West Bengal Tourism: Things to do in Darjeeling

Kanchendzonga, clouds, fragrant cups of tea and sumptuous food. Head to Darjeeling and live in the clouds for a while, literally.

Darjeeling-Valley-View

This quaint hill station is located about 2150m above sea level and clouds tend to come down often enveloping you. The British loved the misty, mild-to-chilly climate of Darjeeling. So much so that they annexed it from Nepal and made it into their own special summer retreat to escape the heat of the plains. Among other things, they set up the tea plantations that today are responsible for the world-famous Darjeeling tea.

Here’s a list of things to do in Darjeeling:

1. Take a tea tour

Take a tea estate tour or stay on a plantation. On a tea tour, you will get to see what goes into making that perfect cuppa – you will go tea plucking with workers, get a round of the factory where leaves are processed and indulge in tea tasting.

Darjeeling-Tea-Gardens

The delicate flavour of Darjeeling tea is dependent on the climate and environment and the flavour and aroma of tea differs from hillside to hillside. Recommended is a tour of the Makaibari estate. Founded in the late 1850s, its tea fetches some of the highest prices in the world.

2. Visit a monastery

You can also go on a monastery tour. Darjeeling has several beautiful monasteries and temples. The Ghum Monastery (situated 8 km from Darjeeling in the town of Ghum) follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It has a 15ft statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Darjeeling-Flags-at-Monastery

The Bhutia Busty monastery is in Darjeeling town, near Chowrasta. It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas and is credited with the origin of the name of the town, Darjeeling. The monastery used to be known as Dorje Ling and was originally located on Observatory Hill before the Nepalese destroyed it in 1815. It was later rebuilt on the present site. A must-see at the monasteries are the gorgeous wall murals made with colours derived from powdered stones.

3. Take a walk around town

Take some time to go for long walks around town. Get to know Darjeeling up close – take a guided tour with the folks at Darjeeling Heritage Walks. They’ll show you a Darjeeling that very few people get to see. You may find yourself taking part in prayer ceremonies at a Tibetan monastery, sipping hot cups of butter tea, meeting legendary sherpas, sampling the best local foods, visiting lesser-known treasures like Crookety, Russian artist Nicholas Roerich’s house in nearby Kalimpong, or being regaled with real-life stories from Darjeeling about Afghan princes and spies in monks’ clothing that will put a Bond thriller to shame.

4. View mountain peaks

Play a game of hide ‘n seek with the Kanchendzonga, the third-highest peak in the world. It is right there behind the mist, its snow-capped proximity like an invisible presence.

Kanchenjunga-Range-from-Darjeeling

Sometimes it can remain resolutely, tantalisingly hidden. And then, sometimes you get lucky as the clouds lift like a theatre curtain. “Sometimes a tourist has waited 22 days and then been obliged to go away without a sight of it,” wrote Mark Twain from Darjeeling in 1896.
Tiger Hill is best known for the view of the dazzling sunrise over Kanchenjunga. On a clear day you can even see Mt Everest from here.

5. Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Take a ride on the Lilliputian Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a 60 cm narrow-gauge railway that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 becoming only the second railway in the world to have this honour. It goes up to a height of 2,286 metres.

Batasia_Loop_of_Darjeeling_Himalayan_Railway

Mark Twain described his trip on the railway in 1896 as “the most enjoyable day I have spent on the earth”. Among much-repeated stories about the DHR, one goes like this: A telegram sent from the line to headquarters in Calcutta during Mark Twain’s time allegedly said: “Tiger eating station master on front porch. Telegraph instructions.” Check out the website of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society which has more than 800 members in 24 countries.

6. Go book shopping

Browse and pick up a book on Darjeeling at Oxford Book & Stationery in Chowrasta. This specialises in books on Darjeeling, Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and the Himalayas.

