A compilation of 18 short stories based on my experiences of traveling on the roads of India, I’m happy to share that my second e-book is now available for my readers.
My book- ‘Stories Through Souvenirs‘ is a compilation of my stories of meeting people, hearing their stories and the learnings from my experiences. These are the stories of how these stories influenced me to become who I am.
Do give it a read and I am sure you will like it 😊
It was long travelling distances leading to high altitude destinations, where cold winds were abundant and oxygen levels lower. For those of us travelling across North and East Sikkim, it had been a long and a tiring trip thus far. Each day of our weeklong travel through this little but important Indian state had been a different experience.
This post is part of our weeklong stay in Sikkim covering Gangtok – Mangan – Lachen – Gurudongmar- Lachung- Zero point – Rumtek – Gangtok – Nathula – Zuluk – Siliguri
Long ago, I had seen a jaw dropping photograph of the old silk-route winding and passing through Sikkim. It had since been my wish to see that view in real. The old silk-route had once served as a major trade route connecting China with the rest of Asia and Middle east. During this trip in Sikkim, we decided to drive along that scenic route during our exit from this tiny state. Hence, the route chosen by us was: Gangtok > Tsongmo/Changu lake > Nathula Pass > Nathang valley > Lungthung village > Thambi viewpoint > Zuluk >Rangpo > Siliguri
Only Indian nationals are permitted on this stretch of East Sikkim and an inner line permit was obtained from Gangtok on the morning of our departure.
It had been a cloudy day since dawn break and the drive for the initial stretch felt pleasant as we passed through the wavering peace flags all along the highway. We learnt about the significance of these peace posts in Buddhist culture while conversing with our taxi driver. The white flags are installed in memory of a deceased person by their kith. Similarly, the multicolored flags are believed to bring good luck. Ideally, these flags are supposed to be installed high up in the mountains where the winds are stronger. The wind is believed to free-up the soul of the deceased or bring good energy, depending on the flag’s colour. With reducing space for hoisting more flags and the ease of finding a hoisting place by the roadside, it is now common to find them all along the highways of this Buddhist majority state.
Sooner, the clouds cleared up making way for a gleaming sun in the blue sky. We arrived at the Tsomgo lake in a while. It is a serene lake that is popular among the tourists. We clicked a few photos with the yaks grazing around its periphery before proceeding towards the Indo-China border at Nathula pass.
Nathula was crowded. People were amok and erratic. They had no idea what to expect at an international border. Some were standing in attention with a salute to the Indian tricolor, some were touching and praying the fence that marked the border. Some were putting their feet across the barbed wire to get a feel of going to China and a few more were busy chasing the men in uniform of the Indian army for selfies. And for us, it was a urge to run back to the warmth of the heater of our vehicle 😛 It was biting cold even during the peak of the day. We walked up to the point, saw the border gates of both India and China, the respective embassy buildings, the Chinese and the Indian army camps posted high up and also got a distant view of the mountains that marked Bhutan. We did a quick walk through, taking in all the good views and returned to our vehicle as quickly as we could.
After squeezing out of the maddening crowd at Nathula, we continued our journey towards Nathang valley, only to be stuck in one of the worst traffic jams we had experienced in Sikkim. The last and the major destination on a typical touristy circuit is the temple of Baba Harbhajan Singh. Baba Harbhajan Singh is a folklore hero and an ex-army soldier whose spirit is believed to be roaming around the place, protecting the soldiers posted at this extreme terrain. There are old and the new temples dedicated to him, both maintained by the Indian army. We managed to find our way out of the choco block and continued towards Nathang valley.
Beyond the army temple, I can conveniently say that it was just us all the way. The roads were deserted, except for some BRO trucks and excavators clearing up the landslide prone path and laying new roads. We passed through what the army claims to be world’s highest altitude golf course, several army camps and tiny discrete civilian settlements along our way. Our drive through Nathang valley, thereafter, was something beyond comprehension for our senses, it was so beautiful!
All that we had envisaged of this journey at the time of commencing this drive was passing through a viewpoint and reaching Siliguri for the night’s stay. But as the journey unfolded, we were in for surprises. That day, the clouds had embraced the valley like never before. The road that we were driving on, seemed as if it was curving around the edge of the land. It was clear blue sky with the sun beaming bright and the thick clouds engulfing the horizon. The rhododendron plants had blanketed the entire valley, which I’m sure must be a visual delight during their blooming season. We stopped, like at every half a mile to capture the landscape in our cameras, alas justice be done to what the human eyes saw.
But by late afternoon, the sun had started to descend to the horizon and the fog had taken over again. Our visibility of the road ahead and the possibility to see the view that we wanted, had both now become zero. Our driver soon pulled off our vehicle at a tiny settlement enroute to enquire for availability of a place for us to stay for the night. Lungthung is a tiny village on the valley, with barely 3-4 houses, that too made with metal sheets. By staying in a homestay there, we were going to be the only outsiders for that night at Lungthung!
The mercury level was already below zero. But as the night rolled in, the winds too got stronger. The clouds cleared up and the stars and the planets shone brighter than ever. It was our last night at Sikkim and the coldest too! Even as we sat inside the host’s dining room, relishing the handmade thenthuk, we felt like our roof was going to be taken away by the winds. No amount of firewood could keep us warm. Even if we simply stood up for a moment to adjust our seats, they would freeze again. But as I said earlier, it was our last evening at Sikkim before we got back to the grind. There was no way we would hit the bed early. We sat outside, counting stars quite literally… The sky was clear, the moon lit up the road below and a lone filament bulb illuminated a roof at a little distance. Apart from an occasional goods carrying army truck that toughed it out on the slope, there was no civilization around us for miles together… It was an experience so wonderful that we hadn’t imagined about remotely, even a few hours ago… Not in my wildest dreams, had I imagined that I would live a day of my life ON the silk-route!!
Anyway, not really being able to sleep due to cold temperature and the noisy sheets fluttering outside our room, we still rolled into our blankets and set an alarm to wake up early. Our host at the homestay had recommended to walk down the road for sunrise…
The following morning, it was almost impossible for me to even think of coming out of the blanket. I snoozed the alarm a couple of times. But then something happened. My eyes had one glance at the window glass, and it was enough motivation for me to get my butt off the bed. It was a breaking dawn…. The sky had a streak of deep red, visible right at my window, seen from my bed…. It was for sure, unusual from any normal day. The view made me forget the cold and barge outside to not miss the complete visuals of an unfolding day… I woke my brother up and my friends and we all raced towards the viewpoint that we were told about. We didn’t mind slipping down a couple of times on the frozen roads.
At such high altitude and low temperature, the running didn’t help to warm us up. As we reached the viewpoint, we were panting for breath and had our jaws dropping. We were gasping, awestruck in amazement at the sight around us, chattering due to the freezing temperature and everything else happened to us at the same time. The moment is inexplainable!
We were standing at Thambi viewpoint and had lost the sense of place for that moment. The Kanchenjunga had lit up in crimson in just a few minutes and the winding roads through Zuluk valley appeared deep down in a while. It was a day and an experience like never before! It was our last day at Sikkim and I could only say that the best was indeed saved for the end!
This article has been featured in Deccan Herald National daily’s Travel supplement on 29-May-2022 Edition. Click here to read.
My visit to the arid land of Spiti was my first solo trip in all sense. I have previously spoken about its beautiful landscape and the wonderful people through my blog posts. But, on a personal note this travel has been one of the most impactful trips of my lifetime. So, here is the entire story in the form of an e-book.
