Best Places of Interest - Page 7 of 183

April 23, 2024 Travel, Within India

Hindu Char Dham Yatra – The Spiritual Yatra of Uttarakhand

Tucked amidst the serene scenic vista of the Himalayas, the pilgrimages of Hindu Char Dham Yatra holds immense significance in Hinduism and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Embarking on this holy Yatra is a pious journey to meet your inner self where the holy pedestals are driven by spirituality and devotion.

The four holy shrines of this auspicious Hindu Char Dham Yatra established in four different directions of Uttarakhand and dedicated to different gods and goddesses draw millions of devotees from all around the globe. However, this is not the only charm of this spiritual Yatra as the spellbinding views of the majestic Himalayas, gorgeous waterfalls, rivers, meadows, valleys, and other beautifying features of nature make this Yatra more exciting.

Explore the Hindu Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand

Yamunotri Dham

Yamontri dam
IC- https://www.indiapilgrimagetour.org/yamunotri-yatra/

This spiritual journey commences from Yamunotri, a temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. This immensely religious site of Uttarakhand is located at a height of almost 3293 meters above sea level and is established in the Uttarkashi district. The temple is encircled by gorgeous mountains on all sides and lies in the proximity of the Indian and China border.

Those who are burdened with stress and want to spend some time in a serene ambiance shall visit this place at least once in their lifetime. If you are also planning to explore this sacred site then must plan it between May and October as the temple is open for six months a year only.

Other Attraction: There is a hot water spring near the temple where the pilgrims cook Prasad (rice and potatoes) to offer the deity.

Gangotri Dham

Nestled at an altitude of 3100 meters above sea level, Gangotri Dham holds a huge place in the hearts of devotees. Enlisted among the four sacred and significant shrines of Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, Gangotri is one of the holiest places in the country having an intimate connection with the River Ganges.

According to Hindu mythology, it is the same place where Goddess Ganga came down on the earth to wash away the committed sins of King Bhagirath. Hindus believe that visiting this auspicious shrine of Ganga is not only a religious duty but also a spiritual calling.

Kedarnath Dham

The religious city of Badrinath is counted amongst the four holy pedestals of Char Dham Yatra. Elevated at a height of almost 3584 meters above sea level, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hence every year thousands of Shiva followers flock to this pilgrimage. Apart from its spiritual significance, the pilgrimage is famous for its intricate architecture too.

There are more than 200 temples established in our country but Kedarnath happens to be one of the most popular ones. Kedarnath Tourism is strengthened by factors like religious zest and natural beauty. One needs to be physically fit and mentally very strong to reach this holy shrine as one has to cover a very challenging trekking trail to reach the shrine.

Badrinath Dham

One of the most eminent destinations of Vishnu worshippers, Badrinath is visited by thousands of tourists from all around the world. The destination is settled amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges and the destination doesn’t attract tourists only with the spiritual significance but also treats them with recreational activities.

There are several glimmering lakes, sacred ponds, towering peaks, and water bodies that make it a perfect place to explore with your family and friends. Likewise other pilgrimage sites of the circuit, Badrinath is best explored between May and the first week of November. This holy shrine of Lord Badri is elevated at a height of almost 3300 meters above sea level.

Opening Dates of Char Dham Yatra

The opening dates of Yamunotri and Gangotri have been decided and it is finally confirmed that the Yatra will commence on the grand occasion of Akshay Tritiya. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines will open on the 14th of May and Badrinath will open on the 18th of May. There is no date decided for Kedarnath as it will be decided on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

How to Reach?

You can select any mode of transport to reach the shrines as the pilgrimages are accessible via airways, railways, and roadways. But it is quite difficult to cover the challenging trekking trail falling en route hence Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is one of the most convenient ways to explore these sacred shrines of Hindu Char Dham Yatra.

Accommodations on Char Dham Yatra

Devotees from far across the world embark on this divine journey to tread a religious and righteous life. One who is visiting the shrines of the circuit must not bother about their food climate and accommodation as there are several hotels and resorts established in the region.

Thus, selecting the perfect accommodation completely depends upon your budget and needs and if your pocket doesn’t allow you to stay in hotels or resorts then you can go for GMVN guest houses established by the state government.

Best Time to Visit

The four holy shrines of this circuit are open for a public visit for half a year only as the destinations are located at very huge altitudes and witness unfavorable climatic conditions. During the winter months, the regions receive heavy snowfall which makes it difficult for the pilgrims to climb up the trekking trails.

The temples open with the onset of the summer season i.e. either in the last week of April or in the first week of May and get closed by the very first week of November. So, you can plan your trip between May and October except for the monsoon months (you might get stuck due to landslides).

Travel Tips

There are certain tips and tricks that you need to keep in mind when you plan to embark on this auspicious journey.

