Leh, Ladakh Safari - Visit Heaven at Himalaya

Let start with a depressing information! One can visit Ladakh only between June to September. If visit in June and July, the view of snow peaked mountain will mesmerize you and in August and September colorful apple orchards will hypnotize you! Either way you are winner. This is a great information.

How to reach Leh?:

You can reach Leh by either by air or by road.

If you like to go by air you can take your flight either from Delhi, or, Jammu or Srinagar. during the season there are three flights from Delhi, two from Jammu and one from Srinagar per week. Detailed information of the available flights can be collected from the authorized tour operators.

To reach Leh by road you can go either from Srinagar or from Manali. Though little tiring but if you travel by road you can enjoy fully the total beauty of the nature and appreciate the change of vegetation, mountains as you gain altitude. The chance of altitude sickness will be less as there will be halts at different altitudes.

The political situation is so unpredictable we selected the route from Manali. Approximate bus fare from Manali to Leh @ INR 1600 in which the dinner for the first night, stay of the night and charge of breakfast next morning is included. Even better to go by hiring a 8 to 10 seater car ( TATA SUMO) @ INR 8000.

Where to stay at Manali / Srinagar?

Luckily June to September is off season in Manali and Srinagar. In each of these places there are plenty of hotels and there is huge scope of bargaining at off season. You can get a DB room even @INR 250!

Where to stay at Leh, Ladakh?

Leh is such a town where you can stay at a very low budget hotel or, if you want you can chose one of the luxury hotels there. Government tourist bungalow, private guest houses, hotels are plenty here. Most of the guest houses are run by the local Tibetian family members and in many of them you can use the kitchen too. You can find a DB room @ INR 350 easily.

Here are the list of few hotels and guest houses:

STD code of Ladakh: ( +91 1982)

Hotel Deskit Chan Ph: 251523
Hotel Sidhath Ph: 252329
Hotel Chospa: Ph: 252045
Hotel Vimla Ph: 252754
Hotel Ibex Ph: 252412
Hotel Kangla Ph: 253670
Hotel Hill View Ph: 252258
Hotel himalaya Ph: 252304
Old Ladakh Guesthouse Ph: 252951
Indus Guesthouse Ph: Jigme Guesthouse Ph: 253563
Yashmin Guesthouse Ph: 252405
Tibet Guest house Ph: 252404
Khan Manjil Guest house Ph: 252681

Tourist reception Centre Leh Ph: 252297, 252094

What And How to see places in Ladakh:

It is better to settle and rest in the hotel or guest house in the first day. Leh's diversified beauty you can experience just by walking around the town. While walking you will see on both side of the road the Ladakhi men and women with their colorful dresses and eye catching ornaments selling fruits and vegetables and many other things.



The important places to see in Leh are Moravian church, Sankar Monastery, Handicraft center, Ladakh Ecological center and the most famous Leh Palace. This palace is a nine storey buiding over a hill top, was built by the king Senge Namgial. The view of Leh from the top of the palace is amazing. Semo Gompha is just behind the palace .
In one day by hiring a car you can see all the important places in Ladakh.



Usually the tourists in Ladakh see the surrounding places by car and come back at night at Leh. Little far away places they spend one night and come back next day to Leh.

Leh taxi union has fixed the rate of different trips around Ladakh. They don't take more than 5 passengers per car but some times one passenger more from the same family is allowed. It is better to hire the taxi through the hotel or guest house, where you will be staying. Some places require inner line permit. Hotel also help you to fulfill these formalities.



Tours and their Rates in and around Ladakh:

Trip to Leh palace, Thikse Gompha, Hemis Gompha, Stoke Palace museum one day trip @ INR 1250

Nubra valley one night and two days trip @ INR 7000

Somoriri Lake one night two days trip @ INR 6500

Pangong Lake one day trip @ INR 5000

Trip to Alchi Gompha one day trip @ INR 1350

Trip to Lamayuru one day trip @ INR 2800



Other Important Informations Regarding Travel To Ladakh:

1. Keep passport or other photo identity along with you
2. Take few xerox copies of the same of all the members traveling.
3. Consult with your physician prior to your journey and take nes=cessary medicines that may be required for altitude sickness.
4. Carrying a portable oxygen cylinder is an added advantage.
5. Take enough dry food, fruits and water for the long bus / car journey.
6. Sunshine is very bright in Ladakh and not comfortable at all. Take cap, umbrella and your favorite sunscreen lotion.
7. The weather in Ladakh is very dry, take cold creams or moisturizer with you.
   

Paradise For Bird Lovers - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The last few years due to lack of rainfall, 29 square Km. World Heritage site, Bharatpur bird sanctuary lost its attraction to the migratory birds along with the tourists. This year nature ultimately blessed and we can see Bharatpur at its old charm.




