
Plan Trip with Family & Friends
This tour can be more fun-filled if you visit with family, friends, and especially kids. We enjoyed watching wildlife, including different species of animals like camels, zebras, crocodiles, horses, waterbuck, giraffe, ostrich, rhinoceros, and so many others. Because of its size and variety, this place promises you an entire day packed with many activities.
Deep & my sister, Paramjit @ Werribee Zoo Entrance
Off Road Safari at Werribee Zoo
At Werribee Zoo, visitors can book various ‘specialty’ tours, including the Off-road Safari, and have close encounters with gorillas, giraffes, and ostriches. With this tour, you can experience animals’ natural habitats; live commentary makes you more aware of wildlife. On this safari, you pass through well-maintained grasslands and natural forest surroundings. When Safari stops, you sneak a peep into the lives of different animals; you feel amazing when the giraffe touches the window of Safari, and you touch and even feed them.
Road Safari tour takes you off-road and up close to the animals, creating a more intimate and exceptional experience. You get opportunities to stop, observe, ask questions to your guide, and capture the perfect photograph; it’s nothing less than a true African safari.
Longhorn Cattle
Longhorn Cattle protecting her grassland
A day at Werribee Open Zoo gives you wonderful experiences about the lives of so many wild animals, like lions, hippopotamus, Kulinda, and cheetah. The Gorillas encounter is one of the largest in the world and allows you to feed and interact with mammals. The Texas Longhorns cattle alongside zebra make grassland look more amazing, and it reminds you of African wildlife more lively.
Safari passes near Lake
Ostrich greeting you
Feeding giraffes can be a wonderful experience
Another wonderful experience that you can have with your kids is feeding giraffes at the Werribee Zoo while you see eye-to-eye with one of the tallest animals in the world. There are plenty of giraffes, so everybody easily sees them closely. Normally, they bend their long necks over the fence, and you can even touch them, as they are so friendly.
Giraffe at Werribee Zoo
Other attractions nearby
Other attractions near Werribee Zoo are Werribee Park Mansion and State Rose Garden. Thomas Chirnside, built between 1874 in the Italianate style mansion from Scotland and his brother Andrew Chirnside. Nowadays, it is converted into the five-star Mansion Hotel & Spa, also named the ‘Most Romantic Hotel in Australia.’ The mansion has several rooms open to the public, including the billiards rooms, main bedrooms, reception rooms, and the kitchen. In the surrounding mansion, a State Rose Garden is having 5000 roses blooming. You can plan and enjoy a picnic or explore the gardens.
Carry some eatables
As you will be there for almost an entire day, you must carry some eatables or fruit, but if you forget, don’t worry about lunch. There is a cafe that has an excellent list of scrumptious food on its menu. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, etc. You can also order a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. Enjoy your meal and drinks with wildlife animals in lush green grassland.
Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets
You need to purchase entry tickets to visit Werribee Zoo. You can buy tickets at the counter, but it is safe to buy tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines. We also recommended opting for a guided tour pass to learn more about the zoo’s various animals and their habitats. If you’re planning to visit during the weekend, then having an entry ticket at hand is the best way to make the most of your tour.
Werribee Zoo & State Rose Garden
Must visit while you are in Melbourne
This time, when you visit Melbourne, you must book a Werribee Open Range Zoo Tour with Wildlife Tours Australia and experience the grassland wildlife. You will surely get a lifetime experience of grassland full of savanna-like African environment.
If you live somewhere in Punjab, Chandigarh, Jammu, or Delhi, and you plan a trip to a hill station and have just 2 or 3 days off your work, Visiting McLeod Ganj in upper Dharamshala can be your destination. Dharamshala is in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley in the Himachal state of India. It is around 166 Km from Jalandhar, another important city in Punjab state. Distance from Chandigarh is 239 Km. It is approximately a 4-hour drive from Jalandhar if you are having your own car. After Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur is the last city in the Punjab state to touch Himachal. Hills start when you leave Hoshiarpur and enter Himachal Pradesh. The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh.
