Majestic Mountains

The Dhauladhar Range as seen from Triund, Himachal Pradesh

Looking at this scene you can never imagine that there were hundreds of school students also camping at the same site. Thankfully the site was so big that we were in a different corner and not much affected.

But when we were walking back a lot of children were coming down too. The path is narrow and we walked in close company for quite some distance. There was no way I could not here what they were chatting about. The boys invariably discussed cricket and the girls makeup and hairstyles. I somehow was disappointed.

Sky Watch Friday- Another Sunset at Ilaka, Near Triund

Sunset at Ilaka, above Triund, Himachal Pradesh, India

See more fabulous skies at Skywatch Friday

Global Product, Local Delive

Supply of Coke, Maggi and the like to the tea Shop at Ilaka near Triund, Himachal Pradesh

PS. Those of you who wonder why so little content on this blog these days, the reason is very cute.

Friday Flowers- Iris from the Himalayas

Iris Flowers, clicked while trekking around Triund, Himachal Pradesh

Crossing the Line!

Literally Crossing the Line- Kalka Railway Station, Kalka

Lazy Sunday Photo- Spiti

The Sound of Silence, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Himalayan Bulbul at Barog

A Himalayan Bulbul at Barog, Himachal Pradesh

The bread that you see in the picture was a deliberate attempt to attract birds. It was part of our breakfast but turned out to be quite stale. I threw it out and waited a little far away to see if a bird would come looking for it as food. Sure enough this Bulbul came and posed for me. Later a cat took the bread piece away.

Taksal- The Curious Name for a Railway Station

Taksal Station on the Kalka Shimla Route

I was wondering why the railway station got a name which means 'minting money.' Wikipedia has a partial answer about the name Taksal. I think this is the first station that we cross while traveling from Kalka to Shimla.

Lazy Sunday Photo- Tea Shop at Ilaka above Triund

Tea Shop at Ilaka above Triund, Himachal Pradesh

Friday is for Flowers- Violet Colored Wild Flower, Spiti

Violet Colored Wild Flower, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India

Friday is for Flowers- White and Pale Pink Flower from Spiti

White and Palne Pink Flower from Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Skywatch Friday- The Sky at Langza, Spiti

Sky Watch Friday- Langza, Spiti, Himachla Pradesh

Sky Watch Friday (you can keep looking at skies from there site from all over the globe) looks like fun.

I came to know of them via Celine.

A Village Lady from Shringi in Himachal Pradesh

A Village Lady from Shringi in Himachal Pradesh

I clearly remember the group of ladies I met near Shringi Vatika in Himachal Pradesh. It was late in the day and they were three going back to their own village. In fact there is a picture of mine with the same lady and she gave me some of the twigs to hold. I also remember she asked why did not I use any lipstick! I had no answer to that!

White Flowers and Green Berries from Spiti

Flowers from Spiti

When I trek, I try and click every flower that I see. I still remember that this twine was near the bridge that led to the village Lhalung. But no idea about the name of the flowers. I wonder if there is a good book on the names of Himalayan flowers?

Langza in Spiti

Buddhist Prayer Flags at Langza, Spiti

I was reminded of Langza after reading this puzzle in a post by Manish. And when I get very nostalgic about places like Langza and start asking existential questions about my life, I just have to remind myself of the cold cold winter the place gets!

Reactions to the Barog Story!

The Water Compartment at the Kalka Shimla Train

I was showing my Barog story to Brat 1 and Brat 2 and I wanted them to pay particular attention to the last photograph where Steve has written the following caption-

Mridula Dwivedi with Dilip and Sunil, also known as Brat One and Brat Two

The brats reacted, we will give Bua (aunt in Hindi) a name on our Face Book!

Then on this Barog trip we were taking a train back from Solan to Barog where we barely had standing space. Brat 2 had put his hands against the wall over me in aisle and he could so easily place it over my head. Brat 1 was standing next to Brat 2 quite close to the door.

I mean it feels only yesterday when they were knee high and just by standing in front of them I could block them effectively from taking a basket ball shot.

Then I remember the younger one standing in front of a guy who was six three with his hands raised to prevent him from taking a shot at the ring and his hands would not even reach the other player's shoulders.

And today they are polite to me and me take my shots at the ring or else they just have to stand in front of me!

PS. There is a coach on the toy trains that takes water to Shimla from other stations because there is a shortage of water at Shimla. When the train gets full people travel in the water compartment too!

The Complete Barog Story

The Beautiful Barog Railway Station on the Kalka Shimla Railway Route

My Barog (Himachal Pradesh) story is now available at GoNomad.

The Barog Tunnel is the longest tunnel (1144 meters/3752 feet) on the Kalka-Shimla route. The name of the English engineer in charge of its construction was, unsurprisingly, Barog.

However, the original tunnel built by him is at a distance of 1 km and the two ends of that tunnel didn’t meet. He was fined Rupee 1 (.02 cents or so) for this mistake and due to shame he committed suicide.

Tea Shop at Triund- On a Misty Day

The Tea Shop at Triund

Whenever a weary tourist would climb up to the tea shop and ask ofr a room or a tent, the great Indian bargaining game would begin. The shop caretaker would quote a price and the tourist would say no, but they were told it is only this much at McLeod Ganj. One lady I remember got quite angry too. And when the caretaker would go away for a while, he would instruct us to tell any tourists who came inquiring that rooms were available.

Friday is for Flowers- Clustered Summer Gentian

Himalayan Flowers- Clustered Summer Gentian

I looked up the name at Flowers of Himalayas part of Flowers of India site.

The Waterfall at Shringi Vatika

The Waterfall at Shringi Vatika

Another Sunset at Triund

Sunset at Triund, Himachal Pradesh

Another View from Barog, Himachal Pradesh

Barog- The Hills were Full of Brids too!

Prayer Wheels at the Dalai Temple Complex, McLeod Ganj

Prayer Wheels at the Dalai Temple Complex, McLeod Ganj

And I always rotate them even though I am not particularly religiously. But that is not to say that I have no faith. And I guess enough said.

The Kalka Shimla Railcar at Barog

The Kalka Shimla Railcar at Barog

When we were returning from Barog, we had this entire railcar to us! It was going back empty and the Barog station master arranged for three tickets for us. When we were at Barog and saw the railcar for the first time and Brat 2 said, "How would it be if we had the entire thing for us!" So when it happened by chance on our way back I told him so. He immediately had another wish, "Now if we could only have the entire Shatabdi Express Coach to us."

Arch Gallery Bridge Between Sonwara and Dharampur

Arch Gallery Bridge Between Sonwara and Dharampur on Kalka Shimla Rail Line

I know the picture is not quite striking but the Arch Bridge is actually quite striking. We were coming back from Barog to Kalka in the Railcar and I was looking in the opposite direction. The driver of the Railcar reduced the speed and looked in the direction of the bridge without saying a word. The three of us were immediately hooked. I tried clicking pictures but the railcar had gathered speed again. I immediately told my nephews, "I wish I would walk along the entire Kalka Shimla route and click pictures to my hearts content. And how wonderful it would be if we could camp at the stations at the night!"

