Diwali 2015

This Year also Diwali Celebration is at Chennai and the climate is very Pleasant and  Rainy & Cloudy.

Snippets:

Igniting Atom Bomb 

• As we prayed, Rain God stopped for a while as breather for enjoying Cracker in morning as well as evening. 
• Oil bath is always tough one and Priya is very insistent on it. We all became victim of that.
• Abhinav loved to play with Sound based crackers - more of 2 shots, Atom Bomb, Hitler Shot...etc. He is fearless and enjoyed making lot of Cracker noise
• Home made sweets are always tasty and healthy. Priya made delicious Cashew nut cake and Kara Murruku. Me and Abhinav filled our stomach almost Sweet and Karam
• Subbu & Family came to our House and we had fun time especially Kids. 
• All Channels were shouting for their latest movie airing and it became easy for audience to kill the rest time.
• No festival is complete with out Dr. Solomon Pappaiah Debate Show. Priya is strict follower of it. I always wonder the title selection is very biased to wards easy judgement and Why Speaker Raja is always in losing side though he is very good in arguing. 
• Evening, there was a chase between Light and Sound in Crackers across Street & city. Abhinav is worried about Birds and he even asked " Where it will go for a day?"
• Abhinav was fearful in sparklers and Pencil. But he enjoyed Chattai, Flower Pot, Chakra and Color Changing Butterflies.
• It was good celebration.

Ready for it

Igniting Crackers first in Street

Happy Family

Shimla - Manali Trip -Last Part

Continuation of Shimla Manai Trip ( for Part1, Part 2, Part 3 & Part 4).

Day 6:

It was Local city Tour.

We covered following Places.

• Hadimba Devi Temple  - Must see Place and Location is very quiet and great climate.
• Ghatotkacha  Temple - just nearby to Hadimba devi temple
• Vashisht Hot Water Springs - Must enjoy place and you can feel power nature
• Club House - real dungeon, No need to go
• Tibetan monastery - Very Beautiful temple with surrounded by "Mantra" bells
• Van Vihar - Tall Trees with broken kid's play arena
• Mall Road Shopping - shopping can be done but " Negotiate" because most of them are not original

Day 7:

We checked out Snow Valley Resorts, Manali and Started towards Manikaran in Toyota Etios. It needs Special driving Skills to go Manikaran right after Rainy day. Because the Road was very pathetic and Land slide is biggest threat. But Our Driver is really great with lots of local information. Manikaran was really great place with Sooper Hot Spring. I was told that  Hot Spring  has power of Radioactive and Sulphur in it and it cures lot of Skin disease & Joint pains. Snow Valley Resort packed Sandwich as breakfast. Abhinav is not feeling good and he was having vomiting sense. 

After Manikaran, we drove to Chandigarh. It was long, tired, unpleasant journey; I wish there should be Air way. Abhinav vomited right after Lunch.  He was having indigestion issue. Reached chandigarh around 9pm. Checked in at Hotel Sun Park. We were given Break fast, Dinner Token as advance though we are eligible for break fast only. Hotel Room was not tidy and Toilet was having cockroaches. But Bed was big and comfortable.

Day 8:

Abhinav felt little Better and We checked out Hotel and proceeded towards sightseeing. Hotel has provision to keep Luggages and we utilised the option. we had flight at 1PM to Bangalore and We had 3 hours to roam Around chandigarh. We booked Ola Cab for Drop at Sukhana Lake since Hotel travel desk was charging around Rs 1500 for full day sightseeing. Since the boating was stopped, we spent few minutes at Lake and spoke to Tamil speaking old women. We enjoyed tender coconut. We used Battery operated Public Vehicle  for Rock Garden drop. Thanks to Government for promoting Pollution free transportation.

Abhinav enjoyed Rock garden and It was really amazing that " all waste become tourist attractive statues ". Since we had limited time, we skipped Phase 3 and booked Ola cab to pick up our luggages from Hotel and Drop to Airport. Reached Chennai around 7Pm after 8 days Journey into Snow World.

Thanks to Air Asia, GOIBIBO and Himachal Tourism for your Service. We planned next trip to Sri Lanka ( International Trip). It all depends on Budget and Discounts.

Photo Collage Courtesy: http://www.photocollage.net/collage/

Shimla - Manali Trip - Part 4

Continuation of Shimla Manai Trip ( for Part1, Part 2 & Part 3 ).

Day 4:

Started Early to Avoid Rush @ Solang Valley. We paid very high cost for Skiing, Zorbing Activity due to our lack of Hindi Language Skills and Our Driver intention of getting more commission. Paid around Rs 4000 for guide, Skiing (3 Persons), Skiing Dress, Shoes, 2 Tube Sliding & 2 Zorbing balls, Rs 400 for Kids Paragliding. But if i forget the inflated cost, it is worth place to enjoy one hundread percent Fun, Fun and Funno Fun. Abhinav reacted like Free electron, he simply ignored all restrictions and enjoyed each and every bit.

