Sikkim Trip : Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point

Just like the famous Machu Picchu peak in South America, I thought! Though it was 5 am, it was already bright outside. From the balcony of my room, I was staring at three giant peaks! In comparison, the village below seemed tiny! After a moment, I could also hear the sound of a water fall from a far distance. I could spot a stream on the mountain. But wait, not one but many such streams. As I turned to my left, I saw a sparkling spectacle! Peaks of snow capped mountains glowing like gold in the sunlight!  Wow, I felt like I was being welcomed to Lachung in North Sikkim.

Three Giant Peaks, Lachung, North Sikkim (Can you spot the deer in the clouds?)

Streams in the Peaks, Lachung, North Sikkim

Moonlit Morning, Snow capped mountains, Lachung, North Sikkim

Golden Peaks, Lachung, North Sikkim

As I was contemplating, I remembered what my guide said,  "It was just the beginning!". But what could be a greater sight than this? Well, after an hour, we were on our way to find out. We felt blessed as we crossed a bridge decorated with Tibetan prayer flags of blue, white, red, green and yellow.

Sikkim Trip : Changu(Tsomgo) Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

It was our second day in Sikkim and I was excited to see the snow. When the tour manager had come the night before to brief about the program next day, first thing asked him was whether we can witness the snow. Though he did not answer the question in the affirmative, he did hint that we may get to see some snow. How could he answer correctly, if he had not gone with the tourists. Yes, tour operators will not accompany you during the sight seeing citing extreme cold. So, the arrangement is between you and your driver for stops for having food or taking photos!

Sikkim Trip - Planning the Itinerary and Arrival at Gangtok

The Beginnings : It was in the month of March 2016, I started planning for a trip to the Himalayas. I was more interested to visit Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom – known for its pristine nature and Gross National Happiness(contrary to Gross Domestic Product) – a bold concept in quantifying the well being of a citizen. Budget constraints and the thrill as well as joy of exploring paradises in our own backyard, prompted me to check for Sikkim tour packages! North Sikkim is a must in the itinerary, said my friend Sandeep, a prolific explorer himself! But there were only few packages available, which included it. After careful contemplation, I finalized a package, which had the following itinerary!

Raj Ghat, Red Fort and Chor Bazaar!

Raj Ghat : Back from Akshardham temple, we headed to memorial to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi - Raj Ghat. As it was a government holiday that day, we could not enter the memorial. So, we had to be content viewing it from outside. Following are the photos of the memorial.

Raj Ghat, Delhi

India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Akshardham Temple, Delhi

India Gate : After Jantar Mantar, we headed to India Gate located near Rajpath. The 42-meter high arch is built in memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British army in first world war. You can also see the names of the soldiers who lost their lives on the walls of India Gate. Amar Jawan Jyoti, located below the India Gate reminds us the spirit of Indian soldier. This was added after the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 with Pakistan. Visiting this war memorial is a proud moment of any patriotic Indian. This memorial is guarded by men from Indian Army 24 x 7. 

India Gate, Delhi

Beating the summer heat, the North-East way!

Planning : The mystic Himalayas have always intrigued me. Finally in the month of March 2016, I started planning for the coveted trip. I had tough time finalizing the itinerary. Northern Sikkim is a must visit, said my friend Sandeep. But I could find only few trip packages, which included it. After some deliberation, I finalized the package, exactly a month before the tour!

Escaping the heat:  Bengaluru had already crossed 37 degree Celsius in the mid of April. I was going to beat that heat by going to one of the coldest places in India! But during the packing of warm clothes for the trip, I ensured that they were minimal, so that luggage stays light. Visiting various places within a week, carrying lighter baggage is always better. Following was my itinerary visiting Sikkim and Darjeeling

Jantar Mantar, Delhi

Next day, our first stop was at Jantar Mantar. Good thing about ASI monuments is that their entry is open from sunrise to sunset. So, one need not wait for some precise time for the monument to be open and make the trip plans accordingly!

