Himachal Tourism: Things to do in Matiana

Location

It is located at about 2400 meters height above the sea level. And is about 45 kilometers from Shimla. The location falls under Tehsil Theog. 

History

Matiana is basically a small village. The local people are basically Rajputs and worship Goddess Durga (Ma Maheshwari or Bhagvati). They are devout followers of the Goddess. Many believe that people from the upper part of Himachal are the natives while the rest are migrants. 

Language

Pahari is the local language but hindi is spoken by virtually everyone. 

Cuisine

Much like everything else in the hills, even the cuisine of Matiana is simple and unadulterated. Fresh fruits are grown in many orchards around which also produce fresh jams, jellies etc. vegetables are grown locally and therefore are fresh when cooked. 

Attractions

In Matiana one must sit for a cup of tea, bite of an apple from the local orchards or click a photograph of the beautiful landscapes. Offering a view of high peaked mountains, with fresh breeze airing through the local village, Matiana offers to be one of the most mesmerizing and soul invigorating locations in the lap of nature. Trekking, horse riding, driving, picnics, golfing etc. are popular activities.

Apple orchards stretch over the length and breadth of this small town on NH 22, between Shimla and Narkhanda in Himachal Pradesh. Perpetually pleasant weather, a strong connection with the Goddess Durga and businesses rooted in apple farms, makes this a verdant and relaxed place to visit.

A small town feel and easy pace of life makes Matiana an ideal base for travellers who wish to relax and explore the region away from the tourist crowds. Matiana has a number of things to offer for those who like to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.

Here are our favourite things to do in Matiana.

1. Birdwatching 

This small town of Himachal gives a vast opportunity for birding enthusiasts to see plenty of different species. The varieties are distinctly different from that of other parts of India. Birds like Drongo, fly catcher, bar tailed tree creeper, black bulbul and Grosbeak can be spotted here.

Birdwatching-in-Matiana

2. Walking Trails 

The hills are a perfect place to explore and there are plenty of local trails to follow. Small village settlements, old-towering trees and local life are found along some of the most beautiful trails here. A good way to see the destination and get acquainted to the local culture, this is highly recommended.

Trekking-in-Matiana

3. Explore the Apple Farms

You can’t escape the importance of the apple farms in the region. Most people here have small or big farms and the conversations invariable leads to the season’s production and other issues. Visit an apple orchard and enjoy the freshness of apples right off the tree. While most of the harvest is sent to local or larger distributors, many people have diversified into small units of chutneys (Indian condiment) and juices. Perfect souvenirs to take home!

Juicy-Apples

4. Hatu Peak

A little over 15 kms from Matiana, the Hatu peak towers over the Narkhanda town. It takes about an hour from the town to drive up to this serene spot with oak stands and bright green pastures in the middle. From here, you can get a good look at the Himalayas on a clear day. Try not to visit on a weekend – the number of visiting cars and bikes often end up in a jam.

Hatu peak towers over the Narkhanda town

5. Local Temples

Matiana has always been associated with its devotion to the Goddess Durga. Apart from her, the destination is also sprinkled with other smaller temples. You will find temples tucked away in nooks and crannies, below trees, by the road and some elaborate ones. The religious zeal in the people is commendable here.

Jai Mata Bhawani!

When to go

As Matiana is high up in the hills it is pleasant all year round. Summers are usually not crowded by the hottest part of the year. Snow can be found in places like Hatu even in March.

How to reach

Getting in:  Bikers usually pass through Matiana using National Highway-22. Narkanda is one of the main stops for people travelling to Leh and Ladakh taking the route from Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla-Narkanda, NH-22 is also a good way to drive down to Matiana. Trains aren't well connected. And direct trains are hard to find.

Getting around: Taxis can be rented through hotels and homestays. There's no better reliable mode of transport around. Hikes, treks and walks are fun for some people.

