Its not just a saree!

 Chanderi, a little town in the state of Madhya Pradesh has a years long of history to talk about its weavers and their work. For centuries weavers have been entwined with the town & its… More

Bhalu Gaad Waterfall- Engulfed by the forest of Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

A place where at every step you take produces a crunching sound of dry reddish-yellow leaves. A trail that requires you to climb and jump across the big boulders. A walk along side a stream… More

The hanging pillar of Lepakshi Temple- A day trip from Bangalore

It was the month of December in the year 2016 when I stepped on the grounds of Bangalore. This was my first time traveling solo in Bangalore and was pretty much excited. The excitement was… More

Jyoti Niwas Homestay- A blend of luxury & nature in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Its been little over a year now since I was back from a fun-filled adventurous road trip. A journey through the desolate peaks of Spiti Valley to the lush green Mcleodganj. In short, I call it Himalayan-Heights-With-Punjabi- Delights, for this week-long trip included much of Himachal Pradesh and ended on a scrumptious note in Punjab. And now I was back in the laps of the Himalayas and this time with a new place to explore- Palampur, a small town in Himachal Pradesh. The agenda of this trip was to be part of the first ever Blogger’s meet by StayOnSkills. So our second long weekend of the year was spent at a beautiful, quaint homestay named Jyoti Niwas surrounded by the tea estates of Aweri, Palampur.  

Now before I move on let meet couple on bike – Yogesh & Rajni and Anjali- a globetrotting mom from travelmelodies . It was the quaintness of Palampur and the company of these wonderful people that made my jaunt through Palampur filled with innumerable memories to cherish.

About Jyoti Niwas Homestay Palampur-

At an altitude of 1472m, lies a beautiful valley adorned with lush green forests and flanked by the snow-clad Dhauladhars. Through the valley flows numerous perennial rivers making Palampur an adventurous yet picturesque sight to delve into. Amid pine forests and tea gardens of Palampur is almost a century old house of nawabs of Bahawalpur. I call it to be a place where comfort elegantly mingled with nature. Even a short stay here refreshed me all from lungs to the soul. 

• First Impressions of Jyoti Niwas Homestay

Let’s Enter Jyoti Niwas Homestay

We got dropped off by the bus at the very spot google showed us and were still on the lookout for the homestay. On turning around our neck for a few minutes and sneaking casually inside a green gate we saw the name Jyoti Niwas. It would have been easier to find the homestay had there been a board hanging on the main gate instead. Anyways, taking in the very first step I fell in love with the calm and secluded environment created all by their garden and the surrounding forest. The property was still not in our sight…Further, we walked a few more steps and looking at our stay for the next two days brought a broad smile on our faces. 

• A peep into your rooms 

Inside the colonial structure of Jyoti Niwas resides two cozy bedrooms that were perfect for a comfortable night. Both the rooms were furnished with a small desk and a single sitting sofa. Also, attached to each room was a kids room furnished with a single bed, a dressing table and old style wooden cupboards conceived on the walls. After taking in the warmth of bonfire we entered the comfort of our rooms where room heaters had done their role perfectly…And after a little more chit-chat session we were off to the world of our dreams.

• And the washroom

From my personal experience, one thing I am for sure about is that washroom ought to be the very first thing we look out at check-in. There is no compromising with the cleanliness of the washroom and it should have well-functioning fixtures. The washrooms at this homestay in Palampur reflected old styled sanitary with a pink tiled wall. Partitioned with a glass was the shower area with a corner stand to rest all your toiletries. 

• The Living Room

The living area was the very first room under sight as we entered through the main door. The furnishings, tiled flooring, and wall decor altogether gave an archaic feel to the room. A pile of magazines stocked on the side table gave a hint that someone here is fond of interior decoration. Grab one of these and enjoy the garden view as you rest your back against the chair.

• The Dining Room

Passing through the living area, we walked into the dining room and loved the Mughal style tiled flooring. A dark wood table, reddish brown cushioned chairs and weaved bamboo placemats gave a perfect setting to the dining room. As can be seen in the image below the corners of the room were occupied by a glassware shelf and a vertical rack that displayed some memories from the past.

 

Let’s savor some delectable homelike food

• Let’s talk Food 

Food is an essence of travel, at least for me and whatever little I eat should be full of taste and served with a smile. Similar was my experience at Jyoti Niwas. A perk that comes with homestays is that we are free to cook as we like and similar was the case at Jyoti Niwas. The kitchen at the backyard awaited to get the taste of our hands.

BUT

For we felt lazy and wanted to have a relaxing weekend vacation we took a helping hand of their caretaker cum cook. Raj Kumar Ji with his wife made sure to serve us scrumptious home like dishes unbounded by a menu. We were free to order our choice of dish provided the ingredients are available in the local market.  

• The cost factor

I am sure all the blurb I have written so far would have put you in a dilemma and you must be imagining a hole in your pockets to stay here. Take a sigh of relief…Jyoti Niwas is not only one of the best homestay in Palampur but also a pocket-friendly option for the travelers.  The bookings can be made directly on their website or via leading platforms such as Airbnb. Also, you can reach us here and I would be happy to curate an itinerary for you.

Now that your stay is sorted you must be wondering why should you visit Palampur. Well, then here’s what we did on a weekend trip to Palampur and reading this will surely excite you too…

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Things to do in Palampur  

• Molding some clay at Andretta Pottery Studio

Today we landed in Palampur and post lunch we headed for a much-awaited experience ….getting our hand dirty as we try to mold out clay at Andretta Pottery Studio and Museum. I was very excited when our newly met local friend @sensesofarundhati told us about Andretta Pottery Studio and also arranged a session for us. To reach Andretta Pottery Studio we stepped out of Jyoti Niwas Homestay, walked downhill a few steps and took a bus for Paprola. From Paprola we hopped on another bus that dropped us at Andretta. From this point, it was a walk for about 1.5 km to reach Andretta Pottery Studio & Museum. 

Coming over to our second day in Palampur…the day began with a morning tea and breakfast in the backyard of Jyoti Niwas under the open sky. Today we planned to start with Baijnath Temple followed by Bir Billing, Monasteries and to end by witnessing a sunset at Jakhani Mata Temple. So let’s begin……

• Offering prayers at Baijnath Temple

Our day began with the endowments of Lord Shiva at Baijnath Temple. The temple is at a distance of 5 km from Jyoti Niwas Homestay and we took a bus that was fortunately available very next to the homestay ( perks of being an on-road property ).

