Patnitop : Land of Serenity

(Army Camp)

A couple of days before our journey started, I asked my friend Mousim who is in Indian Army and recently posted in Patnitop, “What’s about the place ?” He smiled, “Can’t explain brother. Just go and feel!”

A few days after, when stepped in there, I lost every explanation. I was muted by its divine silence.

Situated on a picturesque plateau of the great Shivalik Himalaya Range, Patnitop is like one Indian saint engrossed in deep meditation amongst the curves of mountain and lush green forest. So beautiful all around. The pines are standing sky-high. The birds are twittering hither and thither. The brightened clouds are hovering overhead. And the beautiful river Chenab is flowing nearby. So charming. And so quiet. Even one can feel the sound of falling leaves. I can bet anyone who comes here, is guaranteed to fall in love.

General Information 

• Origin of Name : The word ‘Patnitop’ is derived from the phrase  ‘Patan Da Talab’ which means ‘Pond of the Princess’. In past, there was a pond in Patnitop where a certain princess used to bathe. A portion of the pond still exists near the local youth hostel. This ‘Patan Da Talab’ has been distorted in course of time and transformed into today’s ‘Patnitop’.
• Geographic Position : Located on Jammu-Srinagar Highway (National Highway No. 1A) in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is actually between Udhampur and Srinagar. Distance from Jammu is 112 Km and from Udhampur is only 47 Km.
• Altitude : 2024 m.
• Pin Code : 182142
• STD Code : 0191
• Language used : Hindi, Urdu and Kashmiri
• Weather :
•           Summer (March to June) : Temperatur fluctuates from 8^o C to                 20^o C. It is the best time to visit and also Ideal for trekking.
•           Monsoon (July to September) : Quite moderate. But chances of             landslides are there. So better to avoid this season.
•           Winter (November to February) : Temperature remains between             (-)10^o C and 10^o C. The months experience moderate to heavy               snowfall. Best time for skiing and other snow games.
• Best time to visit : April to June

Tourist Attractions 

Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, breathtaking views of Himalayan landscape and peaceful walks through nature. For adventure lovers it offers skiing, trekking, camping and aero sports like paragliding, parasailing and hot-air ballooning. Skiing courses are conducted in January and February. For trekking details one can contact local JKTDC office. There are also some renowned tourist spots in and around Patnitop which can be visited hiring a cab.

Snow At Natha Top

• The Naag Temple : Located on a hill top in Mantalai at Krimchi and believed to be one of the oldest temple in Patnitop. Every year during Naag Panchami Festival thousands of pilgrims gather here to celebrate and offer their prayers.
• Kud : Situated at just around 5 km west of Patnitop and is a beautiful small town. The average altitude is around 1855 m. Kud is famous for its traditional sweet patisa (also known as Sohan or Soan Papdi).

Kud

• Madhatop : Situated at about 5 km trekking distance from Patnitop. Altitude is 2024 m. Famous for trekking and skiing. Three fresh water springs with medicinal properties are also located here.
• Natha Top : Natha Top, located at a height of 2758 m and at a distance of 13.8 km west of Patnitop, is a popular tourist spot. It offers grand view of surrounding snow-covered peaks. It is also famous for skiing and paragliding.

Natha Top

• Sanasar : Situated at an height of 2050 m above sea level, Sanasar is comprised of two small villages Sana and Sar and located just 17 km west of Patnitop in Udhampur district on national highway no. 1A. Sanasar is the paradise of sports-adventurists. Paragliding, parasailing, hot-air ballooning, abseiling and rock climbing are conducted here. For golf-lovers a golf course is also there in Sanasar.

Paragliding At Sanasar

• Sudh Mahadev Temple : Believed to be 2800 years old, Sudh Mahadev Temple houses a natural black marble Lingam, the Trishul (Trident) of Lord Shiva and a mace of legendary Pandava Bheema. The temple is 39 km south of Patnitop and is situated at an altitude of 1225 m. Every year at the full moon night of ‘Sawan’ (June – July) a three day festival is held. During the festival, people come in thousands to visit the shrine and worship the Trident and the Mace.
• Shiva Garh : At an altitude of about 3500 m, it is a beautiful tourist destination and located at around 11 km trekking distance from Patnitop.

