Thailand- The land of 4s…

Thailand- The land of 4s.. and the beauty of the place is that you can enjoy all of them simulataneously, the four S standing for Sun, Sand, Sea and sex.

What adds to the place is that it is cheaper than many of the exotic national locations, and a full value for money destination. The travellers come with varied motives and am sure, not many of them return disappointed, whether it is after the under sea walk in mid sea, or banana boat ride at coral island, or parasailing in mid sea, or enjoying beach side massage, or a mid-night excursion at Walking Street.

Another good thing about the country- No visa formalities, no waits. Visa is easily granted, and visa on arrival is not much of a problem either. Just carry 500 US dollars ( 340 is the figure the CATHAY PACIFIC check- in clerk gave, but better be safe), and if asked show the same.

Thailand can also be described as the land of extremes- Bangkok known for its Buddhist heritage, and malls and markets,  and Pattaya for its beaches, natural beauty and sex trade. Both the towns appear to be two different worlds, amazing given the fact that you can hop from one to other in just two hours.

Water sports in Patayya are amazing, and much more professionally managed than Goa, and so is their capacity to handle huge number of tourists simultaneously. Thai currency Bhat exchange rate is Rs. 1.4 on an average, so you can enjoy the water sports without shelling out a fortune.  Don’t miss spreading yourself in a beachside shack and go for foot massage or pedicure or full body massage. The evenings can be best booked for Alcazar show, and don’t fall for any of the ladies there. They are all transgenders ( Lady boys as they are locally called). Gem and jwellery exhibition is another big draw, and promises stones and jwellery at economic prices. 

All during the day, you can sense an emptiness in Pataya, but as the sun starts setting down, the new face of Pataya emerges. There is no pick up joint, as there need not be one. Every 10 meters, you can bump into one of the girls, and in Walking street, the distance does not exist. There are good bars and some discotheques as well, but its hard to locate one. Strip clubs are also just round the corner, and in case, you are fond of some European skin, B-52 is a famous Russian strip joint. Another popular of these is Pee Pee massage parlour, where you get everything except massage. Please check for license before you finalise one, and take care of your belongings lest you repent afterwards.

Cut to Bangkok, and the famous Buddhist temples are a treat to watch especially the long Buddha statue. There are some good malls as well, and famous Indira market, in case you are missing Chandni Chowk. Electronic items are also cheaper compared to India rates, and you may as well get something for yourself. The evening can be devoted to Thai cultural show, which holds world record for highest stage. And you can not afford to miss the safari world, and the nice games of sea gulls and dolphins.

Just hope, you don’t reach Bangkok on red-shirt versus yellow-shirt demonstration day, lest the traffic can be extremely painful . Else, a perfect economic gateway..

Harihareshwar: Nature calling

The idea of a perfect gateway is an irony.. And it can be as ironical as you can think of.  For some, the forts of Jaipur and Jodhpur are a charm in themselves, for others they are hard to tolerate. Watching the first snow fall of life is enough to charm and charge loads of people, while others find it too cliche’. Similarly, the Dec Goan sun and sand has takers all around the world, but for some, it is that stinking, reeking place of booze, drugs and sex. 

But, if your definition of a weekend gateway means loads of idle time with your near and dear ones( it can be your better half/ would be better half/ gang of friends), wherein you are running against time, wherein there is no one around to peep into your lives, or some or other vendor trying their express selling skills, guess Harihareshwar is calling you.

Located on Mumbai-Goa highway, around 200 km away from Mumbai, to reach here, you need to take a right turn from Manegaon. The road there onwards is not a delight, and till you hit the place, you will be forced to think that are we heading for a hill or a beach.. But the first sight of the sea, and trust me, all your cribs/complains/ exertion goes for a toss. If there were something called Private beach in India, then my friends, its here for you and that too free of cost… For stay options, there is nothing better than MTDC resort, but in case you are unlucky, you may try Rohan Resort, the only other option available through internet booking.

The itenary can be short and sweet.. Rather its you and you alone for the entire time. Enjoy the stay at the Konkani bamboo rooms of the resort, devour the Malwani food, and go to dive, swim, laze around in the beach… Chances are high that you may be alone in the entire stretch, or may be joined by 3-4 more people. Pack your drinks in advance as getting your brand there can be a problem. Also, don’t depend on your other requirements there. It is advisable to carry all your stuff along. Also, Setting sun is a delight, you can’t afford to miss…

 Go to the near by Harihareshwar temple, and if time permits, go for the Parikrama around the temple. Srivardhan is another place 15 km away, and worth a watch as well. 

So, next time you are in Mumbai on a weekend, pack the bags, and explore the virgin territory.

KASHID/MULUD-JAJEERA: WEEKEND PARADISE

When words fail, images speak..

AN IDLE WEEKEND

2nd Hue

Hues galore

Need I say more?

In Mumbai, the ideal weekend definition differs from person to person. While for some, it means an action packed street shopping on the streets of Colaba( I wonder, how many will still find that nice, given the unfortunate incidents of past few days), for others, it means hitting a party joint and shaking legs till you drop dead, and then sleeping away the next day. For some sober and sophisticated junta, it may also mean going to a play or catching up with a moive. The more coomon alternatives include a movie, some shopping and dinner. Mumbai, a city that never sleeps.