The destinations are elevated at huge altitudes and insane locations hence network connectivity becomes a huge obstacle and to stay connected with your family, friends, and relatives you must have good network connectivity. BSNL provides a great network service here.

Carry enough woolen clothes with you to stay fit and healthy as the climate doesn’t remain the same throughout the day. During the daytime, you find leasing and favorable climate and at night you start feeling cold so you must carry woolens along with you.

If you or any of your group members are suffering from any prolonged disease then you must pack your medications in your baggage.

As the pilgrimages are tucked at huge heights hence, you don’t find ATMs everywhere so it is highly recommended to carry enough cash with you so that you feel comfortable in case of emergency.

Interesting and Must-Know Facts about Char Dham Yatra

March 14, 2024 Food, Lifestyle

Culinary Adventures: Exploring Street Food Around the World

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of tasting street food in a new city. The flavors are as vibrant and diverse as the cultures they come from, offering a delicious window into the local way of life. From the sizzling carts of Bangkok to the bustling markets of Mexico City, each bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and community.

In Bangkok, the air is thick with the aroma of spices as vendors whip up plates of Pad Thai and skewers of succulent satay. The streets are a symphony of sounds, from the chatter of excited tourists to the sizzle of fresh ingredients hitting hot woks.

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Mexico City offers a different kind of feast for the senses. Here, tacos al pastor are king, with their juicy, marinated pork carved right off the spit. The tangy bite of pineapple paired with the rich meat is a match made in heaven, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.

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But street food isn’t just about indulging in exotic flavors; it’s also about connection. It’s sharing a table with strangers who quickly become friends, united by the universal language of good food.

So let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, exploring street food around the world. Who knows what delicious discoveries await?

Simit or rosquilla is a circular bread, typically encrusted with sesame seeds or, less commonly, poppy, flax, or sunflower seeds, found across the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire, and the Middle East, especially in Armenia, Turkey, and the Balkans.

As we wander through Istanbul, we encounter Simit, an enticing circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds, often dubbed as the Turkish bagel. It’s a staple street food that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking, commonly enjoyed with a cup of strong Turkish tea.

Image Source- Wikipedia

While the crunch of deep-fried falafel in Cairo is a sound that echoes through the bustling streets.
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In Mumbai, the spicy and tangy flavors of Vada Pav, a local favorite, provide a quick and satisfying bite for those on the go.

Each city adds its unique flavor to this global tapestry of street food. The streets of Rome are filled with the rich aroma of freshly made pizza al taglio, while in Tokyo, the delicate balance of savory and sweet takoyaki balls captivates the senses.

Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that connects us to the heart of a city and its people. So let’s continue our culinary exploration, adding new cities to our map and savoring each delicious moment.

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Each city’s street food tells a story, inviting us to explore further and taste more. So let’s continue our journey, eager to uncover the next delicious treasure hidden in the bustling streets of the world.

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February 15, 2024 Food

Mission Millets

Millets are for all

Millets, the golden grain, are dominating everyone’s diet because of their numerous benefits.

types of millets — Image courtesy- Everyday Nourishing foods

Here is how various people use it-

Chef’s favourite

Millets culinary versatility adds to their popularity in modern cuisine. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, yielding a wide diversity of textures and flavours. Chefs are experimenting with millets because of their versatility in cooking, which includes boiling, steaming, toasting, and even fermenting. It can be used to make cereal, salad dressings, soups and stews, and even desserts. Chefs and household cooks are experimenting with millets to create new recipes that showcase their unique features and provide variety in culinary experiences. From rotis to tortillas and crisps to salads, risottos, and even brownies, the millet revolution has dominated the culinary world over the last year.

Farmer’s choice

Millets are resistant to high temperatures, frequent droughts, and flooding, and they maybe grown in both dry and rainy areas. In comparison to other crops, the amount of water required for production is small. Millets are pesticide resistant. These characteristics make it a favourite among farmers. Millets have a comparatively lengthy storage life (two years or more) when compared to other crops, making them ideal contingency crops. Millets provide numerous farm revenue streams, including food, fodder, sugar production and biofuels. Because it is very resistant to climate stress, pests, and diseases, it takes little maintenance and thus helps to reduce total growing expenses and increase profitability for farmers.

Dietician recommends

Millets have earned the reputation of being nutri- cereals as they provide most of the nutrients required for the normal functioning of the human body. The energy, protein, good fats, minerals, and vitamins that millets provide make them a superfood. High in fibre, naturally gluten-free, and known to induce a hypoglycemic response, they help mitigate different lifestyle conditions. They also recommended for the well-being of infants, pregnant and lactating mothers, the elderly and convalescents in various suitable forms. Nutritionists suggest including millets in the daily diet of all for their nutritive value, multiple health benefits, and disease-fighting capabilities.