Explore the Scenic beauty all the way
Dharamshala offers a magnificent view of snow-capped Dhauladhar peaks. Living in Jalandhar, I often prefer my brief escapes to this place. Other nearest destinations are Dalhousie, Jammu, and even Shimla, but Dharamshala- McLeod Ganj still has better options. The entire drive from Hoshiarpur passes through Chintpurni, Kangra till Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj is full of natural breathtaking views. Kangra Valley is in the southern part of the Dhauladhar Ranges (White Mountains) of the Himalayas. it is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. Another route is via Pathankot, which is also a wonderful drive.
Kangra Fort: An icon of the historical past
While reaching Kangra by road, you can see ‘Remains of Kangra Fort‘ on your left side. Bhuma Chand built this fort. It is located at strategic heights surrounded by Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. We can judge the importance of this fort from the common saying that ‘Kangra belongs to those who conquer Kangra Fort‘. Raja of Kashmir made the first attack on this fort in 470 AD. After that, there is a long list of those who made this fort their target. In the second half of the 18th century, following the decline of the Mughal empire, Raja Sansar Chand II recovered the ancient fort of his ancestors in 1789 but in 1809, he was compelled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to surrender this fort to him.
It remained in the hands of Sikhs till 1886 when it fell into the hands of British Rule. Kangra Fort is an attraction for tourists. There are two temples inside the fort. One is the Laxmi Narayan temple, and the other is the Adinath temple. Interestingly, this fort is the largest in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. At present, the fort is under the control of the ‘Archaeological Survey of India. It was badly damaged in the 1905 earthquake.
Remains of Kangra Fort. This fort is the oldest recorded fort in India and the largest in the Himalayas. It has the unique distinction of being ruled by great Hindu Kings, Muslim Invaders, Sikh Maharaja, and Christian Rulers of the British empire.
Photo clicked inside the Fort. Photo credit: Rajni Singh
McleodGanj-Land of Monasteries
Also referred to as Little Lhasa, McLeod Ganj is well known worldwide for its scenic beauty and as well for the residence of the Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj was also known as a ghost town after the British left India in 1947, till it came into prominence after the Tibetan spiritual leader and Noble Peace Prize winner, Dalai Lama settled here with thousands of his followers in 1959.
As Dharamshala became the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by the Dalai Lama, it gained prominence worldwide, and prominent personalities started arriving here. McLeod Ganj emerged as a major Buddhist center. During the last three decades, The Tibetans have built many religious, cultural, and educational institutions in and around McLeod Ganj. Several monasteries and Tibetan schools came up at McLeod Ganj. With all this mix, McLeod Ganj presents a multicultural face. It has now become a sort of hippie town, with visitors and travelers from all walks of life heading to this hill station.
Tourists come from different nations and cultures. International tourists equally affect businesses. Today, this place has become an important tourist destination, with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes leading to growth in tourism and commerce. Several shops are selling Tibetan art and literature stuff. McLeod Ganj is also a shopping hub. It is an excellent place to shop for a few things like shawls, woolen dresses, ornaments, statues, and unique paintings. Tibetan art and craft items are also there to shop.
Yoga and Reiki classes are also available where you can learn to relax your mind and soul. There are many Yoga learning centers and Spa Therapies that offer meditation and peace centers. These centers are some of the popular McLeodGanj tourist attractions for those who seek peace and relaxation of the soul. Relaxing Spa therapies are one of the refreshing things to do around McLeodGanj.
Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj
Another view of the Temple at McLeod Ganj
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama’s temple is important to visit while you are in McLeod Ganj. It is the biggest Buddhist temple outside Tibet and is located opposite the Dalai Lama’s residence. The temple is magnificent from the inside, and you rotate the prayer wheels in a monastery. The temple has statues of the bodhisattvas Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and Padmasambhava. The temple is visible from a distance, covered with multi-colored prayer flags. Depending upon the time of your visit and chance, you may meet the Dalai Lama as he often comes out to be with his devotees and followers.
