The first phase of my trip was the train journey to New Jalpaiguri. I will share with you the experiences of the first part of my trip in which I crossed the mighty Ganges in my next post.
See you till then !
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sikkim Sojourn Part 1
The first phase of my trip was the train journey to New Jalpaiguri. I will share with you the experiences of the first part of my trip in which I crossed the mighty Ganges in my next post.
See you till then !
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Thoughts of a Trip 2
When the idea of an ideal vacation comes up it gets really confusing while deciding where to go.. As i mentioned in my previous post the options were Goa(for the beaches),Shimla(for the hills).... I also considered places like Kullu-Manali, e.t.c. but they were not meeting my criteria of being a place which was beautiful but different, and being overcrowded.
Then another roadblock which needed to considering while looking for a nice place to go vacationing in June was the temperature and weather. Monsoon clouds cover three-fourths of India by the time June comes and going to a place when it is raining is not the best choice especially when enjoying the rain is not the only thing one intends to do. It was at this moment that Ms. Bonnie mentioned the place Gangtok (one of her colleagues was planning a trip to the same place).
Now Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim was an interesting choice but a quick glance at the Weather Channel again indicated that June is the time when it rains in Gangtok. But given the fact Ms. Bonnie decided upon something(at last) was enough an incentive for me to probe the places to visit in Gangtok and the weather patterns of the city, in detail.
The first thing when Gangtok came to my mind was that June being the start of 'off-season' their would relatively be less people as compared to the peak tourist season from Oct - May. Then came the turn of checking the weather, and one thing which was clear was that it could rain in the first half of June(that is when i am planning to go) and because the hills around Gangtok are prone to landslides i needed to keep atleast 1 buffer day to compensate any delay in the schedule.
Then, the next question was where to visit ? According to me the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (3rd highest mountain in the world) was the biggest spectacle to be seen.
1. Tashi View Point
2. Institute of Tibetology
3. Do Drul Chorten
4. Permanent Flower Show
5. Hanuman Tok
6. Ganesh Tok
7. Himalayan Zoological Park
and many more
But one thing which i noticed was that we could cover these places in a day or two. So what do we do for the rest 5 days ? To get that answer We got in touch with a local but govt. recognised tour operator and they suggested a trip to Yumthang Valley(Valley of Flowers). Upon a few enquiries i found out that apart from
Yumthang Valley an excellent oppurtunity presented itself for us to visit one of the highest lake in the world:- The Gurudongmar Lake.
Situated at a height of 17100 ft or 5212 metres on the Tibetan Plateau it was the perfect place for me to sense that 'high' which i wanted from this trip. So it was settled. We were to go to Sikkim.
Note:- The pictures in this post have been clicked by photographers who hold their(pictures) rights and
permit conditional free use. They do not endorse the author or the blog.
Then another roadblock which needed to considering while looking for a nice place to go vacationing in June was the temperature and weather. Monsoon clouds cover three-fourths of India by the time June comes and going to a place when it is raining is not the best choice especially when enjoying the rain is not the only thing one intends to do. It was at this moment that Ms. Bonnie mentioned the place Gangtok (one of her colleagues was planning a trip to the same place).
Now Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim was an interesting choice but a quick glance at the Weather Channel again indicated that June is the time when it rains in Gangtok. But given the fact Ms. Bonnie decided upon something(at last) was enough an incentive for me to probe the places to visit in Gangtok and the weather patterns of the city, in detail.
The first thing when Gangtok came to my mind was that June being the start of 'off-season' their would relatively be less people as compared to the peak tourist season from Oct - May. Then came the turn of checking the weather, and one thing which was clear was that it could rain in the first half of June(that is when i am planning to go) and because the hills around Gangtok are prone to landslides i needed to keep atleast 1 buffer day to compensate any delay in the schedule.
Then, the next question was where to visit ? According to me the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (3rd highest mountain in the world) was the biggest spectacle to be seen.
(Mt Kanchenjunga as seen from Gangtok. Courtesy Mr. S Stiehler)
But apart from that the other places to visit are:-1. Tashi View Point
2. Institute of Tibetology
3. Do Drul Chorten
4. Permanent Flower Show
5. Hanuman Tok
6. Ganesh Tok
7. Himalayan Zoological Park
and many more
(MG Marg as seen from Hotel Window. Courtesy Mr. Amit)
But one thing which i noticed was that we could cover these places in a day or two. So what do we do for the rest 5 days ? To get that answer We got in touch with a local but govt. recognised tour operator and they suggested a trip to Yumthang Valley(Valley of Flowers). Upon a few enquiries i found out that apart from
Yumthang Valley an excellent oppurtunity presented itself for us to visit one of the highest lake in the world:- The Gurudongmar Lake.