7. Buy tea, tea sets and Himalayan honey

Sit down with your book and a cup of Darjeeling tea and watch the sunset at Nathmulls Lounge in Chowrasta. They are the oldest and the largest tea merchants here specializing in Darjeeling tea and source over 50 varieties of tea both from tea auction as well as directly from tea estates. They also stock an amazing variety of tea pots from miniature enamelled ones to intricately carved silver tea sets.

Darjeeling-Tea

Pick up some excellent Himalayan Honey at the lovely little shop Life & Leaf on Chowrasta. They work with small farmers and local artisans and sell a variety of products. They stock tea sourced directly from farmers as opposed to the other shops that sell tea by the big companies. The advantage? Part of the profits is channelled back to farmers. They also stock bamboo products, earthenware, woven stoles and embroidered tea cosies and mats.

Hang out at the uber cool Gatty’s Café in the evenings and listen to some of the best live music India has to offer. Darjeeling is known for its music and local talent.

Interesting facts about Darjeeling

• Darjeeling derives its name from Tibetan words ‘dorjé’ (thunderbolt) and ‘ling’ (place), and translates to Land of the Thunderbolt.
• Nestled in the Mahabharat Range (or Lesser Himalayas) at an elevation of 6,710 ft, the town was taken from Nepal by the British in the mid-19th century and, because of its temperate climate, used as a sanatorium to escape the heat of the plains.
• The man credited with building Darjeeling is Arthur Campbell, a surgeon with the East India Company.
• The British gradually set up tea plantations and developed distinctive hybrids of black tea, created new fermenting techniques. Today Darjeeling tea is known as the champagne of teas.
• Writer Mark Twain was 61 years of age when he came here in February, 1896. And became a huge fan. Here’s what he said of the town: “The one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once even by a glimpse would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the world combined”.

Tamilnadu Tourism: Things to do in Kodaikanal

One of the most popular hill stations of South India, Kodaikanal (also called Kodai) offers visitors pleasant weather, lush green surroundings and a beautiful lake. A popular escape during the hot summer months Kodaikanal embodies the aspects of a perfect hill-station trip, complete with a central lake, activities around it, walking trails, short hikes, waterfalls and farms. As well as all the usual sights there are also some alternative things to do in Kodaikanal which you can weave into your itinerary.

Upper_Lake_vire_kodaikanal

Boating in the Kodai Lake

The water body is integral and almost synonymous to the topography of the town. The great part of the lake is that it is accessible to everyone and is bursting with energy, especially during the holiday season. Boating is the key activity here, and is perfect to engage kids. The manmade structure was built in 1863 by Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai. It is said that the lake was used for swimming by the Britishers who lived here in the early 19th century. There are some de rigueur activities like boating, walking, horse riding and small shops that sell predictable souvenirs. One can hire self pedalled boats or slightly larger ones with a rower. The cost of this activity starts as low as Rs 20/- . The lake opens out for boating at about 7.00 a.m which is the best time to go.

Kodai-Lake-Kodaikanal

Trek to Kookal Caves

Kookal caves are situated 40 kms away from the Kodai town and makes for an interesting overnight hike. You can make a stop at Poombarai and then hike up through the Poombarai forest to a government guest house. The next morning, walk again through the Shola grasslands to the caves that bear testimony to the earliest settlements of Paliyan tribes. It is highly recommended to take a guide. Also, be careful about leeches!

Go Organic

A regular organic farmer’s market is set up every Saturday in Kodai. You can find local farmers with their fresh produce between 9.30 and 12.30. The market only encourages organically grown produce to be part of the display. One can find different varieties of organic vegetables and fruits and herbs, grown without any pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Pick out some healthy and nutritious food for yourself and also meet some great organisations who promote organic eating lifestyle.

Organic-Market-Kodaikanal

Holistic Healing at the Kodaikanal Yoga Centre

The Kodaikanal Yoga Centre lies in the midst of natural beauty and lush green surroundings, a perfect place to be in a peaceful ambience for Yoga. Meditation and Yoga workshops are conducted here. If you are visiting for a short time, you can do a quick orientation or alternatively stay for longer courses too.

