Tag: India

Top 10 snow Treks in India- Trekking trails for both novice and experienced Trekkers

Mountain trails in the Himalayas witness inanimate beauty during the winter months. Passing through the snow-capped mountain peaks, frozen streams, and the wintry grasses is an experience that can never be expressed in words. Winter is the time when nature showcases its playful side and you get to see the colorful side of nature in the spring season. If walking on the snow walls is something you are looking for this upcoming winter then here is a detailed rundown of the top 10 snow treks in Indian Himalayas that are the complete package of adventure, excitement, and wonderful memories.

Kedar Kantha Trek

Nothing less than a fairyland for an adventurer, Kedar Kantha Trek is one of the most favorite winter treks in the Himalayas blessed with nature’s unkempt secrets. This thrilling trek commences from Sankri and takes you through Juda ka Talab, a glimmering lake nestled amidst thick dense forests of maple and alpine trees. On reaching this lake site, the trekkers spend some relaxing moments for the day and start trekking towards Kedar Kantha Peak on the next day. While descending the hill, you get to visit an apple garden at Hargaon Pass.

Weather– The temperature of the region drops down to sub-zero level and reaches up to -15 degrees Celsius in the winter months.

Kuari Pass Winter Trek

Also known as the Lord Curzon trail, Kuari Pass Winter Trek happens to be one of the most exhilarating trails amidst the Himalayas. The trek commences from Joshimath, the winter abode of Lord Badrinath, and then takes you through the lesser-known passes and eventually to Kuari Pass, the highest point of the trek. On reaching the top of this trekking trail, the trekkers are awarded with mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks including Hathi- Ghodi Parvat, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, etc.

While walking on the downward hill, adventure lovers can visit Auli, another impressive winter destination in Uttarakhand. This amazing skiing destination in India is flocked by thousands of trekkers every year.

Weather– The temperature of the region ranges between -2 and -8 Degree Celsius hence, the region gets entirely covered with thick sheets of snow.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

If you have never done trekking so far and want to enjoy this adventure activity for the very first time then you shall plan an adventure trip to Dayara Bugyal Trek. It happens to be one of the easiest trekking sites in India. Being established at a great height, the region receives huge snowfall during the winter months. This snow trek nestled amidst the Himalayas sprawls over a huge area of almost 28 sq. km. and is believed to be a perfect ski slope during the winter months.

Weather– One needs to be both physically and mentally ready to bear the bone-tearing cold weather as the temperature of the region ranges between -4 and -10 Degree Celsius.

Dodital Winter Trek

Another perfect choice for those who are trekking for the very first time, Dodital Winter Trek is however an easy trail but it becomes pretty challenging during the winter months when gets covered with snow blankets. Commencing from Sangamchatti, the Dodital trek takes you through a thick forest area where you can spot several Himalayan birds. While walking upwards the hill, stop at the Agoda Village from where you can capture the awe-inspiring views of the summits of the Eastern and Western Himalayas.

Weather– Like other winter destinations, Dodital also receives huge snowfall, and the temperature ranges around the sub-zero level.

Chopta Chandrashila Winter Trek

One of the most astonishing and the easiest winter treks in India, Chopta Chandrashila Trek passes through the remote villages, the highest Shiva Temple, and the pristine lake. The trekking trail commences from Ukhimath and then takes you through Deoria Tal via Sari Village. On reaching a certain altitude of this trekking trail, visit the magnificent Shiva Temple and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hindus.

After visiting the Shiva shrine, proceed towards Chandrashila, the summit of moon rock at 4000 meters above sea level. Enjoy capturing the soul-soothing views of the surrounding mountain areas including Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Nanda Devi.

Weather– The temperature of the region ranges between zero and -10 degrees Celsius and this is why one needs to carry heavy woolens to stay fit and fine.

6- Sham Valley Winter Trek

Established beautifully in the Ladakh region, Sham Valley Trek is nationwide famous for its plantation of apricot flowers. During the winter months, the entire valley gets adorned with apricot flowers. Popularly called ‘Baby Trek’, this destination is a perfect place for those who are trekking for the first time and have no prior experience. One can explore a multitude of travel attractions such as Likir Monastery, Indus Valley, and the primordial Sham Kingdom.

Weather– This hugely elevated destination receives a huge amount of snowfall during the winter months and the temperature ranges between -5 and -15 degrees Celsius.

Chadar Trek

One of the most exciting and enthralling trekking trails in India, Chadar Trek is all about strength, survival, and persistence. The adventures covering this difficult trekking train get an opportunity to learn about surviving in the harsh regions at sub-zero temperature levels. This frozen river trek is established in one of the most inhabitable regions in the world where you don’t find any hotel or resort to stay. Despite being so challenging, covering the Chadar trek is a lifetime experience of the trekkers and they consider it as a ‘Do before you die’ activity.