Through this book, I seek your company while I backpack alone on a trip to the mountains. I want you to join me when I gate crash a mountain wedding and dance to the first snow. I want company when I confront a mummy and when I visit a vault full of millennium old paintings. Stay with me as I return home with an unsettling chaos running in my tummy. As you read through the pages of this book, you can bite into the juicy apples of Kinnaur all along, walk with me meeting people and go on a virtual trip to the Spiti valley and back.
You can get your copy of the e-book on Amazon by clicking on the image or the link below:
Yes, I know the language could have been tuned a little more and the English, could sound a little more polished. But, due to reading the same story over and over again, a few mistakes have outflown, my humble apologies! This book had been compiled in the first covid lockdown (Apr 20) and I have been procrastinating to publish it for over a year now, even post 2nd lockdown I (Apr 21). So, finally it had to be done….. But, I promise that my intention of sharing my story and experiences from the road has been compiled to the best of my abilities. I wish you all read, enjoy your virtual trip to Spiti and share your honest thoughts about it…
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), Asia’s largest and India’s first aerospace establishment was founded and is headquartered in Bangalore. If you want to walk down this journey of how aviation industry has evolved in India, a visit to the HAL Aerospace Museum, India’s first aviation museum located at the HAL premises is highly recommended. From the first aircraft, Harlow PC to be assembled at its stables to manufacturing the most modern helicopters, planes and equipment for present day requirements of the Indian airfare, navy, railways and space research, HAL’s journey has been a long one. One is bound to get amused in another world by taking a walk between vintage planes, flight simulators, mock ATC and all things associated in this subject of fantasy at the museum hall. Now, this place leads me to my next destination: The IISc (Indian Institute of Science).
That morning, I had ordered a plate of idlis at this little restaurant on the IISc campus. Just like any other day at that restaurant, the environment was abuzz with the chitter chatter of the people I was surrounded by. A typical scene on any given day includes the best scientists of India and abroad discussing new experiments over a plate of food in what is one of the premier research institutes in the country! Irony has it that similar discussions happened under the same roof, sometime in history. But back then, the discussions were about something more strategic and destructive. It was right here that a bunch of people discussed a war plot. What is now the top-of-the-notch science and technology institution in India, served as a hub for maintenance and repairs of the aircrafts during World-War II.
In the late 1930s, a factory meant for automobile maintenance was setup by an industrialist named Walchand Hirachand in the present day IISc campus. History has it that on his way to China, Hirachand chanced upon a meeting with William D. Pawley who was attached to the Intercontinental Aircraft Corporation of New York, an American aircraft exporter. This connection lead to the procurement of the necessary tools and equipment from the US to setup an aircraft production line in India. It was in December 1940, with funds from the Mysore state, the Hindustan Aircraft Private Limited came into being. The plan was to manufacture the Harlow trainer, Hawk fighter and the Vultee attack bombers at this factory. However, this required huge manpower that was trained in Aeronautics which lead to the establishment of the department of Aeronautical engineering.
The structure that housed the aeronautical engineering department was designed by German architect Otto Koenigsberger. Otto Koenigsberger was a young Jew who had fled his country during the Nazi regime and was later in time, employed as the government architect of the erstwhile Mysore state. His architectural design is an amalgamation of European and traditional Indian styles and can also be seen in the present-day metallurgical department and the hostel office on the IISc campus along with many structures across India. Talking about the aeronautical engineering building- it is an oblong structure with high ceilings and narrow corridors that integrated natural climate control. He has also designed the closed-circuit wind Tunnel, the first of its kind in India and hydrogen plant among other things that are associated with aircrafts. With all the technical back up from IISc, it was in 1941 that Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL) assembled the first aircraft in India: A Harlow PC-5.
Meanwhile, the threat posed by Imperial Japan loomed large in the on-going World War II because of which there was a need by the British Royal Air Force to boost its military hardware supplies in Asia. With all likelihood, HAL was most suitable as a base for the South East Asia Command of the allied forces for servicing their aircrafts. Hence, all the aircraft manufacturing plans in India were abandoned to support the repair and overhaul services of the American aircrafts and the factory was eventually taken over by the US Army Air Forces in 1943. This led to rapid expansion in the facilities and became the 84th Air depot for overhaul and repair of American aircrafts during WWII. The very same hydrogen plant on the IISc premises was used as a loading dock to supply hydrogen for the American aircrafts. Later in 1964, the factory was taken over by the Government of India and has morphed into the modern-day Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in its present-day location. However, the original Aeronautical engineering department continues to contribute enormously towards research and has its own little airstrip on the present day IISc campus.
As I finished my plate of idlis, I wondered how unassuming I was. This deceptively functional place had just served my meal that had just been cooked inside a hydrogen plant that powered the military aircrafts during WWII.
This article featured in the ‘Spectrum’ supplement of Deccan Herald National daily, on February 01, 2020 edition.
As kids, we always imagined fairies with wings flying amidst colourful gardens, rope like creepers hanging across the forest thickets, rainbows emerging on the tranquil sky. Do you agree when I say this is how most of the animated movies depict fairy tales ? Nestled deep in the rich forests of Meghalaya; with NO exaggeration, that’s how I would describe this village called Nongriat!
This post is part of my fortnight long road trip across North-east India, specifically covering parts of Meghalaya – Assam – Arunachal Pradesh I had tagged along with two other travelers and drove around the state of Meghalaya visiting Shillong – Smit – Cherrapunjee – Mawlynnong – Dawki – Ribhoi- Shillong.
A pleasant drive through the breathtakingly beautiful valleys and naturally formed creepy high limestone walls brought us to a village called Tyrna in Cherrapunjee. That’s where the tarmac ends and our car had to be parked. Further, we trekked down to the Nongriat village: where the ‘Umshiang bridge’ or popularly called ‘the double decker root bridge’ exists. One needs to climb over 2500 steps each way, so that this piece of marvel can be seen at close quarters. Root bridges are created by inter-weaving the roots of the rubber tree by the tribal folks who live in the deep forests of Meghalaya for their local commute across the bloated rivers during monsoon. A bridge fit for usage can take a minimum of a couple of decades and it only gets stronger with age. There are several such living root bridges across Meghalaya and most of them continue to be untouched by the tourists due to their remoteness. We were here, to tread on some of the most popular living root-bridges of Meghalaya.
Although, there is a well laid out path of stairs all the way, we thought it was wiser to have a localite who would enrich us with the facts and figures that we wouldn’t get to learn otherwise. At Tyrna, we met a Khasi villager from Nongriat who agreed upon to guide us through our trek. We passed through several sacred groves and areca farms belonging to the villagers. After decending about 1000 steps, a small deviation to the right indicated the way to Nongthymmai village. We took this deviation to reach the ‘Ritymmen root bridge’ a single bridge and another old one next to it which has taken its toll due to the negligence by the localites. Our hearts were jumping with joy at the first experience of treading on a living root bridge, that we had only read about until then… I decided to throw my shoes away for a while and enjoy the feeling of walking barefoot on the bridge.
After spending some time, we decided to continue the trek and our new friend cum guide, continued to enlighten us about the rich traditions and culture of the Khasis. We stopped by for a quick breakfast at a straw hut selling 2-minute noodles and lemon tea. Further, a short climb of stairs continued only to be awestruck by the marvel of indigenous engineering: The double decker root bridge, the main motivation for us to trek this far. It was like fantasy out of a fairytale: creepers hanging across a little waterfall, fed by a pristine river in the middle of nowhere! It was tempting to get our feet wet as we watched a few tourists who had stayed in the Khasi homes around the root-bridge over the previous night and enjoying their swim in the cold waters. However, spending some time admiring this piece of absolute marvel, we decided to move ahead, towards our next mission: Rainbow falls!
Nature’s best kept secrets are those which are untouched due to their remoteness. Rainbow waterfalls being one of those. The small number of tourists who make it till the double decker bridge seemed to have had disappeared there onwards. The tiring path ahead was going to be tiring, we were told. But, nothing comes easy.