Cycling in Kodaikanal

Cycling in the hills is fun for those who like a little adrenalin rush and work up a sweat even on a holiday. You can hire a cycle here and take a spin around the lake. These can be hired near Hotel Carlton. A lot of cycling enthusiasts follow the trail of starting at Kodai Lake, Pine Forest, Chettiar Park ending in Coaker’s Walk.

Golf

An 18 Hole Golf course is situated at Kodai. The course belongs to the century old club, where you can get a temporary membership. If you are staying at a homestay and the owners are members, they may be able to extend a guest visit to you.

Kodaikanal-Golf

Fruit Picking

If you arrive in the fruit season and choose to visit a farm, you can join the workers there in fruit picking, especially strawberries. You can then sit and enjoy the sumptuous delights!

Strawberries-picking

After you check out the "Things to do" in Kodaikanal here are some alternative ideas on how to fill your days.

Sights and attractions in and around Kodaikanal

Berijam Lake

There are three main lakes of Kodai, of which this is one is the cleanest. Most people tend to go to the main Kodai Lake and give this one a miss. Permission from the forest officers is needed to visit this lake but it is definitely worth your while.

Berijam-lake

Coakers Walk

The view of the valley below from this cobble stoned path is breathtaking, provided you are lucky enough for a less misty time.

Coakers walk

Kurinjiandavar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple houses the famous Kurinji flowers that bloom in 12 years.

Temple

Silent Valley View

Silent Valley is one of the most rich bio-diversity regions of India. In an effort to safeguard the flora and fauna, the forest area is closed for visitors. A top view of parts of the valley can be seen from Kodai.

Silent-valley-view

Caves

Deep ravines and deep gashes in rocks makes for very interesting topography. The Guna caves are a well known tourist spot.

Guna-caves

Pine Forests

Kodai is carpeted with pine stands in the town and on the fringes. Shanthi valley and other pine forested areas are great spots for a picnic.

Pine-forests

Silver Cascade

A waterfall by the road makes for a good stop to catch a quick snack in the backdrop of this waterfall.

Silver-cascade

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

The Kodai Solar Observatory makes for a good educational trip to watch the solar activity of the earth.

Solar-observatory

When to go

Kodaikanal is beautiful all through the year. While summer is pleasant it is also peak tourist season. Winters might be cold but are not extreme and it doesn't snow.

Peak tourist season hits Kodaikanal in the summer break for schools. The weather is great between April and June. Though one will find the place milling with crowds, you can find a quiet spot away from the predictable places. This is the time when the town is bustling with activity. If you are looking for a quieter period, it's better to arrive between July and October. The winter months get slightly chilly but you are sure to find a different calmer avataar of Kodai then.

Himachal Tourism - Things to do in Dharamsala

Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh is the serene and peaceful home to the exiled Tibetan Government and their leader Dalai Lama. A district set in the wonderful backdrop of the beautiful Kangra Valley, Dharamsala is made up of a few small towns and villages such as McLeod Gan and Kotwali Bazaar and is surrounded by mountains and pine forests.

Bhuddist-Temple-Dharamsala,India

Though rooted in India, the Tibetan history and culture has a strong influence within Dharamsala. It is said that the Tibetan legacy goes as far as 8th century in this region and many activities are based around the Tibetan culture and religion. Here is our pick of the top ten things to do in Dharamsala.

1. Tsuglagkhang Complex

This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, with a colossal meditation hall with murals and thangkas to add to its charm. The Kalachakra temple inside is where Dalai Lama himself meditates and is located just in fronts of his residence. Look out for the Namgyal Cafe to have a quick bite after visiting the temple. This is run by the youth workers of the complex.