Dating back to the 13th century, Baijnath Temple marks as one of the top places to visit in Palampur. Its early medieval architectural style known as Nagra style of temples is worth applause. After offering prayers we walked through the sprawling garden towards the backside of the temple. Lush green snow clad Dhauladhars and a rocky river flowing at the foothills created a spectacular site to delve in. We spent about an hour in the temple enjoying the views, going live on insta and a bit of shopping.  

Baijnath Temple Palampur

•  Gliding down through the air 

Bir Billing is known to be one of the best sites to go paragliding. Apart from receiving an International level of recognition Billing has played host to Paragliding International Championship. The whole journey of coming down is in itself a pure bliss for both the atmosphere and the views are breathtaking. Though we could not try our hands on paragliding as we ended up reaching here on a national holiday but would definitely recommend you to go for it. 

Reaching Bir was an easy task and we took a bus from Baijnath Temple bus stop that dropped us at Bir in about half an hour. Further, if you plan for paragliding than you will have to hire a cab from Bir that will drop you at Billing which is at 14 km. Billing is where you take off and swiftly gliding through the air you land in Bir. 

• Praying at Jakhni Mata Temple 

The best time to visit Jakhni Mata Temple is as the sun gets closer to the horizon. This way you will not only be able to take endowments at the temple but also get to relish a picturesque sunset over a valley. Jakhni Mata Temple is 8 km from Palampur and I would recommend to either have your own vehicle or you hire a cab to reach here as there is no bus service on this route.

And the time has come….it felt like flowing away so fast in this all so enchanting and serene environment of Palampur…The third and last day of our trip was here and on the eve we had to bid a goodbye to Palampur…But before we left,  one last activity was yet remained to be experienced and any trip to Palampur is incomplete without this…

• Going for a Tea Tasting session

Today was the eve of our departure and whatever time we were left with was reserved for a tea tasting session at Himalayan Brew Tea Factory. At about 6 km from the town of Palampur, the tea factory is accessible via motorable roads. We hired a cab to reach there and would advise doing so if you don’t have your own car. 

Before beginning with the tasting session we took a guided tour through the factory and how that single tea plant yields the many flavors available in the market. Being an avid lover of green tea I was very eagerly waiting for the tea-tasting session. And soon it was time… After sipping the many flavors namely rose, jasmine, lemongrass, chamomile and more we finally went to grab some boxes to take back home. My personal choice was the Kangra Orange Pekoe Black Tea and Tulsi Mulethi Green Tea. 

Talking a walk through tea gardens

For the beauty of Palampur has overshadowed the lovely property of Jyoti Niwas Palampur, here’s a short video insight that won’t let you forget it…

 

 How to reach Jyoti Niwas, Palampur?

The blissful hill station of Palampur is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Chandigarh by multi modes of transport viz. rail, road, and air. Also if not bounded by time then you can take a toy train from Pathankot and hop on a 6 hrs picturesque ride to Palampur. For those flying in, the Kangra Gaggal airport is just 38 km and regular flights ply to and from Delhi. Regular buses ply from Delhi all through the day until midnight and take about 10 hours to reach Palampur.

Once at Palampur bus stop, you can either hire a cab or take a local bus to Aweri as we did. Jyoti Niwas Homestay is about 14 km from here and the bus drops you at the property itself so you won’t have to walk much to find your homestay. The Taragarh Palace Hotel by WelcomeHeritage is a prominent landmark sharing its boundaries with Jyoti Niwas Homestay. 

Best time to visit Palampur?

Palampur sees a varied climate from hot summers through rainy monsoons to pleasantly cold winters. I believe that October to March accounts to be the best time to visit Palampur. 

* PS – Though my stay at Jyoti Niwas Palampur was arranged by StayOnSkill as part of the blogger’s meet, this review is in no way biased and reflects my true experience to its best. 

Final Verdict

My experience of staying at Jyoti Niwas over a period of two days was at par and I loved every bit of it. For I haven’t stayed at any other homestays in the region it won’t be justice to call it the best homestay in Palampur. But worth mentioning is that Jyoti Niwas definitely deserves to top the list of homestays in Palampur.  

Also, an applause for the great initiative by StayOnSkill for bringing together people and have them exchange their skills for a free stay. Thanks for having us stay at such a lovely property. 

 

Baijnath Temple in Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh

India is a home to a large number of temples and every day new ones are popping out of the Mother Earth. Each temple has a mystery attached to their timeline. Of the many, only a few ought to have real stories revolving around them and the rest merely exists for money making. It feels pity to see how priests/pandits forcefully get the money out of pilgrims pocket. Amongst such greedy trust that has made it a business there still exist the ones where God is not on sale and treats everyone the same. One such temple is Baijnath Temple in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. 

The month of January was at its coda when I visited this little quaint hill station of Palampur. Baijnath Temple being one of the top places to visit around Palampur, made to the top of our itinerary. It was my second day at Palampur, the sun was shining bright and a cool breeze was caressing the body. Soon after a light breakfast, we headed out towards the Baijnath Temple. 

Baijnath Temple on the map

Adorned by the snow-clad, lush green Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas is the temple of Baijnath at 17 km from Palampur. Perched at an altitude of around 1314 meters, Baijnath Temple lies on the  NH 154 Mandi – Pathankot highway in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

The history

Resting in the serenity of Kangra district is a 13th-century old Baijnath Temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the shivalinga here is dedicated to the Vaidyanath form of Shiva who is also titled as Lord of physicians. Some texts even state that this is one of the 12 jyotirlingas that Lord Shiva established as a challenge against Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. When Ravana, through his worship succeeded in pleasing Lord Shiva for attaining invincibility and immortality, he asked Lord Shiva to accompany him to Sri Lanka. Responding to this Lord Shiva transformed himself into a Shivling which Ravan could establish in his Lanka. But, when Ravana reached Baijnath, Lord Ganesh cleverly took it and kept it on the ground making it firmly established there…And that’s what is now seen inside the sanctum of Baijnath Temple.

The Architecture

The temple showcases one of the most prominent early medieval styles of architecture known as Nagra style. Built on a raised platform, the sanctum is enclosed by high walls carved with images of various gods and goddesses. Moving up the platform through one of its two entries on the North & South of the sanctum is a porch. Besides the several small sanctums resting on the porch is an idol of Nandi Bull facing the entry to the main sanctum. The five projections surmounted by a curvilinear Shikhara forms the main sanctum inside which enshrined is the Shivalinga. Taking a step further from the porch I walked through a vestibule towards the shivalinga. In the vestibule lied a large square Mandapa and a balcony on the North & South face of the temple kept a cool breeze circulating within the sanctum. Post receiving endowments from Lord Shiva, it was time to relish picturesque views from the backyard of the Baijnath Temple.

