Harshal Surve

It was my birthday on 4th December, me and my friends decided to celebrate it at Rann of Kutch. When you travel to a destination with your friends, you chase the memories and not the place. Two of my friends were joining from Pune and one from thane. We had our train on 6th of December ‘19 at 2:00p.m from Dadar terminus. This was our first train journey after the college days which is 6 years by now. Train was announced on platform no.5, we were wondering why haven’t the train arrived yet. We got messed up knowing that we were not at the terminus and just started rushing. As we got down at the terminus, the indicator stated the train is now on platform no.7, took the bridge again to cross and we saw our train had already started moving, we were unaware but kept running hoping we could get it. We were lucky enough as the train took halt for another few seconds and finally we somehow managed to enter from the pantry area to our coach. Hush !! what a sigh of relief it was.

This was the kick start to our journey. Had some yummy parathas and snacks and managed our luggage. Enjoyed listening to some songs and beautiful scenery, and recollected our college days. The climate started becoming cold as we crossed the Maharashtra border. Next day at 7:30 am we reached Bhuj Station and went out searching for some transport to reach Kutch. When you are in Gujarat, your brekkie has to be Jalebi Fafda and the delicious papaya chutney. Rented a cab and then continued our journey to kutch. The climate was pleasant and enjoyed our smooth ride. Reached kutch within an hour, checked in at Nova Patghar tents, got freshened up and headed out for lunch. We had authentic Gujarati thali with buttermilk. Got our pictures clicked at the empty roads of Kutch surrounded by white sand on both the sides. 

We then visited Kala Dungar place, the highest place in Kutch and were mesmerised with the Panoramic view of white fields of Kutch. Took some beautiful pictures over a cup of tea and maggie. At night we visited the kutch festival and enjoyed having some street food inside. Back to our tents, the temperature at night dropped down to 11° and sat near the bonfire chit-chatting with our tent owners .

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Next day morning we left at 6:00 am to visit the exotic mighty White sand Desert. Army officials verified our ID proof and we entered this beautiful land. Parked our car by the roadside and waited for the sunrise, to watch this white field glowing and sparkling in all its magic. As this yellow dwarf star emerges, this infinity land sparkles around. What a feeling it was, the infinite white land, the sunrise and we, a moment which will be cherished for lifetime.We then had some tea and climbed up the WatchTower from where we enjoyed the bird’s eye view. Clicked pictures and engaged our hearts with this beautiful nature. Then we stepped inside the salt desert and decided to do a fun dance video on Bala song.

This was our last day in Kutch and we still had some hours left so we decided to go to the Mandvi beach. Mandvi beach is fabulous and less crowded and the coastline here is very clean. Was amazed enough to see a Windmill on the beach for the very first time and it adorned that place. Relaxed at the beach and Relished our last sunset with some Spicy Corn before we headed back to our station. We were for almost 2 days in Kutch, made to every possible. A beautiful tour comes to an end, but the journey still continues.

Thankyou for your wonderful time, keep supporting and sharing your love.

What is so beautiful about a ruined state ? Well the significance of this very beautiful place called Hampi is one of its kind. Travelling solo was always on the top of my list but was waiting for a perfect chance to utilise. Back in November 2019 i finally decided to take my first ever Backpacking tour to Hampi. It was a 14 hour long journey, my ticket was not confirmed and somehow I managed to sit near the door. Due to November, winters were hitting hard but there was no option. Soon an old man came asking which station had passed as he wanted to get down at Pune. I requested him for his seat as he was getting down and that was a sigh of relief.  

Reached Hospet on 19th at 8:00pm , the weather was pleasant enough and I was excited to reach this land of ruins. The nearest bus station is just a km away from Hospet station, which drops you at Hampi City in just 15Rs. I decided to take an auto which cost me 200Rs and also I asked him whether he knows any good place for accommodation. The first thing which I came across was this Majestic and one of the Highest Temples in Hampi, the “Virupaksha Temple”. What a wonderful feeling it was to watch it glowing in that gloom. Booked a room nearby at 400bucks, got freshen up and enjoyed veg fried rice and chocolate shake at the famous “Mango Tree Cafe”. Back to the room , settled up with my luggage and jotted down the places I am going to visit on my first day of Hampi. 

