Pushkar- everyone’s invited!

Aashriya Johar

An old sadhu in flowing yellow robes passing by dazed hippies as he heads towards the waterfront. Confused Indian tourists at shacks and restaurants attempting to figure out menus written in Hebrew and Korean. Snake charmers at the drop of a hat with their tunes trying to keep pace with the Israelis and their percussion. These are just some of the sights and sounds you can expect at Pushkar. The blend of the native Hindus and foreigners on much-extended visits is a perfect amalgamation of contrasting cultures.

Located near the sacred lake of Pushkar, the town sees hoards of pilgrims who seek blessings from the lord of creation, Brahma. A walk around the bathing ghats is enough to make one feel close to God. And a dip at the sarovar is said to wash away all sins. Even for the less religiously inclined, Pushkar is a spiritual experience. As the sun begins to set, the place comes into its own with hundreds of bells chiming during the evening aarti. The magical sounds intertwined with an overpowering serenity take you to a higher level of being, if only for a few moments.


Even the night has its own charm. The relatively new residents from overseas gather near ghats, German cafes, and pretty much anywhere. The town glitters in a different hue as they sway to infectious drum beats and play with batons. The air is infused with a laidback rhythm which carries itself forward to dawn, where it blends in with the chants of priests at the praying ghats.

There’s something for everyone in this quaint little town. And a lot more beyond what’s visible on the surface. Pushkar is just waiting to be explored over and over again.

Take a hike, in Switzerland

Some, or many, of you may have gone hiking at some stage. Ever tried it in Switzerland?

Go ahead, give it a shot. Go footloose on excursion paths properly signposted all over this beautiful country, through natural reserves and on mountain peaks experiencing culinary delights at restaurants on the way. Or even spend nights in rural homes where the hearts of the Swiss lie.

In some parts of Switzerland, people still live their lives in symbiosis with nature - a close interaction that continues to benefit both. For countless generations, the farming population has lovingly tended and vitalized the charming Alpine landscape. Some of the farmers know everything about local mushrooms and are experts at their cultivation, others seem to speak the language of marmots. It's truly fascinating to see how a mountain farmer leads his daily life. And you can spend time with at such homes at a reasonable cost too.

Nordic Walking is something that is becoming a popular option in Switzerland, after its popular acceptance in other countries as a means of improved fitness. It is a full-body sport practised with two poles, and from a distance looks like cross-country skiing without any snow. A gentle sport, it is easy on the joints and stimulates the circulation in a healthy way. Nordic walking is suitable for exercisers both young and old and can be practised anywhere. One can even take courses for the same.

More Indians headed to Switzerland
With a growth of 25% registered over last year, India has become as one of the top five emerging markets for Switzerland Tourism.

Speaking at the ‘Switzerland Travel Experience’ in Delhi, Switzerland Tourism director Federico Sommaruga said, “India is one of the fastest growing markets for Switzerland Tourism and is indeed the second largest market in Asia after Japan. In the year 2005, there have been approximately 2,50,000 overnights in Switzerland from India. The Free Individual Traveller (FIT) segment has seen a tremendous growth, making it almost 50% of the total leisure travel to the country.”

This prompted Switzerland Tourism to make India the one of the leading emerging markets which also include China, Korea, Russia and the Gulf Countries. Organized by Switzerland Tourism, the “Switzerland Travel Experience” is an annual event that promotes the country, its culture and various destinations.

On cloud nine in Kasauli

NISHTHA SINGHAL

I had no like idea what heaven looked like before visiting Kasauli. Considered by many to be the best hill-station in Asia, Kasauli is a blend of mischievous, of floating clouds and serene mountains. As tourists emerge out of every passing cloud, the magic of Kasauli penetrates deeper and deeper, getting etched in one’s memory forever.

A long walk up and down the hills, with a bhutta in one hand and an ice candy bar in another, leaves one asking for more (although gasping for air). The church here was built in the early nineteenth century and reminds one of the British Raj with umpteen stones in the walls laid in the memory of Englishmen who lost their lives in Kasauli. But even the bitter memories of colonial rule fade away in such pristine surroundings. The Tibetan market, with all its adulterations (fake Nikes and Reeboks), still offers some choice peaches, apricots and apples, apart from the usual hill-station merchandise (Chinese umbrellas, wooden decorative pieces, key rings, jerseys, etc.).

The main attraction of the town is Monkey Point. But tourists are often scared away by the hundreds of monkeys who man this viewing peak. The Kasauli Club, the Kasauli Resort and the Baikunth Resort are a few of the high-end lodging facility providers in the town. The Army Holiday Home, with its beautiful gardens is the pride of its occupants and envy of the civilian tourists.

