5 Famous Ganpati Idols to Visit in Pune During Ganesh Festival
Ganesha Chaturthi also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' is the important Hindu Festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha. The celebration has a long history and roots since the days of Maratha rulers. Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak initiated this festival as a public festival in 1894 with a view to uniting citizens and strengthen the patriotic fervour in Indians.
While it is celebrated all over India, Pune is said to have it's own traditions to celebrating this festival with great pomp and gaiety where the festival actually started.
The city has the five Manache (Respective) Ganesh idols where you have must visit during Ganesh Utsav.
1. Kasba Ganapti :
Kasba Ganpati
( image credit: flickr)
image credit:
image credit:
Located in the heart of city at Kasaba Peth, it is also known as Gram Devta of Pune and the temple was built by 'Shivaji Maharaj' and 'Jijabai Bhosale'.
2. Tambdi Jogeshwari :
Tambdi Jogeshwari
( image credit: google)
It is supposed to be a oldest temple in Pune, established in 1893. It stands second privileged Ganpati idol of Pune after Kasba Ganpati Mandal.
3. Guruji Talim :
Guruji Talim
(image credit: plus.googleapis.com)
It is the third respective Ganapti idol in pune Located at Laxmi Road. the Guruji Talim Ganpati mandal was started by two Hindu and two Muslim families in 1887 even before Lokmanya Tilak started this Sarvajanik Ganesh utsav and hence it's considered as a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity.
4. Tulsibaug :
Tulsibaug Ganesh Idol
(image credit: wikipedia.org)
It is fourth respective Ganpati idol in Pune Located at Tulshibaug. which was established in 1901. This mandal is amongst the first who Glass establishing Fiber statue since 1975.
5. Kesariwada Ganesh Mandal :
Kesariwada Ganesh
(image credit: wikipedia.org)
Lokmanya Tilak established this idol in year 1893 in Narayan Peth, Pune. It is revered of known as fifth respective Ganapati idol in Pune. Lokmanya Tilak started this festival with the motive of to enhance the sense of belongingness as well as togetherness among the citizens and still the mandol takes large cultural and educational events and concentrates more on social work.
Along with these you can also visit Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati idol the richest Ganesh Mandal in the city which was established in the year 1893.
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati idol
(Image Credit: bhaskar.com)
How to reach Pune :-
Pune is well connected by air, rail and road to other major cities in India.
Nearest Airport :-
Lohegaon airport where you can get a transfer taxi to reach the city.
Nearest Railway station :-
Pune junction is an important station of Central Railway Zone.
Bus Stand:-
Shivajinagar and Swargate bus stand. The city is easily accessible by state transport buses or rental cars from major cities such include Ahmadnagar, Aurangabad and Mumbai.
If you are planning to visit to Pune to experience immense fun then we suggest that there’s best way to rent a car for the utmost convenience and safety travel to Ganesh festival.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
When should a travel agent proceed for an Car XML API Integration?
Dear future online partners,
Greetings from team Clear car rental Pvt Ltd!!!!
For those of you who might not be aware (or) have reached us for the first time -
Clear car rental Pvt Ltd is India's largest (in terms of reach) on line car aggregator providing car rental services in more than 250 Indian cities and covering more than 5000 Indian locations & also assists renowned Indian travel brands on car rentals.
Clear car rental also offers it's XML car API's to individual web developers, web development companies who wish to integrate them for their clients (or) even to travel agents who wish take their travel business online while adding a PAN India online cab booking module.
API stands for Application programming interface.
Any API integration offers the convenience of building your own web applications using the data which is sourced by some one else.
In case you are new to API's please do refer The 60 seconds guide to understand API's
An API integration can be said more or like to be an avenue where in you can make different travel services available & for sale for your online target customers. The inventory of services on your online shop (your website) may be procured from different XML feed providers.
When should a travel agent proceed for an API Integration {Car API integration}?
