Gurdwara Nada Sahib, in the serene town of Panchkula, Panchkula on the bank of the Ghaggar River in Shivalik foothills, is a deeply cherished place for Sikhs. It holds a rich history closely connected to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Let’s explore its historical background, the miracles associated with it, its remarkable architecture, and its role as a pilgrimage destination and center of festivities.
Historical Background
In the early 18th century, Guru Gobind Singh was going through a tough time. The tenth guru halted here while traveling from Paonta Sahib to Anandpur Sahib after the VICTORY in the Battle of Bhangani in 1688. A man from the Lobana caste Nadhu Shah served SHRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI with great dedication resulting in GURU SAHIB blessing him that this place would be called in his name. Guru ji blessed that people’s wishes will be fulfilled by visiting this place with devotion. Puranmasi day is celebrated every month in this place with great devotion. In appreciation for this assistance and the warm welcome from the local community, Guru Gobind Singh gave his blessings to the place and named it “Nada Sahib.”
Gurdwara Nada Sahib starts live-streaming Gurbani daily from today (11 September, 2023. Telecast to take place in 63 countries through World Punjabi TV, social media page, and YouTube channel of the HSGMC. Gurbani will also be telecast on the social media page and YouTube channel of the HSGMC. However, the rights will remain with the HSGMC.
Gurdwara Nada Sahib
Significance and Miracles
Gurdwara Nada Sahib is famous for its healing spring, believed to have special powers. The story goes that the water from this spring miraculously healed Guru Gobind Singh’s sick horse, Dilbagh. This remarkable incident deepened the faith of Sikhs in their Guru. The Gurdwara is not just a historical site but a symbol of strong devotion among Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh’s blessings have made this place profoundly important for Sikhs all around the world.
Architecture and Heritage
The Gurdwara complex today is an architectural wonder, showcasing traditional Sikh design elements. Inside, you’ll find the main prayer hall, a serene holy pond (Sarovar), and a place for Langar. The Gurdwara also houses historical relics and artifacts connected to Guru Gobind Singh, such as a bed and weapons.
Pilgrimage and Festivals
Gurdwara Nada Sahib is a magnet for pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. Devotees come here to find inner peace, offer their prayers, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere that fills the complex. Special celebrations take place at the Gurdwara during Gurpurabs and other significant Sikh festivals. These events include soul-stirring devotional singing (Kirtan), religious processions, and community gatherings, creating an atmosphere of spiritual joy and unity.
Gurdwara Nada Sahib is not just a place; it’s a living testament to the Sikh faith and the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh. Its rich history, coupled with its cultural significance, makes it a vital pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and an attractive place for anyone interested in exploring Sikh heritage and spirituality. It stands as a symbol of unwavering devotion and continues to inspire generations of devotees.
Angel Farm, is a breathtaking family adventure resort located just 25 kilometers from Hoshiarpur on Dasuya Road. Nestled amidst the beauty of a dense forest, this picturesque destination offers a plethora of exciting activities for children and families, making it an ideal spot for a memorable picnic.
A Scenic Passage to Adventure:
To reach Angel Farm, we embarked on a picturesque journey from Jalandhar, choosing the route via Hoshiarpur. The Dasuya-Hoshiarpur road led us through a captivating passage enveloped by verdant trees on both sides. The cool, rainy day added an extra touch of magic to the atmosphere, and the sounds of chirping birds, especially the majestic peacocks, filled the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Sign Board near Angel Farm
Thrilling Activities for Everyone:
Angel Farm offers a range of adventure activities that cater to the interests of both children and adults alike. From swing rides that left my friend exhilarated with joy to swimming in the inviting pools, there was something for everyone. The lush green gardens adorned with a variety of plants and flowers provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and unwinding.
Capturing Memories:
Memories fade over time, but photos and videos allow you to relive those special moments and experiences whenever you want. You can share your adventures with friends and family, allowing them to feel a part of your journey. The opportunity to capture beautiful moments and memories made our trip more awesome. We clicked many pictures amidst the natural splendor, capturing the essence of this unforgettable place. My friend, an avid vlogger, even shot a video to document our incredible experience and share it with her audience.
The Enchanting Galaxy Restaurant:
As I stepped into Angel Farm, the enchanting Galaxy Restaurant immediately captivated my senses. This beautiful eatery offers a unique dining experience with separate huts, each named after charming flowers such as Lotus, Lilly, Daisy, Jasmine, and Tulip. The cozy huts provided the perfect setting to relish delicious food and drinks while immersing ourselves in the serene surroundings. You can book a separate hut as per your requirement maintaining the privacy of the party.
