Nandi Hills, weekend destination from Bangalore

Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills are flat surroundings plains just outside Bangalore. The hills get their name from the beautiful statue of Nandi standing guard outside the Yoganandeeshwara Temple atop the hills.

Reaching the top is easy as there’s a good, mortable road going all the way up. Nandi hills are the place where laziness can be perfected into an art form. The most strenuous activities here are long ambles along the walkways meandering along the hills.

Tipu’s drop, a near 2,000 ft- high sheer cliff has a gory past. It is the place from where convicted prisoners would be hurdled to their death by Tipu Sultan’s decree. From here you would be able to view Bangalore in the distance sparkling beneath you like a giant rangoli decorated with diyas.
Yoganandeeshwara Temple is the abode of Shiva the ascetic at the top the hills was build by the Cholas. This ancient temple also has an inscription in the name of Sambhaji, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Amrita Sarovar is a large tank fed by perennial springs and is called the lake of ambrosia. People visit it in night when it shimmers in the moonlight. Nearby lies the chabootra or platform where Tipu Sultan used to pray.

Nehru Nilaya is the house where Nehru lived in, however now it is a guest house belonging to the Horticulture Department.

Bhognandeshwara Temple is at the base of the Nandi Hills. Nandi hills have only two accommodation options one is the Hotel Mayura Pine Top and the second one is Nehru Nilaya.
Nandi Hills is blessed with a pleasant climate all year round.

Bheemeshwari, weekend destination from Bangalore

A barefoot walk along the river’s edge, sipping coffee on the verandah of your cabin overlooking the river, being woken up by monkey’s jumping on your tent, are the view here. Nature treks into the wilderness, coracle rides, kayaking, outdoor camping, amateur fishing and professional angling. You may catch glimpse of rare species of birds, wild elephants and sloth bears.

Bheemeshwari’s Cauvery Fishing camp and two more camps at Doddamakkalli and Galibore along the Cauvery are run by Jungle Lodges as wildlife retreats and adventure resorts.

Mahseer is the angler’s paradise as one of the best fishing Camps in the world. The camp also conducts amateur fishing with guides to help you learn the ropes. The camp allows 10 lines for the season for professionals, so book well in advance as the camp is in high demand from angler’s across the globe.

Wildlife Treks are conducted in three categories easy, medium and tough ranging from a 4- 30 km distance. The treks take you to the neighboring hills, full of wildlife and plants used in ayurveda. You can also view the rural life as you pass through some of the villages.

Boat rides in coracles and barbecues at sun down along the river’s edge are the extras here. Swimming is not allowed because of crocodiles in the water.

Doddamkkali is 7 km upstream from Bheemeshwari is deep in the forest in a valley ideal for lovers who are willing to rough it out. Galibore 16 km downstream however involves a more circuitous route by road which takes almost 1 ¼ hours. Both camps are similar to Bheemeshwari and offer similar activities, but on smaller scale as they not provide electricity.

In Bheemeshwari you can stay at The Cauvery Fishing Camp which has 9 Swiss tented cottages and long 8 huts. Galibore Fishing Camp has 10 Swiss twin-bedded cottages with attached loos and many more.

Matheran, weekend destination from Mumbai

Matheran

Matheran is a true adventure destination for trekkers to get up the forested slopes from Neral to the tiny hill station on top. There are also many ways of making the journey now apart from trekking, including on horseback, in hand pulled carts and its very own toy train. For preserving this ecological sensitive zone, the Maharashtra Tourism thankfully has banned motor vehicles from the town limits and making it a beautiful hill station and a perfect gateway for Mumbaikars in weekend.

Matheran has a thick cover of evergreen forest which acts like a giant air- conditioner, keeping this hill station cool and walker’s paradise. Although small has about 38 designated lookout points.

Panorama Point, almost 5 km north of the market, is a trek that can be refreshing though long in the rains and in winter, but quite grueling in summers. You can view the Neral town and even on a clear day Mumbai in the west is also visible. Hart Point and Monkey Point are undisturbed and densely forested, these area are also recommended for birdwatchers. Crowds gather at Porcupine Point for the sunset. Louisa Point, to the west of the market offers a view of the ruins of Prabai Fort and also other grass- topped hills. One Tree- Hill Point is a truly scenic spot, especially after monsoon and has only one tree. From it a footpath leads southwards to Shivaji’s Ladder. And from Rambagh Point you can view Khandal and Karjat, from Alexander Point you can view Chauk Valley. The most visited place is the Charlotte Lake fringed by the forest and Pisharnath Temple at one end.

Matheran as a hill station of Maharashtra is again famous for its chikki’s. Salted channa and fresh honey are other must-buys from the bazaar, which runs along the railway station road.

There are many resorts and hotels like Richie Rich Resorts, the Byke Retreat etc. There are all sorts of restaurants available in Matheran however the best for Guajarati thali is the Gujarat Bhavan and Shabbir’s a small eating place famous for its mutton and chicken biryani and the local bakery also produce great bread.

