Thursday, December 23, 2010

Shikhari Devi Temple in Janjehli Valley

Pic Credit: Munish Chandel
Shikari Devi Temple is situated in Janjehli valley. Janjehli is a samll village in Mandi District and is famous for Shikahri Devi temple. From Mandi District Janjehli is at a distance of 80 km. Janjehli valley is full of fruit orchards and in winter season you can enjoy the snowfall. Entire valley get covered by snow in winter.

Shikhari Devi temple is situated in the apex of hill and is at height of 3300 meter from sea level. From the Janjehli valley Shikhari Devi is at a distance of 12 km. Shikhari Devi Temple is a roof less temple. Shikhari Devi temple was build at the time of Pandva's. Other route to reach Janjehli valley is via Karsog valley which is also in Mandi. From Chindi which is Karsog valley, Shikhari Devi is at distance of 18 km.


Shikhari Devi is also a wild life century and is full of herbals and flowers. You can see beautiful wild flowers in between the way. A deep dense pine trees forest and heap of unmelted snow make track more beautiful.

You can reach Shikahri Devi by road transportation. From Delhi, Chandigarh ISBT you can take bus to Mandi and from Mandi you can hire taxi or take bus to Janjehli Valley.

Best time to visit Shikhari Devi temple is in summer season. April to June is best time to visit the Shikhari Devi Temple.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Bhimakali, a Religious Temple to Feel Spritiuality


Pic Credit: Trekearth.com

Bhimakali Temple is one of the most beautiful and ancient temple in Himachal Pradesh. A temple to feel divine, spiritual experience. Bhimakali temple is situated in small hill station Sarahan which is known for its natural beauty. Surrounded by Himalaya, Show covered hills, lush greenly of trees makes this place more beautiful. Bimakali temple has its unique architecture, which gives the combined look of Hindu and Buddhist style. Most of the temple build by wood and is a marvelous example of hills architecture.

Bhimakali ji have temples of Shri Raghunath ji and Shri Narsingh ji also. On the second courtyard of temple there is Shri Raghunath ji and in opening courtyard Sikhara Temple dedicated to Shri Naringh.


Pic Credit: Dailytravelphotos

Bhimakali Temlpe is situated a distance of 180 km from Shimla. By air nearest air port is in Bhuter, which is a few km away from Shimla. By train nearest station is Shimla, you can get train from Kalka to Shimla.

From Delhi its on a distance of 550 Km. You can take a bus from ISBT Delhi to Shimla, also from Chandigarh ISBT you can get Bus or Taxi to Shimla. From Shimla you can hire jeep and taxi to Sarahan also state road transport buses are also available for Sarahan. Best time to visit temple is from March to November.

Monday, October 4, 2010

"Kullu Dussehra" a World Famous Festival




Kullu Dussehra is world famous festival in India. Also Kullu Dussehra is international fair festival in India. Kullu Dusshera commences in month of Octber and start on the day of Dussehra i.e. on Vijayadashmi. Duration of festival is one week. This year Kullu Dussehra will be celebrated from 17 Oct to 23 October.

More than 200 deities come to kullu to celebrate Dussehra. Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath Idol is attraction of festival. The chariot(Rath) is led by Kullu Raja and deities. Raghunath ji is leading deity of kullu valley. There is historical story behind the celebration of Kullu Dussehra. So every year people of Kullu Valley which is also known as "valley of Gods" pay homage to Lord Raghunath ji.



Kullu Dussehra attracts large no. of visitors all around the world. You can purchase woolen clothes and handicrafts at kullu Dussehra. Kullu Shawls, mufflers are world famous.

You can reach Kullu by air and road transportation. Nearest airport from Kullu is Bhunther airport, a few km away from Kullu. By road you can take direct bus from Delhi ISBT, Chandigarh ISBT to Kullu.

Watch a short video on arrival of deities to Kullu Dussehra.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Adventure Trip to Great Himalayan National Park



Great Himalayan National Park is one of the best National Park in India. GHNP is situated in Kullu Valley, spreading in the area of 1100 square Km. Great Himalayan National Park is situated an altitude of 1700- 5800 meter from sea level. For adventure and trekking lover Great Himalayan National Park is best place to visit.

