Thursday, August 3, 2023

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Sunday, March 13, 2022

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Bharatpur Travel Blogs . . . .

History of Bharatpur National Park


Bharatpur National Park is an artificial wetland which was used as a hunting ground by the royals. The park gets its name, Keoladeo from Keoladeo Temple located inside the boundary. It comprises of woodlands, swamps, wetlands, dry grasslands and others. Apart from the 350+ local species, you can find thousands of migration birds that visit during winter.






How to Reach Bharatpur National Park




The park is located in Rajasthan, which can be easily scaled from any state of the country. The nearest airport to Bharatpur is located in Jaipur and Delhi. You can hire a cab, train or bus from Jaipur or Delhi to Bharatpur. Jaipur is 3 hours away from Bharatpur and Delhi is 5 hours away from Bharatpur (car drive).

Bharatpur train station receives frequent train from surrounding areas. You can also find luxury trains halting at the station. If you are looking for luxury travel option, you ought to choose any luxury train that covers Bharatpur like Heritage Palace on Wheels, Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express and others.
Delhi and Bharatpur – 180 km
Agra and Bharatpur – 55 km
Mathura and Bharatpur – 35 km
Jaipur and Bharatpur – 178 km


Best Time to Visit Bharatpur National Park




The best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is during winter. Winter starts in October and ends in March. The winter provides a pleasing climatic condition. During the day, the temperature varies between 23 degrees and 26 degrees C. Warm clothing will be handy and wear caps covering up to your ear if you are visiting in the morning. Winter also attracts many migration birds to this region for breeding and escaping cold climate.

If you are visiting the park solely for photography, the best time to visit is from December to February. During this period, the region has light mist, which provides a moody background for the photos. January mornings will be too foggy and the mist will clear only by afternoon. Choose your timings with regards to the climate.
November and March will have the good climatic condition but spotting a migration bird will be rare.
Rainy season starts in July and ends in September. This is the worst time to visit the park. Spotting animals or birds during this season is very rare. You can find many fishes, reptiles and amphibians during this season.
Summer starts in March and ends in June. Although spotting birds is easier in this season, migration birds will not be found in the park during summer. During the summer, it is easier to spot birds near the water bodies.


Things to do in Bharatpur National Park




There are lots of things to do in Bharatpur National Park. You can scale the park on a cycle, cycle rickshaw or a horse carriage. You can also choose to scale the place on foot.



1. Walking


The Park has a paved path for walking tourists. The path stretches for 11 km. During the first five kilometres, you will spot almost all birds (during tourism season). You will find a canteen a little beyond five kilometres. If you choose walking, remember that it is not easy to scale the place on foot for amateur trekkers. 



2. Cycle


You can rent a cycle for INR 100 per cycle per day. You can enjoy the park at your own pace. Photographers who want lone time to shoot perfect shots usually seek this option.


3. Cycle Rickshaw

If you are carrying heavy equipment, cycle rickshaw is a good option. You can hire a rickshaw for INR 100 per hour. The rickshaw pullers are as knowledgeable as the best guide, the park could provide. However, the puller will be versed in the local language only. If you are visiting the park in groups more than 10, you ought to hire a guide. Costa guide is INR 250 per hour.


4. Horse Carriage

If you are travelling with your family, it is better to consider the carriage. It costs INR 150 per hour and it is best for those who want to cover the park as soon as possible.


5. Sunrise Point

Sunrise point is a viewpoint found near the entrance of the park. This is the best place to click pictures of birds against the rising sun. Sunset point is the most crowded spot in the park. You can find many birds here and if lucky, you might spot the Indian Darter here during sunset.


6. Shopping

Gift centre is located at the entrance of the park. You can find many books related to wildlife, theme tees, postcards, magnets and other simple souvenirs.
The caveat in the park is open from 10 in the morning until 5 in the evening. This is a must-visit place for photographers.


Top Animals and Birds to Spot in Bharatpur National Park

Topwater birds to spot in this park are endangered Siberian Crane, Indian Darter, Indian Saurus crane, heron, cormorants, storks, migrant ducks, common teal, gadwall, shoveler, knob-billed duck, Indian shag, white spoonbill, green sandpiper, common sandpiper, oriental ibis and others. If you visit during the tourism season, you can watch the courtship dance of sarus crane in the park.


Top land birds to spot are babblers, bee-eaters, buntings, gulls, warblers, osprey, short-toed eagle, greater spotted eagle, crested serpent eagle, sea eagle and others.


There are only 27 mammals found in the park. Top mammals to spot are Nilgai, chital deer, white sambar, Indian porcupine, small Indian mongoose, jungle cat, fishing cat, Asian palm civet, smooth coated otter and others.


