Celebration of Indianness: Dilli Haat

We have all read in our geography books that India is a diverse country and amidst this diversity lies the bond of our unity. A place where you can experience this is `Dilli Haat`, located opposite to INA market, it is a good spot to spend your evenings [summers] or afternoons [winters] in Delhi. Hundreds of tourists and locals throng `Dilli Haat` each day. It is open seven days a week between 10.30 am to 10:00 pm and tickets will cost you Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.

One can relish the unmatchable flavors of the local cuisine of each state of India, `Dal Bati Churma` from Rajasthan, wontons from Manipur/Sikkim, tabak maaz from Kashmir, `pabda jhal` from West Bengal or our very own `aloo tikki` from Delhi. The prices of food are pretty reasonable and affordable; it does not burn a hole in your pocket.

If you are looking for an amalgamation of good food, diversity in art and craft, and enriching cultural liveliness then Dilli Haat should be your pick. Based on the idea of a village bazaar, this place caters to modern needs of every buyer all at once.

Oozing energy and bright colors of life, the moment you enter Dilli Haat you will be in harmony with the lively ambience of this traditional contemporary market. A variety of shopping products ranging from cotton fabrics, wooden furniture, hand-loom, silver jewelry, traditional mojris/juttis [footwear], and fine dining utensils are on display here. Though the prices are a little on the higher side but the quality of the products makes it up for the hike.

I have been going to Dilli Haat for almost 8 years now; it is a great hangout when you are out with friends or for a date. You can actually spend a whole day there without getting bored. Do try the momos and fruit beer that is a specialty of the Sikkim stall; you can also get yourself sketched by an artist or get your hair braided in colorful threads.

Dilli Haat is a must visit place if you are travelling to the capital, as for the locals they already know the temper of this not-to-be-missed spot.

Gift ideas for the traveler in your life

As the holiday season is approaching, the race for finding the best gift option for your loved one will eat up your peace of mind. While there are traditional gift options available in abundance in the market this year, but we have come up with gift ideas that will blow his/her mind. Whether the traveler in your life is a tough nut or a romantic soul, there are some practical gift ideas for him/her. Finding the ideal gift for your man/woman can be as tricky as hell. A traveler will not get smitten by strawberry filled chocolates, a branded formal shirt or a giant size soft toy. I am sure you yourself don`t want to come out as a love struck.

Make your loved one feel special this holiday season with our gift ideas guide to buy that perfect gift that can be useful to them.

Find the perfect gift for your loved one:

1. Portable mobile charger

One of the most important things that a traveler needs while travelling is a portable mobile charger. It is best suited for emergency situations when you are in or out of town and suddenly realize that your mobile phone is drained out of battery when you need to make that emergency call. In this new techie world we are so dependent on gadgets that we can`t imagine a life without them. A portable mobile charger holds up the battery for a long period of time, its light weighted and hence easy to carry, comes in sleek and colorful designs. So whether you are stuck in an isolated island or getting lost on a mountain top with no source of electricity, a portable mobile charger will come for your rescue.

Where can you find it?

http://www.ecomaxproducts.com/products-emergencymobilecharger.html

http://shopping.rediff.com/product/wireless-portable-mobile-charger/11548911

2. Customized sleeping bag

If the guy/girl you are dating is a camper then gifting a customized sleeping bag is a very thoughtful idea. Every camper/trekker requires some basic camping accessories that they need to have in order to have safe travel experience. A customized sleeping bag can be made to order. You can make it according to your height, add double layer quilted construction seals or a hood to save you from those shivering cold nights. A good sleeping bag should have the following qualities:

• It should dry up quickly
• Non allergenic.
• It should ideally have a two zipper as it will help in converting it into a double bed
• Get stash pockets for your sleeping bag
• If its for a woman then it should be narrower at the shoulder and wider at the hips
• One can ask for a pillow pocket in the sleeping bag for that sweet and comfortable night sleep anywhere in the world.

So, if you are thinking of gifting a sleeping bag to the wanderlust in your life then keep the above mentioned points in mind.

Where can you find it?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Himalayan-GEAR-wilderness-equipment-store/221812207900040

3. GoPro Hero 3+ Camera

There are many types of photographers, some love to click landscapes whereas some go for documenting their travel experiences. If your better half is the one interested in adventures then buying him/her a GoPro Hero 3+ Camera seems like a practical gift. With this your guy/girl will be able to relive his/her dream adventure. You will surely win his/her heart with this gift.

