Some pics from a recent visit to the Rock Edict of Ashoka in Kalsi, near Dehradun.

To know more plz visit Wikipedia.

It was in May 2001 while doing a trip from the Holy Kedarnath to the Holy Badrinath – two places of immense importance in Hindu pilgrimage; one sacred to devotees of Lord Shiva and other to followers of Lord Vishnu. This bus called Bhookh Hatral(Fasting strike ) starts at 4.00 am, fromKedarnath, verdant hills , and reaches in 12 hours time at Badrinath. The route between the two divine places has a plethora of flora and fauna and the might milky Himalayas in the background.

Perhaps it is best to save the other places for some other time. At that time Bhookh Hartal was a major bus for transportation for people not in private vehicles. I vividly remember the day in the hot summer month of May. The bus was full of Bengali tourists who travel a lot to the spiritual centers of India and Kudos to them for they are the ones driving the tourist economy in India.

As the bus winded the way up through the backdrop of Chaukhamba peak and ranges passing through dense pine, cedar, oak and other coniferous trees all eyes were fixed way up at the mountain peak which looked supremely beautiful from miles away. Soon the time came and after a huge turn we reached Chopta, situated at 3200m with meadows or Bugyal’s as they lovingly say in Garhwali.

All the tourists got down and the driver announced “it will stop for 20 minutes”. Someone informed there is a high temple of Lord Shiva, supposedly built by the legendary Pandavas and later sanctified by Shankaracharya, at 3800 m just about an hour’s trek away and known as Tngnath. All the passengers got down and were just stunned into silence with the heavenly beauty of the place.No cedar trees could be found here only raga and abundant fir. The meadows carved such a beautiful look and behind there was the lovely view of the Himalayas. No one wanted to leave that place.I wished to be back and also trek to Tungnath. That was then.

This year in March me and three college mates decided to fulfill our own destiny and reach the shrine of Shiva enroute Chopta.The whole trip being eventful is an understatement. But I want to just highlight the place of immense beauty, perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever seen. We had an eventful journey till Chopta.

On the way we we saw amazingly tall Fir trees some extending to 200 feet and rhododendron which had painted the mountains pink and red. The silence was heart rendering and can melt anyone. You hear this cucooking of birds and insects and the wind making a huzzy sound as a jungle conversation.For here are some of the most dangerous roads of the world . Then there is the Kedarnath Musk deer sanctuary, a rare and endangered creature also called the Kasturi Mrigh and has several references in Mahabharata and other ancient scriptures. While we were wondering at a wonderful Fir tree and took a turn, a deer quite different from other deers sprinted across the road and vanished in the jungle. The face was long, body short and it had a dark brown coat. The deer looked at us and off it went. Amidst all this scramble everyone started shouting to each other to get the camera but no one succeeded. Everyone’s heart was pumping.

A musk deer has a scent in its navel which spreads all over the jungle , musk deer is not aware of this scent;’s origin and  is always looking to find the source.Our saints and seers have wisely used Kastoori Mrigh analogy of higlighting that all strength and qualities are hidden in one’s own self and to look hither and thither for it is a waste of time.Look inward as they say.

Suddeny we saw a  wild fowl and one of our friends went after it in the dense jungle, the fowl got alerted and dashed across the road to a steep hill vanishing into dense undergrowth.Our friend followed in excitement and reached quite far and narrated his vision of the whole family of fowls gathered from the top of a craggy cliff  (perhaps discussing the chase by a human which is rare here) But he forgot he had climbed far in excitement and came rumbling down and landed near me.

The fowls around got nervous and ran for cover after hearing our mad scramble. However after helping each other settle down and congratulating which did not stop till we reached Chopta, “for how many people have seen a musk deer” we were boasting.

After a terribe argumentative about the folly of chasing the fowl and 10 minutes talking about the qualities of musk deer we reached a sharp turn where a glacial ice block and about 30 rhododendron trees had painted the mountain pink.It was bitter cold now as no sunlight comes to this part.

After a quick photsession we embarked to close in on chopta.It was now over 3000 meters and the cool breeze could be felt.The beauty cannot be described as well as the weather after seeing the roasting season which had started near Rishikesh and around.

 We carried on with the backdrop of huge mountains and started to admire the beauty of the mountains, where with another turn we came to saw the Himalayan Panarama in front .For we were lucky as in summer the haze a combination of smoke ,pollution screens the Hiamalayas .

We carried on being happy to witness the beauty and grandness of the Himalayas.For to see these ranges is a feeling which I have never experienced anything better to it .We reached Chopta passing through even dense range of Raga, Fir trees and there were no pine and cedar as they were all left behind.On the side of the road you could see shacks of Forest department.

We reached Chopta.After crossing to a small Market we headed for  the meadows or Bughyals from where you can see the Himalayas , pink mountains, white snow, very few humans a breathtaking sight.Chaukhamba peak is the most prominent of all the peaks here, you can also see Neelkanth range of Badrinath.We were stunned and immediately started to soak in the atmosphere , I took this opportunity to click a lot of picture , where suddenly a cracking hand held wireless radio was heard and two men were rushing towards us.They were forest officials.They warned us to stop taking any pictures as this is restricted and not allowed, and gave a thorough talking to us.He was relentless and not happy that we took no permission.Despite us informing him about our ignorance.