If you visit during the peak rainy season, you can spot many fishes in the water bodies. You can also spot snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs and other species near the water bodies.




Accommodation in the Bharatpur National Park

You can find Ashoka Forest Lodge and Shanti Kutir inside the park, which is open to tourists. It is better to pre-book accommodations if you are choosing the accommodation inside the park. Bird Watching tour, bonfire, guided tour and other facilities are made by hotels outside the park too. You can find a range of accommodation options in Bharatpur, near the park.


Saturday, March 2, 2019

Best Place To Visit In Rajasthan


Jaipur – The Pink City

 

 

So the pink city and the capital of Rajasthan is the largest in the state. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is one of the most popular places to see in Rajasthan and even in India, for that matter. A long list of historic and heritage monuments, swift connectivity from major cities and an amazing city plan where all the streets of the city run from east to west – Jaipur is a marvel to be at.

Best time to visit: All through the year, avoid summers for the days are extremely hot.

Major attractions in Jaipur: City Palace, Amber Fort and Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Birla Mandir.

Things to do in Jaipur: Go for a desert safari, shop for Rajasthani crafts, textiles, and gems
Here is a list of places in Jaipur that you must consider when you visit Udaipur next time for a heartwarming holiday!



                                                   The City Palace


Famed for being the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Cit Mahal includes the Mubarak Mahal and the Chandra Mahal which are popular for their excellent architecture. The ruler of Amber, Jay Singh II built the palace complex between 1729 and 1732. Located in the heart of the Pink city, the palace has a museum in it which you should definitely visit while you are exploring Jaipur.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Kumbh Mela 2019: A Pocket Guide To Know Everything About The Grand Indian Fair!

Celebrated 4 times over a time span of 12 years, Kumbh Mela in India is nothing less than a festival itself. Pilgrims and believers of Hindu religion attend this famous occasion which marks a significant period as per the Hindu calendar too. Sadhus, Naga Sadhus and hermits mark the beginning of this renowned fair with their entrance on horses and elephants as they come in groups of many alike.

About Kumbh Mela 2019

Being a major ritual, the bathing ritual at Kumbh Mela has an importance of its own and several pilgrims and people belonging to this faith join together for this prime reason itself. So, here’s a quick catch-up with the Kumbh Mela 2019 schedule that this auspicious bathing becomes even more special as per the religion beliefs.

  • 15 Jan: Makar Sakranti
  • 21 Jan: Paush Purnima
  • 4 Feb: Mauni Amvasya
  • 10 Feb: Basant Panchami
  • 19 Feb: Maghi Purnima
  • 4 Mar: Mahashivratri             

    Best Things To Do In Kumbh Mela

    The opening of this major festive fair is marked by Peshvai or Praveshai, where people are welcomed from all over the world, marking the beginning of the auspicious mela. At the beginning itself, the saints arrive here in huge groups and a procession is carried on in honour of this occasion.

    1. Tourist Walks

    Organised by the government, tourist walks have a unique significance as they let you explore the various parts of a region including the renowned temples and forts. In the Sangam walk, arranged for the tourists visiting Allahabad, you will get an opportunity to visit Bade Hanumanji Temple, Patalpuri Mandir, Akshya Vat, Allahabad fort, and Ram Ghat. As tempting as it may sound to the traveller in you, another option of the Prayagraj Walk also remains to attract the visitors from across the country, which includes Allahabad Museum, Public Library and Swaraj Bhawan in the tour.
  •  
  • 2.Cultural Events
  • Witnessing the rich culture and heritage that our country possesses, people from all over India visit this renowned fair which will consist of 5 main pandalas of series of several events. You will get to see some spectacular musical performance along with some traditional folk dances on a regular basis from January 2019. If you wish to have a spiritual experience here at the site, make sure you visit the Pravachan pandal where certain events of the like will take place.

     

    3. Waterways

     Indulging in a serene water boat or ferry experience is surely something you can try to soothe your soul at this pilgrim occasion. As organised by the Inland Waterways Authority Of India, you can take a ferry ride close to the Sangam Ghat in the Yamuna river. Starting from Sujawan Ghat, moving towards the Boat Club Ghat, this ferry ride will end at Kila Ghat. This is surely one of those things that let you soak in the blissful vibes of the place around while you get to witness many sites on these ghats.

     

    4. Thematic Gates

    In order to be able to navigate your way through this giant fair, and to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this glorious fair, government has also instilled several thematic gates, that you shouldn’t miss while you’re out and about in this place. These gates are known to have been strategically placed and with every gate having a unique identity, you're surely amazed at these cultural creations installed this year. It is also made sure that such gates can be reused after this year’s fair.

