Jim Corbett Park-Day 2 and the rest of the trip

A bottle-brush  basking in  sunlight:)

To read about Day-1 activities click here

Day-2- Dhikala & Durga Devi: The night was cosily chilly and quiet & bed was comfi. Surprizingly, I got up exactly at 3:30 am (surprisingly meant without any alarm ;)). Got ready and was all set to leave for our Jeep safari by 4:15 am. Today we had planned for our Jeep Safari at ‘Durga Devi’ and a canter safari to
'Dhikala'.

 

We spotted this one toothed mast tuskar on the main road to Dhikala   

Here we saw barking deer, golden mahsheer, birds, yellow red,great barbert, amazing view and not to forget Tiger Pug marks, lots of them. By this time we had learned to identify them whether it was a male or a female.Lots of fresh elephant footmarks as well. Durga devi safari zone was more moist and has deciduous flora. One time during the day the sunrays came filtered from tall trees as if it is being sieved through the leaves giving different colours to the rays.This was an amazing magic trick of nature and the most memorable one. During this safari we managed to see a few of very rare species of birds and then in the afternoon we took the canter ride to Dhikala. Here the grassland like habitat was totally different from where we had been in the morning.

We saw lots of deers, sambhars, elephants in herds and both Durgadevi and Dhikala but the highlight of this day was something else that we encountered at the highway.A one toothed mast tuskar that we spotted on the road very near to Dhikala zone. Clicking this huge, mast elephant while charging at the vehicles( including ours) was one wildlife  experience  that I won’t forget. I actually got terrified of this elephant as it had come very near to our jeep while charging.

This was an amazing view! stopping the vehicle and just sitting there for sometime  was a treat in itself here:)

Day-3: Jhirna- Safari to Durga Devi and Dhikala was very tiring. We realized the fatigue only when we reached the resort back in the evening. After a tasty dinner we again fell on our beds, only to be awake at 3: 30 am again the next morning. Today we were going to Jhirna on Jeep safari.  the highlight of this day was clicking peacocks from very close on a dry river bed. And the tiger roar. Yes,we sat inside a cemented ‘machaan’ like small enclosure which was situated right on top of the hill from where you could see the other side of the Jungle bordering the river stream.We spent atleast an hour there hoping to see a tiger but all we could hear was the tiger growls. The roar suggested that there were two of them walking towards the thick jungle uphill.   The view from where we sat and waited for the tiger, was beautiful with sunrays falling on the stream. The jungle aloud with the sound of the wind and the chirping of birds, also the sound of other animals like monkeys, deers would immediately become silent every time there was a tiger growl.

Although we were not lucky enough to spot any tiger but were lucky enough to enjoy & discover the  habitat of the Jungle. A habitat! which is inspite of being rugged, cruel and with its own set of rules, tells that man is still an outsider when it comes to the animal world “the dense forest”

 After we came back from Jhirna we started for our drive back to Delhi.

Corbett forest and jungle are home to many different other species of fauna.  a heaven for bird enthusiasts. Is also one of the best bird watching area in india. Surrounded with different habitat types: mountains, saal trees, grassland etc it has a splendid landscape and has diverse wildlife. In 1956 this national park was renamed after colonel Jim Corbett,who is considered the ‘missionary of wildlife conservation in India’. This oldest national park in India has following major zones:Bijrani, Dhikala, Durga Devi, Jhirna & Sitabani.

1

Jim Corbett National Park

Captured this deer herd at Dhikala. 

After I came back from my trip to Jim Corbett, I noticed a change in me. I could identify the sounds of birds around me. Yes! Every day when I got up in the mornings, I could identify sounds of the birds chirping in the area!!. I actually started noticing the presence of fauna and flora around meJ

I call it the magical influence of my Jungle trip to Jim Corbett National Park ;). Spotting different species of flora and fauna,very rare, yet particular to different zones and seasons in Jim Corbett was the highlight of my trip here in the jungle. So much so that while on our way back to Delhi, I spotted the common kingfisher 6 times (sitting on the wires in the open field). The experience of observing nature from so close did leave a mark in my mind  that I immediately sat and started writing my thoughts in my journal.