1) A travel agent is exploring options to take your travel business on the web (build a website) so that the services he plans to offer are accessible 24X7.
2) A travel agent plans to launch his new travel portal while offering the convenience to its customers book online different travel services.
3) A travel agent plans to add more travel services to his existing basket of online travel services.
4) A travel agent has built his own strong agent network of associates in different cities in India & would like to offer them an standard online system using which they can book different travel services.
For any (or) all the reasons mentioned above an API integration will be needed.
(Although not mandatory) but a travel agent having a long experience & ready relationships in travel trade may help his online travel project get a boost.
Find more information on the XML car API by Clear car rental Pvt Ltd here
It is great to share that we have our online partners (those who have integrated our XML API) almost in all zones of India.
Feel free to reach us with any queries at nikhil@clearcarrental.com you may have on our car rental XML API & we would leave no stone to assist you the best of our capabilities.
Wishing you business success always!!!
Team Clear car rental Pvt Ltd.
Tag :
From Team,
Kailas Manas Sarovar Yatra series - 9
Was it a dream?!
Even now, at the time of writing this, I recall that experience. What was it that I had gone through? How do I describe it to my folks at home? Was it just about the hardships of an adventurous trekking that I am going to narrate? Or about the beautiful landscape? Or about being able to reach the abode of gods and goddesses? Or about securing a place in the list of those luckiest people who could unload all their sins? Any attempt to give a description of that experience would fail. The pain of giving birth to a baby could not be explained in words, just like the joy of touching the feet new born baby. Whatever may be the name of that place…..I call it the womb….womb of the infinite-the unbound-the formless-the nameless-the omnipresent-the un-manifested in the manifested universe.
We had
very little time to spend on the top of Drolma La. Neema hurried us
to move on. It might turn out to be fatal for vulnerable people. I
rushed to my camera, took a few snaps. I was unable to hold the
camera, hands were shaking. Entire valley was covered with fog.
Colorful prayer flags had provided wonderful contrast against the
background of snow covered valley. We had to move from there, we
started descending on the opposite side.
While
descending, we saw the Gauri Kund. It is a small pool of water that
is supposed to be the place where goddess Parvati (Gauri) is said to
have done penance for Lord Shiva. It is situated on a bit lower
altitude than the Drolma La. We crossed a frozen river stream after
that. After about half an hour we descended and reached the plains of
a river stream. We stopped at a tiny restaurant like thing to have
our packed lunch consisting biscuits, fruits and bread. We had to
complete, again about 22 km trek to reach our camp at Zutulpuk.
However, it was on a plain path we had to walk by the side of an
unnamed river stream.
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| Gauri Kund (image credit: Prajna LS) |
Ponies
had arrived there already with their masters for those who had
booked. A fellow traveler, he was the youngest of all in our team,
was suffering from severe sickness. He was brought to the camp in an
ambulance later. It was a terrific walk. I was lagging behind. I had
no energy left to walk. Luckily, looking at my condition, Neema
Sherpa and also Veerbahadur Sherpa took great care of me till I could
reach the camp. The cute looking Veerbahadur used to cheer me up in
between, he made me to drink glucose water, asked me to sit and take
rest and made me to move again…like a kind friend.
I recall
it was like a walk in the oblivion, as if it were a sleep walk. I was
feeling very drowsy. It is a symptom of altitude sickness. In that
delusive state of mind I had tried to recall the faces of our elder
team mates one by one. Then, realized they were on ponies. Huh. But,
not all were. Narayan uncle and the father of Doctor Shailaja were
also coming by foot. No idea how they were, where they were…Veer
Bahadur cheered, “We have almost reached, don’t worry”. He was
just consoling my mind, I know.
It was
raining by the time we reached. Must be around 7.30 pm we had
reached. My folks at the camp were worried for me. They didn’t
know for whom the ambulance was sent. Veerbahadur held my hand in a
majestic way and dropped me at the door of our allotted room where my
folks had been resting!! I just threw out my shoes, rain coat and
jacket and lied on my bed, I was drenched in sweat.