Part of Galaxy Restaurant
In backdrops are huts of restaurant
Night stay in laps of nature
Angel Farm in Hoshiarpur offers night stay options, providing a convenient and comfortable experience for visitors. It offers the opportunity to stay and enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s a wonderful place for people to unwind and connect with nature. You can book it as per your requirement. We have not asked for tariffs. I wanted to interview the concerned person, but he was busy somewhere and not available to talk.
Stay Options at Angel Farm
An Unforgettable Trip:
As the day ended, we couldn’t help but reflect on the extraordinary time we had at Angel Farm. It was an awe-inspiring adventure that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this charming resort at least once with your family and friends.
Angel Farm, with its location in the heart of a dense forest and an array of thrilling activities, offers the perfect family adventure getaway. The Galaxy Restaurant with its cozy huts provides a delightful dining experience amidst the beauty of nature. From swing rides to swimming pools and lush gardens, there is no shortage of excitement and relaxation at Angel Farm. Visit this incredible destination and let the magic of Angel Farm create memories that will be treasured forever.
Israeli lifestyle and culture is a feeling that you will have in a hippy village, Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh, 13 km from Dharamsala. This beautiful place has also been a popular destination among Israeli tourists. Initially, the village is inhabited by the Gaddi shepherd community. However, over the years, regular visits from Israeli tourists have changed the outlook of the village. It is now dotted with cafes, restaurants, yoga centers, and gift shops. Over time, now the locals can speak Hebrew fluently. Most of the Signage and boards in the village are written in Hebrew.
Dharamkot, a hippy village doesn’t have any roads, except for a single road that leads to it and pretty much ends at “Trek and Dine”–a famous café. After Trek n Dine, the road narrows down to a pathway, ideal for aimless walks through the village to various other viewpoints, rocks, waterfalls, and some tracks.
More backpackers than families
It’s mostly populated with locals, Non-Indian tourists, and a few Indian backpackers. McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala are more family-oriented destinations, whereas Dharamkot has a different outlook with nonfamilies visitors. The place is full of spiritual-seekers and peaceful travelers who are doing some soul-searching or just enjoying the lap of nature.
I visited the place in December 2022. It was a brief trip, but we enjoyed it a lot. Dharamkot is divided into two parts: lower Dharamkot, and upper Dharamkot. We stayed in Dharamkot Innin lower Dharamkot just opposite to cafe, “Trek and Dine”. It was a nice and comfortable stay. Perhaps this is one of the rare places where you can drive your car or taxi right up to the door. This place has many reasonable) places to stay and awesome food (mostly Israeli cuisine) to taste. Dharamkot village does not have big hotels or resorts but there are plenty of homestays, budget hotels, and a few backpackers hostels too.
Moon Light Cafe, Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh
There are restaurants and cafes where you can have different cuisines. We had our dinner at Trek & Dine, a beautiful restaurant in the middle of lower Dharamkot. We had our breakfast at another good place, the Moonlight café. It was a blissful feeling of being in this beautiful place. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth from sun rays coming from the window added soothing feelings, creating memories that would linger in hearts forever.
Eager to explore the local culture, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant markets of Dharamkot. The colourful shops showcased an array of handicrafts, Tibetan artifacts, and locally made products.
Wall Painting somewhere in the Dharamkot market
The place is full of Bliss & Calmness
People love being a part of the journey to Dharamkot because the place is full of absolute bliss and calmness. The quietness of the place attracts a lot of tourists every year. I wish to visit it again and again. Time in Dharamkot was nothing short of a fairy tale. It was a chapter that had been etched with beauty, tranquility, and a deep sense of fulfillment. The place is absolute heaven for nomads, travelers, and people who love to go hiking and trekking. There is nothing like Dharamkot when you want to experience the true beauty of nature with no sort of extravagant luxury or privileges.
Somewhere near Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh
Parking is an issue in Dharamkot
Parking can be a problem in Dharamkot. If you are going in your own car, you must know there can be parking problems as the roads are not very wide. I recommend you park vehicles in the parking at McLeod Ganj and choose to travel with a hired taxi. This way you will be easier and will enjoy walking and the surrounding.
Exploring the surroundings of Dharamkot
In Dharamkot you can escape to many beautiful points like Heena Cafe in upper Dharamkot and many others. Heena Cafe is one of the best places where you can spend time and have a few Tibetan cousins like Veg Thali, Veg Thenchuk, Arrabiata Pasta, and Tibetan Style Momos. You may check the menu & taste other things as well. There are more attractions near Dharamshala that you may explore
Triund Trek:Embark on a trek to Triund, a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from Dharamkot and takes around 4-6 hours to reach the top.