     

    5. Laser Light Show

    Among various other things to see and do around the festive fair, this laser light show has been organized by the government this year for all the visitors to experience a unique laser and sound theme at this site. What’s more, is that this is one of a kind and is surely going to be an amazing experience at a place like this. If you’re looking for a different experience than the one you’ve had here before, try this show and make sure you book well in advance to avoid any hassle later on.

     

    Accommodations Around And At Kumbh Mela

    With so many options to choose from, in and around this mela, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The best way to decide is to keep in mind the budget and experience that you wish to have.

    1. Tents 

    The Kumbh Mela organizers have provided several tent accommodation options at the site itself and you may not worry about traveling from a far off place to visit the mela. You can choose from Kalpa Vriksh, Kumbh Canvas, Vedic Tent City and Indraprastham city which have all the basic amenities including a well appointed tent and washrooms.

    Tariff: Starting from INR 2500 onwards excluding the meals

     

    2. 3-Star Hotels

    If your budget is not very high and you don’t wish to stay in a tent, this is the best you can opt for. Be it a one night stay or a week long visit to this renowned place, some of the best options include Hotel Kshipra Dham and OYO rooms nearby. These also come with basic facilities but will also allow you for some privacy and a space of your own. You can also choose better hotel options with packages starting from INR 5,500 for a one night stay in the Allahabad city.

    Tariff: Starting from INR 1500 onwards

     

    3. 4-Star Hotels

    Even though the tents in themselves will provide you a luxury experience with some of them located in a way to provide 3D views of the site, if you’re opting for a 4 star hotel you can surely book one in Allahabad while planning your next visit to Kumbh Mela in 2019. The Legend in Allahabad offers a decent 4 star accommodation, along with free Wifi, shared lounge and a garden on the property. They also provide car-rental services if you wish to opt for one.

    Tariff: Starting from INR 7029 onwards

     

    How To Reach Kumbh Mela

    The nearest city to Kumbh Mela that is well connected to all major cities in India, is Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. So, scroll down to know what are your options to reach this famous fair this year!

    By Air

    The Allahabad domestic airport is operational only for the domestic flights, connecting to a very limited number of cities in the country. The other airports, namely Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi and Amausi International Airport in Lucknow are better options as they connect the major cities across India. However, you will have to take a cab from the airport to reach the Kumbh Mela as there is not direct flight to the destination.

    By Train

    While there are 10 main railway stations connecting Allahabad to the main cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, one can surely select the best train option for a smooth journey till Allahabad city. These railway options include Allahabad Chheoki, Naini Junction, Allahabad Junction and Prayag Junction. During this festive occasion, temporary railway stations are made available to facilitate pilgrims to reach the final destination conveniently.

     

    By Road

    Allahabad is the central point connecting major highways and national ones to reach Ujjain. Some of the routes you can take include NH2 running across the city and NH27 leading to Mangawan in Madhya Pradesh. While NH96 and NH28 connect two major cities of Allahabad and Ayodhya, you can also opt for tourism buses or interstate buses.

     

     


     

     

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Manali: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Manali is an amidst the mountain slopes, with spell-binding views, charming streams, fairy-tale-like fog surrounding little-hidden cottages and a lingering scent of pines and freshness. The heavy influx of tourists has led to the exploitation of Manali as a tourist destination, though the surrounding areas are still relatively untouched. Nevertheless, this is one place that should definitely be on your bucket list.

When to Go


Whether to escape from blistering heat or enjoy the white winters, here's a monthly breakup of Manali's climatic conditions so that you can plan accordingly:

September to February – The monsoons draw to an end in September and winter starts setting in from October. The temperature in winter months can go down to -1 °C, so make sure you carry enough woollens to keep yourself warm.

December ends to January – a time to enjoy snowfall and the spectacular scenic white views of the surrounding mountains, making it a favourite with the honeymooners. This is the ideal time for adventure enthusiasts who want to go skiing.

March to June –  Summer steps in from March but the weather is still pleasant. The temperatures during these summer months usually vary between 10°C to 25°C, so you might still need light woollens during the night. This is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities such as paragliding, rafting, trekking and mountain adventures in the Solang Valley. This is also the time when the region’s flora is in full bloom lending it the most pristine natural beauty.

July to August –  Monsoons in Manali can be tricky as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can also sometimes lead to landslides. But considering a lot of tourists don’t prefer to travel during this time, the prices of hotels tend to drop.

Must See

 


Solang Valley – Solang Valley is quiet and is best approached by road. The drive up to Solang is extremely picturesque. Once you are there, try out some Chinese food from the local roadside shacks, and enjoy the views.