Lonavla- Khandala

Bollywood filmmakers discovered the potential of this favourite hill station getaway as a shooting local a long time ago. Conventional wisdom in India says to stay away from hill roads during the rains, however when the rain comes, Mumbaikars take the train to Lonavla, as it pours down relentlessly. As the downfall increases they make their way to bushy dams. It’s the afterwards when people play cards in a cosy room, sippijng rum and eating piping hot bhajias, with the relentless sound of rain beating down outside, the aroma of wet earth.

Apart from being an honeymoon getaway, this is also an outdoor enthusiast’s hotspot. With so many Buddhist caves, forts and rugged hills within easy reach, this is a starting point for treks, hikes and rock climbs.

Bushy Dam is the small dam nestled in the forests just 6km outside Lonavla is far the most popular spot. On weekends during the monsoon, the place is packed with the people as the water running over the steps of the dam creates an interesting waterfall. People like to sit on the steps as the water flows over them however they are not allowed to swim as there can be a sudden surge in water force and level.

Ryewood Park is supposed to be a botanical garden but is a large park. There are lawns, trees and plenty of open spaces for picnic lunches in the cool shade. There is an old Christian cementry opposite the park where some of the gravestones are more than a hundred years old.
Duke’s Nose, named after one of the British government of erstwhile Bombay, is locally known as Nagphani. You can also walk or hike the summit from Khandala station quite easily.

About 15 km outside Lonavla are several Buddhist rock- cut caves and forts. The Karla Caves represent the best example of rock cut architecture in this region, also famous for two rows decorated pillars that line the main hall. Outside the main hall there is now a Koli Temple. Opposite the Karla rigde are the Bhaja Caves. The rock –cut architecture is beautiful here than Karla.

Lohagad, the iron fort. From Malavli station walk 3 km or path an auto to Bhaja village. You wil pass through several gates before you reach the top. You would be able to view the finger like projection of a lava fissure called the Scorpion’s Sting. On the left is the vast expanse of Pawna Lake with Tikona Fort on its left. Tung Fort lies further out in the distance as do Koregad Fort and Morvi Dongar.

Visapur Fort is opposite Lohagad. It’s much larger fort than Lohagad. At the top you will find lots of water tanks, ponds and the double – walled ruins of a chieftain’s residence.

Tikona Fort, at the top of it is an ancient Buddhist cave and some water tanks. If you go early on a winter morning there then you would be able to see Tung Fort clearly reflected in the waters of Pawna Lake. Tung Fort have some water tanks and ramparts and one gets view of Lohagad, Visapur and Tikona Forts and Pawna Lake from the top. We can also view the solitary fort of Koregad which is embellished with e few ponds, stands alone in majestic solitude.

The Lonavla is considered the Lake District of western India because it is having many lakes however all artificial. Many of these are secluded and remote. Tungarli Lake is a small lake just outside Lonavla and is at its best just after the monsoons, though water is still clear and deep right unti; December or January.
Valvan Lake is created by Valvan Dam with some nice gardens but is a restricted area. Then there are Lonavla and Monson Lake which are at its best after monsoons.

There is plenty of opportunity for fishing in these parts. Most lakes are open for fishing except those belonging to Tata Electric Company.

Beyond Lonavla town there are many hotels and resorts like Fariyas Holiday Resort, Hotel Rainbow Retreat, Shiv Shanti Resort and many more.

In Lonavla there are all types of cuisines available in various hotels from Gujrati thali to Mughlai.
Lonavla is also famous for chikki capital of India. Maganlals and A1 are the most famous stores in Lonavla. The chikki shops are invariably crowded on weekends. You can taste each variety before you decide which one to buy.

Rishikesh, Rapid Ride To Nirvana

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is all about the river, the Himalayas, the divine mornings, the starry evenings, the faint strains of shastriya sangeet in the air, sadhus bathing in the river, foreigners in saffron ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ kurtas and the constant chime of the temple bells. It is the unique package for the mind and body.

As we drive from Haridwar to Rishikesh you will first pass by the famous Ram jhula, a bridge swaying above the Ganga waters. People enjoy the experience of it by standing in the centre of Ram jhula and look down at the river to view fishes. Ram jhula connects Shivanand Ashram on the east bank with Swargashram on the west by getting its most popular name Shivanand jhula.

You can also find Laxman jhula, which is easier to cross where Laxman, Lord Ram’s brother crossed the Ganga on the rope. It is the centre of bazaars and crowded cafes. People not wanting just a spiritual break can book the room in this area, which is the most happening part of the town. Across the jhula you will find people feeding the fish through small dough breads. On crossing the bridge, you will find two 13- storey temples Swarg Niwas and Shri Tryambakeswar.