Distance to other cities

Shimla....................47 Km

Chandigarh............167 Km

Manali...................215 Km

Dharamsala............283 Km

Delhi......................411 Km

Corbett..................498 Km

Ranikhet................610 Km

Indian Greetings and the meaning

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. It has a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural society. Many different religions are followed here; Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism. The diversity of religion has resulted in an assortment of different customs and traditions, including forms of social greeting.

Say hello; the meaning of namaste

The traditional and customary way to greet people in India is the word ‘namaste’ (pronounced na, ma, stay). Indians generally prefer this non-contact form of greeting to a handshake or an embrace. It can be used for everyone regardless of gender, age or social background.

In some parts of India, like the south, people use ‘namaskar’ or ‘namaskaram’. Namaste is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words, ‘namaḥ’ – meaning bow or salutation – and ‘te’ – meaning ‘to you’. Namaste therefore means “I bow to you” or “I bow to the soul in you” or “I respect the divinity in you that is also within me”. It says that the life force, the divinity, is the same in all.

The word namaste is accompanied by a graceful gesture which involves pressing both palms together and placing them at chest level, fingers pointed upwards. Usually people do a quick bow of their heads along with the gesture. When greeting an elder, or at places of worship, the head is bowed down completely. The position of hands also plays an important part – when folded hands are placed on the forehead or above the head, it indicates deep respect. This gesture is used mostly at places of worship. When greeting someone, you can choose to use just the gesture, and drop the word. It is understood that the gesture itself signifies namaste.

Namaste is generally used as a greeting or salutation by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.

Other traditional greetings

Other communities such as Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Parsis etc have their individual tradition of greeting. Sikhs use the phrase ‘Sat Sri Akal’ which roughly translates into ‘God is the ultimate truth’. Or the phrase ‘Vaheguru ji ka khalsa / Vaheguru ji ki fateh.’

Muslims use ‘Salaam’ or the full ‘Assalaam Aleikum’ (‘Peace be upon you’), accompanied by a gesture – sweeping your right hand up and placing it on your heart. Tibetans use ‘Tashi Delek’ which means something like, “May everything be well”. In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, people use ‘vanakkam’. Khasis of Meghalaya will greet you with ‘khublei’ or ‘may God bless you’.

Embracing as a means of greeting

Hugging, embracing or kissing is not a very common way of greeting in India unless it is in urban cities or with close friends and family. Indians as a rule do not like physical contact when they greet each other. Among Indian Christians, a greeting can involve a hug and a kiss within family and close friends. However, some religious occasions have a tradition of greeting by hugging.

For instance, during the Muslim festival of Eid, men hug each other as a way of greeting or celebration. It’s a special hug – as per tradition, they hug once, then move heads to the opposite shoulder, then back to original shoulder again. Similarly, in the eastern state of West Bengal, during some festivals (like Durga Puja) and occasions like Nobo Borsho (Bengali New Year), it is common to see men embracing each other with the traditional embrace of ‘kolakuli’ (again done three times). The ‘kolakuli’ is a male-only thing and is done between those of the same age. In case of elders, the way of greeting becomes a ‘pranaam’ – touching the feet with hands.

Pranaam

The ‘pranaam’ is one of the very few instances of an Indian greeting when one gets physical. It is a form of salutation that involves a younger person taking the blessing of an elder. It is also done with gurus, and icons/images/idols of gods. In response, the elder places a hand over the head of the person as a way of blessing.

Here’s how the ‘pranaam’ is commonly done – dip down and touch the feet of the elder with the right hand, then touch the hand to your chest. However, there are other, more intricate ‘pranaam’ styles – the ‘ashtangana’ which is a full prostration when you touch the ground with your knees, belly, chest, hands, elbows, chin, nose, and forehead; the ‘shastanga’ (touching the ground with toes, knees, hands, chin, nose); ‘panchanga’ (touching the ground with knees, chest, chin, temple, forehead); and the ‘dandavata’ (bowing forehead down and touching the ground).

Say goodbye

Namaste can be used to end conversations too. In India, several communities use different versions of the phrase ‘See you soon’ or “We’ll meet soon’ when bidding farewell.