(Gurudongmar Lake. Courtesy Mr. A Mitra)
Note:- The pictures in this post have been clicked by photographers who hold their(pictures) rights and
permit conditional free use. They do not endorse the author or the blog.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Thoughts about a Trip
Hello Everyone ! Been a long time since i posted anything.. But that was because i never travelled anywhere and i could not see the point in copying and pasting stuff from other sites. So now i come back to blog because i have started to plan about a trip to somewhere where i could be far from the 'maddening crowds' and unwind.
I am most likely to take that trip in the month of June. Although on a personal note i do not like to reveal my plans in advance but let me face it.. I dont have a group of followers so i can be frank on what i post and not care about what people think..
So starting from now i would start sharing my experiences while planning for this trip of mine, tell you about how it proceeds and what was the aftertaste after going to those places.
So, to start with a bit of honesty I have not had a vacation in the last 5 years 6 months and 20 days (being precise). So when this idea was mooted by 'Ms. Bonnie' it got me thinking. Where could i go to, which place in india has got that capability to quench a travellers five and a half year old thirst.
Goa ? Might be.. Beaches, Churches, Green Hills, Great atmosphere.. Great i said to myself !! This is it.. This is the place.. But one look at the weather channel site poured cold water on the idea as in the month of June it would be having its yearly tryst with the monsoons. Goa out....
Shimla ? Ummm.. Cool hills, nice ambience, a proven tourist spot.. But the world goes over there does it not ?
The problem with reading a lot of Lonely Planets, National Geographics e.t.c. is that you get too many ideas and it gets really difficult to get them organised. Trust me, I have faced it.. and I literally got swept away in that wave(of ideas).
The vacation had to have a balance of warm and cold, some place where i had never been to(but then i have hardly been anywhere to be frank.. just the Terai himalayas, the Thar desert and Gangetic West Bengal.. thats it), some place which would not be crowded, some place where not everyone can go to..
It is then that Ms. Bonnie uttered a word and i clamped down all my thoughts and said to myself this was the place i would head to, and it suited almost all my conditions.. It is not frequented by many a travellers, its cool, it could be made adventurous and it can be economical. Ahh.. thats what the doctor ordered i remarked..
The Place ?
Wait for my next blog :-)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
2nd innings - Resuming blogging !
Buenos Dias todo el mundo and Merry Christmas ! This is Rohan, and i am back after a long long lay-off.... Why did i stop in the first place ? Well thats a question i am still seeking answers for..
Well as far as the blog is concerned i will continue writing it, moreover i am trying to invite a new writer who is a master of his industry and could add to this blog-site a different dimension altogether..
As far as the ten best places were concerned i will just spill the beans.. The 3 places i still have to write about are Switzerland, Italy and Tahiti..
Hope to resume as soon as i can, until then..
Ciao
Well as far as the blog is concerned i will continue writing it, moreover i am trying to invite a new writer who is a master of his industry and could add to this blog-site a different dimension altogether..
As far as the ten best places were concerned i will just spill the beans.. The 3 places i still have to write about are Switzerland, Italy and Tahiti..
Hope to resume as soon as i can, until then..
Ciao
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Switzerland
Top Ten places to visit in the world with your soulmate:-
1. Switzerland
Panorama of Swiss Countryside while the photographer was on the way to Arosa
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Tambako the Jaguar
In Switzerland the main places which are recommended for a couple to go amongst the many options are Lake Geneva, St Moritz, Verbier, Mürren, Gstaad, Arosa.. But the main usp of Switzerland is Switzerland itself. Its lush green meadows, the powdery snow, the breathtaking lakes, the hypnotising sceneries, the isolated cottages, the cattle with bells around their necks, the sheperd dogs....... Switzerland has it all !
Lake Geneva is all about the Swiss Riviera, a palm-lined shore drive past vineyards, stylish city of Geneva, and the imposing Mont Blanc.
Verbier is a resort town which is simple and very much French in nature. It lies at the bottom of an enormous alpine valley surrounded by spectacular ski slopes. Verbier also has cable car access to a huge network of ski trails. During summers Vernier becomes a base town for hikers.
Murren is an isolated town which can be reached by cog railway or cable car. Set on a rocky, high-altitude ledge hundreds of feet above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Mürren has a handful of chalet-style hotels, excellent ski and hiking trails, and sweeping views over the mountains of the Bernese Oberland. It is as picture-perfect a Swiss village as you can find anywhere.