I have a feeling that this plan would always remain in thoughts but what a lovely thought it is!

How Many Copies of My Prashar Lake Images?

Yesterday I did a google image search for Prashar Lake on a whim. And I am completely aghast. The number of times my pictures have been copied by others across the globe without any credit is depressing. So here I go. These are most of my Prashar Lake images (with the December images posted with permission from Anil).

Now look at the copycats, why so many? :( :( :( :( :(

(And don't worry all the links are nofollow.)

Indie-Reise in German, why in Germany would someone copy my Prashar Lake image?

Someone at a site called Wherein City copied my Prashar Lake image

Someone by the Name of Sachin at Merinews copied the Prashar Lake image

Another one by Sachin at Merinews He has copied so many of my images apart from the Prashar lake one. I have left a comment on each of the copied one.

Instablog copied my Prashar Lake Image

Another Copy

Would you blame me if I am hopping mad right now?

Himalayan Bulbul at Barog

Himalayan Bulbul at Barog- It has got such beautiful eyes!

Lazy Sunday Photo- Thanda Matlab Coca Cola!

Thanda Matlab Coca Cola!

(Difficult to translate but would sound like, if it has to be a cold drink then it has to be Coca Cola)

Though not for me, I do not like any fizzy cold drinks. I took this picture at Barog Station in Himachal Pradesh when the oty train to Shmila made a scheduled stop.

Butterflies from Barog

Butterflies from Barog, Himachal Pradesh, India

I have to say I almost take all my pictures breathlessly! And when they turn out to be even marginally good, I thank my lucky stars! I know this is not much of a discussion as far as photography techniques go, but it is actually quite close to truth!

More Conversations from the Rainbow Day

The Rainbow at Triund, Himachal Pradesh

After I had seen and clicked the rainbow at Triund (must I add till it had almost vanished), I went for a long walk through the meadows. I came back at dusk, slightly cold.

So the fire near the camp was the most inviting place. As soon as the sun goes down, the temperature suddenly drops. Near the fire there were four of us waiting for the dinner. There was a girl from Switzerland, a young lad from the US and the two of us. The boy from the US had been in India for the last 10 months (exiting after 180 days for a visa run to another nearby country like Sri Lanka or Nepal) and had been traveling extensively.

The amount of places he had been to in India, we have not managed to see even a fraction of it. I am, in fact, wondering that if I add all my holidays together taken till date, they may still not add up to a month. What a depressing thought!

So I asked him, "What made you choose India?" He replied, "I was attracted to the ashrams." I asked him hesitantly, "If you don't mind my asking so, did you discuss it with your family or you don't do such a thing?" He smiled, "My parents were really scared, they thought I may never come back." I was wondering if we may ask this one but then Sesha did, "We really don't hold very high opinion of Ashrams." He agreed, "Yes, many of them are a little more commercialized than I thought they would be. But there are a few serious places too. I anyway discovered that I was not really serious about it."

I then asked him, "So how have your journey across India been?" Without blinking he said, "India has taught me patience! I take a lot more things in my stride now"

Birds at Barog, Himachal Pradesh

Crimson Sunbird

The Crimson Sunbird is a regular at the Barog Station and I could always spot it among these flowers. Makes for a very pretty picture and it is such a pleasure to watch. However, it won't sit still at all and hence very difficult to photograph.

Long Tailed Himalayan Bird (Red Billed Blue Magpie is the real name, found it via Indiamike and the comment by Satyaendra)

Well, you can make out immediately, I have improvised that name! If you know the name, please let me know. There was a jungle full of them behind the station. I went down the stepped terrace fields towards the tress filled with the birds and they would find the most obscure corners of the trees with every branch and leave obscuring the view.

Toy Train at the Barog Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh

Toy Train at the Barog Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh

I spent a lot of time at the Barog Station and watched the toy trains come and go to my hearts content. Barog is also home to the longest tunnel on the Kalka Shimla route (part of which you see in the video) which is a little more than a kilometer long.

Around 10.00 am (on 11/09/2009) we were chatting with a railway official. He said there were no trains coming to the station till 11.00 am that day. Brat 1 and I (Brat 2 was still asleep) decided to walk inside the tunnel and cross it. It was dark after a while inside the tunnel. I switched on the light of my mobile phone and placed it close to the tracks. I could see their faint outline of the tracks and walk along. Thus we walked for what seemed like the mid way of the tunnel.

Suddenly Brat 1 called out, "Bua (aunt) there is a train coming this way, I can hear it." I moved the light from my mobile around and saw a shelter (an arch within the tunnel inside which you can stand and the train can safely pass) right next to where we were standing. We happily went into it and the Railcar passed by us. Brat 1 refused to go any further and insisted that we head back and that is what we did.

We headed for the tea stall and asked for the tea from the proprietor. Three tourists staying at the Barog Station came along and asked me, "Ma'am what happened inside the tunnel when the train came?" I told them that the shelter was right at our hand, we went in and the Railcar passed. They replied, "The station master was quite worried about an accident and was scolding everyone around that why did they let us go inside!"

Then they asked the tea shop proprietor what would happen if we had not found a shelter? The proprietor thought that chances of an accident were very high. Another person who was at the tea shop was of the view that there is sufficient space for the train to pass if we just stood flat against the wall. We of course wish to believe the second version but we are in no hurry to check out which one is correct. The group of three gentlemen told us, "You should party tonight, it was a narow escape."

We actually did not party nor did it feel like a narrow escape. I did not tell this on phone to my dad who is an ex railwayman. But when I did today he was not pleased at all.

I can only say I do not wish to repeat this experience. But then the smallest of the kids around Barog have crossed that tunnel ...

Pictures from Barog, Himachal Pradesh

View from our Room at the Shivalik Cottage, Railway Station, Barog, Himachal Pradesh

I have managed to upload the pictures from Barog and the nearby places now. I wish I could identify all those birds. I think I am developing a fondness for clicking birds but what a difficult subject they are! They always hide behind a lot of leafs and can't sit still even for a moment! The detailed writing of the trip would be over the weekend but there are so many stories to tell in between! Have to catch up with the comments too.

Lazy Sunday Photo, Barog- A Beautiful Hill Station on Kalka Shimla Train Route

Barog- A Beautiful Hill Station on Kalka Shimla Train Route

We, Brat1 Brat 2 and I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Barog and guess what they rent rooms right at the station to the tourists too! More soon.

Tintin in Tibet

Tintin in Tibet Bags for Sale in Mcleod Ganj

Mcleod Ganj streets are full of souvenirs and colorful ones at that. What I drool most at are the earrings of all size and shapes (that is one piece of jewellery I use almost on a daily basis) but then I am content with just taking pictures.

What invariably happens is that I ask the price and they quote some high figure and then I run away. I am extremely bad at bargaining. Sometimes the ladies at stall call my retreating back, "What will you pay?" I still keep running away.

