Explore India - Beaches and tourist spots

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Explore India - Beaches and tourist spots

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03/01/2025

Sighting of tigress with 5 cubs in Tadoba, rarest of the rare sighting 👌
Video courtesy : Unknown friend on WA

03/01/2025

New Year UNEXPECTED! Diljit Dosanjh meets PM Narendra Modi 🔥

03/01/2025

*नासिक.. पंचवटी च्या काळाराम मंदिराचा अचंबित करणारा इतिहास...*

बाजीराव पेशवे मोहिमेवर होते,त्यांनी नासिरजंगाचा पराभव करुन, त्यास शरण येण्यास भाग पाडले.पेशवे पुण्यास परत न येता खरगोण परीसरात गेले. जहागिरीची काही व्यवस् था लावून नर्मदेच्या किनारी रावेरखेडी येथे आले. त्यांना खूप थकवा जाणवत होता.मस्तानीच्या आठवणींनी मन कासावीस होत होते. अंगात ताप असतानाच नदीच्या पाण्यात सूर मारला, प्रचंड भोवऱ्यात सापडले, भोवऱ्यातून बाहेर तर काढले, पण मृत्यूच्या कराल दाढेतून सुटू शकले नाही. बाजीराव पेशव्यांचे ज्येष्ठ पुत्र नानासाहेब पेशवे होते. त्यांची पत्नी गोपिकाबाई, पेशव्यांचे सावकार भिकाजीपंत गोखले( रास्ते) यांची कन्या होती.
शाहू महाराजांनी बाजीराव पेशव्यांच्या मृत्यूनंतर नानासाहेबांना पेशवेपद दिले. गोपिका आता श्रीमंत गोपिकाबाई पेशवे झाल्या. त्यांना विश्वास, माधव, नारायण हे तीन मुले झाली. विश्वासराव पानिपतच्या युध्दात मारला गेला. त्या नंतर थोड्या दिवसातच क्षयाच्या आजाराने नानासाहेबांचा मृत्यू झाला. नानासाहेबांनंतर पेशवेपद कोवळ्या वयात द्वितीय पुत्र माधवरावांना देण्यात आले. माधवराव पेशवे कारभार व्यवस्थित चालवत होते. रघुनाथराव पेशवे नानासाहेबांचे लहान भाऊ होते, ते आधी निजामाला मदत मागायला गेले होते, पण नंतर त्यांनी निजामाशी संबंध तोडून टाकले.निजामानी चिडून माधवराव पेशवे,रघुनाथ पेशवे नसताना पुणे लूटले, पण निजामाला मदत करणारे आप्तस्वकीय म्हणजे मल्हारराव रास्ते, त्यांच्या आईचे सख्खे भाऊ होते, त्यानी त्यांच्या मामांना ५००० रुपये दंड केला. गोपिकाबाई माधवराव पेशव्यांना म्हणाल्या, "तू नात विसरलास!नशीब आपले नाते नाही विसरला!दंड मागे घे!"त्यांना वाटले आपला शब्द मोडण्याची, मुलाची हिंमत होणार नाही. पेशवे म्हणाले, "आम्ही जेव्हा पेशवे पदावर बसून निर्णय देतो, तेव्हा तो पेशव्यांचा निर्णय असतो, त्यावेळेस कोणतही नाते लक्षात घेतले जात नाही".ते त्यांच्या निर्णयावर ठाम राहिले.
"जिथे आमच्या शब्दाला मान नाही, तेथे आम्ही पाणी सुध्दा पिणार नाही. रास्ते घराण्याचा अपमान सहन करणार नाही. आम्ही आता गंगापूर गावी जावून रहाण्याचा निर्णय घेतला आहे."