We heard that Solang Valley is No ice place in summer and Rohtang Pass will be full Ice place for all fun activities. People are chasing for Local Traditional dress photo Shoot, White Rabbit photo shoot and other fun activities.
On the way, we filled our Water bottle in Nehru Kund. the water was so natural , tasty and cold. We stopped at Dhaba for Lunch though we had Soup and Momos at Valley. Reached Hotel at 4 pm and had fun time in Billards, Table Tennis, Carrom and Disco room

Few Pictures

Day 5:
Started early at 830AM for Sight Seeing @ Jagatsukh, Naggar castle  and Roerich art gallery. Jagatsukh is old capital of Kullu. Jagtsukh Shiva Temple is very ancient and part of ASI which is built during 8th Century. Gayathri Devi temple said to be very old from Pandava time. The Temple Tree is very Tall and widespread. It was without any leaves during our visit.

After Temple Visit, We headed to Roerich Art Gallery. The Ambient Temperature was around 6-10 Degree C. Nagger Castle and Roerich Gallery was on top of the Hill and it was well located for Peaceful Art works. Galeery was with lot of Historic Moments and Art about Mountains, their Family history and their Collection. It was very steep and low oxygen area to reach their museum. Though it was drizzling, We three climbed uphill to see Museum. 

Nagger Castle

The Castle was converted into a rest house, a hundred year back and in 1978 this ancient building was handed over to HPTDC to run as a heritage hotel. This medieval Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley and apart from the spectacular view and superb location this has a flavour of authentic western Himalayan architecture. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. 

It was Fantastic that there is no joining material between Wood and Stone. Still it stands taller. It is must see place for any civil & Architectural lovers. We were drenched during visit. 

After Lunch @ Dhaba, we reached Hotel and Enjoyed spending time in Recreational Activities of Indoor Games in our Resort.

Day 6, 7 and 8 will be the Last part which will be continued.

Shimla - Manali Trip -Part 3

Continuation of Simla-Manali Trip. (Part 1, Part 2)
Day 2:
We headed to Naldhera after our Lunch. Abhinav started complaining about roti's getting habitual. We had Horse Ride in Naldhera with few scenic view points, Crossing beautiful green Golf stadium, Far away road in Himalyas, Also said to be chin border behind the Hill and few temples. this horse Ride was completely different from Kufri one. This one was felt extremely safe and Horses are in very good condition & charges also less (Rs 780).

My Queen Priya and Prince Abhinav

@ Naldhera, Shimla

Shimla Apple Orchids

  On the way, we have seen Many Apple Orchids which are having only skeleton. Due to Non Season, the Apple Trees are like it is growing in drought / dessert. All Orchids are guarded by Trained Dogs. We stopped for medical Shop to buy Anti Vomiting tablets, Strepsils, Lipcare...etc for tomorrows ride for Kullu & Manali. Priya has Cough continuously through out the Tour whereas Abhinav recovered from it. Had Dinner at Hotel Kapil and Slept peacefully. 

Day 3:
Checked out Hotel Kapil with very tasty Break Fast and Hot Masala Tea. Headed To Manali with plan of Rafting at Kullu and Shopping at Babeli. The Road was really messy in half of the path. But We enjoyed Pandoh Dam, Aut Tunnel and Beautiful Beas River chasing all the way. Stopped for Lunch near Mandi and had Roti & Dal. On the way we worshipped Hanogi Mata and Headed to Kullu Rafting. Time was around 4PM and paid for Private Raft with a Guide ( No Sharing). We Paid Rs 2500 for 6Km Stretch on Private Raft.

3Km, Aut Tunnel

Pandoh Dam

Beas River and Dam Reservior in BG

Hanogi Mata Temple

Taller Than Mountain

At Kullu Rafti Point (Jihiri)

Fantastic Maiden Experience

Ready for Rafting

Prize Table for Rafting

My Rafter Told me to dive into Beas River. Though I dont know Swimming, I dived into river where Currents are less. Life-vest is strong enough to float me. During Rafting, We were Drenched fully and synchronized with water temperature. So I could not feel worst during my dive. Rafting Complex has well maintained Change rooms which were very clean and tidy. After changeover, We had Hot Chai and Pani Poori to fight back the Shivering temperature. 
Then We started towards Manali and stopped for Winter cloth Purchasing at Babeli. It was expensive even after discount. My wife was impressed with Pakshmina, the original one was costing around Rs 8000 and above. After seeing Pakshmina, she wanted only it and she can wait for it also. We bought woollen cap, Shawls, Sweater for Abhinav, Gloves...etc for worth of Rs 4000. Later reached Manali around 8PM. Checked in at Snow Valley Reort and accommodated at Presidential Suite. Room was good and clean. Rest room is really pathetic design. Had good dinner and Slept like " there is no tomorrow". Room Heater comforted us.

Part 4 will be continued.

Shimla - Manali Trip - Part 2

It is the continuation of our recent Shimla - Manali Trip post. As i shared my Trip moments last year of our Singapore-Malaysia, i like to present for Shimla-Manali-Chandigarh Trip.