You may also like- Jyoti Niwas Homestay, Himachal Pradesh

The Landscape

Adorning the backdrop of the Baijnath Temple is the Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. A river gushing through foothill of the Dhauladhars graces the beauty of the valley and creates an enchanting environment in and around the temple. Just next to the temple is a green sprawling garden where we spent about an hour for some sun basking. 

Other nearby attractions

It may seem to be a small town but there are plenty of things to do in Palampur. Apart from Baijnath Temple, some other prominent ones amongst locals are Mukut Nath temple at Sansal (6 km)and Awahi Nag temple (1.5 km) and the Mahankal Temple (5 km) at Mahankal on Chobin Road. 

Besides this close to Palampur is a home to the internationally renowned Paragliding site at Bir where you swiftly glides down witnessing spectacular views. Another must have experience awaits you at the Andretta Pottery Studio and Museum where you can take a mini session or a full course on pottery.

Any trip to Palampur would be incomplete without a tea tasting session and for this, there are many tea estates offering the same. I went for a tour with Himalayan Brew Tea Factory and it was a really nice, refreshing session.

Reaching Baijnath Temple

Being well connected via rail, road and air modes of transport makes Baijnath Temple a perfect weekend destination to escape the heat of cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun. The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport at 43 km and regular flights ply to and from Delhi. 

Places to stay 

Though there are plenty of options at disposal from homestays to luxury resorts to suit everyone’s pocket, I would suggest going with a homestay for the best experience. During my three day trip, I stayed with Jyoti Niwas Homestay and loved every bit of it from food to rooms to courtesy. 

Best time to visit

Palampur sees hot summers and pleasantly chilly winters. This makes the months of October to February the best time to visit Baijnath Temple and other nearby attractions.

Liked It? Want more such articles delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get more such doses of wanderlust delivered to you as they are published. AND YES…don’t forget to share your stories about temples in the comment box below…

Lake Pleasant Resort Naukuchiatal – A harmonious blend of comfort and nature

Naukuchiatal, a nine-cornered lake is perched in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Bordered by the lush green peaks touching the sky the lake offers a blissful sight. The beauty of Naukuchiatal is left untouched by the many myths circling around the globe. It is believed that at no point on land can we see all the nine corners of the lake in a single sight and if one does then he/she will achieve nirvana and disappear as a cloud of smoke. In this, all so enchanting environment a laid-back property is indeed to have a relaxing vacation. Lake Pleasant Resort is one such resort situated a little off the track and provides splendid views of the Naukuchiatal lake.

How to reach Lake Pleasant Resort Naukuchiatal?

<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>Naukuchiatal is well connected via metalled roads to big cities like Delhi and Dehradun. The Pantnagar airport at 60 km is the nearest with regular flights plying to and from Delhi. For those who prefer the railways, Kathgodam is the nearest railway station at 33 km. Both shared and private cabs are available at disposal as you get off the bus or train.

As you continue on the Bhimtal – Naukuchiatal route, you will come across a Hanuman Temple to your right. At about 3 km from this, take the road diverting uphill to your left. From here signboards will lead your way to the Lake Pleasant Resort, Naukuchiatal.

About Lake Pleasant Resort-

Lake Pleasant Resort- Cottage View

Lake Pleasant Resort is a lovely property resting on the peaks circling around the Naukuchiatal Lake. The property offers splendid views of the lake and the evening sky shows a spectacular sight. Besides the cozy suites and deluxe rooms, the cottage offers a rooftop dining where you have all the cuisines to savor. Of all, I would strongly suggest going for their local kumaoni dishes.

There are plenty of activities offered to keep you engaged and make a perfect vacation for all travelers be it solo, group or family. The list of activities includes forest walks, paragliding, bonfire and MTB off-roaders. Also soon you will be able to shot a ball in their pool room and go for a ride on the mountain bikes.

Salient Features of Lake Pleasant Resort-

Solar Powered, Rainwater Harvesting, Sleeping Facilities for Drivers, Courteous Caretaker & Cook and a human’s best friend- DOG

How about the rooms?

This home away from home has a 3 BHK Villa (Includes 1 family room + 2 deluxe rooms) a suite room below the rooftop restaurant and 4 deluxe rooms. With more rooms coming up soon, each room offers a breathtaking view from the comfort of your blanket. The suite room comes with all the amenities like Television, cupboard, a bathtub and a much-needed room heater. All the rooms have a spacious bathroom with just the basic toiletries and continuous hot water supply. All in all, it is a perfect place to be called a HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

How to spend a day in Naukuchiatal?

• Go for a Nature Walk

Early Morning Forest Walk

The whole sole purpose of a vacation in the serenity of Naukuchiatal is to rejuvenate your mind and body. So start your day with an early morning forest walk. The walk is a loop that takes you through the vistas of nature to the Naukuchiatal Lake and back to Lake Pleasant Resort.

Naukuchiatal Lake

Through this walk, you not only freshen up your lungs but also a beautiful crimson skyline to treat your eyes with. Not to miss are the little chit-chats with the locals that could reveal many unknown stories from the past.

• Get some Adrenaline rush

Naukuchiatal is the only place in the region where you can go adventure sporting. To begin with is the mud bike followed by Paragliding. At just 5 minutes from the Lake Pleasant Resort is the takeoff and landing grounds for paragliding and bookings can be made from the resort itself. I would suggest to go for a bigger one and not for the basic one that lasts for just about 2mins. The basic one can cost you anywhere between Rs. 1k to Rs. 2k depending on the season.

Naukuchiatal

Now that you are done playing with the mud and air its time for some water sports. Yes, you got me right! Naukuchiatal Lake offers plenty of activities to indulge in. For the calm and peaceful couple there is boating and for the boiling blood, there is Kayaking. And believe me, the view from the center of the lake will make you want to just stay there with eyes wide open and a calming soul. There exists a fixed rate system so no scope of fraud which means no bargain. Please do no carry eatables in the lake and don’t spoil the beauty of the hill station.

• Let’s ride some horses

I have always wanted to explore a town on horseback but never got to. For you wish the same then just make a request and a horse will be waiting for you outside the cottage. For a minimal cost, you can add an hour of a unique experience to your memory lane.

• Done exploring all the places- Now what?

Sunset from Lake Pleasant Resort

Well, the eve has just begun and a crimson red sky awaits your eyes only.The biggest plus point is that you get to enjoy splendid views from every nook of the resort. So just relinquish the sunset at the backdrop of Naukuchiatal lake followed by a bonfire that can be arranged on request.