गोपिकाबाईंचा हट्टी, करारी, स्वाभिमानी स्वभाव माधवरावांना माहित होता.त्यांचा शब्द म्हणजे दगडावरची रेघ. त्यांनी गोपिकाबाईंबरोबर त्यांचे लहान बंधू गंगाधरपंत यांना त्यांच्याबरोबर काळजी घेण्यासाठी पाठवले. त्या नाशिकला निघाल्या तेव्हा माधवराव पेशव्यांचा भावनेचा बांध फुटला. ते हमसाहमशी रडू लागले. पेशवाईचे वैभव सोडून, मुलाला सोडून आई गंगापूर गावी आल्या.
त्र्यंबकेश्वर मंदिराचे बांधकाम श्रीमंत नानासाहेब पेशव्यांनी सुरु करुन ५- ६ वर्षे झाली होती. त्याला पूर्ण होण्यास दहा वर्ष तरी लागणार होती.
नानासाहेबांचे भाऊ, रघुनाथ पेशव्यांना पेशवे पदाची इच्छा होती, ती काही पुरी झाली नाही. ते पुणे सोडून नाशिक जवळच तीन कोस अंतरावर, चावंडस या गोदातीरावरच्या गावी रहायला आले होते. आनंदीबाईंनी गावातील श्री गणेशाला नवस केला होता, "मुलगा होऊ दे ,मोठे मंदिर बांधू". नवस फळास आला, मुलगा झाला. सगळीकडे आनंदीआनंद झाला, म्हणून गावातील लोकांच्या संमतीने रघुनाथरावांनी 'चावंडस' हे गावाचे नाव बदलून 'आनंदवल्ली' ठेवले. आनंदीबाईंच्या नावावरून पण 'आनंदवल्ली' नाव पडले असे मानतात. गावातील श्री. गणपती नवसाला पावतो म्हणून सर्वजण त्या गणपतीला "नवश्या गणपती" म्हणू लागले. गोपिकाबाईंना औषधाची बरीच माहिती होती.
गोपिकाबाई पंचवटीत गेल्या. तेथे त्यांनी लाकडांच्या ओंडक्यांनी व फळ्यांनी बांधलेले प्रभू रामचंद्रांचे लहानसे मंदिर पहावयास मिळाले. आत राम, सीता व लक्ष्मण यांच्यातीन काळ्या पाषाणातील सुबक सुरेख मूर्ती होत्या. त्या त्यांचे बंधू गंगाधर पंतांना म्हणाल्या, "दादा ताबडतोब सरदार रंगराव ओढेकरांना बोलावून घ्या".
थोड्याच वेळात ते तेथे अश्वावर स्वार होऊन हजर झाले. त्या म्हणाल्या, "आम्हाला या मूर्तीबद्दल व मंदिरा बद्दल माहिती हवी आहे"
" बाईसाहेब येथून जवळच तपोवन आहे, नाथपंथी साधूंचे तेथे आखाडे ,झोपड्या आहेत. स्नानासाठी जवळ असलेल्या अरुणा व वरुणा नद्यांच्या संगमावर जातात. संगमावर स्नान करत असतांना एका साधूच्या पायाला कठीण काहीतरी लागले म्हणून त्याने पाण्यात बुडी मारली, तेव्हा स्वयंभू, रामाची मूर्ती व अजून शोध घेतल्यावर सीता, लक्ष्मणाची मूर्ती मिळाल्या. त्यांनी जवळचे ओंडके, फळ्या जमा करुन हे मंदीर उभे केले.
त्या म्हणाल्या, "येथे प्रभू रामचंद्रांचे भव्य मंदिर झाले पाहिजे! "
रंगराव म्हणाले, "त्र्यंबकेश्वराच्या मंदिरा सारखे प्रभू श्रीरामाचे मंदिर येथे उभारु. त्यासाठी लागणारा खर्च आम्ही करु".
रंगराव ओढेकरांना मूळ तंजावरचे होते. छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज यांचे सावत्र बंधू व्यंकोजी महाराज यांच्या दरबारात सरदार होते. ते जेव्हा उत्तरेच्या मोहीमेवर गेले होते तेव्हा त्यांनी तलवारीने पराक्रम तर केलाच, अनेक महाराजांना पराभूत करुन जडजवाहर, संपत्ती हत्ती,,घोड्यावरुन आणले. श्रीमंत माधवराव पेशव्यांनी रंगरावांचा पराक्रम व प्रामाणिकपणा पाहून, त्यातील अर्धी संपत्ती बक्षिसी म्हणून दिली तसेच नासिक परगण्यातील 'ओढा', तसेच कोपरगाव परगण्यातील 'कुंभारी' ही गावही जहागिरी म्हणून बहाल केली. त्यांनी ओढा या गावी भव्य वाडा बांधला.वाडा म्हणजे चारही बाजून भक्कम तटबंदी,