Third
day!
Next
day morning we walked for about 2-3 hours. It was damn easy compared
to the second day! We were feeling very light and were excited. It
was drizzling and after sometime we could see tiny-tiny snow flakes
settling on our rain coats. The entire valley looked fabulous. I told
my aunt that we are blessed by Bhagwan through snowfall!
There
is a small mound to mark the completion of Kailas Parikrama. We
reached there and it was the end of our great venture. We could see
our vehicles at that point. Drove back to Darchen, and after lunch
the group proceeded towards Saga. From saga we came to Nyalam and
from Nyalam we crossed the Friendship Bridge (at Kodari) again to
reach Kathmandu.
When
I reflect upon this particular experience of mine, all seems like a
dream. A dream sent by the ‘un-manifested spirit’ to illustrate
the hardships of realising the ‘sublime’.
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| image credit: Prajna LS |
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Kailash Manas Sarovar Yatra Series - 8
Kailas Parikrama –Drolma La Pass!
We had walked about 12
km in the rugged terrain of Kailas circuit to reach Dirapuk from
Darchen. Mount Kailas is seen from a very close distance here. We
were overwhelmed, excited and content. Dirpuk is located at 4, 600
meters above the sea level. Altitude sickness gets severe from here.
We rested in tin sheds after initial excitement of passing the first
stage of Kailas Kora.
Accommodation at
Dirapuk, or at Zultulpuk is getting better year after year, I think.
As we heard the experiences of those who had gone earlier, there used
to be tents. Now, the Chinese Government has built tin sheds
providing space for 4 members each in rooms. 8/10 rooms have been
constructed. We didn’t see any latrine there. We had to use open
space for the routine.
My aunt, uncle and I
were little anxious, since my brother and his wife had not arrived.
They arrived an hour later and we were quite relieved! Soon the
shades of evening turned black and we were desperately waiting for
the soup to be served. It was not hunger, I guess, we needed
something hot, very hot. We sipped soups as if we had been starved
for months together.
Climate at Dirapuk is
quite uncertain. It can rain anytime, and sometimes even snowfall
occurs. One can’t be sure of second day parikrama. Sherpas judge
the climate condition and advice accordingly whether to proceed or to
return. Despite Diamox intake we were feeling nausea, headache, and
body temperature. That night, we could not eat much. I had gulped a
tablet for fever, and at about midnight I was drenched in sweat. It
was pouring outside! Ohh…good sign. I was wishing for the
announcement of our return due to bad weather. Delusions of dark
hours!!
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| Image credit:Prajna LS |
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| Image credit:Prajna LS |
Second Day was broken
amidst fog and slight drizzles. Sherpas were confident of moving
further and asked us to get ready. Those who feel very sick can
return from Dirapuk, they advised. “Himmat Rakhkho…Himmat se kaam
chalega” said Sangya Sherpa with a naughty smile. The Sherpas had
already kept a barrel of warm water for washing purpose in front of
our rooms. After having a brisk breakfast, we marched towards
Zutulpuk which needed about 32 km trek.
This day was the
toughest day of all during our Yatra. We were supposed to pass
through the Drolma La Pass (18,600 ft) and the famous Gauri Kund. The
trek included ascending the slope of Drolma La and then, descending
the slope. Once after descending the slope, we had to take up a long
trek along a river stream up to Zutulpuk. Exact calculation of the
time and distance up to Drolma la (8km) and from there up to Zutulpuk
(24 km may be) is not possible. We reached Drolma La pass (8 km up)
in three stages. It is a steep up.
The surrounding had
received good snowfall the previous night. Not a sunny day. Thick fog
had covered the hills making it more difficult for a walk. We were on
an unfathomable path, metaphorically! I just laid my burden on my
destiny that had led me so far and was confident that I would be
taken good care of by my guru Sri Datta.
 |
| Image credit:Prajna LS |
Sherpas were holding
two oxygen cylinders for emergency. But, they had advised us to use
that only if it was necessary. They had warned that the oxygen
supplement would have side effects, it may block lungs even more and
if it happens one may have to go back. It was a testing period of our
patience, will power, courage and luck.
