A Short Gateway
By Rajneesh Bansal, Managing Director - Paul Merchants Ltd.
8th February, 2023
Busy schedules and money-making are the two hard-accepting truths of our lives, taking time out to pamper ourselves is out of the question nowadays. Even if we do get teeny-tiny time around the weekends, we spent it scrolling down YouTube shorts or Instagram reels. So boring!
Most of us want a change from the monotonous routine but can't spare days for outings, who would like to lose a day's dime over a holiday?
But what if travelling to beautiful scenic places becomes possible over long weekends with no tiresome routines and no losing money on the job?
Trust us it is possible, a short gateway from all the traffic, managers grim, office politics and a daily hectic timetable. From Himachal to Rajasthan long weekends will surely be fruitful and rejuvenating.
Explore your wanderlust with destinations, that will make you appreciate weekends.
Scenic Dev Bhoomi (KASOL, MANIKARAN AND SETHAN VALLEY)
“Desh shobhla Himachal mhaara Himachal mhara, Zhainda chamku sarge na taara” the song clearly depicts the beauty of the Himachal, it says that Himachal shines as bright as that of a heavenly star. Each and every place in Northern Pradesh is just endearing. But here we will specifically mention the breathtaking beauty of Kasol, the religious plateau of Manikaran and the valley of serenity, Sethan valley.
Situated in the Kullu district on the banks of the Parvati river lies any traveller's dream destination “Kasol”. The city is also called Mini Israel as it remains flooded throughout the year by Israeli tourists. Kasol with its erect and splendid mountains has so much to offer to the one who seeks it. Delving into the Kasol markets, on rented bikes and ATVs is something worth a try. The panoramic Mountain View with the gushing Parvati River flowing from the foothills and soothing cold waves, can take anyone to a world unknown. Trekking in the lush greenery and fresh air is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Not mentioning the cafes of Kasol is like leaving the Kasol Diaries incomplete. Kasol is in short a full-packed entertaining destination for everyone, the nightlife is also as thrilling as its morning bliss.
MANIKARAN -The religious pilgrimages of Mainkaran need no introduction.
The enchanting beauty of Manikaran was so irresistible that even the gods above couldn't stop themselves from coming, getting mesmerized and finally settling. The place got its name from the old folklore, in which maa Parvati lost her mani in water streams and sheshnaag helped in raising the water levels, which finally led to the lost and found incident. Thus the name MANI-KARAN. Many devotees come here to visit and pay homage in the Shiv Mandir.
HOT Spring in a cold environment, the combination of lovers that are different in nature but complement each other. Manikaran sahib is truly a place to visit, the calmness of the environment and the pureness of the aura is so vulnerable.
The hot water spring of Shri Guru Nanak ji gurudwara is world-renowned. Langar of Manikaran sahib ji is so famous, it is said that the first langar was made by Gurunank ji and his disciple bhai mardana, the langar accentuates the tastebuds and is simply devouring. Each and everyone who does one trip to Manikaran will definitely make many more trips to the destinations. Not merely for religious reasons, the place is equally great for those who want to meditate and feel lost in the natural surroundings
Sethan Valley - We have all learned -I- for igloo, but have you got the chance of being and staying in one. Well if you haven't then here is your chance to not only see but stay in one extravagant igloo. Sethan Valley is one that offers these exceptionally great and out-of-the-ordinary igloos for all those who want to experience something different. Relatively unknown to many, Sethan valley is home to the people of khampa tribe, who generally shift their domicile during the extreme winters leaving the valley secluded. This seclusion though is favourable and invaluable for all those, who want to avoid the hush-hush and appreciate the silence. Lest crowds give you a chance to make a snow angel in the fresh snow, it's like a beautiful memoir of a memorable trip.
For avid travellers the hot spots are many the Kheer-Ganga trek, Sar-pass trek, Tosh village, Nature park, Pin valley and Trithan valley, exploring any of these places will definitely leave you awestruck.
Nature has been in the best of its imagination when it hand-painted Himachal on the canvas of India. Once you will go to Himachal you will hymn Himachal, you will for sure leave your stress in amid of the Himalayan Range Mountains.
KASHMIRI-VENICE
Words are not enough to justify this celestial place, it seems as if the whole universe has blessed SRINAGAR with a spell of charm, glory and magnificence. When Jahangir quoted Hazrat Amir Khusraw’s “ Agar Firdaus bar ru-ye zamin ast ,Hamin ast-o hamin ast-o hamin ast”.(This meant, if heaven exists on earth it is this, it is this, it is this) he was not at all exaggerating the pinnacle of beauty of this place.
