Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas Archives

In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Munsyari & Kausani-The stupendous Himalayan snow capped giants of Uttarakhand

09/03/2024 No Comments

Munsyari-you must not have heard of it, but when you see my fantastic youtube video and photos I publish here, you’ll be making all amends to be here at the correct times. Want to see infinite mountain ranges covered in snow with greenery instilled-Munsyari is your pick-wanna see a better view-trek the Khaliya top!

Reasons why you must visit Munsyari and Kausani:

Kausani is known for its beautiful panoramic views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchchuli peaks during sunrise and sunset; what is more beautiful: the sunlight kissing the snow-clad mountain tops. I spent 2 hours in the morning witnessing the beautiful kissing of the sun and snow on a mountain top. It’s just a treat to watch.
Kausani is not just rightly called ” Switzerland of India “

The beautiful Panchkula Peaks from a hotel in Kausani

Kausani looks simply incredible in winters. It becomes much more romantic with snowfall happening all around and snow-covered everything possible. The panoramic view is splendid!
Kausani is known for notable places like the Gandhi(Anasakti) Ashram, which has a significant historical connection with Mahatma Gandhi, Baijnath Temple, and beautiful tea estates.

A view of beautiful Peaks from Nanda Devi Temple in evening from Munsyari

Birthi Waterfalls was something I couldn’t stop admiring. It’s lovely to be seeing the waterfalls that close and trying to make a video with a camera-action camera with a waterproof case shall come to rescue here.
Khaliya Top, an easy 6 km trek from Balanti farm in Munsyari, presents beautiful panoramic views of the jaw-dropping Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Hardeol, and Rajrambha peaks along with stunning sunrise/meadow views.

Location: Munsyari is located north-eastern extreme of Uttarakhand, about 9 hours(260 km) from Nainital and about 450 km from Dehradun

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Thamrin Kund, Kalamuni top/temple, Birthi Falls, Nanda Devi Temple, and Munsiyari Viewpoint are a few top hotspots for tourism in Munsyarui.For Kausani we have-Kausani Tea Estate,Kausani View Point/Observatory and Anasakti Ashram.

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

Pithoragarh, Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora are nearby tourist spots.

Another view of Panchkula Peaks from Nanda Mata Temple

Distance Charts:{Ex-Munsyari}(From Munsyari-Kausani is 165 Kms towards Nainital,away from Pithoragarh)

View of Himalayan ranges after sunrise in Kausani

How to Reach Tso Moriri(Ex Leh):

Road Routes:

Haldwani-Nainital-Almora-Kausani-Baijnath-Bageshwar-Bhanar-Munsyari

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Kausani is a place where you must at least spend one whole day, starting with watching the peaks glow in the sunlight and then walking casually over the streets and trails of Kausani

2)Munsyari and places like Pithoragarh and Chaukori need time to explore. Don’t just plan for a day and hop here. Have 4-5 days, especially for the Munsyari region. Any amount of time is not sufficient for this place-the views are that alluring, to be precise.

3) Pre-fill vehicle oil tanks as petrol pumps are less numbered and don’t expect anything much between Kausani and Munsyari

4)Since restaurants are few on the way, it’s better to have food and water with you.

RAIL: Railways are there upto Dehradun/kathgodam only.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth it…

AIR:Dehradun is the nearest aiport.

ROAD:You can somehow reach Haldwani by train after which do break journeys to Nainital,Kausani and finally Munsyari. Alternatively you can go to Almora and reach Munsyari skipping Kausani.Even if you come from say Dehradun,bus shall be there to help you reach Munsyari via Rudraprayag and Bageshwar. UTC state buses help the journey in patches.

Map:

Time to Visit:

March-May(april is a bit rainy);Sept-Nov (Snowfall might happen in November)

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends,Solo, Couple

Food and Lodging:

You’ll not have issues with lodging and eateries in both Kausani and Munsyari.In Kausani, be a bit variety of peak seasons (April-May) as tourists come plenty here. Between Kausani, Almora, and Munsyari, getting food or fuel can be pretty difficult-have. Water and snacks with you. Refer to Goibibo, Makemytrip, and Easemytrip if you want a booking.