Great Himalayan National Park is home of more than 375 species which includes animals, birds, reptiles etc. You can find here Leopard, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Tiger, Monal, Bharal, Goral etc. GHNP is home of different types of bird species. More than 180 types of birds live in GHNP. Also GHNP is home of some of rarest birds in world. The entire Park is covered by dense cedar, fir and pine trees.



Best time to visit the GHNP is from April to June & in Autumn from September to October.

You can reach the Great Himalayan National Park by taking a Volvo Bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kullu. By air, nearest airport is at Bhunter, from Bhunter you can hire taxi or bus to Kullu. From Kullu hire Jeep or Taxi to Aut which is at distance of 30 km from Kullu. From Aut take route to Sainj Nala and from there you can start your journey to GHNP. You can check GHNP in Google Map below


View Larger Map

Don't miss to watch wonderful video about GHNP.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla



Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) is one of the must visit place in Shimla. People who visit the shimla often visit the Mall Road, Ridge or Jakhu Temple and most of them miss this place to visit in Shimla. IIAS is situated at the altitude of 2205 meter from sea level and is distance of 6 km from Shimla railway station and bus stand.

IIAS is built by the British at 1888 as home for British Viceroy. IIAS is  remembered for Shimla Conference in 1945,  decision of separation Pakistan at 1947 also taken here.

IIAS is recreated by Ministry of Eduction, Gov't of India in 1964 and came in the function at 1965. IIAS is not less than a national heritage and its British architecture attracts everyone. You can visit the IIAS by spending a few rupees on tickets or passes at IIAS ticket conuter. Black movie of Amithab Bachan had been shooting down here. IIAS is a little bit away from Shimla city and is full of peace and natural beauty. You can see lots of cedar trees, flowers, Himalaya hills from IIAS.



Indian Institute of Advaced study in shimla is situated at Summer Hills in Balluganj. You can reach here by bus or can hire taxi cab. From the Shimla bus stand, railway station it will take only half an hour to reach IIAS.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Rohtang Pass, Most Imaging Place in India.


Rohtang Pass is one of the most imaging place in Himachal. A must see tourist place in Himachal Pradesh. Can you imagine in the month of June you are driving or walking along the snow covered roads. Its possible in Rohtang By pass, covered by snow through out all the months of year.

The experience and memories you take from here will be life time memorable. Rohtang pass is situated at altitude of 3980 meter from the sea level. Rohtang Pass is know as highest Jeep able road in the world. In the season of hot summer you can feel here cold temperature of 4 to 5 degree C. This is one place in India where climates changes in hours, any time you can face Snowstorm or snowfall.


The exotic beauty of Rohtang Pass can mesmerize anyone. Everyone who come here want to explore this place more and more. Rohtang Pass is famous for ice skiing and trekking. You can enjoy the ice skiing here with the help of tourism trainer here.

The easiest way to reach Rohtang Pass is from Manali- Keylong road. From Manali, Rohtang Pass is at a distance of 51 km. So if you have planned to visits Manali, you can also plan a trip to Rohtang Pass. Manali is one of the most famous turism destination in India and is well connected by Road, and airport. Rohtang Pass is considered as Gate way of Lahaul Spiti and Leh Valley.


The best time to visits the Rohtang Pass is from May to October. Every year thousands of tourist from all over the world come to see beauty of Rohtang Pass.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba Valley


The land of Himachal is full of Temples and sacred holy places and known as Dev Bhoomi Himachal.Temples from the time of Ramayana and Mahabharata, Holy lakes, snow covered mountains attracts the lots of tourists and pilgrims. All these places are situated in the peak of the snow covered mountains and are not easy to reach. Even though all these obstacles or hurdles can't stop the devotee, pilgrims and nature lover.

Manimahesh Yatra is one of them and attracts lakhs of piligrms every year. Manimahesh Kalish is believe to be abode of lord Shiva, in the base of Manimahesh mountains there is Manimahesh Lake. Manimahesh Lake is believe to be lake of Lord Shiva and more than lakhs of pilgrims take bath in Manimahesh Lake every year.


