Aru (Jammu and Kashmir)

Location: 107-km From Srinagar Via Pahalgam, Kashmir Region, J&K
Altitude: 2,408m
Speciality : Hill Station
Best Time To Visit:
In Summer - May To September
In Winter - November To February

The chirrup of birds, the gentle swish of the breeze, the sapphire coloured sky, and all at 2408m above sea level - this is Aru. Far far away from the routine urban life, Aru is a meadow bordered on one side by a ravine of the Lidder River. A little stream also flows past in the green-gold grass.

The English Backdrop
Dotted with stone and wood houses, resembling an English hamlet, some of them are built in the typical Gujjar-shepherd style-flat roofed, squat and backed against the hillside. One can stroll through the meadows of burnished green and gold grass and chance upon the tourist bungalow or stop by at little roadside stalls known as "Dhabas" and the mandatory "hotel".

A Natural Bounty
Once in Aru, one will feel like a shepherd, away from the travails of modern life. One wonders if one really needs to go back and leave all the beauty and serenity to the lean, high cheek-boned Gujjar or Bakerwal herd of men and dark-eyed women and children whose natural habitat it is. In fact one's heart fills with envy at their luck in belonging to this land of beauty surrounded by conifer-covered forests with the mighty Himalayas peeping up over and above the conifers. Idyllic, this place almost looks like a picture postcard.

Trekking
If one wants to flex those legs a little more, one could trek for 24-km to the Kolahoi glacier at 3,200 metres. Or one could spend the whole day unwinding. Walk in the resinous, whispering woods with the sun shafting in; stretch out on pine needles; bask in the honey-glow of sunset.

HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Srinagar - 107 km via Pahalgam.
Rail: Nearest railhead is situated in Jammu.
Road: Taxis and buses ply from Srinagar to Pahalgam and from there one can take a taxi, pony or can trek towards Aru.

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available in the tourist bungalow run by the state tourism department and a couple of budget hotels.

Bhaderwah is a small valley-town in Doda (India /Jammu and Kashmir/ Doda). Bhaderwah valley is predominantly a mountainous torrid town situated 80 km from Batote. The festive mood in the district begins with the melting of snow in April and the sprouting of greenery all round. Kailash Yatra is another famous pilgrimage of the area which is considered an important Hindu pilgrimage. Bhaderwah offers to the tourist a variety of beautiful landscape, colourful local fairs, important festival mood and unique mosaic culture, extremely and pleasant summer temperature ranges from 18 degrees to 32 degrees. Popularly called Chhota-Kashmir, has bewitching natural beauty which enthrills any visitor.

Chinta Valley
Is a picturesque valley located at a height of 6,500 feet, has thick coniferous forests on all sides and Chinta nallah flowing through it. Many scenic spots are situated around this place. One such place is known as Thuba, which is situated across Chinta nallah. Horse ride from Baggan to Thuba is enjoyable. Thuba is the highest point which separates the Chinta valley from Bhadarwah. This place also has ancient temple of Lord Shiva .

oej Meadow
If Gulmarg and Pahalgam are jewels of "Paradise " on earth, Seoj Meadow is diamond in the crown of Bhadarwah, pride of Jammu region. The amazing beauty is found in plenty. On the south is the sacred Kailash Kund , surrounded by snow-capped mountains. On way to Kailash Kund, there is unique landscape at Shankh Paddar. The meadow of Seoj is flanked by a beautiful river on its west which emanates from hills surrounding Kailash Kund. The landscape across the river is replica of the beauty of Pahalgam whereas on the eastern side there are long stretches of grasslands. On the western side meadows take a descent along crystalline water of Seoj rivulet and run towards Ramnagar areas of Udhampur district. Seoj Dhar, as locally knwon, is the camping ground for thousands of yatris of famous Kailash Yatra who come from Bhadarwah.