Where will you find it?

http://gopro.com/cameras

4. Books

Nothing can beat the traditional gift option of books. A person`s best friend in every situation. A traveler would love any book related to distant places or an autobiography of a traveler to get inspiration. Some books that your traveler might like:

• As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee
• The Beach by Alex Garland
• In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
• A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Where will you find it?

http://www.flipkart.com/into-the-wild/p/itmczysj5j36gxhj

5. Tickets to their dream destination

The best gift you can give someone is the gift your time. Buy tickets to his/her dream destination and take them out for a trip, where only you two will spend some quality time together. Away from the maddening crowd, tucked safely into the wilderness, the two of you can make a world of your own.

Think beyond the same old Christmas gift; add a little bit of personalized touch to it to make it more thoughtful and meaningful. This year sweat it out a little so that he/she knows that they are special in your life.

Are you a Wanderlust?

This year during my summer holidays, I embarked upon my first solo travel. After many hitches and inhibitions, I finally decided to go solo and since then I have been traveling like a crazy woman obsessed with exploring new places. All day I just think about the places I want to go, I religiously devote at least 3 hours each day in browsing about exotic locations that may find place in my travel diary.

So it got my grey cells to work, is there any particular personality type that loves travelling? or is there any symptoms of addiction for a wanderlust? I complied some pointers that are common between people who share the love for travelling.

Lets find out what are they:

• A person who loves travelling will feel all jittery if they don`t travel anywhere in a few months
• The channels marked in your T.V under favorite section are all travel channels.
• You starts planning about your next trip as soon as you are back from one.
• You compare prices of things before buying them in terms of how much it will help you in your next trip , “I can stay in Manali for two days instead of going out for a movie and popcorn in Delhi”.
• Your social network accounts are filled with travel related posts.
• You feel at ease in strange places and among stranger people.

If you answered `Yes` to all the above mentioned statements, then you surely are a wanderlust. Get going, pack your bags and go explore the hidden treasures of the world.

Happy Traveling!!!

 

Delightful Gorubathan, West Bengal

The Fascinating splendor of Gorubathan in West Bengal took me by surprise, I wasn`t expecting such a unique and lush green place. One can enjoy varied activities like Riverside camping, hiking, Jungle Safari to nearby forest of Sakham, visit Dalim Fort, experience tea tasting at organic ta gardens, take a dip at Chhangay Falls, witness the sunrise and sunset at Jhandi, eat homecooked meals at homestays etc.

Landscape around Gorubathan

I was going to Assam for my best friend`s wedding and thought of utilizing the time in exploring nearby places. Enroute to Assam, I took a halt at New Jalpayiguri from where I took a private taxi to Gorubathan, a small and humble place in the district of Darjeeling. I took a train from Delhi to NJP in West Bengal. North East Express that starts from Anand Vihar Railway Terminal was my choice of train for the journey which I ultimately regretted. A piece of advice never ever take the North East Express instead take Guwahati Rajdhani or Karamabhoomi Express.

Gorubathan Tar

Once there, I stayed at a homestay which is owned by Pawan Thapa who runs Himalayan Media Welfare Society(Voluntary NGO) in Gorubathan. He was kind enough to show me around the town and treated me with home cooked authentic food. I could only spare a day for this wonderful town. But if you decide to come here then my suggestion will be that you spend atleast four days in Gorubathan.

Some pictures from my trip:

Railway Bridge enroute to Gorubathan

Landscape at Jhandi

 

Sunset View at Jhandi

 

With my Host Family

Coronation Bridge

Tamang Monastery

Teesta River

If you ever decide to go to Gorubathan then do contact the following person:

Pawan Thapa

Contact no. 08801926294

Happy Travelling!!!

Chandra Taal: The Moon Lake

Straight from my heart:

“I stood silent looking at the seamless depths of the landscape that was in front of me. The ever inviting water, the calmness of the area, the deep blue sky coupled up with the silence echoing inside my heart made all the difference in my life at that point of time. I could hear my heartbeat as fast as a train. I tried to numb my mind from all these fluttering thoughts that haunts me in vain. I stood there and the day went by, evening turned into night and the night seemed endless and bottomless, still I stood there, waiting for a miracle to happen. ”

 

 

 

Read detailed travelogue of my Chandra Taal trip on:

http://blog.nomadicshoes.com/2013/09/the-moon-lake-chandrataal-spiti/

 

 

Five Tips for Solo Female Travelers

 

Travelling solo is liberating in more than one way. The moment of truth is when you decide to go solo, the fear of the unknown will sink in but those who gets over this initial fear will have the world at their feet. Whether you are a male/female, traveling solo is a big decision and it gets more intimidating if you are traveling to a foreign land.