• Nearby Attractions

For those captivated by its serenity, encircling Naukuchiatal are many more attractions awaiting to lure you. From holy temples of Naina Devi and Hanuman Garhi to the charisma ofMukteshwar. Also, the pristine lake cities of Nainital, Bhimtal and Saat Taal in the proximity make for a perfect day trip from the Lake Pleasant Resort, Naukuchiatal.

For the hunger calls

Rooftop Restaurant

The rooftop restaurant not only serves its guests but also to those looking for a pocket-friendly meal. The food (veg/non-veg) cooked by their in-house chef Anand Ji is not only scrumptious but also of great quality. If you are lucky enough to meet the owner Mr. Sanjay, you will not only be bestowed by his courtesy but also be served some of his specialties.

The cost factor!!

Lake Pleasant Resort is a very restful property perfect for a budget-friendly stay. It is a peaceful stay and a perfect place to get to know the local food, culture, and people. To ease the process, bookings can be made across the leading platforms such as MakeMyTrip, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com.

For Direct bookings-

Website- Lake Pleasant Resort, Naukuchiatal

*Though we were offered a free stay and food at the property, the review is completely unbiased and reflects our actual experience to its best.

** The post contains some affiliate links which won’t cost you any difference but would help us earn a bit for each booking made through this.

Have you ever made Rotis at the height of 3600 meters?

Have you ever made Rotis at the height of 3600 meters? At Kuari Pass Trek

I have.

It was my Day 3 of Pangarchulla-Kuari Pass Trek. We were at the campsite of Gelaghad (3,600 m), one of the most intimidating campsites I have ever been to till now.

It was around 6 pm. We had just come back from our hike to Kuari Pass, me and 8 other Bengali men who I was accompanying on the trek.

It was friggin cold, around 1 degree Celsius. Rather than going to my cold, solitary tent I thought of stepping into the kitchen tent. The heat from the cooking stove had made it warm and snugly.

I broke a chitchat with the staff who were working so swiftly and efficiently preparing dinner for all of us.

Since I wasn’t really being helpful to them sitting idle in the tent, I volunteered to make Rotis for dinner. Plus working up my muscles to make those Rotis would only make me warmer, I thought.

Had I been in the kitchen at my home, I would have nagged about this task. But it was so much more fun at the campsite.

When all the food was prepared, I saw them taking out the first roti and a bite from each dish in the name of God and offer it to the birds. I was impressed by their humility and gratitude for food.

The next morning, it was still dark at 5 AM when we began our climb to Pangarchulla Peak. It would have been my maiden peak if I succeeded.

Camping on the way

And, I did.

No climb is ever easy. Neither was this. Never have I ever seen so many boulders in my life. It’s like all the rocks on the earth had been deliberately placed to make our climb difficult than ever.

It was not the only test of our endurance, but also a test of our patience. We were pestering our Expedition leader Wakeel with desperate question ‘Are we there yet?’.

The views of peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Hathi Godha and Dronagiri we’re sure a great booster.

Views of the peak

We were looking at each other expecting that any moment one of us would break and ask us to stop.

Thankfully, no one did.

At 12:30 pm, we were finally at the top. The view from the top was a dichotomy of nature. ‘Kahi dhoop, kahi chhaon’. While snow was falling over our heads, the rest of the place shine brightly in the sunshine.

The weather was getting worse. So we began to.descend in no time. It was a long way back to our campsite, colluded by fog and hurdled by big boulders.

Finally atop the Kuari Pass

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The route to our new campsite, Tali, was via Gelghad, the place where we camped previous night.

It was around 5 pm and already dark when we reached Gelghad. And it would still take us 3-4 hours to reach Tali. We took out our headlamps and began our journey to Tali.

It was all pitch dark around us. But walking through the jungle in dark was thrilling and again my maiden. We were all walking coherently in a line.

As soon as we reached Chitrakantha, half way of our journey, we found two guys from Kitchen staff waiting for us with a kettle of tea and biscuits. They even offered us to carry our backpacks.

Finding them there was a moment of Hallelujah. What else can make you feel better after walking for more than 15 kilometers? I had more respect and love than ever for those guys.

I was touched by their generosity and concern for us strangers who they may never see again.

Mountains do bring people together. Among many things which mountains teach us, compassion was one. It was amazing to see all of us sticking together as a team looking after each other.

That day brought us closer than ever. First, it was our expedition to the peak. It was an encouragement to each other that kept us all going. The second was the trekking in the night that bound us as a team.

I high-fived all my team members as we reached the camp in the night by 9. It was the best experience of my life.

By Dhaaran Kukreja
A gypsy with a heart of a writer, Dhaarna has just stepped into the world of trekking and she is falling in love with the mountains with one Himalayan trek at a time. When not trekking, she can be found talking and thinking about the food all day long. She is also a cinephile. 

Club 10 Pine Cottage in Mukteshwar

A cottage in Mukteshwar engulfed by the pines, where the day starts with a view of sun rays spreading from the peaks through the terraced valley to your doorstep. Where the day ends on the crimson red note of the horizon post which soon the area is blanketed by the million stars. A place where a person’s soul is disconnected but still connected. Connected to the vistas of nature that detoxifies from all the hustle bustle of a polluted city. Is this resonating with your thoughts? All this is possible in the whereabouts of whimsical Mukteshwar.

Thanks to the properties that are coming up in the abode of nature making our dreams come true. This makes it possible to hop on getaways that can rejuvenate us from the routine hectic life. Such are the pros of Club Ten Pine Lodge making it the best cottage in Mukteshwar. Situated in the abode of the Kumaon hills of Mukteshwar region, this cottage is just as one always wish to spend some peaceful time at.

Location-

Mukteshwar is small quaint hill station in Uttarakhand, India at an altitude of 7500 feet. Nestled with the fruit orchards a fresh breeze blows all over the terrain. Muktehswar’s calm and secluded environment is a true reflection of its name meaning Moksha- A salvation from the bustling life. Embellished with reddish roofs, the cute homes with ancient style wooden window frames and picket barriers bring back the reminiscences of British Raj.

About Club Ten Pine Lodge Mukteshwar-

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Set amidst in an enchanting environment is the Club Ten Pine Lodge. There are six spacious rooms dividing into two categories- Deluxe and Suite and each room comes with an extra bed.  The balcony is where one is ought to spend most of their time relishing the views from sunrise to sunset and also the sky with a million stars twinkling to soothe your eyes and soul.

