Shoghi, a nature walk

This weekend I visited Shoghi in Himachal Pradesh is a cheap alternative to Shimla which is just 25 minutes away and is an idea place to get away from it all. I turned off my mobile and listed to the sounds of the forest with my friends. There are ample trekking grounds and clear streams.

One of the significant temples of the area is the Tara Devi temple which we visited on our first day; it stood higher at 6,073ft. It is on the right side of the Shoghi, at the end of the town across from the Minchy’s fruit products stand. The road was thankfully new. The temple was beautiful and the view from the top was awesome. The upkeep of the temple is a personal project of one of the rains. In two main festival months .i.e. October and November the temple is overcrowded. I couldn’t take the pics here as photography was not allowed, however I could take the 360 degrees views from the top.

The landscape around Shoghi is dotted with temples. Virtually every village in the region has one. Approx 6km southwest of Shoghi nestling in a valley of green trees and fields is the village of Anji. And I visited the recently renovated Hanuman temple.

We stayed at Sunrise Villa which is owned by Mr. Romesh C. Aggarwal and his wife who offer the ambience of a private home at reasonable prices on the road of the Tara Devi temple. We chose the room with balcony.

Our motto was to relax this weekend so we chose Shoghi as our weekend destination from Delhi, it was a quiet place and the town is at most a 2km stretch of road whose highlights are the people their hospitality and the natural beauty they are surrounded by. The only problem which we faced were the roads, which are not made to withstand the rains, they are in constant danger of being washed away. We enjoyed our nature walks and especially the bird watching. There were many trekkers in the morning who were going to start their treks while we enjoyed our walks.

Orcha in Madhya Pradesh

Orcha in Madhya Pradesh was established by the Bundela king Rudrapratap. Orcha remained a seat of the Bundelas for 2 centuries and gave birth to unusual architecture. The oldest building in Orcha is the fort palace of Raj Mahal started by Rudrapratap however it was completed by his successor after he was killed wrestling a tiger. The entrance to the fort leads over a granite bridge through a 16^th century door to the fort palace. The Mahal is a self contained structure, the plan of the courtyards according to some historians follow the ancient Indian concept of the mandapa. One of the courtyards has a dancing platform and a fountain. Surrounded by royal quarters and an assembly hall for private audience is the diwan-i-khas. However inside the rooms burst into riveting images and colours. Though its ceiling is much faded now but it can be admired for its Persian carpet like motifs and the queen’s chamber for mythological subjects such as Bhima fighting with six elephants.

Then there is the Jahangir Mahal ahead from Raj Mahal, it was named after the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It is an impressive structure with three storey apartments topped with domes and hanging balconies, it is a mixture of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The last palace in the series is the Rai Parveen Mahal, just below the Jahangir Palace. Down the hill side are the royal hammams and unth khana and the camel stables. It is a simple two storied structure with a Mughal garden on one side. Besides the palaces, you can make out the beckoning shikhars of four temples lying in the middle of the fields. Around 1 km hike will bring you close to Shiv Mandir and few fts away across the wheat fields stands the Panchmukhi Temple complex, where three temples have been converted into quarters by the villagers. The next Mandir is the Raadhika Vihari which doubles up as granary and then finally comes the Van Vasi Ram Mandir with an attached but deserted ashram. In the village the Ram Raja Temple is unusual as its resident is worshipped as king and the temple is not a temple but a palace. The Chaturbhuj Temple is in a European cathedral from its vaulted roof to the massive doors and the large hall. For an adventurous climb try the staircase to the top of the temple from where one can see the entire city.

Ever since foreign tourists found their way to Orcha, metal artifacts are sold here as antiques.

Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari

An enchanting feeling is unveil with the wonderful cottages of the hotel and continues in the green natural environs and the flawless upscale services. The Location of Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is perfect for the ones with an inclination to spend their holiday in the privacy and silence of nature. The Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is set in a village, known as Marungoor, and offers magnificent views of the rocky formation all around. It takes 2 hours' drive from Trivandrum International Airport to reach the hotel.

The brick and stone cottages, with a discernible Dravidian architecture, have an irresistible charm that bewitches the guests on the very first glance. The cottages are surrounded by luscious green expanse where the hotel grows vegetables and fruits, thereby attaining the repute of a self-sustained miniature village. The Room Facilities at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari includes all modern amenities like television, telephone, 24 hour running hot and cold water just to name a few.

The Hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is designed to suit the need and requirements of guests. The restaurant serves fine seafood and local specialties and the bar of the hotel gives plenty scope to unwind. The swimming pool, the largest one in Tamil Nadu ups the on-stay enjoyment.

