Katarneya Ghat Wild Life Sanctuary

Coordinates 28° 20' 15.10" N  81° 7' 45.97" E

On Indo Nepal border area there lies this Jungle land with deep rivers infested with crocodiles. Katarneya Ghat has forest reserve with nature at its best. Jungle safari is available in winters time and if you are lucky you can be face to face with the tiger itself. You can drive from Lucknow for about 250kms to reach here. Directions - Lucknow - Barabanki - Bahraich - Nanpara - Katarneya Ghat.

Doonga, Kanswali Kodari, Dehradun

Coordinates : 30° 23' 40.88" N  77° 56' 47.85" E

If you are in Dehradun, you will find many Sal forests which have been conserved. One you will find at Doonga about 20km drive from Dehradun clock tower. You can trek, pickup pebbles from streams or splash into cool waters when streams are flowing in monsoon. And be careful - it is possible that a leopard is keeping a watch on you hiding in the bushes.

Route : Delho to Dehradun by car or train. Drive through Suddowala chowk to climb up to Doonga.

Lakhamandal - 1.25 lakhs shivlingas

Coordinates 30° 43' 51.91" N  78° 4' 3.34" E

Lakhamandal in Uttarakhand is a Shiva Temple. There are believed to be 1.25 lakhs shivalingas in the region. Native people whenever find shivalinga during digging, deposit the same at the temple which is 5000 years old. There are caves nearby where Pandvas remained hidden during agyat vas. 

About 400 kms from Delhi. By road take Delhi-Karnal-Yamunanagar - Paonta Sahib - Herbertpur - Vikasnagar - Lakhamandal route.

Big Buddha Hill at Pattaya, Thailand

12° 54' 51.09" N  100° 52' 6.93" E

 

Purchase some birds from the hawkers at entrance to this shrine and free these in front of the golden buddha. And your worries fly away with the birds. A mystical shrine, the entrance has multi headed snakes (sheshnagas) and there is more to see one you climb up the steps. Make donation for each day of the week and enjoy the peace it brings to you.

 

Route : Fly to Bangkok - take taxi / bus to Pattaya and head for Big Buddha Hill temple in south.

Gorai Beach

Coordinates :19° 15' 3.04" N 72° 46' 58.63" E

A flat beach where you can drive your car. A single half day tour is enough for the experience. A full day better should you need to enjoy the local todi beer (extracted from palm tree).

Crawford Market, Mumbai

Coordinates: 18° 56' 49.25" N 72° 50' 0.55" E

Crawford market in the heart of Mumbai city has always been a nostalgic place for me. I used to buy big sized chocolates from here for my girlfriends in college which was near by. Today also you can get dry fruits, fruits, household groceries, a haircut and big size chocolates.

The typical architectural style of this market makes it a heritage site and its importance lies in the fact that it has been featured on National Geographic Channel. A must visit place in Mumbai for the real essence of the city. And don't forget to buy attars (perfumes), you get some original stuff here. Try the sweets and a vegetarian thali near the market and you can purchase some best stationary items from Abdul Rahman street.

Route : Come to Mumbai V.T. (now C.S.T.) station and walk to Crawford Market.

Pura Ulun Danau Beratan, Bali

Coordinates : 8° 16' 32.01" S 115° 9' 59.07" E

Bali is famous for its temples done in a traditional multi level thatch roof (Meru) style. These pagodas of the far east are proof of hinduism penetration to far flung areas in ancient times. Dedicated to Goddess Danau, these temples are made on island and surrounded by water in Beratan lake. With its misty mountain backdrop the temple seems to be located in heaven. If you are lucky you can find the locals offering ornate baskets full of fruits and arranged in colourful manner to the deity.

Route : Fly to Ngurah Rai Airport & take road transport.

Pattaya Beach, Thailand

Coordinates : 12° 56' 27.32" N 100° 53' 2.55" E

A sexy beach with azure blue waters, lots of sun and sand and full of water sports activities. Get a massage on the beach itself while you sip your chang or singha beer. Perfect spot for going lazy and relaxing.