For this bag, I didn't even ask the price and anyway apart from a holiday where is the scope to use this in the daily routine? In fact this time after coming back from the trek I called brat 2 (my younger nephew) from McLeod ganj and asked if he wanted something? He immediately said, "get me a T-shirt," and I did. Otherwise as soon as I enter the house he still asks me, "What have you got for me?"

When I asked the shop owner how much for a T-shirt that I liked he said 175 rupees. I paid, then he returned 25 rupees and said, "We say 175 but we give for 150." I got that discount even without asking for it. I am that bad at barging and the shopkeeper was that kind. But it happens only in the mountains.

PS. Brat 1 (my elder nephew) is right now at Prashar Lake and he went alone!

Triund Story now at Gonomad

Souvenirs for Sale at McLeod Ganj.

My entire trip account about trekking through Triund, Snowline and beyond is now up at Gonomad. Do let me know what you think about it.

On our other treks, we hardly met anyone but this one was different. I did a lot of talking with people from Germany, Israel, Switzerland (she was in India for the third time and was staying for more than 6 months) and the US (the boy was staying in India for a year and he had already completed 10 months) and of course the shop owners and the guides.

But there is one conversation that has still stayed with me. I was talking to the groom at Snowline thinking that there were just two of us around. When he walked away I realized there was a figure in a sleeping bag inside the chai shop behind me.

He said, "God, the way you talk, ...

More of the Same Rainbow

A Tourist Looking at my Rainbow at Triund, Himachal Pradesh

In the Larger Scheme of Things!

How Small My Tent Looks!

Sound of the Lambs!

Lambs at the Triund Campsite, Himachal Pradesh

You can see the Triund campsite (at least part of it) in this video. The Dhaula Dhar Range in the Himalayas is also visible and what a noise the lambs are making. Those were the days!

As the Dusk Falls

Another Image of the Sunset at Snowline above Triund, Himachal Pradesh

I like this sunset picture even better even though it is quite similar to the one posted two days before.

Sunset at Snowline at Triund, Himachal Pradesh

This picture was also taken on the same day as the one above but a little later. It was so cold that a few others who were out there to view/click the sunset were wearing gloves. When I went back to the Chai shop, there was soup waiting for me. But even that had gone cold.

Photos from McLeod Ganj, Triund, Snowline and Lehs Cave

I finally managed to upload the pictures from Mcleod Ganj, Triund, Snowline (also know as Ilaka) and Lehs Cave.

Traveling to the mountains is always magical. I have a lot to write about and I will be mixing my UK and Himachal Pradesh posts.

Another Sunset at Snowline (above Triund) Himachal Pradesh

I got three days worth of fabulous sunsets but this one on the Day 3 of the trek was the best. And the note to self is that while shooting sunsets I should take more of the sky and less of the hills in the frame!

My Rainbow! At Triund, Himachal Pradesh

As I say, in each trek some rain must fall and we had quite a bit of it. But I would live with it every time if I get to click and see (in that order) a rainbow at the end of it.

And when I wish to write about this trip, I have to complete a report for the office (I am changing jobs too) which comes first.

But very soon, this trip account is waiting to get written.

Lazy Sunday Photo- Sunset at Snowline above Triund, Himachal Pradesh

Sunset at Snowline (also known as Ilaka), above 9000 feet, near Triund, Himachal Pradesh

I am back at Gurgaon, at last and I think I would have liked to have a few more days of hills! This is our tent (Sesha is in picture too) at sunset against part of the Dhauladhar Ranges. I have walked so much on uneven terrian that it feels strange to walk on the even floor! My feet are protesting and missing the uneven turf!

Hi from McLeod Ganj!

We are back to McLeod Ganj afte trying to trek through Indrahara Pass. No luck, too much snow as of now but enjoyed a lot below the pass. Saw a rainbow too. Pictures when I reach home tomorrow.

Suresh Rana- Winner of Raid-de-Himalaya

Disha Singh at myHimachal talks to Suresh Rana winner of Raid-de-Himalaya.

Disha: Your most unforgettable moment/s?

Rana: The worst memory was when the raid got stuck in Sarchu (the Himachal& J-K border towards Ladakh) and we all had to be evacuated. It was pretty grim as we could not do anything to the forces of nature. It was near death experience and the happiest moment also came in the same episode of being evacuated.

Cross Posted at Blogbharti

The Club Mahindra Blog and My Prashar Lake Piece

Prashar Lake and the Temple in December, Picture Courtsey Anil

I discovered Prashar Lake by surfing through the net and when I went there, I liked the place so much. I want others to go and enjoy the place before it gets too crowded. So, when I got an opportunity to contribute to CLAY (The Club Mahindra Blog) I wrote about Prashar Lake. Have a look at my about Prashar Lake article at CLAY.

PS. Finally a weekend trip looks in sight with my nephew this Saturday!

A Souvenir Shop at Batal, Spiti

Souvenir Shop in Batal, Spiti

Batal is a lovely place on the way from Manali to Kaza. I remember it all the more clearly because it was our stop for lunch and I was clearly hungry by the time we had reached Batal. There is just one temporary shop for food and next to it was this small stall selling souvenirs. I still remember reading Arun's account and his stay at the Dhaba in Batal.

Even I remember the people running the Dhaba. I had asked them if we could stay there on our way back as I wanted to see Chandratal. They said yes, we would be welcome. My plans of visiting Chandratal did not materialize as my nephew refused to give me company and so did Sesha! So, Chandratal has to happen some other time.

Dhankar Lake, Spiti

I still remember the day so clearly. Dhankar was our last stop on the Spiti Homestay Trek. And the place is magical. The Dhankar village in itself is so charming, our homestay was in a house next to the fort in ruins.The river Spiti flows by the village and the sunset was over magestic mountains which we watched from the roof of our home stay.

Flowers on the way to Dhankar Lake

I went to sleep with that day quite tired but sure that the next day I wanted to trek to the Dhankar Lake. Anjan came with me and Sesha and Dilip (my nephew) refused to wake up in the morning. And what views he missed!

Dhankar Lake, Spiti

We trekked for a little more than hour, all mildly uphill to reach the lake. And what a place it was. I consider another picture to be my best shot of Dhankar Lake but even these two pictures are no less. I was so happy to click all these reflections in the water!

Another View of Dhankar Lake, Spiti

And the best part was there were just three of us around. the lake It feels like such a long time ago (it was June 2007) yet I can remember so much about the day without any notes, just from memory. Like the flowers in the first shot, they were actually quite far away from the road and try as I might, I did not manage to get a decent shot of them. And that Anjan found my habit of stopping to take a picture of every flower on the way quite amusing. That a village heardsman stopped and insisted that I took a picture of him. That there were a lot of workers walking up hill with heavy pipes and great difficulty for some water work in progress. We ate que for dinner the night before that Dilip and Sesha did not like too much but I did!

There is Something about Garlic!