The next morning I went out to look for a scooter on rent. Had some Spongy idlis with spicy coconut chutney and ofcourse a filter Coffee is must when you visit Karnataka. Started my journey visiting the “Kadalekalu Ganesha” temple followed by Krishna Temple. Exactly opposite there is an enormous market called “Krishna Bazaar” with a “Pushkarani” (Sacred water tanks used for storage). Spent some time clicking pictures and started heading towards the “Badvalinga temple” having a huge Shiva Linga. It is surrounded by rock walls from three sides with an open ceiling. Sunlight enters through this ceiling as if it’s worshipping lord shiva by its rays. Best time to visit this place is at 2:00pm if one needs to capture the beautiful puja performed by pandits at this place. Enjoying this scooty ride on such pleasant weather, I arrived at my next spot which was Lotus Mahal. It is a wonderful and excellent piece of architecture. Was amazed to know the fact that the temple’s top has privilege to save water which was used to keep it cold from inside, and that’s how air conditioning facilities were too ancient. Also visited the Elephant Stables where elephants were kept and trust me it’s immense. 

Next Stop was Hazarama Temple, beautiful carvings of lord Ram and many other gods depicting the ancient stories. Hazarama is a must visit place and one of its kind for sure. Pushkarini also known as Step-well where Maharaj’s used to bathe in their era adds to our attraction. Having names carved on the steps and are still very well maintained by the Archaeological department of India. Queen’s palace which is now almost ruined was a huge empire once. One can climb up and take a view around. Headed next to the Queen’s Bath Palace and the exceptionally carved architecture here left me stunned. The detailing are still up to the mark at most of  the pillars. It is hollow in the centre surrounded by few sculpture faces which has openings to provide water for bathing. After this had a delicious Hampi thali at “Pink mango Cafe” and started heading to the most awaited place for which everyone visits Hampi the”Vijay Vithala Temple. Famous for its Golden Stone Chariot which is present on the 50Rs note of Indian Currency. Surrounded by Majestic Temples from inside with the Stone Chariot at its centre, what a view it was. Like everyone else I was eager to capture a picture by holding a 50rs note at the Stone Chariot, but I realised I didn’t have one. Went asking if anyone could offer it for a moment but everyone was doing the same thing. Meanwhile I was exploring the place and a guy came asking me to click his picture at the Chariot, I asked him whether he had a 50rs note and he offered me. And that’s where the journey twist started. 

Was happy that I came across this fellow traveller and we decided to continue our next journey together on his bike. He was from Bangalore and had been to Hampi on his bike. It is so fun meeting people from different cities and how unexpectedly they become a part of your journey. Had our dinner together at Mango Tree cafe and the next morning we decided to go to the “Matanga Hill” famous for its Sunrise which was just half a km away from our stay. At 5am we started climbing stairs. It was dark and was quite difficult to judge the next step. We Enjoyed the sunrise, and got to see “ViruPaksha and Vijay Vithala Temple”from the top. Back to rooms, got freshened up, had some quick brunch and visited the “Virupaksha Temple ”, it was so pleasant getting to this place. “Laxmi” a female Elephant is worshipped here and it offers blessings to each individual through its trunk, one must need to offer 10 Rs in her trunk, she gives it to her caretaker and gives you back blessings. Make sure you visit this temple in early morning between 7:00 to 8:00am so that you can also watch Laxmi getting bathed at the Tungabhadra River outskirts inside the temple. My next plan was to visit the other side of Hampi which is Hippie Island. The fellow traveller “Balaji” had the same plan but before directly heading to that place we also explored “Tungabhadra Dam” which was not on my list but thanks to this buddy who made it possible.