This year though the monsoon was late but there was enough rainfall and the lake in Bharatpur is full. Already Painted stork, Open bill stork, Eye biss, Spoon bill, Grey Heron, Purple heron and many other birds have already built their nests. Boatride has already started in the canals. Migratory birds has started coming.



Forest department is working hard to remove the unwanted weeds and trees and improving the health of the sanctuary.

After a lomg time we will see Bharatpur in its full glory.

How to reach Bharatpur:

Bharatpur is 180 Km from both Delhi and Jaipur and 55 Km from Agra. You can travel from these places either by bus or car.

The nearest railway station is Bharatpur, on the main line between New Delhi and Mumbai.

The sanctuary is only 6 Km from Railway station and cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws
are there to take you up to the spot.

Within the sanctuary you can walk, hire a cycle rickshaw or better if you hire a cycle.

Where to stay at Bharatpur:

STD code of Bharatpur: 05644

RTDC Hotel Saras: Ph: 223790 @ DB INR 650 - 950. This is situated on the road going to sanctuary.

Shanti Kutir, Resthouse of Forest department is within the sanctuary ph: 222777 @ DB INR 600.

Hotel Sunbird Ph: 225701 starts from @ INR 1200 DB

Hotel Spoonbill Ph: 223571 @ INR 250 - 700 DB

Hampi - The Royal Ruins

Hampi - Badami - Bijapur is an excellent travel circuit for a week end tour from Bangalore. These three places are hot favorite of the foreign tourists. Many temples and palaces at Hampi and Badami are now in the list of UNESCO Heritage sites. There is scarcity of hotels in Hampi and Badami, so it is better to book before hand before your journey, particularly in the winter.

The nearest railway station from Hampi is Hospet 14 kms. From Bangalore, it is 364 Km can be reached by bus, or hiring a cab. Even night service deluxe busses are also available from Bangalore to Hospet.

Carvings

At Hospet a place worth to see is the dam over the Tungabhadra river, also known as TB Dam by the local people. The picture of perfect villages in India with their farming, huts can be seen on both sides of the road on your way from Hospet to Hampi. Kamalapur is the major junction you will reach after 20 mins drive. From here two different roads are going inside the Hampi.

Carvings

Hampi is place with its unique scenic beauty. The rocks of different shapes, Tungabhadra river with the typical basket boat ( Hargol), ruins of palaces and temples here and there. After lunch we went to visit the Matanga Hill. This is a Hill made by the boulders of differentshapes stacked together, unique in its natural design. steps are there to climb to the top. It was a steep climb! At the top there is ruin of Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple. From the top the total view of Hampi is exceptional.

The Royal Ruins

Hampi was the capital of Vijaynagar Empire and was built on 1336 AD by the two kings of that time Harihar and Bukka. At that time Vijaynagar was vesry strong economically and wast the hub for trade for diamonds, pearls, silk, horses etc. Many palaces, forts temples were built at that time one by one. On 1565 AD Vijaynagar lose the Talikota battle and ruining started.

Carvings

Archeological Survey Of India tried hard to protect those heritage structures, the beauty of which will amaze you even today! At least two full days are required to visit the important sites at Hampi.

Virupakshya Temple

In the afternoon we decided to see the Virupakshya temple. This temple remain open from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm. Tall and huge 9 storey Gopuram, large temple compund with beautiful carvings on the wall, colorful frescos on the ceiling - really a wonder all

Fresco on the ceiling

together. In this temple regular puja and prayer is held till today. The Gods here are Mahadev and Pampadevi.

Tungabhadra River

From the temple we came to the river bank of Tungabhadara, adjacent to the temple. For dinner we went to roof top restaurant, a nice and unique environment to have dinner.

Carvings

The next morning after breakfast we started our journey to see the rest of the places. It took abouut 7 hours to cover the main sites. our first stop was Vithala temple. On the way to the temple we saw the ruins of Vithala market. Entry fee to the temple was INR 10. We witnessed and were stunned by the excellence of the architecture of ancient times! there are 56 intricately curved pillars in the main Rangmandap (Compound) which produce musical tunes when hit.

The King's Balance

The famous chariot made of curved stones is there in the compund here. King's balance, where the king use to donate gold and precious stones of his own weight! There are few ponds (Pushkarini ) inside the compound.

The Famous Chariot

Queen's bath was the bathroom for the queens. Though from outside it look so ordinary but the artistic craftworks in arches, pillars, fountains, balconies inside the palace is wonderful.