The unforgettable scenic splendor along with a rich culture and religious significance makes Kanyakumari, a major tourist destination of India. There is a large number of Hotels in Kanyakumari in India. Among them, Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari, offering a relaxing stay has attained much acclaim and praises of the tourists. The room facilities at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari make it a example of comfort and affordability. The location of Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari in a calm and humble village of attracts the travelers who want to spend a holiday amidst the boundless beauty of nature. The amazing array of hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari is designed to cater to every possible need of the tourists.

The excellent range of hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari provides ultimate delight to all the foodies. In the tastefully decorated restaurant of the hotel, you can gorge on authentic South-Indian or North-Indian specialties or upgrade continental or Chinese delicacies. The setting of the hotel would make you spellbound. The lush foliage and mountain ranges creating the backdrop, you would feel as being in God's own country. The hotel Amenities and Services at Indien Hermitage Hotel in Kanyakumari offers the 'View Bar', set atop the cliff of the mountain, providing sweeping view of the environ and a wide range of cocktails and beverages.

The hotel has an extensive Ayurvedic center which vows to cure and heal a lot of ailments in the traditional Indian way. An experienced Ayurvedic practitioner is there to supervise the treatments. Moreover, in the Ayurvedic parlor, you can avail massages from expert masseurs. To relieve yourself from the hard work of daily life, you can take an unprepared dip in the giant-size swimming pool of the hotel. The pool is the largest in Tamil Nadu hotels, is a possession the hotel could well boast of.

Colva – Sernabatim Benaulim Beach in Goa

Colva is located just 6km from Margao, is a busy little town with a multitude of hotels, restaurants and chic stores. It is the typical Indian beach, crowded with families and extremely noisy. The tourist here are mostly Indian too, ones who are here for their honeymoons, families with infants, children running wild on the beach and the grandparents flopped about. One can also find many young men, whooping and screaming and playing volley ball. Colva is the best beach of Goa and is famous for its water sports. I tried parasailing, water scooter ride, banana boat ride also there are speed boat rides and motorboat rides. Depending upon the rides they will cost you the money. It cost me Rs 400 only. And the best time to try the rides is the late afternoon and early evening as one can watch the sun go down while hanging from a parachute attached to a zigzagging speedboat. I still remember my ride it was breathtaking. However what I didn’t like was there are no beach huts in Colva, but there are hotels close to beach. The cheaper option was the Vailankanni Cottages with plain but clean rooms. The road leading to the beach had many restaurants; most of them had live bands and overflowing with patrons. I preferred to eat at the beach shacks. The sea food in Goa was fresh and the Goan fish curry with rice was damn good, I can still taste it.

Colva, Sernabatim and Benaulim are together really a single long stretched beach with three separate entry points. The Taj Exotica is at the southern end of Benaulim and the main stretch of beach has few shacks. I had my lunch at the famous Pedro’s and Johncy’s restaurants. Pedro also organized a boat ride for me. Sernabatim, in the middle is the most quiet of the three. There are no beach shakes, only one tea shop with a Kannadiga making Malabari parottas for breakfast.

Find driving directions from Mumbai to to Margao

Coonoor weekend destination from Cochin

Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is famous for its blue kurinji flower, which is said to bloom once every 12 years, giving the Blue Mountains its colour and moniker. But according to the locals the kurinji hasn’t bloomed for a year now. The perfect weekend destination from Cochin, Coonoor is famous for leisurely trips to the nearby tourist spots, trek in the shoal forests of the blue mountains and of course, down endless cups of Nilgiri grown tea or coffee.

Coonoor has the Sim’s Park which was laid back in 1874 in a deep ravine, with winding footpaths, pergolas, gazebos, a lily pond and a dense shoal skirting it. It has marvelous thousand species of trees like mahogany, birch, rudraksh and were brought from Mexico, Chile, China and Venezuela. It is a tree park however its rose garden is beautiful at the tome of season. In May a fruit and vegetable show is held. Opposite to the Sim’s Park there is the Pasteur Institute which is known for its path breaking research work on rabies. There are guided tours where one can watch the pasteurization of milk and experiments underway.

The Droog Fort was once used by Tipu Sultan which is 15km from Coonoor. Droog is also called Bakasura Malai as it is linked to the tale of a local demon, Bakasura. However the fort only has a wall which has survived but it is 6,000 ft above the plains so it gives the offers an awesome view.

About 8km from Coonoor is Lamb’s Rock which gives the view of Coimbatore plains. People take food and drinks and just rome and enjoy the picnic with their family and friends. Then there is the Dolphin’s Nose is huge a rock that resembles a dolphin’s nose. About 10km from Coonoor, this is a popular spot despite the bad road. On a clear day one can glimpse Catherine Falls from a top the nose. Law’s falls is another popular picnic spot.

