Dharamshala – The Land Of Lamas (Himachal Pradesh, India)

 

 

Dharamshala India Travel

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

“Two and a half millennia after the Buddha walked on earth, Another walks in his foot steps” – Welcome to Dharamshala, the land of Dalai Lama, a charming little town with elegant bungalow. Dharamshala enjoys the unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people.

 

LOCATION

 

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges, which rise up to more than 4000 meters, Dharamshala, which literally means The Holy Refuge, lies perched up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains.

 

HISTORY

 

The colonial origin, the Tibetan influence and the Kangra air make an invigorating cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamshala stands out amongst the other hill-stations of India. It is also an archetypal getaway for the jaded city souls with thatched cottages nestling amidst thick coniferous forests. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the Kangra valley embraces you. It is a no holds barred battle of the eye with the scenery and one wonders how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature.

 

 

Neddi Point Dharamshala

 

 

 

Is it a tale of two cities? The town is divided in flesh and soul into two halves, each with its own character. The lower Dharamshala is the main town at 1250 meters. The upper Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj from Dharamshala by road, it is a 10 kilometers drive, which takes almost the same time as you would, walking up the steep path. The only reason that you would like to visit lower Dharamshala would be to see the Kangra Art Museum, which has a treasure trove of the art and crafts of region.

 

The vestiges of the Raj dot the town – foremost is the church of St. John in the wilderness. There is a well-maintained, old graveyard. It reminds one of other old graveyards in hill-stations like Mussoorie and Shimla. These are perhaps the only peaceful places left in the hustle and bustle of these touristic places and your best bet if you are looking for peace!

 

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

 

McLeodGanj – the Little Lhasa is thick with the Tibetan cultural feel. It is an altogether different world where the crisp breeze is broken by chanting of the hymns along with the tinkling of the prayer wheels. The place was once full of hippies who have since moved out with the crowds inundating the town. For a research scholar, McLeodGanj offers a host of possibilities and to the not-so-scholarly souls, a cultural bonanza awaits.

 

First lets look at what has McLeodGanj got to offer to the hungry palette and then we will look into spiritual stuff! The Tibetan run restaurants give you an ample respite from dal, chapatti and rice that you get in most other places. If you are fond of momos, thukpa, and the likes, you have come to the right place. Tsongkha Restaurant, Yak Restaurant, Snowland and Shangrila are some of the place, which serve excellent food. A constant flow of Westerners has brought in its wake a number of restaurants and eateries, which offer the kind of food that is not so commonly available in India.

 

ABODE OF THE DALAI LAMA

 

But Dharamshala is better known as Dalai Lama’s abode and Tibet’s Government-in-exile after the Chinese invasion of Lhasa in October 1959. Needless to say, a visit to Dharamshala would be considered irreverent without a peek into the various monasteries dotting the hillsides. A visit to the Namgyal Monastery, ensconcing the Center of Tibetan Studies is nothing short of mandatory. ‘Tsuglagkhang’, opposite the Dalai Lama’s residence reminds one of Lhasa – it contains large gilded bronzes of the Buddha, Avalokiteswara and Padmasambhava.

 

 

 

The other places of interest are the Museum at the Nechung Monastery which is three kilometers downhill on the way to Dharamshala and the Norbulingka Institute which has become a major center of learning. You could see young artists learning Thangka Painting.

 

Dharamshala Guide, INDIA

 

 

When the Dalai Lama is in residence, he heads the prayers. For an audience with the Dalai Lama who is also believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha, special permission needs to be taken with a proper request in writing at the security office near Hotel Tibet. The best time to see his him is after the Tibetan New Year, which falls in March. The living deity gives spiritual discourses for 10 days.

 

The hotels and guest houses are all full at this time of the year when Dharamshala is at its colorful best. If you really want to savor the place, the best thing to do is to stay at a family run place. Himachal Tourism also runs a few comfortable rest houses to suit all budgets.

