Chittorgarh in Rajasthan

 Maahika Kadel, 268

Chittorgarh, a city immersed in the expansive sea of rich culture, is a city In Rajasthan, approximately 2 hours from Udaipur. The existence of this city is the corroboration of the incredible history of the Rajput rule. One can’t help but look at the city washed with a sepia hue because of the past it represents.

picture via Indian Eagle

Chittorgarh is a home to the remnants of many historical forts and palaces, the most prominent one being the Chittorgarh fort. The Chittorgarh fort is deemed to be the largest fort in india, spanning an area of 700 acres. The Padmani palace, where Alauddin Khilji was enchanted by rani Padmani’s beauty when he got a glimpse of her through reflection, is situated in the south of the Chittorgarh fort. This fort also consists of two commemoration towers, christened Kirti Stamb and Vijay Stamb which were erected in honour of the first Jain Tirthankara and the triumph of Mohammed Khilji. The Meera temple of lord Krishna is the place where Meerabai used to worship the lord. 

 

picture via Travel Triangle

Another mesmerizing place to visit whilst in this city id the archeological museum which exhibits the various archeological artifacts which have great historical connotations. The collection has an array of artifacts, from stone age stones to the armors and the weapons used in battles. For shopping authentic Rajasthani goods and souvenirs, the Ranasanga market and the Sardar market are unmatched. After a tiring visit to these locations one can refresh oneself by the energizing ‘shikanjis’ (lemonade) made by the locals!

Amritsar – The Golden city of Punjab

Diya Bhojwani, 274

Founded in the fifteenth century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. The heritage city of Amritsar is one of the most spiritually significant and historically rich cities of India. The name of the city has its etymological roots in the Punjabi language and Amritsar comes from Amrit Sarovar, which when literally translated from Punjab means of pool of nectar. One of the largest cities in Punjab. Amritsar is home to India's most serene and humbling sight, the Harimandar Sahib, famously knows as The Golden Temple, the Place of reverence for pilgrims. Amritsar boasts of various temples and shrines dedicated to Sikh Culture. Besides offering spiritual salvation, the city is also famous for hospitality, tourism, carpets, handloom fabrics and handicrafts. Amritsar does not merely give nourishment to the soul, but also serves mouth- watering delicious authentic Punjabi food steeped in rich tradition.This grand city, with its resplendent places of worship, quirky bazaars, vibrant theatrical practices, fascinating folklore and colourful festivals of Baisakhi and Diwali; all of which make Amritsar a premier destination for tourists.

Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple )

 The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Temple. It is here that Sage Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana. Rama and Sita are believed to have spent their fourteen- year exile in Amritsar. The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offers free food to around 20,000 people everyday. The number shoots up to 100,000 on special occasions. A visitor must cover his / her head before entering the temple premises. The Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors. The rugged old Jubi Tree in the north west corner of the compound is believed to possess special powers, it was planted 450 years ago. Guru-ka-Langar or the communal canteen is towards the eastern entrance of the temple complex, and it provides free food to all visitors, regardless of colour, creed, caste or gender. The temple is less crowded in the early mornings on weekends.

Wagah Border

The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle. Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border – between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The daily highlight is the evening “Beating the Retreat” ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.

Aamchi Mumbai

Vasudha Jain, 270

The hustle and bustle of Mumbai keeps you forever amazed. But at the same time the serenity that one attains by simply sitting at Marine drive is implacable. Mumbai is a rainbow of different shades that cannot be confined to one color. It is a city that never sleeps, but at the same time never tires. 

India's first cosmopolitan city, Mumbai, has always been a multicultural conglomeration of different cultures, religions and customs. You can never experience the real Mumbai until you visit Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Byculla, Girgaum Chowpatty and the Juhu and The Bandstand. Yes! And in the middle of all this are its world famous landmarks like Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), The Gateway of India etc. In this busy metropolis, one can always find a quiet place to sit and have a warm cup of coffee. Marine drive is an ideal spot to do this; this road stretches along the coast of Mumbai, it has thirteen kilometers of straight beachfront, lined with the most luxurious hotels and restaurants.

One can get a clear view of the enchanting Queen's Necklace from Malabar Hill. It is as if it's beauty magnifies a thousand times at night. Mumbai is soothing and at the same time never fails to elevate the adrenaline rush. It carries the potential to not only build people's dreams but crush them completely too. Many students, such as myself, come to ever-growing hubs like Mumbai to enhance our growth and grab opportunities. Because it is a truth universally acknowledged, "when you're given an opportunity to change your life, be ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The world doesn't give you things, you take things." 

The people of Mumbai have an air of warmth surrounding them. One may get lost due to the Google maps but these people will lead you right back to your hotel by giving apt directions. Mumbai, you make my heart beat faster and my mind become stronger.

Valley of Gods - Manali

                                                                                                                        Kesar Khatri, 269

When you heard about the city Manali, what first come to your mind? Snowy Mountains, treehouses, skiing,trekking, etc. Manali is one of the most famous hill stations in India. It is a one-stop shop for anyone seeking for breathtaking scenery, excitement, tranquilly, or recreation. The lush meadows and Deodar woodlands of this higher elevation hill station, which is snow-covered in the winter and popular with hikers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Top tourism destinations in Manali, like the well-known Mall road, look beautiful covered in snow during the winter months. Bollywood movies like “Yeh jawani hai deewani” , “Jab we met” and many more got inspired and are taking trips with their friends. They want to have that type fun showing in the movies. It’s a place where you can visit with your friends and family have a nice vacation and nowadays people are going for solo trips also to get know oneself, it’s like a therapy.                                       

One the most tourist attraction which I also personally love is Rohtang pass, Manali’s best tourist destination to experience snow all around year. It remains blocked in winter due to the heavy snowfall but remains open throughout the summer and monsoon season. Nature has exploded in Manali since the rainy season began. It follows that at this moment, being alone in nature is at its most enjoyable.                                    

