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.

Hidden Places Of Mumbai

Hidden Places Of Mumbai

Mumbai is all about The 'City Of Dreams' for all millions, daily thousands of people come to Mumbai with there dreams the' Financial Powerhouse' of the country. The city that never sleeps, Amchi Mumbai, the entertainment capital are just a few names that Mumbai is better known by. Where most people eat Vada Paav  then meal, sprawling beaches and up market locales on one hand and huge slums on the other hand. Mumbai is a mix of all  that one can ask for!

Mumbai is home to the largest film industry in India-Bollywood. Scenic sea-side, biggest mall, busy roads, crowded railways and airport, there is hardly any spot in the city which not has been captured in the frames of the camera.

You must be thinking Hidden that too in Mumbai it's impossible you are right but not always. People think Mumbai is the place where nothing can be hidden but there are some places which not into tourism which not exactly hidden but yes somewhat it's hidden.  You must not have heard about it even if you are regular visitor to Mumbai. 

1. Chinese Temple 

I use to go to Mumbai since childhood as my grandparents staying in Mumbai. So I spend my school holidays in Mumbai but I have never heard about this temple. 

Since 1900s,  mazagaon was home to Mumbai's thriving see yup kon community. Originally from Canton in southern China,  this people moved to India when they were working for East India Company. They settled in Mumbai as merchants, traders and sailors. In 1962 when India China war broke out many of the Chinese migrated back to China. However a few family   decided to stay on in their homes in what had come to be known as China town.  Today this road is known as Dockyard Mazagaon.  It's a three floor building, and Chinese temple is at 3rd floor sometimes it's close so you can ask kees from 1st floor they will give you.  



2. Global Vipassana Pagoda 

The global vipassana is a meditation centre Hall near Gorai,  North-West of Mumbai. You can take taxi or from Gorai you will get boat to Pagoda which cost you 100rs up down.  The Pagoda had no piller without piller it has built.  From morning 9 till evening 7 it will be open.  It's a must visit place 

3. Dhobi Ghaat 

This place has shown in many Bollywood movies like Munna Bhai MBBS and Ek Deewana Tha.  Which is very famous but many of the people don't know about this place so you can call it hidden place.  It's a area called Mahalashmi.  Once you must visit this place.

4. Sion Hillock Fort

Its a very beautiful fort.  The Hillock is situated 500 meter from the sion railway station.  Back side of fort you will find sea which gives you beautiful view in Rainy season. 

5. Chor Bazaar

I always heard about this place but never dare to visit as I heard girls don't go to chor Bazaar it's danger and all the nonsense.  This time with bunch of my friends I decided to go to Chor Bazaar.  I heard from locals that it will be open on every Friday start from morning 4am till 8am. So we decided to go on Thursday at Nariman point spend night at nariman point and by 4am when train start we can go to Chor Bazar which is near from Cstm (Chatraoati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)  So we reached Choor Bazaa. 

Chor bazaar is located near Bhendi Bazaar. If you need any product at damn low prices this is the place you head to. Cloths,  jackets, mobiles,  tablets,  mixer, Fans,  Camera's, Electronics, Musical instruments, Antics everything. Choor Bazaar basically known as shor (noise)  market.  Due to mispronouciation  by the  Britishers it came to be known by it's current name. 

So that's it. Do let me know what you thought of my article.  If any questions you are free to ask on Instagram as same name Bucket List Safar.