 

If one is into meditation, there are a number of classes held by monks for the beginners, as well as advance practitioners. Tushita Meditation Center is one such outfit, which offers clean residential accommodation as well. There are also a number of alternate medicine doctors in the little town. It is not unusual to find monks from the Western countries.

 

PLACES AROUND DHARAMSHALA

 

After satisfying your palette and your soul, you could go out for a nice long walk or an arduous trek. Bhagsunath, three kilometers away is an easy option after momos and beer. There is a temple, a spring and also a waterfall. Dal Lake is a major disappointment, as it does no justice to its name. An annual fair is held here in the month of September. It is worthwhile walking up to Naddi, which offers a splendid view of the Dhauladhar ranges. If you are adventurous enough, the Mountaineering Institute can organize treks, rock climbing and rappelling. They normally would like to do this for groups of 10 or above.

 

However, the best thing about Dharamshala is the easygoing pace, the peaceful expression on everybody’s face. It is a place where you would like to do the ordinary things in life, where you would like to let yourself loose and forget about hectic schedules and maddening self imposed deadlines!

MANAS Tiger Reserve (Assam)

 

manas tiger reserve

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Manas Tiger Reserve, situated amidst the gentle slopes at the foothills of the Himalayas in India’s northeastern state of Assam, is the only tiger reserve of its kind in the entire northeast. Apart from the rising population of tigers, Manas is also the home of the rare golden langur, the hispid hare, the pigmy hog, the one-horned rhinoceros and at least twenty other species of animals and birds that are listed as highly endangered. Manas derives its name from the Goddess Manasa. The forest stretches beyond Indian territory to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, with the crystal waters of the Manas River demarcating the international border. Some areas that adjoin the river path are often flooded, but only for a brief period; the water level subsides as soon as the rainfall stops because of the sloping. Mixed deciduous type of vegetation is found in the park. The dense forest cover often prevents the sunrays from the forest. 

 

manas travel guide

 

 

This beautiful park was previously known as North Kamrup and was declared a sanctuary on October 1, 1928, with parts of it having been notified as reserved forests as early as 1907 and 1927. It was established as the core of the Manas Tiger Reserve from April 1973 and consecutively inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1985 and elevated to the position of a National Park status on September 7, 1990. 

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

 

The climate of Manas Tiger Reserve is tropical. The temperature during summer does not rise above 37°C and during the winter it stays at around 11°C. Monsoon season (May-September) brings heavy to very heavy rainfall to the tune of 160 cm, because of which the park often gets flooded. 

 

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS 

 

Manas Tiger Reserve provides shelter to a variety of wildlife, including 55 mammalian species, 36 reptilian species and 3 amphibian species, thus making it the greatest protected area in India in terms of numbers. 

 

The tiger population at Manas Reserve is approximately 80 in number. Apart from the ones named above, capped langurs, hoolock gibbons, Assamese macaques, slow lorises, leopards, panthers, golden cat, fishing cat, marbled cat, binturongs, sloth bears, wild dogs, Ganges dolphins, hog deer, Indian muntjacs, water buffaloes, gaurs (Indian bison), giant squirrels, hispid hare, otters, Indian pangolins, and some 2,000 elephants are also found here. The rare and attractive red panda has been spotted occasionally in the higher elevated portions of the forest. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded, including the Bengal florican, great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill and few unique species of waterfowls. Reptiles include different species of snakes and the monitor lizards. The Assam roofed turtle was spotted at the Reserve as recently as 1989. 

 

travel guide india tiger

 

Manas forest is possibly as diverse as a natural biosphere can be. Its vegetation ranges from tropical semi-evergreen forests in the northern parts to tropical moist and dry deciduous forests of the other regions. There are extensive alluvial grasslands in the western region of the park, which comprises a variety of different grasses and shrubbery. There is also a considerable variety of aquatic flora along the Manas River. 