Construction : The observatory was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur following the order of Delhi's Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah in 1724. It was early in the morning when we entered the place and nobody else was there. So, we could stroll around the green lawns of Jantar Mantar and take photos at will! Built primarily to estimate the times and movements of sun, moon and other planets, Jantar Mantar at Delhi is not the only such observatory in India! But it was the first one to be built. You can also find the observatories in Jaipur, Varanasi and Ujjain built by Jai Singh himself! Interestingly, there is no telescope in these observatories built by the Maharaja!

Misra Yantra, Jantar Mantar, Delhi

Yantra's : There are 13 different yantras inside the Jantar Mantar complex. To elaborate on few, Misra Yantra  was designed to determine shortest and longest days of the year. It was the only instrument not invented by the Maharaja Jai Singh.

Delhi Metro, Chandni Chowk and Birla Temple

We wanted to experience the Delhi Metro while exploring the city. So, boarded the metro train from Kalkaji to Chandi Chowk, one of the busiest business places in the national capital. We strolled down the road to spot Gowri Shankar Temple. At the end of the road, we could see the Red Fort, for which the entry was closed for the day. It was already late in the evening and we had to jot down the plan to visit other tourist attraction before our flight to Bengaluru in the afternoon.

Kalkaji Metro Station. Delhi

We hired a taxi from there, who would drop us to the hotel and would drive us through Sri Lakshmi Narayan Temple(Birla Mandir) and India Gate.

Qutub Minar and Iron Pillar of Delhi

While coming back from Varanasi to Bengaluru, we flew to Delhi and covered prominent landmarks of the national capital. The trip was jam packed as we had a day's time before we our departure to Bengaluru the next day.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

Qutub Minar : Our first stop was at Qutub Minar. 75.1 meter high monument was visible from a great distance. Even before we entered the Qutub complex, we had a glimpse of it from the bus we were travelling. It was dusk when we reached the place. Nicely paved path amidst green lawns, lead us to the UNESCO world heritage site.

New Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Next day morning, we made a plan to visit Banaras Hindu University(BHU). It was exciting to visit BHU as we had read about it in history textbooks. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Dr. Annie Besant were behind the establishment of one of the top residential universities in India.

Entrance of Banaras Hindu University or Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalay. Varanasi

Ganga Aarti - A Visual Spectacle at Varanasi

The Worship of Rivers : In Temples in India, Aarti is offered to the presiding deity. Aarti, a ritual rooted in Vedic culture is a pooja(worship) to the image/statue of the deities. But have you ever observed the worshiping of a river? In Karnataka, I have seen the river Kaveri being worshiped in Talakaveri. It is worshiped there in a small shrine. Thus, worshiping of natural forces is one of the central aspects of Sanatana Dharma.

Ganga, The Eternal River : Ganga, the 2,525 km long river is worshiped throughout its course, especially at important pilgrimage centers in northern part of India. I had witnessed Ganga Aarti for the first time couple of days ago in Prayag. Ganga Aarti, a visual spectacle, is not to be missed if you are travelling along the course of river Ganga. Waving of light emanating from the multi wick brass lamps with rhythmic ringing of bells and chants forms one of the spectacular shows on earth!

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat : Ganga Aarti is performed at two sites in Dashshwamedh Ghat simultaneously. Soon after Ganga Snan, we were near one of the sites of performance. Usually Aarti is performed at the ghat near the steps leading to the river Ganga. As the river had flooded the shores, alternate arrangements were made.

Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Simhapuri, Sarnath

Sri Digambar Jain Temple at Sarnath is of historical significance. It is at this place, which is also called Simhapuri, 11th Tirthankara of Jainism, Shreyansnath was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty. Yes, Lord Ram of Ramayana was also born in Ikshvaku dynasty.

Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Simhapuri, Sarnath

Till we reached Saranth, I was assuming it to be a Buddhist site. But after seeing the Jain Temple, I thought it must be a Jain pilgrimage center too. But the temple was constructed in the 19th century in 1824. Jain Temples are always abode of peace, symbolic of the non-violent religion. In fact, Thousand Pillar Jain temple in Moodabidri near Mangalore is one of my favorite places to unwind. Just sitting in the temple corridor relaxes the mind!

