Car trip Mussorie/lakhmandal/chakrata

We were planning for an overnight bike trip to Shekhawati region of Rajasthan in February, however due to unavailability of leaves most of my friends had to cancel the trip. As the traveling bug had caught us, the remaining who could get leave, could not have let go the opportunity. That’s when we decided to drive to Chakrata.
The route decided was to drive from Delhi - Dehradun - Mussorie - Chakrata and back to Delhi. The distance from Delhi to Chakrata is approx 350 km or little more. Our group consisted of Manmohan, Rajeev, DJ, and me.

Above the vehicle we used for the trip
We planned to start from Delhi at 7 am however as usual we were delayed and could only start from Delhi by 9 am. By the time we crossed Ghaziabad it was 11 am. The day was bright and sunny and we all started with high spirits. The road took us through Ghaziabad, Meerut, then to Roorkie. from there we took a diversion towards Saharanpur to Dehradun.After leaving the hustle and bustle of Dehradun, we started towards Mussorie. The winding roads reminded me of my hometown, Darjeeling. On the way we halted at the roadside shop for tea. The roads were clear and we could see the sun making its way behind the far hills, bringing night unto us. The sun set was a magical view from the roads. We got off the car to enjoy the last burst of color thrown by
the descending sun. We took some photographs as a reminding memory of the magical moment we spent on the roads.














Sunset view before reaching Mussorie..on the road
We started uphill towards our first destination, Mussorie. Mussorie is a very famous hill station established by the britishers, and frequented by the North Indians every summer. It is a quite hill station with the mall starting from picture palace in the east to the public library in the west. We reached around 7.30 pm, landed in Everest hotel in the mall. We took a stroll in the mall and hopped in almost all the shops. The mall is dotted with shops, eateries and hotels.



































View from the mall-Mussorie
Next morning we will be heading towards Lakhmandal and then to Chakrata. Lakhmandal lies 75 km on the Mussorie-Yamunotri road. Lakhmandal according to legends, was the shelter made of Lac, by Kauravas, who conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here. Lakhmandal is a quaint village on the banks of Yamuna.The temple is situated in the middle of a small village.










Yamuna pul and dip at the yamuna

By the time we started from Mussorie it was 11 am. We had planned to start latest by 9 am, but got delayed coz my travel partners liked to sleep late. The morning sunrise gave enough warmth to open the window of the car and experience the fresh air hitting our face with vengeance. The winding road took us to Kempty falls. There was nothing much to see, as the falls had dried up and some construction work was going on. It was not a pretty picture as I had expected


Four of us at Kempty,next pic-Kempty falls

After a few photographs we headed towards Yamunapul. We happened to miss the mark towards Lakhmandal and reached the Yamunapul only to realize we had to retrace our path back to the diversion and follow the Yamunotri road to Lakhmandal. As soon as we saw the clean and clear Yamuna, we could not hold back. Like children all excited over a candy, we dashed towards the river to soothe the heat accumulated from the far plains below. After spending an hour or two we realized we had spent more time than we had for the day. We hurriedly retraced the road up to the diversion and then followed the Yamunotri road.

The roads were clear of traffic as well as habitation. Few clumps of houses were visible on the way where we stopped for a cup of tea. The landscape was not very captivating, on and on we went looking for Lakhmandal. After an hour or two of driving we finally found the diversion towards the left to Lakhmandal village. The roads were quite bad but the scenery got better and finally we reached the village of Mahabharata fame.



Lakhmandal- temple courtyard

The temple is situated in the middle of the village, it is an ASI protected site. The temple is made of stone and you get to see a lot of shivling around. It’s believed there are around one lakh shivling.

Behind the temple excavation is still going on. The temple itself sets a pretty picture amongst the village houses and the hills around. The quiet village looks lovely with a grayish tone displayed by the slate roofs.

The temple













A quick mention of a shivling which is located a little away from the main temple. While pouring water you can actually see the reflection on the shivling . We reached during late afternoon so the light was not that great to get the reflection.















The site which is in progress-excavation going /shivling -catch the reflection

A group of devotees from Uttarkashi had come to pay homage to Lord Shiva, their distinctive attire and jewellery caught my attention. Their friendly smile was like a warm embrace to transport me to a different world of love and simplicity. The women were gracious enough to entertain us with a folk song and dance. The few minute spent were so magical that it will always remain as a cherished memory.
