We started moving
slowly, one after another. It was a narrow strip on a snowy hill
partially covered with snow. For every two steps I had to stop, take
rest on my walking stick and then had move on. We had to pass through
three steep acclivities of which the last ascent was breathtaking
experience. Through the misty depth we passed, it was like
experiencing the fate of an embryo inside the womb. We could see the
last acclivity, on which some hikers were visible, though not so
clearly.
We were not allowed to
stop anywhere. “Keep walking” Neema Sherpa who was carrying my
knapsack along with the camera bag used to poke. Senior team mates on
the pony used to greet us occasionally. We walked to strange tunes
hummed by the Chinese porters. We were crawling inside the depth of
silence.
I was breathing
heavily making sounds. I had to consume water in between to prevent
dehydration. Dry fruits will help reducing energy loss; keep them in
the pockets of your jacket. I was unable to hold even the flask.
Neema Sherpa used to hold that and he used to open even the lid of
the flask for me! He would give my camera whenever he felt it would
be alright to stop for a minute for taking photos. I thank him for
being so kind.
One of our senior
mates, Manju aunty, had completed the first day Parikrama by walk.
But, on the second day, she felt that she can’t climb the ascending
slope. Luckily she caught hold of a pony man who was returning from
the top after dropping a pilgrim. One will get Ponies till the top
only. After reaching the top (Drolma La) one will have to descend a
steep slope till some distance. Ponies can’t descend on that slope.
However, for those who have booked ponies in advance for all the
three days would get back to the pony ride after reaching the ground.
We were ascending the
third slope. Someone was sick on the way, was being assisted with
oxygen. Neema didn’t allow me to stand there. He hurried me to move
on. It was a steep rocky slope. I could feel my legs shaking. The
whole area was covered with thick fog. I had forgotten the world that
I had left behind! Face of my darling daughter flashed through my
mind, suddenly. Move or die! I had forgotten my state of being
itself. Inexplicable state of mind that was…….. in tune with the
symphony of unbound-ruthless-wild nature. Each step seemed heavy…a
state of oblivion.
It was when Neema
Sherpa said that we had reached the top I was not in state to rejoice
really! Yes, we had reached the top of Drolma La Pass. Huh!
[To be continued….]
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Kailash-Manas Sarovar Yatra Series - 7
Kailas Parikrama is
nothing but a trekking process around the Kailas Circuit. Parikrama
means circumambulation. Some go for 3 day trekking, some for 9 days,
some for 13 and some choose one day depending upon their health. The
total distance to be covered in a three day parikrama is
approximately 52 km. This task is an important part of Kailas-Manas
Sarovar Yatra, though not compulsory. People who are physical fit and
mentally confident may take up the task. It is the hardest task of
the yatra, but, the most fulfilling one!
Mount Kailas is
revered with great devotion by Hindu, Jain and Buddhist followers. In
the Jain tradition, Kailas is considered to be the mount (Ashtapada
Parvat) on which the first Teerthankar Rishabhdev attained his
salvation. According to Bon Buddhist tradition, the mount is a highly
energetic place representing transcendental energy. This place is
associated with Guru Rinpoche, the Padmasambhava.
Hindus consider the
mount as to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi.
Kailas Parvat is said to be the source for many rivers. Indus,
Satlej, Brahmaputra, and Ghagra Rivers originate somewhere near the
Kailas circuit. By circumambulating the mount, it is believed, that
one would attain supreme energy and would be purified.
One can take up the
task only after reaching Lake Manas. The trekking starts from a place
called Darchen, the base point actually. Darchen is located at about
8 km from Lake Manas, and can be approached by motored vehicles.
 |
| image credit: prajna LS |
The night before the
parikrama, our Sherpa team gave us some tips for the mountain walk.