Apart from Naag Panchami Festival, another festival, called Lohri is also famous here. It is held during Makar Sankranti (January). Lohri is a festival of joy and happiness. Young boys visit the elders and move around the town in colourful sequence and perform the Chhajja dance. One must be lucky to be a part of this festival.

Food  

Apart from the conventional dishes, such as North And South Indian, veg and non-veg, Chinese and continental, one can savour the traditional dishes like patisa of Kud, rajma of Batote and of course Kashmiri Polao, Wazwan, Rogan and Josh.

Shopping 

Shopping list should include Pashmina shawls, Dogra jewellery, Kashmiri handicrafts, wool and silk hand-knotted carpets and dry fruits.

How To Reach 

• By Air : The nearest airport is Jammu airport. From there a taxi will take 3 to 3¹/2 hours and a bus will take around 5 hours to reach Patnitop.
• By Railway : Udhampur is the nearest railway station. Jammu is also the other railway station located near Patnitop. Numbers of buses and taxis available outside the stations to reach the town.
• By Road : Patnitop is well connected with major cities like Jammu (112 km), Udhampur (47 km), Srinagar (184 km), Pathankot (176 km), Katra (80.9 km) and Pahalgam (173 km). Plenty of buses and hired taxis are coming frequently from these places.

Where To Stay 

There is no dearth of accommodation in Patnitop. Numbers of budget and luxurious hotels, resorts, huts and bunglows,  run by government and non-government organisations are available here. Some of them are –

• Hotel Patnitop : NH – 1A, Main Crossing, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 09419181590
• Hotel Patnitop Heights : Padora Enclave, near Naag Temple, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287548,
• Vardhan Resorts : Padora Enclave, near Naag Temple, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287525, 287526, 09018194040
• Hotel Greentop : Padora Enclave, near Naag Temple, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287519, 287581
• Hotel Forest View : National Highway, Near Naag Temple, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287567, 9419163002
• Shiva International Cottage : Padora Enclave, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287523, 09419185731
• Hotel Subash Palace : National Highway, near taxi stand, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287516, 287555, 287600, 09419133630
• Hotel Dogra Residency : Kasal Morh, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287575
• Hotel Mount Shivalik : National Highway 1A, Patnitop, J & K, Ph. : 01992-287563
• Shankar Hotel : Main Bazaar, Kud, J & K, Ph. : 01992-288128

For further enquiry in any regard, one may contact :

Tourist Reception Centre

Head Office, Srinagar

Ph. : 0194-2457927, 2457930

Tourist Reception Centre

Vir Marg, Jammu Tawi

Ph. : 0191-2579554

Continue Reading

Chilika Lake : God's Own Creation

(Sea Mouth)

This was our fourth time in Puri, but very first time that we were heading towards Chilika. 

As our car was running through the morning dew, the open wide sky, the vast span of side-by swamp and the birds flying over whom we had hardly seen before and the only sound of their chirping ………. all were beckoning me to an old saying  ‘ morning shows the day’.

Our day was delighted. We could not understand how the hours passed away as we completely lost our very own existence amidst the expanse of God’s own creation!

Chilika is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and second largest in the world. The river Daya has created this lagoon before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Thirty four other rivers like Bhargavi, Nuna, Makra and Malaguni also have joined Daya in Chilika. The lagoon spreads over three districts of Odisha(formerly Orissa) – Puri, Khurda and Ganjam covering a total area of over 1100 square km.

Chilika

This huge lagoon is one of the greatest examples of biodiversity. It is the home of 225 species of fishes, thirty seven species of amphibians and reptiles, fourteen types of raptors, endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, a variety of aquatic plants, algae and phytoplankton and 350 species of non-aquatic plants. And of course, it is the largest winter resort on the Indian sub-continent for indigenous and migratory birds from Siberia, Mongolia, Southeast and Central Asia and the Himalayas. Over 160 species of birds can be seen in the peak season.

Flock Of Birds

Chilika is also a tourist’s delight. The expanse of blue water, side-by evergreen range of hills, beautiful islands, birds, playful dolphins and beckoning of the Bay of Bengal have made Chilika the Queen of natural beauty.