Bhagsu Waterfall:Visit the enchanting Bhagsu Waterfall, located near the Bhagsunath Temple. It’s a short trek from Dharamkot and offers a refreshing experience amidst nature.
Dal Lake: Explore Dal Lake, a small and serene lake surrounded by deodar trees. It’s located near Tota Rani village, about 2 kilometers from Dharamkot.
Naddi Viewpoint:Take a trip to Naddi, a picturesque village situated above McLeod Ganj. From the Naddi Viewpoint, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar mountain range.
Running through 103 tunnels and 969 bridges, and 919 stunning curves, the Kalka Shimla train track is one of the world’s unique and most scenic railway tracks. Having a total distance of 96 Km from Kalka to Shimla, this track has 18 railway stations and 5 level crossings. The rail track rises from Kalka at 640 m to the cool climes of Shimla at 2.060 m. Compared with the Australian oldest railway of puffing Billy, I named this article, Kalka- Shimla railway, as Indian Puffing Billy.
Himalayan Queen going through a tunnel on the Kalka–Shimla Railway route
Both railway tracks were built almost simultaneously in the early twentieth century. Though the Kalka Shimla train route was completed on November 2, 1903, they opened it to the public only on January 1, 1906. It is said that this railway line was first drawn in November 1847, almost 50 years before they actually constructed it. Lord Curzon, the then British Viceroy to India, inaugurated this magnificent train in November 1903. The Kalka-Shimla Railway was built to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during British rule, with the Indian rail system. The five-hour journey is one of the best train journeys for tourists operated by the Indian railway.
Train track passes through scenic landscapes
Natural beauty and pleasant weather greet you whole the way. A cool breeze sweeps across faces as the train crosses one station after another, like Taksal, Gumman, Dharampur, before reaching Barog, which is the almost mid-point of Journey. This journey encompasses a vast display of awe-inspiring landscapes. Barog is a colonial showpiece with bougainvillaea clusters tumbling down the walls. This station is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained on this track. From here, you can see the towering mountains. At Barog, we pass through the biggest tunnel.
Train passing over the Arch Gallery Bridge
A tragic tale of Engineer Barog
A tragic story is associated with the construction of this railway track. The longest tunnel at Barog is named after engineer Barog, who sacrificed his life when he attempted to construct the tunnel but failed resulting in the wastage of government funds. Barog committed the mistake of digging the tunnel from both ends of the hill. The ends of the tunnels could not meet because of a mistake in alignment.
It is said that the British authorities lay a fine of Rs 1 on him for wasting government money in the tunnel. The British engineer could not digest this humiliation and shot himself in sheer desperation while walking with his pet dog. He killed himself near what now is the state government-run Barog Pine Wood Hotel. After his death, tunnel work done by Barog has left aside, and a new tunnel was constructed a little farther from the old one. After Barog comes other beautiful destinations like Solan, Shogai, and Koti, all these have wonderful scenery with towering mountains with green and deep forests. You feel like being amid nature throughout the entire journey.
UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage in 2008
It is a heritage train, a journey with breathtaking views and stunning scenery throughout the entire journey. Track passing through beautiful surrounding takes you near to nature and is a wonderful experience. Its speed slows down as the train ascends through steep mountains and curves. This journey runs on a narrow gauge, taking passengers with breathtaking views of rugged mountains. On the way, there are lush pine forests and waterfalls. And picture-perfect hill stations along the way that will definitely tempt you to disembark and bask in their beauty. The entire journey takes about five and a half hours.
Earlier the train used to run by a steam engine, but now a diesel engine is used. It runs at the speed of 40 to 45 km per hour as against the earlier speed of 22 km per hour. To preserve the heritage roots of the railway, it is suggested that steam engines be preferred, like the Puffing Billy train of Australia.
In July 2008, UNESCO’s world heritage committee added the Kalka Shimla train track to the world heritage list. On 9th Nov 2008, UNESCO officially declared this railway line a world heritage site. Also, the Guinness Book on Rail Facts included this track as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India.
Special Trains on specific days
They equipped this train service with standard car seats and have nine halts. Passengers can get off at the stations along the way and nourish their eyes and soul with beautiful scenery. There are also two heritage carriages operating on this route: Shivalik Queen and Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach. Both are luxury services, with ultra-modern facilities, including an onboard kitchen, refrigerator, dining table, and folding cushion beds. These trains usually operate once a week, from March until September. During the high season (May-July, September-October, and December-January), several special holiday trains also run on this route because of a heavy tourist influx.