With its exquisite locales and soothing climate, Kasauli offers a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation. The next time you long for a heavenly holiday, pack your bags and head for Kasauli.

(Kasauli is a town in Himachal Pradesh and is at a distance of approximately 350 kms from Delhi. The distance can be covered by car, by train till Kalka or by air till Chandigarh followed by a drive.)

An unforgettable journey

CHITRA NAIR

Standing at Elveston point, Mahabaleshwar, I felt as if life had stopped for a moment. A gentle mist hung in the air and I could feel the cool breeze playing with my damp, frizzy hair. I could see what lay for miles around me - rivers, little creeks, red-roofed houses and vast expanses of green. For the first time in my life I could feel and hear myself breathing. I do not know how long I stood there, mesmerized by the beauty around me.

When my family and I toured Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, I had no idea that Maharashtra had such immensely beautiful places. After a few weeks’ stay at Pune, we headed off to the hills of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. The best way to travel in these places is to get hold of a car with a good driver who knows popular tourist spots as well as some relatively unknown ones.

Our first stop was at the Mapro Garden –the factory where fruit juices and jams are made. I had a gigantic sandwich (they are quite famous and made using fresh vegetables and cheese) and a huge mug of coffee. We then headed off to the Venna Lake, a place where you can either go horse riding or for a boat ride. My brother and I had a shot at rowing, managing to sail the boat in a triangular pattern, and occasionally knocking the boatman out of the boat (he must have been relieved to see us leave)! I saw many different points in the mountains but my favourites were the Elveston Point and Arthur’s Seat. The sights from here were so amazing that I could have stood there for ages. On our way back we saw the Table Top. It is a flat plateau - one of the largest in Asia.

We shopped at the market and bought a lot of jute articles. When I arrived back home, I felt as if I had been in a dream.

A dream so sweet that I want to see it again!

Photography at its best

KARAN TALWAR

For all those who are inclined towards the art of light and colours, this is the place to be. Betterphoto.com is the ultimate web site for amateur and professional photographers. It’s got loads of articles and tips. They give online courses as well. More than anything, they have newsletters which give very valuable information on situational photography.

Photography is an art which cannot be learnt by sitting in a classroom. One needs to venture out and discover. If you want to be a photographer, first get outside with whatever camera you have and start clicking. And of course, visit sites like betterphoto.com to get the expert opinion.

The website is visited by more than 200 people per day. Professional photographers get a chance to put up their work for sale. So get a camera and capture the world in the darkness of your camera. You might make it big someday!

Going solo in Malaysia and Singapore

MUDRA MUKESH

If you crave independence, travelling alone is the way to go. It is not all that complicated really – once the requisite permissions and finances have been organised, the rest is a breeze.

First things first. If you have trouble convincing the parents, here’s a tip - prepare your itinerary, the estimated expenditure (including airfare) and the list of places you are likely to stay with the emphasis being on economy. Do all the dirty work and at the end of the day, they will be impressed enough by your organisational skills to finance your trip! Speaking for myself, I was lucky to get away with a trip to Malaysia and Singapore by myself without much coaxing.

Malaysia is a country that is not only rich in culture, but also very well equipped to deal with changing times. The Kuala Lumpur airport is huge. You actually need to take a train to travel from one terminal to another. Fortunately, it doesn’t stop at a gazillion places so I did not get lost like I feared I would.

Besides the usual tourist attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC, the huge shopping center in Kuala Lumpur, other places of interest are PutraJaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. For those fascinated by Islamic architecture, this city is surely a feast for the eyes, with a man-made lake, food courts, botanical gardens and mosques. Another favorite among tourists is Genting Highlands, situated several thousand metres above seal level. There is also an outdoor theme park offering a number of thrilling rides.

On arriving at Singapore, the first thing that comes to one’s attention is the Changi Airport. Be it shopping, food or free Internet, it has it all. The people are friendly and helpful, so be sure to leave your “Delhi frown” back home. The airport is well connected - one has the option of taking the MRT (mass rapid transport) or a bus to the city, and taxis are available too. The favorite shopping haunt is Orchard Street, with malls that are sure to gratify any shopaholic. For those on a tighter budget, Bedhok Street is a good option.

The Night Safari, as the name suggests, is a spectacular rendezvous with nature and wildlife. The tram ride, the animal show at the amphitheater and the chicken satay there make for a memorable experience. Another place one cannot afford to miss is Sentosa Island. Accessible by cable car, ferry, cabs or buses, it offers a wide variety of entertainment at a nominal entry fee. The underwater world, the dolphin lagoon, the Merlion - Singapore’s tourism icon with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, the sky tower and the pristine beaches like Siloso make for one exciting adventure.