Freshly Cut Wild Garlic Stems at Langza, Spiti

You either like Garlic or hate it. I have not met too many people who are ambivalent about it. I belong to the camp who love it. A few days back I was eating Pasta at our campus restaurant (the perks of being partially associated with a hotel management school, even though I am not directly associated) and there were cloves of cooked garlic in the dish. I just loved it. Today I was talking to the instructor and asked him how did it tasted so good. Hmm, they baked it after marinating it in umm, many things. Sounded really complicated to me. So I gave up all the plans of making something like that myself.

Wild Garlic Flower, Spiti Region

So, today I am going to be content with posting some pictures of wild garlic growing in the Spiti region. When I was there I loved the colors of the wild garlic flower. I was also allowed to take one wild garlic out of the heap that you see in the first photograph.

Green and Serene- Langza, Spiti

Langza is a really small village in Spiti (Himachal Pradesh). You can see how green it is and how serene too. The beautiful range of Cho-CHo Khang Nilda forms the backdrop to the Langza village.

Shringi Vatika- Himachal Pradesh

Walking in Show, Sojha near Shringi Vatika, Himachal Pradesh

No, I am not visiting the place again but what do you do when you have not traveled in a long time? You write about the travels from the past. So, here is my article on Shringi Vatika at Gonomad. I have blogged about it before about this trip but never got around to putting it all in one place. Finally, I did that.

Sea Buckthorn Drink- Spiti Magic, Spiti

Spiti Magic- Sea Buckthorn Drink

Last year when we were trekking in Spiti we were introduced to this refreshing drink called Spiti Magic. When asked what is it made of, pat came the reply- Sea-Buckthorn! Now what was that?

We were patiently explained that it is made of the same thing that Leh Berry is made of! Now that felt familiar as Leh Berry is available even in the plains.

Spiti Magic- Sea-Buckthorn Drink

When I sipped it first, I was not sure if I liked Spiti Magic, after all it had a strange taste. But gradually over the trek, I grew to like the drink. So next time you find yourself in Spiti, try it. They also make tea of Sea-Buckthorn that is also different and has a tangy taste! But I somehow prefer my tea boiled and with milk and sugar! Unless I am trekking.

Raid De Himalaya

Image from myHimachal

If you like to drive and better still on the mountain roads, myHimachal is blogging about Raid De Himalaya, I would go take an Avomine and go to sleep, I get such bad motion sickness on mountain roads!

Cross Posted at Blogbharti.

Lazy Sunday Photo- Komik, Spiti

Komik, Spiti

Pictures from the Lahaul Region

Lahaul Region, Picture from Anil's Blog

Anil posts some lovely pictures from the Lahaul region. Have a look. The first one is really beautiful, I wonder how those lovely ladies agreed to pose :)

A Picture Every Other Day- Spiti Again

Magnificent Spiti- Demul to Lahlung

I need some inspiration as it is death by grading till this weekend. Will catch up with the blog world as soon I am through.

Save the Weaver- Creating Awareness Around Kullu Shawls

Image courtesy myHimachal

Anoop at myHimachal has done series of posts to create awareness around the handicrafts of Kullu, particularly around the Kullu Shawls-

The internet has also recently been one of the popular media through which tourist information is disseminated. Indian tourists on the other hand, normally come via package tours and are spoon fed by their travel guides. Most tourists are directed by the travel agent. They seem to be least aware of the fact that the hub of the shawl weaving industry is Kullu and not the more popular tourist destinations of Shimla and Manali. The general perception is that one would get better variety of woollens and knitwear in these locations than a small town like Kullu. While this may be true with respect to sweaters and other knitwear, they are un-informed about the cultural linkages and the magnitude of weaving that happens in the valley, the reason being - ineffective marketing initiatives.

He adds-

A litmus test for such tourists is to see the reverse side of the woven garment. If the design appears the same either ways, that’s an indication that the shawl is handcrafted.

How Come I Never Posted a Picture of Sidu on My Blog?

Sidu/Sidhu- Himanchali Dish

I have talked about this heavenly Himachali dish Sidu before but it is a sacrilege that I never posted a picture of it on my blog. Actually I got comment from Dilliwala on India Mike and my blog about Shringi Vatika and that prompted me to search for a picture of Sidu on my blog. Then I realized that even though I have talked about it, I never actually posted a picture. And even though the dish looks like the Holi sweet Gujhia, but this one is salty and tastes heavenly. Let me see if I can go back there once again!

Prashar Lake in December

This is what Prashar Lake can look like in December! No, I didn't go there but Anil did. He gave permission to post these pictures on my blog. So these pictures are not taken by me, only posted here with permission.

Prashar Lake at Sunset in December

I was bugging Sesha that we too should visit Prashar Lake again in cold months (maybe Feb) but till now he has shown no inclination! He looks at the pictures with awe but tells me, "Let us go someplace new."

Sunset on the Cottage Side at the Prashar Lake

I of course know the place but not with so much snow! At the time I visited (May 2007) it was quite green.

Sunset at Prashar Lake in December- Another View

This is the picture I like most of the entire lot. How I would love to take pictures (OK spend time too around such a sunset) but the next travel plans to the hills are not before February and that too a very short visit.

Oh! and it is in honor of these Prashar Lake pictures that I made that in-flight magazine post un-sticky.

Lazy Sunday Photo- Near Sojha, Himachal Pradesh

Walk Near Sojha, February 2007

After a gap of many years I find my self in warm Bangalore in December instead of freezing in some part of the Himalayas. I can't make up my mind which one I like better.

Lazy Sunday Photo- Garlic Fields in Shringi

Garlic Fields, Shringi, Himachal Pradesh

I was sitting with the laptop and looking at all my pictures uploaded at Picasa. I have uploaded seven albums (Spiti, Prashar Lake, UK, Coorg, Shringi 1, 2 and Nainital).

I did manage to visit a few places in 2007. But it may not be possible in 2008 as I have 3 day teaching as opposed to 2 day teaching in the January semester this time. But then I am not complaining. I was saying to Sesha, "We will make it up by taking a lot of weekend trips."

When I Don't Even Think of Travel!

Bharmour (Himachal Pradesh, India)- December 2005

How I hate those days when I can't manage to even think of travel. This is one such spell. Should not last too much longer.

PS. I got that UK visa. So, a trip is on cards now, tough it won't be vacation as such.

Right Noises about the Incredible India Campaign?

Langza- Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Finally I saw once sensible and balanced piece about Indian tourism and the Incredible India campaign. I mean who can quarrel with the concept, many parts of India are incredibly beautiful.

As CII and Ministry of Tourism celebrate 'Incredible India@60' in the Big Apple, leading global communication services player WPP's Chief Executive Martin Sorrell said: "If people don't live the brand promise... It's dead. We can advertise a bad product (only) once." India's Tourism Ministry Joint Secretary Amitabh Kant agreed that branding was fine, but welcoming tourists with garbage and filth will ensure the initiative never takes off.