Trip to serene Sarnath, A Buddhist Site

I believe not many are aware that Sarnath, the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon is very close to Varanasi. Neither we were aware of this, when we visited Varanasi in August 2013. We came to know that Sarnath is just 13 km away, when we were returning back to our hotel after visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the morning. Ganga Aarti, a must watch spectacle in Varanasi was later in the evening. So, we made a quick decision to visit Sarnath, with a resolve to come back before Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat at 6 pm!

Tranquility : We hired the same auto rickshaw to drop us to Sarnath. First impression of Sarnath was of a serene place, quite a contrast to chaotic Varanasi! Only thing which was preventing us from enjoying the tranquility of the place was the scorching heat! Giant statue of standing Buddha caught our attention immediately. It was the statue of Buddha at the Thai Temple in Sarnath.

Archaeological Museum(ASI Museum), Sarnath

Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

'No leather items inside the temple including belt and wallet. Of course, no cameras and cell phones' - hotel staff had instructed us before visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi(also called Banaras or Benares). So, I don’t have any photos of the temple, clicked by me. Just outside the hotel we stayed, we enquired a taxi guy to drop us to the Kashi temple. But the rent he said would charge was too high – Rs.400 for a journey of 5 kms and the year was 2013. We walked ahead to catch an auto rickshaw. The driver agreed to take us to the temple and drop us back to the hotel for Rs.200.

Getting Inside The Temple :- I was expecting a spectacular entrance to one of the most visited Hindu temples in the world. But when the auto guy dropped us in front of a petty shop, I was totally taken aback. He instructed us to go through the narrow alley passing through the row of shops and told to get hold of any Pandit(priest), who will get the Darshan(glimpse of the sanctum of the temple) done quickly! We followed his instructions to reach the entrance, which looked like of a small shrine. We removed our footwear and kept inside a shop nearby. Shop keeper asked us whether we wanted prashad(or prasada/prasadam in south India) to offer and milk for abhishek(or abhishekam) to Lord Vishwanath. We were surprised as in most south Indian temples, devotees are offered prasadam from the temple after darshan. Also, if we pay for the seva, prasadam will be provided at the temple itself. But it was different here, explained the shop keeper. We bought the prashad and milk for abhishek. After the security check, we were let inside the temple.

Visit to Triveni Sangam, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Triveni Sangam is the place where three rivers confluence. It is considered as a very holy spot in Sanatana Dharma(Eternal Dharma) as a dip in the Triveni Sangam is believed to wash way all sins. Prayag(also known as Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh where three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati(invisible river as locals say woh dikhta nahi saab in Hindi) meet is such a pilgrimage center for devout Hindus.

My visit to Prayag was a short one but it was vibrant within that short duration. On my official visit to Allahabad, with my colleagues I jotted down a plan to visit Prayag. Prayag is the place, where one of the biggest congregations in the world happens during the Maha Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years.

Triveni Sangam, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Long bridge over River Ganga : First thing I noticed when I reached Prayag, is the long bridge over River Yamuna. That is the longest bridge(which is 1510 meters in length) I had ever seen in my life and I was amazed to see the width of the holy river. This sight for me was frightening too imagining the wrath of the natural forces when it unleashes. You will also feel so small in front of the gigantic nature.

Hyderabad Trip : Fun at Ramoji Film City

On the last day of our visit to Hyderabad, we planned to go to Ramoji film city and leave for Bangalore after that. Ramoji film city is an hour drive from the city and is around 30 kms away. We reached the place at around 10 in the morning.

Guided Tour : After entry into the film city, a bus took us to the actual destination(the film city!), from where the tour began. Huge fountains, beautiful sculptures greeted us along the way. The bus dropped us to the point called Eureka, from where we had to catch one more bus painted red and which looked like it was from a fairy tale. A guided tour began from the time we boarded this bus. A guide explained the various sets made of plaster of Paris and its significance like which movie was shot there etc. It was a great feeling when we came to know that our favorite movies were shot in those locations.

Set of Mahabharatha, Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

Sets : First set we saw was that of Mahabharatha. Then we went to see the railway station shooting location. To our surprise, the station name was Mangalore Central in Kannada!

Hyderabad Trip : Char Minar, Mecca Masjid, Birla Mandir, Chilkur Balaji Temple

We visited some of the iconic places in Hyderabad during our second day in the city.