The Golden Buddha at the Tsuglagkhang
Take a short hike to Bhagsu Waterfalls
Bhagsunag Temple is situated around 2 km from McLeod Ganj. You may choose to go there by your vehicle or even on walking. Walking would be a better option if you want to feel a cool climate on the way. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a waterfall, one of the major tourist attraction spots in Dharamshala, Bhagsu waterfall is an ideal recreation and picnic spot. You can sit near the water stream and enjoy natural surroundings full of amazing views. You can also take a dip in the chilly water of fall.
Waterfall at Bhagshu
McLeod Ganj is a great eating place, and the town has an abundance of restaurants, especially in the mid to upper range, that cater to tourists. You can have various dishes ranging from the local Tibetan to Chinese, Korean, Israeli, and many more. The must-try is the momos available in and around the restaurants, even in tiny carts and stalls. A few years back, during our visit to this place, we stayed in Hotel Jungle Hut on Bhagsu Road. It was a perfect hotel with good accommodations. Recently I stayed at Hotel King Castle, it was a small hotel with a homely stay. While you are in this beautiful place and you want to see all the attractions, it’s advisable to hire a local guide and even a taxi, this will save you time and avoid traffic.
View from my stay at Hotel King Castle
Shopping for Local Crafts and other items
There is a beautiful market where you can spend time if you love shopping. Although people visit McLeod Ganj as an escape from the busy life of big cities still shopping may attract you. Local Tibetan handicrafts and other decorative things can be the best bargain to make your trip a memory for many years. A few items like singing bowls, beautiful silk and satin wall hangings, carved boxes, Buddha statues, jewelry items, beautiful gems, and fabric paintings are available. Yes, the price of things is a matter of concern. You must know the art of bargain. There is an abundance of items that you will love to buy.
Most of these are handmade local creations that incorporate the unique styles and designs of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures.
The shopping experience in McLeod Ganj is worth remembering, provided you know how to bargain
Church of St John in Wilderness
Church of St John is another must-visit place while you are in McLeod Ganj. Being there, you really enjoy green nature. You will feel a beautiful blend of forest, mountains, and snow in winter, and the magic of the sun’s rays filtering through tall and green deodar trees in summer.
Side View of St John Church, McLeod Ganj
Another View of St John Church
The excellent St. John Church McLeod Ganj holds a rich history. They constructed the church using Gothic Stone, in memory of John the Baptist. The churchyard is the last resting place of Lord Elgin, who served as the Governor-General and Viceroy of India in 1861 during the British period. The church is also famous for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin.
Naddi- A tiny village near the sky
‘Naddi’ is another scenic picnic spot located 5 km northwest of McLeod Ganj. It offers a spectacular view of Kangra Valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It’s a top-rated destination for nature lovers. Triund is a nice trekking spot in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, and it is around 9 km from Mcleodganj. The route to Triund from Mcleodganj goes through Dharamkot and Galu temple. The road is motorable up to Galu temple from Mcleodganj. Beyond Galu temple, the actual trek path to Triund starts. The trek route is very rocky, and one needs to be careful when walking.
View of Village Naddi. Here the majesty of the mountains was awe-inspiring.
Naddi View
The entire way up to Triund passes through a forest trail and is full of natural beauty. View of mountain peaks and forests has many things to create long-lasting impressions on your mind and soul. Triund is a beautiful mountain ridge portraying astonishing views of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Mountains in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Must explore another Dal Lake
If you are going toward Naddi, just at a distance of 2 Km from McLeod Ganj, there is an oval-shaped lake called Dal Lake. Although it is not big like the one in Srinagar, is also located beautifully and engulfed by deodar trees. There is also a Shiva shrine nearby. You can enjoy sitting there and if you like boating is also available. You can also enjoy fishing with the permission of concerned authorities. We should avoid swimming because of the possibility of snakes in the lake water.
This lake attracts tourists from all over the world because of its serenity and beautiful panoramic view. In September every year, tribal people living there celebrate a festival, so if you go around that time, you may take part in their activities. If you are staying in nearby hotels, this place is good for an early morning walk and also for spending some time relaxing in the woods near the lake.
The tribal people living in the surrounding regions of Dal Lake come to celebrate the most awaited festival in September, where several food stalls and other attractions are set up.