चार भक्कम बुरुज, असलेला किल्लाच. ओढा या गावाला ही भक्कम तटबंदी केलेली आहे.त्यांच्याजवळ २५ हत्ती होते. सन १७७८ मधे, सरदार रंगरावांनी श्रीरामाचे मंदिर बांधण्याची जबाबदारी स्विकारुन कामाला सुरुवातही केली. मोठमोठ्या कढयात दूध उकळायला ठेवून त्यात मोठमोठे दगड टाकायचे, खूप वेळ उकळल्यावर त्याला कारागीर व सरदार रंगराव तपासून पहायचे. कारण प्रत्येक दगडावर कोरीव काम होणार होते. छिन्नी हातोड्यांच्या सहाय्याने कोरीव काम करताना दगड फूट नये म्हणून दगडाची मजबूती तपासून पहात होते. ते दगड आठ कोस दूर असलेल्या रामशेज च्या डोंगरावरून बैलगाड्यांत ठेवत, त्या बैलगाड्या हत्ती ओढत आणत होते.
प्रभू रामचंद्र वनवासातील दिवसात सीतामाई व बंधू लक्ष्मण यासह पर्णकुटी रहायला येण्यापूर्वी याच डोंगरातील गुहेत वास्तव्यास होते. म्हणून त्या डोंगराचे नाव 'रामशेज' पडले.
मंदिराच्या घुमटाचे काम सुरु झाले, तेव्हा घुमटाचा लागणारे कोरीव काम केलेले दगड हत्तीच्या पाठीवरुन बांधकामापर्यंत आणून मग दोराला बांधून वर उचलत होते.दोन कामगार खालून वर आधार देत होते,तर वरती चार कामगार दगड योग्य ठिकाणी ठेवत होते.त्या कामगारांपैकी एक कामगार खाली हत्तीवर कोसळला त्या पाठोपाठ कोरीव काम केलेला दगडही त्याच्या अंगावर कोसळला. त्या कामगाराचा चेंदामेंदा झाला होता.
मंदिराच्या पायाच्या वरती मागील बाजूला दोन हत्तींच्या मूर्ती ठेवलेल्या होत्या त्या काढून एका हत्तीवर त्या कामगाराचा मूर्ती ठेवून त्या कामगाराचा स्मारक बनवले.
मंदिराच्या गाभाऱ्यात कोरीव काम केले आहे.खांबांवर पण सुंदर कोरीव काम केलेले आहे.मंदीराच्या भोवती तटबंदी आहे, पूर्व, दक्षिण उत्तर दरवाजे आहे.
राम, लक्ष्मण व सीतामाई,तिघांच्या तर मूर्त्या होत्या पण हनुमानाची मूर्ती सापडली नव्हती. एका कारागीराने काळ्या दगडातील हनुमानाची मूर्ती घडवली.मंदिरासमोर असलेल्या बैठ्या सभामंडपात हनुमानाची मूर्ती ठेवलेली आहे . सभामंडपात चाळीस खांब आहेत.
मंदिराच्या चारही बाजूने ओवऱ्या बांधलेल्या आहेत.ओवऱ्यांच्या कमानींची कलाकुसर केलेली आहे.मानवजन्म ८४ योनीतून फिरुन प्राप्त होतो म्हणून ओवऱ्या ची संख्या ८४ आहे.चौदा वर्षे रामाला वनवासात रहावे लागले त्याची आठवण म्हणून मंदिरात जाण्यासाठी चौदा पायऱ्या चढून जावे लागते. श्रीराम, सीतामाई व लक्ष्मण यांच्या मूर्तीची जागा अशी ठेवलेली आहे की, मेष व
तूळ संक्रांतीच्या दिवशी सूर्योदयाची कोवळी किरणे प्रभू रामचंद्रांच्या मुखकमलावरच पडतात. रंगराव ओढेकरांनी स्वत:चे त्या काळातील तेविस लाख खर्चून काळ्या पाषाणातून अप्रतिम कलाकुसरीन बारा वर्षे अथक परिश्रम घेऊन "काळाराम मंदिर"उभारलेले आहे. *असे नाशिकचे 'काळाराम मंदिर' १७९० मधे बांधून पूर्ण झाले.*