Weather– One of the coldest trekking trails in India witnessing an extreme temperature level that reaches -35 degrees Celsius during the winter months.

Auli Gorson Winter Trek

Commencing from Rishikesh and then passing through Joshimath, Auli, and Gurson Bugyal, the Auli Gorson Winter Trek is considered the first step towards trekking for a novice trekker. Apart from enjoying the challenges of the trekking trail, the mesmerizing beauty of the thick dense forests of alpine trees and the eye-catching views of the surrounding peaks are like icing on the cake. Do not forget to enjoy skiing at this world-known skiing destination.

Weather– The temperature of Auli hardly comes up to zero level during the winter months.

Har Ki Dun Trek

One of the oldest trekking trails in the country, the Har Ki Dun winter trek is believed to be the most alluring trek of the Winter Himalayas. Commencing from Dehradun, the trekking trail leads you towards Sankri, Taluka Village, Gangar Village, and other exciting places en-route. This easy-level snow trek is a heaven for adventure lovers and draws a huge footfall of trekkers from all around the country.

Weather– Unlike other destinations mentioned above, Har Ki Dun doesn’t witness such extreme climatic conditions.

10-

Brahmatal Trek

A moderate-level trekking trail in Uttarakhand, Brahmatal offers you an opportunity to witness the surreal beauty of nature as the trek passes through the thick dense forests of rhododendrons and oak trees. The soul-soothing views of the magnificent mountains falling en-route and the visible glimpses of the Roopkund trek seem like icing on the cake. The trek to this snowy destination is also reckoned for its beautiful campsites near the Brahmatal and the Bekaltal.

Weather– One needs to pack heavy woolens and other essentials in their bags as the region witnesses extreme temperature during the winter months.

10 Surfing Spots in India

April 26, 2020

Kash Pals

Though it may not be a very good time to go surfing in these days of COVID 19, we could plan it for the future.

There are tons of top surfing spots in India, most remain undiscovered. The surfing culture arrived a bit late in the country. Despite the impressive Indian waves, most beaches in India are not developed or marketed as surfing spots.

However, over the years, more and more beachside companies start offering surfing lessons. Now, the sport has become one of the common activities during weekends and free times. One of the advantages of going to India for surfing is that there aren’t a lot of surfers flocking the beaches.

Top Surfing Spots in India

India isn’t known for the biggest waves in the world. However, you can ride some impressive ones depending on the season. The country usually has calmer tides that would fit beginner surfers, especially from April to May and October to November, or before and after the wet season. If you are looking for more extreme tides to ride on, the best time to surf in India would be during the monsoon season.

If you are looking for the top surfing spots in India, here’s the top ten list that should be in your bucket list.

#1. Mulki, Karnataka

If you are looking for the top surfing spots in India, the number one spot would be for the birthplace of the surfing culture in the country. Mulki is the home of Indian surfing, which is on the west coast of Karnataka. You can experience a wide range of waves and difficulty levels on the beaches of Mulki.

The Mantra Surf Club in Mulki hosts up to a thousand surfers every year. courtesy ravi shankar paranjpe / mantra surf club. Mulki surfing — The Mantra Surf Club in Mulki hosts up to a thousand surfers every year.
Image courtesy Ravi Shankar Paranjape / mantra surf club

Most of the time, the tides in the area are great for beginner surfers. However, if you visit Mulki before and during the monsoon season, you’ll mostly get challenging and intense waves. During this time, not a lot of surfers will go to the area since the tides can be very tricky, and only daredevils try to charge the swells.

#2. Goa Beach

If you are an experienced surfer, one of the top surfing spots in India for thrilling waves would be the Goa Beach. If you visit the area during the best season, you can ride massive waves that range from five to ten feet in height. Goa Beach is famous as the land of magic and adventure for a reason.

Surfing in Goa — The place to surf in Goa! – Reviews, Photos – Surf Wala – Day …

The best time to visit Goa Beach for its giant waves would be between May and June. Other times, you’ll still get good waves but much calmer ones, which are ideal for newbies with their funboards or for practicing your wave riding skills.

#3. Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Situated in the southern part of India, Kovalam Beach is one of the popular and top surfing spots in India. There is a beach break in the area where you can get both right and left waves, and both are extremely powerful and fast. Although the tides can be pretty intense, the surf spot can usually cater to both beginner and intermediate surfers.

Kovalam Surfing Club — Kovalam Surf Club – 2020 What to Know Before You Go (with Photos ..

There are also local surfing schools in the beachside if you want to learn the sport. The best time to visit Kovalam Beach would be during mid and high tides.

#4. Vizag, Andhra Pradesh

Vizag is the only surf city in India, and for good reasons. Right at the heart of the city, you can find empty line-ups and a lot of scenic bays that produces a wide range of waves. Surfing is yet to catch popularity in the area, so you’ll mostly have the surf to yourself.