Old Manali – Swaying eucalyptus, lovely roads, sweet little eateries, small kitschy marketplaces, and cafes that serve your favourite continental food at unbelievably low prices, the serenity of Old Manali is only disturbed by twittering birds and the sound of the gushing waters of the Kullu River.

Rohtang Pass – a beautiful and popular spot in Manali with more than 25 lakh visitors every year. In winter, the mountains at the Rohtang Pass are completely covered in snow and it is impossible to get there. Hence, the pass remains closed during winters (from October) and generally opens again in May.

Naggar Castle - Located in Naggar Town, amidst breathtaking forested hills, the Naggar Castle is a magnificent historical edifice. Once the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, this castle is an amalgamation of European and Himalayan architecture. Fireplaces, fitting staircases, and magnificent stone and wood works grace the castle's interiors.

Manu Temple – this religious edifice is visited by countless devotees every year. Legends have it that Manu saved the holy Vedas and the seven sages from the great flood and subsequently made Manali his home. A visit to this revered temple will definitely leave you mentally and spiritually rejuvenated.

Things to Do


Trekking – Manali is an absolute delight for adventurers looking to take on the jagged hills. A great base camp for treks, Manali’s Mountaineering Institute offers several types of high altitude hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Yoga-Trekking is another unique concept which combines spiritual wellness with physical well-being and has become a rage among both adventure and spirituality seekers.

Skiing – A thrill for adventure lovers while touring Manali, as they can indulge in some high adrenaline skiing sessions in the snow-clad mountains that surround the hill station. Want something even more thrilling? Go for heli-skiing or yak-skiing to make your experience unforgettable.

River-Rafting – The River Beas comes across as a perfect avenue for adventurers to indulge in some exhilarating rafting action amidst grade II and III rapids. Get your adrenaline pumping with water adventure activities such as canoeing, kayaking and of course, white water rafting.

Zorbing – Zorbing, a one-of-its-kind adventure sport wherein a person is slid into a huge transparent plastic zorb ball which is then rolled down a mountain slope. It is surely not to be missed while in Manali.

Himalayan Caravan Adventure – From trekking to paragliding, mountain biking, jeep safaris and rafting, Himalayan Caravan Adventure offers you many adventure activities. With customised tours and tailor-made holiday packages, this company attracts countless adventure-seekers every year.

Places to Eat


Casa Bella Vista – Amidst the lush panoramas of Manali is a cosy café named Casa Bella Vista that serves lip-smacking Spanish and Italian dishes. Gorge on their freshly baked, hand-tossed thin-crust wood oven pizza with a pint of chilled beer or your favourite cocktail.

Café 1947 – This vintage and traditional Italian café hails to be the first music café in Manali and is located on the banks of the River Manalsu. Relish your meal, read a book, play your favourite tunes or even start up an impromptu gig, Café 1947 will surely be a part of some of your best moments in Manali.
        
Dylan’s Toasted Roaster – Originally known as Double Vision, the café had a wall dedicated to Bob Dylan’s portrait. Bob Dylan’s fans and music lovers loved it so much that they coined a new name for the café and hence it was called the Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted.

Khyber – A multi-cuisine restaurant, Khyber serves delectable Chinese, Continental, Indian and Mughlai cuisines. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the booths are a good place to huddle.

Johnson’s Bar and Restaurant – Johnson's Bar & Restaurant is a charming Italian joint in Manali. The restaurant boasts of a talented Italian chef, good food and a well-stocked bar that serves a good selection of wines, liquors, exotic cocktails and shooters.

How to Reach

 

By Air – The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, located approximately 50 kilometres away from Manali. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh. Once at the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi to Manali. However, owing to weather conditions, flights are not the most reliable option for getting to or out of Manali.

By Bus – Manali is very well-connected to important tourist destinations like Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala and New Delhi by means of a network of state-run as well as private buses. The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometres, and it is advisable to book your tickets in the air-conditioned Volvo coaches, as the buses are more comfortable than ordinary ones, keeping in mind the long distance of the journey.

By Road/ Self Drive – The drive up to Manali is simply breath-taking! You can catch scenic glimpses of the adjoining mountains and valleys from almost every turn that the twisty uphill road throws you. Though a lot of tourists prefer a self-drive up to Manali, it is advisable to hire a taxi in case you are not comfortable with driving in mountainous regions.

Drawing swarms of wandering wayfarers from all around the country (and the world), Manali, which is now a prominent tourist town came up as a business route to Ladakh and further beyond. So be it family, friends, that special someone, or all alone, Manali has something for everyone.