Manimahesh Yatra starts from Lakshminarayan Temple in Chamba and ends at the Manimahesh Lake. Manimahesh Lake is situated at the altitude of 4,080 meter from sea level and covered with show covered mountains of Himalaya. Manimahesh Lake is in Chamba Valley, which is one of the district of Himachal. Bharmour is the nearest place to Manimahesh. Bharmour is small town in Chamba valley, Manimahesh lake is at a distance of 35km from Bharmour.


Manimahesh Yatra means journey starts at the month of August-September, around the time of Krishna Janamastmi, which is the Birthday of Lord Krishna. All the arrangement for Manimahesh Yatra has done by Himachal Govt and Tourism Department of Himachal. Himachal Pradesh Government has declared the Manimahesh Yatra a state-level pilgrimage.

You can reach here by Railway and Road Transport, nearest railway station is at Pathankot. From Pathankot to Bharmour its around 6 hour journey. Also you can take Himachal Road Transportation Buses from Delhi, Chandigarh to Chamba.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Lahaul-Spiti Valley, An Unforgettable Valley



Lahaul-Spiti valley, whenever i read or listen these words the pictures which comes in my mind are snow covered Himalaya, Buddhist Monasteries, Yaks, a peaceful cold desert. The entire valley is amazing and you will find yourself in some other world. Chandertal Lake, Buddhist culture, Buddhist monasteries, snow covered Himalaya are center of attraction of this valley. Lahual-Spiti Valley consists of Lahaul Valley and Spiti Valley, is one of the district of Himachal Pradesh.

Lahaul Spiti valley is situated in the south of Ladkah and lying on the India-Tibet border.The journey of Lahaul-Spiti is little bit tough, but after reaching here you will really enjoy the exotic beauty of Lahaul-Spiti.



You can reach the Lahaul from Rohtang by Pass which is situated at height of 3980 from sea level and it connect the Lahaul to Kullu Valley. Second option to reach the Lahaul Valley is from Ladakah through Baralacha Pass which is situated at hight of 4860 meter from sea level. One more option you have and that is through Spiti Valley through Kunzam Pass which is situated at height of 4550 meter from sea level.



Spiti valley is situated at the altitude of 4,550 meter from sea level. You can reach the Spiti Valley through Kinnaur Valley. The best and easiest way to reach the Spiti valley is from Shimla to Kaza Valley, Kaza is headquarter of Spiti valley. Kaza is at distance of 412 Km from Shimla. You can hire the taxis and cabs from the Shimla besides this you can also reach here by Himachal Pradesh Transportation buses.


The maximum area of Lahaul-Spiti valley is covered by Desert, and also called cold desert of India. But you can see here lakes, Chanderatal is one of the most beautiful lake of Lahaul-Spiti Valley. You can read more about Chanderatal in previous Chanderatal Lake, Moon Lake of India post.

You can also see here one of the oldest monasteries in Spiti Valley. The famous monasteries of valley are Tabo, Kye-Gompa and Dhankar. Key-Gompa monastery is the oldest monastery and largest monastery in Lahaul-Spiti valley. In picture below you can the Key-Gompa monastery


The Lahul-Spiti valley is the biggest attraction for foreign tourist. Every year an average of 20,000 foreign tourist visits the valley.Moreover every year "Raid The Himalaya" Motor rally held in the valley. Raid The Himalaya is one of the most challenging and adventurous motor rally in India.


The temperature of the valley is generally cold, and in winter it goes to -15C. Best time to visit the valley is from April to May and October to November.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Kinnaur Valley, Most beautiful valley in Himalaya

Kinnaur valley is one of the most beautiful valley in Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur valley culture, villages, Handloom, Temples, snow covered hills, fruits and orchards are the attraction of Kinnaur valley. Famous Kalpa Valley and Sangla Valley are also in Kinnaur. You can read my previous post on Sangla Valley in my blog. In short i will say Kinnaur is the most beautiful valley in Himalaya. Culture and Nature are the soul
of Kinnaur valley. Moreover in Kinnaur valley you can find lots of trekking places all across the valley.