Gstaad is located at the junction of four alpine valleys midway between the Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alps, Gstaad is a winter capital of the European glitterati. You can't get any more stylish, and the skiing is good, too. Regardless of their price range, all the hotels seem to have cozy bedrooms, blazing fireplaces, and enough schnapps to set the mood.
Arosa is one of the highest (1,800m/5,904 ft.) ski resorts in Switzerland, Arosa is less expensive and less forbiddingly elegant than its nearest competitor, St. Moritz. An excellent place for a romantic getaway during summers, where a series of hiking trails lead to lush forests and small lakes. When you tire of these, cable cars can carry you and your companion to alpine heights and sublime vistas.
The other places you might want to visit while in Switzerland are Mount Rigi, Rousseau Island [Ile Rousseau], Vals Valley, Verbier, Lausanne, Zermatt.......
In the end beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Every couple has got their own tastes and i am sure some might differ with the positioning of the honeymoon destinations in the ranks. Some couple might have other destinations in mind while some would not want their honeymoon to be destination specific so in the end I leave the final choice of the ideal destination to you. Go where your heart takes you to and have a Happy Comitted Life. Bon Voyage
Disclaimer - The pictures in this post have been clicked by photographers who hold their(pictures) rights and permit conditional free use. They do not endorse the author or the blog. This blog also thanks the photographers for sharing the beautiful pictures with the world.
1. Switzerland
Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Tambako the Jaguar
While deciding which destination, according to me, would be the best to visit for a honeymoon I went back and asked myself what is the basic purpose of romance ? They are Love and Intimacy [ Physical and Mental]. While honeymooning a couple gets to understand each other, increase comfortability with each other and enjoy each other's company in a place which is beautiful, serene, innocent and has the ability to move you.
Such places are found only in storybooks which is why I recommend Switzerland, The Home of Heidi. Future can only be based upon truth which is why any ideal honeymoon for me is where I can work out my compatibility or get to know the prefrences of my partner and vice-versa in privacy.
Panorama of the Swiss countryside - 2
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Tambako the Jaguar
Such places are found only in storybooks which is why I recommend Switzerland, The Home of Heidi. Future can only be based upon truth which is why any ideal honeymoon for me is where I can work out my compatibility or get to know the prefrences of my partner and vice-versa in privacy.
Lush green meadows with cattle grazing over them.. A distant cottage nearby.. A storybook setting !!
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Oleg Sidorenko [oksidor]
In Switzerland the main places which are recommended for a couple to go amongst the many options are Lake Geneva, St Moritz, Verbier, Mürren, Gstaad, Arosa.. But the main usp of Switzerland is Switzerland itself. Its lush green meadows, the powdery snow, the breathtaking lakes, the hypnotising sceneries, the isolated cottages, the cattle with bells around their necks, the sheperd dogs....... Switzerland has it all !
A view of the Jet d'Eau and city of Geneva from lake Geneva in the evening
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - itupictures
Lake Geneva is all about the Swiss Riviera, a palm-lined shore drive past vineyards, stylish city of Geneva, and the imposing Mont Blanc.
Switzerland is incomplete without its powder snow and skiing !
Picture Source - Flickr , Author -mikhail_k
Verbier is a resort town which is simple and very much French in nature. It lies at the bottom of an enormous alpine valley surrounded by spectacular ski slopes. Verbier also has cable car access to a huge network of ski trails. During summers Vernier becomes a base town for hikers.
While in Switzerland a ride in the Glacier Express is always recommended as it takes you through some of the most breathtaking sceneries in the world.
Picture Source - Flickr , Author -Kevin Poh [kevinpoh]
The Glacier Express connects the railway stations of the two major mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.The trip on the Glacier Express is a 7½ hour railway journey across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and across the Oberalp Pass on the highest point at 2,033 m (6,670 ft) in altitude.
Murren is an isolated town which can be reached by cog railway or cable car. Set on a rocky, high-altitude ledge hundreds of feet above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Mürren has a handful of chalet-style hotels, excellent ski and hiking trails, and sweeping views over the mountains of the Bernese Oberland. It is as picture-perfect a Swiss village as you can find anywhere.
Gstaad
Picture Source - Flickr , Author -Rob West [robwest]
Gstaad is located at the junction of four alpine valleys midway between the Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alps, Gstaad is a winter capital of the European glitterati. You can't get any more stylish, and the skiing is good, too. Regardless of their price range, all the hotels seem to have cozy bedrooms, blazing fireplaces, and enough schnapps to set the mood.
