A Travel Through Different Terrains

CHANDIGARH-MANALI-KULLU-DALHOUSIE-AMRITSAR (10 days - 11 nights)

"A journey once again we dwell,

     Listen carefully, what I’m going to tell,
         Everyone filled with high exuberance spell,
             The journey has ended with sweet memories as a caramel."

Planning-Shopping-Packing:

As the trend of alternate IV destinations goes on in our college between Royal Rajasthan and Chilled Manali, it was our final year and the destination was Manali(Himachal Pradesh). Our excitement was at its peak but there were many hurdles which we had to cross before our final IV meeting. In this meeting to our surprise, we had got Citrus Resort at Manali for which had requested earlier. The reason behind this will be explained later in the blog. The shopping lists were being ticked and our suitcases were packed. There were a minimum of two fully packed bags with everyone because of the woolens.

Train Journey to Chandigarh:

The day had finally arrived. We boarded the 12217 Sampark Kranthi Express for Chandigarh at 10.55 am from Panvel Station. After settling down we started with cards and all other games. Everyone had brought enough snacks and food to last us for our entire journey. We made sandwiches for dinner. At midnight we started with creepypastas in dim light. We were about to miss our train at Delhi station because it started without giving a horn. At Ambala Cantt we ordered Dominos pizzas for everyone. Then we reached Chandigarh Station.

Chandigarh at its best:

Chandigarh is a shining example of what India will become in the future as it becomes more and more developed. It's clean, wide, perfectly paved and parallel streets resemble a North American city far more than an Indian one.

At Clarion Inn:
The climate was dull with light showers yet refreshing. We checked in at Clarion Inn Hotel and freshened up to take photos and have dinner. The food at this hotel was of average quality. But we enjoyed the most at this hotel with different games, dance and horror pranks.

Industrial Visit:

The next day after breakfast we checked out for our Industrial Visit and Chandigarh sightseeing. First, we visited the Inter Solar Company and learned the entire making of the Solar system. They provide round the clock services related to solar panels manufacturing, solar system manufacturing, solar water heating system manufacturing and all other solar EPC products across India. Around the industrial area, there were beautiful farms of wheat crop. We had a few clicks here.

Rock Garden:

After lunch, we were on our way to the Rock Garden. It a spectacular landscaped Garden made out of recycled and organic materials, started years and years ago by Nek Chand. The weather was extremely pleasant and chill. We started our photoshoot being spellbound by the Dreamland of Nek Chand. But the photos cannot do justice to this beautiful place. Because of photography, we missed out the heart of this garden. So a piece of advice for all those who plan a visit here would be to see the entire garden first and then click photos.

Sukhna Lake:

Next, our stop was the Sukhna Lake - The only prominent waterbody in Chandigarh with calm water and abundant nature within the city limits. Here you can take a walk with your friends on the peripherals, do boating or simply admire the Shivalik hills form the backdrop of the lake reminding you that you are in the foothills of the Himalayas. We tried some food from the eateries beside the lake. The Tandoori Soya Chaap and Veg Momos with several sauces were extremely tasty. Then we headed for some shopping at the local Gandhi Market. Many students took pineapple barfi for family and tried the local chaat of Chandigarh.

Enroute Manali:

That night after dinner we headed for Manali. At our first break everyone had fallen cold and hence took hot tea and shook a leg to warm up. Taking anti Vomiting medicines we all fell asleep and opened our eyes to the dawn of Manali. Luckily no one had experienced motion sickness on this long journey. We halted at a riverside restaurant for our morning breakfast. The weather was so cold that in spite of wearing 4 layers of clothes still, we were feeling the chills.

Manali at its best

"The Sky hug the Hills warm and tight,
     Clad in a robe shining in golden white,
          Unfolding Nature’s treasures of Might,
               Manali has mesmerizing, gorgeous Sight!!"

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Manali is amidst the snow cladded laps of Himalayan mountain slopes, with spell-binding views, charming streams of the mighty Beas dominating the landscapes throughout, fairy-tale-like fog surrounding little hidden cottages and a lingering scent of pines and freshness. The surrounding areas are still relatively untouched. The air always smells nice because it’s pure, the water always tastes good, because in most of the places, it comes from waterfalls that emerge out of glaciers. This is one place that should definitely be on your bucket list.

