Amritsar and the Dauladhars

Being at Delhi has a wonderful advantage. You are never far from a hill station. It has been mid of the year and we desperately needed a break from the monotonous life. After some extensive planning, several hiccups we set out for a trip to the Dauladhars and the spiritual center of the Sikh religion, Amritsar! And thus began a road trip spanning a thousand and half kilometers on the North Indian GT Road.

Amritsar:

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Day 1 of the journey and we reached Amritsar. Fitting to start an adventurous journey from a holy place! The ride from Delhi to Amritsar is as comfortable as it can get and en route we passed by some of the familiar cities Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana. The road is densely thronged with Dhabas and you are never far from a place to satisfy your hunger and some rest after a long drive.

Golden Temple:

The Golden Temple

The first place to visit at Amritsar is of course the Harmandir Sahib or The Golden Temple. Have seen it in text books and photos, but seeing it in real is something different. Inside a huge lake stands the temple with gold plated designs inside and a gold plated dome which houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy text of Sikhs. 

And when in Amritsar, what better place than to have your fill at the Langar at the Gurudwara. The free to all common kitchen designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status.

Later we also put a hand in volunteering to move some oils cans in the kitchen godown.

Wagah Border:

Wagah Border Flag Down Ceremony

The next stop is the Wagah (Wahga in Pakistan), famous for the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Indo-Pak border. Situated on the Grand Trunk Road, it was the only road border between the countries before Aman Setu in Kashmir was established. This carefully choreographed and synchronized  ceremony is bound to give you goosebumps. The slogans, the songs, the pre-march program is sure to take you to a trance. Not only Indians, but Pakistani's should at least watch it once in their lifetime.

Golden Temple at Night:

The Golden Temple at Night

Even if tired, we planned to make another visit to the Golden Temple at Midnight. And it was worth it. With all the lighting in place, the place looks incredibly beautiful and a photographer's delight.

Jallianwala Bagh:

Next to the Golden temple, this garden has been the venue of one of the brutal massacres in history. Till now you can see the bullet marks in the wall which are carefully preserved. This place now houses a memorial for those killed in the Jallianwala Bagh incident and a small museum for the Martyrs.

McLeodGanj:

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After our tryst with Amritsar, it took a half day journey to reach the 'Little Lhasa', headquarters of the  Tibetan government-in-exile McLeodGanj. Unlike the other hill stations in the north, this one is less commercialized and cheaper. An ideal location to forget everything and take a break from all the hustles and bustles. The fist evening went for scouting hotels and the market. Cafes all around, there is no dearth of places to hang around. The market and eateries are almost gives you a feeling as if you are at Tibet, not in India. McLeodGanj is situated at a height of 2,082 meters (6,831 feet). But that wasn't high enough for us and we had some other ideas.

McLeodGanj

The Dalai Lama Temple: 

Teaching at the  Dalai Lama Temple

The next day started with a visit to Tsuglagkhang or the Dalai Lama Temple which houses statues of several preachers of Buddhism. It is the venue where the Dalai Lama does his teachings. After we reached there we realized that we narrowly missed a view of the Dalai Lama whose weekly teaching had just concluded.  

Triund - To the Peak:

Towards Dharamkot

And then started the most exciting chapter of the trip. A 9 km climb through the clouds, the wilderness, the rocks to the Triund Peak. A cloudy sky, bags packed and we started at about an hour past the noon from our hotel rooms. It was just a snaky road to start with for a stretch of 2 km till we reach Dharamkot. And here we got a new companion which remained with us for the entire trip. A dog.

With a new friend!

We trodded on till we reach our first stop, Gallu Devi Temple. After a short break at a cafe nearby, we resumed our walk. The walk now got transformed into a climb. The views from the climb were just breath taking, every turn in the way was a photographer's delight and the cameras just couldn't stop clicking. There were occasional pleasantries exchanged when we see someone trekking down. 2 hours and 4 more kilometers later, we reached the midpoint of the climb. The 'Magic View' cafe. The oldest in the region. But it was 5pm, 2 hours to sunset, fear of bears, the hardest part of trek left and thus, no time to rest.

The views from the way!

The trek went on becoming tiring, the short breaks becoming too frequent, legs refusing to move and finally just before the sun could set, after a long 6 hours here we are at the TRIUND peak. The whole hardship proves nothing when you get a view from the top of the view. How tired you may be, you just can't stop yourself from leaping around and enjoy the beauty!