With excessive shopping, temporary tattoos and food binges on the agenda, your trip is sure to be a memorable one - parental permission, finance and weather permitting, of course!

Pattaya: Exotic, exquisite... and economical

SUDEEP POPAT

If you're bored of Goa, and want to hightail it to an international beach without burdening your purse, Pattaya in Thailand is just the place for you. Located 165 kilometers from the capital Bangkok, it has a booming tourism industry, with approximately 1.5 million visitors every year.

Although Pattaya has a new airport, it will be commencing activity later his year. At the moment, going via Bangkok is the best way to get there. A bus ride from Bangkok will cost a mere 90 Baht (1 INR = 0.7 Baht, approx.) one way. Accommodation charges in the city's hotels vary, although tourists usually prefer to stay in the hotels on the Jomtien beach area as they charge an economical 500-1000 Baht per night without compromising on luxury. Vegetarians might find food a problem but fortunately, there is plenty of fruit available.


Apart from several beaches, Pattaysalso has a multitude of islands. Trips to these are often sponsored by hotels and included in the living expenses. Coral Island is by far the best proposition, situated 7 kilometers off the city. Getting there involves a rather bumpy motor boat ride but once at the island, one can view coral reefs from glass-bottomed boats, snorkel, scuba dive, wind surf and jet ski to the heart's content - all at a reasonable fare.

Although famous for its pulsating nightlife, Pattaya offers quite a few day-time excursions as well. Pattaya Park Tower, located near the Jomtien beach is a famous tourist spot. Although one can get to the top of the 170-meter high tower only by lift, there are a number of ways to descend - the most intriguing being a free-fall jump and a sky shuttle. The tower also comprises a revolving restaurant which offers exquisite sea-food. The beautifully landscaped Nong Nooch Village, 18 kilometers from the city is another famous venue, renowned for its cultural presentations including a fascinating elephant show.

The nightlife, as expected, is quite wild, although the late-night bars, go-go clubs, and cabaret shows seem mundane. Pattaya had a reputation of being a rather sleazy place, but the past few years have seen local authorities attempting to eradicate that notion and turn the place into a family resort.

Kedarnath: A walk in the Himalayas

RUCHIKA GOYAL

A visit to Kedarnath is full of aesthetic pleasure, mysticism and spirituality. It can be reached via road transport through Rishikesh, with the final 14 kilometres on foot. On your way from Rishikesh you will encounter picturesque spots like Deoprayag, Rudraprayag and Agasthamuni. Deoprayag is the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda while Rudraprayag is the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda, who later form the mighty Ganga.


It is believed that Lord Shiva lived incognito in the town of Guptkashi when the Pandavas sought redemption of their sins. The temple at Guptkashi has two springs, believed to originate from Yamnotri and Gangotri.

The trek uphill starts after reaching Gaurikund. Legend has it that Parvati meditated at this place to win the favour of Lord Shiva. The trek uphill can be difficult at places as the path is uneven, but this is more than compensated by the sheer beauty of the surroundings, with waterfalls, snow clad peaks and lush green forests. Added to this is the constant view of the Mandakini rolling down the valley on one site of the path. There are not too many rest houses along the way but the toilets and drinking water taps provided by the state government are a great help. There are also a number of tents and sheds run by locals that provide food, water and shelter.

After walking for about seven kilometres, one arrives at Rambara village. If the day is drawing to a close, it is prudent to stay here overnight as travelling by night is not safe.

After you reach Kedarnath town, you will need to walk for about a kilometre and a half to reach the shrine. The shrine can be reached either on foot, horseback, 'pithhu', or 'doli'- a palanquin carried by four men. Trekking is by far the best option for the young and healthy. The chill of the mountains coupled with the heat of the sun is an amazing experience and if one is lucky, one might even encounter snow along the way!

The shrine at Kedarnath is covered on all sides with snow-clad peaks that look extremely beautiful and awe-inspiring. For those with adventure in their hearts, there is the ultimate destination for skiing- Auli. Information in this regard can be collected at Guptkashi from virtually anybody. This part of Garhwal is the perfect destination for those interested in mountaineering, hiking, camping and adventure sports.

Must-haves on a trip to Kedarnath - sunscreen lotion, rain coats, woollens gloves, socks, boots, medicines, chocolates, glucose and dry fruits.

Bahrain: Pearl of the Arabian

SWATI

Stretches of sand and desert with no life around - that's the image that comes to mind when you think of the Gulf. But that's not what all Gulf countries are made of, and certainly not The Kingdom of Bahrain.