I was doing this trip post monsoon (October to be precise) and that’s when the caterpillar larvae take wings! Like winged fairies, we were greeted and accompanied by butterflies of all colours, shapes and sizes all along the stretch from Umshiang bridge (the local name for the double-decker bridge) till the rainbow falls. We had to be extremely cautious while walking, clear the way for ourselves with a stick, lest accidentally step on these little winged beauties. The path was so full of butterflies, that it cannot be expressed with words and the joy can only be experienced. Truly, in every sense: I was Alice, walking in wonderland!
It was a walk of nearly 2hours through the thickets of the sacred forests and crossing at least 5 other root bridges and a couple of metal rope bridges that were laid across the deep river that flowed down with its seductive clear blue waters. After the brisk climb, we had finally arrived at the place where a hidden jewel of nature unfolded itself, from amid the greens…
We stood there in AWE….. the green trees and bushes had opened up to display a canvas with milky white waters gracefully tumbling down into a pool of turquoise blue and a hundred fairies flying around us. A dozen spectrums added to this heavenly scenery! On a clear sunny day, there could be 50-100 spectrums around the waterfall, giving the place its name: Rainbow falls! We enjoyed a couple of hours in calm just by sitting beside the naturally formed swimming pool as we were the only people in this fairyland and restoring our lost bond with nature that was shared long ago.
As described by our guide, camping at the Mawsmai caves (2hours trek further) and climbing up the hill to be greeted by the Nohkalikai waterfalls, the highest waterfall in India would have been a complete story! Unfortunately, we hadn’t known much about the enchanting beauty of this trek before embarking on it and had no preparations now, to have it extended further. So now, it was well past afternoon and distance that required to be walked back was long. The sun sets early in this part of India and that meant that we had very less time of daylight left. During our return, we stopped by at another hut near the Umshiang bridge for a late lunch where we relished a simple Khasi meal of rice and bitter lime curry.
The walk back from there onwards was taxing and it is a very steep climb up the 2500 odd stairs.. I stopped several times at the little homes and stalls put up by the villagers on the way to keep myself hydrated with the local energy drinks and fruit juices. I cannot forget the way our guide cum friend Denzil kept motivating me to complete the stretch. He kept reducing the count of steps by hundreds so that I would climb faster with the intention of reaching the top ASAP. Finally, I was back at Tyrna, even while there was sufficient sunlight for us to drive back to Cherrapunjee.
A small deviation from Tyrna will lead one to ‘Ummunoi root bridge’ in the Laitkynsew village, one of the oldest bridges in the viscinity. It has been truly a very refreshing way to explore ‘the abode of the clouds- Meghalaya’.
If you are new on my website, WELCOME! If you have been following me for sometime, you may be already aware that I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and soon after graduation, I was recruited by one of the LARGEST automobile manufacturers in the world! It is every mechanical engineer’s dream to be able to pursue a job in the same field that we studied. I was lucky to have JUST that.. My first job gave me an opportunity to work closely with cars with a sort of freedom that I had seen only in documentaries or on episodes of Top-Gear on BBC.
But, Since there are SO many things I involved in my roles and responsbilities in this position, that I often find it difficult to explain it in a ‘ley man’s’ language. The simplest I can call myself is a ‘Car Doctor’. In this post, I would like to share what I do (apart from writing travel articles) on a daily basis, in my first job at the car hospital.
<14-Sept-11> I’m on the mezanine floor….
A cap whose colour is forgotten behind the thick layer of oil & grease, a pair of knitted white gloves which now look like dark leather ones with the dirt, black heavy leather shoes with metal cover for the toes, newly introduced punk looking helmets which make me look like a cyclist, arm covers, wrist guards, goggles- the deep sea diving types…. These are my safety gears at work… and I’m all set for some action..!!!
I’m told that there’s some problem with the shoulder joints(the front door hinges) and he needs a physio- so I ripped both the hands(the front doors) apart.. His eyes (headlamps) were flickering.. And I checked for some electric signals that the brain sent across.. The MIL(Malfunction Indication Lamp) was glowing.. So I removed the eyes out of the skull. Even then, the MIL was on. Now, it was time to pull out the nose and dig deep into the nostrils (the hood and everything under). Then, the spine (the steering column) came out. It was then time to shave the head off (the dashboard/ Instrument panel covers) and I directly pulled out all the nerves (wiring harness) that I could catch in a grab. The signals continued… I removed the medulla (immobilizer ECU), cerebrum (theft warning ECU), cerebellum (injector drivers) and the current flow still continued.. I have removed out every possible source of these signals and now I know the source is “the Master Control- The engine ECU”. It is in my hand right now. Yes, the blinking has stopped!
My job doesn’t end there. In fact, it starts only now.. So, there I am.. Investigating which Neuron (circuit on the PCB) lead to this current outburst.. I broke open a few capacitors and relays. The resistors were already ripped apart.. and finally found the culprit… Unbelievable but true- a tiny ant had pee-d on one of the soldered circuits which lead to corrosion which in turn caused the malfunction of the brain. Hmm…
But my work continues… I will now send the part to the supplier(literally..!!) and follow up with him to identify the root cause and take countermeasure on priority..!!!
OKAY…!!! So, I’m Dr.Neurologist cum dermatologist here… I work with the brain(ECU) and nerves(all electrical and body parts)
But there is a cardiologist too.. My colleague-friend: He treats all heart related ailments (Engines).
And there’s an orthopaedician too- he treats the limbs (the chassis, suspension systems etc.)
We are the soldiers guarding the Siachen border- We have complete freedom to rip a person apart- part by part and win accolades for it.. Destruction gives us all a complete sense of accomplishment.
We are rarely idle. But, when we think we are, we put back everything and go for a long drive.
And then, we are back for yet another postmortem..!!
Ofcourse, I have MUCH better pictures of my patients going through even worse treatments.. But, I had to rely on this internet photo for confidential policies 🙂
Picture courtesy: Google images
Click here to read about out my next job assignments.
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Traveling to Thailand was one of my biggest dreams. For many years, I wanted to see its beautiful beaches, temples, and night markets. A few months ago, I finally decided to make it happen. After checking many websites and reading reviews, I booked a Thailand tour package with TripFactory. It was one of the best choices I have ever made!
I opted for a 7-day all-inclusive itinerary that covered flights, accommodation, meals, local transfers, sightseeing, and even a friendly tour guide. I didn’t have to worry about anything. From the moment I landed in Thailand to the time I took my flight back home, TripFactory took care of everything perfectly.
When I reached Bangkok airport, the TripFactory team was already waiting for me. They helped me with my luggage and took me to my hotel. The hotel impressed me with its cleanliness, comfortable beds, and respectful, welcoming staff. After some rest, I walked around the nearby streets to explore Bangkok on my own. The city was bright, busy, and full of energy. I tried the street food, including Pad Thai and mango sticky rice, and loved every bite!
The next morning, our guide took us for a Bangkok city tour. We visited famous temples like Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) and Wat Pho, where I saw the huge golden Reclining Buddha. The guide told us interesting stories about Thai history and culture in simple English, so everyone could understand.
In the afternoon, we went shopping at the Chatuchak Market, one of the biggest in Asia. I bought souvenirs, clothes, and some local snacks. We spent the evening cruising down the Chao Phraya River, admiring the sunset and soaking in the calm atmosphere.
After breakfast, we traveled to Pattaya, a lively city by the sea. The drive took about two hours and was very comfortable. When we arrived, we checked into another nice hotel with a sea view.
In the evening, we went to the Pattaya Viewpoint, where I saw the whole city shining with lights. Later, we watched the Alcazar Show, a colorful performance full of dance and music. The costumes were beautiful, and the show was full of energy. It was the perfect end to the day.