Expense:

For a 3-day trip by public transport to Kausani and Munsyari, with night stay at each place:

Food:INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport:INR 1000 INR by bus in total-(max estimation)(Pvt. car will cost approx 3000 INR/day)
Lodging:INR 700/day X2 at kausani and Munsyari(two nights stay)
Entry Fees includes various places (varies):No entry fees

Total: 3300 INR(Can go upto to 8500 INR if a pvt. car is availed)

Nearby Attractions(Munsyari | Kausani)

Pithoragarh:(130 | 170 km)
Almora:(210 | 50 km)
Dehradun:(450 | 315 km)
Auli:(325 | 200 km)
Kedarnath:(380 | 210 km)

In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Chandigarh and Amritsar-one a king of planned city,other a historic kingdom

14/01/2024 No Comments

Chandigarh is a city that even children know about, but they especially know about rock gardens and a well-planned city with the proper urban planning of roads, homes, and drainage. Amritsar is a famous Punjabi city that has considerable involvement with the freedom struggle in the British period-the Jalianwala Massacre-the more exciting part being the patriotism at Indo-Pak Wagah Border -it is a once in lifetime watch for sure!

11 wonder-la Reasons why you must visit Chandigarh and Amritsar:

Rock Garden of Chandigarh started as a small activity by Nek Chand in the 1950s and now has hundreds of sculptures made from waste, discarded materials, concrete, rocks, bangles, and broken glass. This is a must-visit if you are in Chandigarh-I will say that’s the prime attraction here!

Rose Garden, in sector 16 of Chandigarh, is spread over a large area of 30 acres and has around 825 varieties of flowers and 32,500 varieties of trees and plants . An annual rose festival, Rose Festival, is organized in February and March. This is another must-visit place to be!
Chandigarh also repeats itself on the list of the cleanest cities in India. Interesting to be in a clean place. Right!!!

A pose just for my camera-hope he sees this post someday!

Chandigarh can be a starting point to several hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie, which are only 5-6 hours away.
The Partition Museum at the Town Hall of Amritsar, a five-minute walk from The Golden Temple, shows the struggle against the torcher inflicted by the British under their rule in Punjab province.
One place that you shouldn’t miss in Amritsar is the Govindgarh Fort. Try to get in at around 4 pm to witness the evening cultural show, Martial Arts, and the Light and Sound Show.

Location: Chandigarh is 250 km north of Delhi, capital of India, and Amritsar falls 450 km northwest of Delhi and 200 km west of Chandigarh.

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Chandigarh: Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Other Gardens; Amritsar-Jallianwala Bagh, Sri Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple, Wagah, Other Gurudwaras; Bhakra Dam

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

Shimla, Bhakra dam, Tosh, Manali, Kullu, Narakanda, Jammu, Dharamshala, and Khajjiar are some places within the 300-400 km range to visit.

Distance Charts:(From Chandigarh | Amritsar)

Leh (725 | 865 km)
Chandigarh:(0 | 230 km)
Mumbai(1650 | 1750 km)
Delhi:(250 | 450 km)
Kargil:(780 via shingola | 650 via Srinagar)
Padum:(550 | 650 km)-via Shingola
Keylong:(370 | 470 km)
Kaza:(480 | 590 km)
Manali:(300 | 400 km)
Shimla :(120 | 300 km)
Jammu :(340 | 220 km)
Srinagar:(440 | 570 km)

Rock Garden famous for making use of waste to make such beautiful masterpieces-Credits to Nek Chand

How to Reach Khajjiar, Chamba, Kangra and Bir-Billing:

Road Routes:

Delhi-Panipat-Kurukshetra-Chandigarh-Jalandhar-Amritsar

Another view of interiors of Rock Garden,Chandigarh

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Chandigarh and Amritsar-these places are only good in winters -Chandigarh’s weather is also bearable in the month of, say, June, but Amritsar is hot and humid. So it would be best if you covered these places in November, December, January, and February.

2)Chandigarh has some gardens to see along with some supercool malls and lakes-these all can be easily covered by an efficient, cheap public bus here in a single day.

3)Amritsar has mainly three things-Jallianwala Bagh, Golden Temple, and Wagah Border, so these three places are must-visit not just in Amritsar-these places come across as must-visits across India.
4)Wagah Border Ceremony must be confirmed in advance to avoid last-moment disappointment. And this happens at around 4 pm, so be here by 3 pm, and it’s going to be scorching hot and humid, but the ceremony will be an antonym.