A small island country situated in the Gulf (Arabian Gulf and surrounded by the Arabian Sea) is loaded with beautiful beaches such as the ones on Dar Island and Hawar Island. The opening of the King Fahad Causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in November 1986 ended the island's 6000 years of isolation. Two artificial islands were constructed to accommodate services like customs, immigration, health, the Coastguard and mosques. Tower-shaped restaurants were designed so that patrons could enjoy the beautiful view of the sea separating the two countries.

Bahrain was initially thought of as a burial mound used by other countries. However, excavations revealed that Bahrain was home to the ancient Dilmun civilization. The Bahrain National Museum situated in Manama, the capital of Bahrain offers more insight into Bahrain's history and culture. Another museum worth visiting is the museum of Pearls & Diving, a few meters away from Bab Al-Bahrain gateway. Pearling was the major form of earning a living in the pre-oil era.

Well, there is a bit of desert here and there! And amidst one stands tall the 'Tree of Life'.This tree has come to be known as the 'Tree of Life' because of the mystery surrounding its existence in the middle of the desert and without any known water source. For those who want to experience the Arabian Gulf desert atmosphere should check out The Desert Camp, situated in the Sakhir area, to the south west of Jebel Dukhan at a distance of nearly 40 minutes drive from the capital, Manama.

A visit to Bahrain will be incomplete without visiting the traditional markets known as the Souq. Everything from gold to food to clothing to pottery is available here!

Binsar: Off the beaten track

MONICA VARMAN

For all those who prefer to avoid the holidaying crowds and explore the off-beaten track, Binsar is definitely an interesting travel option.


It is fast gaining popularity because of its diverse bird population and its sheer natural beauty.
Binsar is a good ten-hour drive from Delhi, so one needs to get to an early start. There aren't too many hotels to stay there, but the Club Mahindra Resort is definitely a good option. The rooms are spacious, airy and very comfortable. The Binsar sanctuary is known to have panthers, leopards and bears. A friend of mine saw a tiger with its kill at fairly close proximity!! However, the sanctuary is most famous for its birds. One has to walk a two km long trail leading up to a tower to get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges -Kedarnath, Badrinath, and of peaks such as the Nanda Devi and Trishul. The recommended time to enjoy this view is at dawn.

Almora is an hour's drive from Binsar. Most people prefer to stay here probably because it is one of the few places in the area that has petrol pumps. However, it is quite congested and is definitely NOT far from the madding crowds. Its famous Lal Bazaar is a huge disappointment,as it has no character of its own, offers hardly any local handicrafts and is just a commercialised hub. If you enjoy angling, the river Kosi enroute to Almora is definitely the place for you.
Mukteshwar is a three-hour drive from Binsar, and is definitely worth a visit. The main attraction here is a 500-foot precipice called 'Chauti ki Jaali', from which one gets a breathtaking view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul and various other amazing mountain peaks on a clear day. But don't forget to watch your step!! Kausani is also a three-hour drive from Binsar -in the opposite direction. It is by far the most tranquil place I have visited in the recent past. You truly feel cut off from the rest of the world here.

You can buy tea at the tea factory, or spend time walking through the tea gardens.
What really strikes you is the relaxed atmosphere here… bordering almost on lassitude! This is quite an experience for a city dweller, and a visit here is guaranteed to be the perfect getaway.

Nalagarh - the gateway to Himachal Pradesh

Located 60 kilometres north of Chandigarh, lies the town that is known as the 'Gateway to Himachal Pradesh' -Nalagarh.

Nurtured by hillocks on all sides and adorned with lush greenery, Nalagarh is the perfect destination to escape the scorching heat of Delhi - be it for a sabbatical or a pleasure trip. The famous Mughal Gardens at Pinjore are a mere 35 km away. For fishing enthusiasts, there is the Gobind Sagar lake as well as the Gambar River and the Sutlej Barrage, both of which are approximately 22 kilometres away. The Naina Devi Temple is also within driving range and Shimla itself, a mere 135 kilometres away.


The best place to stay is the Nalagarh Fort, located on a hillock at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. It was built during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand in 1421 and is now a hotel, with good lodging facilities strongly reminiscent of the famous Neemrana Fort. One can go for Ayurvedic oil treatment, golf and swimming here. At night, the fort provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding towns of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Mind you, it is the not the only major fort in the region - 21 km north of Nalagarh stands the Ramgarh Fort, at a height of 4000 feet. The fort played an important role in the Gurkha Wars and its ramparts command a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.

Nalagarh can be reached by road via Ambala and Pinjore and by air and rail via Chandigarh. If you're looking at a long vacation, head for Nalagarh. You are sure to love it.

-NISHTHA SINGHAL