In short, India requires its creaking infrastructure to be set right for the experience to change, experts felt. New Delhi has estimated that it needs USD 492 billion to revamp urban and rural infrastructure, including roads, ports, airports and power sector, besides water and sanitation.

View from a Train near Pathankot, India

I mean who can deny that this is India too. And a site more common than anyone of us would like to see.

Finally, the Spiti Tale!

Magnificent Spiti

Months after I actually trekked in Spiti, my travel tale is up at the Gonomad website. I even got poked by Priyank that it was about time I wrote this tale. Here is a short excerpt from the article-

The walk from Komik to Demul was the longest. It took us 6 hours, though I met a gentleman from Austria who said he did it in 3 hours. Hats off to him, is all I can say. It was the day when I realized that when pushed a lot my back is capable of hurting like mad.

However, the route was so beautiful and the weather pleasant due to a clouded sky. At our lunch point we were visited by Yaks, who came to drink from the same source as us! But at that time, I found it difficult to eat and was lying flat on my back waiting for others to finish the lunch.

No One in Sight!

A Small Bus Stop Near Bharmour

We went to Bharmour in December 2005. I remember it was damn cold. I was going through the old photographs and found this one. We were walking from Bharmour to Hadsar and on the way we crossed this luggage waiting for a bus with no one else in sight. I mean, in bigger cities we can't even dream of leaving anything unattended.

Images from Spiti

Should I Go?

Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh

There is a long weekend looming ahead at the end of August. I am wondering if I should go some place? When I look at the past pictures plus my unused camera, I am sorely tempted. When I look at the amount of unfinished work, sanity seems to prevail. Then, I have not even managed to finish writing about my Spiti account. Maybe, I will just procrastinate and try and settle this after a week. In case I just decide to go, any suggestion for weekend getaways nearby Delhi? I do not want to travel 15 hours plus that is required to reach the magical Himachal Pradesh this time.

Mountain Goats

Mountain Goats- On the way to Dkankar

While walking from Lhalung to Dhankar, at this particular point, I was alone and everyone else was ahead of me. It was then I met this group of goats. Now I am dead scared of all kind of animals particularly if they try to come close. But this much even I have learned that mountain goats give you way if you just try walking through unconcerned. And true to their nature they did part way, when I started walking towards them after taking this picture.

Langza, the Most Beautiful Place after Dhankar that I Saw in Spiti

Lagnza- Beautiful Town Village in Spiti

I found Langza to be the most beautiful village in Spiti after Dhankar. If you look at one side, there was Cho Cho Khang Nilda. And on the other this beautiful landscape. There were numerous butterflies on the flowers. What more can one ask for?

From Kye (Ki) Monastery, Kaza, Spiti

Both the landscapes were clicked near the Kye Monastery area. There are a few times when I feel so happy with my wide angled lens. I think I got even more fabulous views at least twice on this route but I did not request the taxi people to stop. That is why I love walking so much. You can stop where ever you please.

Some Say this Post Office at Hikkim is the Highest Post Office in the World

Post Office at Hikkim, Is it the Highest in the World?

Some say the post office at Hikkim is the highest in the world. Vistet, what do you say? After all, when I tried writing about what I thought was the highest ATM it was you who corrected me.

PS. OK, Sesha took this photo.

PS1. These days, either I put pictures and write a few words or let this blog come to a stand still. I somehow feel till I find more time, I will let this blog become a photoblog :(

Yak, Yak, Yak ...

Yaks at Lunch Point- On the Way from Komik to Demul, Spiti

Flowers from Spiti

The semester has started and it already feels like I have been hit by a bus. Just worried that this blog will come to a stand still. So, to keep it going here are flowers from Spiti. And no, I do not know what they are called.

Lazy Sunday Photo- On the Way to Demul, Spiti, India

Wild Rosebush is Quite Commonly Found in the Spiti Region. I took this picture on the way to Demul, Spiti.

How Does a Typical Home Stay at Spiti (Himachal Pradesh, India) Look Like?

This video has the partial answer. How I wish I had moved the camera gently and not with the jerky movements that will probably give you a headache. The video was taken at Langza, our first day at the Spiti trek. The first room where there are a lot of people is typical of a living room/dining area and the second room is where we would sleep. Usually, all the rooms would have a view. I would often be glued to one of the windows with a book in hand.

PS. Not writing about day 2 as could not find time. I wonder what I do with my days!

Lazy Sunday Photo- Chocho Khang Nilda, Langza, Spiti

Another View of Chocho Khang Nilda at sunset from Langza, Spiti

One Last Diversion before I set to Write the Spiti Account

Sunset at Komik, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India

Afterreading so much on photography forums about sunrise and sunset being ideal times for photography, I was very keen to utilize that time for clicking at least a few pictures. The picture above is from the second day of our trek. I was quite tired and Komik was anyway the highest village on the trek. But come sunset, and I ran with my camera to a place nearby from where many peaks were visible. It required a small steep walk but I did manage to do it. And when Dilip (my nephew) say these pictures on the camera diplay, he was like oh! what a glorious sunset!

PS. Sorry for still not being able to write the concrete account, actually I have a lot of stories to share but I wonder where all my time is going!

Vast Open Spaces...

... are calling us again, we (Sesha, Elder Nephew and me) would be off this week to Lahaul and Spiti ... I live for these holidays ...

Hadsar, Himachal Pradesh, India

Thank You

A Cottage Behind the Prashar Lake Temple

I have to say a big thank you to Paras for all his help in planning my Prashar Lake trip. If you hop over to his blog you will find a picture of the same cottage above. Only he went there in October and the snow capped peaks are in clear view in his shot. In all my three days in May 2007, snow was not visible even once.

I found his pictures of the lake at webshots through a google search. I found his email there too. He answered all my queries with a lot of patience and before I head to the hills again, it is time to say thank you to him.

The Return Journey from Prashar Lake

The Guest House at Sunset, Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh

We used Mandi (Himachal Pradesh, India) as the base for our Prashar Lake trip. For our return journey Sesha booked two tickets in a private Volvo bus through Satluj Travels (located next to the Mandi Government Bus Stand). One can get the tickets in a Manali-Delhi Volvo passing via Mandi. Our past experience with private tour operators have not been too good. And this one too proved to be no exception.

We were given the starting time from Mandi as 9.30 at night and we were promptly there. The bus came up at 10.30, an hour late. But I guess this could be a standard practice by tour operators as they assume that passengers would turn up late according to the Indian sense of time.

The configuration of this Volvo was different from the government operated one, the latter is more spacious. Still, there was ample leg room even in this bus. The driver was a moron of the first order (but then, I think it is luck and you can get morons even on government buses) and would negotiate all the turns on the hill roads at a breakneck speed. I was almost always sliding off my seat and in spite of the good leg room it was very difficult to sleep.