There’s ‘phir milenge’ – a Hindi phrase meaning ‘we shall meet again’, used when bidding farewell. In Bengal, people prefer the word ‘aashchhi’, which roughly translates to ‘I’ll be back’. Muslims use ‘alvida’ (‘goodbye’) or ‘khuda haafiz’ (may god keep you safe). ‘Rab rakha’ is used by the Sikh community and has a similar meaning. In Kerala, it’s ‘sukhaayiriku’ or ‘take care’.

Weekend getaway From Mumbai

If you are in Mumbai and fancy a weekend getaway then make sure you consider Goa and Sindhudurg. Either makes a great break that is easily accessible from Mumbai.

Goa

One of India’s top tourist destinations, Goa is located just 580 kms from Mumbai. People can just hop into their cars and leave the stresses of big city living behind. There are over 40 mesmerizing beaches which dot the 131 km-long coastline of Goa. Some of the most popular amongst them are Colva, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Miramar, Vagator, Dona Paula, Majorda and Bambolim. Goa turns into a riot of colours and music during the annual Goa Carnival. From bohemian shacks to the ultimate in high end resorts, and everything in between, Goa caters to beach lovers of all kinds. Some beaches like Mandrem are perfectly serene while others like Anjuna are the toast of the party circuit.

Goa

Sindhudurg

Sindhudurg is the southernmost district of Maharashtra and stretches for about 125 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. It is situated 500 kilometers from Mumbai and is famous for the Sindhudurg Fort. The Fort was built three by Shivaji is a symbol of the Maratha naval power during his reign. The 48 acre Sindhudurg Fort can be reached by boat. Snorkeling sessions around the Fort are organized by the government. In Sidhudurg one finds the Tarkarli beach which is often called ‘the Tahiti of India’. This white sandy, sun-kissed beach open up to emerald-green waters.

Sindhudurg-Fort

Bengal Tourism: Things to do in Kolkata

There are plenty of things to do in Kolkata and almost all travellers will be planning a visit to the famous ancient Kalighat temple and Tagore house, a shrine-like museum to India’s greatest modern poet. We look beyond the guidebooks to find out what else you should do in this vibrant city.

Take part in a night-long celebration in one of the biggest Indian festivals, go tiger spotting in the world’s largest mangrove swamp, spend a day at the race course. October’s great time to travel to Kolkata.

Durga Puja

This is the most important event in Kolkata’s festival calendar. It celebrates Mother goddess Durga. Life comes to a standstill in the city for four days. The atmosphere is like a carnival with all-night crowds, live music sessions, open-air theatre, literary fairs, poetry readings, and lots of food.

Kolkata-durga-puja

Elaborate structures called pandals are constructed all over Kolkata and the idol of the goddess is kept inside these. Go pandal hopping and check out the different styles of Durga idols.

Eid ul Zuha (Bakri Eid)

Celebrate Eid ul Zuha which falls in October with delicious haleem (meat cooked with lentils) at New Aliya restaurant in central Kolkata or with biryani from Arsalan, located at the Park Circus crossing.

Enjoy a city walk

The mild October weather is conducive to long walks around Kolkata. A good place to hang out is Park Street. You can spend the whole day here. Start with the old auction houses that sell old curios. Browse the books at Oxford Book Store. Have cakes and tea at the famous Flury’s cafe. Pick up delicately embroidered bed linen at Good Companions on adjacent Russell Street.

Fun-in-the-streets-of-Kolkata

Play some games

Good weather also means Kolkata’s ardent street chess and carrom players will begin coming out of the woodwork.

Kolkata-chess

Join in and play a game by the roadside, with strangers. Head to Gariahat flyover after sunset for a game of chess.

Mangroves and tigers

Take a trip to the Sundarbans mangrove, home of a number of endangered species including the Royal Bengal Tiger. The mangroves are open to visitors from October, after the monsoon is truly over.

Kolkata-mangroves

The creeks are home to the estuarine crocodile, salvator lizard, water monitor, dolphin and a host of birds like kingfishers, herons, egrets, sandpipers, whimbrels and plover. Foreign nationals have to get a permit in Kolkata from the Wildlife Department or the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC) office.There are a number of cruise options for sightseeing on the mangroves.