General Information 

• Geographic position : Situated on the east coast of India in Odisha at the mouth of the Daya river and spreads over three districts – Puri, Ganjam and Khurda.
• Area : Over 1100 sq. km.
• Water depth : waist deep to max. 4.2m
• Temperature :
• Summer (March to June) : 19⁰ C to 45⁰ C
• Winter (November to February) : 4⁰ C to 22⁰ C
• The best time to visit : October to June

Places To Visit 

Chilika is famous for boating, bird watching and fishing. In new Chilika, near Satpada, one can enjoy the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and occasionally bottle-nosed dolphins jumping in the water, and also can relish the scenic beauty of the sea-mouth where Chilika meets the Bay of Bengal. On the lonely beach there, strolling in the shallow water and gentle waves can bring a celestial ecstasy that can never be faded away from mind.

Irrawaddy Dolphin

Birds can be better viewed in old Chilika. If nothing makes satisfied, one can simply enjoy splashing around in the blue water, feel the vastness and watch the sunset at the western horizon.  Everything is guaranteed to be unique and inexpressible.

Sun-set at Chilika Lagoon

In Chilika there are also some beautiful islands –

• Kalijai Hill – Abode of Goddess Kalijai. Every year in January during Makar Sankranti a big fair is held.
• Nalabana – Situated in the centre of the lagoon is a bird sanctuary and bird-watchers’ delight.
• Birds Island – Natural habitat for birds and a tourist spot.
• Tampara – Pedal boating is available here.

Kalijai Temple

Rajhans Island, Somolo Island, Beacon Island, Breakfast Island, Honeymoon Island and Parikud Island are also well-known tourist spots.

There are also some nearby interesting spots, such as Nirmaljhara (11 km – an ideal picnic and pilgrimage spot), Narayani (22 km – abode of Goddess Narayani), Banpur (42 km – a historical place and famous for Bhagabati temple) and Rusikulya Beach (nesting ground of Olive Ridley Turtles).

Food 

On the roadside there are some good restaurants which offer delicious typical foods along with some special dishes of fresh fishes, prawns and crabs found in Chilika.

How To Reach

• By air : The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar which is about 120 km away from where one can avail taxi, bus or train to reach Chilika.
• By train : The nearest rail station is Balugaon on Chennai-Howrah track. From Balugaon station taxi or bus can be availed to reach the lake.
• By road : Chilika is well connected with cities like Bhubaneswar (61.8 km), Cuttack (80.5 km) and Puri (37 km). Both public and private buses are frequently coming  from these cities. Taxis also can be hired to reach here.

Sea Mouth

Where To Stay 

There are many hotels, bunglows, huts and lodges in and around Chilika.  For government guest houses in Rambha, Barkul and Satpada one can contact to :

The Divisional Manager,

OTDC (Head Office)

Pathaniwas Old Block, Lewis Road,

Bhubaneswar – 751014

Ph. – 0674-432699

Tent accommodation is also available at Saga Eco Camp.  However, people who come directly from Puri, need not to stay here as the tour can be completed well before dusk.

Continue Reading

Solang Valley : Unforgettable

(Solang Valley)

“Not looking good sir!” Vicky, our hotel boy, a local lad of hardly nineteen pointed at the sky.

It was almost 8.30 a.m. by my watch, and yes it was still so dark all around. And a chilling breeze was blowing through constantly.

We were just going to enter into our car to set out for the Rohtang Pass, but stopped at his word.

“Yes he is right,” Arjunji, our driver commented. “It will be risky. Let’s go to Solang instead. It will be far nearer and safer.”

We heard of Solang. It is always better to go somewhere than nowhere. So we started, though our hearts were still saddened.

But soon our despair disappeared. Solang was so beautiful! We were stunned. A lush green valley with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. It was simply marvellous. We felt thankful to Vicky and Arjunji.

On The Way To Solang

Kothi

At a height of 8400 feet Solang is a picturesque side valley on the top of Kullu valley with a background of snow-capped mountains and just about 14 km north-west of Manali. One can take a hired cab from Manali and go along the National Highway no. 21, reach Kothi and therefrom take a left turn to reach Solang. However, cars are not allowed to go to the actual spot. One has to leave the car at a certain distance and then can hire a single or double seated Quad/ATV waiting there or can opt for simple walk to reach the spot.