Route : Fly to Bangkok and take a taxi/bus to Pattaya

Wat Chaimongkorn, Pattaya

Coordinates : 12° 55' 33.17" N 100° 52' 36.31" E

If you happen to be in Pattaya for whatsoever reasons, make sure you find time to visit this temple in heart of the city. There are idols inside which are offered gold foil coverings by devotees. You can also buy gold pendents from the priest inside the temple. The intricate architecture of the temple is done in gold, glass and tiles. The complex has another grand temple and a stupa inside.

Route : Fly to Bangkok and head for Pattaya.

Wat Saensuk - The temple of hell, Thailand

Coordinates : 13° 17' 51.80" N 100° 54' 43.50" E

About 60 kms from Pattaya in Chonburi province of Thailand, the small town of Bang Saen has the most unique temple where you can see lifesize sculptures depicting the hell. Hindu, Buddhist and other asian gods have been beautifully shown and the site also is home to tortoises which are more than 1000 years old. Head for the white sand beach and azure sea nearby.

Route : Fly to Bangkok and take a taxi to Bang Saen.

Kandolia Mahadev Van Vihar, Pauri Garhwal

Coordinates : 30° 8' 41.12" N 78° 46' 20.75" E

Where do you find God? In my opinion God is where the peace is and peace is where nature is at its best. Pauri Garhwal, a district headquarter in Uttarakhand is spread on Himlayan hills sloping towards Alaknanda valley. At the highest point of Pauri lies the Kandolia Mahadev temple and Forest department's Van vihar. Pine forest, swings and temple bells. Nice breath taking views of terrace farming slopes and a busy local market downtown.

Route : Delhi - Meerut - Kotdwar - Pauri | 8 Hours drive

Misty Lansdowne

Coordinates : 29° 50' 36.74" N 78° 40' 41.48" E

If you want to reach a no nonsense hill station near Delhi, try Lansdowne. A cantonment hill station - cool & misty, with some fun lakes, pines, deodars, a military museum and temples around, Lansdowne offers a relaxed holiday option.

Route : Delhi - Meerut - Bijnor - Kotdwar - Lansdowne | 5 hours drive

KMVN Tourist Lodge at Mohan Range Forest

Coordinates : 29° 33' 8.08" N 79° 7' 9.47" E

Want to enjoy the Jim Corbett's charm at its best then head for the Mohan Range Forest on National Highway 121 i.e. on road to Ranikhet from Ramnagar. Chances are that you can spot wild elephants, antelopes, bears, leopards & if very lucky a tiger. Stay at Kumaun Mandal Vikas Nigam's newly opened tourist lodge about 22 kms from Ramnagar. You can enter Corbett tiger reserve from here by Dhikala Gate (Mid Nov. to Mid June only) for a conducted jungle safari. Or enjoy the river view from the watch tower at the lodge. Head to Garjiya devi temple on a steep natural island in the river. If you are here in summer do not forget to taste the Kalmi mangoes and litchies of Ramnagar.

Route : Delhi - Hapur - Moradabad - Kashipur - Ramnagar - Mohan | 6 hours drive

Lohajung Pass - Base camp to Roopkund trek

Coordinates : 30° 7' 42.00" N 79° 37' 11.37" E

An adventurous drive to Lohajung Pass will get you to the end of Indian road and start of Nanda Devi biospere reserve. Little known place offers you best of the climatic charms of Himalayas and peaceful getaway from the normal tourist spots. Trek to Bedni Bugyal, lakes, Arjun Top and Roop kund. On a clear sky day enjoy the beauty of Himalayan peaks Nanda devi, Trishul, Chowkhamba and Gumti.

Route : Delhi - Haridwar - Devprayag - Rudrapryag - Karnpyrag - Tharali - Deval - Mundoli - Lohajung Pass. Allow a night of stay at Srinagar.

Chakrata

Coordinates 30° 42' 5.64" N 77° 52' 21.41" E

If you want to enjoy a hill station and still want to be away from the weekend crowd then drive to Chakrata. A serene no nonsense hill station. You get views of Himalayan ranges in its full glory. Book your stay in 1836 constructed hotel Snow View and do away with your worries at Chinta Haran Mahadev Mandir.