09/08/2024

Nagchandreshwar temple (Ujjain)

Nagchandreshwar temple (Ujjain) opens once in a year.

There has been a tradition of worshiping snakes in Hindu religion for centuries. In Hindu tradition, snakes are also considered the ornaments of God.

There are many temples of snakes in India, one of them is Nagchandreshwar located in Ujjain, which is situated on the third floor of the famous Mahakal temple of Ujjain.

Its special thing is that this temple is opened for darshan only one day in a year on Nag Panchami (Shravan Shukla Panchami). It is believed that Nagraj Takshak himself lives in the temple.

There is a wonderful Vigraha of the 11th century in Nagchandreshwar temple, in which Shiva and Parvati are sitting on the seat of a snake with its hood spread. It is said that this Vigraha was brought here from Nepal.

There is no such Vigraha anywhere in the world except Ujjain. This is the only temple in the whole world, in which instead of Lord Vishnu, Lord Bholenath is seated on a snake bed.

In the ancient idol installed in the temple, Lord Shiva is seated on a ten-faced serpent bed along with Lord Ganesha and Mother Parvati. Bhujang is wrapped around the neck and arms of Shiva Shambhu.

Serpent king Takshak had performed severe penance to convince Shivshankar. Bholenath was pleased with the penance and gave the boon of immortality to Takshak Nag, the king of snakes.

It is believed that after that Takshak king started living in the company of the Lord.

But before residing in Mahakal forest, his intention was that there should not be any disturbance in his solitude, hence for years it has been the tradition that he is available for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami.

The rest of the time the temple remains closed as per tradition in his honour. After visiting this temple, a person becomes free from any kind of snake defect, hence there is a long queue of devotees outside this temple which opens on the day of Nag Panchami.

This temple is quite ancient. It is believed that Parmar king Bhoj had built this temple around 1050 AD. After this, Maharaj Ranoji Scindia of Scindia family got the Mahakal temple renovated in 1732.

Everyone wishes to get a glimpse of Shivshambhu seated on the king of serpents. More than two lakh devotees visit Nagdev in a single day.

The doors of the temple open at 12 o'clock night before Nagpanchami. On Nagpanchami, Aarti will be held again in the temple at 12 midnight and the doors of the temple will be closed again.

The worship and arrangements of Nagchandreshwar temple are done by the monks of Mahanirvani Akhara.

Separate entry arrangements have been made for the devotees who visit Baba Mahakal and Lord Nagchandreshwar on the festival of Nagpanchami.

Collector perform puja at 12 noon on Nagpanchami. This is a government puja. This tradition has been going on since the princely times wrt Mahakaleshwar Management Committee.

Har Har Mahadev

07/08/2024

Explore the Divine Keshavraj Temple, Dapoli, Maharashtra.

Nestled amidst the exotic wilderness of Dapoli, Keshavraj Temple stands as a stunning testament to the rich cultural heritage of India.
This mystical temple is located in Asud, a quaint village in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. From its intriguing origin story to its breathtaking surroundings, Keshavraj Temple promises a spiritual experience like no other. As you step inside the temple, the architectural brilliance and intricate detail are bound to render you speechless.
The temple's design showcases exquisite carvings, elaborate sculptures and beautifully crafted pillars that narrate tales of ancient mythology. At its centre lies the idol of Keshavraj, a divine avatar of Lord Vishnu, attracting devotees from across the world. Set out on a short trek through the luxuriant green forest dotted with glistening streams to reach the temple.

Step back in time to over 5,000 years ago, when the Pandavas - the legendary figures from the Indian epic Mahabharata, are believed to have erected this magnificent temple. Legends speak of their unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, who appeared before them as Keshavraj. Impressed by the Pandavas' devotion, Lord Vishnu granted them the wish to build a temple that would forever stand as a symbol of their devotion.

What makes the history of Keshavraj Temple all the more remarkable is the legend that it was constructed overnight.
As the story goes, the Pandavas, accompanied by an army of celestial beings, worked tirelessly under the cover of darkness.
They laid the foundation, sculpted intricate carvings, and raised the temple's grand structure, all within the span of a single night. However, other sources say that it was established during the reign of the Peshwas.
Regardless of its origin, this remarkable feat has left historians and architects astounded throughout the ages.

How to Reach Keshavraj Temple

Reaching Keshavraj Temple is a journey that combines both adventure and spirituality. Situated in a serene village, the temple offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you are travelling by air, Pune Airport is the nearest airport to the temple, located about 199 km away. Khed Railway Station is the closest railway station situated at a distance of 34.4 km. Once you reach Asud, take the road leading to the village where the temple is located. Clear sign boards along the way will guide you to the temple. Dapoli City is about 7 km from the temple. Walk along the forest trail comprising 150 to 200 steps to reach the shrine..

Keshavraj Temple, Dapoli is enveloped by the gentle embrace of nature, offering a picturesque setting. Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding gardens and bask in the tranquillity that pervades the air.
Adjacent to the temple, a natural stream cascades down from Gomukh, creating a bathing spot known as Keshav Kund.

Devotees and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the purifying waters, believed to possess divinity. The best time to visit this temple is during festive occasions, when you can witness the vibrant celebrations that bring the temple to life. Colourful processions, enchanting music and traditional dances create an entrancing atmosphere, filling the air with fervour and devotion.