It was his last day in Hampi and he eagerly wanted to visit “Anjanadri Hills” known as the Birth Place of Lord Hanuman. We started climbing at 2:00pm and it was damn hot, getting 575 steps up was a bit of a task. Within 35-40 min we reached at the top, took darshan and enjoyed the view of paddy fields and hampi ruins. Back down we had our last meal together,  this time some chinese food with some soothing Virgin Mojito which was much needed. Later he dropped me at my Shiva moon cafe guest house and continued back his journey. Took some rest and planned to visit SanapurLake and witness its beautiful Coracle ride in the evening. Took a bus to “SanapurLake”, by the time I reached it was quite dark. Came across a guest house named “Rambo Guest House” nearby this lake and asked whether they had dining facilities. Was going through the menu and was also enquiring about Sanapur lake. And just then the guy sitting exactly behind me asks me are you travelling solo ? Yes I said, and he was too. Met another loving buddy at Hampi and what could a solo traveller ever ask for. 

He asked me about my plans to explore Hippie Island, but I was about to leave for Mumbai the very next day. Can you join me as a pillion he added, and within seconds I agreed. At that time I understood we always meet someone for a reason and I realised why. Next morning, we first visited this gorgeous SanapurLake and got some amazing pictures. It was Tuesday, considered as Lord Laxmi Devi’s Day. We visited Laxmi mandir and also visited PampaSarovar which has a Pond facing Devi Laxmi and Lord Shiva temple. We were blessed enough to get Aarti just on our arrival, later we took darshan as there was Satyanarayan Puja organised by a couple. We took darshan and they offered us prasad puri bhaji , papad and some kheer as prasad. If there is something that a traveller should experience then these are the things. Next we headed to “Anjanadri Hills”and guess what it was my second time for this hike. This time it was post afternoon as we wanted to enjoy the sunset view from top. It was my last day at Hampi and we  decided to go to the famous “Laughing Buddha Cafe”, the road to this place is a bit challenging one as there are no lights except your scooter headlight. Reached this place and were badly craving to have paneer tikka and butter rotis. Some chocolate balls for the dessert were cherry on the cake. Next day morning he was going to explore the other part of Hampi which I had already done.

We crossed the river by boat and we greeted each other with a goodbye. My return journey was a bit tiring one as I had to take multiple transports in order to get back home. But after all everything pays off. You never know at what point of life you may meet people, but when they do they add colours to your life. Thankyou Balaji and Harsh for adding such colours to my first ever solo tour and making it a memorable one. They did not even ask me to pay the share for these two days which I roamed around with them, shows how humble they were. Last but not the least recently a friend of mine visited Hampi and this what she said after I suggested her a few golden points for Hampi. This is what helps me keep going.

NOTE:

• Hampi is totally safe for female solo travellers.
• I met with a small incident where the auto driver agreed for less charges from Hospet Junction to Hampi, but later he took his commission from the hotel charges. Stay safe from such frauds.
• Do not miss the beautiful gesture of “Laxmi” the female elephant in Virupaksha Temple getting bathed and also get blessings from her.
• If you are travelling solo and on a tight schedule there’s a stall exactly opposite of Virupaksha temple, where you can have idli, dosa, coffee.
• One can also rent cycle to explore Hampi which will cost you Rs.100
• Rambo Guest house is a beautiful stay at Hippie Island near Sanapurlake which is best for accommodation.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN :

• Mumbai to Hospet train: Rs447
• Hospet to Mumbai: Rs539

Day 1: 19th Nov 2019
Coffee Rs10
Water Rs20
Hospet to Hampi: 200Rs auto
Room Stay: Rs400
Dinner: Rs240

Day 2: 20th Nov 2019
Breakfast: Rs20
Bike rent + Petrol: Rs500
Entry fees for Lotus Mahal: Rs40 (can use same ticket for nearby sites)
Photography/Videography: Rs25
Lunch: Rs240
Dinner:Rs290
Stay: Rs400