Lets take a look at things to keep in mind:

1. Wear appropriate clothes as per the cultural and religious norms followed in a country.
2. Don`t consume alcohol/drugs with strangers. It might get you in trouble and people are always trying to exploit solo female travelers.
3. Always carry an identity proof with you. Photocopy your passport/driving license/photo id etc and keep it in your wallet.
4. Learn to say NO if you don`t like anything or if someone is trying to sell you stuff in a local market. Be assertive and firm on your decision.
5. Avoid dark alleys/streets/parks at night. Try to seek help at the slightest hint of danger. Don`t try to solve it yourself, asking for help is better in a foreign country. Report any misshappening to the local police

Be safe and travel without fear. Happy travelling, ladies!!!

Offbeat Places to visit In Himachal Pradesh

My love affair with Himachal Pradesh started in May 2013, very impulsively I packed my bags and headed for the mountains without knowing what lies ahead. I landed up in Manali then explored the nearby places like Hamta, Shoja, Kothi etc. and since then I couldn’t stop myself from running away to the hills whenever I get weekends off i.e. twice a month for the past four months. The alluring panorama of Himachal Pradesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas, has a array of mountain ranges and snow covered apexes. Once you visit Himachal Pradesh, you will not go back without a feeling of coming back again and again. It is an abode for adventure junkies and people looking for some adrenaline rush. But don’t get fooled by the high and mighty valleys that gives you a sense of bold endanger, one can also have a rejuvenating time here away from the city lights. Breath in the fresh mountain air in the mountain, wake up to the lush green landscape and explore the virginal surroundings.

Check out the top five offbeat places to visit in Himachal Pradesh:

1. Malana

Tucked away safely from the rest of the civilization, Malana is small village in the district of Kullu. This place has a rich historical background as it is believed that the people of Malana are the descendants of Alexander the Great. They have their own administrative system very similar to the Greek system of law and administration, concept of purity, language and social structure. The lofty peaks of Chandrakhani and Deotibba shelters the village. The origin of Malana can be traced back to Jamlu rishi who is local deity is credited with establishing the social laws and rules in this society. One can reach Malana via Kasol, hire a cab from Kasol which will cost around 1450 Rs.and it will drop you at the steps leading to the village, from where the trek starts. It will take around two hours to reach the village, remember you should carry our own food as there is no cafes or eating joints in that area.

2. Kheerganga

Kheerganga is in the district of Kullu in the lap of the Parvati Valley. One can go till Barsaini from where the four hour trek starts till Kheerganga. It is believed that Lord Shiva had his abode here and meditated for thousands of years. The best thing about the place is the hot water spring which is said to have healing properties. After the trek one can rejuvenate himself/herself in the much needed hot water spring here. Totally worth a visit.

3. Jalori Jot

One is the best hiking trail according to me. I stayed at a nearby village called Shoja, and drove down till Jalori Jot in a car, from there one can go to Sareyol Lake next to the Temple at Jalori Jot or take a right from the main street towards an ancient fort. Both the locations are splendid. I went to Sareyol Lake on a a rainy day, gosh it was too slippery due to the rain water and I almost felt thrice that I will go down the valley if I take a wrong step forward. A word of caution, wear good trekking shoes, I wore my tennis court shoes which created quite a lot of problem. Just before you reach the lake, you can take a break at a nearby dhaba run by a lovely lady and her son, Santosh. It was here I tried my first joint in a biidi. The hiking trail is of 4 Kms after which you reach the lake. adjoining to the lake is a temple dedicated to the Old Serpent Queen of that area and the locals believe in her power so much that alcohol is not allowed in the area. Go a few steps further and you will find a small makeshift cafe, the guy there makes yummy Mutton and Rice.

4. Hamta

This is the fringe of heaven. If you are looking for a vacation spot where you can sit back and soak yourself in the surroundings, then you are at the right place. Hamta is a small village about 2 km away from Manali in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. One can reach Hamta via Pirni Aleo Hydro Power Plant and start the curvy clamber towards the lush green mountain top that overlooks the Manali City. Tired of the Delhi heat, I decided to go on a solo trip to Himachal Pradesh.  It was then that I stumbled upon a lesser known village called Hamta. It was the deep valley with lush green trees, candy flossed clouds, tranquil Beas River and the silence of the mountain that I instantly fell in love with Hamta. I stayed at Backwoods Mountain Camp and Café, a humble abode surrounded by apple trees and the gleaming sight of nature`s beauty at its full bloom. Vikas, the owner of Backwoods Mountain Camp and Café is a gentleman; he is friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to do anything to make your stay comfortable and memorable. One can also take up activities like trekking, photography or mountain biking. You can start with a light hike to a nearby waterfall, take a dip in the freezing water and enjoy your picnic basket. If you are a serious trekker then walk all the way over to the base of the Himalayas, the Pir Panjal Range. You can you have enough days on hand you can complete the whole Hamta Pass Trek. Make sure to take breaks in between and recharge yourself with some soupy maggi or a hot glass of tea.