Arosa
Picture Source - Flickr , Author -Kecko
Arosa is one of the highest (1,800m/5,904 ft.) ski resorts in Switzerland, Arosa is less expensive and less forbiddingly elegant than its nearest competitor, St. Moritz. An excellent place for a romantic getaway during summers, where a series of hiking trails lead to lush forests and small lakes. When you tire of these, cable cars can carry you and your companion to alpine heights and sublime vistas.
Panorama of the Swiss Countryside - 3
Picture Source - Flickr , Author -Aileen's Pics
The other places you might want to visit while in Switzerland are Mount Rigi, Rousseau Island [Ile Rousseau], Vals Valley, Verbier, Lausanne, Zermatt.......
In the end beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Every couple has got their own tastes and i am sure some might differ with the positioning of the honeymoon destinations in the ranks. Some couple might have other destinations in mind while some would not want their honeymoon to be destination specific so in the end I leave the final choice of the ideal destination to you. Go where your heart takes you to and have a Happy Comitted Life. Bon Voyage
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Disclaimer - The pictures in this post have been clicked by photographers who hold their(pictures) rights and permit conditional free use. They do not endorse the author or the blog. This blog also thanks the photographers for sharing the beautiful pictures with the world.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Italy
Top Ten places to visit in the world with your soulmate:-
2. Italy
Cinque Terre, North Italy
In this series of 'The best honeymoon destinations' we have come to the second best place to visit with your soulmate. We have gone around the world and been to various romantic destinations which were unique in their own way but none of them were as enticing as Italy because Italy is a feast for all the five senses of a person.. Very less places in the world have so much to offer to a couple like Italy - Amazing Sceneries, Fabulous Food, Romance is always in the air in Italy, Artistic monuments.. Italy is full of delights for a couple who want to enjoy themselves.
While Italy has something to offer to everyone [The history buff can go to Pompeii and Florence, the Nature lover can visit Tuscany and Piedmont regions amongst others] we will only touch those places which are recommended for a couple to go to like Capri, Porto Fino, Rome, Vatican City [When in Rome], Venice....
Capri
Capri was the island where Roman Emperors used to head to when on vacation. Faraglionne Rocks, take a small coast-side cruise while in Capri. The small Italian island of Capri is situated 5 km from the mainland in the Bay of Naples, a celebrated beauty spot and coastal resort since the days of the Roman Republic until now.
Capri, known in Greek mythology as the isle of the sirens, was a favored resort of the Roman emperors. Most notoriously, the emperor Tiberius had his villa on the island, the said location of debauched orgies.
Porto Fino - An ideal location for romance
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Andrea Puggioni [Cebete]
Founded by the Romans and located on the Italian Riviera Porto Fino is an upmarket resort famous for its picturesque harbour and historical association with celebrity visitors. The town is crowded round its small harbour, is closely associated with Paraggi Beach, which is a few minutes up the coast.
The lights of Porto Fino
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - SomeguyanywhereUSA
The Trevi Fountain
The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is
Neptune, god of the sea. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. As per the common beleif or superstition you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You
should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.
Picture Source - Flickr, Author - Dennis Jarvis [archer10]
Inside the cathedral
Picture contributed by Traveler Richa Handa
Vatican City
Picture contributed by Traveler Richa Handa
While in Rome don't forget to visit Vatican City which is the smallest country in the world well known for its churches and the St Peters Square. It is the headquarters of Catholicism[Christianity] on Earth. If you dont get thrilled after looking around Rome there is the famous Italian cuisine you can sample. Look out specifically for a fresh slice of piping hot pizza from the famous pizzerias, buy tiny strawberries in a street market, find the city's best gelato [ice cream].... Italian Cuisine is a delight for the taste buds.
Gondolas in Venice
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Anna Fox [HarshLight]
Venice is made up of 116 such islands which are connected by waterways to each other - 1
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Lee Cannon
Venice is made up of 116 such islands which are connected by waterways to each other - 2
Picture Source - Flickr , Author - Joseph Hunkins [JoeDuck]
Cinque Terre, Florence and Sorrento are the other destinations amongst the most romantic getaways in Italy.