Wellington is an army township to one side of Coonoor. Wellington golf course is hugely popular, not just with those who wander around its manicured greens wielding their irons, hordes of South Indian film crews also descend periodically to shoot song sequences. Also beyond the golf course lies the Hidden Valley which is a great trekking route.

Coonoor is famous for its Irish and Belgian table sets, handkerchiefs plus for its tea and coffee

Find Driving Directions from Cochin to Coonoor here..

Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is a historic town where Lord Krishna is believed to have preached the bhagwad Gita to a hesitant Arjun on the battlefields of the Mahabharata the epic. Kurukshetra is 2 ½ drive from Delhi and a perfect pilgrim weekend getaway from Delhi. It’s said that to bath at the Brahma Sarovar here during an eclipse or an amavasya nights is spiritually cleansing of human soul. The Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple in the centre of this water body is visited by many devotees, they also the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Another lake held in great esteem by the devotees is the Sannehit Sarovar which is about an kilometer from Laxmi Sarovar is believed to have formed by water that flowed out of Brahma’s navel. Kurukshetra is visited by a number of the Sikh gurus, is also of great importance for the Sikhs. Guru Nanak passed through this town and the place where he stayed at is known as Gurudwara Sidhbati. There is also a Gurudwara dedicated to Guru Hargobind. On the banks of the Brahma Sarovar is one of the memories of Guru Gobind Singh. All this makes Kurukshetra a pilgrimage holiday destination in India.

Find Driving Directions to Kurukshetra here

Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh

Accommodation :
Camp 5 Elements has excellent arrangements of twin bedded luxury tents of size 12 by 12 feet. The toilets are separate and are set in western style. The bathing area consists of the following amenities:

• Running Water
• Wash Basin
• Mirror

Dining :
Dining at Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh, India is a delightful experience altogether. Food is laid out in separate dining tent that overlooks the Ganga. Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and Continental cuisines are served. The nights are enlivened by the Barbecue that offers Tandoori delicacies. Music and Bonfire add to the milieu an enigmatic charm.

Business :
In addition to the recreational facilities mentioned above, Camp 5 Elements has also designed special activities for professionals. These include:

• Special Corporate Programs by Leading Trainers
• Outbound Training
• Team Building
• Stress Management

Recreation :
The most significant aspect of Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh which attracts tourists is the wide spectrum of recreational facilities offered by it. Activities that one can indulge into in Camp 5 Elements are:

White River Rafting Beach Volleyball Cricket Basketball Rugby

Nature Walks Bird Watching Building Sandcastles Sunbathing

Other Facilities :
Another significant factor that is given due importance in Camp 5 Elements is the security. Ample number of Armed Security Personnel is appointed to serve this purpose. Camp 5 Elements in Rishikesh also provides other essential services like:

• Laundry Services
• Doctor on Call
• STD/ISD Facility

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at the Camp. Welcome drink on arrival followed by Lunch and camp orientation & briefing. Post lunch indulge in camp activities such as Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Beach Volleyball, Beach Cricket, Kayaking etc. In the evening laze over a Bonfire or try your hand at fun games followed by a sumptuous dinner specially prepared by our Chef. Tuck into your Deluxe Tents at The Camp 5 Elements

Day 02

Wake up early to enjoy a refreshing Nature Walk with their guide. After a hearty breakfast change into their rafting gear and proceed for rafting on the river Ganges. You will endeavor to complete 2 stretches on the river today. The first session includes the stretch from Marine Drive to Shivpuri covering thrilling rapids like ‘Black Money’, ‘Three Blind Mice’, ‘Crossfire’, ‘Body Surfing’, and ‘The Shivpuri’ rapids. Lunch will be served at Shivpuri on the river beach.

Post Lunch you will proceed for the second session of rafting from Shivpuri to NIM Beach. In this stretch one has to negotiate some famous white water rapids like “Return to Centre”, “Roller Coaster”_, “Tee Off”, “Golf Course”, “Club House” and others till NIM beach where the days’ rafting comes to an end. Late evening arrive at The Camp 5 Elements. Bonfire with their guitarist, Dinner and overnight at The Camp 5 Elements

Day 03

You have another very exciting day on the beach. Amongst the many options, you can soak some sun, relax on the beach with a book from their library, try your hands at Kayaking, climb a rock, rapple down the river or just play a sport; baseball, badminton, volleyball, cricket, hiking.

After an early breakfast start your trip from Kaudiyala downstream. The first rapid you hit is called the Daniel's' Dip (Grade IV). The next big Rapid is The Wall (Grade IV+). Between these two there are some Grade II and II+ rapids with long float stretches with enough options to do body surfing as well. These rapids are the most exciting on the river. Rafting ends at Marine Drive with sumptuous Lunch. Post Lunch depart to your next destination

Find driving directions from Delhi to Rishikesh here ..