Citrus Resort Manali:

After a long journey we checked in at the hotel we were most excited for. Citrus Resort - Manali nestled amidst the panoramic views of the beautiful snow clad mountains, gurgling Beas river, vast acres of orchards, deodar groves and a lush valley promises to offer a soothing experience to its guests. Let go off your burden and unwind in the ornately crafted facades, trendy rooms with a touch of nature in its wooden flooring overlooking the scenic river, rich and stunningly designed interiors or sit by the river and savor the delicious cuisine or laze around by the outdoor terrace and garden admiring the views; nothing can compensate to a stay at Citrus Manali. We boys were extremely fortunate to get to live in a beautiful villa at citrus which made our stay more memorable but at the same time many of friends got rooms with the central heaters not working and despite multiple complaints to the hotel staff the problem wasn't fixed. Many also changed their rooms because of the same issue since it is difficult to survive the chills of Manali especially at night.

Hidimba Temple:

Post lunch we were told to visit the Mall road at our own cost but we had decided to cover the Hidimba Temple too that evening itself because of the proximity. We caught the Himalayan State Transport bus and reached the mall road in 10rs from our hotel. From here we trekked for the Hidimba Temple. The air was thin and we were panting on our climb. Packed full of thick deodar trees and surrounded by the Himalayas sits Hadimba a serene looking temple, safely tucked away in a forest of the lovely hill station. After the construction of this temple, the hand of the chief carver was cut off, so that he could never create anything that beautiful again. Finally, a temple where one sees no idol but the very footmark of their beloved Goddess. The unadorned walls of mud are covered with stonework in contrast with the wooden doorway, which is elaborately decorated with miniature depictions of Goddess, attendants, animals and stylized foliation. At the temple, we took some photos with the fluffy rabbits, the traditional Himalayan dress and sitting on the Yak.

After praying at the temple we headed for shopping at the mall road. The temperature fell and we were shivering while shopping at the market. We took woolens and gloves to beat the cold. Also tried some local delicacies. They were simply lip smacking. You have to bargain at this market to prevent a hole in your pocket.

Solang Valley:

The next day after a short yet extremely picturesque drive from our hotel we reached the Solang valley which brings to you another world full of surprises. We rented the coats and gumboots for this adventure from a nearby shop for 250 rs. After getting down of our vans we

Turned into a child once again, and let loose as we played in the snow. Now we headed for the snow activities which we got at rs 600 after bargaining for 4 activities including tube slide, zip line, quad bike and skiing. We had our Dream Maggie in Solang valley enjoying the beautiful views. There are multiple other options which you can explore here including skiddo, ropeway (rs 650) and paragliding. Due to time constraints, we couldn't cover it all. After all, that is what travel is all about.

Mall road:

In the evening, we again visited the Mall road while many rested at the hotel. Often referred to as the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Manali is the focal point of this popular hill destination. Lined with multiple hotels, restaurants and bars, this busy commercial center also houses numerous shops and emporiums. We mostly shopped for shawls and leather jackets for 200 and 900 rs approximately. If you look beyond the obvious you will find numerous trails all around Manali and if anyone looks inviting, just ask any local about it. Find where it leads to, how easy or difficult it is. And armed with this information, just follow your heart.

DJ Night:

At night there was DJ for us at hotel. Forgetting everything around us we danced with our souls and not our mind, with all our energy in the blinding lights and deafening sound. Everyone showcased their special moves and just danced till we dropped.

Tibetian Monastery:

This day everyone woke up early and clicked some snaps in the beautiful back lawns and riverside. After checkout, we went to the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa Monastery. It was again near the mall road so our bus dropped us till Manali Inn hotel from where we enjoyed the walk upto this monastery. Capturing the Tibetan culture many adorned the Kashmiri traditional dress here too. The little Nepali kids playing around the Monastery were extremely cute.