A groups of monks makes a circumambulation around the Tsuglagkhang Temple

2. Thangka Paintings

Many locals make the original Thangka paintings inspired from the stories of Buddha. Visit a local artist and see how these paintings come to life under the skill of adept hands.

Examining-a-very-old-Thangka

3. Tibet Museum

The Tibet museum might be small but contains vast and interesting history about Tibet and the exodus to India. An afternoon here will be wonderful.

Prayer-flags-in-the-garden-Tibet-Culture

4. Dharamkot

One of the most scenic spots off Dharamsala, this is a good place to take your picnic basket and enjoy the view. The Bhagsunag falls also make for a great picnic spot with family. A fresh water spring adds to the interest of the place.

Dharamkot

5. Triund 

A trek to the over 3000m peak beyond Dharamkot is something most trekkers traverse. You need to have decent stamina. Don’t forget t carry comfortable walking and climbing shoes for Dharamsala. There are plenty of trails for short or difficult hikes and are extremely inviting.

Trekkers traverse-Dharamkot

6. Bhagsu Waterfall 

A rough gush of water in a remarkably beautiful setting, climb to the falls but be aware that the last part is quite dangerous.

Bhagsu-Nag-Falls-Dharamsala

7. Indrahar Pass 

The Kangra Valley has some lofty mountains and passes which are a thrill to climb. Indrahar is one such pass.

Kangra-Valley

8. Quaint Cafes and Shopping

With the number of foreign nationals coming to Dharamsala and making it their home, there was a whole hippie movement, which has its reminiscence in old quaint cafes and clothes even now. Mcleod Ganj is perfect for this.

Shopping-stone-jewelry-and-prayer-beads

9. Meet Dalai Lama

A difficult task but not unachievable – try and meet the great leader Dalai Lama. A spiritual experience for many, one needs to watch his website closely for his travel dates and lectures in the town. For a private audience, one needs to know someone in his office. Though your meeting may last only 10 seconds, it will be worth remembering.

Meet-the-great-leader-Dalai-Lama

10. Yoga and Dance 

Yoga has caught the attention of the Western World like wildfire, try your hand at some classes held here. Another art form that might interest you is the alternative Butoh dance. Watch regular performances by The Subbody Butoh School.

Yoga-in-Dharamkot

Dharamsala provides that welcome break and pleasant relief from the city banter for someone on a tourist trip to India. Spend at least 15 days in the area to soak in the culture and easy pace of the destination.

Things to do in Delhi

We want our visitors to get an authentic view of India, where the sights, smells, tastes and traditions of our diverse and incredible country are lived rather than observed.

So here we’ve put together our top twelve insider tips for getting the most out of the nation’s capital, Delhi.

The crucial – the places every Delhi visitor must experience

1 See the world’s tallest brick minaret

Symbolic and imposing, Qutub Minar is one of the first and finest examples of Indo-Islam architecture around. Don’t settle for viewing it across the city – get up close and marvel at the detail.

Qutub-Minar

2 Go inside an emperor’s tomb

Humayun lived the high life and fought a few wars, but it was reading that killed him. The 14th century royal died after falling down the steps of his library. The majestic resting place built for him is now a World Heritage Site and is highly recommended by visitors.

Humayun-tomb

3 Stroll around a spice market

Your senses will be spun in Khari Baoli, Delhi’s huge and frantic spice market. Try not to sneeze when your nose sucks up the powders of every known spice on earth.

Khari-Baoli-Spice-Market-Delhi

4 Picnic at India Gate

As well as being the largest war memorial in India, commemorating members of the British Indian Army who fought in WW1, Lutyen’s India Gate is Delhi’s top spot for a packed lunch, attracting thousands of people every weekend to relax on its surrounding lawns.

5 Be enlightened at the Lotus Temple

Architecture doesn’t come with more wow factor than this. It’s a little known fact the lotus-shaped Bahá’í House of Worship attracts more visitors than either the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal. An awesome expressionist design that seems perfectly suited to the Bahá’í philosophy of spiritual unity.