Found this kingfisher sitting on a dead tree base in the dry river bed. The tree base was also a fascinating subject to observe upclose.

Like any other jungle safari, this was a trip worth remembering! Sighting a tuskar( that too a mast elephant) beautiful peacocks, tiger pug marks, elephant herds, Langoors, spotted deers, barking deer, goldern maashi, long horn bill etc and many other rare species of birds, made me wonder how misterious and beautiful nature is. Looking at wildlife from this very near for the first time made this to be an experience worth remembering for me!What I realized at Jim Corbett is that Jungle Safari is not just about spotting a tiger BUT  is also about experiencing and discovering the Jungle itself. It's air, rough scenic beauty, sounds, taste and not to forget the 'fearful feel'!! ;) Yes! walking in the woods, not knowing what will come from behind or what will pounce on you or for that matter, what can you capture in your camera or spot with your binocular....All this gives you a different kind of thrill. Like, while on safari walk we spotted an elephant herd across a dry river.We had to quietly move back into the forest on the other side of the river bed, so that we do not disturb them.

Quietly observing the elephant herd from across the dry river, I could capture only this glimpse of an elephant 

Or walking on the same path where tiger had walked a few hours or may be a days earlier. Looking at fresh tiger pug marks early in the morning our guide told us that the tiger had recently been here and had walked towards a particular direction. Our guide could tell us what the tiger ate last when it passed through that particular area (Finding a dear nail, small bones or animal hair particle in a dried tiger faecal matter) So identifying the foul smell in that area (smell of tiger kill) looking at pug marks, listening to tiger roar, a dear/ sambhar or monkey call- are all tell-tale signs of a tiger presence near by.

The resort that we stayed at was inside the buffer zone and daily we could hear calls, tiger roar past midnight. It was as if, the tiger reminded us that it was nearby ;). Very diligently, all tourist activities are generally stopped after 6:30 pm as the animals, especially the flesh eating animals become active after dark. (All carnivorous creatures hunt after dark) The retreat's fences are also solar electric so that tiger or any other wild animal does not venture inside the resort or other human habitation near by. Spotting huge tiger pug marks ( sometimes male and sometime female) early in the morning was our favorite daily activity during our stay there;)

After reaching the resort in the afternoon, we planned on having a walk inside the forest in the buffer zone. No! no! ....we were't brave enough to venture out alone, but with the nautralist that the resort provided...hehe!

As you walk on the dead leaf bed of the teak plant spread all around you, looking at the foot marks of the elephants and pug marks of the tiger! You realize that you are actually walking in the woods. The crisp sound of large dry teak leaves in the otherwise silent forest gives you a jitter for a while. As you come to understand that you are alone in there and on your on. While walking on the same path where a tiger had passed hours ago made me imagine him sitting nearby and watching us from a distance...
Well,by now you can very well understand that this was my first jungle experience on foot and vulnerable! but believe me it didn't turn out to be that scary ;). The sound of dry leaves does give a chill through your spine for a while in the otherwise silent forest. Thanks to our naturalist, who was leading our walk, was an expert and ensured that we returned back to the resort on time before dark. We took a two and a half hour walk in the jungle that day. The elephant herd that I mentioned in the above paragraph was spotted during this walk only.They were unaware of us and were busy grazing in the trees. Watvhing them from so close was worth taking that walk.

I was trying to take a picture of this tiny bird that sat on the dry branches of a  dead tree  in the river bed

Day-1- Sitabani: Day one was a lazy start. After we had our breakfast,we decided to take a drive to ‘Sitabani". Drive to 'Sitabani' triggered our interest in Birds. Yes, for the first time we took notice of the tiny creatures chirping and hopping around us and on trees

On our way to and fro from ‘Sitabani’ we captured many birds on camera like-purple sun bird, ducks, wood pecker, sandpiper and peacock,and hence started the affair with  bird watching at JC. At ‘Sitabani,’ is a very small temple of devi Sita which is being preserved by archeological survey of india. It also has a water resource from which flows continuously, the fresh sweet cold water.