This was one of the most fun days of my trip! After breakfast, we took a speedboat to Coral Island. The sea was bright blue, and the sand was soft and white.
I tried parasailing and jet skiing for the first time. It was so exciting to fly above the water and feel the wind on my face. Then, I relaxed on the beach, enjoyed some fresh coconut water, and swam in the sea. At a restaurant by the beach, we enjoyed a simple Thai meal that was absolutely packed with taste.
In the evening, we returned to Pattaya, and I took a walk along the beach before dinner. The sound of the waves and the cool breeze made me feel completely relaxed.
After breakfast, we flew to Phuket, one of the most famous islands in Thailand. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the calm and beauty of the place. Our TripFactory-arranged hotel was charming, with palm trees all around and the beach only steps away.
That evening, we visited Patong Beach, which was full of life, music, and food stalls. I had dinner at a seaside restaurant and watched the sunset. The orange and pink sky looked magical.
This was my favorite day of the whole trip! Early in the morning, we took a speedboat to Phi Phi Islands. The journey was very beautiful, the sea looked light blue and we crossed tall stone cliffs and green islands.
We stopped at Maya Bay, one of the most famous beaches in the world. I took so many pictures because every view looked like a postcard. Then we went snorkeling in the clear water and saw colorful fish and coral reefs.
We had lunch on one of the islands, and it was delicious with fresh fish, rice, and fruit. Everything was perfectly organized, so all we had to do was enjoy.
When we returned to Phuket in the evening, everyone was tired but very happy. I ended the day with a Thai massage, which was relaxing and refreshing after all the travel.
On the last day, after breakfast in the hotel, I went to buy souvenirs like small gifts, handmade bags, and Thai food items. The TripFactory team helped with my airport transfer right on time.
As I sat on the plane back home, I felt thankful for such an amazing trip. Every day was full of joy, new experiences, and great memories.
I booked my trip with TripFactory after reading their excellent Google reviews. They have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars with over 3700+ reviews. After my trip, I can say those ratings are well deserved.
Their service was always on time. Pickups, hotel check-ins, and tours all happened just like they planned. The staff was friendly, and the guide was patient and spoke clear English. Whenever we needed help, they were just a phone call away.
Most importantly, I felt safe and comfortable throughout my trip. As a solo traveler, that really mattered to me.
After returning home, I couldn’t stop talking about my Thailand adventure. My friends loved the pictures I showed them of the beaches, temples, and bright streets. Many of them were so inspired that they started planning their own Thailand trips with TripFactory!
This 7-day trip was worth every single penny. It gave me new experiences, new friends, and beautiful memories that I’ll cherish forever.
My Thailand vacation with TripFactory felt very special. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. Everything was perfectly arranged, from the hotels to the tours. I explored three wonderful cities: Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Each city was beautiful and different.
If you’re thinking about visiting Thailand and want a smooth, stress-free holiday, I highly recommend TripFactory. They keep their word by giving excellent service, comfort, and memories you will never forget.
Thailand taught me that travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about feeling alive, learning new things, and creating memories that stay in your heart forever.
The Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) trek is widely regarded as one of India’s most spectacular high-altitude circuits. Rolling alpine meadows, jagged granite ridges, and a string of emerald and turquoise lakes make this route feel like walking through a painter’s brightest palette. Great Lakes of Kashmir is a classic 7–9 day trek that usually takes trekkers from Sonamarg to the Naranag valley (or the reverse), crossing several high passes and visiting lakes such as Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal.
This guide covers the route, daily plan, difficulty, best season, permits and safety, gear, food and packing, acclimatisation and practical tips so you can plan and enjoy the Kashmir Great Lakes trek with confidence.
Quick facts:
Why the Great Lakes trek is special:
What sets KGL apart is the variety compressed into a single circuit. In a week you move from thick forest and pastoral Sonamarg meadows to barren moraines and dramatic glacial basins. Each lake has its own character — Vishansar’s wide shallow shores, Krishansar’s twin lake views, the dramatic bowl around Gadsar and the grand Gangabal beneath steep cliffs. The landscape changes day by day, making every campsite feel like a new world. Many trekkers call it a once-in-a-lifetime trek for the views alone.
7-day itinerary of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:
This is a standard itinerary many operators and independent trekkers follow. Distances and times vary by pace and route choice.
Day 1: Srinagar to Sonamarg
Arrive in Srinagar and drive (~2–3 hours) to Sonamarg. Final gear checks, stay in a guesthouse or camp at Sonamarg (2,700–2,800 m).
Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai (~10–12 km, 6–8 hrs)
The trail climbs out of Sonamarg through meadows, forests and the Shekdur stretch before arriving at the high pasture of Nichnai (~3,500 m). There may be an army checkpost where ID is required.
Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (~10–14 km, 5–7 hrs)
Cross the Nichnai pass (often ~4,100–4,150 m depending on route), then descend and reach Vishansar lake (~3,650 m). A spectacular first high-altitude lake.
Day 4: Vishansar to Gadsar (via Gadsar Pass) (~16 km, 6–8 hrs)
A long but rewarding day: ascent to Gadsar Pass (~4,200 m) and then a descent to the turquoise Gadsar Lake. Gadsar is in a sharp amphitheatre of cliffs and often has ice in early season.
Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar (~11–12 km, 4–6 hrs)
Cross rolling meadows and reach the Satsar lakes — a cluster of multiple small lakes — with scenic campsites.
Day 6 : Satsar to Gangabal (via Zaj or other pass) (~9–12 km, 5–7 hrs)
Cross the pass (sometimes called Zaj or another local saddle) into the Gangabal basin and camp by Gangabal Lake below Mount Harmukh. Gangabal is one of the most dramatic high-altitude lakes in Kashmir.
Day 7: Gangabal to Naranag / Thajiwas valley (~10–14 km)
Descend to Naranag, meet transport and drive back to Srinagar. Naranag has historical temple ruins and is a popular exit point.
Note: Many operators add a buffer day for weather, or extend to 8–9 days to allow lighter daily distances and better acclimatisation.
Difficulty, fitness and acclimatisation
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is not a technical climb since you won’t need ropes or glacier travel skills on the usual route but it is a sustained high-altitude Kashmir Trek with long ascents and descents. Expect:
Fitness prep: a few weeks of aerobic conditioning (brisk walking, stair climbing, light trail runs) and weekend hikes will help. If you’re new to high altitude, allow an extra acclimatisation day (e.g., at Nichnai or a day in Sonamarg), many guided trek agencies like Cliffhangers India include one buffer day in their itinerary.
Weather and best time
The trek is seasonal because snow blocks the high passes for much of the year. Late June to early September is the practical window: the snow melts, meadows bloom and passes are mostly passable. July–August are peak months. Trails are busiest then and weather is most stable; monsoon influence is limited compared with the lower Himalaya but occasional storms and afternoon rain/snow at high altitudes can occur. Early June may still have heavy snow; September can be cold with early snowfall. Plan accordingly.
Permits, safety and local rules
Food, water and camps:
Gears and essentials to carry
Responsible Trekking during Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:
The region is home to mountain fauna (pheasants, marmots, ibex at very high altitudes, and sometimes brown bears in the lower forests).
Respect local wildlife, don’t feed animals, keep a safe distance, and store food properly.
The fragile alpine meadows recover slowly from damage, so follow Leave-No-Trace principles: carry out all plastics, avoid cutting vegetation, use designated campsites and follow toilet protocols (bury waste away from water sources or pack out).
Local communities and park authorities also emphasise low-impact travel.
A quick glance on difference between guided trekking vs independent trekking
Photography and best viewpoints
Bring a polarising filter if you shoot and protect gear from sudden drizzle or dust.