Around 6.00 in the morning the AC of the bus broke down and with a Volvo you can't open the windows. They opened the roof ventilators and the morning weather was pleasant. I would not have given a damn whether the AC worked or not, I would have preferred to reach Delhi on time. But the moron driver wanted to get it repaired. At the first shop they tried, they were unsuccessful after wasting 45 minutes. A short time later, he tried to get it repaired at another shop and around 7.30 in the morning (by the time we should have been in Delhi but we were more than 250 kilometers away yet) we ditched the bus and hopped in an ordinary government bus at a traffic signal.

By 8.30 the day was getting hotter by the minute. We finally reached home around 12 in the noon and both of us had to miss the office that day. We are going to stay away from private bus operators as far as we can.

Himachal Pradesh Rural Tourism

Prashar Lake

Avnish of myHimachal forwarded this survey to me. They are interested in promoting rural tourism in Himachal Pradesh. I have filled it. If you have time, please do so. Doesn't take too much of time. After all, Shringi Vatika and Prashar Lake were really nice travel experiences for me.

A Trip to Lahaul and Spiti is on Cards

We are planning to trek and spend a few days in the Lahaul and Spiti region in Himachal Pradesh sometime in June. Plans are slowly taking shape. Any tips that you feel like sharing are most welcome. My starting point has been this post at Indiamike. Look at the pictures there! I can hardly wait.

My Prashar Lake Article at Gonomad

Prashar Lake near Mandi

My Prashar Lake article is up at Gonomad now. There were two surprises for us on this trek. One, the four and a half hour trek was quite steep and I did it with some stretch. This had never happened before.

Two, the caretaker of the guest house was reluctant to give us a room as I do not 'look' married.
That too has never happened before!

So, what do you think of the article?

Food at Prashar Lake

When we reached the forest guesthouse at the Prashar Lake after climbing for 4.5 hours (it took me 4.5 hours, you may take more or less) from Bagi (the starting point of the trek) food was the dominant thought. The trek route and the jeep route are different. At Bagi there are a fewDhabas but there is nothing on the way. So, if you like to munch in between 4.5 hours of climbing up and up and up, one has to carry stuff from below. The Dhaba gives good bun -omelette but little else. We carried chocolates and stuff from Mandi.

Once we reached the guesthouse and finally given a room food was the next logical question. TheChowkidaji (caretaker) who cooks the food does so on wood and buys ration only when someone is there, so nothing was immediately available.

Prashar Lake Near Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, India

The lake that is 1.5 (approx) kilometres away from the guesthouse and has two canteens or so we were told. We headed there next for a late lunch. One canteen is near the entrance and other close to the temple. At the canteen near the gate the only food available was Dal (curry) and rice with no vegetables or anything. But we were so hungry that the food tasted like one the best meals we ever had. The dinner was promised at the guesthouse and as cooking on wood is difficult again you get either Dal and rice or Chapatti and vegetables.

We got Maggi Finally at Prashar Lake

We asked for Maggi (noodles) at the canteen the next day and they were not available. It was a little disappointing. For us eating Maggi after a trek is almost a ritual. However, the day after there were mules and jeeps as the canteen near the gate was replenishing stocks and we finally got Maggi! Both the canteens make equally good tea but the one near the gate has the location advantage. We did not feel like walking down (and later climbing up) to the canteen behind the temple.

The Forest Guest House Kitchen at Prashar Lake- Where We Took Our Meals

We took all the major meals at the guesthouse. There was no breakfast available at the guesthouse on any of the days. The guesthouse room rent charges this season were Rupees 200 per day.

When we were finally settling our account on the last day, our room rent was Rs. 400 and when we were asked about the food charges to the gentleman who cooked food for us, his reply just stunned me. He said, (in Hindi and I am translating loosely) “Room rent is the government charge but give us whatever you wish for food, we are not going to quote any price!” Both my husband and I were floored by this completely unexpected reply. We gave what we thought was fair money and he seemed to be happy for it. But I mean in this day and age who says stuff like the above anymore?

PS. Now also cross posted at myHimachal, from where I saw the first picture of this place.

The Steep Climb

The Forest Guesthouse at Prashar Lake

You know what? We started from Mandi that is at an altitude of 780 meters, came by bus to Bagi (don't know the altitude but the nearest town Kataula is at 1380 meters) and from there we trekked up to the lake at a height of 2730 meters. No doubt I am still tired and catching a cold.

A Small Video from Prashar Lake

Well, the video is very grainy but you have to hear the sound. Sesha and I were on the opposite hill when the music started. And by the time I was any closer it had stopped. People from the nearby village had come with their deity to the Prashar Temple. All very beautiful till now, but they have this ritual of sacrificing a goat to the Gods. I didn't see it or I am sure I would take ill but they were chopping meat the next day on a stone and we changed our direction.

Anyway, the music sounded quaint in those surroundings.

Some Pictures from Prashar Lake and Mandi

The Temple at the Prashar Lake, Himanchal Pradesh

I have now uploaded some of the pictures from the trip to Prashar Lake. And this time I did not leave my cell phone behind. Though I wish I had! The small hitch was that unlike Shringi Vatika, the cell used to work here at many points and twice people borrowed it to make phone calls. I am planning to pitch this story to Gonomad first, so bear with me.

PS. Saw a picture of the Lake in winter and I thought I wanted to go to Diu this December! I should remember that I hate walking on snow and I slip and slip and slip ....

I am Back from Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake, Himanchal Pradesh

I am back after spending a few days at Prashar Lake. Looking at the picture above can you blame me if I talk only about this visit for the next few days on this blog?

Delhi to Manali on a HP State Transport Volvo Bus

When I went to Shringi Vatika (Himachal Pradesh, HP) the second time to get my cell phone back, Sesha did not come with me (he has less number of leaves than me). When Sesha is around, I almost always end up traveling on a Khatara (uncomfortable) bus.

This time around my younger nephew came with me. He is quite tall (6 feet 2 inches and still growing) and he would have been quite miserable if the seats are cramped. At ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminus, Kashmere Gate, New Delhi) when we started inquiring for deluxe buses to Manali, we were told that there was a Delhi-Manali Volvo available at 8.26 that night. The tickets for this bus are sold from the first floor of ISBT.

We headed to the HP counter. The first floor at ISBT was much less crowded than the ground floor. It was just 6.30 in the evening but still the only seats available in the Volvo were for the last row. We decided to take it. Since, we had to get down at the tunnel before Aut, we were given tickets up to Bhunter. I paid Rupees 1590 for two tickets and my nephew immediately remarked, "Bua (Aunt in Hindi) there you have already spent almost the price of your cell phone." The bus was supposed to leave from platform 6.

We went to platform 6 around 8.15 and there was no sign of a Volvo. After a few minutes we asked a bus conductor of another bus and he pointed out the Volvo standing near a wall and said we should head there as it is almost time. After depositing the rucksack in the luggage space we walked in.

This was the first time for both of us in a Volvo and the bus looked comfortable and spacious with lots of leg room, till we reached the last row. The last row seats were really cramped in the Volvo but luckily there were just three of us for 6 seats and we could spread out on two seats. My nephew was in the middle seat which opened up to the aisle, so he had some leg room. I was on a window seat (not originally but since no one turned up I moved to it) with the next seat vacant.