Kinner Kalish at altitude of 6000 m is toughest trekking track in India. Kinner Kalish is considered as abode of lord Shiva and attract thousand of pilgrims every year.


Kinnaur valley is full of orchards, Kinnaur is known for its famous Chilgozas, special apples, peaches and apricots in world wide. Kinnaur is also famous for its hand loom, kinnaur caps, shawls, mufflers, hardly you can find these quality of handloom in any showroom.

One more thing you will notice here is architect, most of houses are made of wooden and have there own kind of architecture. Famous Nako Lake is also in Kinnaur valley.

Kinnaur is situated an altitude of 2670 meter from sea level. Kinnaur is 235 km away from Shimla, capital of Himachal Pradesh. You can get Buses, Taxis from Shimla to Kinnaur. By air, nearest airport is in Bhunter,a few km away from Shimla. From Delhi and Chandigarh you can get Himachal Transport Volvo buses to Shimla and some direct buses to Kinnaur. Best time to visit the Kinnaur valley is from April to October, even in these months don't forget to carry woolen clothes with you. In winter temperature goes down to negative.

In winter valley will get covered by snow, People of Kinnaur are honest and hard worker. Still Kinnaur comes in tribal area and is not developed that much, hope in future Kinnaur valley get all facility like people and tourist get in Kullu, Manali. But yet natural beauty of Kinnaur attracts thousands of tourist from all across world. :-)

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Visit Mcleodganj, "Mini Lhasa" of india


Mcleodganj is also known as the mini Lhasa of the India. Lhasa is the capital of Tibet. It is home place of Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lamba.Maclodganj is 10 km away from Dharamshala. Mcleodganj is known for its Bodh monesty,its culture and natural beauties. Many people came here to study Bodh Spiritual. Mcleodganj is named after the Punjab governor sir David Mcleod.It is situated in between the dholadar mountains of Himalaya. It is situated at the altitude of 5,700 feet from the sea level.

Mcleodganj is situated in western Himalaya and is 10 km away from Dharamshala.You can see here Buddhist monesties and Buddhist culture here. Mcleodganj is centre of attraction for foreign tourists in Dharamshala. Besides that you can eat lots of chines dishes in Mcleodganj. Mcleodgang is famous for its noodles,momos and thukpa. Maclodganj is also famous for its Tibetan handicrafts,Tibetan carpets,jems and garments. I have downloaded a video on Mcleodganj dishes watch this



You can reach the Mcleodgang by any mode of transportation. By air nearest airport is Gaggal airport. If you want to come by rail then nearest railway station is Pathankot. By road Maclodgang is 527 km away from Delhi and you can get easily buses,cars from Delhi and Chandigarh.I hope you will enjoy this video

Sunday, May 23, 2010

A trip to Dalhousie


Dalhousie is a small hill station situated in Chamba valley. Dalhousie is know for its natural beauty, dense forests, churches and peaceful enviornment. Dalhousie is situated on the Western side of Daulhadar mountain ranges .Dalhousie is named after the name of British viceroy Lord Dalhouise.Dalhousie is one of the oldest hill station in India.Dalhousie was set up by the British in 1854 and you can find here good no.of old British houses,British architecture,churches.In 1873, when Ravinder Nath Tagore visites the Dalhouise, he write these lines for Dalhousie,"I played all over in the marvels of the wonder word, but here, with my two eyes, I saw the splendors of Paradise". Dalhousie is surrounded by five hills kathlog, Portrevn, Motti Tibba, Bakrota and Balun.Dalhousie is covering the area of 14km.


You can visit beautiful churches in Dalhousie. St.Andrew and St. Patric at Balun, St.Francis Church at Subhash chowk and St.John Church at Gandhi chowk are the must see churches in Dalhouise. You can also visit the BaraPather temple. This temple is 4km away from the town and is situated in dense forest.Other places to visit in Dalhousie are PanchPula, Subash Baoli, Jandrigath, Dhainkund etc.PanchPula is 3km away from town lies the five bridges of Raja Ajit Singh,one of the freedom fighter of India.Subash Baoli is named after Neta ji Subash chander Bose, this place is surrounded by the cedar trees and famous for its natural beauty. Neta Ji Subash Chander Bose spend a lots of time here during 1937.