The hip – things to do Delhi if you want to go native with the Delhiites

6 Get an intellectual fix

Overlooking the famous Lodhi Gardens (the 90 acre city park that’s definitely worth a wander) is Delhi’s favourite cultural hotspot, the India International Centre. The Rockefeller Foundation funds this large venue, which offers everything from theatre, dance and film to music and seminars.

India-International-Center-Delhi

7 Hang out in Chandni Chowk

With its burgeoning population, most of Delhi is a bustling and frenetic place. If the city maelstrom has a centrepoint, then it is surely Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s oldest street and legendary trading post. Stretching from the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri Masjid mosque, if you only eat one paranthe and ride one rickshaw, make sure you do it here.

Chandni-Chowk-Delhi

8 Coffee in Khan Market

The middle-classes of Delhi like to spend their rupees in the cool cafes and international chain stores of Khan Market, near Lodhi Gardens. Italian joint Big Chill, with its rich chocolate desserts, is a favourite with the city’s celebrities. It also has 14,000 fans on Facebook!

9 Watch a film in the Regal

Delhi has lived in the shadow of Mumbai when it comes to film, but cinema is still Delhi’s favourite pastime. And lately the city is becoming more fashionable in Bollywood, as a generation of Delhi-born directors and actors achieve success; Ashkay Kumar, star of 2009’s Bollywood-meets-kung-fu spectacular ‘Chandni Chowk to China’, is one such star. There are plenty of shiny multiplexes to choose from, but if you want something unrefined, see what’s showing at the faded Regal Theatre in Connaught Place, where Noel Coward once trod the boards.

Regal-cinema-Connaught-Place-New_Delhi

And the quirky…

10 Learn more than you need to know about toilets

You may never get a chance to visit another lavatory museum, so while you’re in Delhi, take the opportunity to investigate Sulabh International Toilet Museum. Here you’ll find a golden toilet, a toilet designed for elephants, and an array of pictures, stories and artefacts that will fill you with washroom wisdom.

11 Explore the Delhi metro

If you need to escape from the heat and hubbub, go underground for a while. Delhi’s clean and cool metro system is a world away from the streets above and is usually a stress-free way to get around. Even monkeys have been known to ride it.

Delhi-Metro-Station

12 See the Red Fort at night

Locals say that to visit Delhi and not see the Red Fort is like not visiting Delhi at all. But save a trip here until evening time, when the capital’s number one attraction stages a daily sound and light show. With the fort walls bathed in colour and with a vocal narration of Delhi’s history, it’s a dreamlike experience full of special effects that create a strong and haunting sense of bygone days.

Red-Fort-Delhi

Sightseeing in Gulmarg Kashmir Valley

Sightseeing in Gulmarg is all about marvelling at the picturesque scenery, visiting the scenic lake, or paying homage at the famous shrine of a Muslim saint.

Kongdoor-in-Gulmarg

Gulmarg is dotted with beautiful sites that will enthral you in its splendour. A Gondola ride (cable car ride) takes you up to Kongdori to enjoy the magnificent sights of the meadow from the top.

Khilanmarg is the spot for skiing in winters. You must enjoy the views of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range from Khilanmarg. It takes a couple of hours by pony, to reach Khilanmarg as it is slightly longer on foot.

Gulmarg-Ice-field-Kashmir

The Alpathar Lake, about 13 km from Gulmarg, is a scenic alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. From Khilanmarg the lake lies across the Apharwat peak. Adventure seekers must take the one-day trip to the Alpathar Lake from Gulmarg.

Also, while in Gulmarg don’t forget to pay your obedience at the famous Shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim saint.

Near By Places  in Gulmarg

Khilanmarg is the place near Gulmarg which is also the spot for skiing in winters and a picnic spot in all seasons. You must enjoy the views of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range from Khilanmarg. It takes a couple of hours by pony, to reach Khilanmarg as it is slightly longer on foot.