They play a movie in the bus that runs till 12 at night. On our trip they played Bhagam Bhag, a truly silly movie and many passengers grumbled that they can't go to sleep. I am OK with silly movies occasionally.

Otherwise, the journey was comfortable. However, on the return journey we had to travel by various Khatara buses and to his credit he never complained even once.

Call Center: What Call Center?

This time when I was in Shringi Vatika in Himachal Pradesh (March, 2007) I had this conversation with a young lad in his twenties. The conversation took place in Hindi but in spirit, here is how it went.

Young Lad: I wanted to ask you the last time itself but didn't get time. See, I completed my 12th a few years back and now I am wondering what should I do. Do you think doing a computer course would help. There is a private institute in Banjar (nearest town).

Which road to Take?

Me: Umm, what do you want to do the course for? As a help for your own business (he and his family own a small business) or what?

Young Lad: But doesn't your husband work in the private sector in a computer job?

Me: Yes, he does, but he is an engineer ...

Young lad: So where did he study?

Me: An engineering college, called umm IIT ...

Young Lad: I know ITI ...

Me: Err ... IIT is different ... but ... he is basically an engineer ...

Young lad: So, what do you think? Shall I do the course?

Me: Do you know someone who has done this course?

Young Lad: Yes ...

Me: So, what are they doing now?

Young lad: I have not seen the few that I know getting any jobs ...

Me: Why don't you do an English speaking course? There are many jobs in the call centers.

Young lad: I think doing an English speaking course makes a lot of sense ... even for dealing with foreign tourists.

Me: And call center jobs are plentiful ...

Young lad: But what is it that you are talking about, what is a call center?

Me: ... Ummm ... a call center is ... let me see ... when you have a problem with your phone company or you want to know something from your bank, you call this place where people are paid to answer phone calls ...

Young lad: I will have to think more about it, but seems like a better idea, I anyway do not like computers much ...

Me: But why don't you stay here? You will not like a bigger city for sure.

Young lad: Tourism is very uncertain, seasonal ...

Me: But in the next 10 years it can only grow in this region ... kaam nahin hoga (it is not going to go down) ...

The person becomes thoughtful and then we start talking about something else.

I have no concrete solution for the person I talked to. But I do have a wish, that people who want to make a decent living may not always be forced to move to a bigger city. May he find courage to stay back and develop his own business and may the tourism in the region grow. I know, that would mean more crowd and litter but when it comes to making a living vs. crowd, I don't know what to wish for.

Grinding Wheel

The structure in the picture houses a water based grinding wheel at Shringi Vatika. When they release the water, it is fun to watch the wheels turning, a silly video but still I thought I will share.

Looks Like Heaven!

Prashar Lake: Picture courtesy Yash Raj of My Himachal

I saw this picture first as the banner of My Himachal's tourism section. I am hooked, I am smitten, I am completely bowled over. I immediately wrote to Avnish (the anchor of My Himachal) and got a very encouraging reply from him. He put me in touch with Yash Raj and I am trying to figure out when can we go.

The lake is apparently 30km from the road-head (near Mandi in Himachal) and though vehicles ply, we will of course like to trek. Only, I don't think I can walk 30km in one day. But I am sure we will find a way around all this. So, I sincerely hope, sometime in May I will be there.

After looking at the picture can you blame me for being smitten?

PS. When I asked Yah Raj can I use his picture at my blog, this is what he said "yes its not a question to ask to fix any of my pic into ur webpage or into da blog...these pics anybody can use coz himachal is not only mine ..."

11 Story Structure and I Missed It!

Priyank writes about a small village near Shringi Vatika that has 11 story structure devoted to the saint of the same name. He has a wonderful picture of it too. Gaurav has also been there has a picture too (Both the pictures of the tall structure are quite similar, the same three people but in different poses, I wonder if they were part of the same team?)

Now if there is such a tall structure near Shringi, I really need glasses now. Why couldn't I see it? Priyank, Gaurav, if you happen to read this post, do tell me more exact location of this beautiful structure. And I think I need to go back once again (but no cell phones or cameras left behind this time, what to do?) The big qustion is when?

Some More Pictures from Shringi Vatika and Around

Here are some more pictures from Shringi Vatika. There is more snow this time around. I also have to conclude my cell phone saga but that will be the matter of a later post.

Back with My Cellphone from Shringi (Himachal Pradesh) Again

Snow in the Garlic Fields: Village Sojha, Himachal Pradesh, India

So, I am back from Shringi once again, with my cell phone this time and I combined it with my general break from blogging. There was more snow around the place. I have tons of pictures (but with old Nikon coolpix point and shoot, the new one is in servicing). Have a lot to write and pictures to upload but before that I have to take a class tomorrow and have to attend to it first. But regular posts will commence now.

The Cell Phone Saga

Sojha, Near Shringi Vatika, I Surely Would Like to Go Back!

By now, I have told to countless people that I left my cell phone in a taxi on a trip to Shringi Vatika in Himachal Pradesh. The next thing that I tell them is that the taxi fellow gave it back to the hotel owners and I have to go back to get it back :))))))) No, it can not be posted back to me for ... insert a good excuse here, the owners of the hotel are old, there i no post office nearby, I do not want to trouble them, etc.

When I told this story to a friend he said, "The taxi guy gave it back! Now that is surprising." The first time it happened I ignored it.

Then the second time my father's colleague well in his 60s, replied' "Write about it, tell people there is still hope for India. Many have given up on our country." That made me aware of the fact that what I was taking for granted, i.e. the taxi fellow returning my cell phone was quite surprising for others.

Then yesterday while having lunch at office, two of colleagues said the same thing again, "So the taxi driver returned it?"

Now is it that so surprising? Only one colleague, who himself has traveled a lot said "Well, it is quite possible in Himachal Pradesh." Why, at Shringi, I would leave the room open with my DSLR lying around. I will of course not do this in Delhi or many other places but a small town in Himachal Pradesh is still safe enough.

Shringi Vatika, Ghiyagi, Himachal Pradesh

I have already written about our journey to Shringi Vatika. So, I will continue from there.

I remember finding the weather very cold and it was raining lightly almost all the time. We had many cups of tea and sat next to the fire that the owners had got going. It was followed by soup and dinner and we retired early the first day. They did not had any hot water that night (as there was no power) and it was a task to use the freezing cold water for anything.

Shringi Vatika, Himachal Pradesh

Next day, I got up late, around 10, I guess. Sesha was out before me. When I surfaced it was Grey with a fine drizzle in the air. Sesha told me we were taking a small hike. The youngest son of the owners, Raju, was coming along with us as our guide. After I had gobbled my bread and omelet with tea and we started walking along the stream. That is when I noticed the smashed up car for the first time.