You can reach Dalhouise by any mode of transportation. By air nearest airport is at Jammu airport, which is 188 km away from here.By train nearest railway station is at Pathankot, which is 80 km away from here. By road, you can get bus from Delhi(573km), Chandigarh(352km) to Dalhousie.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Para Gliding in Himachal Pradesh



Want to fly like a bird in Himalaya or want to see adventurous sports events like Para gliding.Then Himachal is your desired destination.Himachal Pradesh is one of the best place for paragliding in India.Himachal have world's one of the best sites for paragliding.Every year Himachal is organizing the paragliding sports events.You can see the participants here from all over the worlds.The main paragliding places in Himachal pradesh are Bir Billing in Kangra valley and Solang Nala in Manali.



Bir billing is known as paragliding capital of India.Bir billing is also known as the one of the best place for paragliding in world.Bir Billing valley is located in Kangara Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is a small village and serves as landing place for para gliders where as Billing is take off place.Billing is situated at the altitude of 8600 feet from the sea level.Billing is at a distance of 15 km from bir and around 70 km from Mandi and Dharamshala.The nearest places from bir are Baijnath and Joginder Nagar for staying.From Delhi Bir is at a distance of 280 km.The best time for paragliding in Bir is from March to till early June and from September to till November.Himalayan Para Gliding Pre World Event Held in Bir and Billing Annually During the Month of November.


Second best place for paragliding in Himcachal Pradesh is Solang Nala. Solang Nala is in famous Kullu valley and situated at altitude of 8135 feet from sea level.Solang is at a distance of 15km from Manali, which is one of the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh.The best time for paragliding in Solang Nala is from May to September.You can take here small paragliding flights with the help of experts.Both of these places are full of natural beauty and can become one of the best places you have ever visited.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

"Sangla Valley" Paradise of Nature lover.


Sangla valley is situated at height of 8900 feet from the sea level and is named after the beautiful village Sangla.The sangla valley is in Kinnaur district and is 227 km from the Shimla.Sangla valley begins with 57 km short of kalpa.Sangla valley is situated in right bank of baspa river 17 km from karcham.Sangla is one of the most beautiful valley in Himachal Pradesh.The entire valley is covered with the show peaks of Himalaya.This valley is also known as Baspa valley.

You can reach here by any mode of transportation. From Delhi you can take the bus to Shimla and from shimla to kalpa you can take buses or can hire taxies.By air nearest airport is Bhunter airport which is few km away from Shimla and from Kalka you can get train to Shimla.

Sangla valley is famous from its natural beauty and traditional culture. In Sangla valley you can find the Chilgoza Pine.Chilgoza is well known for its edible seeds, rich in carbohydrates and proteins.Besides chilgoza sangla valley is famous for its hand made woolen shawls and kinnauri caps.You can also visit the Chitkul village which is the last Indian village in the Indo-Tibetan Border.Chitkul village is 28 km away from the sangla valley.

The best time to visit the valley is from April to June and you stay there at the Banjara camp located in Basteri Village,PWD rest house or Forest rest house.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Chandratal lake "The Moon Lake" of India.



Chandratal lake is also knwn as moon lake and is situated in spiti valley.Chandratal lake is 6km away from the Kunzum Pass.Chandra Tal Lake is situated at a height of 4300 m from the sea level. Chandratal lake has a circumference of 2.5 km,colour the lake is deep blue which is source of chandra river.By seeing this lake you can find out how beautiful the nature is. This lake is surrounded by the large himalya mountains and this place looks like a cold desert.In the surrounding hills are treeless.



You can find here a large no. of the tourist not only from India but from the Europe as well.The route to Chandratal is jeepable all the way till the lake and its not that much good, so you need a expert driver and your vehicle must have all type of necessary equipments.You can reach chandratal lake via Manali-Sethan-Hampta Pass- Chhatru-Chandratal-Tokpoyongma-baralacha la.Best time to visit this place is from June to September and during these months you can find shepherds with their herds of sheep, goats at Chandra pastures.