Quad / ATV

The speciality of this valley is its superb gentle slope which is ideal for skiing. Hence, in winter the ski sport is arranged here with great enthusiasm. For this purpose in Solang there are a few ski agencies which offer courses and equipment. A rope-way is also there to help to reach to the top of the slope. During the summer when snow melts away, other kinds of sports like paragliding, parachuting, horse riding and a very special sport zorbing (rolling down the hill in a giant ball) are arranged. And for those people who cannot go adventurous, simple watching and enjoying the beauty of the surroundings are enough to justify their purpose to come here.

Paragliding

Rope-way Point

Rope-way

The Para Gliders

Where To Stay

Since Manali is just 14 km away, so people normally stay in Manali and come Solang as a same day return tour. However, those who love adventure can stay here in tents.

Continue Reading

Pondicherry : A Must Stop For A Traveller

(Pondicherry Sea Beach)

It was a cloudy afternoon of January when we reached Pondicherry. We were coming from Madurai and our plan was to stay here for one night and then leave for Chennai. But we were so overwhelmed by the beauty of this city that all unanimously decided to spend one more day here to feel more and to enjoy more.

Pondicherry, fondly called as ‘Pondy’ by the locals, is the capital of the union territory of Puducherry. It is not a very big city though, but well planned, neat and clean and very very special for those people who really want loneliness and a sedate blue sea ahead.

The main attractions of the city are its French architecture, long stretch of rocky beaches and side by wide pavement for morning and evening walk, beautiful park, Promenade and a relaxed cup of coffee there, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and of course the delight of  French and continental cuisine.

General Information

• Geographic position :   Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal in Puducherry union territory of South India.
• Area: 493 Sq.km.
• Altitude : 3m
• Temparature :
•            Summer temperature : 24⁰ C to 38⁰ C 
•            Winter temperature : 20⁰ C to 30⁰ C
• STD code : 0413
• Pin code : 605001 to 605014
• Languages used : Tamil, Telegu, English, French and Hindi.
• The best time to visit : October to March

Places To Visit

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram : A spiritual centre for Yoga, meditation and inner development. Established on 24^th November 1926 by revolutionist turned spiritualist Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. He, with the help of French painter Mira Alfassa, better known as ‘the Mother’ developed this ashram. It is a prime destination for tourists and spiritual seekers all over the world. Visiting hours : 8 am to 12 noon and then 2 pm to 6 pm. 
• Aayi Mandapam / La Place du Pantheon : This monument,  previously called as La Place du Pantheon, was built during the sixteenth century. Now it is named as Aayi Mandapam and treated as the emblem of the Government of Pondicherry. Surrounded by five beautiful parks it reminds us fine French architecture. 

Aayi Mandapam

• Immaculate Conception Cathedral : One of the splendid churches built by the French in Pondicherry. Located on Cathedral Street it is a must place to visit. 

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

• Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple : Situated on M.G. Road, this temple is a superb example of Dravidian architecture. It was built in 600 ad and considered as the oldest temple in Pondicherry. Lord Sri Varadaraja Perumal, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped here. There is also another shrine just behind this temple where Lord Narsimha, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is adored.

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

• Shiva Temple of Chandramouliswar - This temple was erected during the dynasty of Cholas. During festival of March-April, many devotees gathered here for offering prayer.     
• Botanical Garden : Located south of the new bus stand it was initially a typical French style park called ‘The Colonial Park’. But later in 1931 French botanist George S. Perrottet turned it into a botanical garden by planting here many rare species of plants. The garden features a musical fountain with two shows in the weekend evening.
• French War Memorial : Located on Goubert Avenue, it was constructed in 1971 in the memory of French soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Every year on the Bastille Day (14th July), the memorial is illuminated and prayer is offered for those died soldiers. 
• Archeological Museum : Located in Bharathi Park, the museum displays the arts and cultures of the people of the region during the Pallava, the Chola and the  Vijayanagaram dynasties and also boasts the details of French colonial history.  The artefacts excavated at nearby Arikamedu are being preserved here.
• Ousteri Lake and National Park : Just 10 km away from the city, on the Pondicherry-Villuppuram road, this place is the home to a huge variety of aqua-fauna and flora. Ousteri lake and national park is a photographer’s delight as huge number of migratory birds can be seen here. 
• Chunnambar Back Water Lake : This place is about 8 km. away from Pondicherry and along the Cuddalore Main Road. The place is attractive due to its lush green beauty. The lake is full of dolphins. This place is also famous for picnic and boating.