PADRI
Padri is a "Gali" of undulating landscape, located 40 kms. from Bhadarwah on Bhadarwah Chamba road, at a height of 10,500 feet. It is the highest point on Bhadarwah-Chamba road. It experiences heavy snow fall upto 5 metres and snow-melting continues right upto mid June. It is one of the most sought after picnic spot even now, and with the opening of interstate bus service between Bhadarwah and Chamba, its importance will increase. The gentle curves and slopes of hills beset with lushgreen carpet of grass comes as surprise. Calm of the meadow is broken when thousands of pilgrims of the famous Mani-Mahesh Yatra pass through Padri in July every year. In addition to the natural beauty, one can have thrilling horse ride on the meadown. The Central Govt. has approved the spot for development of facility for trekkers.

SARTINGAL
Is another unexplored area situated on the southern extreme of Bhadarwah Valley . Sunshine on the one hand and the fragrant breeze from Kailash, Ashapati hills and neighbouring forests on the other, make the place different from other spots. It is a place of undulating plains and streams. The valley is watered by crystalling streams in the backdrop of forests covered mountains. One feels close to nature which blissfully unfolds to the visitors virgin beauty in plenty.

JAI VALLEY
Is picturesque valley, 35 kms. from Bhadarwah. It is an extremely beautiful valley spread over 6 kms. Another extremely beautiful valley spread over 6 kms. Another nearby attraction is a beautiful sprawling meadow.

Pilgrimage
Bhaderwah has also become a hub of pilgrimage activity. The festivities start from early spring in April and first center of religious activity is the famous temple of Subernag situated at a height of 10,200 feet in Swardhar Mountains. Devotees of Lord Shiva from the neighboring districts gather to celebrate the occasion and the festivities continue for 2-3 days. This festival is followed by week long celebrations at neighboring majestic peak Roushera.

The road can be divided in four main spots as:
Jammu - Udhampur : 65 aprox (by road), - NH-1A - {50 Kms (by Train)}
Udhampur - Batote : 55 Kms - NH-1A
Batote - Pul Doda : 50 Kms - NH-1B
Pul Doda - Bhaderwah : 30 Kms

Lakhpat in Kutch City
Lakhpat is the last town situated at the western end of India, on the India-Pakistan border, at the junction of Kori Creek and Rann of Kutch. Lakhpat probably, derives its name from the prosperous maritime trade which generated a daily income of one Lakh (1,00,000) Kori, an old curency of Kutch State. Another legend says that it was founded by Rao Lakha, so it is named Lakhpat. Lakhpat is fortified town with high walls, several gates and bastions made out of hard stone. After a short period of prosperity, Lakhpat lost is maritime signfincance in 1851 AD, when the Sindhu river changed its course. Once a thriving town with population of 15,000 is today a deserted town with only few families livign here.

Narayan Sarovar Temple in Kutch City
Narayan Sarovar means the Lake of Narayan, a name for Vishnu. There are actually five sacred lakes here. A temple complex is located on one of these. Narayan Sarovar is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for orthodox Hindus. The architecture is ancient and awe-inspiring. Narayan Sarovar in Kutch is the most ancient and pious place for Hindus. It is one of the five holy ponds in India. In this place there are temples of Shri Trikamraiji, Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchodraiji and Laxmiji. Maharaj Shri Deshalji's Queen had built these temples. Devotee from all over India come to worship the lords here.

Bhadreshwar Jain Temple in Kutch City
There are a number of temples built by Jain followers in Kutch. The Bhadreshwar temple, one of the most ancient temples situated in Bhadrawati, considered a very holy place is one such. Bhadrawati was ruled by King Sidhsen in 449 B.C (according to the Hindu calendar) who renovated the place. Later it was ruled by The Solankies who were Jains, and they changed the name to Bhadreshwar. Then in 1315, a great famine struck Kutch, after which the place was renovated by Jagadusha.

Koteshwar in Kutch City
In the district of Lakhpat is situated the temple of Koteshwar which is a holy place of pilgrimage in Kutch. There is an ancient story attached with it. They say that King Ravana wanted to be immortal and did tapasya of God Shiva. Lord Shiva gifted him with Ling which he could worship and become immortal.