 

One can hire a jeep to go around the park. The Assam State Tourist Department conducts tours, including boat trips and elephant rides. These trips are both convenient and cost effective. 

 

PLACES AROUND MANAS 

 

The state capital Guwahati is barely 176 km from Manas. It is a historical city formerly known as Pragjyotishpur. Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, it is famous for the temple of Goddess Kamakhya, the shrine of Shakti worship built by the Koch king Naranarayan. 

 

Orang and Pabitora are two wildlife sanctuaries worth visiting. The one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) and various species of deer abound here. 

 

The town of Hajo (25 km west of Guwahati) is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. The town also boasts of the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, accessible via a long stone stairway. Hajo and the adjacent Sarthebari village are renowned for their bell metal work. 

 

The nearby town Barpeta is notable for the monastery and shrine dedicated to the Vaishnavite saint, Sankardeva. 

 

HOW TO REACH 

 

Manas Tiger reserve is 176 km from Guwahati, from where one can drive down to the park. The journey lasts approximately five and a half hours. The nearest rail junction is at Barpeta Road, 136 km from Guwahati. Guwahati in turn is a well-connected rail junction as well as an airport. The regular bus services to the park by the state transport as well as the private operators is yet another option.

KONARK

LOCATION

The temple city of Konark is situated in the eastern state of Orissa at a distance of around 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri. The city extends between longitude 86.08°E and latitude 19.53°N.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Being close the sea, the climate of Konark is never very harsh. With greenery surrounding the place, rainfall is heavy in Konark. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March; however, one can go there throughout the year.

Myths and legends are an integral part of most of the Indian temples and the Sun Temple of Konark is no exception to it. Crowned as the Black Pagoda, this 13th-century temple is said to be related to Lord Krishna. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father’s curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honor he built this temple.

However, history relates that Konark was actually built by Narsinhadeva I of Ganga dynasty in the 13th century AD on his victory over the Mughals. The temple fell into disuse in the early 17th century after it was desecrated by an envoy of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

The UNESCO has listed the Sun Temple as a World Heritage Site. The structure of the temple resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a fine spire. The Sun God’s chariot also represents the seven days of the week and the 24 hours of the day. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with impressive sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented here, and the erotic imagery depicts the sublimation of human love manifested in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life, and war are also done with great precision.

The museum of the Archeological Survey of India is just outside the temple enclosure. The museum houses many sculptures and carvings from the ruins of the Sun Temple. The stone images of nine planet deities, the Navagrahas, which were originally set above the temple’s ornamental doorways is now kept as a living shrine.

Situated around 3 km from the temple is Konark beach. The beach is very picturesque and one gets the beautiful sight of sunrise over here. One can also enjoy sunbathing here.

Kuruma is at a distance of around 8 km from Konark and is approachable by jeep. Many Buddhist sites have been excavated here. A recent excavation has unearthed antique images of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra (earth-touching pose) along with the image of Heruka, who is related to Buddha Akshobhya family (water element)

Chaurasi is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras, and Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th century AD, worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another.

Pipli is on the way to Konark from Puri. The place is famous for its exquisite appliqué work, which depicts the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the most colorful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder handbags, etc. The cocktail effect of the colors is certainly a feast for the eyes. Situated 7 km from Konark, Ramachandi is located at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, is worshipped here.

At 45 km from Konark, Kakatapur is located in the Prachi valley and is famous for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. Legend has it that the directions for reaching the holy log from which is created Lord Jagannath’s icon comes from her. The famous ‘Jhamu Yatra’ is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers. A famous fishing harbor, Astranga (of eight colors) lies 55 km from Konark. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place really lives to its name.

The Sun Temple of Konark provides an ideal backdrop for the famous Konark Dance Festival, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. Most of the renowned Indian classical dancers perform here and the festival provides a good occasion for the people interested in the higher forms of dance such as Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, etc. Apart from the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa’s own folk dance form-is also performed during the festival.