They showed us how to handle fatigue and breathlessness during the
parikrama. Not only that, they had also narrated stories of devotees
who had died half way! That was very scary and made us to think twice
before deciding.
A small backpack
containing dry fruits, medicine, a flask, a torch, a pain balm tube
and tissue roles were kept ready. Even to carry such a lightweight
backpack we had hired porters. Chinese porters will come at the
gateway (Yamadwar, the starting point) and we had hired them for 700
yens. The sherpas will collect the money and I guess full amount will
not be paid to the porters! Pilgrims who feel uncomfortable to walk
can hire ponies. Book your pony for all three days; you may not get a
pony in the middle of your parikrama.
Next day morning,
after a small breakfast, we had moved towards Yamadwar, the starting
point of our Parikrama. Dressed in three layered cloths, we had
reached Yamadwar in a bus. Our porters and Pony caretakers had
already gathered at Yamadwar. For our group (I, aunt and uncle,
brother and his wife) the Sherpas themselves got ready to carry the
backpack.
Yamadwar!
I don’t know why it
is named like that. But, a scary name it was. Yama,
as you all know is the governor of death according to Hindus. This is
the gateway to his home! There is a small shrine inside which heads
of slain goats and Yaks are hung. There is a small bell inside and by
tradition every pilgrim would perform circumambulation of the shrine
three times after ringing the bell for a safe return. We were already
nervous looking at the shrine. We proceeded further after performing
the circumambulation.
 |
| image credit:Prajna LS |
Our
target was to reach Dirapuk. We were instructed to walk very slowly
leaning on to the walking stick whenever it was necessary. It is not
a competion of any sort to reach first. It won’t be difficult to
walk on a plain, but, it would be highly difficult for ups. Take rest
for a while (not more than a minute) and move forward if you feel
breathlessness. We saw a Buddhist devotee prostrating for every other
step. He had covered his hands with shoes.
The
route on the first day Parikrama was not so complicated. We walked
along the Yak River. Our path pierced through the rugged terrain
comprising steep rocky hills. These same hills would be covered with
snow during winter, but, we had gone there in August. So, the terrain
was uncovered, rocky and plain, resonating deep silence.
We
could reach the target by afternoon. Dirapuk houses a Buddhist Gompa.
But, a surprise was waiting for us when we reached there. It was the
last up. We had taken about half an hour to climb up, then, we turned
to our right and were dumbstruck at the sight of Mount Kailas from
such a close distance. It was such a solemn and serene sight, that I
would always cherish in my memory. As we sat on the ground below
there, we felt as if we were sitting at the feet of Lord Shiva
himself!
Wait
for the next episode to read about the second and third day
parikrama!
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Lesser-known Facts about the Heritage city Aurangabad
Known:
The heritage city
Aurangabad (Maharashtra) is best known for the Ajanta and Ellora
caves. The city serves as a base destination for reaching the
historical sites mentioned above and attracts tourists from all
across the globe. This city was a Mughal Territory in the reign of
Aurangazeb and is named after the emperor. The city houses the
mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s wife which is known as the Taj of Deccan.
Aurangabad’s
proximity to Ellora, Ajanta, Daulatabad and Shirdi has earned the
city a prominent place in the tourism industry of India. The city has
geared up to cater both national and international tourists by
providing good accommodation and transportation facilities. The city
is served by a well connected airport and a railway station. MTDC
(Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) provides special
tourist packages for seeing Ajanta and Ellora Caves. You can also ask
for private transport services or hire a car to reach here.
Lesser-known:
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
The city is, so far,
known by its historical significance and industrial growth. But, not
many know about the internal cultural activities that go unnoticed by
the visitors. The city keeps hosting classical music and dance
concerts frequently for the connoisseurs. Up until recently, there
used to be Ellora Festival every year by inviting international level
singers and dancers. The Ellora festival has been temporarily halted.