To me travelling on the entire stretch to sitabani was more enjoyable, rather than being in sitabani.The entire 40 km stretch from ramnagar had lots of trees on both sides with a river stream flowing on the  left side. Since it was 'tarai area' so the view turned hilly as well. After we came back to the resort in the evening we felt that although it was a lazy start for the day (with sumptuous breakfast & quality time spent at the spa) but it was a perfect day spent.!

Indian Black Drongo, I feel blessed that the picture came out beautifully ;) 

After an early dinner we went off to sleep as we had to wake up at 3:30 am next day for our jeep safari to 'Dhikala'.

Pushkar & Ajmer

Situated at 11 km northwest of Ajmer, The 'Pushkar Lake' is considered to be holy by Hindus. Legend has it that the creation of the lake was the result of a lotus falling off from Lord Brahma's hand who was desperately seeking a place to carry out a religious ceremony and a fire sacrifice popularly known as a 'Yagna'. Water immediately gushed forth from the spot and in this way lake came into being. Apart from religious significance, pushkar being in the middle of hills is very picturesque. Fifty two bathing ghats have been constructed around the periphery of the Pushkar Lake. They say that water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers.

Calm & serene- Morning view of the Pushkar Lake

The entire street to the main deity temple (Brahma Temple) in Pushkar is ornamented with colourful and bright shops selling clothes, jewellery,shoes and everything that’s typical to Rajasthan & Gujarat.  One could see many shops (mainly cafe & other eating joints) that are a personification of ‘The cultural mix’ or ‘exchange’ that exists today at Pushkar. Yes! You do have a lot of foreigners coming and spending months here. Some are fascinated by the Hindu religious philosophy, Indian culture and some have come in search of ‘Nirvana’. Some are simply exploring Pushkar as part of their ‘travelling India’ experience.In the market itself, various juice counters, tattoo shops & cafe are laid out with small chairs and wooden benches for people to sit and exchange their views and experiences. 

This is my favourite :) you will find this father and daughter duo singing rajasthani folk songs daily in the evenings @ the sunset point

view of Ghats from one side of the lake

Pushkar  is surrounded by Aravali Hills from all corners and thus resides people who are originally from here and people who came here to spend some time and stayed here forever. These people learnt the culture, language and adopted themselves to the environment here. While walking in the market I saw many boards pointing towards cafes and small restaurants owned and run by these foreigners, who are no longer foreigner to this land. Such people have amalgamated their skills, cuisines, tastes and interests with Pushkar. 

One of the Ghats near the sunset point

My personal recommendation for a stay at Pushkar would be to find an accommodation from where you can view the lake. The hotel that we stayed at (Pushkar palace) had a perfect view of the lake as well as the sun-set point. We used to have our food at a restaurant at the sunset point only. (‘hotel Sunset and restaurant’)This restaurant is also my favourite personal recommendation at it is exactly at the sunset point.  Not to mention the tasty food , good service and the beautiful view of the lake. Another peculiar thing about this restaurant is that they have a colourful menu of almost every cuisine in the world! Mexican, Spanish, Chinese, Italian !! you name it and it’s there. Seriously, you do not get this much of an International choice in food in religious places in India.

People watching sunset at one of the ghats. We also sat there for sometime:)

Beautiful sunset @ Pushkar 

captured this one at the hotel:)

After a three day stay at Pushkar we headed back to Delhi, making a promise to myself to come back here again and explore and understand more on the cultural exchange and what is it about Pushkar that attaracts more foreigners here than any other place in Rajasthan. .

But all in all, visiting Ajmer Sharif, watching beautiful sunsets while sitting at ghats at Pushkar are memories enough to make this trip a memorable one. Not to forget my shopping – I bought lots of postcards( yes! I found a shop from where I bought plenty and I have a good collection now), pretty bangles and two pairs of rajasthani juttis.