You can also view the Bharat Mandir near Triveni ghat, south of the road from Haridwar between Laxman and Ram jhulas. Going further to 17km trek up the east bank of the Ganga you will find the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva saved the world by holding poison churned from the sea by the gods and the demons in his throat. And the poison remains there forever, which is why Shiva’s throat is blue. Every March there is a celebration of Mahashivratri here.

Rishikesh has gained popularity, especially between foreign tourist and the NRI as a centre of learning yoga, Hindu philosophy and ayurveda. There are plenty of ashrams offering yoga courses and the lectures on Hindu philosophy. You can go around the east bank of Laxman jhula to Swargashram to check out the various ashrams.
At the northern end of Laxman jhula you can view the stalls selling the religious audio and video cassettes, kullu topis, kurtas, salwar kameez and jewellery line the narrow streets.

There are many budget hotels in Rishikesh and other famous hotels like Glasshouse on the Ganges, Hotel Ganga Kinare, Hotel Natrajand many more.

Rishikesh is strickly vegetarian and we cannot carry meat or alcohol into the town. You will find many cafes overlooking the Laxman jhula serving continental and Chinese vegetarian dishes.

Haridwar, the religious place

Haridwar

For the millions of Hindus going to Haridwar is like fulfilling a life’s ambition. It is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprint on a rock, and where Prince Bhagirath performed penance, in response to which Lord Shiva sent forth the Ganga cascading from his knotted locks.

Although who are not religious are stuck by the atmosphere of the town. Haridwar as we see it on postcards like believers bathing on the ghats, saffron- clad sadhus deep in meditation, families performing funerals, priest and the common people worshipping the sun.

Its chief attraction is the Har-ki-Pauri, its main ghat. One does not miss its evening aarti at the ghat, by watching the lights of thousands of diyas floating on the river, carrying hopes and aspirations of millions with them.

You can find many hotels around the market near Har-Ki-Pauri like Haveli Hari Ganga, Classic Residency, Sagar Ganga Resort etc.

It’s against the law to carry non-veg food and alcohol into Haridwar. There are many good dhabas and restaurant in the market near to Har-Ki-Pauri. If you are a huge fan of sweets than you can go for the rabri, rasmalai, peras and barfis at the famous Brijwasi Mithaiwalla sweet shop at the Heera Complex in Bara Bazaar. You can also try the kachoris and other chat here, which are also delicious.

Ladakh A Spiritual High

Ladakh A Spiritual High

Ladakh is a high altitude plateau at India’s furthest frontier, bordered by POK and Tibet. To the west is Kashmir and to the south Himachal Pradesh. The Indus River bisects the plateau and by its banks is Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The vast land, dry and dedicated, swells and billows into great tiers of snow-crested peaks. Arching over it is a sky, pure blue, benign, sheltering. The river bisects the floor of the valley. The best season is from May to the end of October. Winter in Ladakh is bitterly cold. If you plan to travel by road, keep in mind that the Rohtang and Zoji La passes are open only between mid June and early October.

Dominating Leh from its vantage on the northern crag is the Leh Palace, a diminutive Potala. In the late afternoon, the wind picks up, riffling the prayer flags, carrying snatches of the deeply- intoed homage to Manjushri.

The mountains, snow-capped peaks and fortress- like monasteries provide a dramatic backdrop to the many roadside cafes, restaurants, beer bars, carpet and curio shops, and trekking and rafting agencies. It is full of trails that connect remote villages spread across ancient trade routes, and there is no better way to absorb this fascinating land and its culture than to trek through it.

Leh Palace is the imposing nine- storey Palace of Sengye ‘Lion’ Namgyal dominates the city. Explore its dark passages, making your way to the top floors to get a brilliant view of the Indus Valley. Further beyond the palace is the Tsemo Gompa.

Shey is the old capital of the Ladakhi kings. It is a pretty spot with numerous chortens and graceful willows that dip their leaves into pleasant artificial lake. There are extensive remains of a fortress on the hilland a palace, incorporated into which is a temple with a handsome copper and gold Shakyamuni Buddha. Around 300m away is the Thiksey Monastery, which housesa huge three storey Maitreya Buddha.

On the beautiful Leh-Kargil road lays the earliest surviving monastery of Ladakh known as Yung-drung, or the Swastika. Its site, perched on a rocky promontory high above the Lamayuru Village at the valley.

On the high southern bank of the Indus, in a lush, quiet oasis across the road from Saspol is the ancient center of learning. Alchi Choskhor. One can happily spend the whole day studying the frescoes and loafing under its verdant apricot trees. There are two high altitude lakes Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso.

Leh abounds with places to stay as almost every house being converted into a guesthouse ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 3000. There many hotels like Shambha La and Lharimo, which offer, heated rooms and lovely view. The Leh area has restaurants, cafes and bakeries catering to all budgets that run the entire range of cuisines from authentic Tibetan fare to European to Kashmeri to Israeli.
A successful trek in Ladakh requires you to acclimatize well. Spend a few days in Leh, go for gentle walks and get used to the altitude.