The Chandratal Lake trek, with levels of difficulty ranging from beginner to moderate, is a well-liked trek to try. The hike lasts for three to four days, and the final leg of the hike includes taking cab to the lake. When visiting Manali in August, you can view a few exciting cascades, the most well-known of which are the Jogini falls.

The Beas River runs through Manali, and odds are good that it will dominate the scenery while you're there. You can enjoy your morning tea while sitting prettily on the lawns above this river, listening to the birdsong and the river's gushing current.

You can get a delicious English meal, including pancakes and eggs benedict, at the cafes in Manali. Don't overlook, however, the Himachali patande, a crepe prepared with milk, wheat flour, and sugar.

The White City of Rajasthan

Jahnvi Chaudhari, 275

 

This city is like a movie. Udaipur, with all its stunning forts, gorgeous lakes, and centuries of layered culture and history, is undoubtedly one of the best travel locations in India. This was a short trip and we were hard-pressed with time. So we decided on “minimum hotel time and maximum street hours” during our three days trip to Udaipur.

An interesting aspect of Lake Pichola that we found was that the whole city of Udaipur thrived around and in it – historically as well as to its present state. It is a man-made lake –interestingly by a gypsy, who is popularly known as “Banjara” in Rajasthan. One of the most attractive things to do in Udaipur is to visit palatial Haveli located on the shores of Lake Pichola, hence offering a brilliant view. We wanted to get a more engaging experience of the lake so we took a 30 minutes boat ride, and apart from the bracing experiences we took home some amazing pictures. There are various boat riding options and no matter how touristy it sounds, it is a very interesting experience in Fateh Sagar Lake. 

A visit to the Udaipur City Palace is incomplete without visiting the palace museum. This is one of the best things to do in Udaipur. We made our entry through a beautiful triple-arched gate guarded by men in handsome uniforms. We have a blissful time sitting down in the Central Garden within the museum. This garden had beautiful flowering shrubs, trees, water basins, and arched pavilions. While the city palace might seem rustic in its exteriors, the interiors presented a different story altogether. Well, there are plenty of amazing fine-dine restaurants in Udaipur, and we did try a couple of them. If you love tantalizing your travel buds, Udaipur is the city to explore. A city that will drive even the sluggish human being from a hotel room to action on the streets. So go ahead and relish the local cuisines, poetic language, and friendliness of the locals. You are in the right place when you are in Udaipur.

Lambent Leh-Ladakh

                                                                             Dev Lamba, 272

“Not all those who wander are lost”

Travel is different for everyone, some do it out of passion and some out of compulsion. Been giving an ear to all the travel stories from friends and family Am yet to step my foot into the world out there Soon I shall be in that flight mode to view the world in between the clouds.

Personally, I haven’t travelled much but after hearing the experiences of my friends which have travelled around the world, motivates me to explore more. I started travelling after my high school, my college is quite far from my home and I have to travel via public transport. Initially I used to find it quite hectic but as I started travelling daily I kind of started liking it and did not find it that taxing.

                                                            picture via escapemanila.com

If given an opportunity right now that I could go anywhere I want I would love to visit Leh, it is a joint capital and the largest city of Ladakh, a union territory of India. The reason why I got an ick to travel to this place was because of my elder brother, he loves travelling to mountains and he has been to this particular place and after hearing his stories I was fascinated by them and since then I always wanted to visit Leh.

It is a super friendly mountain city, when you arrive there either by a bus or plane, you’ll be greeted by the most spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, ancients places, and Buddhist stupas. The best time to visit Leh is in the monsoon season between June-September as Ladakh is a dry spot in a country of constant rain.

A Day with Puri's Beloved

 Saanika Kodial, 271

The faint scent of marigolds, revitalizing rays of sunlight, and an unexplainable feeling of serenity in the air… 

A couple months back, I had the fortune of visiting Puri, Odisha with my family. While there, we went to the Jagannath Temple. We assembled outside it at 6 AM, with a priest we had hired for the day. He was extremely sweet and told us a lot about the history of the temple. There are four doors to the temple, namely the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western gates. I was astounded to learn the mythology behind every detail of the age-old structure. As soon as one enters through the main entrance, i.e., the Eastern gate, the Sun Pillar comes into view. The Sun Pillar, made of chlorite, reaches a height of 25’2”. It is said that the first rays of the sun fall on this carved pillar. It was transported from the Konark Sun Temple by the Marathas.

Picture via www.farhorizons.com

We passed the pillar and followed the priest inside the substantial courtyard of the temple. I was amused to see several monkeys around us. The priest explained how the people inside lived in complete harmony with the animals, considering all beings children of God Jagannath. There were numerous smaller temples too, all honouring different deities. We passed all of them and went to stand in line to meet Lord Jagannath. As soon as He came into view, time slowed down for a few seconds and all I could see was Him (and His huge saucer-like eyes!). There was an energy the three deities exuded that made me feel tremendously happy and at peace, like I never wanted to leave. From men climbing up the structure to tie people’s wish scarves at the top to the courtyard filled with worshippers, devotion could be seen everywhere. We finally got out and were given bhog, the food offered to God. We took it home and enjoyed its simple, flavourful taste in the hotel room, with the memories of an unforgettable experience fresh in our minds. 

Picture via www.blogspot.com