RISHIKESH THE CITY OF YOGA

Rishikesh is holy town with so many ashrams and it is famous for the yoga world wide. Aura  of this place is always gives positive vibes. City is crowded but it has its own charm. Every year during the March month one week long international yoga festival is hosted by Rishikesh. Rishikesh is also known as gateway to the char Dham. Rishikesh is  quit safe to travel. Local people of Rishikesh are very much humble and even make sure that all the tourists are safe and sound.

Rishikesh is one of the placatory town I have ever visited. The name of the Rishikesh can be broken down into the sanskrit words of hrishika meaning senses and isha meaning lord. Therefore the name can be translated as 'lord of the senses' referring to the Hindu god Vishnu.

How to Reach Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is around 240km away from Delhi. Cheapest way to travel is by train. You can take train till Haridwar and from Haridwar, Rishikesh is just 26km. You will get continue buses or sharing taxis from Haridwar to Rishikesh. 

You can also take bus which is direct from Delhi to Rishikesh you can book it on redbus or paytm. or you also have option to hire cab from Delhi to Rishikesh which is costlier.

Where To Stay In Rishikesh:

Lakshman Jhula is excellent place to stay. Rishikesh is 4km away from Lakshman Jhula but the main tourist place where you get lot of cafeteria, markets, bakeries and many yoga centers. I stayed in Hotel Surya one of the best budget hotel and the view from the hotel is just awesome. You will enjoy the view from balcony. You also have many other hostels and hotel near ganga river. 

Things to do and Places to visit in Rishikesh

1. Lakshman Jhula:

Some experiences are difficult to express in words. And this probably was one of those. An unplanned detour made us land into Rishikesh and when in Rishikesh most important thing to do is visit the Lakshman Jhula. Famed lakshman Jhula has a lot of feeling for all travelers and tourist coming to Rishikesh.

It has its own historic importance connecting two mountains of which one side of the mountain has the beautiful Shiva Devi temple  which one should not miss. 

other than don't miss our drinking sugarcane juice right next to the temple entry. Coming to the iconic bridge its long and it swings a little hence the name Jhula.

Its devotional but even a place to click memorable pictures. From the bridge enjoy the 360 degree view. Before the Jhula there is a German bakery restaurant try the delicious pan cakes and sandwiches out there.

2. River Rafting:

Rishikesh and river rafting complement each other in such a way that today one word cannot be thought without the other. Your trip is incomplete if you don't try your hands in river rafting. It's one of the best adventure activities in Rishikesh. If you are an adventure junkie, then trying this is what you should do. I did river rafting in January which was in coldest water and was shouting shiringggaaaaa lol. Well October to June is the ideal time to try river rafting in Rishikesh. River rafting was cost me rs 550 for 16km its just because I was knowing the person who does this activities, else it will cost you from 800 to 1200. There are also 10km to 24km River rafting with veriest prices.

3. Ram Jhula:

Its a very good bridge across the holy river. Its narrow and beautiful for pedestrian crossing from the west to eastern ghat. Have to be careful as its used by two wheeler's  as well. The view from this bridge this excellent specially at night. There are is also one small market where you will get cloths, food items, fruits. You will get Ram phal (fruit) which is delicious one should must try.

4. Parmarth Niktan:

If you want to take experience of Ganga Arati then you should visit this place. It's a beautiful experience at the riverside. Lots of natuonal International  devotees assemble here on the bank of the Ganga river. The little boys chanting sacred hindu mantras are simply mesmerizing. The ghats are kept clean after the event.

5. Beatles Ashram:

If you try to find the Beatles Ashram on the GPS you will probably roam around only in circles and circles. The best way to reach is by a walk-through from the iconic Ram Jhula.  

 This place is good for photographers you will find lots of painting on walls. When I visited this place I came to know that this place has been taken in many films.

6. Bungee Jumping:

Rishikesh is also popular for its adventures activities. One of the top adventure exciting adventure sports in the region is Bungee Jumping. It cost 4400 with videos but its a life time adventure. Jumpin Heights do this activity with all the information and  safety tools. Twice they check your weight and according to your weight they tie rope. first they check at start and next while jumping. It is 83 meters of Bumgee Jumping. I cant express my feeling of jumping in words.