Tips to improve your experience of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Final checklist:
Conclusion:
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is not the easiest Himalayan circuit, but with good preparation it is one of the most rewarding. Whether you go with a trusted local operator or plan a careful independent trip, respect the mountain, pace yourself, and soak in the views , the lakes will repay every step.
Beyond the physical challenge, KGL rewards with a sense of wonder: silent mornings by glassy lakes, wildflowers in meadows, the crunch of alpine gravel underfoot and nights under impossibly bright stars. It’s a trek that changes how many people think about scale and stillness, a lasting memory rather than just a checklist. Expect to return quieter, tired and richer in stories.
Over recent years, my travels across India ignited my fascination with how tattoos hold cultural significance among different Indian communities. In many areas, tattoos serve as symbols tied to tribal customs. One community that particularly intrigued me was the Ramnami of Central India. When I shared this with a friend, she too showed interest in delving deeper into this culture. We eventually connected with a community member who graciously allowed us to visit his village, even inviting us to stay with his family. We happily arranged our visit.
We initially flew from Bangalore to Raipur. From there, we caught a local bus to the GPM district. Subsequently, we explored GPM by taxi, which dropped us off at Chandlidih, the Ramnami village. It was raining heavily as we navigated the damaged, flooded roads and finally arrived at the location indicated by Google Maps. We carried our backpacks while crossing a small reservoir wall built over a stream swollen by the monsoon. On the other side was our host’s house. By the time we reached the front yard of the Ramnami family’s modest home, we were covered in mud from puddles stretching from the parking lot to the house.
Our host welcomed us upon arrival and directed us to the guest room to drop off our luggage. The room, an extension of the main house, was built with cob and wood, offering basic amenities such as two beds for resting and a light bulb for illumination at night. We relied on mobile internet throughout our stay. According to tradition, anyone visiting from outside must bathe and cleanse themselves before entering a Ramnami home. The next experience was something my friend and I will both remember for a long time: the bathroom!
It was a simple enclosure with two and a half walls and a roof. Half of the third wall was intentionally built to shoulder height, making it easy to bring in water from outside either with buckets or through a gravity pipe connected to a nearby perennial stream that filled a concrete tank inside the bathroom. The fourth side was left open for easy access, featuring a modest saree stitched into a sliding blind that could be moved to open or close. There was no running water; hot water had to be fetched from an outdoor firewood oven, or one had to make do with the chilly water stored in the tank inside. Our city dwelling bodies were used to a sturdy lockable door for bathing with unlimited hot water from a tap or shower. While the cold-water setup was tolerable for my outdoor spirit, I could not imagine standing unclothed inside a doorless bathroom.
If I were hiking, I could go days without bathing, but here, it was crucial to start our trip by experiencing the Ramnami culture. Hesitantly, I took off my clothes and poured a couple of mugs of water, just as I heard giggles outside. I paused to check if I was imagining things or if it was real. Soon, I saw the shadows of a few kids moving behind the curtain. As I began applying soap, I saw two toddler heads peeking in from the sides of the curtain, giggling again. I panicked, yelled my friend’s name, and hoped she would come to help. She got scared and ran over to see what was wrong. I told her about the curious kids, and she decided to stay at the bathroom entrance until I finished. Later, I returned the favor.
After changing into fresh clothes, my friend and I headed to the porch of their house, where the entire family had been singing hymns of Lord Ram since sunrise, even before we arrived. We greeted them with a coconut and some fresh flowers, which we were asked to bring as part of their tradition of introducing a new guest to the family. Most adults had tattoos reading ‘Ram-Ram’ in Hindi covering their bodies. Some had full-body tattoos, while others had only face, arm, or forehead patches. They all wore pure white clothes handwritten with ‘Ram-Ram’ patterns. Their Dhotis, shawls, and headgear featured the same ‘Ram’ writing in a consistent style. The handmade headgear, unique to the Ramnami, was decorated with peacock feathers. All participants in the Ram bhajan carried strings of small jingling metal bells, each stamped with ‘Ram’ during casting.
We introduced ourselves and joined their Bhajan until lunch was served. I savored a simple Satvik meal made with ingredients from their farm. The faint aroma of firewood used in cooking enhanced the local flavors with a divine touch.
We traveled without a fixed schedule, aiming for a slow, immersive experience of this community’s daily life. After lunch, my friend and I joined members singing Ram Bhajans on the porch to understand what defines the Ramnami. We were transported back to the 1890s to learn about their history. Like the rest of India at that time, casteism barred lower castes from entering shared places of worship. Some rebelled by declaring their bodies as temples dedicated to Ram, tattooing the Ram-Nam (Lord’s Name) with a locally made ink derived from herbs. They formed the Ramnami community. A senior member leads events, whether a baby’s birth or a funeral. Their greetings and farewells are solely marked by singing Ram-Bhajans, even during major life events like marriages. They do not conduct any Brahminical rituals, poojas, or havans as part of their practices.
With the rain gods commanding the skies and earth, we saw them prepare their shawls, made from woven, stitched white cloth they crafted themselves. These shawls were then covered with Ram-Nam. After carefully observing them write with their native ink for a while, we joined in to write on some of the other pieces. Once finished, they set them aside to dry, initiating a series of procedures to prevent the white cloth from bleeding black.
When the rains stopped, our host guided us through their village. We crossed a stream, carefully walked along the paddy field edges, and eventually made our way along muddy, winding roads. We met several members of the Ramnami community, mostly relatives or neighbors from the same village. We greeted women working in the fields and enjoyed coffee at welcoming houses. Later, we visited JayaStambh, a small monument commemorating the annual Ramnami mela held here a few years prior. Some older community members joined us there at sunset, singing Ram bhajans as a tribute to the setting sun. Afterwards, we visited a small reservoir across the lake. The Ram Bhajans, sung warmly around a bonfire, echoed over the calm water, with the sky changing colors dramatically until nightfall.
We walked home carefully through the night darkness to avoid slipping on the slush. After a satisfying dinner, we drifted into a peaceful, childlike sleep, concluding a long and exhausting day.
The following morning, we rose early to witness a normal day in the life of the Ramnami. We went to the reservoir with the elder members of our host family, who offered prayers to the sun god and recited blessings before their water dip. After changing into clean clothes, they went back home to continue household tasks such as cleaning, preparing food, and having breakfast.
Spending time at a Ramnami home offered a genuine glimpse into a culture that is remarkably different from the rest of India. The younger Ramnami generation might not be eager to follow the traditional paths laid out by their elders. However, this community exemplifies how faith in God can help us overcome great challenges. They defied the odds, forging their path, which they believe will lead them to a divine connection.
After a simple breakfast and Ram Bhajans, we packed our bags for our next destination in Chhattisgarh. Our host assisted us with pillion rides on two motorbikes, skimming over the slushy village roads before reaching the highway, where we caught a local bus to continue our journey.
When it comes to planning a multi-day trip in India, trust is everything. Travellers want to be sure that what they book is what they’ll get—on time, on budget, and without last-minute surprises.
Over the years, Thrillophilia has earned a strong reputation as the most trusted name in the multi-day travel space, especially for its personalised tour packages with end-to-end planning. With over 6 million users, verified reviews, and presence across 70+ international and 200+ Indian destinations, it has become a go-to platform for Indian tourists looking for safe, organised, and high-quality travel experiences.
Here are seven key reasons why travellers continue to place their trust in Thrillophilia.
1. Everything Is Pre-Planned and Well-Coordinated
Thrillophilia’s tours are known for their clarity and structure. Every trip includes:
One standout aspect is how the platform handles food preferences. Travellers can request Jain meals, pure vegetarian, or non-vegetarian menus ahead of time, so that the food stops and meals are arranged accordingly. This kind of detail matters, especially on longer trips or for families and groups with varied dietary needs.