Day 3: 21st Nov 2019
Lunch: Rs400
Bus fare to and fro: Rs14
Stay: Rs300
Dinner: Rs180

Day 4: 22nd Nov 2019
Coffee: Rs30
Dormitory: Rs300
Breakfast: Rs50
Coracle Ride: 200 (we just clicked pictures so 100 per person)
Tea: Rs30
Dinner: Rs370

Day 5: 23rd Nov 2019
Water: Rs70
Breakfast: Rs50
Lunch: Rs67
Hampi to Hospet: Rs200 by auto

Total: Rs 5,532 inclusive of travel, food, accommodation, entry fees, taxes.

Presenting you this blog on completing 2 years of Sikkim Journey. Sit back, relax, grab a cup of coffee and explore this beautiful journey.

Life is so alluring , you travel to live or you live to travel. Travelling is not a necessity but it is something that helps you recreate your life and add some colours to it. Now you must be wondering what’s so new in this blog ? Everyone has their own experiences and they narrate them in different forms.

I am always thrilled enough to go to the mountains and feel the serene breeze. Like most of us, I was always intrigued to take a glimpse of the beauty this world is from the Himalayan ranges. What a breathtaking moment it is to get yourself close to this nature’s gift and embrace its beauty. 

Back in 2018 April the Sikkim tour was planned. Every year at least once I travel to North India and there is nothing more peaceful than that in life. But what made me choose Sikkim ? I decided to explore Sikkim with my friend’s sister and her mates who travel frequently. The day arrived, we had our flights at 7:40 early in the morning with another connecting flight from Kolkata (there are no direct flights). We reached Bagdogra airport by 4:30 pm and we hired a cab to Siliguri.

I was truly blessed to see the fiery red sky welcoming us. By 7:45pm we were at our hotel, got freshened up and went out for dining. Had some delicious chicken momos and fried rice at a local cafe nearby followed by ice-cream for dessert. We hit the road by 7:00 am on day 2 to travel towards Sikkim and enjoyed the beautiful scenarios on our way. It was so calm and cold with this sparkling and green Teesta River flowing alongside. Reached Sikkim at around 3:00pm and checked into the hotel “VajraKila”. The room was quite spacious with an attached panoramic view gallery.

Mesmerising sunset views and mornings with full of mist that we could barely see on the road. It was day 3, we at Sikkim had our breakfast and headed towards our cab. Spent our day visiting and exploring some local tourist attractions. We visited the famous “Banjhakri Falls” and had some Maggie with a view. Having that piping hot Maggie when Sikkim’s chilly air is hitting your face is something everyone should experience at least once in their life.

It was so peaceful to visit the “Namgyal Institute of Tibetology” and a few monasteries on our way. Enjoyed our evening at the Sikkim market, explored some street food and shopping. Post our hectic shopping we went back to our rooms, had dinner and that was it for the day. On the 4th day we made our visit to the gorgeous Tsomgo Lake.

Super scenic roads maintained by the Border Roads Organisation made this journey relaxing. The final patch to this lake is phenomenal with steep snow capped mountains. As soon as we reached , the temperature dropped below 0° and there was no visibility at all. What an amazing experience it was , walking towards the lake making our way through a snowfield surrounded by snow capped mountains. I was mesmerized. Captured some beautiful pictures and spend some time by the lakeside. Next we headed to Ganesh Tok (Ganesh Temple)and Hanuman Tok (Hanuman Temple) and enjoyed the whole Sikkim City view from the top. We also visited the famous Tashi view point from where the Kanchenjunga Mountain range is visible. Unfortunately it was cloudy and we were not able to see it.

Got ready for the next day i.e. day 5th as we had to check out from our hotels for travelling to Lachen. Got introduced to fellow travellers from Bengal with whom the best of memories were created. The journey began, with singing songs, munching and introducing each-other. We reached lachen by evening and got climate acclimatised at 8,500ft asl. It was drizzling and the temperature dropped consistently. Also tried Tongba a local drink of Sikkim made out of grains and served in a “bamboo flask”. It was a nostalgic feeling but it helped me keep my body warm. Had some spicy egg curry and rice for dinner. That night was a bit horrible one, as there were insects all over the room, but somehow managed and rested ourselves.