The splendour of Srinagar is such that even blinking an eye will make you wonder if you missed something. Srinagar is situated in the Kashmir valley with the river Jhelum flowing on both of its sides. With the Himalayan backdrop, glassy water streams, the valley of flowers and architectural excellence, Srinagar will keep you surprised with its eyeful prettiness. Though the whole experience of travelling to Srinagar will be jaw-dropping, here are a few references, which shouldn’t be missed at any expense.
Dal LAKE - The canopied boat ride or shikhara, houseboat stays, the floating garden, “raad” as pronounced in Kashmiri and cold Jhelum water beneath. The “Srinagar jewel” dal lake is all about the rider and the ride. It is like one mystic experience in which you feel the time shall behold. The majestic beauty of the dal lake and overlooking Shalimar bagh and Nishat bagh is too overwhelming. Dal lake boating is a must for all who wish to see heaven up close with their living eyes.
Chashma Shahi- As per the translation it means royal spring. Historically it was built in 1632 AD by the Mughals. Then emperor Shah Jahan gifted this to his elder son Dara Shikoh. To the east of the garden lies the Pari Mahal again a tourist spot worth visiting, which was the abode of Dara Shikoh. The garden is built around a freshwater spring which is intricately designed to divide the water spring into three different sections, an aqueduct, a waterfall and finally a fountain. The architectural brilliance of chashma shahi will definitely stun you. Another fascinating fact about chashma shahi is its water which is said to have medicinal properties.
Any adventure while travelling to another state is incomplete without strolling in the local market. Meeting and talking to the locals give you another insight of the state. Kashmiri cuisines are a delight for non-veg lovers, it is the land of Rogan Josh, though veg lovers too have their handful when it comes to eating. Slurping on authentic Kashmiri kava in the beautiful serene view is just like a dream come true. The indulgence in its valleys is so addictive. But before we get too deep, let's mention some other tourist spots.
Tulip Garden- “Dekha ek khawaab toh yeh silsilay hue” the Indira Gandhi memorial tulip garden will give you a feels of a Yash Chopra movie. The flowerbeds of tulips are spread everywhere to the farthest distance till where your pupils can see. The tulip garden of Srinagar is one the largest tulip garden in Asia, the floriculture of the place is not limited to tulips, it inhabits other species of hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus too. Srinagar is known to have the most charming gardens.
Besides the ones mentioned other watchable places are Harwan garden, Dachigam National Park, Badamwari, Nigeen lake and Hariparbat fort. “Tareef karo kya uske jisne tuje banaya” is the best way to summarize the elegance and beauty of Srinagar. “To all the stars in the world, there is always a moon, and so maybe there are many exotic places around the world, but they are no match to Srinagar.
The Desert of adventure LEH-LADHAK
The land of lamas, land dunes, gur-gur( local tea) and colourful monasteries. Leh, the largest city of the recently declared union territory Ladakh is quite different from all the conventional tourist spots. It is like a blend of modern ethnicity. The state owns enthusiasm.
The land of lamas, land dunes, gur-gur( local tea) and colourful monasteries. Leh, the largest city of the recently declared union territory Ladakh is quite different from all the conventional tourist spots. It is like a blend of modern ethnicity. The state owns enthusiasm.
The U.T. though is fully packed with hotspot destinations but the few enlisted will definitely blow your mind off.
Nubra valley- Nubra or Ldumra as said in the local dialect, means valley of flowers. Reaching the Nubra valley is through the most renowned snow-covered Khardung la pass, the world's highest motorable road. At the striking height of 18,380 feet, Nubra valley encloses diskit, hunder and sumur. The valley has so much to offer with its enormous fun activities for its visitors. Right from Campaigning to Bactrian camel safaris, Ziplines and Sun-bathe experiences at the sand dunes of hunder, the great adventures in the Nubra valley are definitely gonna go down your memory lane forever.
Monastery lovers will have their craving served here with many beautifully architectured Buddhist lamasery. For all those who are seeking inner peace, the 160 ft statue of Maitreya Buddha at the diskit monastery is a sight too long for. Another tempting Buddhist convent is in sumur, this one is called Samstanling.
Pangong Tso- The saltwater lake will give you a significant feeling of deja vu because of its infamous appearance in the Bollywood movie “3 idiots”. The “Phunsukh Wangdu” effect has made this place extremely popular amongst the masses. People come here to look for the real Sonam Wangchuk, the inspiration behind the movie but are lost in the interesting flora and fauna of Pangong. The serenity of Pangong is such, that it will hypnotise the onlooker with its immense beauty and calmness that settles deep into your soul. Time halts here at this colour-changing lake.
Tsomoriri Lake - Surrounded by the Rupshu valley the lesser-known tsomoriri lake is apparently the hidden treasure of the Leh- Ladakh. The unexposed lake is visited by many migratory birds, marmots and Tibetan wolves. The iconic lake has romance in its air. Honeymoon couples or love birds should at least visit once. The government of India has recently declared this saltwater lake a sacred gift for a living planet.