Ajmer Sharif is the landmark of Ajmer city and is one of the holiest of Muslim shrines in the country. It also has a secular appeal and is revered by people of all sects. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint from Persia made this place his abode.

Route that we followed: Delhi – Gurgaon- Manesar- Behror- Shahpura- Jaipur- Bagru- KishanGarh- Ajmer- Pushkar

My prized possession ;) I went crazy when I spotted  them in the  market!

A few more of my postcards:)

I bought these beautiful bangles from the colourful market

Another capture from my iPhone-I love its camera :) all these pictures have been taken from my i-phone  in this trip!Hence a beginning of the era of i-phoneography in my blog;) 

Nainital & Mukteshwar

Trip to unwind

“What a wonderful world “I said to myself while I stared out of the small balcony at one of the hotel in Nainital.....I was amazed at the beauty of nature at this place. For all the three days that I stayed at this place, I admired Mother Nature for being so beautiful and thanked god for creating such places on earth where one could visit and unwind! I also thought of my Sangeeta bhabhi from whom I'd heard a lot about this place while growing up. Yeah! she is from Nainital and today I thank her for introducing me to this lake:)
Although we had started from Delhi (on road) with the idea of visiting ‘Mukteshwar’ but half way through we decided to go to ‘Nainital’ first and then cover ‘Mukteshwar’.

Nainital, as the name suggests is a lake (Naini Lake) surrounded by hills which believe you me, is very beautiful any time you look at it. The view of cottages and villas including the hotels that have come up on the hills is awesome. 
The early morning cool breeze, with a serene view of the lake in front of you, makes you sit and introspect in your mind. 

The sun rays falling on the lake make it glitter in the afternoon and the fun /enthusiasm of paddling a boat in it in the evening just makes your experience at the lake complete. There are plenty of budgeted hotels that you will find at Nainital. Look for the ones that are situated at the hill so that you get the beautiful view of the lake from your room itself. When you are in Nainital don’t miss out on visiting Bheemtaal, Sat- Tal and Nauchika Tal in Uttarakhand. These other ‘Tals’ are situated at a few kilometres from Nainital. (Bheemtal to Nainital- 22km, Sat- Tal to Nainital-23 km, Naukuchiatal to Nainital- 23km). Also, ensure to do the local sight-seeing by hiring a taxi for a day rather than driving yourself around. Taxies and the guides are easily available on mall road at reasonable rates. Be careful to carry some shawl or some warm clothes as evenings are cold here especially when it rains. The rains are very unpredictable here.

Local places to see- Cave Garden, Hanuman temple, Raj Bhawan (Governor’s house, golf course), Zoo, KhurTal- man made lake, small waterfall, lover’s point, high point are the important things to see in Nainital. Rope way or Cable car connects the snow view point with Nainital. All this can be covered in one day. You should give one day to enjoy all the boat rides on the lake. More adventurous and sporty can have the fun of paddling the boat in a paddle boat. It’s a small boat for two people to paddle. Or if you want to just sit and enjoy the boat ride then you can have the one driven by the boat man. We decided on spending time on both and believe me it was worth it. There were people enjoying kayaking as well in the lake.

You will find many shops that arrange for a day’s tour on mall itself. Mall road runs on one side of lake with plenty of hotels, shops and restaurants etc. We hired a local taxi wala for an amount of Rs 1500/- to show us around on the local tour of Nainital. The Zoo is situated on a l’ll height. It is at an altitude of 2100mts in an open, large and sprawling area. It is well maintained and has parakeets, silver pheasants, Leopards, Himalayan bear, monkeys etc. Visiting the caves was also fun. If you are an adventurous sort then you will definitely enjoy going through those narrow caves. But if you are even a wee bit claustrophobic then it is not recommended. Visiting Raj Bhawan requires buying an entry ticket but one is not allowed to go inside the governer’s house.However; from the outside of it one can admire the greenery outside the building, which is well maintained .Like other hill areas this place also had many small temples in and around, especially of God Hanuman. The road to the local waterfall and the lover’s point is beautiful especially when it’s raining. We got drenched in the rain and enjoyed some candid photography as well. One of my friend loves taking pics so he took out his camera and took some shots in the rain that came out really beautifully. In fact while we were coming back to the lake after our local site- seeing it started raining heavily. Remember weather is unpredictable here!It doesn’t stay in one condition and changes very quickly. 