Courtesy: Orchids Hotel

27/07/2024

Digha Beach, West Bengal

Located at a distance of 187 kilometers from Kolkata, the city of Joy, in the Eastern Indian state of West Bengal in India, Digha is a small yet popular beach town on the southern border. Digha beach is a flat beach and is one of the widest sea beaches in the world. It is the best weekend getaway destination for locals and its proximity to the Odisha border also means people from Odisha living close to the border town can hop in here during the weekend.

One of the unique features of Digha is that the beach is lined by casuarina plantations all around making the place more alluring. Surprisingly, there aren’t any coconut trees around Digha beach. Since the beach is shallow and flat for around one mile, it makes a safe option for visitors to take a dip or go swimming in the ocean waters.

History about Digha Beach
It was the Britishers who discovered the tiny beach town during the late 18th century at the time when Warren Hastings was the Governor of Bengal. Hastings was so smitten by the beauty and serenity of the place that he had referred Digha beach to ‘Brighton of the East’ in one of his letters to his wife.

Later, around 1923, when the English tourist John Frank Smith decided to settle in Digha after being charmed by the place, he started promoting it through his articles that he had published about this place. That’s how, the quaint beach town, which was known as Beerkul originally, became the quick getaway option for local tourists. It was John Frank Smith who persuaded the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy to develop Digha as a beach resort town.

About Digha Beach
Old Digha Beach: The old Digha Beach is located 2 kilometers from the Digha Railway Station in East Midnapore district of West Bengal. The old Digha beach is famous for the sunrise and sunset views. When in Digha, it is a must to visit the Digha Beach market and you would find numerous souvenir shopping options from home décor items to fashion accessories to clothes, bags, jewelry made out of sea shells and all kinds of sea stones.

Regarding the food, Digha has got enough options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, restaurants offer delicacies ranging from fast food to local authentic cuisine to multi cuisine.

New Digha Beach: The New Digha Beach is an extension of the Old Digha Beach, created artificially, and is located at a distance of 2 kilometers from Old Beach. The sands of New Digha are soft sands and it is recommended to visit the beach before 9:00 PM for your own safety.

Because of its proximity to the old beach, you may simply walk to the New Digha Beach from the Old Digha beach. This beach is less crowded than old beach, has easy accessibility and larger expanse and is hence preferred by most visitors looking for a secluded and more peaceful place.

23/06/2024

Buniyar Temple, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir.

Buniyar is located at a distance of 22 km from Baramulla on Baramulla Uri road. This place is famous for an ancient stone temple, known as Buniyar Temple.

The temple was the last to be constructed by the rulers of the Avantivarman dynasty in the 12th century. It retains most of the features of the larger (and more famous) temples in Kashmir.
This temple was partly damaged by the raiders in the year 1947.
The temple had since deteriorated. It was of course, painted red after restoration. A few other changes were also made.

The name Buniyar must have come from Bhawani, name of goddess.

The main temple is quadrangle and measures 145 feet by 120 feet, with a 14 feet square interior and stands on a double base. The outer periphery of the temple is about 27 feet. Around the quadrangle is a wall having 53 cells and the gateway. Each cell measures 7 feet by 4 feet, with space on the inner side, probably kept for images. The roof is hollowed out into a hemispherical dome, of which centre is decorated with an expanded lotus flower. Buniyar temple is the only temple in Kashmir, built in granite stone of whitish colour.

Buniyar Temple stands as a testament to the Kashmir valley’s rich history of art, culture, heritage and the religious shift through the centuries. Often hailed as one of the best preserved monument of Kashmiri heritage, this ancient temple offers a glimpse into the bygone era of the valley’s cultural and religious traditions.

Buniyar Mandir has a very special light and sound show in the Army's Dagger Heritage Complex adjoining the temple.

Window to Kashmir’s Soul.

Visiting the Buniyar Temple, Indian Army’s Dagger Division Heritage Complex and witnessing the light and sound show is more than just sightseeing; it’s an immersive experience into the heart and soul of Kashmir. It’s a journey through time, art, religion, faith and the legacy of the brave souls who fought to defend the honour and territorial integrity of our great nation, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique cultural heritage and history. So, if you ever find yourself in Kashmir, make sure to include this timeless treasure on your itinerary… you won’t be disappointed!