The result: Fewer disturbances, less last-minute stress, and a smoother experience overall.
2. Verified and Trusted Local Partners
Trust often breaks down when the on-ground experience doesn’t match expectations and promised packages. Thrillophilia addresses this by working only with vetted, verified local operators—be it hotel partners, drivers, guides, or activity hosts.
All partners go through a selection and training process, and reviews are constantly monitored to maintain standards. This ensures quality and consistency across destinations.
3. Transparent Pricing and Inclusions
Hidden charges are a common problem in the travel industry. Thrillophilia aims to solve this with clear, upfront pricing and detailed inclusion lists for every trip.
Travellers know exactly what they’re paying for—whether it’s entrance fees, meals, transport, or guide services. There are no vague “to be paid later” clauses, which builds trust from the very start of the booking process.
4. Real Reviews, Real Experiences
Thrillophilia features over 250,000 verified traveller reviews on its website, across all its tour packages. These are from actual users who have completed trips, and they help future travellers make informed choices.
Travel photos, ratings, and detailed feedback provide honest insight into the on-ground reality of each package. This transparency plays a big role in building long-term credibility.
5. Reliable Customer Support
Unexpected things can happen during travel—weather issues, reschedules, or on-ground coordination delays. Thrillophilia’s 24×7 customer support is designed to help resolve these issues quickly, with an average response time of just 10 minutes.
Whether it’s reassigning a driver, updating hotel check-in info, or providing live help during a trip, the support team is accessible via phone, chat, and email. Many users highlight this as a key reason they return to the platform.
6. Flexible Customization Options
While fixed itineraries offer structure, many travellers want to tweak plans based on personal preferences—adding a detour, choosing a different hotel category, or adjusting the pace of the itinerary for aged groups.
Thrillophilia allows for a fair level of trip customisation, often without added complexity. This is especially valuable for families, honeymooners, and seniors who need more specific arrangements.
7. Trusted by Diverse Traveller Segments
From solo backpackers to large corporate groups, Thrillophilia serves a wide range of customers. It’s used by:
The platform’s ability to adapt to different needs while maintaining consistency has helped it earn trust across segments.
In a crowded market full of travel listings and tour operators, reliability, clarity, and support are what truly build trust. Thrillophilia’s structured approach, combined with local expertise, Ai and tech-backed operations, and customer transparency has made it one of the most dependable multi-day travel package brand in India.
As travel continues to bounce back, trust will remain the most valuable currency, and Thrillophilia has built its brand around just that.
Choosing the perfect honeymoon destination for most newlyweds includes an intensive search that has the perfect combination of luxury, romance, adventure, and out-of-the-world experiences. However, there is no place in the Middle East that equates to Dubai when it comes to ticking off all those boxes. With its futuristic skyline, golden deserts, turquoise shores, and extravagant lifestyle, Dubai is a wedding paradise for all couples. Whether you need to indulge in five-star extravagance or uncover culture and adventure as a pair, Dubai delivers it all.
If you’re going on your first trip as a married couple, here’s why Dubai is the ideal honeymoon spot in the Middle East and how a properly organised Dubai honeymoon package can make your experience even better.
1. Romantic Experiences All Around
Dubai is made for love. Picture yourself having a candlelit dinner on a private boat sailing across the Dubai Marina or a helicopter flight with a bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. If you are looking for a quiet night, visit the Dubai Fountain, where you can view the spectacular water displays side by side with the world’s tallest building. You and your partner can also have a shared pampering and relaxing experience by going on a spa day, which is also available for couples at upscale resorts such as the Burj Al Arab or the One&Only The Palm. Most Dubai honeymoon packages for couples feature such romantic inclusions, so you can have those special moments without worrying about organising them.
2. A Distinct Blend of Contemporary Luxury and Classic Charm
Dubai effortlessly mixes the past and the future. You can wake up to a morning breakfast at one of the rooftop cafes in Downtown Dubai and spend your afternoon wandering through the Al Fahidi Historical District’s crooked alleys. Additionally, you can also take a ferry across the Dubai Creek or shop in the Gold and Spice Souks to enjoy a diverse and cultural experience. Dubai trip package for couples provides the best experience of the local culture with the utmost in modern luxury.
3. World-Class Resorts and Accommodation
Dubai boasts some of the world’s most luxurious and honeymoon-friendly hotels. With private overwater villas on the World Islands, desert resorts under the stars, and experiences that will be cherished in your heart forever, Dubai has every hotel that will satisfy all your desires. Some of the best honeymoon hotels include Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Atlantis, The Palm, and Al Maha Desert Resort. Most Dubai vacation packages for couples offer romantic stay packages, complete with extra frills such as spa treatments, fine dining, and private transfers.
4. Adventure and Thrills for Two
If you are the type of couple who loves adrenaline highs, Dubai will not let you down. Ride the dunes and sandboard through the desert, go hot air ballooning over the desert sunrise, or try skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah for an unforgettable view. If you like water sports, then consider jet skiing along the JBR beach or going on a sunset cruise around the Persian Gulf. No matter what kind of adventure you and your partner enjoy, Dubai honeymoon packages for couples include these activities as part of the package or as upgrades.
5. Global Cuisine Delights
Indulging in the delicious native cuisine and exploring the culinary scene is a major part of any honeymoon, and Dubai offers one of the world’s most varied culinary offerings. From world-class Michelin-starred cuisine to beach dinners at sunset and street food from Karama, Dubai suits all tastes. If you are looking for top romantic dining options, they include Pierchic At.mosphere and The Beach Bar & Grill. Your Dubai couple trip package can be tailored to include private dining or food tours, allowing you to indulge in the finest of international and Emirati cuisine.
6. Perfect Weather and Sunshine Throughout the Year
Dubai has sunny weather all year round, so honeymoons there are always ideal regardless of the season. However, summer months between June and September tend to get very hot, although you can escape the heat with indoor entertainment and cooling facilities available in luxury resorts. The optimal time to travel is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant, so you can enjoy outdoor activities, beach vacations, and desert explorations. Planning your honeymoon during these months also means you can attend popular festivals and events, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival or live music concerts.
7. Easy Connectivity and Visa Process
Dubai is convenient to reach from most cities worldwide and has one of the best-connected airports in the world. For most nationalities, specifically Indian passport holders, a tourist visa is easy to obtain and can frequently be arranged online or via a travel agent. Picking a Dubai trip package for couples not only makes it easy to get a visa but also gets airport transfers, guided tours, and accommodation arranged in advance.
8. Picture-Perfect Locations for Honeymoon Memories
From the glittering cityscape and the architectural marvels to natural wonders like the Hatta mountains and Dubai’s serene beaches, the city is full of picturesque spots. Capture your memories as newlyweds with a professional photoshoot in front of the Burj Khalifa, among the desert dunes, or along the Dubai Marina. Some Dubai honeymoon packages for couples even include photography services in the package, so you can make your honeymoon memories last a lifetime.
Dubai is just a travel destination, but it’s a plethora of memories waiting to happen. Whether you’re drinking champagne in a penthouse suite, riding camels over the golden dunes, or relaxing in a spa with Gulf views, Dubai knows how to make love feel like a celebration. For a hassle-free experience, go in for a Dubai holiday package for couplewith Pickyourtrail that covers everything from high-end stays and private tours to gourmet dining and premium experiences. Travel in style and enjoy a lavish honeymoon with your loved one where you need to worry about nothing and focus on what truly matters—each other.