But then as always an ace  in the pack ,one of our friends spoke the local dialect, knew all the peaks and then we waxed eloquent about the great Forest officials of India.For now were were locals and suddenly treated with respect and also allowed to take pictures discreetly.

We were so tired now after days of driving but had decided to go to Tungnath a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at 3800 m above sea level.A small treak from Chopta we knew.Only one person knew the exact time and he said it will take two hours of strenuous trek.We told him that he was discouraging us and asking the shop keeper who told us it was only 45 minutes we were delighted but this trek was confirmed as a mere half an hour trek by the two forest officials.Now it was  a done deal to trek up.Our fourth friend said he would sleep in the car as he has been there many times without further saying anything.

The forest officials showed us an extremely short route passing thorugh sublime and beautiful rhododendron.We took off and in the first five minutes had to rest as this was nearly 80 degree climb.The forest officials had informed us that sloth bear, leapord, wolf, wild dogs redide here and the in the summer comes a great visitor-almighty Royal Bengal Tiger.

There were only three of us and the sun was on top of our head ,were were exhausted completely but carried on.After a difficult 30 minutes we reached just pure snow everywhere in the mountain, saw some of the biggest langurs who fled on are our arrival deep into the jungles.Now we kept climbing to the sky .I  saw some pugmarks which looked like a tigers and quite a few from leapords.We carried on and suddenly with raga trees. snow , meadows carved.On the way of this stteep trek 80 degree all the time we met two tourists one Taiwan and Russia who had come from Hyderabad where they worked for a multinational.After a quick chat we moved forward and soon reached Tungnath shrine whre Hheavy snow made it impossible to move forward.

 We took a mere 1 1-2 hour all the way cursing the forest officials.but on reaching Tungnath all our pain vanished.It is serene as in  all Shiva shrines we felt and the view from the top was jaw dropping.You can see and feel only beauty here.There were a few westerners here who went even further to Chandrashila just above Tungnath at 4000m.We dropped this idea as we ran out of gas and were short on time.

After offering worship to Shiva we relaxed to suddently see the two forest official appear from nowhere.For they took only half an hour .But they told us they had told us  a reduced time for trek to encourage us to reach the beautigull Tungnath and we were very thankfull.

 He suggested by pointing to a mountain on a parallel range- to  Deori tal a beautiful spot and informed us that we should go there as  it will only take you half anhour to reach there.This idea was shot down by immediately as it arose.

 I took a few pictures and the forest officials posed a lot of time s for pictures but I oliged as they said they did not have any pictures from here.We left Tungnath as suddenly as we had arrived.along with the forest official we came down a short route and when we reached the Chopta our Calf muscles and thigs were numb.

We all had some delicious pakoras, chai and some short time later headed to Rishikesh.Going back through the dense jungles  we vanished from Chopta leaving a heavy trail of good thoughts , waving goodbye to the forest officials promising to post their pictures.And promising to be back to the mostbeautiful and serene place on earth.After 2001 it was 2010.

Please Visit : Pine and Cedar

South India is very different and unique as compared to north India. The charming region of South India remains almost untouched by invasions throughout its history. It is exclusively unique in natural beauty, long coastal belt which comprises of many attractive beaches, historical temples, wildlife, hills, beaches, yoga and ayurvedic medical centers.

Tourists from other countries prefer to visit South India during their South India Holidays tour. It is the first choice of any tourist and it is remarkably beautiful place. There are four major states that have distinct landscape namely: Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Each state has its own tourist importance.

There are various tour packages available for south India. Some well-known south Indian tour packages are-Kerala Backwater tour, Kerala wildlife tour, Kerala Ayurvedic Tour, South India pilgrimage tour, South India Honeymoon tour, South India Beaches tour, Heritage tour of south India and many more.

South India is extremely beautiful and a great tourist spot. It has number of temples, the profusion of orange flowers, and the shade of the banyan tree and the soft beats of distant drums as yet another festival starts. A trip to South India will definitely enchant you. It is one of the amazing tours in the world. Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu are some of the famous tourists destinations of South India that are listed for eco-tourism, backwaters, ayurveda rejuvenation tours, ancient temples and cultural heritage South India tours.

Kerala is famously known as Gods own country due to its lovely palm, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves with the azure sea on the background. All of it as passive as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as perfect as ever. The most elite attraction in India is backwaters of Kerala, whose beauty makes it appear on the tourism map of world. Cruising in the house boat of these Kerala Backwaters gives an awesome experience to tourists. It is a famous tourist spot for honeymooners.

Some sought after Kerala backwater destinations are Kumarakom, Kovalam, Alleppy and Kochi. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches. Apart from these backwaters, tourists can travel around many other destinations. Periyar wild life sanctuary and Munnar hill station are very much admired by the tourists. Last but not the least Ayurvedic treatment, Yoga and Meditaion and Ayurvedic Massage of Kerala make the tourist relax and really happy. After visiting Kerala a tourist feels as if he is on cloud nine.