Local people at the temple
I have always treasured the moment spent with local people, the joy on their faces reflects the inner happiness which we city dwellers have forgotten in the rat race.
Time was running faster in the hill than we could calculate, and we had to travel further. Our night halt was at Chakrata, which was around 40 km of hilly roads. So with a heavy heart we had to leave those people still dancing in front the temple. The beat of the drums could be heard till we boarded the car and left the sleepy village never to return, with a mist of memory etched in a part of our brains of such simplicity and beauty that India has to offer.

















Sunrise Chakrata

The drive uphill was quite slow and the roads were not in great condition, to allow us a smooth ride. We left Lakhmandal at around 5.30 pm and reached Chakrata by nightfall. We had not made reservations so had to look for hotel, which was not available though it was off season. Finally one of our friends, by chance met the brother of snow view hotel. We settled for the night, two double bedrooms for 600 rupee. It was a good bargain courtesy the guys. We were already tired from the days ride so we had dinner and settled down for the day. We had planned for deovan as well however the guys were not early risers so had to drop the plan .


Next morning I got up early enough to view the beautiful sunrise, making its way from the hills stretching its arms through the thick deodar forests to caress my cheeks with its warmth in the
cold morning.



















I have always been lost, watching the sun unfold its glory amongst the sky and earth painting everything on its way with different hues of yellow and orange. Every time I view the sunrise or sunset I get so excited to capture the moment with my camera that I forget to enjoy the moment.


pics taken while morning walk-chakrata

I hope a day will come when I calm down and just enjoy and live the moment ,as night gives way to day. After the sunrise I went for a short walk amongst the mighty deodars. The trees around chakrata are very big and tall. Chakrata is a cantonment town above the Yamuna valley of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is reached from Dehradun, Mussorie, from where we came and the last one from Kalsi. Chakrata is still untouched with very few hotels and lots of nature to relax and rejuvenate



















Its a nature lovers paradise. We had to get back to Delhi the same day so we had to hurry up as we did not want to miss the tiger falls after Deovan. Tiger falls is around 23 km from Chakrata, there is a landmark at the start ,after that there is nothing to indicate where the falls lie. Again we went on and on it was already an hour and still no sign of tiger falls, for sometimes we thought the falls had dried up. Every bend and corner we expected the fall to appear and we had to stop at each passerby to check if we were on track. The road twisted and turned and gave way to habitation and there on the road next to a shop was a small board, signaling towards tiger falls.


















Tiger falls

Ha ha Tiger falls was 1 km downhill, the shopkeeper showed us the way, we thought he was joking as we could not hear the sound nor any suitable place from where the water dropped. All we could see was a small stream flowing on the valley floor below. After driving so far we did not want to miss the falls so we walked down hill. The small path lead us to fields, still no sign of Tiger falls, rest of the guys might have felt' where this stupid girl is leading us',(as I had suggested the falls after reading about it in Indiamike and other sites) as I could read it in their faces. But I was not willing to give up, I took a path kind of small space where a nallah is built to divert the water and ended at a dead end. Feeling hopeless and not knowing what to do I was trying to locate the falls when I spotted a man on the other side .

We gave him a call and he came running towards us. He asked us to crossover the small stream and lead us towards the falls which was
hidden behind the hill. Ha ha, it was a relief to see the beautiful fall out of nowhere, as one will not be able to locate the water source from the road above, so the best way to locate is ask the locals.
The guys went mad after seeing the falls and they could not hold themselves and dived into the cold water pool. The Tiger falls is beautiful in comparison to Kempty falls.

The reflection of the sun on the water particles created a beautiful rainbow at the base of the falls, it just felt like a fairy tale spot. After getting ourselves wet, we started the uphill trek, which was torturous, brought us back to reality from the fairy tale destination. It was time for us to head back to Delhi so for the last time with heave heart we bade goodbye to the hills A short ,adventurous ,fun filled trip came to an end with us getting lost at the Delhi border Ha ha.Cheers!

Varanasi the eternal city

A weekend trip to Varanasi or Benares or Kashi ,as it was known in earlier times was a memorable one.This was my first solo trip and I had a mixed feeling.Should I do it or change the date for later as my travel companion could not accompany me.After giving it a thought, I decided to head alone.
As soon as I landed in the hotel I had breakfast and a very good view of the Ganges.The call of the Ghats and the people around were too much for me to keep away.




So off I went looking for the Nepali temple which I could see from Puja GH.The temple is constructed ,the same way temples are constructed in Nepal.From its courtyard I could see lalita ghat,with very little activity.I descended the steps towards the ghat and made my way towards Dasaswamedh,the main and the holiest one.The main ghat was a very very busy place,with all kind of activities going on,from bathing to offering worship,beggars haggling for money,boatmen trying to get a customer and of course the foreigners shell shocked to see the heart of India.The ghats, as usual were busy with people engaged with something or the other and if someone is not doing anything,they are watching with interest the activity going around.

