**Goodbye, Pahalgam!** We were emotional about bidding goodbye to Saba and his folks. Although it had been only two nights, it seemed we were leaving good friends. The memories of Pahalgam, with its serene beauty and the warm hospitality that made us feel so welcomed and appreciated, still linger in our minds. As we set... Continue Reading →
**On the way to Pahalgam** After our long journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine, resting was our top priority. We enjoyed chatting about our experiences over lots of pakoras (vegetables fried in chickpea flour) and tea. Our next host for the Kashmir tour was Riaz, who had already arrived with the driver, Gulzar. They travelled... Continue Reading →
**Road to Vaishno Devi** We met Bapi, Rakhi, and Shreya and decided to travel to Katra. The company we hired the car from was difficult. I suggest clarifying everything before hiring a car. Sometimes, they say yes to everything and then change their mind later. Katra is approximately 47 km from Jammu and takes around... Continue Reading →
**The anticipation for the journey to the dreamland** Gulzar announced, "That's it; the bus won't move anymore." Our journey was abruptly interrupted when the bus, after a slow drive, suddenly came to a halt. All the vehicles ahead were in chaos and queued up at a standstill. 'Breathtaking!!!' Peering through the bus window, I was terrified... Continue Reading →
Our first-night stay in my favourite Lahaul: When we arrived in Sissu at 9:30 p.m., Ajay, one of the hotel staff, explained the reason for the long queue before entering the city and how the situation was handled. 'A landslide at a nearby waterfall had dislodged large chunks of stone, creating a waterlogged path. Engineers... Continue Reading →
Iconic Key Monastery: We were supposed to stay in Chicham for two nights. However, the hotel's inconvenient location forced us to leave after a night's stay and to reshuffle our itinerary. 'We have to go to the next destination for the overnight stay. Arpit, can we stay in Losar or Chandrataal?' I was determined to... Continue Reading →
Nature's melting point Khab Bridge - The confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti Rivers: We were thrilled as we geared up for our high-altitude adventure. Our destination was the captivating Spiti Valley, a region renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty at staggering altitudes. We met a couple in Kalpa, fresh from their Spiti Valley escapade, and... Continue Reading →
Overcoming Travel Setbacks: A Himalayan Adventure 'Landslide again?' I was disheartened to hear the news two weeks before our trip to Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahaul. Travelling to the Himalayas region post-monsoon is a test of determination due to the threat of landslides. Yet, this is when the Himalayas reveal their true beauty. The landscape transforms... Continue Reading →
Sydney to Negombo Visiting beautiful Sri Lanka, the "Land of Ravana," the mythological demon in the Ramayana who abducted Sita, was always on my wish list. Following the legend, I was keen to see the place where Sita was kept captivated. This country's lush green valley, tea plantations, waterfalls, and little hills mesmerised me, and... Continue Reading →
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