Panorama of Florence
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Disclaimer - The pictures in this post have been clicked by
photographers who hold their(pictures) rights and permit conditional
free use. They do not endorse the author or the blog. This blog also
thanks the photographers for sharing the beautiful pictures with the
world.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tahiti (Society Islands, French Polynesia)
Top Ten places in the world to visit with your soulmate:-
3. Tahiti (French Polynesia)
A view from the sky of the heavenly Moorea Island (Tahiti)
(Picture sourced from Wikimedia Commons. Author - Remi Jouan)
Part of the Archipelago of Society Islands, Tahiti most likely
is not one of the islands you saw on your holiday brochure or were told about
by friends or travel operators. But with its uneven Volcanic peaks (which rise above stunning green rainforests) and powder soft (white sand or black sand) beaches
(which are lapped by crystal clear lagoons) it is one of the best destinations to visit for
honeymooners who seek either enjoyment and fun or some
quite and blissful time together. Tahiti has been ranked number one in the
world for 'Alone Time' because of miles of quiet pristine beaches and small
peaceful villages. Tahiti is my personal choice for going to a honeymoon as well.
The famous Black Sand beaches of Tahiti
(Picture sourced from Wikipedia. Author -
fr:Utilisateur:FRED)
The splendor of Tahiti lies in its natural beauty of
waterfall-laden shadowy mountains, genuinely beautiful black-sand beaches and
the peace and quiet which it offers for romance. Tahiti even has on offer a great
festive atmosphere with a Polynesian flavour at the same time. Arthur Frommers (founder of Frommers travel guides) considered Tahiti to be the most beautiful island in the world.
Tautira Beach in Tahiti. The legendary Captain James Cook (who discovered Australia and New Zealand) used to weigh anchor in the Tautira Bay here while visiting Tahiti.
(Picture sourced from Wikipedia. Author - Serenade)
A view from the sky of Tetiaroa atoll. Honeymooners can set foot and enjoy themselves on enchanting islands like these while taking a boat trip around the coastline of Tahiti.
Amongst the many things to do here you can snorkel, scuba dive or admire
(from a boat) Moorea Island's dazzling coral reefs, watch whales off Rurutu Island
(July to October), go shopping for black pearls for which Tahiti is famous for
(but not before getting tips on selecting pearls for size, luster and color at
Robert Wan Pearl Museum), cruise around the islands, relax in a Polynesian spa,
go hiking, the list goes on....
The over water cottages of Bora Bora
(Picture sourced from Wikipedia. Author - Tensaibuta)
For party lovers Tahiti is a festive island where you could
choose from waterfront rock cafes to spit-and-sawdust bars where locals sip large bottles of Hinano beer. Private clubs groove to Afro Caribbean music. For
an even better romantic experience, head towards the west coast for cocktails (or
mocktails) under more stars than you would ever see at home.
The No Nonsense Travel Advisor
|
|
Name of the
Destination
|
Tahiti
|
Capital
|
Papeete
|
Location
|
South Pacific Ocean. The closest major countries are
New Zealand, Australia and USA (Hawaii).
|
Languages
|
French, Tahitian, English
|
When to go and Weather
|
Summer is from November to April and this is the
best time to go. Weather is tropical
|
What to see (in Tahiti)
|
Papeete Market, Mt Marau (for hiking through dense
tropical forests), Teahupoo (for the big waves), Black Sand Beaches of
Tahiti, traditional Polynesian dance performances, Gauguin Museum, Robert Wan
Diamond Museum
|
Other major places
to visit
|
Moorea , Bora Bora
|
How to reach
|
. Cities like Tokyo (Japan), Sydney (Australia),
Auckland (New Zealand), Los Angeles (USA) e.t.c. are connected to Tahiti by
Air France, Air Tahiti amongst others.
. You would be required to take a connecting flight
if you are coming from other cities.
|
How to travel
between islands
|
. Apart from flights of Air Tahiti there are ferry
services connecting the islands to each other. They are the more economical
option.
. If you wish to visit Moorea Island from Tahiti you
could take the Moorea Ferry which operates from Papeete and takes about 45
minutes to travel to Moorea.
. There are also several ferries that transport
people and goods throughout the islands. The main hub for these ferries is
the Papeete Wharf.
|
Currency
|
French Pacific Franc (It is pegged to the Euro).
All hotels and financial Institutions offer exchange services.
|
Practical
Information
|
. Tahiti can be a bit heavy on the pocket so Budget travelers
generally make a beeline to Moorea Island which is more economical. Bora Bora
Island(although beautiful) is considered to be overpriced.
. Carry Mosquito repellent
. Tahitian people are casual and calm in nature and
crime rates are pretty low but the rule of the thumb when travelling abroad
is ‘Always use common sense’
|
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Disclaimer - The pictures in this post have been clicked by photographers who hold their(pictures) rights and permit conditional free use. They do not endorse the author or the blog. This blog also thanks the photographers for sharing the beautiful pictures with the world.
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