At the Triund Peak

It was cloudy when we reached the top, but the cloud started to recede just before the sun could set completely. And what unfolded before the eyes is just a marvel. An entire range of high mountains gleaming with the setting sun. 

At the Triund Peak

There were a few shacks at the peak from where we rented tents and sleeping bags. Sat around a bonfire for a while, had hot pipping maggi before retiring into the tents. Inside the sleeping bags in a tent under the open sky in the chilly condition. The dog guarding our tents. It just can't get better.

At the Triund Peak

The fatigue had taken its toll and we had to start back early in the morning due to a 'medical exigency'. We were just 30 mins into the descent when it started raining.  Still then we carried on till we reached the 'Magic View'. Took the break that we couldn't take while the ascent and then resumed. The rain had made the route trickier. But to our respite the raining stopped and 2 more hrs later we reached the Gallu Devi Temple. With no patience to carry on the walk, we had to hire a cab to the hotel instead of the last 2 km for walk on the plain road.

The evening went with us roaming around the town and gorging on some of the specialties. There was so much food we tried that I had to make a separate section for it!

The next day we set out for our return to Delhi. But the sightseeing hasn't ended yet. We started the day with a visit to the Bhagsunag Temple located at Mcleodganj. The next stop was at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium.

HPCA Cricket Stadium:

Dharamsala Stadium

Adopted by KingsXIPunjab as their second home, the view from this stadium is breathtaking. Indeed it is one of the best places to play and watch cricket. We got an entry to the stands of the stadium from where we took some photos.

After the stop at Dharamshala, the concluding run of the trip started, as our car waded through the heavy rain (which thankfully eluded us till the last day) to reach Delhi!

Food:

One of the best parts of the tour has of course been the food.

Delhi-Amritsar Highway:

Haveli: 

Haveli

The Haveli on the Delhi-Amritsar highway is just a delightful stop to make on the way. The ambiance, the menu, the service will all make you feel like a king. In spite of all, it is far inexpensive than the experience it provides.

Amritsar:

Sarhad:

Sarhad

Situated near the Wagah border, this restaurant has franchisees across both India and Pakistan and specializes in both Indian and Pakistani cuisines. We had a nice time trying the Lahori Thali along with a host of Indian dishes.

McLeodGanj:

Hotspot: 

This small restaurant is located at the heart of the market place and the variety it provides in the menu is unbelievable.  Chinese, Indian, Continental, Tibetan. We enjoyed gorging in the Thupkas, Chowmins, Soups and range of Paranthas and Pancakes.

Mandala Coffee Shop:

Located in the alley leading to the Dalai Lama Temple, it is one of the most famous cafes in McClo and thus, we thought why not give it a try. And the experience was nearly nice. The cakes and drinks were really fantastic.

Tibetan Kitchen:

Number 2 in the TripAdvisor list and this place didn't disappoint. The Chicken Satay, Chicken Kitchen Special, Mutton Momos, Chicken Thupka were mindblowing.

German Bakery:

German Bakery

Right beside the parking space of Bhagsunath Temple, we had an incredible breakfast before leaving McLeodGanj. The breakfast combos were sumptuous and satisfying.

Apart from the restaurants, we also tried the roadside stalls selling a huge array of momos, lafings noodle and much more.

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Satapada - Konark - Puri

Mid semester exams over. Time to take a break. A bunch of friends set out on a tour to some of the most popular places in the state. It is not that I am going to this side of the state for the first time, but the excitement never ends. More so when you are out with your friends.

A bus ride to Bhubaneswar and then to Puri and here we are. First stop is Satapada, famous for its Dolphin sightings.

Satapada

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It took a long auto rickshaw ride to reach the Satapada Jetty. And we set out on a boat in the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia  to the Sea-Mouth. As we start with the boat ride, we saw and shoot (not literally!) a few dolphins playing around.

On the way the usual photographic poses on the boat, the hand spread wide, titanic pose and on & on & on... went on till we landed on a vast expanse of sand.

There were shacks selling sea-foods all around. But all we can hear is the sound of sea nearby. And then 200 metres on the other side of the land is the SEA. Such a lovely sight, particularly when the friends with you are travelling with are looking at a real sea for the first time! Just look at their excitement! A sprint and we are in the water. You are never old to be excited playing in the sea. Waiting for the waves and seeing your feet washed down. But it was saddening to see so many dead tortoises all around. There must be some check on the huntings!