Anjar in Kutch City
Anjar which is famous for the Shrine of Jesal and Toral, the folklore duo where in the tough out law Jesal was chastised by Toral, a Kachchhi Woman is also a centre of fairs.

Kandla Port in Kutch City
Kandla Port, a national port, is one of the eleven most important ports of India. This port is situated on Kandla stream. The first investigation of this stream was undertaken by the British Royal India Navy in 1851 and a detailed survey done in 1922. This port is developed by Joint project of Maharao Shree Khengarji-III and British Government in the 19th century. Standard dry cargo treatment capacity of Kandla Port is 24,000 metric tons per day.

Mandavi Port in Kutch City
Mandvi Port is developed by Maharao Shree Khengarji-I in 1580 A.D. The kings of Kutch called the commercial people for development of Mandvi. According to Millburn (a writer), Mandvi is one of the great port of Kutch. There is a large amount of ships in Mandvi. Mandvi Port has its individual history.

Mundra Port in Kutch City
Mundra Port is situated almost 10 Kms far from Mundra city. There are two ports: (1) Old Port (2) Adani Port. These ports are used the whole year. Today, these ports have much traffic of many large ships and steamers of world. These ports have a very bright future. Many people come from other states to work here. Mundra is also known for dry date 'Kharek'. Kharek is exported to the other states.

Jakhau Port in Kutch City
Jakhau Port is also one of the oldest ports of Kutch. Today, this port is only used for fisher men. Jakhau Port has its own importance. This is a very beautiful Port of Kutch. There is a centre for coastguard and water department of B.S.F. in Jakhau Port.

Dholavira in Kutch City
Above all the Harappan sites, the site of Dholavira nearby known as Kotada, in the Khadir island of Kutch stands separately. It is memorable for its wonderful planning and vastness of area and deposit. Currently, we can say that it is one of the two largest arrangements in India and the fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent. The others arrangements are: Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Gharo Bhiro (all in Pakistan) and Rakhigarhi (in India).

Location: Foothills of Girnar Hill
Distance: 327 km from Ahmedabad
Tourist Attractions: Upperkot, Darbar Hall Museum, Ashoka's Major Rock Edict, Mujkund Caves, etc
Best Time to Visit: October to March

Junagadh is located at the foothills of Girnar hill in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. It was the capital of the erstwhile Junagadh State under the Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. It is a historic city and its name means an ancient fort in Gujarati. Junagarh is a flourishing tourism destination in India, owing to the fact that it was ruled by many dynasties, which have enriched its cultural and historical heritage immensely. The profound influence of varied kingdoms is even visible in the architectural style of its monuments.

People travel to Junagadh to witness the magnificence of these historic structures. In addition to this, there are a number of other places apart from the monuments which are a must visit. The location of the city is such that the apart from the tourist attractions of the place, one can also enjoy a host of other places near the city. Owing to the fact that there is so much that Junagarh has to offer, one can easily say that it is a tourist paradise. Rarely has any other city in Gujarat been so richly endowed with historical and tourism wealth.

How to reach Junagadh
Air: The nearest airports from Junagadh are Keshod, which is 40 km away and Porbandar which lies at 113 km.
Rail: The railway station of Junagadh lies on Ahmedabad-Junagadh and Rajkot- Junagadh line and connects it the major cities of the country.
Road: State transport buses link the city with all the major cities of the state.

Sunderbans national park is located at the South Eastern tip of the 24 Paraganas district in the state of West Bengal. It got its name from one of the mangrove plants known as Sundari (Heritiera Minor). The Sundarbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges,Brahmaputra and Meghna. Sundarban is a vast area covering 4262 square kms in India alone, with a larger portion in Bangladesh. 2585 sq. kms of the Indian Sundarban forms the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India.