But, if you belong to none of the categories mentioned above, and want a respite from the maddening world, and just while your time away, my dear friend, welcome to Kashid.Mulud/Jajeera. Aabout 160 km from Mumbai, you need to hit Goa highway first while going out from Mumbai, and then take a detour for Kashid. 35 km from Kashid lies Mulud/Jajeera, known for its beatuful fort situated right in the sea. You need a boat ride to reach there, and bargaining for rates is a strict no-no. Like every fort, here also the stories galore, for most of whom, there is no conclusive evidence. But, then there is no contradictory evidence as well.

In the middle of nowhere

Then, it was time to hit the Kashid beach. If there is any place which can be called epitome of serenity, it is Kashid. Not even many food joints.. Shacks on the sea side, which provide routine food.. Not many people around.. The entire sea to yourself. Cleanliness which you will not see either at Juhu or Girgam choupatty. The sandy beach ensures you walk smoothly and can go into water without fearing rocks..

But yes, the nearest booze shop is 12 km away, on either side.. So, be prepared before you hit the ground .

KAUSANI: THE HONEYMOONER’S PARADISE

If you ever watched Hindi movies or listened to Hindi songs, and stumbled across the song ” HUSN PAHADON KA” (from the movie RAM TERI GANGA MAILI), and thought, what a boastful statement, think no more, pack your bags, and be set for Kausani experience. Don’t ask what are the favorite tourist spots here, where to go to capture the nature at its best, or which all banks have the ATM here. Because there is none of the same here. Having second thoughts… Leave them aside. There must be something which forced Mahatma Gandhi to call the place as” SWITZERLAND OF INDIA”.

Situated at 1890 metres aboce sea level, Kausani is nature’s own abode of solitude and greenery. Located 110 km from Nainital and about 125 km from Kathgodam( the last rail terminus), you go through the serpentine routes and valleys, before you see the nature opening up its arms to embrace one and all. You may decide to hire a taxi or go by bus from both Kathgodam as well as Nainital, and the frequency is not too great, but decent none the less.

There are not more than 20 shops around (the count when I visited the same), 2/3 hotels, few resorts nearby, no ATMs, no AC restaurants, no lines of shops selling souveniors, and you may think as to what the hell.. Relax friend, thats why you are here for… Check into one of the hotels, (bargain if you can, and if you have not booked the rooms earlier), dump your baggae, and sit outside on the veranda waiting for tea to be served. It would be hardly moments, before the beauty sinks in. The pine forests on one side, majestic Himalayas on the other, and no hustle bustle of the city life, is this not what you had long pined for? With you and your partner holding arms in arms, going for an evening walk in the lap of mother nature, is it not blissful?

Don’t fix an agenda, live the day as it unfolds, visit the near by tea estate, take a trip to the nearby famous Shiva temple at Bageshwar, and enjoy the Sangam of Saryu and Gomti rivers there by the temple side. Go to the Gandhi ashram, sit by the road side, wake up early to see the sunrise over famous peaks, or just idle around knowing and discovering each other.

If words like routine, hectic don’t fit into your definition of perfect getaway, this is the place to be. Provided you love nature, are willing to explore it, and have 3-4 days to spare.

Dajeeling: The queen of hills

There are two queens as fas as the hill stations in India are concerned: one in the north ( Mussorie), and other in the east ( Darjeeling).. Both of them come with the charms very few can resist, and once you are there, the hills ( or should i say the queens) always call you back. I have been one of the fortunate souls who had the opportunity to visit both of them. Comparing them will be futile, but the options and the list of places to visit in Darjeeling far out numbers that of Mussorie. Needless to say about the toy train, a pride of Darjeeling.

You name the ambience, and you will get the same. Be it playing with waterbodies, or going for a serene walk/ trek in woods,  praying to the almighty, or a romantic boat ride with some one close, roadside bargain shopping or munching your favorite snacks, or spending time with your favorite or endangered species at the zoo. Still more lucrative options include just looking out of your window to the mighty Himalayas ( if your hotel is suitably located), or just strolling along the tea gardens and absorbing the scenic beauty.You may not find a single person, but you don’t need one either. Need i mention, you can always have a lifetime experience with toy train.  The heavens seem to melt, and at times right into your arms.

Like most of the hill stations, it is not advisable to be out till too late, as hills sleep as well as get up early. You get hotels across all rates, and never hesitate to bargain, as there is always scope for the same. Food is never a problem, as you have plenty of options across all the cuisines.

The world at my feet

 The nature has bestowed the area with all kinds of flora and fauna and no wonder, you fall in love with some of them, as you go along for a trek down the road.

Can you take your eyes off..

For the devout souls, you can always visit the famous Hanuman temple, or the adjoining Lord Shiva abode, or even more famous, The Durga temple.