The Chandrabhaga Mela or Magh Saptami mela held in the month of February is a grand religious festival. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool on this day to take a holy dip in its curative waters, and then shuffle off to the beach where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned in the Puranas, they watch the sun rise over the sea. The event is followed by the puja of the Navagraha.

Chaitra Prabha in March-April is the regional harvest festival celebrated with colorful tribal dances, including Chau.

There is no direct connection from Konark by air. Nearest airheads are Bhubaneswar and Puri. The nearest railheads are Puri and Bhubaneswar. These two stations are connected to all the major cities in India through long-distance trains. It is connected with Kolkata, Bijapur, and Vishakhapatnam by road. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

konark tourism

[caption id="attachment_52" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="konark travel guide"][/caption]

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of others. The situation more or less remained unchanged till 1947. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.

 

The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East.

Bikaner City

 

Bikaner city guide

 

 

Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the North State of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven-km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting experience. Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting.

Khajuraho Temples, India

Situated in the heart of Central India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambiance and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India’s unique gift of love to the world, represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. The Chandela temples of Khajuraho in central India was built in the tenth century A.D and these marvelous temples contain stunning sculptures. Life in every form and mood, has been beautifully etched out in stone, justifying the excellent craftsmanship and artistry of the Chandela Rajputs.

History of Temples
Khajuraho temples were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandel Empire. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. These temples are considered the “high point” of Indian architectural genius in the Medieval period. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist.

Structural Framework
Each structure stands on a high masonry platform with a distinct upward direction to their build, further enhanced by several vertical projections to simulate the effect of an overall lightness. The three main compartments are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum (garbha griha). The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions : western, eastern and southern.

Western Group of Temples: The most prominent structure at Khajuraho is the Kandariya Mahadeo temple, which is the largest soars 31 km high, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the sanctum enshrines a lingam, a phallic symbol. The amorous couples are most sensuously depicted in the Chaunsath Yogini temple, dedicated to goddess Kali. Facing eastwards to the rising sum, Chitragupta temple is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. A three headed image of Brahma is enshrined in Vishwanath Temple. The lintel over the entrance of beautiful Lakshman Temple shows the trinity of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, with Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort.

Eastern Group of Temples: The temples in this group can be subdivided into two one being a cluster of Jain temples and another scattered through the small village. Parsvanath Temple is the largest in this group. The temple was initially dedicated to Adinath but the statue was replaced by that of Parsavanath in 1860 A.D. The Jain temple, Gantai temple, has a frieze, which depicts the 16 dreams of Mahavira’s mother and a Jain goddess on a winged Garuda. Dedicated to the Jain saint Adinath, Adinath Temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including Yakshis.

Southern Group: This comprises only two temples. A track running south from Jain enclosures reaches the first called Duladeo Temple. It is among the latest built temples at Khajuraho, more accurate, finer and equally graceful, with figures of Mithuna (sexual intercourse) and women in various poses. The other temple is Chaturbhuj Temple which has a three meter image of Vishnu.

Nainital, The Paradise City..

 

Within panoramic Kumaon lies the district of Nainital. Its snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, rolling meadows and crystal lakes have beckoned lovers of nature since ages.Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini Lake ringed by hills and named after the Goddess Naini. The first recorded discovery goes back to the year 1841 when Mr. P. Barron of Shahajahanpur was so moved by the scenic splendour of the place that he had a house constructed by the name “Pilgrim Cottage and gradually a township sprung up around the lake.

 

Pondicherry..

Pondicherry, a town with much French influence, and the home of the Sri Aurobindo ashram. Sri Aurobindo, if you don’t know, was both a revolutionary for India’s independence as well as one of its most famous Gurus of the first half of the 20th century.Pondicherry is nicely laid out in a grid formation, and by far, the nicest part of town is the eastern area near the shore, though the western part of town is not bad, just a bit busy. But even that is not nearly intense as a large city in India.