5)Don’t miss out on street food at Chandigarh as well as Amritsar; the local cuisines and street food aren’t to be missed

RAIL:Chandigarh and Amritsar both are well-connected by railways to entire India

You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth…

AIR:Chandigarh/Amritsar are the nearest airports.

ROAD:Roads aren’t required as much but in case you require the road that takes you from Delhi to Chandigarh will further land you at Amritsar.

Map:

Time to Visit:

September to November;March and April are comfortable months for both these places.

Markets at Night near Sukhna Lake,Chandigarh

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Chamba and Kangra have no hotel shortages, just that, in peak season-rates are on higher side but available . Refer to Goibibo,,easemytrip if you really want an advance booking. For food, you have lots of cheap and best hotels where you can have a good meal. Only towards Brailling, you’ll need snacks with you.

Expense:

For a 2-day trip by state transport for Amritsar and Chandigarh ,expense is:

Food:INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport: INR 800 using public transport at both places together.
Lodging:INR 800/day X2 at Chandigarh and Amritsar(you will get dormitory at 300-500 INR in Chandigarh near bus stop/railways)
Entry Fees includes various places (varies):Entry fees in gardens and Wagah in Chandigarh/Amritsar.(INR 300 approx in total)

Total: 3300 INR(Can go upto to 3000 INR if a dormitory is opted )

Nearby Attractions(Chandigarh | Amritsar)

Hanle:(760 | 870 km)
Tabo:460 | 640 km)
Delhi:(280 | 480 km)
Kargil:(780 via shingola | 650 via Srinagar)
Padum:(550 | 650 km)-via Shingola
Shimla :(120 | 300 km)
Jammu :(340 | 220 km)
Srinagar:(440 | 570 km)
Nako:(400 | 590 km)
Chandra taal:(420 | 510 km)
Dalhousie:(320 | 200 km)

In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Meghalaya-Barso Re Megha Barso aptly precise -hills romancing in the rain!

09/12/2023 No Comments

Meghalaya-the most pretty state, I consider, just after Sikkim for its sheer romantic aura, drizzles, and vast green mountains and valleys. A plethora of waterfalls and vast grassland with pure crystal water from Dawki are memorabilia for those who make it to this state. So when you are in North East, don’t mistake excluding Meghalaya from your dream travel list! I highly recommend it as a travel destination! So pack your bags and join me on this North East adventure right in Meghalaya!!!

Some great reasons why you must visit Meghalaya:

The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong, is known for its beautiful hilly landscape with waterfalls and lakes. The top view of Shillong city is very pleasing to the eye. Many music events happen too! So this should be in your must-visit kitty! The places to visit in Shillong are Umiam Lake, The Don Bosco Museum, Lady Hydari Park and Elephant Falls.

Mawlynnong, a village in Meghalaya, is known for being the ‘Cleanest Village in Asia’ and also has a living root bridge and natural balancing rock in the village. This place is worth a visit, especially for how villagers keep it clean.
Khasi, Garo and Jaintia are the three tribes Meghalaya is known for. These offer tourists a glimpse of the variety of customs and rituals.
Nongriat has the Meghlaya’s famous double-decker living root bridge and Rainbow fall, which requires a bit tedious trek but is worthy of a visit for sure.

Umngot River in Dawki, Meghalaya, is the cleanest of rivers I’ve seen, and it’s more beautiful when your boat over it. The surrounding beauty is equally understandable.
Krem Mawsmai Cave in Cherrapunji is known for bats. You also have impressive waterfalls and living root bridges to welcome you! Bangladesh plains are visible from here.
The Laitlum Canyon,25 km from Shillong, is another place to grab eyeballs for its scenic views. Shillong has many viewpoints, and all are worth a visit.
Baghmara in Meghalaya has the Baghmara Reserve Forest and Siju caves, India’s third most extended cave system. This all makes up for a perfect one-day trip here.

Location: Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati southwards, and a 3 hr drive shall suffice.

Dawki River,Mawlynlong — Dawki River,Mawlynnong

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Dawki, Krem Mawsmai Cave, The Laitlum Canyon, Baghmara Reserve Forest, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawlynmong and Siju caves

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Agartala,Aizawl,Majuli,Darjeeling,Gangtok,Kohima in 400-500 km radius.