The primary goal of the Light and Sound Show is to offer an Immersive and educational experience for tourists. Utilizing cutting-edge Laser technology, the show will unfold the fascinating history of Jammu & Kashmir, weave the narrative of Boniyar Temple’s architectural brilliance and underscore the indelible contributions of the Indian Army. From the Battles of 1947-48 to modern-day humanitarian efforts, the show aims to encapsulate the diverse historical journey of the region. The light and sound show has been envisioned by the Pir Panjal Brigade of the Indian Army and financially sponsored by Mr. Punit Balan of ‘Punit Balan Studios Private Limited, Pune. The show’s infrastructure is designed to ensure both functionality and comfort for visitors. State-of-the-art Light modules, projectors, and fibre optics will be employed to produce captivating visual displays synchronized with narrations. In case of inclement weather, an Audio-Visual documentary will serve as an informative alternative.

Do enjoy the goosebumps Light and sound show in ur visit to Kashmir.

Note : Travel after Amarnath Yatra due to traffic restrictions

01/05/2024

Train to Kashmir

Train from Katra Railway station to Kashmir opened for public..

Chenab bridge track and Electrification is only left now.

An engineering marvel - one of the greatest development of the past 70 years that will join Jammu with Kashmir thru Rail network.

10/04/2024

*Kashmir: A 'Heaven on Earth'.._(Conditions Apply)*

Kashmir is witnessing an unprecedented rush of tourists. Every single hotel is fully booked. All tourist spots are teeming with hordes of tourists. At some places, even walking is difficult. Surprisingly, most of the tourists were of higher age groups.
Apparently, every Indian is keen to get a first-hand experience of the changed environment. All were happy to observe that J&K had been rescued from the abyss in which it had been sliding.
CRPF personnel are doing an admirable job through regular patrolling, to instil confidence in the populace.
The natural beauty of the valley is unparalleled. It is truly a heaven on earth...but then…whereas the Centre has made immense efforts to promote tourism, the local administration has failed miserably. It appears to have washed its hands off all the responsibilities.

Here are the grey areas which we felt that desperately need correction:

*Dal Lake*

The Dal Lake desperately needs dredging and cleaning up. The water has become dark black in colour. To live in the House Boats is hell because of the foul smell of the water and mosquitoes.
And one is literally trapped on the boats as you cannot go anywhere without the Shikara.
The gates for getting into the Shikara and the steps need urgent attention - they are slippery and broken at places.

*Mughal Gardens*

The garden is under renovation. Sadly, the upkeep and maintenance are not up to the mark. At many places, the steps need urgent repairs. There are no railings. Toilets are too far away and poorly kept. There is always a local goon demanding money for their use. There are no garbage bins. At one garden, security staff at the entry gate was retaining the entry tickets for recycling, thereby pocketing the money.

*Doodhpathari*

Although an excellent tarred road exits, taxies are stopped 2 km short of the tourist spot (Shaliganga river site) and the tourists are asked to get down. They are given three options to reach the site – walk both-ways in high-altitude area (8,957 feet); or hire a pony, by paying the demanded charges; or ride an ATV (a four wheeled all-terrain vehicle) for a fee of Rs 1,000-1,500 per person. With a single pillion rider straddled behind the driver, it is is an adventure and only the young can dare. As all the three options are unviable for most tourists, especially the elderly, they never reach the river site. The State Government is guilty of succumbing to the local hoodlums and thereby depriving the tourists of reaching Doodhpathari.

*Sonmarg*

It is an example of human ingenuity to mint money at the cost of others’ helplessness. The area was teeming with thousands of tourists. Heavy snowfall had covered the ground with a thick white blanket and the tourists were enjoying playing in the snow. However, lack of basic facilities made the visit a nightmare for most. There were no toilets at all. A few enterprising hotels had erected a tent in their backyard with a solitary pot, common for men and women. Even the path to the tent was terribly slippery, as it had not been cleared of snow. Users had to pay Rs 10 each. As it was freezing cold, the queues were long and the wait unbearable for some. It defies logic as to why the local authorities cannot build adequate toilet facilities.

*Pahalgam*

It is around 90 kms from Srinagar. Srinagar taxies are not allowed to take tourists to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari. They have to hire a local taxi-union cab for Rs: 2,000. Thus, the tourists end up paying for two taxies – one, that they had brought from Srinagar (lying idle in Pahalgam) and the second one from the local union. Although the whole circuit is scheduled to take about 4-5 hrs, the local union drivers keep hurrying up the tourists to save time for the second trip. Worse, they never take the tourists to Chandanwari, stopping few km short and turning back. It is outright cheating. They charge for Chandanwari but go just one Km beyond Betaab Valley. There are no officials or policemen to help. The local drivers unite to act as bullies. All through the above trip, we did not come across a single toilet or a garbage bin or parking areas. It is chaos all around.