However, another
cultural event hosted by MAHAGAMI (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Sangeet
Academy) is making news. It is called the Sharangadev Samaroh. This
unique music and dance festival has been initiated by the director of
MAHAGAMI, Parwati Datta. Parwati Datta, being a versatile Kathak and
Odissi dancer, has been motivating the art lovers of Aurangabad since
the establishment of the institution and is coordinating noted
artists of the nation to enlighten the younger generation on the path
of Indian music and dance heritage.
 | ||
| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Sharangdev Samaroh is one such step taken by MAHAGAMI. This cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of classical music and dance that exists in various forms all across India. This event is especially dedicated to the 13th century musicologist Sharangadev, who is said to have lived in the court of Devagiri Yadava rulers. Devagiri is the present day Daulatabad which is at about 17 km from the city.
Sangeeta Ratnakara,
the book written by Sharangadev is an important text for the seekers
of both Hindustani and Carnatic music tradition. This 13th
century text documents almost all the prevalent dance and music
traditions of that time and gives descriptions about technical
details of dance movements, music, and rhythm. So, to commemorate the
contribution made by the author, the Sharangadev Samaroh will be held
in the land where the author created such a treatise.
The cultural event
comprises of a three day workshop followed by evening concerts.
Eminent artists belonging to various music and dance traditions such
as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniattam
and Manipuri will present their pieces. Noted artists like Birju
Maharaj, Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr.
Padma Subrahmanyam, Padma Bhushan Swapna Sundari, Sadanam
Balakrishnan and many other scholars have graced the event so far.
Dear
tourist…
If you are planning to
visit Aurangabad, please make a note of this event. Normally, the
event will be held in January or February for three days and nights.
Visitors can make use of this opportunity if they are in the city
during that time. Try something different when you are in Aurangabad
next time. Experience the lesser- known treasures of Aurangabad.
Tag :
Best of India,
Less travelled beaches of Goa
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| Image courtesy:prajna LS |
What comes to your mind when you hear of Goa? Beaches of course! Goa, being one of the popular destinations for holidaying on the sea shore, attracts millions of tourists every year. One will not get tired of visiting Goa, be it for a casual or a formal visit. Goa indeed is a tourist’s heaven by providing a true freak out time. Have fun, celebrate, be merry, relax and rejuvenate in Goa. It is that part of India which is the most explored one; yet, one will be surprised to know it is still left with unmarked corners.
This article makes an attempt to introduce some of the unexplored parts of Goa, focusing especially upon beaches. If you are on a family trip and want to spend some fun times with kids, then visit commercialized beaches in Goa. These beaches provide snacks stalls, water sports, and other entertainments like paragliding, scuba diving, kayaking etc. When we talked about the beaches in Goa, it hosts both commercialized and secluded beaches. Most of the commercialized beaches are situated in the North Goa whereas South Goa hosts most of the secluded ones.
Goa, situated on the western coastline of India, is best known for white sand beaches, churches, temples, and fenny! It is well connected by air, road and railways. It may sound funny, if you search for a city named Goa anywhere in Goa you would not find. Goa is the name given to the entire region on the Arabian Sea coast comprising North and South Goa. So, where would you land up if you are an outsider? You may choose either Panjim in North Goa or Madgaon in the South Goa section as base destinations to travel around the region.
Reaching Goa:
Panjim is the headquarters of North Goa which is at about 550 km from Mumbai. Madgaon, headquarters of South Goa, is just 45 minutes drive from Panjim. However the airport is based at Dabolim in Vasco, 35 minutes drive from Panjim. Goa has two railway heads: one at Vasco, the other at Madagaon which is connected by Konkan Railway services.
Pro tip :
Well chauffeur driven sanitized rental cars, tourist taxis, rental bikes, autos and buses are available for inland travels. Accommodations providing budget, luxury and premium services would be easily available during off season. Advance booking of hotels would be preferable if you are travelling during Christmas vacations.