Special Attractions In Sundarbans
The Sajnakhali Sanctuary : The Sajnakhali sanctuary, a part of the Sundarbans Park is famous for its rich avian population. The wide variety of birds at Sajnekhati sancatuary captivates your eyes for sure. The most distinguishing feature of the sanctuary are the seven colourful species of Kingfisher, White bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrels, Sandpipers and occasional Pelican.

Netidhopani : At Netidhopani, the ruins of a 400-year-old temple tell a tale of its own adding mystery to the surroundings.

Bhagabatpur : Bhagabatpur is renowned for having a hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Kanak : Kanak is the nesting place for the Olive Ridley Turtles.

Holiday Island: The last habitat of the Barking Deer in India is the Holiday island thronged by the tourists every year.

Piyali: Piyali is the main gateway of Sundarbans, near Kolkata and Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani through waterways. A small river Piyali criss crosses the green paddy fields and joins river Matla. It has become a perfect holiday and picnic destination.

Kaikhali : While your trip to Sundarbans, visit Kaikhali Island with a colourful atmosphere.

When to Visit Sunderbans National Park
The best time to visit the Sundarbans National Park is during the months of September and May. The possibility of observing the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger enhances in the winter season when one can watch the King of Jungle sun-bathing on the banks of the river. For this reason the ideal time to visit the sanctuary is December and January.

How to Reach Sunderbans National Park
By Air : Kolkata is the nearest airport is at a distance of 112-kms from the Sundarbans National Park.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Canning, 48-kms away from the Sunderbans National Park. From Port Canning, regular buses ply to Sonakhali, Raidighi, Najat and Namkhana.
By Road : The excellent road network connects Namkhana to Kolkata, Sonakhali (100-kms), Raidighi (76-kms), Canning (64-kms), and Najat (92-kms), all lying nearby the Sunderbans.
Cruises : The tourists can hire a cruise in the riverine waterways from different places covering different stretches like Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project- Sagar Island -Jambudweep; from Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali-Buridabri- Netidhopan-Holiday Island; from Sonakhali - Gosaba; from Raidighi - Kalas. The watchtowers at Netidhopan, Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Haldi- provide you an excellent view of the wildlife.

Location: North Sikkim District
Attraction: Most picturesque village of Sikkim
How to reach: One can easily reach Lachung by taking regular buses, jeeps or by hiring taxis from Mangan

Lachung is a divine abode sited in the northern district of Sikkim. Perched at an elevation of 8,800 ft, Lachung is an ideal place to spent beautiful moments in solitude. The way to Lachung passes through quaint villages, scenic spots, and waterfalls. In recent times, Lachung has been made available to the tourists in an organized manner. It would not be embroidered to say that Lachung is actually a Shangri-La on the earth.

A visit to Lachung is certainly a rare opportunity to comprehend Sikkim in the best possible manner. The term 'Lachung' literally means 'Small Mountain". Lachung is one amongst the most beautiful villages that is adorned with the vista of snow-capped mountains, astounding waterfalls and dazzling streams. This place of incredible splendor has been affirmed as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim" by Joseph Salton Hooker in 'The Himalayan Journal' (1855).

In winters, the whole gorge gets a celestial look when draped by a thick layer of snow. Dominated by the Bhutias, Lachung also has an army cantonment for the protection of border. On the way to Yumthang, Lachung is the last village in the northern part of Sikkim. Yumthang Valley is sited just at a distance of 25 kms from Lachung. It actually offers a perfect base for the travelers heading to Yumthang Valley.

Before 1950, Lachung served as the trading post between Sikkim and Tibet. After its closure, the town remained intact under its own spell. With the promotion of tourism, Lachung has got recognition and people all over the Globe come to visit this striking town. In order to visit Lachung Monastery, you are required to come in the opposite slope of the highway.

In Lachung, you can check out the monastery, handicraft centre and move around the village to get the glimpse of its culture. If trout fishing would be of interest to you, then you can try this adventure in Lachung. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is another major attraction that is located in the close proximity of Lachung. To wrap up, it could be said that Lachung is definitely worth a visit to experience the heavenly bliss on the earth.