In this deep blue lake, you see the shadow of the show covered mountains, which all give shade similar to the moon.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Khajjiar " Mini Switzerland" of the India.


Khajjiar is known as mini Switzerland of the india for its natural beauty. It is one the most beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh. khajjiar is nature paradise on earth.Kajjhiyar is situated in chamba district and is only 25 km away from the chamba. Chamba district is situated on the bank of Ravi river.Chamba is the one of the oldest town in india and having remarkable history.Chamba is known for its splendid Mugal,Hindu architecture and heritage.

Khajjiar is situated at altitude of 6,600 ft fron the sea level and nested in the mountain ranges of western Himalayas.Khajjiar is well connected by roads and train track.From the Delhi its around 590 km away and you can get the buses and taxis from Delhi & Chandigarh to Chamba. Nearest railway station is at Patankoat which is 120 km away from here. You can also come here by air, nearest airport is at Gagal in kangra and is at distance of 170km.From all these places you can get the buses and taxis easily.


The Khajjiar has exquisite glade of circumference of about 5 km.Khajjiar is surrounded by dense cedar (Deodar) forest, which make this place more beautiful.Also you can see beautiful natural lake in Khajjiar. You can find the 12th century temple dedicted to dev khajji nag and after name this place is called Khajjiar.Inside the temple you can see the marvelous architecture on the woods.For tourist attraction there are more thing at khajjiar. You can do the horse riding here and can fly in hot air balloon.


Best time to visit this place is from March to June. If you have planned to visit Himachal don't ever miss this nature heaven.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Trekking to Bijli Mahadev

Bijli Mahadev is the one of the oldest temple in himachal pradesh. It is situated in kullu district which is one of the most exotic tourist place in world map. Kullu valley is known as the nature paradise on the earth and in the himachal it is also known as silver valley. Kullu valley is full of apple, pine trees.Kullu is most attracted tourism hub in India.Well known tourist place manali is also in kullu.

You can reach the kullu by bus or your personal vehicle from Chandigarh and Delhi. kullu is 576 km away from the Delhi. You can also come here by air and nearest airport is bhunter.The best time to visit the temple is from March to October.


Bijli Mahdav is temple dedicated to lord Shiva.The temple is situated in the top of the hill. Bijli Mahadev is 10 km away from the kullu across the Beas river.Bijli Mahadev temple is an altitude of 2460 meter i.e. almost 8000 feet from the see level.If you like the trekking then you will enjoy it in full way. You can reach the Bijli Mahadev by 10 km mountain trekking which is little bit tough but more enjoyable. You can see the snow covered Himalaya and deep forests among the way.



From Bijli Mahadev you can see the whole kullu valley.The bijli mahadev temple is thousand year old temple. The architecture of the temple is classical and well crafted. The most attracting features of the temple is its 60 foot high staff on the top of the temple. and thus shine like a needle in the sun.It says that every year the lighting falls on the shivalinga and thus shivalinga break down into small pieces.It is believed that lord Shiva observes the all the energy discharged from the atmosphere and saves the word. The priests of the temple then collect the all shattered pieces of the shivalinga and build shivlinga again with the help of butter and satto. This cycle happens every year so this temple called Bijli Mahadev.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Himachal Tourism: Prashar lake



Prashar lake is the one of the most beautiful lake in Himachal Pradesh. If you have planned to see the himachal hills places,Prashar lake will be righ place for you.Prashar lake is situated at the height of 2730 meters (approximately 9000 feet) above see level. Prashar lake is high altitude lake and it is situated in Mandi district. Prashar lake is 42 km away from Mandi district and you can reach there by any maxi cab or your personal vehicle.From the place drang you can take turn to Prashar lake.

You can take a volvo or ac bus from Chandigarh ISBT to Mandi and from Mandi you can start your journey to prashar lake by your own personal vehicle or can hired cabs. You can stay there at night in the pwd guest house.In the surrounding of the lake you can find the pine trees forests and can views the Himalayas.

By reaching this place you can see the nature more closely, a calm and peaceful place. You can even hear the sound of the wind here.Near this lake there is a three-tired pogada like temple. This temple is dedicated to Dev Prashar.Best time to visit this place is from March to October.