In the evening join with the crickets (jhingurs) for natural music, just like a sandhya vandan.

Route : Delhi - Panipat - Kairana - Shamli - Saharanpur - Kalsi - Sahiya - Chakrata.

Koti Kanasar

Coordinates 30° 50' 42.15" N 77° 50' 1.47" E

Want to see the India's best secret garden - Head for Koti kanasar. A tough drive and you get to see the lagest deodar tree here.

Route : Delhi - Yamunanagar - Paonta Sahib - Chakrata - Koti kanasar

Mahasu Devta Shrine, Hanol

Coordinates 30° 58' 14.28" N 77° 55' 39.10" E

Mahasu Devta Shrine is one of the paanch dhams of Uttarakhand. It is situated in Hanol under Dehradun district.

Route - Delhi - Yamunanagar - Paonta Sahib - Herbertpur - Vikas nagar - Kalsi - Chakrata - Tiuni - Hanol.

Ranikhet - The Chaubatia charm

Coordinates : 29° 37' 20.56" N 79° 26' 21.92" E

Himalayas and the best of Himalayas ! Head to Ranikhet in Uttarakhand for a relaxed holiday. My favorite is West View Hotel near Chaubatia garden which offers a colonial touch to your stay at this old property. Nearby you can stroll through the pine woods and offer puja at Jhula Devi Temple. The cantonment area nearby will leave you admiring the natural beauty of the place. And do not miss the peaks bathed in morning sunlight seen clearly from the bazaar. And as my daughter tells me the moon seems to be bigger in Ranikhet and stars are nearer. A gaze at clear night sky will make you romantic when the stars seems to be in your reach.

Route : Delhi - Moradabad - Ranikhet

Baijnath, Uttaranchal

Coordinates:
29° 54' 25.71" N 79° 36' 54.78" E

Baijnath is situated in Kumaon region of Himalayas. A group of ancient temples dedicated to lord Shiva can be seen here. The Gomati river bank temple is a pleasure for seekers of Indian Architectural concepts.

Drive from Delhi to Ranikhet and reach Baijnath via Kausani.

Mussoorie - The Hill Queen

Coordinates: 30° 27' 32.18" N 78° 4' 29.71" E

Mussoorie is one place which is a evergreen battery recharger for me. My birthplace and a hill station 7 hours drive away from Delhi is now often crowded with tourist cars for weekends. Dhanaulti which is further above Mussoorie provides breath taking views of the Himalayas. A trek to Sarkunda Devi temple will see you standing on the highest point in the region which will get you a 360 degree view. Kempty falls although very crowded, but offers best natural water fall where you can splash and soak yourself to a relaxed retreat.

Route : Delhi - Meerut - Chutmalpur - Dehradun - Mussoorie

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Coordinates: 26° 29' 12.12" N 74° 33' 7.25" E

Pushkar is about 13 kms from Ajmer in Rajasthan. A holy pilgrimage spot for Hindus, Pushkar also holds many fairs the winter festival & the cattle fair being the main. There is only temple of Lord Brahama in India in Pushkar. Street food and colourful stalls are very tempting.

Route : New Delhi - Jaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar : Best by road.

Hong Kong, China

Coordinates:
22° 16' 48.55" N 114° 11' 3.48" E

One of the quick trip to this Chinese Island city is as simple as booking a hotel and return flight. The free visa for 14 days is available to Indians on landing in Hong Kong. The city is example of modernism at its height in far east asia as well as the oriental charm which is apparent from the smiling beautiful faces on the streets.

Sonmarg, Kashmir

Coordinates:
34° 18' 0.33" N 75° 17' 38.21" E

One of the best places to visit in India. Sonmarg means the glacier of gold. Yes you can see big glaciers here which look golden with sunrise & sunset. Fresh air of deodars makes this far off hill station a paradise within paradise.

Route : Delhi - Srinagar - Sonmarg

From Srinagar take a taxi to Sonmarg. Start early in the morning and do not miss the beautiful rivers, wooden bridges and temple of Kheer Bhawani enroute.