Gandola-Gulmarg-Kashmir

Visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve to witness a whole range of birds and wildlife, especially the musk deer.

Restaurants and eateries in Gulmarg

The restaurants and eateries in Gulmarg serve excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The food is not only delicious but also hygienic as well. ‘Rogan Josh’ – a traditional non-vegetarian dish, is a must try. For some mouth-watering vegetarian food, Bakshi’s Green Punjabi Dhaba is the best bet. Global Hotel and Restaurant, 200mtrs in the direction of the Gondola from the Bus Station is the place if you’re after some western food.

Horse-cart-ride-gulmarg

Other adventures in Gulmarg

Baba Reshi Shrine

Baba Reshi Shrine (Ziarat) was built and dedicated to the famous Muslim Scholar and Sage – Baba Reshi who breathed his last in Gulmarg in 1480.He was a prominent member of the court of Zain-ul-Abidin – a Kashmiri King of the early 15th Century. This shrine was built amidst a luxuriant garden and is a major tourist attraction apart from the visits from its devotees.

Shiva Temple

The Shiva Temple, also known as the ‘Rani Temple’ and ‘Maharani Temple’ is perched on a small hillock in the town square of Gulmarg and because of its vantage point; the Shiva Temple is visible from all parts of Gulmarg. For the last 17 years, the priestly duties in this Hindu temple have been performed by a single Muslim priest – Ghulam Mohammad Shiekh – epitomizing the communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims in the Kashmir Valley. The local and visiting communities have gracefully accepted a Muslim performing Hindu Temple rituals like puja, aarti and distributing Prasad among the devotees. And being a Muslim, he also performs Namaz every day.

St.Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Gulmarg and was constructed amidst Alpine trees atop a meadowy plateau. In the year 2003, the Church was renovated and on this occasion a special Mass was conducted at Christmas which incidentally happened to be after 14 years.

Banibali Nag Lake

Ferozepura Nallah is 5 kilometres from Gulmarg and Banibali Nag Lake is a couple of kilometres further from here.Banibali Nag Lake is set in the meadows and is surrounded by mountains at 9600 feet. This area is especially breezy so u can see the meadows swaying. And the lake reflects the mountains and the skies when still. It takes around 5 hours to get here from Gulmarg owing to the mountainous terrain.

Ferozepura Nallah – Mountain Stream

About 5 kilometres from Gulmarg is the Ferozepura Nallah – a fresh water stream that meanders its way from the mountains. This stone-studded stream is an ideal picnic spot and the trail that leads to this spot is even more interesting as it goes through the meadows and then the forest and then downhill to the stream. This route is the most ideal for nature photography.

GulMarg-Kashmir-Valley

Ningli Nallah – Mountain Stream

‘Ningli Nallah’ is a sparkling lively stream whichis 8 kms from Gulmarg. This is a perfect picnic spot and also a good spot for camping. All it takes is a couple of hours of trekking from Gulmarg and you would reach this amazing locale surrounded by small hills and flowery meadows with a cold stream trickling down effortlessly.Carry your coffee and book and camera and start very early at the break of dawn from Gulmarg. You could choose to explore this landscape for a few hours and then return to Gulmarg or head up further into other valleys and meadows of Kashmir. Else carry your camping gear from Gulmarg and pitch a tent for the night by the stream. It guarantees to help you relax and recharge.A highly recommended ‘TO-DO’ for honeymooners! Ningli Nallah offers you many more reasons than you can imagine for cuddling up in this cozy environment.

Gulmarg Golf Course

Perched at about 9000 feet altitude, Gulmarg Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses in the world.