*Gulmarg*

It is around 60 kms from Srinagar. It is a beautiful place, famous for its gondola and the ski slopes. On reaching the place, one is attacked by hordes of guides, ponywalas and other vendors. Once again, to visit Bhutaphatri and the Maharaja Palace, one has to hire a local union taxi for Rs: 2500 as Srinagar taxies are not allowed to go there. Gondola tickets are sold on line. Mysteriously, they get sold out within minutes of the opening of sale. A ride in a gondola, is an experience of a lifetime. One is mesmerised by the sheer expanse of the glaciers. Last year gondolas hosted over 10 Lakh riders.
There are long queues for gondola, entailing wait for up to three hours. There were no shelters or benches for the tourists. Even the snow had not been cleared. Tourists had to hold hands to prevent slipping and falling. One is angered at the callousness of the administration. They make no effort to ensure safety and comfort of the tourists.

As Kashmir has recently emerged from the decades-long turmoil, it enjoys high curiosity
quotient. Understandably, tourists are rushing to Kashmir in lakhs. But beware.
All tourist places in Kashmir, are in mountainous/high-altitude areas, where the weather remains unpredictable. Bright sun-shine can suddenly turn into heavy rains or snowfall and even blizzards. Not one place has any shelter or benches for such eventualities. There are no rescue teams or medical aid posts. The Government has promoted Kashmir in a big way but infrastructure has not matched with the requirements.Are we going to wake up from the slumber only after a major tragedy.

The Government must get its act together and make sure that the tourists are not used as easy
prey by the local goons that dominate the tourism business in the *‘Heaven on Earth’*

Dayanand Nene

05/04/2024

𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗠 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗻𝗮𝗱𝘂 𝗼𝗻 Udaynidhi Stalin 🔥

Ji: Who is Udhayanidhi Stalin? Just take away his father's and grandfather's names, and he is absolutely nothing.

Here in , there are so many private companies, and I can challenge you that with his qualifications, will not get a watchman job as he is purely unfit for anything. If he gets the watchman job in any private company, then I am ready to quit politics.

He is an unfit man to talk about the great man and PM of our country, where he has seen many leaps and bounds and such a journey to reach this position.

Who is Udhayanidhi Stalin? Someone who was running behind actr£s* and threatened to attempt su!c!de if at all not getting married to a particular actr**, and also someone who said I would never ever enter politics and later joined politics in his grandfather and father's quota, and now he talks as if people were literally dying to see him in politics.

05/04/2024

Gulmarg

(Part 2)

Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of flowers”. Gulmarg is located 60 KMs away from Srinagar which is an hour and half journey by car.

Gulmarg has attracted millions of tourists throughout its existence with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the back drop.

One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world. The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft.

When we reach Gulmarg we feel the beauty of the breathtaking view. Mountains peaks covered with snow, and tall pine trees and a larg golf field. It gives a feeling that we have reached the Heaven of Earth.

The Gondola ropeway ride is very nice but we have to book the advance gondola ride ticket to avoid large rush during this peak time.
There are two stages of Gondola ride. Most of the people use it up to first stage only. After reaching at first stage you have to change the Gondola for second stage to reach about 10,000 feet height. This is the highest reachable place in Gulmarg. From here you can see the whole beauty's of Gulmarg.

Tourists can enjoy horse Riding and can go riding to the magnificent “Strawberry Valley” , Leopards Valley and ride up to “Kongdori” to see the frozen lake of “Al- Pathar”.

Gulmarg in winter is a magnificent experience, fully covered in a white blanket of Snow which turns it into a skiers paradise. The natural slopes here are untouched and prove to be a challenge to ace skiers! Besides the scenic side to Gulmarg, winter time in Gulmarg is a season of festivities with celebrations of “White Christmas” and New Year parties.

Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently.
The old name of Gulmarg was “Gaurimarg”, the name of Lord Shiva’s wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.

03/04/2024

Srinagar - Gulmarg - Sonamarg

Heaven on Earth

Part 1 : Sonamarg

With stunning chinar trees, crystal-clear lakes, and misty mountains, Kashmir truly lives up to its title of being the ‘Paradise on Earth’. Blessed with implausible natural beauty, there are a number of popular tourist attractions in this Indian state. Although it is very difficult to choose, Srinagar, Pahalgam,Gulmarg and Sonmarg are definitely among the best places to visit in Kashmir.

Situated at an altitude of 2730 meters, Sonmarg is anastoundingly beautiful hill station in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, and it enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year.