After Shopping @ Mall Road, Shimla

Day 1:

@Chennai Airport

@Mall Road, Shimla

Boarded on-time Ola cab for reaching Chennai Airport to catch Bangalore bound Jet Airways flight. We were served inflight meals as per order. I tried Jain Meal which is very tasty and i will select the same in my next jet flight. Abhinav is so excited to see ice and he has been asking when will reach destination. Landed Bangalore safely in 50 minutes and spoke to our Chandigarh pick up driver for synchronization. Took mini Tiffin at Malgudi meals @ Bangalore Airport and boarded AirAsia Chandigarh Flight. Bought Paper Boat JalJeera which was priced Rs 70 (inflight) whereas Spar Mall is selling at Rs 26.6 (almost three times). reached Chandigarh 10 minutes earlier then ETA. Lot of Air Fighters, Military Cargo Carriers and Choppers welcomed in Chandigarh airport ( Not Civil Airport). Our Driver caught us and we started to Shimla in Toyota Etios Go. Sedan is so comfortable and we took pitstop for Lunch after an hour. Enjoyed Dhaba food and Reached Shimla around 530PM. It was very tireful travel from morning 530AM to 530PM. Hotel Kapil warmly greeted and we have been allotted Family suite @ Rs 2860 with Complimentary Breakfast (including Taxes). After few hours rest, we had walk in Mall Road and Ridge. Priya commented that " typical Shopping Mall has more shops in one building, where as Mall road has single shop in both side of street". Thats True, it is like typical MG Road in bangalore, T Nagar in Chennai, Lakshmi Road in Pune. Since we dont know Hindi, we did bargain at one shop for buying Gloves and Wollen Cap for figting 6 DegC winter. We had enough clothing but we are wrong. we need more to fight. All South Indians will have issue to fight freezing winter and cold breeze. Family Suite consists of 2 rooms for accommodating 2 family. Beds are heated by electric blanket to keep us warm. Thats was new for us. Hotel Kapil is just few meters away from Mall Road and Raddison Jazz Hotel.

Day 2:

Woke up morning to enjoy the Snow and had hot Masala Tea. Due to sudden drop in temperature, it was snowing in night. Our driver reported ontime and we started for Kufri which is coolest place in Shimla (9000 feet elevation) with little snow activities. On the way to Kufri, we can see snow bordered roads and corner tea/pani poori shops. Our Hotel told us that we can reach kufri point by walk also. But we chosen Horse Rode it costs us Rs 750 per head including Safety winter Shoes. Horse ride was thrilling and Fantastic because the Road was so ugly and steep. We wondered "thats why Car Engines are measured in Horse Power"

@ Kufri (Yaks are on background)

Sunny Cold @ Kufri

On the Way to Kufri

@ Kufri

We played Ice throw and Ice Slide activity. I felt heart beat was faster than normal. Abhinav did not show any shivering though it was extreme low Temperature. There was Telescope point and we felt it is not worth for money; so we skipped it. there were two Temples and small shops around. Even @ 9000 feet elevation, Vodafone Signal was 100% and Tele Towers are powered by Solar Panel. Kufri Lighting also powered by Solar Street Lights. I was so happy that i am in Solar field.

@ Green Valley

After Kufri, we headed for Green Valley. It is like pit-stop. At that point of view, You can all see the Valley with full of Pine Trees (Mostly). It was very beautiful view and people loves to see more and more. Abhinav got pink candy. Then We headed for Naldhera which has Scenic View & Forest Hores Ride. On the Way to Naldhera, we had Lunch. I will Continue in next post.

Shimla & Manali Trip

We had Family Vacation to India's one of the most visited Place which is Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Manikaran and Chandigarh. Himachal is really blessed with Mother Nature in many ways. Living there needs special survival skills which will be big minus for visitors.I Planned for 8Days / 7 Nights.

I planned to visit during March because  

• Possible Less crowd due to exam time 
• No Snowing ( hard winter less than Zero Deg cant be tolerated so easily)
• No Monsoon (Roads will be closed anonymously due to rock fall)
• Non Peak Season ( Hotel, Taxi and Flights will be cheaper)
• Last but not the Least, Anniversary gift to my beloved wife
• But Rohtang Pass will not be opened (:( ) until June

Air Travel

AirAsia aired promotional offer for Jaipur and Chandigarh during August 2014. My wife is not interested to go Jaipur due to Hot climate. Just reaping the promotional benefit, finally closed the deal of  Total cost as Rs. 20000 for 3 persons which includes up & down from Chennai to Chandigarh via Bengaluru.

Boarding & Lodging

Goibibo aired their promotional offer for all Hotels across India with 45% discount. My Total cost of Hotel/Resort @ Shimla (2 Nights), Manali (4 Nights) and Chandigarh (1 Night) was Rs 19000.

During normal booking it would have been Rs.29000+.

Taxi for Local Sightseeing and Transfers

Since it is non peak season,I got a better deal of Total Rs 16000 which includes all transfer from my home. ( Home to Chennai Airport, Chandigarh to Shimla, Shimla Sightseeing, Shimla to Manali, Manali Sightseeing, Manali to Manikaran to Chandigarh, Chandigarh Sight seeing & Airport, Chennai Airport to Home). Travel partners are Great Himalayan Travels & Ola Cabs.

(PS: will share Photos and Tour Tips in next post)