After a very short distance, the way started creeping uphill. And it kept on going uphill till we reached our destination, Sojha. I am usually very comfortable walking even if it is uphill. But on this one I was not. Initially, when we started walking, I opened my jacket and later on realized that in spite of the climb I was shivering. Once I zipped it up again, it was a bit better. We had lunch at Sojha and later we started walking toward Jalori Pass.

The Road to Jalori Pass

There was some snow around even on the last stretch to Sojha and at many places Raju literally took my hand and helped me walk on snow. As we were walking on the road to Jalori, I saw light snowfall and it is the first I have ever seen. Sesha once again acted superior and said this was nothing, they had to abandon a trek in Manali (student days, I was not into trekking then) because of excessive snow that came down at night. After some distance, there was too much snow on the road and we decided to turn back. Finally, the road started going downhill.

When we were quite near the Vatika (and we had walked in all for about 5 hours) , Sesha in a big singsong voice told me "If walking all day in the rain is your idea of holiday, please start taking them alone." I laughed my head off, he dragged me all the day in rain (it was raining moderately all the day through this walk) without even asking me if this was what I wanted to do. Anyway, we were soon sitting back in front of a fire and I was drying my wet jacket, sipping tea. This was also the day of Kungis soup (Nettle soup) and Sidu (a Himachali Dish).

Snowfall at Shringi, Himachal Pradesh

The next day, thankfully it was raining hard from the word go and Sesha could not drag me anywhere. For the whole day, we were sitting in front of fire and reading and chatting and eating (I wish I would do this more on my vacations). In the afternoon, three other guests came and one of them started chatting with us. In the meanwhile, many of the surrounding regions that were green before were turning white. For a while, wind was blowing, and making the rain and snow run lightly with it. At this point the guest remarked "aap ke liye tou plasma TV laga hua hai samne hi." (It is like a flat screen plasma TV for you and the images keep changing constantly). I was watching the changing scene with my mouth open and how I agreed with him. That is how the third day passed.

After a nice dinner it was time to turn in and look ahead to get up at 5.30 in the morning to start the journey back to the world of 21 inch TV which I rarely watch.

I am definitely going back there in March to get my cell phone back.

The contact details of Shringi Vatika

Manohar Lal
Phone: 01903 227029

Shringi Vatika
Shringpur Ghiyagi
P.O. Jibhi Teh. Banjar Distt. Kullu HP

Kungis Soup: Himachali Cusine

How many of you recognise this plant? Those who frequent the hills, chances are they know this is the bicchu jari (rough translation: scorpion plant, I do not know its real name). It stings if you touch it. Now this time at Shringi, I realized that they make a soup out of it (a different variety from the one in the picture above) and no, the soup doesn't sting. It was called Kungis soup in the menu of the Shringi Vatika and it tastes quite decent. This time around I tried two more Himachali dishes, Sidu and sweet rajma (now what is rajma called in English?) I am no foodie (ten years of hostel food killed all my taste buds) but I enjoyed all the three dishes mentioned here. If you get a chance, do try it.

PS. The full post on this trip is just not happening, give me some more time.

PPS. I might go to the place again to get my cell phone back sometime in March :)))))))))
I will surely bring back a picture of Sidu and then try to describe it.

The Journey to Shringi Vatika, Himanchal Pradesh

The Stream at Shringi Vatika, Himanchal Pradesh

We spent two and a half days at Shringi Vatika in Himanchal Pradesh. Reaching there itself was a task. Both of us are not fond of driving and the motion sickness complicates the issue further. So, we reached ISBT (bus station in New Delhi) to take a bus to Manali (we would have to get off before Manali to reach Shringi). But by the time we reached ISBT, the last bus for Manali had left. In fact, outside ISBT we met at least four touts trying to tell us that at this hour (it was 9.30 in the night, not all that late) no buses apart from their's was available. Once we managed to enter the bus station, we found that the best course was to take a bus to Chandigarh and that is what we did. It was a 2X2 decent bus, the only decent bus we took in this entire journey.

We reached Chandigarh at 4.00 in the morning (I was frozen for the part of the journey, it was cold) and then we took a local bus to Mandi. From there we headed towards Aut. We had to get down at that tunnel just before Aut to take a bus for Banjar (which does not go through the tunnel) which might go as far as Jibhi. We did all this and finally around 2.30 reached Jibhi. I was so sleepy for the entire way because of the Avomine that I took no tea anywhere (this is becoming a habit now, almost, bad really bad I must say). At some point, Sesha offered me a laddu (sweet) and that is all I ate for the entire day.

We walked the last two kilometers from Jibhi to Shringi, rather than wait for a bus that was available an hour later. It started raining lightly on the way. Finally, when we saw the board of Shringi Vatika, it was such a relief. It took us 17 hours to reach the place. How we attacked the aloo parathas (stuffed Indian bread) that were served to us a while later.

The weather was damn cold (after all, it snowed there lightly) and after freezing for two days it was time to turn back (the account of these two days will follow soon). We wanted to start really early on Monday, as I had a class to take on Tuesday morning. There were no buses from Shringi to anywhere before 8.45. So we hired a taxi up to the tunnel near Aut to come back. We left at 6.00 am. I took my Avomine really early. I reminded Sesha to do the same but he threw tantrums. On the way, he vomited once! I wonder why he does not learns his lessons soon enough. Thankfully, after that he had no problems.

We stopped at the tunnel and quickly got a bus to Mandi. Our taxi guy waved us off and as soon as the bus started I realized that I have dropped my cell phone somewhere (as my niece would say, gir gaya). I cursed myself like anything, then I thought better to drop the cell phone rather than my camera (colleagues at lunch today gave further insight, better to misplace machines rather than people! Trust them to put things in perspective). From Mandi we took a khatara (uncomfortable) bus to Chandigarh and from there another kharata mercifully directly to Gurgaon. We reached home 12.00 at night and by this time I had caught a good cold (Sesha acquired it Shringi itself). For the first time, I did not load my photos as soon as reaching back. Took the class the next day. Played TT too.

I called the folks at Shringi Vatika today and I indeed dropped my cell phone in the taxi itself. So, the phone is not lost. The cold persists. It was so damn cold at Shringi that I had to take rum like medicine again, neat, in small quantities. The onward journey was 17 hours and the return 18.

So, I just can't imagine how could the trip had been any better. In other words, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip.

PS. If anyone is heading that way, please get my cell phone back. Sesha is just not saying yes to going back the next month.

Drinking and Driving do not Mix Well, More so in the Hills

A Car that Crashed from the Road above on the Shringi Vatika (Himanchal Pradesh) Premises

Apparently it was a case of drunk driving. Happened a few months back. Out of five only one person survided, he was probably born under a lucky star, he got stuck in some bushes and lived. We were walking along the road from where the car fell and the road was not that narrow and the bend not that steep. I wonder why do people take such chances?

Another Trip on the Cards

Looks like I might travel again in February if everything goes fine. In all probability, we would be heading to Himachal Pradesh for four days sometime in Feb. Yippee, another opportunity to use the camera.