5 Ways To Save Money While Travelling in India

We all want to travel the world, don`t we? But some of us are chained with lack of time and others do not have ample funds. We hear it everyday about air tickets getting costlier, currency getting weaker and travel getting expensive by the hour. For most of the travelers, it has become a matter of concern and worry as its getting difficult to afford a decent vacation in this fluctuating economy.

Keeping these issues in mind, I have come out with some money saving tips while you are on the road.

1. Eat Street

Eating out of local food joints instead of wasting money at high end restaurants is a very good idea. It will keep your pocket save and you get a chance to explore traditional cuisines as well.

2. Avoid Impulsive Shopping

Hold your impulses of buying attractive knick knacks  which usually ends up at the back of our cupboards. Buying costly souvenirs for friends and family is a noble idea but don`t just buy anything, do a little survey and I am sure you will strike a good deal with a little bargaining.

3. Share a Cab/ Room

While travelling everybody in India is looking for saving for bucks, mingle with fellow travelers and you could share a cab/ room/ food bills with them. Keep safety issues in mind and then only trust a person. It`s always advisable to get some basic information from your fellow travelers just to be on a safer side.

4. Interact with Locals

Locals will help you a great deal in India from finding a affordable accommodation, to eating at the best food joints where you are exploit your taste buds and if you have good interpersonal skills then you might just get lucky and get yourself a free tour guide to show you around the city.

5. Walk, Walk, Walk

Measuring the length and breadth of a city by walking is the best way to see around. Get the whole feel of the place, explore hidden alleys and find new eateries. Instead of hiring a taxi/tuk tuk in India, it is best that you walk around.

So when you plan your next trip to India, keep the above mentioned pointers in mind and I am sure you will save some big money.

Happy Traveling!!!

 

 

Unforgettable Ladakh

Three months after my First Solo Trip to Ladakh, I am sitting on my desk at work and recalling the beautiful landscapes I witnessed while I was on the road. The pristine water bodies, snow clad mountains, friendly people and a lot of culinary delights makes my solo trip worth remembering. I am restless now and want to go back in the lap of nature, away from the noisy city streets. On 28^th May, 2013 I started my solo trip. When I told people about my plan, a lot of them raised their eye brows and questioned my judgment. Even I doubted myself at one point of time but where there is a will, there is a way. My motivation to go solo to Ladakh was more of an impulse than a well thought out plan. I just wanted to get away from Delhi`s heat wave. I couldn’t resist myself from taking this step in life where I wanted to feel liberated and free to do as I wanted.

Posting some unforgettable pictures from my First Solo Trip:

How To Select A Good Travel Camera

Any novice can take a picture but clicking an aesthetic picture is not everyone`s cup of tea.. There are many types of photographers, some click the nature whereas some go for abstract things, and then there are those who hog on the limelight by making a beautiful model look all sultry and sexy but there is one more kind, a travel photographer. Clicking a picture by a basic camera is a great skill and not all of us are born with the sense of framing and composition, though we might like to think otherwise.

Let us find out some key pointers one should keep in mind before buying a travel camera:

• Battery Life

While travelling go for a camera that gives you a good battery life, instead of going for replaceable AA batteries buy a digital camera that comes with rechargeable battery. It is easier to charge anywhere in the world; all you need is a plug point and an adapter.

• Lens

Most people get swayed in by the body of the camera and underestimate the importance of the quality of lens. Travelers should go for a camera with shorter focal lengths as it will squeeze more area into a photograph. Wide angle cameras usually have a focal length of 28 mm which covers a large landscape you have been meaning to capture in its full bloom. Also keep in mind the optical zoom range of a camera before you burn a hole in your pocket. 3 or 4 x optical range is usually good enough except for travelers.

• Megapixels

Don’t get fooled by the megapixels gimmick, it confuses a lot of people because most camera companies takes pride in their higher megapixel cameras but the plain truth is that it is not significant. Anything above 8 mp is good enough for a traveler, so don’t pay a bomb for a camera with higher megapixels.

• Zoom

Go for a camera with optical zoom as it will give you better quality photographs as compared to a digital zoom camera. A digital camera will just adjust the image in the camera itself whereas optical zoom will get up close to the image by making adjustment to the lens.

• Usability

Most travelers prefer to buy a basic point and shoot camera, being said that it is important to go for a camera that is weather resistant and water proof. Depending upon your needs go for a camera with high ISO levels if you like taking pictures at night, it should have a macro mode if you are a nature lover and lower shutter speed for capturing moving objects.

So before you buy a high-end camera for yourself for travelling make sure you keep the above-mentioned points in mind. Make the smart choice Mr/Ms. Shutterbug!!! Happy clicking.