Words by the Owners –

‘Frequent flyers who love nature came to this place 10 years back and thought of having a home away from home at a peaceful location. Just to relax and rejuvenate with no thoughts for commercialization. This was created and built because of interest – SHOUK BADI CHEEZ HAI, Kuch Bhi Kara Deti Hai. Started from a small property but kept adding to the property as time flowed. Still, we think of trying how we can make it best. One can get this idea by seeing a private bar, which makes us feel like a VIP having a glass of drink and enjoying a game of Table Tennis. Roam around balcony seeing birds chirping, valley views, and the wandering clouds.’

The cottage is well connected by road from nearest International Airport in Delhi. For those plying in with their own vehicle will find ample parking space in the cottage premises. One can also hire easily available cabs from the nearest railway station in Kathgodam which is at a distance of 72 km.

How about the Rooms of  your cottage in Mukteshwar?

All the six rooms of the cottage come well furnished with an attached bathroom. The modern amenities in the room include a television, a sitting area and round the clock service. Also, the bathrooms are spacious enough and equipped with the much-needed hot water geyser and all required toiletries. Embracing the rooms is the balcony attached to each of the rooms. Witness the changing moods of the valley from dusk to dawn and top it with a blanket of million stars.

How to spend a Day in Mukteshwar?

Although Mukteshwar is a hill station for the laid-back travelers but for there’s more to get connected. Connected not through the technology, nor the peers on social media. The bond is between your soul with the serene and enchanting beauty of the hills. Hills that are covered in different shades from the refreshing green in the monsoon to the bright reddish-yellow in the autumn.

• Start off Bright-

A morning in the mountains is incomplete until one savor the sunrise. As the sun rises at the backdrop, the rays falling on the wavy peaks slowly brightens the valley afront. So just sit on the balcony, grab a cup of tea and watch the rays traverse from the peaks through the terraced valley.  If this doesn’t suffice to feed your hunger for sunrise views then put on your jacket and take a drive uphill the cottage. This will take you to the spots from where you can witness the crimson red reflections on the snow-clad peaks of Nanda Devi and Panchachauli range.

• Devbhoomi Aye aur  Mandir Nahi Gaye

Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi- the land of gods, for its many temples that exist on the holy land. This makes it inevitable to wrap up a trip to Uttarakhand without a temple tour. So once you are freshened up proceed to the nearby Mukteshwar Dham. Set amidst in the forest is this temple devoted to Lord Shiva, the god behind the naming of the town. A five to ten minutes climb up the stairs will lead you to the temple. A sense of calmness enchants all through the premises of the temple. At the backdrop are some picturesque wide-angle views of the valley. This very spot is known as Chauli Ki Jali.

• Bhalu Gaad Waterfall, Mukteshwar

Flowing down through the deep forest is this place to be closest to nature. The trek with an hour of walk on the rocky trail, crossing the streams and climbing the rocks up and down takes you to this covert waterfall. In autumns, the trail gets covered with lovely reddish-yellow leaves making it an impeccable walk through nature.

Bhalu Gaad Waterfall, Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

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• Other Places in the vicinity of Mukteshwar

The laid-back town of Mukteshwar is in close proximity to much-known tourist places like Nainital, Bhimtal, Ranikhet, and more. If you are here for a long stay then reward yourself with a visit to these beautiful places each having a unique charm of their own. One can try water sports like zorbing and kayaking or go paragliding all at Naukuchiatal which is just an hour away from the cottage. Also at just 40 km is the town of Nainital that has been seen in cinemas a lot..at least until the producer has a budget for international destinations. Here you can spend your day boating, shopping in the Tibet Market or go horse riding, take a ropeway to snow point and more. As the sun sets the streets of Mall road are buzzing with herds of people shopping and savoring their taste buds.

The day ends on a beautiful note of the million billion stars. This was when I and my ghoomakkad friend tried capturing the night sky from the balcony and created memories.

You may also like – The Naini Lake, Nainital

Feeling Hungry?

Food is something that can make or break your trip. When at club ten pine, be assured to be served the best. The restaurant in the cottage serves some of the most scrumptious home-like food.  You just have to relish the food along with the beautiful valley view outside the window. Guests have an option for both veg and non-veg and can also place a special order for children below five years.

The cost factor

We all make a number of plans of getting out on a weekend trip or even long trips. The moment the cost factor comes into play a big hole in the pocket starts appearing. And then what…Leave it Yaar, Abhi Paise Nahi hai, phr Kabhi chalengae. The plan gets dumped all because of those colored printed papers. The tariff at Club Ten Pine is unlike others not exorbitant but falls in a mid-range stay. This adds to the many reasons to chose Club Ten Pine Mukteshwar apart from its service and the picturesque location.

So what are you waiting for..winter is approaching and soon the town will have a new white look embracing its beauty. Book your stay for the peak season now and avoid any last minute rush.

For bookings-

Club Ten Pine Lodge Mukteshwar

Cell: + 91 9034-200500

Email: info@clubtenpinelodge.com

MeTripping – Making your destination hunt easy

Much before I discovered MeTripping, often I felt stuck in a position where the selection of the destination for our next trip was a nightmare. With so much on our bucket list left to be ticked off, it’s hard to decide where to visit and where not. Considering so many factors like how far is one willing to travel from the origin, or what is one looking for in a trip; Relaxation, adventure, sights or a mix of all, landing on that one perfect destination was just another inevitable struggle. Having so many factors to consider before heading on our next trip was just so mind boggling…Well at least for spontaneous travelers like me finding a perfect combination in the least possible time is the biggest concern.

How to find your next perfect destination?

This Diwali I came across a platform that makes all this just like a cake walk. MeTripping helps you find your next perfect destination in just a few clicks. MeTripping inspires you to discover places based on your outline of a perfect trip. The trip suggestions are accompanied by Ranked Destinations, Ranked Flights, Ranked Hotels – all meant to get you to that decision without tearing your hair out. And the most important of all it helps you find the cheapest deal on the web by comparing over 1200 websites…So basically they do all to help you choose your next perfect destination.

And guess what…all this comes for free. Yes from the very beginning to the end of your search MeTripping charges just a little info to serve you the best destination. That is you only pay for your flights and hotel bookings and have not to worry about any service charges. This makes finding your next perfect destination with MeTripping even more compelling.

How does MeTripping work?

Finding and booking yourself a perfect vacation can never be as easy as this. With everything at just clicks away you will be all set to leave for your lifelong cherishable holiday. Just go through the gallery below to see how easy it is to walk through the site and have your next perfect destination decided.