Apart from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka are also popular not only from tourism point of view but also for business purpose. Some popular tourist attractions in these states are-Charminar Golkunda fort and Lord Balaji Temple in Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari Ooty and Koidakanal in Tamilnadu and Hampi, Mysore and Bangalore in Karnataka. Indian tour is incomplete if a tourist does not explore south India. So a tourist must look in for South India tour package. So, gear up for a mind blowing vacation on South India.

About the Author :
Raj has been a professional in article writing for over 3 years. His experience is extensive and he provides professional travel consulting and booking services at South India Tours, India Tours.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

When I got the domain I was pretty sure I’d update the blog often. I love travelling. Been busy developing affiliate sites on health related issues and supplements. But I do want to keep this blog alive so decided to post articles from article directories once in a while. Havn’t travelled for some time, that may be the real reason I’m not able to post on this blog.
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Wine is universally considered as an integral part of good food and fine drinks. Those who know the importance of wine also know the process it involves. For those who know the essence of a refined lifestyle, what can be a better experience than witnessing all of it from beginning to end on a Yarra Valley winery tour?

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To conclude, a Yarra Valley wine tour is a fine journey any day, particularly bolstered by the terrific private tour service arrangements. A private tour to the Yarra vineyards generally includes pick up and drop off at the hotel gates, a lot of laid back and comfortable time in your custom vehicle and, not to mention, good food with the fine taste of world class wines.

If you are new to the world of wines and/or vineyards, and even if you are not so new, try visiting Epicurean Tours for reliable and useful information on Yarra Valley winery tours.

Author : Saly
Article Source : ArticlesAlley.com

http://bellaluce.com.ph/

Tony and Maureen Wheeler are no strangers to India. They first visited the country in 1972. The Lonely Planet Magazine is published by BBC Magazines and Worldwide Media. It has 6 editions, including the Indian one. First edition of the Lonely Planet Magazine was launched in England last year.

Latest issue of the Lonely Planet Magazine covers :
* Magical Islands of Norway!
* Escape to the Atlas Mountains!
* Make it as far as Sahara!
* Free! Mini Guides to – New Orleans, Venice, Oxford, Zurich, Muscat, the New York Moors!

You can also win a trip to Maldives worth 5,000 British Pounds!

Access the latest issue of Lonely Planet Travel Magazine

Links to images of Haridwar Kumbh 2010.

Kumbh Mela Festival In India
12 Pictures of Haridwar Kumbh Mela.

Two Hundred Sacred Sadhus @ the Maha-Kumbh Mela 2010
Nice images of Sadhus from the Kumbh Mela.

Haridwar Kumbh Mela Pictures 2010
Kumbh Mela Pics on the Hindu Devotional Blog.

Haridwar Kumbh Mela
A nice pic on The Travel Photographer by Tewfic el – Sawy.

The great Kumbh Mela begins at Haridwar
Nice slide – show on IBN Live.

Also See :
Haridwar Kumbh 2010 : Largest Human Gathering : 11.01.2010

For some reason finding it hard to update the blog. Anyways here are some images from Almora. I visited Almora last year and really liked the place.

For more details please visit :
Nivedita Cottage Almora : 06.09.2009

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl granted a request by Priceline.com Inc, Expedia Inc, Trip Network Inc, Orbitz LLC and Travelocity.com LP, Hotels.com LP and Hotwire Inc to invalidate $21.3 million in taxes, interest and penalties assessed by the city of Anaheim over the past nine years.

These companies had argued that they are not liable for the 15-percent hotel occupancy taxes because they do not operate hotels, and their fees cannot be considered “rent” under the tax law.

Kuhl ruled that the Anaheim hearing officer had erred in determining the online travel companies were hotel operators and that the fees they charged for reselling rooms were subject to the occupancy tax, her order filed on Monday showed.

Similar cases are pending in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, and eight other courts around the United States have ruled in favor of the travel companies.

Seems logical to me. I am sure these companies pay other taxes to the United States government. I guess similar issues will crop up in India as eCommerce becomes bigger. So far I don’t remember having heard about such a dispute in India.

News Source : Reuters.

Primary Health Care Centre Village Petab

Village Petab

View from Village Petab

An Abandoned House in Petab

Village Temple in Petab

Avi Petwal

Devalsaari Mahadev Temple

New Tehri from Devalsaari Mahadev Temple

Bhagirathi Puram from Devalsaari Mahadev Temple

Got a few more pics, would post them soon.

Some pictures from a recent visit to Tehri Garhwal.

Devprayag

Village Aamni

View from Village Aamni

Jaakhnidhaar

Neelkantheshwar Mahadev Temple Jaakhnidhaar

Village Nawakot

Burari and Tehri Lake from Jaakhnidhaar

New Tehri from Jakhnidhaar

New Tehri Again

More Pics from Tehri Garhwal coming up soon.

For information please visit GMVNL’s website.