That's all. I would love to visit Rishikesh once again or may be every year. If you have any question regarding this place  you can message me on instagram on same name bucketlistsafar. Thank you in advance 😊

                                           

                                24- Hours In Manali

                                                           When we hear about Manali we always remember the movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani where 4 friends travel to Manali for trek of Hampta pass. There are many Bollywood movies which shooted in Shimala and Manali. If you want to experience the snow then October to February is the best time to visit. I had been to Manali in September there is one advantage for you if you visit Manali in September the price are dropped as compare to June-July month and its a apple season so you can enjoy eating fresh farm apple in this month.

How to reach Manali from Mumbai

There are no direct flights, train or buses between Mumbai to Manali. You can take flight from Mumbai to Delhi and then from Delhi you will get lots of govt and private buses or private taxis to Manali. You can book bus on redbus.com and also on paytm which cost you minimum 1000 to maximum 3000. You can also take flight from Mumbai to Channdigarh and from there can take bus. You can also take train from Mumbai to Delhi and then bus from Delhi to Manali which is cheapest way to reach.

I took flight from Mumbai which was 2 and half hours delay because bomb detected on airport everyone including pilot were standing outside the airport. I was suppose to reach Delhi at 5pm but I reached after 7pm and I missed my Manali bus which was at 8pm. I took next bus at 10.30pm and reached Manali  next day at 12 in the afternoon. 

Where To book Hotel

You will get lots of hotels on mall road which is around 1km from the bus stand. You can take walk or you will also get taxi which cost you 50 Rs. You will get best hotels on OYO which is good and reasonable which starts from rs.500.

Places to visit in Manali

If you have only 24hrs in Manali then you should visit this places.

1. Hidimba Devi Temple: 

You will get share taxis for Hidimba Devi Temple from Mall road which cost you 100rs per person. I always  preferred walk so that you can explore more. It just took around 30mins to reach. We walk through village and found many apple trees, old distinct homes, children playing games, street dogs, shops, it was like a small trek. Temple is surrounded by beautiful trees  and it's really pleasant to view. There are local people with Rabbits, Yaks and traditaonal dress. One can click picture while holding the rabbits and sitting on Yak and wearing traditional dress. which they cost you rs 30 to 50. The temple connects you with the ancient mythological tale and the surrounding will remind you of the ancient era. So, it's worth visiting here early morning as it becomes crowded as the day passes.

Story behind Hidimba Devi Temple- 

Temple was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. Temple is built around the cave where Hidimba performed meditation. She supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb. She was from Devil clan. She was wife of Bhim and mother of Ghatochgach. She saved Arjun from Karna's ethology so Shreekrishna gave her boon that no one will forgot her she will always remember.

2. Mall Road: 

Mall road is the heart of the town and perfect with street shopping. Where you will get lots of hotels, bars, cafes, live music restaurants, sweater and Kullu and Kashmir shawl rugs woollen caps shops,delicious street foods, adventure sports shops, jewellery shops,  music shops, furniture and books shops and many more. The mall road is something for everyone. It also include smaller shopping zones such as Hong Kong market and Tibetian market, underground Thai market. Except emergency vehicles are nor allowed on this road.

3. Rohtang pass:

Rohtang pass is 51km from Manali. Before you start your journey you have to take permit of Rohtang pass from DC office of Manali. You have to go to cyber and printout the permit form and fill details attach Adhar Card and submit it to DC office with fees. Before leaving check whether everything is correct because simple typing mistake will be ruin  your day. Our bike was of petrol and by mistake on permit they wrote as diesel as it was off season officer allowed us on check post else we have to again go from first.