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With your destination finalized, its time to have an itinerary handy so as you don’t miss any places/activities unexplored… But not to worry as MeTripping has all done for you beforehand. Just filter the activities based on your interest and you are all set to pack your bags.

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*click on the image to zoom

Above is the scenario when you are not bounded by any particular destination but here’s what you can do if have some destinations already shortlisted in your mind…

Have a destination already shortlisted?

There might be a case when you are vacillating between some of the destinations to tick off your bucket list. But here’s the solution to this too. With MeTripping be assured to have in hand a perfect trip planned for you against the three destinations you provide them. Now either go with the suggested flight and hotel or choose from the detailed list before proceeding with the payments.

How to make the payment?

You can either book your trip or add it to your trip cart to check back later.  To proceed with the bookings you will be redirected to their partner site and have to make payment for the flights and hotels individually. The gallery below will guide you through the payment process.

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KUDOS ! You are all set to leave for your next perfect destination. So start packing your bags and meanwhile read some of my travel stories to inspire yourself.

Celebrating Diwali In London – (United Kingdom)

We are back after Diwali in DURBAN! with another place to show that Diwali is not just an Indian festival…So let’s dive into the festive joy- Celebrating Diwali In London by Eliza French from DigitalTravelGuru.

London is well known as a multicultural and diverse society. One of the festivals that are well celebrated in London and throughout the UK is DIWALI (Hindu New Year) and it is free to attend.

The London Diwali festival brings together all cultures and faiths as well as Hindu’s, Jains and Sikhs that celebrate this beautiful festival. In London and UK, there are events and celebrations across the country. If you have not taken part in Diwali you are definitely missing out on this 5-day festival, that involves, exchanging gifts, lots of fireworks, lamps being lit, and of course it is a great feast of food and delicious traditional sweets.

London Diwali Festival- Cultural Show

One fantastic place to indulge in the celebrations is the Diwali festival at the centre of London (Trafalgar Square); the capitals famous landmark. The festival attracts crowds of people from all over the UK and also tourists visiting London, last year approx 35,000 people attended. The festival starts around midday running until 7 pm and has the most fantastic vibe and party atmosphere. I had the most fabulous time when I attended; the festival has a huge stage where traditional Asian dance performers perform to traditional music. The festival had an incredible atmosphere and it was made even better by seeing everyone who made the great efforts to dress in the most fabulous colourful costumes and clothing.

Another highlight of the festival was the street stalls selling so many types of delicious food, drinks, and traditional Indian sweets. Also at the stalls, one sees ladies getting henna done, and can buy jewellery along with lots of beautiful small decor items amongst other things, this was a great addition to the day.

The day rounds up with more dancers and musicians performing around the crowd and on stage followed by a speech by the Mayor of London and various representatives from different organisations.

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Now I am sure that this has piqued in you to witness the internationally celebrated Indian cultural festival…Here’s an even to add to your list. And guess what by now your parents would have agreed I am sure.

So why not catch the next one here:

Event: Diwali Festival London

Date: 28th October 2018

Time: 13:00pm till 19:00pm

Venue: Trafalgar Square.Westminister, London, United Kingdom

Cost: Free

Have you being lucky enough to witness the celebrations abroad and want to contribute to this series? Just drop a text via the contact page and we would be happy to host you…

Diwali- Not just an Indian Festival

Diwali also called Deepawali remarks as the most significant festival of Hindus. The spiritual significance of the festival lies in the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Diwali marks the return of Lord Shri Ram back to Ayodhya after his victorious battle with Ravana. It was a 21-day long return journey and so the festival of Diwali falls exactly after 21 days from Dusshera. Diwali, the only five-day long Hindu festival that is accompanied by other festivities.

Dhanteras marks the beginning of this festive season. This day the gold souks receive thousands of customers for the purchase of Gold it is believed to be a sign of auspiciousness and bring forth prosperity in the house.  This day is followed by Chotti Diwali and then the much awaited day of Diwali is here. After a day well spent in embracing the house with beautiful diyas, colourful, and vivid Rangoli people pray to Lord Ganesha and Lordess Laxmi followed by bursting of crackers…I remember as a kid I used to do that even days before Diwali.

After this comes my favourite day…Govardhan Pooja. This day is special because this day a very scrumptious dish is cooked with the number of ingredients being over a 100. The ingredients include all sorts of veggies, fruits and dry fruits. As you delve yourself into this lip-smacking dish you realize approaching the end of the festive season. The day of Bhai-Dooj is what is celebrated as the last day of this long festival. According to the Hindu calendar, this is the second lunar day of bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and just like Raksha Bandhan sisters once again get to dig a hole in their brothers pocket.

Thejollification of Diwali is not only limited to India but all over the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth including countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka and much more.  Let’s me take this opportunity to showcase few of them adhering to the purpose of the post… Diwali-Not just an Indian Festival

Durban celebrates Diwali!

Yeshira Sewdayal (Brown Girl Journal) shares the way Durban enjoys this festival.

Durban is the “largest ‘Indian’ city outside India”, as it is home to Indian South Africans (of Indian descent) residing in and around the city. In 1860,  Indians were brought over by the British to work as indentured labourers in Durban. Within the Durban Indian community, the dominant religions are Hinduism, Christianity and
Islam.

One of the biggest festivals celebrated in Durban, if not the biggest, is Diwali! Indian
families come together – from all religions, to celebrate the festival of lights every
year. It is not an official holiday in South Africa however, many Indians take the day
of work to spend with their families, perform pooja (prayer) and charity work, burst
fireworks and light lamps in and around their homes.

Feeding the empty stomachs roadside

The South African Hindu Maha Sabha, together with sponsors, host the Durban
Diwali festival showcasing local cultural talent such as dancing, singing, playing
musical instruments, plays and skits, as well as cultural speeches. A breath-taking
display of fireworks takes place at night and close to 100 000 people from all
backgrounds, from all parts of the country, gather to watch this magnificent display of
light!

Durban Diwali – Cultural Show                                                                  *source- Rising Sun, Chatsworth

The Durban Diwali Festival has grown significantly over the years and has now become a tourist attraction and a treat for photographers who want to capture the culture of Durban Indians. Celebrating Diwali in Durban certainly, gives you the feeling of togetherness, charity, love and happiness!

Well, I hope this post invigorated you to enjoy this festival of light beyond India. For all those travel enthusiasts out there, if you are asked to stay back at home during festivities show this to your parents and take them on a trip to showcase the global popularity of Diwali. ANd if this’s not sufficient to covey them so just hang on, there’s more coming up all the way from LONDON…

How to plan a multi-city trip effortlessly with apps and websites?