Things to Do in Spiti Valley: Adventure Awaits in the Himalayas
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place filled with towering mountains, tranquil villages, and clear blue skies? Spiti Valley is an enchanting destination in Himachal Pradesh. Visitors can discover a variety of wondrous things to do in Spiti Valley, such as exploring monasteries, searching for fossils, and stargazing. A thrilling bike trip is one of the best ways to uncover this magnificent region, unveiling breathtaking vistas at every turn. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can choose a Spiti Valley tour package for a smooth and organised journey. Spiti welcomes every traveller with open arms and unforgettable experiences.
Here, you will find some of the best activities in to enjoy on a Spiti Valley bike trip that create unforgettable travel memories. From serene monasteries to thrilling adventures, everyone will find something to cherish in this destination.
Visiting the ancient Key Monastery, named Kye Gompa, ranks among the top things to do in Spiti Valley. Proudly resting on a hilltop for 1000 years, this ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery appears like it is a carving of a fairy tale. The monastery consists of peaceful prayer halls where visitors can meet friendly monks and even choose to stay at night. The panorama from the high location becomes truly exceptional during sunrise. A visit to this venue offers educational experiences, and visitors can find both peace and photography opportunities.
Among all things to do in Spiti Valley, camping next to Chandratal Lake ranks as one of the most ethereal activities. Under the moonlit sky, the shimmering water creates the illusion of a mirror. During the daytime, the lake exhibits a visible transition from blue to green. The complete surround of snowy peaks and total silence transforms this place into the ultimate spot for observing stars. The destination is accessible after a brief walking trek from the parking area. Stay overnight in camps near the lake for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels nothing less than magical.
Kaza stands as the leading town, which serves as the starting point for every adventure in Spiti Valley. It’s a blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. Visitors can roam through Kaza’s markets, where they can try momos and thukpa alongside opportunities to interact with locals and even rent bikes. Warm food and lovely views await visitors at The Himalayan Café and Sol Café. People planning a road trip or needing basic supplies should make Kaza their first stop because it provides all the necessities.
Fossil hunting in Langza stands as one of the most exciting things to do in Spiti Valley for those who love mysteries. Millions of years ago, this area was under the sea. Now, the mountains hide ancient marine fossils like ammonites and shells. Hire a local guide who will accompany you on hill walks and help you to find genuine fossils sticking out from the rock surfaces. You can choose to purchase ancient fossils from residents, which serve as unique souvenir options.
One of the most unique things to do in Spiti Valley is visiting Gue Village, where you’ll find a real 500-year-old mummy! You can witness a genuine monk mummy that naturally protects itself and is displayed in an enclosed glass case. Some believe that meditation enabled the monk to become self-mummified. The journey to Gue village provides beautiful natural scenery, and the place remains less crowded, making it a hidden destination. This mystical and spiritual site reveals a distinct side of Spiti that stays in your memory forever.
Trekking to Dhankar Lake stands as the supreme peaceful outdoor experience within Spiti Valley. Starting at Dhankar Monastery, you can reach the destination in 1.5 hours by trekking. The lake exists deep within mountain territory, untouched by humans. Very few tourists visit these locations, which means you could become one with the surroundings. You can find the entire area to be an ideal location for a picnic because it allows quiet contemplation of nature. When visiting this site, remember to bring water, snacks, and wear comfortable footwear because the terrain contains stone pathways.
Looking for adventurous things to do in Spiti Valley? Try spotting snow leopards in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Kibber maintains its position as the world’s highest permanently settled village and simultaneously serves as a habitat for ibex, blue sheep, and Himalayan wolves. One can observe snow leopards during winter months, and summer offers suitable conditions for hiking. Local guides organise wildlife tours, and even if you don’t spot a leopard, the mountain views and fresh air are worth it.
A bike trip rates as one of the most exhilarating things to do in Spiti Valley. Riding through twisting paths while crossing rivers and visiting traditional settlements under the protective gaze of mountains becomes an unforgettable experience. You can stop at monasteries, lakes, and local cafes during your journey. Riding on two wheels will create a memory you will never forget.
This region of Spiti Valley holds various stunning surprises, along with tranquillity and remarkable scenic views. Whether you are riding through its high mountain roads, walking through quiet villages, or sitting under a sky full of stars, every moment here feels special. Numerous things to do in Spiti Valley welcome all types of travellers seeking adventure, experiencing natural beauty, local culture, and enjoying tranquillity. It’s a place where time slows down, and your heart feels full. So pack your bags, take the road less travelled, and let Spiti Valley fill your heart with unforgettable memories.
Spiti Valley is famous for its natural surroundings, ancient monasteries, and soaring peaks.
A trip of 5 to 7 days is ideal for exploring Spiti Valley, which includes acclimatisation, exploration, and travel across challenging terrain.
Yes, Spiti Valley has low oxygen levels because it is located at a height of 4,270 meters (14,010 ft).
Yes, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye throughout Spiti Valley from September to February.
On yet another weekend, we were off on yet another hiking expedition. This time, we went to a lesser-known trail on Hosur-Krishnagiri road. The initial plan was to hike to ‘Aiyur Sami Lake’, a day hike organized by the Eco-tourism wing of the Tamil-Nadu tourism department. However, their site was not accepting registrations due to unknown reasons, and hence, we decided to randomly pick a hill around the region on Google Maps and hike it up. That’s when we came across the Ankushagiri fort.
Following the route indicated on Google Maps, we arrived at the base of the start point of the ascent to Ankushagiri. There is a Perumal temple and, hence, a proper space for vehicle parking. Since we arrived on a Saturday morning in the winter months, some pilgrims had already arrived to worship the chief deity here. However, we skipped the temple visit and began our hike toward the fort that was located (once upon a time) on the hilltop.
At the beginning of the hike route, there is an ancient structure, now in a dilapidated condition. Today, the Sanctorum lay empty with wild bushes and creepers taking over what once must have been a grand temple. The motifs on the walls of the two adjacent temple structures indicated both Perumal and Shiva.
We went ahead from there and stopped after a brief walk. We were confused about the correct trail which seemed to split at a point from where either of them needed some more wear. We casually picked a path and continued to walk on the trail where the thorny bushes then opened to a rocky terrain. The rock looked interesting with varying patterns all over.
At the top, there were massive cacti plants dotting the area around an abandoned ancient temple structure. Only the pillars remained with the tall Garuda stambha lying down on the side and a stoneware that appeared to be an urn or a waterpot. Some previous visitors to this place had written ‘Someshwara Swamy Temple’ on the stoneware pot for our reference. We rested beside the temple on the large open rock bed overlooking the landscape. The gentle wind caressed our faces while we watched the hills appear one by one at a distance amid the clearing fog.
After relaxing for a while and munching on some fruits and nuts that we had carried with us, we proceeded toward the next part of the hill. The trail was beautiful with a rocky gorge on one side and huge cacti lining the path on the other. There, we arrived at a single electric pole that stood in the middle of a heap of ruins of what appeared to be an old fort. Although a circular marking can still be seen to date, only a few large pillars, a few hero-stones like inscriptions, and a couple of kolam designs engraved on the floor were all that existed for us to decipher what might have been the real grandeur, expanse and the purpose of the structure there. Almost little to no history is available to us about who or how this place had served.
Anyway, it was a very interesting outing for us to explore a place so lost in an area where we were the only humans in kilometers around us. We spent ample time there before descending back to the base. We photographed several other patterns on the rocks before arriving at the same bushy junction where we had chosen to take the random path for our ascent.
Upon our return, we paid a quick visit to the Perumal temple before heading back to the city.
Despite being a cosmopolitan hub, Bengaluru is a metropolis that still firmly holds onto its cultural essence. There may be several festivals being celebrated year-round and across the city but a few of them transcend beyond any religion and community and are rather synonymous with the city’s name. Through this post, I would like to enumerate three such festivals that must be on any Bengaluru resident or tourist’s list of experiences whilst in the city.