Adorned with majestic Himalayan glaciers, meadows, dense forests, and towering mountain peaks, itis an ideal holiday destination for every kind of traveller. Whether you want to spend some time admiring nature’s beauty, indulge in some adventure sports or enjoy an authentic Kashmiri meal, this is just the right place to be.

If you have enough time, you can plan a week-long vacation and cover Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg,and Srinagar all at once as all these places offer different things to visitors. To plan a fun-filled vacation, you can book a tour package that includes Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Srinagar, along with other popular destinations. Or, if your schedule does not give you enough time to explore all these places, you can also choose a Gulmarg-Sonmarg tour package.

Let’s dive deeper and discuss how to plan an unforgettable trip from Gulmarg to Sonmarg:

Best Time to Visit
Sonmarg is a destination that you can visit at any time of the year as it offers different facets in different seasons.

Summers (March to June)
With temperatures ranging between 15 and 30°C, the weather remains pleasant during these months. This is the best time to visit Sonmarg as the valley gets adorned with beautiful flowers and you get a chance to witness natural beauty at its best. At this time, the weather is suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities, so you can also indulge in various adventure sports like mountain biking and trekking.

How to Reach
Being a popular tourist destination, Sonmarg offers decent connectivity to other parts of the country.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Srinagar, located at a distance of approximately 70 km. You can easily find daily flights to Srinagar International Airport from allmajor Indian cities. Once you reach there, take a private taxi to get to Sonmarg.

By Road: Sonmarg is well-connected toGulmarg and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir via road. The distance between Gulmarg and Sonmarg is approximately 124 km, and you can either use a tourist bus or hire a private taxi to get there.

By Train: Located at a distance of 51 km, Srinagar railway station is the nearest to Sonmarg. You can easily find direct trains to Srinagar from all major cities in India. Once you reach there, the best way to get to Sonmarg is by hiring a private taxi.

With plenty of tourist attractions, Sonmarg is a place that offers something for everyone. Here is a list of all the must-visit places to make your trip from Gulmarg to Sonmarg a memorable affair.

1. Thajiwas Glacier
Situated at an altitude of 9,186 feet, Thajiwas Glacier is the main highlight of this hill station. This place is famous as the hub for various kinds of adventure activities, along with trekking. In addition to this, it also offers breathtakingly beautiful views of its surroundings. So, whether you want to admire the natural vistas or are interested in any adventure sport, such as hiking, trekking, etc., this is a place you shouldn’t miss.

2. Batlal Valley
The 3km-long Baltal Valley is a major tourist attraction near Sonmarg. Located at a small distance of 4 km from the hill station, this flat and wide valley also serves as the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra. This idyllic spot gives you a chance to enjoy mesmerising views of the snow-clad mountains that surround it.

3. Zero Point
It is a snow-covered spot on the way to Zoji La Pass, located 25 km away from Sonmarg. This is the starting point of Ladakh on the Srinagar highway. Visiting Zero Point is an experience of a lifetime because of the astounding views you get to enjoy throughout the journey. You can see how beautiful the huge valleylooks with a snake-like river cutting through it. Also, the mountains turn from bright green to a dry brown as you get closer to zero point.

4. Satsar Lake
As the name suggests, Satsar Lake originates from the confluence of seven small alpine lakes. Situated at an elevation of 3,610 meters, thislake is surrounded by beautiful meadows and misty hills of the Himalayas. Because of the picturesque views it offers, this place has also gained huge popularity as a camping site. This is a place you should definitely visit on your trip from Gulmarg to Sonmarg.

5. Vishansar Lake
Situated at an elevation of 3,710 meters, Vishansar Lake is an alpine oligotrophic lake. It has a maximum length of 1 km and a maximum width of 0.6 km.This lake freezes during winters, but in the summer season, itremains surrounded by green grass and becomes home to some rare migrant bird species. Along with Krishansar Lake, this is also a part of the Great Lake Trek.

6. Nilagrad River
With a scenic setting, this is one of the most popular picnic spots in Sonmarg. Located at an approximate distance of 6 km from Sonmarg, this river is famous for its reddish water which is believed to have some rare medicinal properties.

7. Zoji La Pass
Zoji La, a high-altitude mountain pass, is one of the major tourist attractions in Sonmarg. Located on the Indian National Highway 1D, this thrilling mountain pass connects Srinagar to Leh. It is one of the thinnest roads in the world with hairpin bends and rocky terrain, which also makes it one of the most challenging passes in the world. During the winter season, this road gets blocked due to snowfall. But if you are going from Gulmarg to Sonmarg in the summer season, you can definitely plan an adventurous day trip to the Zoji La pass.

(Veena's Blog)

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