Char Minar : Built at the center of the city in 1591 AD, to commemorate the eradication of plague, Char Minar is a global icon of Hyderabad. It is located in old city of Hyderabad known for chaotic traffic. So, the best way to visit the place is take an auto from MGBS(Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station), after parking your vehicle. Arriving at the place, through one of the minarets, visitors are allowed to have a glimpse of the interiors of the historical monument. The stairway through the minaret is narrow and cramped. So, one needs to be cautious while climbing. Once inside, you can have a look at the Indo-Islamic architecture drawing elements from Persian architecture. One of the delighting views here is the sunset which can be seen in backdrop of Mecca Masjid, which is close to Char Minar.

Char Minar, Hyderabad

Bhagya Lakshmi Temple : One of the minarets at Char Minar houses the Bhagya Lakshmi temple. Carved in white marble and decorated with jewels, idol of Goddess Bhaya Lakshmi catches the attention of devotees.

Hyderabad Trip : Kurnool, Golconda Fort, Shilparamam

It was a last minute trip to Hyderabad. Eight of us left Bangalore early in the morning at 5 30 on new year day, quickly cruising along the butter smooth National Highway 7. After crossing the first toll plaza near airport, we were nearing Chikballapur. That's when we faced first hurdle in our 600 km long journey, foggy roads. Switching on the parking lights, we continued our journey to stop briefly at strategic locations to witness the refreshing sunrise. Needless to say, it was an opportunity to take those album/profile photos for the social media :)

Foggy Roads en route Hyderabad

Kurnool : At around 10 30 we reached Kurnool with a craving for breakfast. Getting up early in the morning and a five hour journey till then had taken its toll. Surprisingly till Kurnool, you don't find good restaurants along the way.

Lepakshi : An Ideal Weekend Getaway from Bangalore

Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh makes an ideal weekend getaway from Bangalore. It is just over a two hour drive from Bangalore. An architectural wonder, it makes a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts too.

Nandi Statue : First thing you notice entering Lepakshi is the huge monolithic Nandi statue. The sculpture is 10 meter in length and 6 meter in height. Nandi is decorated with a necklace, muvvahara and a garland of bells and has short horns. You can also find the emblem of Karnataka Government, Gandaberunda, a two-headed mythological bird on the necklace of Nandi.

Nandi Statue, Lepakshi

Veerabhadra Temple : Moving ahead you will find Veerabhadra temple. 16th century Veerabhadra temple embodies the famed Vijayanagara architecture. As you enter, you find that the gopuram of the temple is not completed. 

Visit to Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

One of the high points of last year's Odisha/Orissa trip was visiting Sun Temple at Konark. The name Konark reminds me of Odissi performance in front from Sun Temple in one of those national integration songs in DD in early 90's. 

Kamats at Konark

Kamats : Since we reached Konark early in the morning, we were looking for a decent restaurant for having breakfast.  To our surprise, we found Kamats there. Whether it is the same Kamats as in Bangalore I am not sure. But what caught my attention was the menu items on offer - Indian thali, South Indian thali, Bengali thali, Marwadi thali, Gujurati thali. I could guess any regional thali(meals) but what is a Indian thali in India?

Ornamental wheel of Sun Temple, Konark

The Wheel : Konark Sun temple is a imposing structure, not to forget the intricate carvings which are hallmarks of any ancient Indian temple. What is distinguishing here is the carvings of wheels of the chariot which is driven by Sun god. You can find this as a cultural symbol everywhere you go in Odisha.

Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

History (from the ASI board) : The magnificent structure was built in 1250 AD by the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva-I(1238-64 AD) to enshrine an image of Sun(Arka), the patron deity of the place. The entire complex was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels. The sanctum symbolizes the majestic stride of the Sun-god and marks the culmination of the Orissan architectural style. The vimana of the deul has collapsed while that of jagamohana and the nata-mandap are better preserved. The walls of the temple contain superb carvings of  divine, semi-divine, human and animal figures amidst floral and geometric ornamentations. Sculptures of mighty simha-gajas welcome the visitors at the porches.

One big disappointment in Konark is that you cannot get inside the majestic temple, since it is filled with sand bags by the British to prevent the collapse of the structure!

Sculptue of mighty simha-gaja

Sculptures at Sun Temple, Konark