This nine-day festival is a reverence to Adishakti Draupadi and a celebration of her annual homecoming to earth from heaven, on the day of Chaitra Poornami as per the Hindu calendar. Although a main festival of the Thigala community living across Karnataka, people of all castes and religions participate in it. The Karaga bearer (the chief person in the festivities) carries the Karaga (the deity) bedecked with jasmine flowers and begins the procession from Shri Dharmaraya Swamy temple in Nagarathpete, in old Bengaluru. The Karaga bearer is accompanied by the gante dhaari (bell bearer) and hundreds of veerakumaras who together traverse across the streets of the Bengaluru Pete area. The Karaga visits all the temples and the Mastan Saheba Dargah that come along the route until they return to the Shri Dharmaraya Swamy temple before dawn break the following morning.
Though the festival is observed for nine days, the rituals involving the Karaga bearer spans over several months prior to it. One part of the ritual involves the Karaga bearer undergoing his strength and weight training at one of the several Garadi mane (traditional gyms). Hence, these Garadi manes are considered holy places where replicas of the Karaga and placed and worshipped during the festival. Also, several temples located in the Pete area take out floral palanquins of their deities on procession across the streets of Pete. All these things make Bengaluru Karaga, a special experience.
Similar Karaga festivals are observed in outskirts of Bengaluru like Hoskote, Kolar, Malur etc. But Bengaluru Karaga is one of its kind and experiences.
Bangalore’s reputation as a garden city finds a reflection in various traditional festivities of the city. Just as flowers are integral to Karaga, there is another famous festival that has flowers in its very name. The ‘Poo Pallakki Utsava’ is an annual car festival celebrated as part of the Someshwara temple festival in the old locality of Ulsoor. Albeit being a temple festival, it is rather better known as an annual competition between gods and goddesses from temples in and around Ulsoor over which one arrives in the best flower-bedecked palanquin. The car festival is believed to be the wedding day of Someshwara with Kamakshi, and flowers are the theme of all decorations.
There will be over 80 poo pallakkis from the surrounding temples who attend the wedding celebration of Sri Someshwara Temple with Goddess Kamakshi. The grandest Poo Pallaki is one of the bride, Goddess Kamakshi. Celebrated annually during the Hindu month of Chaitra (around April/May), it is a night long event.
‘Kadlekai Parishe’ translating to ‘groundnut fair’ in Kannada is an annual coming together of farmers on the last Monday of Karthika Masa (month in Hindu calendar) celebrated since the 16th century. Legend has it that a raging bull used to damage the groundnut crops that were ready for harvest. The farmers prayed to Basava (bull in Kannada) to protect their harvest, by setting up an idol of a Nandi (Basava / Bull) and a temple at that place and offered their first crop to the Lord. This temple is called Basavanagudi (Bull temple) and the area surrounding it eventually came to be known by the name of the temple.
Although the groundnut farms made way to residential and commercial structures, the tradition of the groundnut fair is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm even today. Farmers from across the state bring their first yield of ground nuts to offer to the temple and to sell them to others during this festival.
More recently, a similar event is being organized in Malleswaram, around the Kadu Malleswara temple as well.
On a random day, we decided to drive towards Kempegowda International Airport with a basic idea to catch the sunset from a nice vantage point. We have explored the Devanahalli fort area on one of our previous day trips and wanted to explore some new places around there. But this time, we had a new family member along with us whose comfort was also meant to be kept in mind while choosing the destination- Our pet dog.
By looking up a little on google, we came across the sunset point from ‘Akkayammana Betta’. We drove up right until its base where we parked our car and unleashed our dog to freely walk up the small hillock with us. The climb up was easy, leading to a welcome arch of the hilltop temple.
We walked further and reached a small temple under a large peepal tree that remained closed at the time of our visit. Beyond that was a large rocky tabletop hill offering a view of the surrounding villages and farms.
While our dog got busy enjoying his time in a puddle of rainwater, we comforted ourselves on the rocky ground watching him enjoy his dip as the sky was prepping itself to see-off the setting sun for the day. Until sunset, the airplanes landing and taking-off at the KempeGowda International airport kept us accompanied. It was a beautiful sunset.
After that, we took a walk from across the hill and passed by a few other smaller shrines at the top before descending towards our car. As we approached the temple arch, I noticed a petty shop that sold some eatables and soft drinks. We took a small snack break and fed biscuits to the stray dogs that had followed us. We reached back to the car before it got dark and headed back towards the city, thus ending a short day-out.
Adi-Chunchanagiri mutt is the spiritual headquarters of the Natha Parampara and Jogi Cult of Hindus of Karnataka. My dad, who had earlier visited this place with his friends, happened to insist on going there again with his family. His intention was not to take us on the spiritual path but rather to introduce us to a hiking path which he found picturesque after having ascended.
One Saturday morning, our family set forth to enjoy this day trip towards Adi-Chunchanagiri. We drove towards Hassan, along an excellent highway until Bellur cross from where we had to take a deviation towards Adi-Chunchanagiri betta (hill) as indicated on google-maps. There on, we enjoyed our drive through the countryside, with traditional homes scattered between vegetable farms, coconut groves, and forest patches of brown boulders and green trees. Google is not always right and that’s why we deviated from the course a little more than necessary until we found the correct track again. But it was the deviation which we enjoyed. We realized that the region is declared as Adi-Chunchanagiri peacock sanctuary. It was no surprise that dozens of peacocks were grazing freely on every other farm, moving around at every turn of the road and everywhere else along our way right until we reached the parking lot at the base of the Adi-Chunchanagiri hill.
The initial approach towards the mutt premises starts with an ascent of about 100 steps leading to the welcome gate/ arch giving a visitor the first glimpse of the main temple. The large doors of the main temple opened into an ambience that felt divine and calm. It is entirely built with stones, and it gives a feeling of being in one of the ancient Dravidian temples though this one was built in modern times. The deities believed to be residing inside and revered highly by the pilgrims here are Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy and Sri Stambhambika (Kambadamma).
After sitting there for some time, we began our ascent towards the peak of the hill. Just after coming out of the main temple, there is a large Ganesha idol sculpted out of the rocky wall of the surrounding. We continued our climb by passing by some smaller temples with a look around offering beautiful views of the green cover.
Scores of people were seen climbing up and down for pilgrimage purposes. The climb to the hilltop is done to see the Panchalingas comprising Gangadhareshwara, Malleshwara, Katthale Someshwara, Gavisiddeshwara and Chandramouleshwara, whose temples or shrines are scattered along the trail leading to the summit. But we were there to hike that hill as a recreational activity for the weekend. We climbed up the steep stairs right up to the top with the trail splitting at random places. My family ended up getting lost from each other’s’ sight and then picked whatever trail lied ahead of us and met each other again at the top. Well, not the peak exactly, but just beneath it.
That’s where I gave up any further climb. The peak point of the hillock is known as Akasha Bhairava. It can be reached by climbing the last bit of the rocky hill which had no stairs but only with the aid of a big, suspended metal chain. It was a straight climb (almost 90 deg. gradient) which included a small jump from one rock to an another. I doubted my ability to descend safely even if I were able to reach the peak. My brother, on the other hand, climbed it up and down with so much ease (and grace) demonstrating that he still possessed his ancestors’ (apes) strongest traits.
After he returned, we all came down towards the main temple where we were guided towards the dining hall. We devoured the delicious temple food before heading back towards Bangalore.
We started back just after lunch to avoid the weekend traffic at Bangalore. But, if you are interested to cover more places in this day, you can google for some of the Hoysala temples along your way and add it into your itinerary.
The Lost Lander 