Churdhar… (Bangles of Snow Ridge)

Churdhar… (Bangles of Snow Ridge)

Churdhar is a perfect place of Himalayan elegance and natural beauty. Located in Sirmour district in Himachal Pradesh. Churdhar is also known as Churi-Chandni Dhar (Bangles of Snow ridge) The peak is highest in Sirmour and outer layers of Himalayas which is 3647 Meters (12000 feet) above sea level. In 1894, George Everest (the Survey general of India) made many astronomical readings and sighting of Himalayas from Churdhar peak only. The wide area of 56 Kms comes under the Churdhar sanctuary which makes it one of the peaceful places on earth.  

Sunrise at the Peak

A view from the Peak

Lush Green Valleys at Churdhar

Sunset View from the peak

On a sunny day you can enjoy the view of Kedarnath and Badrinathpeaks, Lahaul and Spiti range, Gangetic plains, Hills of Shimla and Kasauli from the peak.  Churdhar peak owns a deodar roofed temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Chureshwar Mahadev). Local people have lot of beliefs in Chureshwar Mahadev. There is huge concrete idol of Lord Shiva that is located atop of peak.

Idol Of Lord Shiva at the peak

To reach Churdhar peak, a well defined trail through the Deodar trees from Sarahan. A steep trek of 8 Kms with charming spots makes your journey unforgettable. Alternatively the Churdhar peak can also be approached through Nohradhar- Rajgarh in Solan district. A 16 Kms trek is easier to approach the peak as compared to Sarahan Trek. The north face of the Churdhar peak is covered with snow for almost 6 months. The trek to Churdhar can be done from May to November, when the snow melts and trails are accessible. Trekking to the Churdhar Peak through a tough trek, passing through the changing scenes of the diverse nature and observing the culture, when you place your feet on the peak point, you will feel satisfied and overwhelmed with the earth’s spectacular beauty.

 

Dusshera - A symbol of victory of the Good over the Evil

Dusshera - A symbol of victory of the Good over the Evil

Dusshera:- is widely celebrated and very significant festival of Hindus celebrated all over the India. The festival celebrates the victory of the good and pure over the bad and evil. Dusshera is celebrated with different rituals in different parts of India. In North the festival is dedicated to the win of Lord Rama(good) over the Ravana(evil) whereas in southern and eastern part of country, it is celebrated for the win of Goddess Durga over the devil Mahishasur. On occasion of Dusshera festival various fairs are organized with full enthusiasm.

Royal procession of Mysore during the Dusshera festival

The Mysore Dusshera has a history of more than 400 years. A 10 day festival starts with navratri and has a finale on Dusshera day. A royal flavor is added to the Dusshera festival when royal couple performs AYUDHA PUJA with traditional culture of the WODEYAR family. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari(aspect of Durga) is taken on decorated elephants with a royal procession from the palace to Dusshera ground. The palace of Mysore is decorated with flowers and lights and is the one of the attractive thing during the festival.

Mysore Palace

 

Royal procession during the Dusshera festival celebration

Another Royal-Lead festival, Kullu Dusshera. Here the devotees carry idols of Gods and Goddesses on their heads in a procession where they meet the main God, Lord Raghunath. This is led by the King of the Kullu. The Kullu Dusshera is slightly different from other as it starts when other finishes the 10 day long festival. In Kullu Dusshera festival starts on dusshera day and carries on for a week.  On the last day of the celebration the pile of wood is set to fire which signifies the symbolic burning of Ravana’s Lanka. Phool yatra, International folk festival and Kullu fair are some of the attractive events here during the Dusshera festival.

A still from the Ramlila 

Delhi Dusshera – a festival starts with Navratri and Ramlila – an enachment of the life of Lord Rama and continues till Dusshera, also known as VIJAYDASHMI. Ramlila is a unique feature during Dusshera celebration where the stories from Ramayana , especially the war between Lord Ram and Ravana  are recreated in the form of plays and Skits. 

Ramlila maidan in old delhi hosts the most popular Ramlila shows of the region. Following Ramlila , effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are set to fire as  symbol of victory of the Good over the Evil along with various fireworks. Mela or Fairs are a major highlight of Dusshera festival, where stalls are set for shopping, joy- ride and other activities. 

Navratri

 Navratris

              

A festival which is completely devoted to the goddess of power. The name NAVRATRIS is derived from Sanskrit language which means NINE NIGHTS. According to Hindu beliefs, navratri comes 4 times a year.

1.    Sharada Navratri: this is the most celebrated amongst the four. The word sharada defines the season of autumn in Hindu Calendar which comes in September-October.

2.  Vasanta/Chaitri Navratri: Vasanta means Spring, the second most popular after Sharada Navratri. It falls in the month of February-March.

3.    Magha Navratri: it comes in Winters in the month of January – February.

4.    Ashada Navratri: It falls in the month of June- July and is generally referred as a start of the monsoon season.

Navartri Pandal

The Navratris of autumn month is most celebrated. The goddess Durga is worshipped in Sharada Navratri. On the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, Ramnavmi is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri.  On the fifth day of Magha Navratri Basant, Panchmi celebrated, which officially starts the spring season according to Hindu calendar.

The festival of Navratri is celebrated all over India, the way of celebration varies with region and different beliefs. Along with the Mother Goddess(Shakti), her different aspects and Lord Rama is also revered regionally.