If you are interested in exploring secluded beaches in Goa, let me tell you, go towards the south. Make Madagaon the base destination, and explore each beach a day if you are there for more than a week. Southern beaches are less travelled, least crowded, and most of them provide completely secluded private beach resorts.
Let's See Beautiful South Goa Beaches :
Let us start with Colva Beach which is situated near Madgaon city. It is just 15 minutes drive from Madgaon (Margao). This was one of the secluded beaches of South Goa up until recently. Now, it is attracting more and more visitors and hence it has become a popular beach providing entertainment and luxury. It is stretched 20 km on the Western Coast.
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Colva Beach
Colva beachImage Courtesy:Prajna LS |
If we move towards the south of Colva, we find the Benaulim Beach. You can locate the Church of St John the Baptist here on a hill top. This is basically a fishing village. You can buy wooden crafts and furniture here.
Cavelossium Beach is just half an hour drive from Madgaon. This beach, along with Varca and Mobor beaches, is known to be the most non-commercialized beaches of Goa. A Less crowded beach of course. You may find huts converted as restaurants here and there.
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Cavelossium Beach Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Goa is stretched up to Sadashivghad, but Sadashivghad belongs to Karwar district in Karnataka. Sadashivghad is the place where Kali River merges into Arabian Sea. As we move on to further southwards, we find two most important beaches on the western coast situated in Goa. One is Agonda Beach and other one is the Palolem Beach.
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| Agonda Beach Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
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| Palolem Beach Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Agonda
is situated at about 35 km from Madgaon. This is for those who would
love lonely beaches. Agonda beach is completely untouched by
commercialization and less crowded compare to other beaches in South Goa. You would not find any snacks stalls or accommodation
here. It is a lonely white sand beach good for photographers who would
like to explore wild and raw nature.
Palolem beach is
at about 40 km from Madgaon and is a bit inhabited beach. You would
find quite a few beach resorts, secluded huts and commercial stalls
here. Another advantage is that you can have a boat ride to visit nearby
islands. Be careful about high tides and weather conditions.
If
you are frequent visitor to Goa, make your holidays something special
when you visit Goa next time. Explore the South Goa. Be different this
time!
Tag :
Archive,
Vacation packages: Consider SUV rental
Try to imagine a
person fixed on to his laptop in a cubicle all through the day, comes
home and again works till late night. Finds no time for kids except
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for making arrangements. Where to go, for how many days, how to go,
where to stay…will that be fruitful…he just can’t decide.
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Tag :
Archive,
Cool – Cool Summer: Hill Stations in Maharashtra
Matheran
 |
| image credit:matheran.org |
Matheran is declared
Eco-Sensitive hill station. Motored vehicles are not allowed within
10/20 km circuit. Even if you go by your own vehicle you will have to
park your car at Neral and from Neral a Toy Train takes you to the
hill top. Make prior reservation for the train. You can decide to
walk along the railway track by enjoying the scenic beauty around.
Situated at about 800
meters above the sea level, the hill station provides many
viewpoints. You can even watch Bombay city from one point. MTDC self
contained rooms are available here. There are private hotels also.
Restaurants provide thali (plate) meals.
This place is for
complete relaxation. Enjoy vehicle free zone, go for early morning
walks to refresh yourself and you would be ready for a new week.
Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is famous
for Flamingos, and it is near the Shivaneri Fort. Shivaneri Fort is
the birth place of Shivaji, the great warrior. This hill station also
houses Buddhist caves dating back to 3rd century.
 |
| image credit:whatisnature.wordpress.com |
You can approach this
place via Mumbai or Pune. The hill station is located near Thane and
Ahmednagar borders. But you can reach the destination by road only.
MTDC Flamingo Hill
resort is the best option for staying overnight. Best time to visit
is Monsoon season when the Flamingos start migrating to Malshej Ghat.
Not only Flamingos migratory birds of other kinds also come here
during monsoon.
You can visit
Harischandraghad and Shivaneri fort along with Malshej Ghat.