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!
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.
A symbol of eternal love, Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most famous and beautiful buildings. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built Taj in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died during the birth of their 14th child, Gauhara Begum, when Shah Jahan was on an expedition to the south and, like always, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. She was the emperor’s beloved wife and trusted companion, travelling with him all over the Mughal Empire.
Title of Mumtaj Mahal
Initially known as Prince Khurram, Shah Jahan met Persian Princes ‘Arjumand Banu’ and fell in love with her. After five years, in 1612, they got married. In 1628, Shah Jahan became emperor, and he gave her the title ‘Mumtaz Mahal’, meaning ‘Jewel of Palace.’
On the death of Mumtaj, Emperor was so heartbroken that he ordered the court into mourning for two years. After her death, Shah Jahan erected the world’s most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. Before she passed, she had her husband’s promise to build something unique in her memory.
Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It took 22 years and the labour of 22,000 workers to construct the monument. This was the last wish of Mumtaz Mahal.
Emperor Shah JahanMumtaj MahalClose up view of Taj Mahal: One of the most beautiful monuments of the world
Poets described beauty of Taj
Built as the ultimate expression of love, Taj remained a fascination for many poets and lovers.
Here are lines from an exquisite song written by Shakeel Badayuni:
“Ek Shahanshaah Ne Banavaa Ke Hasi. N Taaj mahal. Saarii Duniyaa Ko Muhabbat Kii Nishaanii Dii Hai” (In having the beautiful Taj Mahal built, an emperor has given the entire world a token of love.”
Rabindranath Tagore described Taj as “a teardrop on the cheeks of time”.
Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the Taj in these words:
Should guilty seek asylum here, Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin. Should a sinner make his way to this mansion, All his past sins are to be washed away. The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs; And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes. In this world, this edifice has been made; To display the creator’s glory.
It is best described by the English poet Sir Edwin Arnold as ‘Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.’
Taj Mahal as it looks from Red Fort, where Aurangzeb imprisoned Shah Jahan
Taj is the centre of Pilgrimage
In Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and early 18th centuries, Taj is the centre of pilgrimage. Tourists from all over the world visit Agra to see Taj. It is 125 km south of New Delhi, the capital of India. Travelling through the road route takes you approx 4 hours to reach Agra from Delhi. There are regular luxury bus and coach services between Delhi and Agra. If you catch a flight from Delhi to Agra, in just 30 minutes, you find yourself at the Kheria Airport of Agra, 7 km from the city centre and 3 km from the railway station.
There are different entrance gates to visit Taj. They made the main entrance gate of red sandstone. It is 150 ft. Wide and nearly 100 ft. high and consists of a lofty central arch with double-storeyed wings on either side. The whole courtyard of the Taj is framed in symmetrical. The only asymmetrical object in the Taj is the casket of the emperor, which was built beside the queens as an afterthought. The symmetry of the structure is there even in the flowerbeds and the small gardens dotting the place.
The real tragic part of the love story lies in the final years of Shah Jahan. When he was 65, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him in Red Fort at Agra and became the throne’s successor. While he was in prison, he somehow managed to gaze at Taj from the grill of prison.
Beauty designed in stones
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains, Taj attracts you to see the ultimate beauty designed in stones. A green carpet of the garden runs from the main gate to the foot of the Taj Mahal. According to the holy Koran, a garden is symbolic of paradise.
I visited Taj during my recent visit to Delhi on the 23rd of February. I went to Delhi to receive Bhawana, who was coming from Australia, and we planned to visit Agra before coming back to our place. It was an all-time fascination for me to be there and breathe in the air touching Taj. The beauty of the Taj has everything to create lifelong impressions on everybody’s mind. I still feel all vibrations; I felt being over there. Though it was a concise visit, we really enjoyed being there. Our ‘guide boy’ described all details related to Taj. The monument’s size looked huge as we entered, but as we approached it, it just receded to its actual size. They called this geometric illusion.
Taj change colours with changing daylight
Very interesting, Taj changes colours with changing daylight. They build it to reflect the sky, pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden by moonlight. As the day turns to night and the sun completes its journey, and the moon comes to heal the world; Taj becomes a mystery. You may even forget to breathe or blink, wondering it to be real or some illusion. Changing the colours of the Taj signifies the changing moods of a woman.
Impressed by the flawless beauty of the Taj, I wish to visit Taj again and again. Long live Taj and long live feelings of undying love, it is made for.
The article is written in 2011, so the dates mentioned regarding my visit to Taj belongs to 2011