Must- have for women

Women’s bodies change frequently throughout their lives, and nutritional interventions are required at each stage to adjust these changes. Millets are high-energy super foods that provide all of the key amino acids needed for women’s health. Millets are high in calcium, iron and magnesium which help avoid anemia, improve hormonal health, and boost immunity. Millet rich diets have been shown to benefit women for maintaining regular menstrual periods are those who have PCOS.

Millets are especially useful to postmenopausal women, as they protect against arthritis, cardiovascular disease and excessive cholesterol. Regular consumption of high -protein and mineral -rich millets aids in body weight maintenance by adding bulk to the diet, which increases satiety. Millets are thought to boost blood production, nourish the spleen, and promote hunger during pregnancy. Millets such as sorghum are recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in various parts of India due to their high mineral and vitamin content (such as copper and iron,) which boosts immunity.

Cherished by children

Millets include important nutrients such as iron for hemoglobin maintenance, calcium for bone health, zinc for immunity and growth, and protein for strength. Millets are ideal food source for meeting the nutritional demands of children. These nutritional grains have also been recognized as important providers of nutrients such as protein and iron. Millets provide nutritional value, promote food security and aid in the prevention of malnutrition. Because they are high in energy, millets are the most popular food among children, and a wide variety of delights ranging from pancakes to cookies can be produced using them.

Elders delight

Millets are high in healthy fats and fibre, making them crucial for senior people’s health. Older adults have gastrointestinal health issues and require readily digestive nutrients, which millets can provide. They also help reduce constipation, which is prevalent among the elderly. Abundant phytonutrient supply and antioxidants radical scavenging activities postpone the onset of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Many people are prone to developing food intolerance as they age, necessitating dietary options that are both nutritionally dense and hypoallergenic such as millets.

Source – The Times of India, January 21 2024

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January 22, 2024 Travel, Within India

12 Best Places in Kashmir

India’s northernmost state is a picturesque paradise, adorned with vibrant flowers in spring and blankets of snow in winter. This destination attracts all the visitors especially the honeymooners with a plethora of breathtaking views and experiences. Activities range from thrilling skiing in Gulmarg to enjoying the breathtaking mountain lakes, trout fishing in Sonamarg, and enjoying a charming cruise on cedar-panelled houseboats on the Jhelum River.

Among its diverse landscapes, with lakes, mountains, gardens, deserts, and places of worship for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims, Jammu and Kashmir offers innumerable picturesque cities and towns. The area is a treasure trove of attractions, promising an abundance of things to see and do.

Here, I am going to share with you the top 12 places that I highly recommend and add attractive Jammu and Kashmir tour packages to further enhance your exploration.

Budgam

Located only half an hour south of Srinagar, the state capital and largest city, Budgam is a town with a population of over 15,000. This place is a true reflection of the authentic charm of Kashmir. It offers a harmonious blend of natural wonders, including the vast fields of Yusmarg (details below) and Doodhpathri, nestled in densely forested hills. Historic sites like the 16th century Hari Parbat Fort and delightful gardens like Shalimar Bagh, Chashma Shahi, and Mughal Gardens add to their charm.

Baramulla

Located in the north-west of Kashmir, Baramulla is a small town with a population of about 71,000, whose origins date back to 2306 BC. Apart from the city’s various temples and shrines, notable nearby towns include Parihaspora, the 8th-century capital of Kashmir, famous for its ruins, and Gulmarg, set amidst snow-capped peaks and famous for winter sports. Which includes the world’s highest green golf course. , The surrounding area is a center of attraction for nature lovers, being home to Manasbal Lake (particularly attractive for bird lovers), Uri (an excellent spot for barbecue), Wular Lake (Asia’s largest freshwater lake), and Gulmarg offers attractions such as Biosphere Reserve (an excellent destination for birdwatchers). Hunting birds and observing fauna like musk deer and snow leopard).

Bhaderwah

Nestled in the wooded, river-crossed foothills of the Himalayas, about 1,613 meters above sea level and a six-hour drive from the nearest major city, Jammu, Bhaderwah is a town of 11,000 with an 18th-century fort and several historic temples. Is the city. Its primary attraction lies in its setting, making it an ideal destination for both adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The diverse and stunning landscape of mountains, valleys, and fields has earned it the nickname “Mini Kashmir”. Popular among trekkers, whitewater rafters, mountain bikers, and skiers, Bhaderwah offers a picturesque experience.

Gurez

Situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters (8,000 ft) in the high Himalayas in the far north of Kashmir, Gurez, once a part of the old Silk Road, is one of the most picturesque valleys in the state. Dawar, its central city, hosts the Sufi pilgrimage center of Pir Darwish. In the valley adorned with waterfalls and quaint wooden villages, tourists can engage in trekking, rafting in the clear blue waters of the Neelam River, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. It is important to note that the road leading to Gurez remains closed from November to May due to heavy snowfall (up to 15 feet). Careful planning is required, but Gurez’s breathtaking beauty makes it worth the effort.