The roadway from Jalandhar to McLeod Ganj via Pathankot
McLeod Ganj is undoubtedly a beautiful place with natural beauty. It has everything to make your trip really memorable and wonderful. You will certainly love to be there again and again. I like this place so much that I have been there so many times. If still wondering what else lies hidden in the Himalayas around McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala, the only way out is to plan your trip at soon as possible. The other best destination you must plan to visit is Dalhousie & Khajjiar in the Chamba District of Himachal. Another beautiful place near McLeod Ganj is a beautiful and calm village, called Dharamkot. Here read more on this Place. Dharamkot, A hippie village near McLeod Ganj.
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, and it was really wonderful trip. 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 impressions that I got on different occasions about this place. The last visit to this place was a few months back. 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 and pleasant air, and beautiful landscapes all are here to make your trip really 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 winters. 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 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 the 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 and picnic spot for tourists to enjoy but also a favourite trekking place for adventure lovers. For people who are wild and adventurous, 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 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. Government must take care of this historical monument so that we could save it for 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
A wonderful ride at Chamera Lake can certainly make your trip memorable. It is a thing that you must not miss at all in Chamba. 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. It gives way to various water sports activities, such as boat riding and fishing. We all had memorable moments spent there. The weather was outstanding, making it more enjoyable.
Overall trip to Dalhousie, Khajjiar & finally Chamba can be full of fun for 3-4 days.
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.
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.
The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands, and I believe travelling to different places like Kedarnath makes you more full of life, but these days we all face a controlled lifestyle imposed on us because of lockdowns. No doubt it is there for the safety of people, and we must follow it, but still staying indoors, within the boundaries of the house for months is not very easy to adopt a lifestyle. In such a situation, planning a trip, even in-country, needs careful research to avoid any hassle during your journey. Few states keep on imposing travel restrictions. Some others may have imposed night curfews.
I started my travel blog with this line to make you aware that complete information on your travel plans, stay & accommodations are essential these days. During lockdown last year in November, we planned a trip to the divine temple of Kedarnath, which is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India. Few family friends planned this trip. Initially, I did not have any plan to join, but when they asked, I agreed as I heard and read many descriptions on Shiv Sutra, especially narrated by OSHO.
Another excellent read on this is ‘The Shiv Sutra, in my understanding’ by V. Susan Ferguson. Shiva Sutras are scriptures that help a seeker on the spiritual path to embark on an inward journey towards the self. We believe these sutras connect the individual to his core and to the larger cosmos or the universal soul. We also say it is the ultimate God.
Visitors @ Kedarnath
Shiva Sutras is a collection of seventy-seven aphorisms that form spiritual mysticism known as Kashmir Shaivism. The Shiva Sutras and the ensuing school of Kashmir Shaivism are a tantric tradition. Tantrics saw themselves as independent of the Vedic mainstream schools of thought and practice and beyond the rules put in place by them. This is somewhere science of mind. Today, experts of human psychology are testifying those principles laid centuries ago. I had an inner zeal to know and connect myself to the place I travel, and all this was the core reason for my going to this great place.
If we talk about the route to Kedarnath, go to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and finally Gourikund. We started from my place in Jalandhar in a hired taxi and reached Rishikesh via Haridwar and planned our first night to stay there. It was late evening when we reached and booked our stay in a hotel. Although it was an excellent hotel, it was clear from occupancy, maintenance, and other things that the hotel industry is worst affected in the COVID era. Guests were mostly in transit, those who had to extend their stay because of the lockdown. Few Hotels in Rishikesh are really offering the best services to visitors.
Here I am talking about the situation of November 2020. I think it is still struggling for survival amid COVID lockdowns. Let’s pray for better days soon.
Armaan & all enjoying trip
The second day we started our trip around 9 am, and we expected to reach our destination by the evening, but we took the wrong path and travelled towards Tehri, and it prolonged the journey for few hours. No doubt it delayed our journey, despite that we enjoyed it. Beautiful Kunds with small multiple falls look so picturesque, we stopped for a while and clicked few snaps. The river view by the side of the road was so beautiful that it hypnotizes your senses. The continuous water flows striking the surrounding rocks, making big water flow sounds, can easily mesmerize one. It is a beautiful route while going to Gangotri. I really feel that it’s worth going there again and again.