After the ghats ,I visited Kashi Vishwanath temple.The security around the temple is so tight that it is impossible to take a picture of the temple.The temple houses the Jyotirlinga of Shiva and is considered one of the holiest.People in olden times believed the Kashi yatra would lend one onto the path of liberation The temple was built by Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1780.The streets of Varanasi is very famous for the rickshaw rides.It is impossible to walk through the streets on a busy day.All you can see is rickshaws,bikes,cars and no space for footpathers.







Varanasi is also famous for, the Banarasi silk,which is a must must for an Indian woman's wardrobe.The silk is imported from different Indian states or from abroad.The sarees are weaved in Varanasi,by the artisans who has been keeping this art since time immemorial.Boat rides are also very famous,especially in the morning and evening.If you are not so keen to walk and see the ghats the other option is to take a boat ride from one end of the ghat to another.














First I took the evening boat ride,I covered almost all the ghats till Assi ghat.The sunset view from the other side of the river was one of the most beautiful moment in Varanasi

The orange glow which splashed abundantly on the sky was reflected on the river ,giving the whole area a warm glow in the cold evening.I spent some time on the river bed just enjoying the silence.

Soon it was time for evening aarati and my boat boy took me right in front of the ghat to witness the aarati,which is conducted with much fanfare,pomp and show.

People were already packed on the step of the ghats,and boats started to settle around the ghat to view aarati.This was the first time I witnessed aarati,in a drill like sequence.How ever it was a beautiful experience,which will still fill you with calm and silence.The feelings you get in a holy place is something unique,which connects you directly with the divine.

Weather you are religious or not,whether u believe in the concept of God or not,it does not matter,you still feel the peace of mind.After dinner I settled down for the day,with a calm mind,body and spirit.
















Next morning I left the hotel at 6.30 am to get a view of the sunrise,it was a foggy morning.There were bleak chances of viewing the sunrise however I settled for a boat ride rather than sitting around the ghats.The boat ride was fun with fog,reducing the visibility.After an hour the condition still got worse,so I decided to get off the boat.There were alot of people having bath in the early hours.I walked aimlessly around the ghats for sometime till I found a tea stall near Ahalyabai ghat

.I sat down began chatting with the lady,selling tea.Still after one hour the fog did not clear so I finally left the ghat.Afternoon I visited Sankat Mochan and durga temple and then went around the market for shopping.By 6 pm I was there at the ghat for the aarati session,the last one as I would be leaving the next day.The aarati as usual was wonderful with the holy atmosphere,taking you under its folds.

Next morning I got up at 6 am.The day welcomed me with thick fog,so I went back to sleep till 8 am.Still the fog had not lifted.I had bath in the hotel and went to the ghats first thing as Monday the 26 th as it was Mauni Amawasya(new moon).It is considered meritious to have bath first thing in the morning before uttering any words on Mauni Amawasya.






Also a solar eclipse was forecasted. People come from far off places to take bath.So I went to the ghats washed my hands and feet and sprinkled the Ganges holy water on myself .I believer its the heart and mind that should be clean and pure rather than washing the physical body.



Thousands of people covered Dasaswamedh ghat to have the holy bath.People came in droves from the nearby villages.People kept on pouring in, the whole day.



I decided to walk from Lalita ghat to Assi ghat,after I reached Assi ghat I sat down below the Peepal tree,enjoyed a coke bottle and looked on for activity around the ghat.Everyone was busy with bathing and offering puja,also it is considered good to do charity on this day as it is believed to reach their late forefathers.You can see people carrying packets of rice distributing small amounts, to beggars lining the ghat steps.











As time was fast slipping by ,I took a boat from Assi to Manikarnika ghat,as I was told to have a look at the Parvati kund located nearby.There are alot of stories around the Kund where it is believed goddess Parvati ,lost her nose ring .Water from the kund flows into the Ganges.The Manikarnika Ghat,one of the most important ghats lies next to Parvati kund.The cremation ghat where the last rites are performed is one of the busiest.The burning of dead bodies takes places all day throughout the year.Most of us are scared to see dead people,I was no exception.Though I am not scared of the dead physically coming to haunt us,however the images which the brain captures always disturbs us in an uncanny way.This was my first experience when I felt nothingness after viewing the burning.The feeling was something I cannot explain,so humbling.After spending some time at Manikarnika I walked towards the Chowk.