Jammu

Founded in the 9th century and home to approximately 576,000 inhabitants, Jammu holds the prestigious title of the holiest city of Kashmir, often referred to as the “City of Temples”. Holy sites include the Mata Vaishno Devi Hindu cave temple, the Peer Baba Muslim Sufi temple, Mahamaya, Peer Kho (also within a cave), and the temples of Raghunath (above) and Ranbireshwar. Other notable attractions include the Old Quarter, the mid-16th century sandstone Bahu Fort, the early 19th century Mubarak Mandi and Amar Mahal palaces, Rani Park in the city center, Peer Mitha, Karbala and the Nandini Wildlife Refuge.

Kishtwar

Located about 6½ hours southwest of Jammu, this town of 14,000 offers more than just a few attractions. Although it houses a 17th-century Sufi saint’s shrine, its real attraction lies in its surroundings, which are surrounded by high, wooded hills, making it an ideal area for hikers, and wildlife lovers (Kishtwar High Altitude National Park The park is home to numerous bird species and mammals such as the Indian muntjac, Himalayan tahr, hangul and snow leopard), as well as rock climbers and mountaineers (peaks as high as 6,000 to 7,000 m). The area is also famous for saffron, both in the nearby Paddar Valley and in the saffron fields. Don’t miss a dip in the local Tattva hot springs!

Kupwara

Nestled among snow-clad mountain ranges in the far north-west (about an hour and a half from Baramulla), Kupwara, which has a population of 70,000, has several notable temples and shrines, including the shrine of the Muslim saint Hazrat Muhammad, Kheer Bhawani, Are included. And Shaloora. Anch Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley of Kashmir, and the nearby beautiful Lolab Valley with its half-a-dozen charming villages is worth a visit.

Ladakh

Located in the northeast corner of Kashmir, bordering Tibet and predominantly Tibetan in culture, Ladakh, once a Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, opened for tourism in 1974. It is rich in Buddhist stupas, temples, and holy places, especially in the capital, Leh, and other areas such as Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (above) and Hemis and Thiksey Monastery. Ladakh’s natural wonders are awe-inspiring, including towering snow-capped peaks, spectacular lakes like Pangong, and rivers increasingly popular for whitewater rafting. With activities including trekking, biking, mountain biking, and mountaineering, Ladakh stands out as a world-class adventure travel destination.

Pahalgam

Located just two and a half hours east of Srinagar, this colonial-era hill station stands at an altitude of 2,130 meters and is home to about 6,000 residents. Despite its small size, Pahalgam is well prepared to welcome visitors, particularly because of the Hindu Amarnath Cave Temple, a pilgrimage site that attracts 600,000 devotees every July and August. The surrounding ecotourism and adventure opportunities also contribute to the appeal, offering visitors the chance to wander through the breathtaking grasslands of Baisaran, explore the lush valleys of Aru and Betab, trek on the Kolahoi Glacier and experience whitewater rafting on the Lidder River. Invite to.

Patnitop

Set in the pine and cedar forested hills above the Shivalik Valley, a six-and-a-half-hour drive south of Jammu, Patnitop is home to Hindu temples such as the Nag Temple (Cobra) and Sudh Mahadev. For adventure lovers, the city is famous for paragliding, rappelling, rock climbing, camping, and winter sports. On a less demanding note, visitors can engage in hiking and horseback riding in the local farms and forests, as well as explore natural springs known for their medicinal properties.

Srinagar

Founded in the sixth century, Srinagar, Kashmir’s summer capital and largest city with a population of 1.2 million, is famous for its natural beauty, gardens, beaches, and houseboats. Key attractions include a fort dating back to the city’s founding, its Gondola-like boats, stationary houseboats, and India’s only floating market. Colorful markets and many historic Sufi temples and Muslim mosques add to the charm of the city. Since your entry point into the state is likely to be Srinagar, take advantage of staying for a few days to explore the city’s facilities.

Yusmarg

Located on the Doodhganga River, about an hour’s drive south of Srinagar, this small hill station offers only basic accommodation and lacks distinctive sites. However, it is a worthwhile stop because of its stunning natural environment. Key activities here include hiking and horse riding to local beauty spots such as the stunning Nilnag Lake, the Sang-e-Safed Valley with its eternally frozen lake, and the lush green meadows of Lidder Maid and Haggin. In short, Yusmarg offers a tranquil escape from the busy city life.

Kash Pals

Kash Pals loves to read, write and travel, DIY, Coffee, Music, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. She believes as you move through this life…you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.

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