From the guidebooks, it was said that the best places in town to stay in were the Guest Houses run by the Aurobindo ashram, and the best of those was the Park Guest House. And the books were certainly right! The Park Guest House is a most beautiful place to stay. It is right on the ocean, and contains the most beautiful garden lying between the building and the ocean.

the Aurobindo Ashram
Entering the main gate,to a courtyard on the right of the main building, which contained the samadhi site of both Aurobindo and the Mother.It was a white marble tomb almost completely covered in flowers, creating a most wonderful fragrance, overshadowed by a large tree. The aura of peace around the samadhi was palpable and strong.

The Kerala Backwaters

Kochin is in the Indian state called Kerala, and the Kerala state tourism office offers a most excellent tour of the backwater canals that Kerala is famous for. There are several tours, one last 4 hours and another 8 hours, which is a one way trip to another city in Kerala.

I booked the local 4 hour tour, which I shared with 6 other people. We went in two cabs and I shared a cab with Lawrence and his wife and Fred. Lawrence and his wife are Indian, while Fred is part Honduran and part Lebanese with major good looks. He practically seduced the Kerala tourist office worker right in front of me. And it is always surprising to hear an Indian with a western name – I’ve met Johns and Lawrences and Marshalls and James, which blows my mind a bit.
The tour started with a horrific taxi ride to get to the canal area. The Ernakulam city area is yet another traffic hellhole. Arriving in a small town, we were ushered into two small boats which are manuevered by a boatman with a large bamboo pole, and he was quite adept at it. He had a scripted spiel in broken English, but by the end we all connected with him.

Basically, the people here thrive on coconuts. The entire tree is used, everything – the fiber is used to make rope and the trees are cut for dripping coconut oil, similar to maple syrup work. At one point our boatman stopped the boat on a levee and he tied a rope around his feet and proceeded to climb up a tree in lightning speed to get us fresh coconuts. Though this was not new to me (you can get fresh coconut juice in many cities), it is enjoyable to stick a straw into a coconut and sip the juice of a fresh fruit.

The tranquillity of this backwater area penetrated me to the bone, to the point where it seemed like a magical place, especially as we watched the sunset over the rice paddies and shrimp/prawn farms. First time I’ve ever seen a live shrimp, damn ugly. The day was also marked with the viewing of the beautiful “fish eagle”, a brown and white bird that is somewhat similar to the American bald eagle, which swoops down to snag fish out of the waters. We saw the eagles do this many times, which is the first time I’ve ever seen something in person that I’ve seen on the Discovery Channel. I tried my hardest to catch one of these birds right at the point of contact with the water with my camera, and if so, I’ll sell it to National Geographic for thousands of dollars!

Arunachala Mountain Circumbulation

The temple was a bit overwhelming, and I didn’t feel at the moment very connected to the Hindu pantheon. So finally, after a bite to eat we began circumabmulating Arunachala mountain. Once we got outside of downtown Thiru, the roads became very quiet, much to my relief – the tooting of bus horns can really get to you, not to mention the pollution. But as we walked, the quietness of the night was comforting, and I found myself becoming very joyful.

Along the roadside, there are many small temples which Kumar stopped to say a prayer. And I kept looking at the mountain, but it didn’t seem to change much in the dark, though it felt blissful. At one point, I realized that I had horrific blisters on my feet, from my mediocre quality Indian sneakers. A circumambulation of Arunachala is supposed to be done in one’s bare feet, but this tenderfoot didn’t think he could handle two hours of skin to tarmac. But, nevertheless, I stilled paid a painful price in blistering feet.

We passed numerous groups of people doing the same circumambulation, and due to nightime disorientation, it didn’t feel to me that we were walking in circles around the mountain. I was also getting very tired and worn out, though blissed out at the same time, which kept me going. Finally we arrived back at Ramana Ashram, and I swear there was some kind of time/space warp – it just didn’t seem that we walked around the mountain, but apparently we did! I bid Kumar a goodnight and headed straight to bed.