We reached Gourikund late at night but anyhow managed our stay in some guest house. Fully exhausted, we just had available food and slept to wake up the next morning. Gaurikund is a place known as the starting point of the walking journey towards Kedarnath. Kedarnath Temple is approx. 17 km by track from here. Budget and cheap hotels and guest houses are available in Gauri Kund. We also stayed in one guest house. It was a very basic stay but excellent in hospitality and homely food. In Gaurikund, one can take a bath in naturally hot water. According to the legends, Goddess Parvati meditated over here to marry Lord Shiva. There are so many springs that offer refreshing baths before starting the holy journey up to Kedarnath Temple.
One must keep in mind that up-down in one day is not possible by track (walk), so check your fitness first and plan your trip as you may also face low oxygen during the track towards Kedarnath, so people bring a substance ‘Kapoor’ along with them, it helps in breathing.The easiest and most convenient way to reach the temple is by helicopter. If you are looking to cut down travel time or travel with someone who cannot walk too much, this is the best way to go to the temple. It’s just a 5-7 minutes’ flight to reach the temple. Flights start from different points, even from Dehradun, from where it takes 40-45 minutes to reach. Although an expensive option you will have experienced the visit to one of the wonderful & spiritual place, also it will cut down your travel time. We preferred this option on our journey.
Myself near Helipad
Although many things, including old tracks, bridges and private properties, got damaged during a massive natural disaster flood in 2013, and also it costed a death toll of over 5000. As life always finds reasons to continue, new tracks and other facilities like new bridges, resting sheds, they again constructed small shops for visitors.
Being in the travel industry, I have had opportunities to travel to many exciting places in India and abroad as well, both on the professional and personal front. However, this trip of mine was one of the best ones.
Kedarnath temple is at the height of over 3500 meters from sea level, so this is the highest Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The nearest river flowing near Kedarnath temple is Mandakini coming from the snow-covered mountains. As we preferred a helicopter for reaching the temple, it was also a glorious experience. Reaching the helipad on the premises of the temple, you can’s stop your wow feeling. It’s like you landed somewhere in dreamland or somewhere in heaven.
Taking about the mythological history of the Kedarnath temple, it traces back to Pandavas when they were supposed to please Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for killing their kins during the war. When Lord Shiva knows this, he hides as a bull but finally got traced. There is a bull (Nandi) statue in front of the temple in today’s temple. People believed Lord Shiva is present as a bull in this temple. There are so many other temples related to Lord Shiva in the surrounding of the main temple.
There are plenty of mysteries surrounding the temple, with many believing it was built centuries ago. No one knows the true origins of the temple. There are many legends and stories about Jyotirlinga and other aspects of the Kedarnath Temple in Hindu mythology. According to one belief, Shankaracharya built the present temple in the 8th century. Pandavas initially built that temple. The walls of the temple’s sanctum are decorated with figures of various divinities and sections from mythology. According to one belief, Kedarnath Temple was under the snow for about 400 years. That period was between 1300 AD to 1900 AD. The structure of the Kedarnath Temple has several yellow lines that formed because of the slow movement of the glacier above the stones.
Travelling in hills and woods always attracts me, as mountains and forests give a close touch to nature and peace of mind that we miss amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Being in the mountains never gets boring for me. Rather, it makes my soul happy. Travelling is my passion & profession as well. On this trip, you will find so many tourist attractions to enjoy.
Sadhu @ Kedarnath Temple
When you drive through the mountains, every turn on the road has something to say. I think, if you want to be in the lap of nature and need to experience every bit, mountains are the best places to be in. Natural beauty in the surrounding of Kedarnath is beyond explanation. The magnanimous Himalayas, the holiest of the rivers, the spiritual mystery, stunning landscapes, a mesmerizing floral make you feel outstanding. No words can ever be enough to describe this blessed land perfectly. There is a saying, ‘where ever you go, go with your heart’. Concerning Kedarnath, I will say, whenever you go there, go with your heart & soul. In continuity, you may also read The ThrillingAdventure of Rafting in Rishikesh.