Divine power

Time for some adventure.. Play with the water bodies at Ganga dham, much down the stream or just observe the water flowing down in full charm. Abig turn on for any one.. to say the least.

Need i say anything

And if you thought, it is all, you are wrong. Some more to follow soon.. In this very blog…

Sikkim: The land of monasteries, waterfalls and step farming

The journey from Siliguri to Gangtok is full of bends, curves, people with motion sickness ( especially among the first time tourists), and for a long stretch Teesta river accompanies the visitors. During monsoon, the river appears menacing, other months its serene and pleasant….

The state border police makes you realise that you have entered Sikkim at Rangpo, but the moment you look outside, there is something else which catches your attention. No litters around, you feel just like you have entered a new country all together…

The breathtaking scenic beauty is there the entire way, till we finally landed up at Gangtok. A small drive later, we checked in to our hotel, tired and exasperated after the curvaceous drive and continuous journey for last 34 hours.

Bath and a cup of tea over, we were ready to go to the Gangtok market, with nice dinner being the foremost thing in our minds. We were not disappointed, for not only were we offered the variety of cuisines, but the prepartion also was really good. Food over, the night at a new place always seemed to be dangerous, and we preferred to return to the hotel. The walk back was smooth, and reaching the hotel we also came to know that Sikkim does not sleep soon, and it is perfectly safe for visitors to be out till 9-10 pm.

Next day, at 8 am, we were already ready when the receptionist called up to let us know that the cab was waiting for us. Then started the drive to Rumtek, the world famous monastery. The smiling kids  and their parents busy with their household chores was the permanent fixture all along the way. Sometimes, you wonder, so nice for being a tourist, but ever thought the hardships these people have to undergo for their daily survival. Too cold for some parts of the year, even the nearest shop at times is kilometres away. Again, a first for us was the step farming.

Step farming

The drive seemed just like any other hill station drive, until we reached VIEW POINT, a place from wehre we could see the entire Himalaya stretch in its grand form. The fog and mist did not allow to witness the same in its grandest form, but what ever we could is as below.

Himalayas

Next stop was Rumtek monastery (some 24 km from Gangtok), a revered place for Budhists and  Lamas, and Tibetese people. The security arrangements were remarkable, and so was the monastery. An effort to capture the entrance is as below.

Heritage calling

Near the monatery is a botanical garden, a place the nature lovers and love birds may like to visit. A few hours day, we were back to Gangtok going to Hanuman tok and other places before we called it the day.

Changu lake: The frozen paradise

Who ever said ” Patience and hard work is always rewarded” was right to the hilt.

The morning of 23rd February 2007 was full of excitement for three friends, who were anxiously waiting to hear from the taxi driver whether the route is open or not for Changu ( Tsomgo in local parlance). The driver brought along the good news and off we were, to Gangtok-Nathula road to visit the lake, some 35 km away from Gangtok.

The path to begin was just like any other hilly track, with sharp bends and curves. BRO has indeed done a good job to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on the route and interesting reads like “WHILE ON CURVES, HOLD YOUR NERVES” always cautioned the driver.

Post taking the requisite permission ( the driver did it all for us), it was hardly minutes, before the first shriek made us look out in the direction of pointed finger. The majestice Himalayas were in front of us in full bloom, and the snow made a serene pattern on the same.

And we were floored

The mere sight of the snow soared the energy levels within us ( the ordinary mortals who were seeing snow for the first time). We pleaded the driver to stop for a fe minutes and click a few photographs when he coolly responded ” Very soon, you will be tired of seeing snow”. So, lets move ahead.

Gradually, the bends got steeper, the roads narrower, and curves riskier. Except for curves, only one vehicle could cross at a time. Then came a waterfall, which we overlooked in our childish enthusiasm of reaching the lake first, and grown up planning of stopping while returning. Few bends later, the driver stopped and asked us to have a look down the valley. BREATH TAKING is the only word I have, and rest I leave for you to decipher from this photograph.

Breathless

A little later, we were suddenly amongst yaks, shops, and humanlife, some things which were conspicuous by their absence all the way.

What lay in front was nothing but frozen paradise. A white mass, which just refused to end. Earth and sky melted into each other, and the boundaries were just not there. It was time for putting on snow boots, a yak ride ( where we negotiated the rates to the best of our abilities), and some friendly snow fight…… A special mention may be made here for the ladies that please beware while walking on snow by lake side. It has strange history of ensuring that you fall in most strange of ways possible.

Time for chai and momos.. We had one of the best momos here, so please do try the same when ever you go there. Then comes a friendly warning from driver ” Lets leave soon, the weather is going to get bad”  The 35 km drive back to Gangtok had all the elements. A mini storm, small avalanche, traffic jam, skidding of cab, fog everywhere ensuring the visibility dropped to some 5- 10 metres, what more could you ask for.

Caught in avalanche

Some of the souls started praying, others trying to crack a PJ, but the driver seemed to have the better of all, when he asked at the waterfall ” YOU WANTED TO TAKE SNAPS HERE” A unanimous no, and we were soon back to the safety of Gangtok town, cuddled up in the warmth of our quilts.