Magnetic Hill- The only reason that strikes your mind when you see your perfectly parked car moving uphill is “Magic”. How newtons law of gravity is just not applicable on Indian landmass is really intriguing, but before you question the genius Isaac newton and his fallen apple-based discovery. Let us clarify the fact about the so-called magnetic hill. The magnetic hill is not at all magnetic, it is indeed the terrain of the Leh land that creates an optical illusion of a car going upwards even though it goes downhill. Though we have spilt the beans, still acknowledging it yourself will give you chills. It is definitely worth trying.
The cold desert of LEH is one of a kind of tourist spot with endless tourist attractions like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Hemis National Park, Panamik hot springs, Hall of fame war museum and many many more. With its flamboyant, eye-catching and explicitly artistic backgrounds,camel-coloured sand dunes, clean and reflecting water bodies and completely clear skies, Leh- Ladakh is like a blessing to the eye.
As it says “What happens in LEH stays in LEH” Spl Cautions:
- Acclimatize yourself before you decided to go further uphill because the oxygen levels are quite low at higher altitudes,
- Always carry a good amount of cash as the internet connectivity at many places is not great.
ROYAL AFFAIR (UDAIPUR AND MOUNT ABU)
The rainbow city of Udaipur will grab your attention with its beautified fortress, rich heritage and cultural diversity. It is hard to believe the city of palaces is a part of Raathela Rajasthan. The land of Ghoomar, Ghewar and most recently called destination marriages will sweep you off your feet with its glamour.
Sweet and Spice and everything nice! Is an element of Udaipur, be it in their food considering the delicacy of mirchi pakoda… mouth-watering! Or the historical legacy behind the castles and forts. Astonishment is one major emotion that will hit you hard. The great and ancient architect will make you proud of the civil engineering the country has had in the past years. It's not just the “Maheen Kaarigari”(Minute delicate carvings ) but the whole well-designed infrastructure that will make you love the place. The aristocracy is in the wind of Udaipur. The luxury and lavishness of the palaces will make you wish to be part of the royal lineage.
Boating at the freshwater man-made lake, Lake Pichola.
Bird-eye view of the whole of Udaipur city from the City Palace.
Observing the most romantic sunset from the Chittorgarh fort.
Adventurous En route to Karni mata temple through a ropeway.
A visit to Sajjangarh fort/Monsoon palace and Saheliyon ki bari (garden of the maidens), the itinerary is soo long but so interesting and dramatic.
Another such gem from the drylands that will astound you is MOUNT ABU.
A hill station of Rajasthan, yeah! It seems unbelievable but the hottest state of the country has one of the coolest hill station. Nestled by the Aravalli range Mount Abu is also termed an “oasis of desserts”. The greenery is especially surprising as one imagines it to be part of Rajasthan with no plantation whatsoever. With so many water bodies, hills and Greenland, MOUNT ABU is conceptionally breaking the myth of Indian dessert.
The scenic beauty, unlike other hill stations, is studded with tourists destinations, let's take a look over some popular ones:
Peace-Park: Pretty, Peaceful and Priceless, the experience of Brahma kumaris establishment is just serene, beautiful rose garden, stone caves and huts, the solitude of the environment and the distinctiveness will give you a chance to detach yourself from worldly affairs and take a look inside yourself.
Nakki Lake: Boating is extremely fun here, it becomes extravagant if you get to acknowledge the sunset alongside. It is said that the ashes of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in the same lake.
Mount Abu Sanctuary: A subtropical forest with rare and exotic species of wild animals. Indian fox, pangolin, striped hyena and Indian leopard. The sanctuary is home to many exceptionally unknown wildlife.
Dilwara Jain Temple- Of great importance to the followers of Jainism, the Dilwara Jain temple is beautifully carved out of white marble. The masterpiece edifice is simply riveting.
Other places to hang around while in Mount Abu are Achalgarh fort, Trevor's tank, Guru shikar and Achleshwar temple.
Rajasthan! Truly an incredible state.
Travelling is always like an irresistible guilty pleasure, once indulged it will leave you asking for more. But our new life job schedules have got us all tied up. We at PML holidays understand your intense need for small intervals and have therefore listed the above places that can be easily visited within the span of 2-4 days or as we call them long weekends.
Right from planning to executing it is all us, either through packages or customised itineraries, we work exceptionally hard so that you can relish each moment of your journey. All we need you to do is relax.
PML HOLIDAYS offers you affordable packages, easy homestays, cab services and even travel insurance. We have got you covered during your entire leisure time.
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