Kasauli, weekend getaway

There is nothing practically to do in Kasauli, just to lie down, trudge the surrounding hills, comfortable walks in the nature. It is a perfect weekend destination from Delhi people. It has not been exploited as Shimla; it still lives with its charm. Stroll down through Upper to Lower Mall and around the Sanatorium. We followed the upper mall and wandered up to the Monkey Point near the Air Force base. The 4 km hike to the Shri Baba Nath Temple on the top is a bit stiff. People praying for the blessing of children visit the shrine. We didn’t have such issues so we enjoyed the splendid vistas from this vantage point. Across the forested hills and deep ravines is the sleepy town of Dagshai. We also catch the sparkle of the Sutluj River curving lazily along the plains in the far distance views of the snow clad Dhauladhar Range and in the north east, the choor Chandni Peak.

We went for a picnic in the virgin Woodlands; it was for the town’s British residents over 50 years ago. We were able to view the humming birds, flycatchers, minuets and many, one of my friends got lucky and spot a deer and hyena too loping through the undergrowth. But we were not able to see them. The locals told us that there are leopards too.
The overall stay was just to relax and chill out with friends. Everything was naturist. And like all the hill station malls it also sell things like Kullu caps and some wooden work things.

Find driving directions from Delhi to Kasauli here.

Uchagoan a weekend destination from Delhi

Along with my office group I went to Uchagoan weekend getaway from Delhi which is a heritage property and a fort, situated near Garhmukteshwar. We started early morning on Saturday and reached there in 2 ½ hours from Noida Mor. The place was beautiful in between a small village. The fort did not have the impressive gate but it was huge. Entering the fort there was the horse stable wit beautiful horse eating their meals. But to me it was not a fort; it was a Zamindar’s huge haveli which has been converted into a hotel. The main building was painted in white with large doom on its terrace. The place was relaxing with friends and we went to attend a workshop so our trainers were waiting for us. After having the breakfast which was good, we went to the conference room for the brain storming sessions. We came across so many things which we in our lives require to achieve few goals. In between the workshop we enjoyed the long conversations with the friends on its beautiful grounds, badminton, billiards, and the amazing room which have all types of lions head engraved into the wall. The ambience was quite and peaceful.

The dining area was full of paintings and cannons, swords in all sizes. Our rooms were spacious but did not have TV inside, who cares when the place is awesome and one is enjoying the chatting with friends on tea, playing caroms and other games. Uchagoan only lacks swimming pool otherwise it is the nearest cheapest and quite place around Delhi.

There were small gardens between the rooms area, with terrace having different types of chairs. And we were able to see the different species of birds. In short the place was good, the food was good with little spices and fresh and homely made. The service was good. Next time I would love to go with my family for a weekend break. Next day was Sunday so had to come back with the beautiful scenic view on the roads with Ganga canal along the road for 15km the experience in all was good.

Find driving directions from Delhi to Garhmukteshwar here.

Chilika Lake weekend getaway from Kolkata

It is the largest brackish water lagoon in the heart of the coastal Orissa. Chilika Lake has also become one of the weekend destinations from Kolkata. It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the north to Ramba Malud in Ganjan district in South, separated from the Bay of Bengal. Well I came to know that Chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is also home to a phenomenal variety of birds. The lake and its islands teem with nesting birds like flamingos; pelicans also include migratory birds flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.

Then the Nalabana Island is covering about 16km in the lagoon area is a bird sanctuary. It is a paradise for bird watchers as the 9kms sanctuary attracts around 4lacs waterfowls of different species. Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island. It is bounded by the lagoon on three sides offers an excellent view and attracts the visitors to its entire 30km stretch of sand bar. Boats arranged by OTDC are available for both the islands. The lake also supports the local fisherman in earning their living from Chikila’s prawn, mackerel and crabs. However the plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of different fishing nets and gears has threatened the species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady dolphin.

There is a Kalijai temple which is standing on the one of the tiny rocky island which is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai, Shiva’s consort Durga, is a pilgrimage spot. Every year at Makar Sakranti pilgrims flock at the site to leave votive offerings in the cave where the deity is enshrined. Then there is a temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, the God of sea, in the tiny island of Baru Nakuda near Magarmukh is revered.

Then in the small village of Manikpatna there is a temple of Bhabakundesvar Shiva and an old mosque. At the entrance of the mosque is the piece of architecture as the door is made of the jaws of whale.

Brahmaputra is a place of scenic beauty in between the sea and the lake where a site to watch small deer is called Baliharina. Then there is Birds Island, a haven for resident and migratory birds. The Malud and Parikud are colorful islands within the lake. The Beacon Island is 3km from Rambha is an architectural marvel and conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock near Ghantasila Hill. The Breakfast Island and Honeymoon Island presents very dark blue water to visitors, who come here to relax.

People can stay at Satpada, Barkul and Rambha, there are OTDC rooms available.

Find driving directions from Kolkata here.