Kullu:

The remaining shopping was completed this day at our final visit to mall road after which we headed for lunch in Kullu. It was surprising lunch this day where we crossed the surging river Beas in a cart enjoying yet another adventure. We had our afternoon lunch perched prettily on the lawns over this river as the gushing river made music with birdsong. After lunch, we got mesmerized in the traditional Kashmiri dance and music which was performed for us by the locals. Later they invited us to join them and we showed our unity through the coordination required for their dance moves. We also sat around the bonfire at the campsite and soaked in the warmth. The clouds had gathered and it started pouring down. At night we reached the Aar Kay Shawl Factory which was exorbitantly priced. It was a waste of time to travel here. Then we proceeded to our dinner at Mandi. It was a really long journey but we played Antakshari the entire way and ended up with all the songs which possibly strike our minds. We had our dinner late that night. After dinner, we bade goodbye to our friends from EXTC Department who were on their return journey.

Enroute Dalhousie:

We now took the road for Dalhousie. Already the students were frightened because of the long journey to this beautiful hill station. We distributed the Vomit bags to those who generally experience nausea. Early morning we arrived at Dharamshala. Deep in sleep, we didn't realize until 7.00 AM  that we had halted here since 5.00 am for our breakfast and the driver had taken a nap after bringing us safely to this point. After breakfast, we continued our journey to Dalhousie from Dharamshala. It was a long route through twisting ghats and slopes across mountain ranges. The curving road and the jaw-dropping cliff on one side of the road did nothing to assuage our troubled hearts. We experienced a high adrenaline rush as we traveled on these roads.

Dalhousie at its Best:

Dalhousie, which is blessed with enchanting beauty, certain tranquility of its ambiance and the serenity and sacredness of its culture. Thick forests of pine and deodar covered the hill slopes with the trunks of the trees easily a few feet wide. The serenity of Dalhousie is only disturbed by twittering birds and the sound of the gusting winds.

 

Snow Point:

Finally, we checked in at the Dalhousie Heights hotel. Unfortunately, there were no heaters provided in any room. We had to pay 300 rs extra for the heater. Some students did take it because the room was freezing cold. In groups of 10, we sat in a van and headed for the snow point at Saach Pass. We intended to go to Khajjiar popularly known as the mini Switzerland of India but it was closed due to roads being blocked by snow. Everyone was very much disappointed because our main aim of the visit to Dalhousie was to see this amazing place. Still, our agent wanted us to enjoy at the snow point so he started with the snow fight and slowly all joined in. We enjoyed time with each other in snow which we couldn't at Solang valley because of the activities which kept us busy. At a small hut, we sat for some tea and Maggie with small bonfire lit.

Sunset at its best:

On our way back from snow point we witnessed the most magical sunset of our lifetime - one from above the clouds. Usually, the sun disappears behinds the mountains. But now we were on the tallest mountains and the sunset could not escape our eyes. We were intrigued by this marvelous sight and even if we failed to capture it in our cameras we did capture it in our heart. To describe it in best words.

As the sun went down it began to fling his parting rays across all the sky, from horizon to zenith. It painted the clouds with his fiery pigments, and they glowed with gorgeous colors from the lake to river. Golden and yellow near the track of his disappearance, the hues change to boundless masses of pink, and crimson, and scarlet, and purple, further up the dome of the sky. Gold changed to crimson, crimson deepened to purple, and soon the glory of the heavens passed away. We all were left spellbound with this mystical beauty of mother nature.

Panchpula:

At Panchpula there was a park for small children, few shops and local eateries. We trekked the waterfall in this region and enjoyed the gustling streams which flow down the mountain. After spending some time here we went to shop at the Mall Road. We specially wanted to taste the momos here but they weren't up to our expectations. We explored the city church and Tibetian market near it. We walked back to our hotel on the curvy roads of Dalhousie. After dinner, we gathered up to play some games.

Golden Temple at its best:

Next day we checked out early and left for Amritsar - The final location in our itinerary. We reached here in the afternoon after taking a couple of stops at Pathankot. Freshening up we changed in our traditional outfits for our visit to Golden temple. At sunset, we reached the golden temple and witnessed the Glittering and Sparkling temple in between the holy water surrounding it from four sides. At night the beauty reaches its peak when the temple lits up with Powerful LEDs, Chandeliers and Golden lights. A Walk through the main entrance of the Golden Temple – the holiest temple for the Sikh religion. And try not to be blown away by the beautiful mix of colors all around you as well, by the traditional music (kirtan) being played over the entire complex and by the happy and friendly Sikhs strolling along the marble walkway that surrounds the main temple (parikrama of pathway-four rectangular cubicles). You can spend hours inside the Golden Temple without ever getting bored of the unique atmosphere. You can even eat a free meal at the langar hall (pilgrimage dining hall) and you can also spend a night or two at one of the temple’s Gurdwaras (pilgrim guesthouses). The long wait in the queue to get inside the Golden Temple is totally worth it. Have patience as the queue slowly but steadily inches forward. Because The insides have to be seen to be believed. Photography isn’t permitted inside. You have to store in your memory the beauty that accosts you. It is two floors of sheer brilliance. Take all your time to soak in the art around you. This place invokes spirituality in many of its visitors. We were lucky to have enough time to enjoy the Golden temple. Returning from the Golden temple we stopped by the local chaat and tasted the Aloo Tikki Burger - A Punjabi Version of it. It was our last night stay at the hotel so we gathered up that night to recollect the beautiful time we spent in the entire IV and celebrated the Birthdays of two of friends.

Jallianwala Bagh and Shopping:

On the last day of  Amritsar we had an amazing breakfast and Lunch. We visited the Jallianwala Bagh which marks one of the major heinous political crimes committed by the Britishers during the twentieth century. It houses a memorial of national importance portraying the Bravery of Indians who Jumped into a well to not be killed at the hands of the ruthless British. Paying a tribute to the deceased we went for shopping at Amritsar. The shops are close-knit. Everyone took Kadaas (special Bangle worn by Sikhs), juttis (Amritsari shoes), fulkari materials, patialas and sweets for our family. We tasted the Amritsari Lassi, Punjabi Kulfi and Phirni.

Wagha Border at its best:

Post Lunch we left for Wagha border - flag retreat ceremony.  Some People drew temporary tattoos of the Indian Flag on their cheeks to showcase their love for the motherland. This was the best and most awaited places in our entire IV. We found front seats to enjoy the ceremony. Popular Patriotic music blasted through the speakers in front of our stand and females started to walk to the center of the “stage”. They bore the flag proudly and ran across the stage like a torch race. Soon enough all were slowly moving their bodies to the music and when more women joined them, they broke out into a cheerful dance. It was electrifying – women were dancing, hollering, and radiating their pride for the country. Only women were allowed to join the party while men watched from the stands with their smartphones and cameras aloft. Next began the competitive cheering between the two nations, with each shout getting louder than the previous, giving us chills. The atmosphere was intense and filled with nationalistic fervour. As our skins shrivelled and sweat dripped from our foreheads, the Indian and Pakistani soldiers had it worse with their thick, pressed uniforms and ostentatiously colourful headgear. From where we are sitting, soldiers marched and display strength via their exaggerated movements. They marched into neat formations and often kicked their legs high up as a way of displaying strength. The parade was really grand and exhibited the discipline of the soldiers guarding the border. It was also to show Pakistan how united India is. Finally the flags of both nations were brought down and the the ceremony came to an end with it. The Wagah Border Ceremony, was definitely something we had never seen before.

Train Journey to Mumbai:

At night we had dinner on our own and caught the 12904 Golden Temple Mail for our return Journey to Mumbai at 9.25 pm. The seats were scattered and somehow we managed to sit in our groups as much as we could. Resting at night we enjoyed the next day playing games. I was however busy with ordering afternoon lunch for everyone. As it was holi the train food ordering app service was closed. We ordered from a local restaurant at Kota Junction whose contact I got from my one of my friends. The food was tasty and the service was too good. Everyone enjoyed their meal. You can contact the restaurant (AMAR PUNJABI DHABA) on +91 77280 44455. In the evening at Ratlam Junction we ordered from Dominos. We enjoyed the last few hours of our train journey like no one could imagine. We played chor police, Hide and seek and so many other games. As it was Holi night all those who were asleep were colored by some mischievous friends amongst us. The train arrived at Dadar station at 4.41 am. We had started sweating again in the humid climate of Mumbai. We caught early morning local and reached our sweet homes with even sweeter memories. It was a perfect  chilled out vacation.

“Ocean of talks” done in a small way,
     There everyone wanted to stay,
          But responsibilities can’t be kept away,
               We did collect memories from there and kept it locked for years away."