Gulmarg-Golf-Course

Sightseeing in Pahalgam Kashmir valley

Shepherd’s village Pahalgam is visited by tourists and locals in huge number for its gradual lowering of temperature and river Ladder flowing at an approachable distance.  Traveling through meandering roads of north Kashmir, Pahalgam opens up with a fresh cool breeze of the river. It has an astounding 9 hole gold course open for tourists now being extended into an 18 hole . The golf championships are organized by state government and private hoteliers in Summer.  Here, tourists and locals putt together in the shades of Pine trees surrounding the golf course.

Pahalgam-Kashmir

Location

Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range. It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar. The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.

History

The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later on merged into independent India.

Sightseeing

Chandanwari (16km: 2,923m) 

It is famous for its snow bridge.

Baisaran (5 km: 2,438m)

Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains. The snow covered Tulian lake at an altitude of 3353 m is 11kms from Baisaran.

Sheshnag Lake (27 km: 3,658m)

The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June.

Sheshnag-Lake-Pahalgam-Kashmir

Panchtarni (40 km)

It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. A good camping site.

Amarnath Cave

Pahalgam is Base Camp of Amarnathji yatra which stands at 3952 mtrs, 46.7 km from Pahalgam. The Holy Cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The ice lingam formed by water droplets, symblises Lord Shiva . People visit the Holy Cave during the scheduled Yatra period. Yatris can hire a pony of Dandy from Pahalgam.

Amarnath-Cave

Distances of stopovers from Pahalgam are : Chandanwari 16 km Pissu top 19.6 km Sheeshnag 25.6 km, Holy Cave 46 . 7 km.

All stopovers have facilities from tents to medical comps and langars, The trek is covered in 2 to 3 days. This Hindu pilgrimage is believed to be the discovery of a Muslim shepherd nomad Butta Malik who’s descendant still receive a  percentage of the donations made by pilgrims. The Yatra Generally during June to August depending upon the Hindu calendar (Sawan Purnima)

Aru (11 km: 2,408m)

This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

Lidderwat (22km: 3,408m)

A beautiful camping site set among dense forests. Starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.

Lidder-river-pahalgam

Kolohi (1,467 m)

Base for a three-day return trek to the Kolohi Glacier.

Tarsar Lake (34 km: 3,962m)

It can be reached from Lidderwat. There are delightful camping sites and flower meadows at Sikiwas, 24 kms from here. To reach the nearby Mansar lake one has to cross a 243 mts high bridge.

Tarsar_lake_Aru

When to Visit

The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

PAHALGAM (Adventure)

Kashmiri-traditional-dress

The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Travelers interested in fishing have to obtain a fishing license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar. Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking and hiking trails to the surrounding mountains. Trekking around Pahalgam is exhilarating, as it takes the traveler through virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave.

How to Get There

Airport: The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt

Train: The nearest rail head is at Jammu.

Road: Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rat

Ganpatipule - The popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra

Ganpatipule is approximately 400 kms. drive south of Mumbai, off the Mumbai-Goa highway. It is in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra and around 30 kms. from Ratnagiri city. The route to Ganpatipule which we took is 8 hours long, so it would have been better if we started really very early in the morning to avoid the traffic around Panvel, and also carry some food and beverages to avoid the halt for breakfast because it was almost evening by the time we reached. If you want to travel faster, greener and cheaper at the expense of some privacy, Ratnagiri is also a railway station on Konkan Railway and almost all trains on the route stop here. Auto-rickshaws from there charge around 300 rupees for a 45 min. ride to Ganpatipule. The roadways had many ghats and the view from there is very picturesque.

Ganpatiphule

If you are fond of Malwani food, there are some good places to have lunch on the highway around Chiplun, which comes about 120 kms. before Ganpatipule. I have marked a couple of restaurants on the route map.

The Destination

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Ganpatipule is that it caters to both type of Indian tourist – one looking for fun and the other looking for pilgrimage. Because this place is about a temple on a beach.