We had to head to Mukteshwar (it is 51km from Nainital and at an elevation of 7513 ft) so we did not decide on staying but one can stay longer and plan on visiting Kausani, Almora etc as well. Mukteshwar, I would say is another paradise on earth. Still, so very untouched by the tourist crowd. Although there are many resorts that you will find on your way to Mukteshwar. But the best and the most famous one to stay is the ‘mountain trail’.

If you want to unwind and gain peace away from the maddening hustle bustle of our daily life then ‘Mukteshwar’ is the place to go.

The most peculiar thing that we observed at Mukteshwar was the sound of the wind that flows through the trees. Yes! The wind flows making a sound of a ‘Jharna’ (waterfall). Listening to the sound was very soothing and calm. It gives you a very soothing and quiet feel and brings you more closer to Nature. The experience and the stay there was very relaxing and calm. We had covered the Nainital & Mukteshwar trip in a week’s time giving three days each to both the places.

'Chauli ki Jaali'-My favourite point on the cliff to spend time early mornings and evenings daily at Mukteshwar

Himalayan peaks as visible from Mukteshwar in the early mornings

Nainital is much commercialized and very much touched by the tourists, but Mukteshwar is not. By the way, you don’t expect a TV either at such a place;)

At mountain trail, the rooms are made such (there is a varandah and a glazed sit-out next to your room) that you can always enjoy the view of snow peaked mountains of Himalaya in front of you. Early morning view from here is a breathtaking one. Mukteshwar, I would recommend is an ideal place to spend some quiet time with family or the loved ones. 

A very famous temple of lord Shiva called “Mukteshwar temple” and “Chauli ki Jaali” are the two venues for sightseeing here. ‘Chauli ki Jaali’ is a overhanging of cliffs and rocks, which gives a breath taking view of both sunrise and sunset. They also provide a panoramic view of the valley below. This is also a very good point for spotting eagles and other birds. Witnessing sun-rise & sunset at these cliffs is an experience in itself. If you like adventure sport then the resort administration helps arrange for mountain climbing, rappelling and fox trot/flying activity at Chauli ki Jaali. 

Mukteshwar became famous after IVRI was established in 1893. But the name has been derived from the famous 350 yrs old temple of Lord Shiva called “mukteshwar” which is situated at the highest point at town. “Mukti” means moksha/ salvation by Ish, i.e.Lord Shiva. As per the local story, Lord Shiva gave Mukti to a demon that he killed. The temple itself is very calm and serene. Climbing the stairs through the woods gives you a tranquil and delightful feeling. We heard the wind blowing like a jharna at the temple stairs only. March-April (a non- peak) season is a better idea to visit. Mukteshwar is a very small town in Uttarakhand and locals are as helpful and naive as people would be at any hill station. Resorts like Mountain Trail provide you with all the modern amenities except for a TV.
Various adventures activities that one can enjoy at Mukteshwar are trekking, Nature Walks in the nearby woods, fox flying, rappelling & rock climbing.

Trip to Nainital and Mukteshwar is worth visiting again always!

Lansdowne-The ‘Do Nothing Get away’

Spending your time doing nothing in the midst of mountain hills is one ‘do nothing activity’ that lets you admire the sunset, sunrise, clouds, chilly wind, flowers in the valley-all in all, the beauty of nature around you...:) and there’s no better place than Lansdowne to do so.

Valley view from our room at Lansdowne

Leaving for Lansdowne, (a small hill station situated in Uttarakhand) on a Friday was a perfect ‘Get away’ for our weekend.