Other 10 Things to do in Kolkata

1. Cruise down the Hooghly

It is said that great rivers spawn great civilizations. The Hooghly is a perfect example and a cruide down this tributary of the Ganga is great way to see the many influences Bengal has had down the ages. You will come across several pilgrimage spots like Dakhineshwar and Belur (set up in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, it is the headquarters of Ramkrishna Math and Mission); as well as European colonial towns like Bandel, Plassey and Chandannagore. So get to Millenium Park, buy a ticket for one the many water taxis and embark on a cruise down the river. You can take your pick from long and short cruises.

2. Art matters

Check out an art show at the Centre for International Modern Art (CIMA). They have a shop selling some interesting stuff from prints, art on t-shirts and coasters, as well as some clothing, jewellery and accessories.

3. Idol walks

Spend an afternoon walking around the narrow lanes of potters townships – Kumartuli and Potuapara. Here the potua (potters) community can be seen making idols of various gods and goddesses throughout the year. The lanes come alive in August-September, the months before Durga Puja, Kolkata’s biggest festival. Hundreds of idols in different sizes, and stages with half finished heads and arms and bodies present a rather surreal picture. A lot of the idols are exported to countries abroad.

Kolkata-potters-village

4. High tea at Flurys

Flurys is a Kolkata institution that is a must-do. If you are in the Park Street area between four and five in the evening, head down to Flurys for a cup of Darjeeling tea. Have it with their excellent and iconic Baba pastry, a concoction made of almonds, cashews and cherries that dates back to the days when butter was Re 1 a kilo. It belongs to the ‘heritage category’ of the menu at Flurys. Or ask for their dessert platter. Also recommended are their excellent Englsih tea sandwiches.

5. Take a ride on a tram

Boarding at the Esplanade, crawl through the green canopies of the Maidan, head north on Bidhan Sarani. You’ll have enough time to take in sights as the tram literally crawls through traffic and stops frequently.

Kolkata-tram

6. Take a bibliophile’s tour of Kolkata

When in Bengal, do as Bengalis do – hang out with a book at one of the bookstores and stalls in the city. Visit the excellent Seagull Book Store in Bhowanipore; the old College Street book lanes (though they have somewhat lost their sheen with most selling only adcademic books); and Oxford Book Store on Part Street which also has a cha bar serving great tea.

7. Sample chimney soup at Chinatown

Kolkata used to have a sizeable Chinese community at one time. It has dwindled somewhat but the city still has the only Chinatown in India at Tangra where, for the past 50 years, restaurants owned by mostly Hakka people (a Chinese community tracing its origins to the Han ethnic group) have served up delicious Chinese food. At the shops here, you can also pick up momo steamers, jasmine tea, shiitake mushrooms and Chinese sauces from shops in the area. If you are an early riser, try the morning breakfast fare of dumplings, noodles, and soups on weekends.

8. Get a taste of decadent Kolkata

Marble Palace, the home of the Mullick family, houses a strange and kitschy mish-mash of sculpture, Victorian furniture, and paintings by European and Indian artists, large chandeliers, clocks, and busts of kings and queens. The collection is supposed to have two paintings by Rubens and works by John Opie. In his book Calcutta, Geoffrey Moorhouse says it looks “as if they had been scavenged from job lots on the Portobello Road on a series of damp Saturday afternoons.”

Kolkata-marble-palace

9. Try a sambusa at Nahoum’s

Take a side trip to this Jewish bakery in New Market. The Nahoum family came to Kolkata from Baghdad bringing the cheese-filled delight to the shores of Kolkata.

Sambusa-in-Kolkata

10. Watch the sunset at Princep Ghat

Your images from Kolkata will be incomplete without an iconic shot of the sunset and Howrah Bridge from Princep Ghat on Strand Road. It was built in 1841 as a memorial is a memorial to James Princep, a scholar who was the secretary of The Asiatic Society.

Kolkata-howrah-bridge