Chunnambar Back Water Lake

• 19th Century Light House : This light house is situated on the Red Hills in Gorimedu. It is 5 km. away from western border of the city and a must for tourists. 
• Eight Pillar Gandhi Memorial - Here we can observe the various events of Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime which are shown beautifully.
• Promenade Beach : The 1.5 km long Promenade beach is one of the main beaches in Pondicherry. Various landmarks and statues like the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the statue of Joan of Arc, the statue of Dupleix, the old light house, the war memorial and the heritage town hall are present here. The beach is ideal for an evening stroll.

Promenade Beach

• Auroville : Auroville, means ‘The City of Dawn’, is a universal township located 8 km away from Pondicherry. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in 1968 with an object to create a cosmopolitan place where people from all over the world would live in peace and harmony irrespective of their nationalities, faiths, beliefs and colours. Currently people from over 44 different countries live here. In the middle of the town there is a temple with world’s biggest man-made crystal ball. It is called ‘Matrimandir’. Auroville  is a sure visit for a person who really looks for peace.

Matrimandir

How To Reach                                                                                                   

• By Air : The nearest airport is the Chennai Meenambakkam International Airport, just around 135 km away from Pondicherry. The airport is well connected with all the major cities in the world. From the airport one can easily hire a cab to reach Pondicherry within 2 to 3 hours.
• By Train : The nearest rail station is Villupuram which is about 35 km away from the city. The station is well connected with cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. Best to pick a train from Chennai Egmore station for reaching Villupuram within 2.30 to 3.30 hours and from Villupuram to take a taxi to reach Pondicherry within just 1 hour.
• By Road : There are several buses, both pvt. and state-owned, that are frequently coming from Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai and Bengaluru. But best again to take a bus from Paris Corner Bus Stand, Chennai to reach Pondicherry within just 4 hours.

Where To Stay

• Raj Lodge (Rangapillai St., near Nilgiris Super Market, contact no. : 91-413-2337346/91-9786685297)
• Sri Krishnas Guest House (Rangapillai st., near Nilgiris Showroom, contact no. : 91-413-2221818/91-9364648401)
• Hotel Soorya International (Rangapillai St., near Nilgiris Super Market, contact no. : 91-413-2227485/91-9894365533)
• Sea Breeze Residency (Cuddalore Main Road, Ariyankuppam, contact no. : 91-413-2600058/91-9600828871)
• Vallalar Guest House (Mm Adigal Salai, Orleanpet, near new bus-stand, contact no. : 91-413-2200270/91-8056564132)
• Hotel Kanchi (Mission St., near V O C School, contact no. : 91-413-2335540/2349774)
• Atithi (S.V. Patel Salai, near Ajantha Square, Pondicherry HO, contact no. : 91-413-2345001/91-9003043207)
• Golden Sun Inn (Mission St., near ICICI Bank, contact no. : 91-413-2225005/91-9655643334)
• Pondicherry Guest House (Gingee Salai, near old law college bus stand, contact no. : 91-413-4308387/91-8015710810)
• Hotel karai (2^nd Cross, Anna Nagar, Nellithope, contact no. : 91-413-2201167/91-9345211234)
• Sathya Residency (Rangapillai Street, opp. to Nilgiris, contact no. : 91-413-2220212/91-9994738249)
• Amala Lodge (Rangapillai Street, opp. Dhanalakshmi Hotel, Contact no. : 91-413-2338910/91-9362664552)
• Sea View Resort (Thandirayankuppam, Kottakuppam, contact no. : 91-413-2235003/91-9751700057)
• Kings City Residency (Chetty St., contact no. : 91-413-2333323/91-9943940956)
• Aditya Inn (Ayyanar Koil St., Kosapalayam, near new bus stand, contact no. : 91-413-4304424/91-9443790555)    

Continue Reading