Most of the time, it is where you can find pro athletes go surfing because it’s less crowded. The area experiences occasional storms and cyclones, which usually brings a lot of massive waves.

#5. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram or Mahabs is another one of the top surfing spots in India. It’s not only popular for its iconic and majestic temples, but its right-hand point break as well. It provides an impressive series of waves for power surfing and tube riding.

Mahabalipuram surfing — This photo of Mumu Surf School is courtesy of Tripadvisor

If you are looking to ride big swells, the best time to visit Mahabs would be between May and November.

#6. Varkala Beach

One of the advantages of going to Varkala Beach is its impressive landscape. It has a gentle atmosphere and waves as well. It’s one of the best spots to go to if you want to try your hand at surfing. The waves in Varkala Beach are not intense, which is ideal for newbies.

The best time to visit Varkala Beach would be between December to March, although the waves are perfect for newbies all year-round.

#7. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Situated on the east coast, another one of the top surfing spots in India is Chennai. It’s a great place for you to learn how to surf. You can enroll in various courses from beginners to more advanced lessons.

Covelong point, Chennai — Covelong Point, Chennai

There’s a famous right-hand break in Chennai, the Covelong Point, which produces some of the best waves in the country. It’s also home to some of the best Indian surfers and attracts waves riders from all over the world.

#8. Gokarna Beach, Karnataka

Gokarna Beach is one of the top surfing spots in India for beginner surfers. The area is famous for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere with coconut trees in the foreground and the Sahyadri Mountains in the background. Meanwhile, the waves on the beach are a bit easy to predict and not very strong. Plus, there are also tons of surf schools in the area.

The best time to visit Gokarna Beach for surfing would be between October and May.

#9. Pondicherry

Pondicherry is where the east and west coasts meet. It’s popular for the colonial buildings and tree-lined streets. However, Pondicherry has also become quite well-known for both local and tourist surfers in recent years. It provides some of the best waves in the country, which can hold wells between three to six feet.

You can usually get the best quality waves in Pondicherry between August and December.

#10. Kodi Bengre, Udupi

Kodi Bengre is a famous fishing village in Udupi, India. Aside from the fresh seafood that you can find in the place, it is also an interesting spot for surfing. The beaches in this village are well-known for its stable weather, with around 30 degrees temperature, which is ideal for newbies and intermediate surfers.

However, if you are looking for more challenging waves, the best time to visit Kodi Bengre would be before and after the monsoon season.

Interesting and Must-Know Facts about Char Dham Yatra

February 10, 2020

Kash Pals

Travel Within India No Comments

We all are very well aware of what is Char Dham Yatra and why it is said that why it is essential to attain Char Dham Yatra for every Hindu citizen. Most of the devotees have already been on their Char Dham yatra by now while some are planning to go, but very few know the real significance and the obscure facts related to these heavenly places. The facts that are buried inside these holy shrines.

The name Char Dham is given to the four holy shrines of Uttarakhand, India. And these four places holds a very significant role in ancient history. So if you are planning to go for a Char Dham yatra, this article will help you to know the facts behind those places.

Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter:-

Leisure India Holiday offers the best and most convenient way of doing your Char Dham yatra, i.e., Chardham Yatra by helicopter. Generally, where the other means take around 10-12 days to complete the whole journey, Chardham yatra by helicopter takes only four days to do the same. And that is the reason why it is most liked by tourists nowadays. So, book your Chardham yatra by Helicopter for 5 days 4 Night from lih and spend your holidays in this tranquil journey.

Facts about Char Dham Yatra:-

1. Char Dham Parikrama:-

The circumambulation of these divine sites is known as Parikrama. The journey is generally taken from left to right according to the Hindu mythology. It begins from Yamunotri, which is the westernmost Dham of Uttarakhand, followed by Gangotri temple and after that to the Kedarnath temple ( also known as one of the 12 jyotirlingas) and the ends in at the city of Narayan, Badrinath.

2. The original Lord Badrinath’s Shrine:-

According to the Hindu writings, it is said that the original position of the shrine of Lord Badrinath was somewhere else but not where it is right now. Adi Shankaracharya discovered the Badrinath Idol in the Alaknanda river. Shankaracharya built the idol in the Garud Caves. The caves are in the close vicinity of the hot springs of Tapt Kund. After many centuries, the Garhwal king moved the idol to where it is now present.

3. Jalamagna Shivalinga- Which can be seen only in winters:-

Located in the vicinity of Gangotri Dham, a natural rock Shivlinga popularly known as Jalamagna Shivlinga, it is believed that the Shivlinga can only be seen only in winters. As in winter, the water level goes down. This place is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva held Ganga in his dreadlocks.