You can take bus from Manali market or you can hire car or bike. You will also get shared car from any tours and travel office of  Manali market which cost you reasonable.You will also gets warm cloths rented in Manali or near Rohtang pass. We hired bike from Manali near bus stand which cost 1000 per day (prices are variable from season to season)  with elbow and knee pads, Helmet and other essential tools like tire tubes, pump ect. Roads are half good and half bad. Try to leave for this place as early as possible else it will take 8hrs for 4hrs 

There was not much snow as we have visited in September if you want to take snow experience then you have to visit in December to February. I wanted to  see natural beauty so visited in September without snow also this place looks tremendous. You will find Tibetian flags every nook and corner. You will see many bikers and cyclist travelling from Manali.  It was wonderful view from the top of the Rohtang pass full of valleys snow covered mountains. Activities like snow sliding, yak and horse rides are available. We didn't use any of them.

Here is the cost of some snacks, beverages and other stuff-

Maggie- Rs. 60/-

Tea- Rs. 30/-

Channa chat- Rs. 60/-

Coffee- Rs. 60/-

Dress+shoes- Rs. 250/-

Cab for two (off season)- Rs. 1200/-

So, this is it if you also plan for 24hrs then this 3 places would be possible to visit. If you want any suggestions, queries or anything then feel free to contact me on instagram as bucklistsafar and fb as bhagyashri karve. Thank You.

DAZZLING DAMAN

As we all know Daman and Due is a Union Territory of India, after hearing about union territory only one thing come into picture Daaru Sasti Milti Yaar (prices are less for drinks friends). But apart from that it's surrounded by beautiful beaches, church, markets, Portugal architecture and people. Daman is a calm place. When I was in school I had a lesson on  Daman and Dua and the light house of Daman which I always wish to visit once. So this time when I was in Mumbai I decided to visit Daman and explore.

Road Trip

There re no direct flights or trains or buses between Mumbai to Daman. The convenient and best way to reach Daman is by road by your own vehicle. Daman starts at morning 9 AM and close at night 10 PM. There is no Ola or Uber after 11 pm hardly you get auto from beach to reach your hotel. So always remember to carry own vehicle.   

PLACES TO VISIT IN DAMAN

1. Dominican Monastry:

This place is hardly visited by tourist, because when we headed here, we were literally the ONLY people there. This place reeks of history, of things that were. There are generally ruins but being there is an experience. It's really silent but yet amazing.

2. Jampore Beach:

Jampore beach is one of the cleaner beaches in Daman.  As at beaches in Daman, the best time and best views are during the sunset.  What sets this place apart from other beaches in Daman, is that it is relatively clean, one doesn't find much garbage around. 

The beaches shacks set away from the beach provide chilled beer for those who crave it. But these shacks are better known for the delicious and spicy seafood.  Also kite flying is a major tie pass here. Tender coconut are available in plenty although they are expensive.

3.  Bom Jesus Church  

It is a very old catholic church, maybe 400 years old, located in the Moti Daman area. It's architectural style, according to the legend available there, is Roman coupled with the exquisite talent of its Portugese artisans. It is very close to the Moti Daman fort. It is use to be parish church during the early days of Portuguese settlemen. People would't allow to take pictures inside the church.  

4. Jetty Garden 

It's beautiful place alongside the seashore. You witness the fort on one side and beach on the other side. The beach has back sand. The place is scenic for photo-sessions. You can spot food trucks. One amongst them sell fresh Bhel, Pani puri and corn. Pani puri is served in homemade rava puri.

5. Nani Daman Fort

It is historical place of great importance  but totally neglected by the concerned authorities. When I visited this place there was some boys who drinking at the entrance and also peeing on the wall of fort which was ridiculous, so the govt. should keep some security to maintain such historical place.

There is a Catholic church and a school attached to inside the fortress.  Its a must visit place if you are in Daman. You get a good review from top of the fort. It is also know as St. Jerome Fort.

6. Daman Lighthouse

I had a lesson in school about Daman Light house, So since school days I wanted to visit this place. This is a very small light house. They have two lighthouse-old and new, located in the same place with little distance in between. The view from the fort situated next to light house is amazing. One can enjoy the view of complete sea. 

That's it. So the Daman is most visit place while going back you can also visit Dadra And Nagar Haveli. If you have any concern or any query feel free to ask me on same name of instagrm: Bucketlistsafar.