On the 6th day we started our journey from Lachen to the most awaited destination of this tour, the sacred “Gurudongmar Lake”. The Chungthang Road which leads to the lake here is excellent with breathtaking landscapes on both the sides. It is India’s second highest lake and among the top ten lakes in the world due to its height of 17,800ft above sea level. Reached at the top and I was truly amazed to see the beauty of this lake which cannot be described in words, it gave me happy tears. Got down the mountain and started walking around this pristine blue lake capturing its beauty , what a blissful moment it was. Baby steps as the oxygen level here is too low with sub-zero temperatures and winds passing at a speed of 25km/Hr. I was called back as a friend started facing breathing difficulties, due to which I started climbing up in a hurry and was hit by acute altitude sickness, felt fainted and was unable to move forward. A man who saw this advised me to stay there and offered me a chocolate which helped me recover immediately. Got back to our cars, I wish I could have spent some more time at this place because it has an infinite power to offer. We had to visit the Army cantonment as my friend was not in a good condition. It was an Unforgettable experience to be the army cantonment.Thanking the army officials would be less for their hospitality.

On day 7th we headed to Lachung which is 9,600ft above sea level so as to explore the beautiful valley of flowers , the “Yumthang Valley”. I was awestruck by the view surrounded by pine trees, snow clad mountains and Tibetan prayer flags. Spent some time along the riverside in this valley and wondered how this earth is full of surprises and positivity. Next we continued our journey towards the “Zero point”. Took some coffee and had some boiled eggs and walked up the mountain. All of a sudden it started snowing but still we continued to climb up, as the temperatures started falling down it started snowing heavily. Enjoyed to the fullest but unfortunately we had to get down and head back before the roads get jammed by snow. It was quite late and tiring by the time we reached back to the hotel, got freshen up and had some moments with fellow travellers over a couple of drinks. It was just 2 days we had been together and it felt like months.

On day 8th we reached Kolkata, and had our lunch at the famous “JaiHind Dhaba” . Visited the pride of Kolkata , the “Victoria Memorial” which is a majestic empire making and Unesco site. Next we visited the oldest and most famous St.Paul’s Cathedral Church, trust me this place is so soothing. Day ended with some drizzling. On the morning of day 9 we tasted some delicious ice-creams at “MamaMia India Cafe”. Also if you are in Kolkata the street food here is not to be missed. Enjoyed having some Kathi rolls at the market area.

My school Friend joined us on 9th day. Next morning we all visited the famous leather market shop “Shree Leather” and got our hands on some really amazing accessories. It was also was our last night in Kolkata and so we all decided to make it memorable. Parcelled some food and got some drinks on way back home. Enjoyed the night cherishing those amazing 9 days with some drink and food. Such time cannot be bought back and I was happy enough to seize that moment.

Day 10 I had my flight to Bombay at night. Goodbyes are always hard but this tour was worth everything. From adventures to enthralling journeys , pristine lakes, historical monuments, delicious food, trying new things and meeting beautiful people. Everything turned out to be so special and wonderful. This journey will be cherished throughout my life.

Note: Lachen and Lachung at high altitude areas, so make sure you acclimatise properly at Lachen, keep yourself hydrated, some hot drinks, chocolates and dry fruits which will keep you warm.

Also carry some camphor in a small bottle and keep inhaling it which will help to breathe properly at high altitudes. Have light food before hitting the high altitude regions or else you may puke.

Carry necessary proofs to get permits at Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake as these are connected by the borders.

Be safe, enjoy each moment like it’s never going to come back, meet new people, share your experiences with others and travel more.

Thank-you for patience and love, I hope my words and photos made you eager to travel to Sikkim very soon.