And then some fish and prawn at one of the shack (totally worth it!) and we are on our way back. What timing it is! The sun about the set and we are on the boat. Such a breathtaking sight!

After we reach Satapada Jetty, we again took an auto and reached Puri. Checked into a hotel and then, oh yes! my first tryst with Dominos :)

Puri Beach

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Regarded as one of the four Dhams for the Hindus, Puri hosts a huge number of tourists round the year. particularly during the world famous Chariot festival when lakhs of pilgrims throng the place. Since our hotel was just in front of the Puri beach we made a early morning visit there. You could see hundreds of pilgrims taking a bath. You can feel a shroud of spirituality all around. And the sunrise on the beach is just awesome!

Konark

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And then we set out to the 'Black Pagoda'.The name Konârka is derived from the Sanskrit word Kona (meaning Corner) and word Arka (meaning Sun) i.e, the Sun's Corner in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun god.

The Sun Temple was built in the 13th century and designed as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. Some of the wheels are 3 meters wide. Six of the seven horse still stand today.

Everybody must have learnt about in from the history lessons and must have seen its picture. But seeing it live is just a different experience. What Architecture!  What Sculptures!

And then on our way back to Puri we went to the Chandrabhaga beach. I have seen so many beaches. But none is as calm and lovely as this place.

Puri Temple

And then the final place to see. The Puri Jagannath temple. But before the temple as is customary, you must take a dip at the beach. And we took a long one. Had fun in the water, jumping against the waves, trying to swim in the shallow water.

After the dip we set out to the Puri temple. Having a huge complex it welcomes thousand of devotees in a day. The huge temple door 'Singhadwara' has always fascinated me. We visited around the temple and then marveled at the finger licking Mahaprasad made available at the Ananda Bazaar in the temple. The temple kitchen is one of the largest in the world.

And then evening and time to pack your bags and return to your study land. :)

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Odisha

Here is an awesome video showcasing the tourist places of Odisha. Dive into it and explore the divine land...

"Odisha - The Divine Land" delves into the state's documented history dating back to 2000 BC covering a wide range tales from spiritual aspects to culture and history to traditions. Hosted by noted television personality Kim Jagtiani, the programme explored a vivid kaleidoscope of beautiful landscapes, magnificent archaeological sites, dense forests, abundant wildlife, pristine beaches, rivers, art and culture

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Rourkela!

Situated in the mineral rich northwestern part of Odisha, it boasts of the first Integrated Steel Plant of the country. It has never been a tourist hot spot even if it is surrounded by picturesque hills all around and lying beside the river Brahmani.

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Must See Places:

1. National Institute of Technology Rourkela - 

The second largest engineering campus with its greenery filled campus is one of the beautiful college campuses in the country and one of the best places to study!

2. Hanuman Vatika - 

This temple complex consists of a large number of temples. But the most noteworthy is a 23m tall Hanuman statue which is visible even from far-off place. A silent and peaceful place, well suited if you are seeking moments of tranquil and spirituality.

3. Vedvyas - 

This is the place where the rivers Koel, Sankha confluence to form Brahmani. Considered a very holy place and is thronged by religious revelers on festive occasions. Moreover, a cool place to spend time. Low depth and clean water stream is tempting enough to wet your feet.

4. Pitamahal Dam
A short 20 km is drive is all you need to reach this dam. A cool and tranquil place, has a photographic embankment. The walk through the long, dark tunnel inside the dam from one side to another is a harrowing but exciting experience.

5. Vaishno Devi Temple
Situated right at the center of the city atop a small hill, you need to burn a few calories and climb a few hundred steps to reach this place. Once you reach the temple make sure you trek your way to the top of the hill. But this place provides you an astonishing view of Rourkela from the top. RSP, the city, the rivers all in a single view.

6. Darjing River Bank
River bank of Brahmani, its vast expanse of sand  makes it a nice picnic spot. The water level is not that deep even which makes it even better place to hang-out.

7. Indira Gandhi Park
A miniature zoo, boating facility, musical fountain. A crowdy place on weekends mostly buzzing with children.

Food 
Awesome place for a foodie. Top notch restaurants like Moksha, Regency Inn, Central Park are as good as any fine restaurant you would find in a big city. For a quick bite there is no better place like Max. If you ever make it to Rourkela don't forget the badam milk near Moksha at the Main Road, gol gappe aka gupchup, dabeli, pav bhaji, chicken tandoori at sector-5 market and tangri kabab at a shack at Ambagaon market.

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