Tag :
Weekend Spots,
Kailash-Manas Sarovar Yatra Series - 6
Lake Manas Sarovar
Lake Manas Sarovar is
widely known as Mapam Yumco in the Tibetan region. It is a precious
site of visit for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist pilgrims. It is a
freshwater lake situated on an elevation of about 15,000 ft above the
sea level. The lake signifies purity of mind and heart. Devotees
believe that a ritual bath in the lake would cleanse off all the sins
committed so far.
The Lake is located
near the Mount Kailas and the Meru Mountain ranges. This beautiful
lake looks like a heavenly abode in a clear daylight. In fact, it is
said that the ‘Devatas’ (gods) come here every morning to take
bath in the lake. Keeping the Mount Kailash in the centre, two lakes
are situated in that place, actually. One is the well known Lake
Manas sarovar and the other one is Lake Rakshas Sarovar. Lake Rakshas
is a saline water lake.
 |
| Lake in the backdrop of mount kailas (image courtesy:prajna LS) |
For Buddhists, Bon
Buddhists in particular, Manas sarovar basin is a holy site of
meditation. Guru Rinpoche is said to have stayed in this place and we
can see Buddhist Gompas around the lake. We visited the Chiu Gompa
situated on top a steep hill.
We had arrived there
at about 1.30 pm. It was a clear sky. We were bewildered by the
serene lake and its beauty. White clouds had gathered over the lake
like a white embroidered lace. Sun beams crisscrossed over the
crystal clear water that reflected the color of the sky, which was
blue at that time.
The place is well
maintained by the Chinese authorities. A station has been built for
the tourists accommodating a huge hall. There is enough space for a
helipad around the building, in the forthcoming days one may get
helicopter service upto Manas sarovar. The bus that we travelled
dropped us there and it will come again to pick us on the last day of
our Parikraman. Pilgrims do get special bus service meant for
Manasarovar Lake (for pick and drop to nearby places).
Luckily, we got to
have a dip in the lake. After that, we reached our base camp near
another side of the lake. That night it rained
like anything. We were speculating that the Kailas Parikraman would
be cancelled if it continues to rain. We woke up to a clear, but a
misty morning.
That
day, in the afternoon, we were supposed to reach the base destination
for the 3 day Kailas Circumambulation. Till then, we were allowed to
take rest. Some devotees were performing rituals (Puja and havan),
though it was not compulsory. In fact, the place does not have any
Hindu temples, except some Gompas. Some were taking rest at the
dormitory cells. We decided to explore the place. We visited the Chiu
Gompa which was nearby.
The
place where we had stayed is a small campus consisting rows of
dormitory cells specially meant for the pilgrims. These dormitories
will be booked in advance by the travel agencies. Rooms are equipped
with solar electricity providing beds for 4-5 members. You can charge
your camera cells and mobile phones. This is common during all three
days of Kailas Parikrama. Earlier there used to be tents, now, tents
have been replaced by tin sheds providing bare minimum amenities. Hot
water will be provided for drinking and basic utility purpose. Common
latrines were highly dirty. However, one must be prepared for extreme
conditions.
 |
| Base Camp (Image Courtesy:Prajna LS) |
In
the afternoon, we left for Darchen located at about 8 km from the
camp. The 3 day trekking will start and will end up in Darchen. On
the first day, we walked from Darchen to Dirapuk (12km), on the
second day, from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (32km) and on the third day, we
reached Darchen (8km) from Zutulpuk. Darchen is good for buying
walking sticks, bead and Tibetan jewellery. As we walked back to our
dormitory from the market place, a face of Mount Kailas was visible
from a far distance. We were amazed at the sight of Kailas like that
all of a sudden! Within a few minutes, the peak was covered behind a
veil of clouds.
We
stayed that night in Darchen. Our Parikraman began the next day
morning. It is an experience for lifetime. Wait for the next
episode!!
[To
be continued]
Tag :
Pilgrimage,