Still untouched by the modern tourism industry, this place was originally a popular hill station for Britishers. Situated at an altitude of 1,706 m enroute Kotdwar-Pauri road, it was founded and named after then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887. Only 250 km from Delhi, this place is surrounded by tall, thick oak and blue pine forests. 

Lansdowne is not yet stained by tourists. Its tranquil and pristine beauty unlike other hill stations (like Shimla, Moussouri etc) is still intact. If you ask me, I would say it is an ideal place to ‘Do nothing’, just relax and spend time with your family or loved one. There are very few resorts n hotels which are situated a few kilometres prior to the hill station, all promising a mystique view of the valley. The one that we stayed at had a 180 degree view of the valley in front. The sunrise and sunset are mesmerising here. We got up at 4/4:30 am daily to witness the sunrise. The valley view is awe-inspiring! The sound of wind blowing swiftly, pine trees moving to the rhythm of wind, the colourful flower beds; all this makes it so peaceful that one feels a sense of calm and tranquillity here. Truly, a get- away from the hustle- bustle of fast moving city life....ohh...just to stress on the peaceful time-mobile phones and internet don’t work here :)

Beautiful misty Lansdowne

Bells :) my fascination in the hills

If you are a nature loving person who enjoys a trek to an unknown village down the hill, who likes the feel of being surrounded by huge mountain trees like-oak and pine, love waterfalls, zigzag mountain roads, then, this is the place for you. The magnificently changing colours in the sky during the sunrise each day that we witnessed, is still embedded in our memory....Sunrise every day seemed a different mix of colours, formation of clouds, surrounded by vibrant flower beds and mountains all around. Not to mention the view after the sunset- small individual houses scattered at a distance in the mountains and flower beds would change to ‘twinkling stars’ in darkness (lights of the houses in the valley as seen from far away gives this impression)

Valley view from our balcony

Feels heaven on earth

Tarkeshwar temple

Way to sanctum- sanctoram at Tarkeshwar Temple

For those who are interested in sightseeing here, temples, churches, museum and a lake can easily be covered in a day. The famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here. The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is another attraction for the visitors. Other places of interest around the city are ‘Tip-n-Top’-one could see the mountain view of the western Himalayas from here, Santoshi Mata Temple, Bhulla Taal (man made lake), St. Mary's Church, Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple.

A small trek leading to a local village

Nature and its simplicity

A colourful cemented platform

The temple is 36 km from Lansdowne and is at a height of 1,800 m, this place is known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by thick forests of deodar and pine, it is another aw-inspiring place because of the beauty of nature, it is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or SiddhaPithas. The temple place is surrounded by thick blue pine forests, oak trees and dense Deodars. The spectacular feature of this place is that even at this high altitude, there are many water pools, flowing continuously. What fascinated me here were the bells surrounding the temple vicinity, both big and small. This gave a special identity to the temple. 
During our stay of 2 days, we enjoyed a small early morning trek near to the resort that we stayed. The forests are lovely, dark and deep, just ideal for those long walks.

A walk in the clouds !

Road route that we followed- ->Delhi-->meerut->bijnor->najibabad->kotdwar->lansdowne. 

Way to a small local temple 

Santoshi Mata Temple entrance

It is advisable to start early in the morning (around 4:30/5:00 am) from Delhi so as to avoid the traffic in Meerut. Also keep a light stomach while travelling in order to avoid mountain sickness, since you would be driving uphill after Najibabad. Do ensure to have your petrol full before you start as the nearest petrol pump is in kotdwar only which is 37km from lansdowne.
And do carry your camera if when you venture outside, you never know what you may like to capture. I developed a fetish for temple bells here, which were in every temple and I had a fun time clicking my way to them. It is also advisable to hire a local taxi for sightseeing instead of driving yourself. The resort helpdesk readily arranged for us the same as per our requirements.

Lansdowne was the perfect choice to spend our weekend.