4. Surya Kund:-

Located in the neighborhood of Yamunotri, Surya Kund is the holy hot water spring. This place holds a significant and religious role for Hindus. It is said that Surya Kund is the father of the Yamuna river. Though the kund is surrounded by snow-covered glaciers, after that to the temperature of Surya, Kund remains 88 degrees.

This fact makes us believe in the magic God, and that is why the prasad is prepared in the holy water of Surya Kund.

5.The Real Story of Kedarnath Temple:-

The Kedarnath temple, which is standing still for thousands of years in the vast mountains of the Garhwal region, has a very significant story. According to the facts, the first temple which now stands near the present temple was made by the five Pandavas brothers.

When the Pandavas won the battle of Mahabharat, the five brothers felt guilty for killing their own brother and loved ones, and they began to search Lord Shiva. But Lord Shiva kept running away from the Pandavas. When Bheem, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, recognized that Lord Shiva is hiding being from them disguised as a bull. After that, Lord Shiva immersed in the earth. And when he did that, he left his hind part on the earth.

After that day till present, we worship the hind part of Lord Shiva in the Kedarnath temple.

6. The Story behind Gauri Kund:-

Located at the height of 6,500 feet above sea level, Gauri Kund is a base camp for the devotees heading towards Kedarnath temple. It is located near Rudraprayag. And it is believed according to Hindu mythology that this is the same place where Goddess Parvati meditated for Lord Shiva to be her husband for hundreds of years. The Kund is the same place where Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha, and after realizing his mistake brought back Ganesha back to life.

The story in which, when Goddess Parvati asked Ganesha to guard the door for her when she was taking a bath in the Kund. And when Lord Shiva tried to go inside, and Ganesha stopped him for doing so. This is when the exasperated Shiva beheaded Ganesha with his wrath. When Lord Shiva learned that Ganesha was obeying her mother’s orders, Shiva placed the head of an elephant on Ganesha’s body and revived him.

And that’s how Ganesha brought back to life by his father. And Lord Shiva gave him a gift he will be worshipped as the God of prosperity and happiness after that day.

7. Conch is prohibited in Badrinath Dham:-

The most surprising fact is that the conch, which is considered to be one of the most significant instruments of Lord Vishnu, is prohibited in his temple. According to ancient history, when Agasthya was killing the demons of Kedarnath, namely Vatapi and Atapi, they escaped from the place. Atapi took shelter in the Mandakini river and Vatapi to save his life, hid inside the conch. After that day, no one is allowed to blow the conch in the temple, because it is said that if a person even does so then Vatapi will come out from that conch. And that is the reason why it is not allowed to blow conch in Badrinath.

Also Read: 10 Things to Know about Holi Festival in India

Another reason is that the temple is situated in the middle of the snow-covered mountains from the three sides. The conch sound will create echo- which can cause a change in the ecological environment that can lead to an ice storm in the place.

8. The future place: Bhavishya Badrinath:-

According to the facts, it is said that when the arm of Narshing’s idol, which is currently in Joshimath, will fall off. And the two enormous mountains Jay and Vijay near Vishnuprayag will unite as one to big form even a big mountain. At that moment, the route to the two temples Kedarnath and Badrinath will get unapproachable. If that happens someday, then the pooja of Lord Vishnu will proceed through Bhavishya Badri near Joshimath.

Since today, the idol of Narshinga is like thin hair. That means that we have plenty of time to see Bhavishya Badri as new Badrinath.

Top 10 Places To Visit In India During Navratri or Durga Puja

October 7, 2019

Kash Pals

Events and Festivals India 1 Comment

Following are the top 10 places to visit in India during Navratri and Durga Puja and Dussehra.

Delhi- The most famous in Delhi is the Ramlila Maidan.
Maharashtra – In Mumbai, the nights are musical, grounds are flanked with people clad in colourful dresses.
Jammu- If you are looking for a spiritual experience, visit Katra during the Navratri festival.
Chattisgarh- The tribal area of Bastar celebrates Dussehra like none of the other states does.
Karnataka- Don’t miss the procession of beautifully adorned elephants on the decorated streets of Mysore.
Uttar Pradesh – Varanasi aka Kashi glows with festive fervour during Navratri.
Himachal Pradesh -There are many Durga temples here. Visit anywhere to get the feel of Durga Puja.
Uttarakhand-Temples of Naina Devi, Kasar Devi, Dhari Devi, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi are a must-visit place at this time of the year.
West Bengal- The rituals of sindoor khela, visarjan etc. are a few highlights of this bright festival.

Gujarat- Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat, Gandhinagar and Patan are worth visiting during the fest.

Top 10 snow Treks in India

Top 10 snow Treks in India- Trekking trails for both novice and experienced Trekkers

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