By the time I reached the Chowk,10 dead bodied passed me on the way to the ghat,six were already burning
I hurried and bought some famous sweets,and collected my sarees which were sent for polishing.I was very happy to buy one banarasi saree for myself.I found the price quite good.I cannot be very sure if the sarees is 100 % pure silk(but it felt like one),but the designs looked so lovely,that I could not resist.After spending sometime I had to rush back to the hotel to pack .My train was at 7 pm so I still had two hours after lunch,for the last time I closed my eyes took a peaceful nap amidst the chaotic surrounding and the ghats below.

The celestial lake-Hemkund Sahib/Badrinath

The trek to hemkund statred at 6.30 am and we reached at 10.30 am.The day greeted us with a smile,clear sky,crisp mountain air and the sound of the waterfalls splashing as they hit the floor.My eyes dancing over the greenery and eager to sight anything,focussed on the long line of pilgrims who had a head start on us.Hmmm, so that's where our trail leads to,I was excited.We started with a vengence to conquer Hemkund at the shortest possible time,only to realise after sometime our capacity was not up to the mark(this shows the ill effect of easy living in the city).While walking, I felt better when I crossed people,and consoled myself that I am still in good shape ha ha.

This is Ghanghariya from above.

The climp uphill is a steep one,however the scenery makes you forget everything.If you feel too tired just stop to take few photographs ,you will be refreshed to walk again.

The winding road crossing the Glacier.

The vegetation grows thinner and thinner however the little flowers and blue poppy which fills every inch of the hills,looks outstanding.I thought while walking uphill,if I had just planned for the valley of flowers,I would have missed the opportunity to experience such beauty.The blue poppy was sighted more abundantly on the trail to Hemkund,than the valley of flowers.I noticed it flowers in rocky outcrop,with less soil.But wherever you look you get to see the blues,pink ,white ,yellow and of course the green grass covering the landscape.

The blue himalayan poppy

The climb after the glacier is a steep one,and from here onwards,the famous Brahmakamal,which is often mixed up with the water lily kind of flower,found in the plains(I found this information in the net,you type brahmakamal and you find lots of discussion between these two flowers).The hills are dotted with the light green flowers(one more information I found on the net is the yellow petals are infact leaves protecting the flower in harsh conditions).

The brahmakamal

Finally as the road twists and turns and we walk with the remaining energy reserves we heard the sacred hymns resounding from the mikes above.A little smile escapes my heart at the realisation that, the destination is near.

After the tedious climb we are greeted with heavenly chantings from the Gurudwara.The weather was foggy and the winds had carried them from the valley below us,Ghanghariya.The lake was not visible,I could barely see 1m ahead.We decided to climb up the hill to get a better view of the lake.We tredded carefully to avoid slipping from the hill.We sat on the hill,amongst the beautiful flowers, just gazing at the foggy lakeAs the wind blew again it carried away the fog ,unfolding the beautiful lokpal lake in front of us.WOW!!There is no words to explain the feeling,it was awesome

The Hemkund lake with wild flowers covering the hills.

The Hemkund Gurudwara below,its a pilgrimage spot for the sikh's.

The glaciers around the lake contributing, to the mirror below to look at their own reflection..I took some photographs of the outstanding place and soaked in the beauty,the purity and the serenity,to reflect it from my soul.

Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath temple is one of the holiest for us,Hindus .One among the Char dhams,this temple is the easiest one to reach in comparision to the other dhams.

The temple complex from outside.

The mana village the last village towards the Indian side lies three kilometers from Bardinath.We hiked uptill the village and further 5 km to reach Vasudhara falls,on the way we came across the river Saraswati which emerges out from the glacies and disappears into the Alaknanda.The river cuts thru the gorge to make its way towards the waiting Alaknanda.

Mana Village

The roofs are made of stones still an ancient way of survival and resourse utilisation.

The Bhim pul(bridge) which cuts across the River Saraswati is believed to be made by Bhim one of the Pandava brother.As per mythology , Bhim did not want to walk on the river Saraswati so constructed the bridge with a huge boulder,which stands till today ,to cross over to the other side.
Bhim Pul

The river Saraswati as it gushes out of the Glacier.

The river as it cuts thru the gorge below Bhim pul

Once we crossed the Bhim pul we hiked up till the vasudhara falls which is 125 m in height.The torrents of water come gushing down and are diffused in fine showers and soft mist by wind blowing from different directions.You can actually see packets of water cascading down.

The Vasudhara falls