The Temple

As the name suggests, this place hosts a very beautiful temple of Lord Ganesha. Not only does it has beach on one side but also a small hill on the other which gives its visitors a very serene feeling. The structure of the temple is made of red stones which are intricately carved. The idol of Lord Ganesha itself was of red stone and the legend has it that the idol was discovered there and not man-made. Devotees can perform abhishek (a Hindu ritual) here in the morning. But for that, we had to intimate the temple authorities on the previous day, and they gave us a time-slot during which we can come to perform the ritual. When we reached the temple at the appointed time, we (the men) were made to wear Pitambar (kind of dhoti - I couldn’t take our pictures in the dress) while the ladies were already asked to come wearing the sarees. To perform the abhishek we were allowed to enter the sanctum of the temple where all the arrangements were made by the temple priests. We offered flowers, and other goodies to the Lord Ganesha while the priests chanted sacred shlokas. At the end we left with Lord’s blessing in the form of flowers and Prasaad (sweets and coconut).

There is one very unique thing about this temple. It is the Pradikshina path. Usually all Hindu temples have a small pathway encircling the inner sanctum within the structure which everyone walks clock-wise at the end of visit to the temple. However, at Ganpatipule, the Pradikshina path is a whole one kilometre trek around the hill behind the temple. It was very nicely laid footpath with trees on both the side. And since we visited just after monsoons, it was all lush with greenery. It was almost like a small nature trek. I suggest that anyone visiting Ganpatipule must take the trek. I have posted some of the picutues at the online album.

The Beach

The beach is another reason to visit Ganpatipule. It is only a small stretch of about a kilometre or so, but it is ultra-clean (even as compared to the beaches of Goa). Also the water is almost transparent to the extent that you can see your feet inside the water. However, it is not safe to tread deeper here as they say that there are patches of quicksand. The guards there were quick to call out the ones who tried to be adventurous and go into deep water. We could also see a couple of fishing boats on the horizon. Also, since it is a pilgrimage destination, there were no beach-side shacks serving alcohol and non-vegetarian food. However, there is a long row of small shops and cafes nearby. All in all, a perfect beach to visit with the family.

The Stay and the Food

There are quite a few options for staying in Ganpatipule, and most of them are economical. However, be sure to make reservations at least a week in advance, as most of the good hotels tend to be fully occupied during the extended weekends and festive days. We had planned for the trip just a few days before, and hence couldn’t make reservations. So we had to scout for rooms after reaching there which took us almost couple of hours. There is one Shiv Sagar Palace (looks like a palace literally) almost a couple of kilometres before the main market area starts. All the rooms of this hotel are well appointed and have beautiful sea-view. However the staff wasn’t so welcoming, and the receptionist didn’t even answer our queries promptly. Opposite the palace on the other side of the road is an unnamed hotel which offered basic lodging facilities (read – no TV, no AC – just bed, fan and running water in bathroom) at almost one-third the rates of Shiv Sagar Palace. But the view from each room was more magnificent. It overlooked the entire hill and the beach below. Also there were quite a few hotels in the main market area near the temple which offered almost the same basic lodging. There is also a MTDC resort opposite the temple.

The foodies in us were however disappointed. There were hardly any proper restaurants. Most of them served home-style food and would close down even before 8 in the evening. The only restaurant that we could find was the one inside MTDC resort and we had to wait to find a table. Even the taste of food was just about okay and we ate only to fill ourselves. The Chinese dishes that we ordered tasted more like Punjabi cuisine. At least the breakfast was good, because we like Indian snacks. The beach-side cafes, that I mentioned before, served hot and spicy wadapav, misal, puri-bhaaji, etc. If you like burgers, fries, sandwiches, omelettes and cakes for breakfast, forget it.

The Shopping

The Ratnagiri belt is famous for its kokum and mango products. So we bought dried kokum (used in Indian dishes), kokum sherbet, mango pickles, aam-papad, etc. We also saw quite a few shops selling wooden toys and show-pieces. Some say they are the speciality of the area.