A multi-city trip is one of the perfect kind of vacation plans. If you are taking out the time for a vacation and actually spending money to travel to a place, it just makes more sense to plan a multi-city trip to make the most of it! And while it seems nerve-cracking to plan a multi-city trip, there are., thankfully few apps and websites that do the trick.

Here are few effective tools to plan a multi-city trip with minimum to no effort:

• TripHobo – All in one travel planner for multi-city trips

This trip planning tool, available both on an app as well on a website is one of the easiest ways to plan a D.I.Y. multi-city trip. The planner gives enough liberty for the users to experiment with their own day-planning, giving them helpful suggestions for each step. It is a fully customizable and you can add as many cities as you wish to travel to. The trip planner then creates a visual trip plan that has the cities added by you in the designated order, including the city’s day-wise schedule, accommodation as well as activities that you wish to add.

You can download the print version or access it on the phone.

• Airbnb – Accommodation and activities

Yes, it is a super cool accommodation booking website without a doubt. And what makes it great for multi-city trip planning is that it also has a scope for adding and booking activities and local experiences for each city that you wish to travel to. Once you complete the booking for the accommodation of various cities you want to travel to, the website/app creates an itinerary for you, taking into account the travel dates for each city. You can then add and book experiences and activities hosted by locals.

Great for putting your accommodation and activities in one place, but doesn’t help with transport or day-wise planning.

• Tripit – organizing the travel data

The app provides you with a well-organised itinerary for multiple cities which is highly reliable. The easy-to-use interface is great for the travellers on the go and perfect for serious travellers as well. Once you are finished all your bookings, you can enter them into the travel planner and you are set. You can explore your visual plan from everywhere. From finding the best travel seats to getting notifications about your refunds, Tripit does it all.

The only drawback of the website/app is it doesn’t really help with the actual planning or bookings.

• Google Trips

Highly suitable for most travellers, since everyone is very-well versed with its interface. Google’s travel planner can be used to organize your travel data which can be directly fetched from your emails and synced with your phone’s calendar. Furthermore, you can read about the various travel destinations on the app to make a decision for your day-wise planning.

Planning your next multi-city travel, you know what apps to use!

 

Road trip in Himachal Pradesh in SIX days

Ever wondered witnessing the beautiful reflections of clear sky and the mountains in the blue water of the lake at about 14000 ft. Well, better things require efforts to be put in and so did we on our trip. The trip included some detours for the itinerary didn’t go as per plan but that only made our road trip in Himachal even more adventurous. Here is the itinerary one should refer to make the most of his road trip in Himachal Pradesh covering Manali, Chandratal, Mcleodganj, and Amritsar as a detour on the return journey.

Day 1 (Haldwani – Delhi- Manali) – 755kms

Today you begin your journey so-called a Road Trip in Himachal Pradesh. Leave Haldwani by the noon and reach Delhi by eve. You can take a halt if you want else to continue your trip on the Delhi – Manali Highway.

Route

The route is a complete highway and with the views getting more spectacular as one approaches Manali. A patch of about 30kms is a bit of trouble at between Bilaspur and Rampur as you leave from Haldwani. Beyond this, you are going to enjoy your drive. As you reach Kullu you will find beside the lovely blue water flowing and splashing as they strike the rocks.

Food 

There are plenty of options between Haldwani and Delhi but the most appropriate would be at Gajraula which is almost midway between the two. One can have all sorts of options from Dhabas to restaurants and even fast-food outlets like McDonald’s, KFC, and Dominos etc. For taste and hygiene, I will suggest Bikanerwala, Sagar Ratnam or Moga.

After crossing Delhi the best option available is Sukhdev Dhaba at Murthal or Jhil Mil Dhaba at Karnal. Have your tummies filled here as you won’t find much any further.

Early morning after covering almost 3/4^th of your journey you can take a halt at any tea stall and refresh yourself while enjoying the beautiful views and cold breeze with a cup of tea/coffee.

In Manali you can head to the Jhonson Cafe or try as the locals for the famous Tibetan cafe in the market.

Morning Tea

Stay 

Manali has plenty of hotels & hostels from budget to luxury but if one wants to feel the beauty and peace I will suggest staying in the Log Hut Area as it is a bit away from the market hustle bustle and offers serene beauty. The one I found the best and stayed in was Snow Valley Resorts. The resort offers large cozy rooms with amazing views. Moreover, it has a terrace to enjoy your morning tea admiring the pine forest.

Also, don’t forget to take the complimentary meals with the stay as there are not many great options to eat and hotels serve a better and tasty food. If you are an explorer than go out exploring some cafes in the old Manali which is a backpackers paradise.

Places to visit 

• Solang valley – The valley about 14 km from Manali offers a great place to beat your adrenaline rush with sports like paragliding, riding the ATV bikes and even more in the winters when the valley is snow covered and the pines capped with snow. The place is perfectly apt for the nature Must try the paragliding for it gives breathtaking views.
• Hadimba Devi temple – Situated close to the Mall road the temple offers a calm and peaceful environment to the pilgrims. It is a cave temple situated in the foothills of the Himalayas being surrounded by the lush green pine forest.
• Mall road – The main attraction of the tour after the dawn is the mall road. All the tourist head out to the street for a walk in the cool breeze and enjoy shopping, eating and just feeling relaxed.

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Day 2 (Manali – Chandratal) – 128kms   

Route 

Today you cover a distance of merely 128km to reach the pristine glacial lake. The lake is surrounded by the dry barren mountains which stand as a connection b/w the lakes and the sky. It will take about 8 hrs. to reach this out of the world place. Be prepared as today will be a test of your driving skills coming up with a new challenge at every other turn. You must have an SUV for this with a good ground clearance and power to throttle on the slopes.

Food

Leave early in the morning to avoid the rush at Rohtang and reach Chandratal before sunset. Get your breakfast packed. Chatru will be the first spot to eat and after that Chacha Chachi ka Dhaba at Batal that is 14kms before Chandratal.

Stay 

You will find some camps 2kms before the lake costing Rs. 800 to 1000 per head per night. Book your stay and go towards the lake. Spend few hours there and return back to the camp. Have the complimentary dinner and enjoy the night in the freezing cold temperatures reaching up to minus 12 degrees Celsius.

Place to visit 

• Chandratal – Also called the Moon Lake is a true heaven for nature lovers. One can spend the whole day just admiring the beauty of the lake. If lucky enough on a no windy day you can even get to see the clear reflection of the blue sky and the surrounding mountains. It’s totally a picturesque moment for the photographers. Also one can shot the galaxy in the sky with a professional camera.