Matho Monastery, Laddakh

Coordinates:

33° 59' 47.77" N 77° 37' 55.40" E

This monastery or Gompa is about 40kms from Leh town. One of the main Buddhist monasteries, one can see mask dances and oracle in action at Matho during festivals. In winters temperatures can be freezing to bones and one must exercise caution. The view from the monastery is superb.

Route: Delhi - Leh - Matho

AMS (Acute Mountain sickness) usually happens to fly in tourists. Rest for whole one day before you undertake any sightseeing in Laddakh.

Itanagar

Coordinates:

27° 6' 10.89" N 93° 37' 35.22" E

Itanagar is one of the most scenic and unpolluted city of India. Capital of Arunachal Pradesh is surrounded by hills from all sides and has ancient remains of a brick fort which gave the city its name. Has many picnic spots and people are friendly. Some can still be seen in their traditional tribal dresses which impart a colourful look to the city. If north east India is called kamrupa, this place is certainly the crown jewel of the region.

Route : Guwahati - Tezpur - VishwanathCharali - Banderdewa - Itanagar (Permit required to eneter the state of Arunachal Pradesh)

Tipi, Arunachal Pradesh

Coordinates:

27° 2' 16.23" N 92° 36' 17.96" E

BEWARE OF ELEPHANTS - The road side signs are prominent on Bhalukpong - Bomdila Road, specially near Tipi, which provides a good habitat for the tuskers. Tipi is situated at the end of hilly region as river Baharali enters into the plains. There is a forest departments rest house in Tipi which offers good views of wildlife across the river from its drawing room. I have spent some weeks at this place as this was the site for my B.Arch. thesis project. The ORDC - Orchid Research & Development Centre at Tipi, has today more than 8000 varities of Orchids and a state of the art tissue culture lab.

Route: Guwahati - Tezpur - Bhalikpong - Tipi. (Innerline permit required even by Indian nationals)

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana

Coordintaes:

28° 27' 58.55" N 76° 53' 25.76" E

For Delhi wallas this is much near to your home than you can think of. The beautiful bird sanctuary at Sultanpur, Haryana is host to many migratory birds. Local birds can also be seen here like this Bulbul perched on a keekar tree. I used to frequent this place when I was doing a farmhouse at Farukhnagar some 6kms ahead from the sanctuary. The day I ventured inside the sanctuary, it became a regular stop for me. There is a restaurant and a good collection for identifying the birds. The watch tower inside the sanctuary provides breath taking views of birds at the lake. Best season is October to March.

Route : New Delhi - Gurgaon - Basai Road - Sultanpur Lake.

Tiki Beach, Moorea Island

Coordinates:

17° 31' 50.68" S 149° 54' 20.17" W

French Polynesia archipelago with Tahiti as the main Island is one of the best places which one must visit. There are many islands with a number of resorts and pearl farms. The blue lagoons remind you of a famous film featuring Brooke Shields. The crystal clear waters of the lagoons here are the best seen by me. I saved through whole of 2005 to get onto this Holiday in March 2006. Moorea is another island where we reached by boat from Tahiti. It is almost like Andaman & Nicobar, but with a better nightlife.

Route : Fly to Paris and catch a Tahiti Nui flight to Faaa International Airport at Tahiti Island. If you plan it from Dubai, Dnata can make your itinerary.

Ras Al Khor Bird Sanctuary

Coordinates:

25° 11' 15.02" N 55° 19' 38.39" E

A bird sanctuary where thousands of flamingos arrive every winters in the marshy area of southern tip of Dubai Creek. It is surprising to note that the creek is surrounded by tall buildings and many commercial complexes on three sides and one side has busiest Auto market of Dubai. From it western side the tallest building of the world "Burj Dubai" can be seen. It is also a Ramsar site.

Green Muzaberrah at Al Ain

Coordinates:

24° 6' 0.55" N 55° 44' 59.73" E

When you see this place for the first time, you hardly believe it. So much greenery in desert? This is place for total relaxation in UAE. Many of my fridays are spent here. First for the green lawns best for picnics and another for hot water springs for a open to air spa experience. A must visit place in UAE.