Distance Charts:(From Shillong)

How to Reach Imphal/Ukhrul:

Road Routes:

Guwahati(Assam)-Shillong-Cherrapunji-Mawsynram-Mawlynnong-Jowai-Shillong

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Try visiting Meghalaya just after monsoons, that is the month of October, as the whole state will be lush green with a good flow in waterfalls.

2)Roads are a mix of good and evil with dusty patches in the Dawki section, but yes make sure you carry spare tyres and tools. They are going to be much worse in the rain.

3)Always carry an umbrella or waterproof airtight jacket as it may rain anytime!

4)Start early-I. Always stress this when someone is touring North East India as sunrise happens around 4 am. get ready by 3.30 am, sleep by 9 pm and keep this cycle going. So get your vehicle going at 4 am, and you must be at your favourite spot by sunrise.

5)Do proper planning as Meghalaya is a vast state to cover many places. So need to plan well in advance and not repeat places. It must be a circuit tour. For example, if you want to approach Tura first, get into Meghalaya from Goalpara instead of Guwahati.

RAIL:Guwahati can be reached by rail from any part of India.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea!Do like and share if you find it worth…

AIR:Guwahati shall be the nearest airport.

ROAD:There’s a single road from Guwahati to Shillong that takes you inwards in Meghalaya.ASSAMRTC (astcbus.in) bus services available .

Map:

Shillong-mawlynnong-dawki-jowai classic road map

Time to Visit:

Best time to visit will be around September to March.

Spend Time With:

Family,Friends,Solo,Couple

Food and Lodging:

Hotels are available but only in big towns. The smaller ones have fewer hotels, but you’ll find a place. You can go to Goibibo, Makemytrip, or Easemytrip if you need to make a booking. Food all the way is a bit difficult but doable. Have snacks with you.

Expense:

For a 3 day trip to Meghalaya:

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: INR 1500 if you use local/public transport, but that isn’t covering all places-try sharing a car with friends/hitchhike ;(For Pvt car, consider INR 2500/day for three days)

Lodging: INR 700/day X3 at Imphal (two nights stay)

Entry Fees include various places (varies): max INR 300

Total: 4800 INR(Can go upto to 10800 INR if a private car is availed)

Nearby Attractions(Shillong) :

Guwahati(100 km)
Ukhrul(630 km)
Loktak Lake(600 km)
Itanagar(390 km)
Cherrapunji(60 km)
Thimpu-Bhutan(550 km)

Tawang(530 km)
Mechuka-Arunachal(910 km)
Kohima(410 km)
Gangtok(640 km)
Agartala(450 km)
Aizawl(380 km)
Imphal(550 km)
Darjeeling(610 km)
Haflong(290 km)
Mawlynnong(80 km)

In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Sikkim-The crown of North east-must visit Pelling,Yumthang,Gangtok,Gurudongmar and Nathula

25/11/2023 No Comments

Sikkim: Indians know this state very well -mainly Kalimpong and Gangtok along with Darjeeling-the best hill station in West Bengal. Sikkim, in my opinion, is the most beautiful state in North East-the Nathula and Yarab Tso in the east, Yumthang -“The valley of flowers” and Gurudongmar Lake in the North and Pelling-base of Kanchenjunga Trek in Northwest makes up the complete package for a week with Gangtok and Darjeeling already assumed to be in must-visits when in Sikkim!

Reasons why you must visit Sikkim:

Sikkim is known for monasteries, especially Rumtek, Enchey, Ralang, Phodong and Pemayangtse monasteries. These are not mere tourist places-these. Places give ultimate peace and comfort to the soul. Stay for a day or two in a monastery, talk to monks and engage in prayers, and you’ll know the experience.
Tsongmo Lake /Changu Lake and Gurudongmar Lakes are two beautiful lakes that you can’t afford to miss-the landscape around them are so breathtaking-snow capped mountains, yaks around and partly frozen lake-wonderful scenes, right!

Tsongmo Lake or Changgu Lake as seen from NathuLa road

Sikkim is known for its flora and fauna like the Himalayan tahr, red panda, snow leopard, Takin and Himalayan blue sheep.
Gangtok is famous for some scenic Himalayan views, mini waterfalls, and monasteries, along with a gondola ride from Deorali to Tashiling and Baliman Dara paragliding centre.

Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok are a few temples in Gangtok from where you get to pray to the Almighty and get a clear view of the Himalayan ranges.
M.G. Road in Gangtok is a most happening place in Sikkim where you have great nightlife, casinos and lots of food options to explore.
Pelling is a beautiful place to find peace among orchards and streams and view Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear sunny day! Also, don’t miss the fantastic views of Kanchenjunga falls and the Himalayas from Yuksom.
Yumthang, known as the valley of flowers of Sikkim, offers a spectacular view of Himalayan ranges along with meandering streams and snow-capped mountains-ideal for the summer retreat.

Location: Gangtok is approx 100 km north of Siliguri, the base town of West Bengal for the Himalayas, whereas Yumthang and Pelling are close to 140 km north of Gangtok.

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Lachen Monastery, Tsongmo and GurudongmarLake, Yumthang-Zero Point, Pelling, Nathu La, Rumtek, Enchey, Ralang, Phodong and Pemayangtse monasteries.

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

Imphal, Itanagar, Dzokou Valley, Aizawl, Shillong, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Tawang, and Haflong are some exciting places 500-600 km from Gangtok.

Distance Charts:(From Gangtok)

Guwahati(550 km)
Ukhrul(1100 km)
Pelling(140 km)
Yumthang(140 km)
NathuLa(60 km)
Dimapur(810 km)
Itanagar(780 km)
Tawang(870 km)
Imphal(1020 km)
kolkata(690 km)
Delhi(1550 km)
Agartala(1080 km)
Aizawl(1000 km)
Shillong(550 km)
Darjeeling(985 km)

How to Reach Sikkim:

Road Routes:

Jalpaiguri-Siliguri-Kalimpong-Gangtok-Lachung-yumthang-Lachung-Pelling-Gangtok-Nathula

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Gangtok is by prominent a vital tourist place: come in September through November to experience Sikkim under clear skies and amidst fantastic Himalayan ranges. You’ll not regret it. April-May is great, but not for clear skies.

2)Rainy season is a must to be avoided. It rains badly and causes landslides and floods, creating havoc and making roads inaccessible. Also, if you are keen on seeing snow-capped mountains, please avoid winters-December through March-you can’t expect anything other than snow at most places. Yumthang and Pelling-Yuksom are not a great choice in winters. Nathula also tends to be closed due to snow blockades.

3)Roads are typically a mix of good and evil but not much to worry about as distances between big towns are not that huge, and mechanic shops are easier to find here.

4)Pelling and Yumthang should be visited between April-June and September-October as the weather will be ideal for getting the clear, most picturesque view.

RAIL: Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri/Darjeeling are three stations after which you can reach Gangtok by road.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth it.

AIR:Bagdogra is very close to Siliguri and hence pretty easy to get to Gangtok.

ROAD:Come from any part of world to Siliguri and from there take a shared or pvt taxi.Refer this for bus(SNT) timetable.

Map:

A road travel guide map from Gangtok to NathuLa,pelling,Yumthang and Gurudongmar Lake

Time to Visit:

Best time to visit will be from October to May.

Spend Time With:

Family,Friends,Solo,Couple,Groups

Food and Lodging:

Hotels are anytime and readily available. You can go to Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip if you want to make a booking..Zomato and Swiggy can be used for food bookings! By the way, You won’t face the issue of food and snacks at most places in Sikkim,

Expense:

For a 5 day trip to Sikkim:

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X5

Transport: INR 1000 for public transport; shared car for Yumthang and NathuLa-3000 INR/head for three days including food and stay; INR 500 for local Gangtok sightseeing

Lodging: INR 700/day X2 at Pelling and Gangtok (two nights stay)(rest three days covered by shared tour cars)

Entry Fees include various places (varies): Consider around INR 300 in total(Pelling, Gangtok, and NathuLa have some charges)

Total: 7700 INR

Nearby Attractions(Gangtok) :

Guwahati(550 km)
Pelling(140 km)
Yumthang(140 km)
Nathula(60 km)
Itanagar(780 km)
Thimpu-Bhutan(370 km)

The beautiful Himalayas from the road to Lachen

Tawang(870 km)
Shillong(640 km)
Darjeeling(985 km)
Majuli(810 km)
Haflong(870 km)