Women in traditional dress performing Durga Puja in west bengal

A.   East India: In the eastern part of India, it is popularly known as Durga Puja. Durga Puja is the biggest festival celebrated here. The air is filled with energy, large size idols of Goddess Durga is decorated in the pandals. The fragrance of the incense sticks and sound of drums fill the air with freshness, energy and purity. The Durga Puja of West Bengal is very famous.                                                                  

Dusshera Celebration

B.    North India: During Navratris the epic story of Lord Rama is marked,this event is known as Ramlila. On the tenth day after Navratri Dusshera is celebrated which symbolizes the victory of good (Lord Rama) over the evil (Ravana). This festival is celebrated with full enthusiasm in the Royal dynasty of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.  Along with this, the different aspects of Goddess Durga is worshiped. Devotes fast to please the goddess and on ashtmi( 8^th day) or Navmi(9^th day), they worship 9 little girl child and a boy. Some devotes also organise jagrans all night vigils, songs and dance in honour of deity and Puja.

Celebrations in Goa and Mysore

  C.    South India: In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the festival of Navratri is popular as Kolu and Batukamma Pandunga respectively. Here the Goddess Durga, Goddess Laxmi, and Goddess Saraswati are worshipped for nine days.  In Kolu festival, 9 staircases is decorated with 9 sculpture of different Gods and Goddesses representing 9 nights. The Idol of Durga is worshipped for 9 days and is set afloat in the river or lake on the 10^th day. The temples and houses are decorated with different flowers and colorful rangolis.

Batukama Padunga ,(Andhra Pradesh) and Kolu (Tamil Nadu) festival Decorations

D.  West India: like other parts of India, here also Navratri is celebrated with a great pomp and glitter.  Devotees fast for 9 days and worship the goddess in the evening by lighting flame inside the earthen pots with holes.  Later in the evening people wears traditional dresses and perform Garba and Dandiya dance.

Women Performing Garba 

TraveList - Meghalaya (Abode of Clouds)

Meghalaya

Meghalaya( Abode of Clouds)

A state situated in the north eastern part of India. It is known as the wettest place in the world due to its rainfall records. Meghalaya is covered with high mountains, valleys and highland plateaus. During the monsoon, the rivers and waterfalls flow with full force. To reach Meghalaya, nearest airport and railway station is Guwahati.

Things to do during your stay in Meghalaya

Shillong Point

Umiam Lake - Shillong

Shillong: it is the capital of the state. During the British rule in India, they named this place ‘SCOTLAND OF THE EAST’ as it resembles the highlands of the Scotland. Shillong has many beautiful lakes and waterfalls nearby like Elephant falls, Umiam Lake and Shillong point. Umaim lake is 16 km's away from the Shillong city. Umaim Lake sports complex has facilities like paddle boating, sailing, speed boating and rowing.  Witness the traditions, Culture and food of the local  Khasi and Jaintia tribes.  Find out more about Shillong City in the most popular market “police bazaar’. Shillong is also known as rock capital of the country, enjoy the night life with many clubs, bars and restaurants at Shillong.

Scotland of the East - Shillong

7 Sisters Falls - Cheerapunji

Sohra (Cheerapunji): is about 60 km's south of Shillong, Cheerapunji holds the second highest rainfall record in a year after Mawsyram. It is surrounded by lush and diverse vegetation and forests. Cherrapunji has very beautiful and charming waterfalls, such as the 7 Sisters Falls and Nohkalikai falls. The double root bridge in Mawsyram is famous among the tourists and is naturally made of tree roots. Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest waterfall in India. This wonderful waterfall is falling from the height of 1115 Feet (340 Mtr).

Living Root Bridge- Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong- a small village in East Khasi hills (Meghalaya) and is known for its cleanliness and natural beauty. Mawlynnong is awarded as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. Due to its beauty, it is also called ‘GODS OWN GARDEN’.

Nohkalokai Falls

Umngot River - Dawki

Dawki:-  a town situated 70kms south of Shillong city in Jaintia Hills district and shares an international border with Bangladesh. Nature lovers and travelists must visit this beautiful destination.  Green mountains, crystal clear water of the river and the beautiful view of the suspension bridge make this place worth a visit. The bridge over the Umngot rives was constructed by British in 1932. Enjoy the scenic beauty and boat ride in the river.

Krang Suri Falls

Dehradun

                    

Dehradun, where different world dwells, it’s the climate of the city, that makes everyone feel loved. On one side, queen of Mountains “mussoorie” and other side the best resort of Elephants “Rajaji National Park”.  It is also limited by Ganges in east and Yamuna river in west. You can take flights, rail or road to reach here, which is well connected to the whole of India.

Places to Visit in dehradun..

                                                                

SahastraDhara, here your eyes will get amazing sights. The literal meaning of Sahastradhara is 'thousand fold spring'. Its immense beauty attracts people from far and away. It is said that whenever you go there you are sure to forget all your worries and sorrows. It is a place which rejuvenates our mind and makes us alive!

Buddha Temple, The statue of Buddha, 103 feet high, with 606 feet high stupa is very attractive. The wall paintings in Buddha Temple illustrating the life events of Lord Buddha are simply incomparable.

Tapovan, just 6 kms from the city. It is said that Guru Dronacharya had austerity here.

Ashoka's Rock edits @ Kalsi

56 kms away from the place called Kalsi, where Yamuna and its auxiliary river Tons are in confluence. Here you also find the Ashoka’s rock edits.

Here, the Indian Military Academy has created a separate identity here, which has been in the service of the country since 1932

Forest Research Institute

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is an institute pf the Indian council of Forestry Research and Education.It is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India and is one of the oldest institutions of its kind. FRI also contains a museum on forestry. It is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Many Movies like Krishna Cottage, Rehna hai tere dil mein, Paan Singh Tomar, Student of the Year were shot here.

A safari at Rajaji National park and explore the wild life.

If you are shopaholic then here you have a lot of markets like Paltan bazaar, Tibet market, dhamawala bazaar,Indira market.

Escaping from the cacophony and chores of daily urban life is something we all desire but it is always not possible to do so…. But if there is a chance, why not..  just hit the “TRAVELIST"