Tips – Don’t forget to take warm clothes and some medicines as there is a lack of oxygen and one can suffer from breathing problems.

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You may also like- Himalayan Heights with Punjabi Delights

Day 3 (Chandratal – Manali – Mandi) – 236kms

Route 

Today covers back on the same route to reach Manali and continue the drive ahead to Mandi which is 3 hrs. ahead of Manali.

Food

Leave empty stomachs from the camp around 8 to 9 am and take a halt for breakfast at Batal. Drive straight ahead to Manali and you may stop over for some snacks else drive to Mandi. Dinner in the hotel you stay at or can have at the food joint of Dominos.

Stay

There are a lot of options to stay you can find on Google. If you love beauty and having breakfast riverside with birds chirping music I would suggest Visco resort which is 2kms ahead of Mandi. The morning at the resort is perfect to sit beside the river sipping a cup of coffee and witnessing the mist in the environment with the birds chirping in the background. There is nothing better than this moment.

 Place to visit 

• Prashar Lake – If time permits the lake situated at 49 km north of Mandi with an altitude of about 8000 ft is a must visit. The small island in the lake that keeps changing its position and moreover the undetermined depth of the lake are few facts known. 

Booking.com

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Day 4 (Mandi – Dharamshala – Mcleodganj) – 131kms

Route

The route is awesome with a small patch of about 3 – 4kms of disturbance ahead of Mandi. Covering the Baijnath temple near Dharamshala continue the drive to reach Mcleodganj.

Food 

After breakfast in the hotel leave and for lunch you may halt on the way, though there are not many options you have. Reach Mcleodganj by the eve. Check in to the hotel and fill up your tummies at any of the cafés. The best ones are Tibetan Kitchen, Mc ‘LLO, and for sweets Woeser bakery if you are looking for Tibetan, north Indian, and some sweets respectively. Must try the Walnut Tart at the Woeser bakery.

Stay 

There are plenty of options available from Rs. 1500. I suggest taking one close to the Mcleodganj square. Hotel Sapphire offers a great balcony view and is nearby the square. Don’t take the meals in the hotels and leave it to try in the numerous cafes.

Place to visit 

• Baijnath Temple – Being situated on the way to Dharamshala which is about 40 km from here, the temple of Lord Shiva is built of beautifully carved out of stonework and is from the old age. There is a lush green carpet grass to spend some time and on the backdrop of the temple is a panoramic view of the mountains and rivers.

I am sure as the road trip approaches its end you must be carving for more. So to cater this today you will take a small detour on the way back to Delhi. Adding to the trip will be the magnificent gold structure The Golden Temple.

Day 5 (Mcleodganj – Amritsar – Delhi) – 680kms

Route 

The route is a highway and one can achieve a good average speed to reach Delhi. Today you will go for local sightseeing and then drive to Delhi via Amritsar to cover Golden temple.

Food 

Enjoy the early morning tea at the roadside stall on the square. Breakfast at any of the café and leave by 9: 00 am as a lot to cover today. I suggest the Carpe Diem on the temple road for the breakfast. Also, must give your taste buds the taste of another great dish from the Tibetan cuisine called Lapping Noodles which are served either dry or soupy and are available close to the Monastery on a small stall roadside.

Places to visit 

• Bhagsu temple – Situated 2 km from Mcleodganj the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It comprises a freshwater spring for the devotees to take a dip. You can park your car and walk through the street as you shop some stuff for yourself. After the worship, move further towards the waterfall.
• Bhagsu waterfall – At about 1.5 from the Bhagsu temple leads a path to the 20 feet high waterfall. Due to the slope to reach the zenith of the waterfall, a good amount of strength will be required. The fall is at its peak beauty during monsoon with mist rising from the water and the tiny droplets in the air present a soothing effect on the soul and body.
• Dal Lake – Not to be confused with the one in Jammu & Kashmir, this is totally different from the one there. The lake beside a tourist spot holds religious importance. Every year, on the occasion of Radha Ashtami a fair is being organized here which is a plethora of colors.
• Jhon Church – This beautiful stone church dates back from 1852 and is one of the buildings preserved since the British Era. Located at 20 mins walk from the Mcleodganj Square makes it easily accessible. The Belgium stained glass in the window marks memories as a gift from Lady Elgin. The church though itself beautiful gets added beauty from the thick pine forest that surrounds the church.
• Tsuglad Khang Complex – Located down the street on temple road the entry from the large Iron Gate involves security screening. The place is home to 14^th Dalai Lama and allows photography within the campus except inside the main temple.
• Golden temple or Sri Harminder Sahib – Located in Amritsar in the states of Punjab this is one of the holiest places of Sikhs. Made of pure gold, the Gurudwara surrounded by a beautiful lake. Also, it holds its name for having the world’s largest kitchen serving free food for 100000 – 300000 people a day.[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”7″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow” gallery_width=”600″ gallery_height=”400″ cycle_effect=”fade” cycle_interval=”3″ show_thumbnail_link=”0″ thumbnail_link_text=”[Show thumbnails]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

Stay 

Delhi is full of hotels from cheap to luxury which suits all sorts of travelers. Book online for great deals. Prefer taking it after crossing Delhi to prevent morning traffic jam.

Day 6 – (Delhi – Haldwani) – 278kms

Route 

Route is same as was on the first day of our road trip with the same food options. Leave at your own comfort either with the sunrise or after a nice and light breakfast.

Places to visit 

• Lotus Temple – The Baha’i House of Worship located in Delhi, known for its architectural magnificence. Its Lotus shaped structure rising above the lush green garden makes it insta worthy for photography lovers. In a group of three free-standing marble petals make the nine entry and exit gates of the temple.  Inside of the temple is a vast room where people sit in silent devotion to god. The moment you step in a very calming and pleasing atmosphere is felt. 
• Red Fort – The fort served as a residence of Mughal Emperor for about 200 years. Also, its great significance in Indian political history makes it a paradise for history lovers. Built from the beautifully carved red stones the fort houses a number of museums. Its location in the Central Delhi makes it within easy reach.
• Humayun’s Tomb – Situated in East of Delhi,  it is the first structure to use red stone at such a large scale.The tomb houses the graves of Bega Begum, Hamida Begum and more from the family and was crowned with the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.

The road trip ended after covering the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal, and Punjab.

*This is how we had our road trip. Adjust the above itinerary in lieu with your driving caliber and no. of days in hand. Feel free to reach me for any and all help.