Hazar Ram Mandir

Hazar ram mandir is also in this area we saw. The story of Ramayana is curved on the walls of the two temples here. On the wall of main temple the pictorial story of Vishnu Avatar is engraved on the black ballast stone.

The Lotus Palace

From here our next spot was Janana Mahal Royal Complex. The same ticket of Vithala temple we hadto show here to enter. This was the place where queens used to stay in ancient times. The Lotus palace amidst of a beautiful garden was the main place. A museum of Archeological Survey Of india is also here.

Hatisala

Just outside the Janana Mahal is elephant's stable (Hati Sala) with many pillars and a beautiful tower.

Pataleshwar Shiva temple is little away from this palace. It is a temple underground and through the steps we reached inside (Garva Griha). Artistic work on the stones are beautiful even in this underground temple. Baravilinga Siva temple is another temple, where there is a three meter long Shiva linga surrounded by flowing water.

The Narasimha

The famous Lakshmi Narasimha Statue of Hampi is adjacent to this. It is an amazaing 7 meter tall statue made of stone with the fierce expression, under open sky.


After seeing many other temples we reached Acchyut Roy temple in the afternoon. The nearby river bank from here is very quite and secluded. We enjoyed the fun of basket boat (Hargol) ride on Tungabhadra river from here. This kind of boat is very typical of this place.

Tungbhadra Boat Ride

At last we reached the Hemkut hill near Virupakshya temple. Though not as high as Matunga, yet a beautiful view of Hampi is visible from here. We were all tired of the journey through out the day. Sitting on the hill top and observing the sunset over the Hampi - The Royal Ruins....is a memory to remain with us.

The sunset we will remember

See All Photos of Hampi Here.

Hotel Maliggi

Hotels at Hampi:

KTDC Hotel Maurya Bhubaneshwari (+918394 241574) @ INR 1200 - 1800 DB

KTDC Hotel Maurya Vijaynagar at Hospet ( +918394 259270) @ INR 350 DB

Kirtan ( +918394 695194) @ INR 400 - 500 DB

Maliggi ( Favourite of foreign tourists) (+918394 228101) @ INR 500 - 2100 DB

Train - E - DISCO

This Article is taken from The Telegraph, a newspaper published from Kolkata, India. Disco train rolls to Goa - Luxury on wheels

SANJAY MANDAL

Goa beaches will be the main attraction of a 10-day train trip from Calcutta. Tickets are priced at Rs 35,000 per passenger A train with a discotheque, cabin crew and live music will roll out from the city on January 2 for a 10-day trip to Goa and Mumbai. A city-based private travel operator is organising the trip in collaboration with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC). The Rs 35,000 package per passenger will include journey in an air-conditioned three-tier coach, a three-night, four-day stay at beach resorts in Goa and a day in Mumbai. The 16-coach rake, booked by i-nova from Indian Railways, will take about 36 hours to reach Goa. “This is the first time a private operator has booked a train for retail tourism,” said Vivek Srivastav, the general manager (eastern zone) of IRCTC. “We will be responsible for the on-board services, including food, hospitality, housekeeping, public address system and security. A multi-cuisine menu will be served on board,” he added. “An entire coach will be converted into a discotheque. Folk and baul songs will be performed on board. There will also be other entertainment options,” said Rajib Mukherjee, the managing director of i-nova. Passengers will stay in beach resorts in north Goa. “In Goa, beaches are the most attractive places. Beach volleyball, water sports and rain dance will be organised. The route has been planned in such a way that passengers can enjoy the natural beauty,” added Mukherjee. A railway official said the train would be handed over to the company — which has paid Rs 60 lakh — four to five days before the trip. Winter is the peak tourist season in Goa. About 700 chartered flights fly in to Goa every year from Europe and the US, according to tour operators. If the project is a success, more such trips will be organised. “We are planning to organise similar tours to various destinations throughout the year,” said Mukherjee. The IRCTC, on its own, is launching a train, Village on Wheels, for budget tourists. The first Village on Wheel will set out from Howrah station for north India on November 15. It will return after seven days. Each passenger will be charged Rs 500 daily for food and sightseeing, said an official.

Beaches Of Goa - Anjuna

One of the famous beach in Goa with colorful reddish rocks and beautiful coconut plants on its beach. The beach where you can bath is less, but it is so beautiful to see the waves breaking on the colorful rocks. 8 Kms from Mapusa this beach is hot favorite for the foreign tourists.

At the bus stand there are small cafe, restaurants, few handicraft shops. You have to come down at a lower level to reach the beach. Walk on the right side of the beach to the Anjuna free market. On Wednesdays this market looks completely different. So many traders from different places and variety of products make this place a grand fair for few hours from 1 pm. Visitors from the other beaches like Arambol, Baga, Kalangute come to this fair by boat for marketing. So if you want to visit Anjuna try that on Wednesdays.


On the full moon nights Anjuna remain on festive moods. All the tourists in dance and song till late night on the beach.



How to Reach:

From Panaji Anjuna is 19 Km, can be easily reached by cab. It is 8 Km from Mapusa. This beach is shown to the visitors in North Goa Day Tour by the Goa Tourism.

Where to stay:

There are quiet a few hotels and resorts of different price ranges.

The Flashing Meadow ( +91 0832 2274583) @ INR 1000 - 1500 DB
Don Jo Resort ( +91 0832 2274325) @ INR 300 - 600 DB
Grand Pa Inn ( +91 08232 2273271) @ INR 850 - 1200 DB
Lotus Inn ( +91 08232 2274015) @ INR 450 DB

Beaches Of Goa - Calangute

The most popular amongst all beaches in Goa is Calangute. Naturally most crowded with tourists both Indian and foreigners.


Rows of deckchair and umbrellas on the wide beach ready for your sun bathing. Colorful shops on either side of the road approaching the beach stacked with handicrafts and other materials will attract your attention.



There is immense arrangement of different water sports Boating, water ski, wind surfing, para sailing, banana boat ride and so on for the enthusiasts.


Each year in mid April Beach Bonanza festival is held at Calangute beach. Kerkar art gallery should not be missed.

Painting at Kerkar art gallery

How to reach:

16 km from Panaji. Bus service avilable. Bus is available from Mapusa (10 Km.) also. Car can also be hired from Pnanji @ INR 400 dropping charge.




Where to stay:

Calagute Residency run by Goa Tourism ( +91 0832 2276024) @ INR 1000 - 2000 DB
Calangute Residency Annexe ( +91 0832 2276009) @ INR 600 - 800 DB Dormitory @ INR 110.
Hotel Golden Eye (+91 0832 2277308) @ INR 400 - 1200 DB
Hotel Dona Crystalina (+91 0832 2279012) @ INR 250 - 1200.

Beaches Of Goa - Arambol

A comparatively less known beach in North Goa, mostly visited by the foreigners, particularly hippies. Hippy festival is also held here. Sweet water lakes on the beach are the added attraction and made this beach ideal for sea bathing and swimming at one's leisure.


Visit the Arambol village near to the beach to be acquainted with the local people's very simple habit and culture. The main profession of the local people is fishing.


About 16 Km long beach of Arambol, rocks and boulders at one part will not let you bath in sea, while there are plenty Golden sand beach for you to enjoy.



How to reach:

43 Km from Panaji and 30 Km from Mapusa. If you want to come by bus, there is half hourly bus service from Panaji to Mapusa. From Mapusa there is regular bus service to Arambol.

Where to stay:

You can stay at Tourist Lodge of Goa Tourism (+910832 2297657) DB INR 600 - 1200

Small houses on rent is also available at the beaches @ INR 400 for DB

Beaches Of Goa - Palolem

Like a slice of the moon it is a beautiful, and one of the famous beaches of Arabian sea in Goa. Its deep blue color, rocks, rows of coconut trees, exquisite beach attract many foreign tourists. Sunbathe on the beach, enjoy the bath in sea or, relax on a deck chair under the colorful umbrella....A perfect holidaying one can enjoy here in Palolem.

Roaming around the village adjacent to the beach, bus stand, Cyber cafe, drinks corner, restaurants, and shops of decorative items made of sea shells and colorful dresses is interesting.



This beach is also famous for fishing. At the southern part of this beach in the morning one can see the activities of the fishermen and their nets and boats.


To the Monkey Island, the green small island in the northern side, one can walk through the shallow water during low tide, but during high tide, a nice boat ride!


The mix of rocky beach, at one side and nice sandy beach for bath; the rows of coconut trees, has made this place exciting and beautiful.


Beach hut, Fishing boats, happy tourists, colorful seashells on the beach and the best is the sunset at Palolem!

Palolem Beach in the evening is also colorful.

How to reach Palolem:

Nearest railway station is Kanakona. Palolem is 5 Km from here can be reached by an auto rickshaw. From Margao Railway station it is 37 Km and 70 Km from the capital, Panaji.

Staying at Palolem:

There are quite a few hotels and resorts surrounding the beaches in Palolem. Details of the few are here:

Palolem Beach Resort (+91o832 2643054) DB 700 - 1200 INR; DB Tent 450 INR

Virgin Beach Resort (+910832 2643451) DB 400 - 800 INR

Cupid Castle Beach Tourist Home ( +910832 2643326) DB 250 INR; TB 350 INR

Apart from these Konkan cottage and rented home also is available at approximately 500 INR. for DB.