Route: Dubai - Nad Al Sheeba - Al Hayer - Al Ain.

Margham - Desert

Coordinates:

24° 59' 1.48" N 55° 39' 31.79" E

20th February 2009, we were returning from a picnic at Al Ain, when we hit a small road leading to the desert of Margham. The setting sun provided interesting colour scheme to the scenery. Sand turned into gold and sky showed its silver through the blue background. A perfect place for dune bashing and quad bikes. In case one gets stuck in the desert, help is easy to get, as the place is near to a desert market, frequented by adventure tourists.

Route: Dubai - Al Aweer - Margham on Dubai - Hatta Road.

Lachulungla Pass in Laddakh

Coordinates:

33° 6' 17.18" N 77° 37' 45.82" E

A lunar landscape is all around us when we pass through the Lachulungla Pass on our way to Leh. Buddhist prayer flags could be seen on anything which is manmade here. No traffic and it is biting cold as we come out from the warmth of our car. Still a long way to Leh. Cold winds hit my head at 5000m and I feel no desire to drive ahead. All I need is a cot, some sunshine and plenty of time to rest. May be to rest for ever. At such a place I am the one with God. I forget about Delhi & Dubai. I think about an imaginary road leaving from here to heaven. Not sure it goes up through the peaks all around us or down the steep valleys below my feet. I think about how insignificant I am in this world or at this place. My age is just nothing against the everpresent mountain tops around me. I lift a boulder of granite rock - it is also billions of years old. And I, may or may not be here the very next moment. The life force with in me realises that this body is just a transport. There must be some other form of transport for the soul's eternal journey. Yes there is !! I smile to astonishment of my wife as I discover it. My mind starts its recital - 'Om mani padme ahem'.

Route : Only for expert hill drivers for self drive. Delhi - Chandigarh - Kulu - Manali - Rohtang - Lachulungla Pass

Mamzaar Lagoons

Coordinates:

25° 18' 48.59" N 55° 20' 59.85" E

What to do on a lazy Friday? Pick up your beach umbrellas, tents, food box and mat. Get your jet ski on the trailer and head for Mamzaar Lagoon. Dubai has created safe waters for the water sports enthusiasts by creating manmade lagoons and beaches. While the landscaping works are under progress, the slipway and the beaches are ready for fun filled evenings. A soft jogging track of 1600m attracts lot of people. Constantly under vigil by police, it is an ideal picnic spot as well. Nearby in Mamzaar Beach Park, one can enjoy world class picnic with fantastic high waves beach just for a payment of AED 5 per person. In heart of Dubai this place is like a little secret tucked away and is not crowded at all.

Log cabin at Gangotri

Coordinates:

30° 59' 49.06" N 78° 55' 38.22" E


Whole night we were haunted by sound of Ganges river's roaring sound as it fell through the surya kund at Gangotri. The only sound in this area of Gangotri is the sound of bhagirathi descending through the many granite gorges. The shivling peak and the moon shining by it gives you the impression that Ganges is coming from heaven and held by Lord shiva in his long hairs. I told the mythological story to my daughter who was 4 years old at that time. And in morning she told me about her dream that Shivji came and gave her a small pouch full of sweets. Later in the day I bought her a small woolen bag and filled it with toffees.

The cottage we stayed in belongs to Raj era and beautifully conserved by the Forest department. Our stay was very comfortable and pine scented varnished interiors of the cottage sort of cured my sinusitis. Nearby at an ashram many foreigners were trying their luck at learning the secrets of yogic knowledge. Beautifull rainbows keep on forming above Surya kund and the mist formed by the splash of Ganges is a blessing of the gods.

Route: Delhi - Haridwar - Narendranagar - Uttarkashi - Harsil - Gangotri

Forest Research Institute - Dehradun

Coordinates:

30° 20' 25.57" N 77° 59' 52.93" E

In heart of Dehradun, there lies a peaceful place with every tree and animal species of India. It is called the Forest Research Institute. One of the best buildings done in Raj era is now home to research labs, museums and books. When state of Uttaranchal was formed the politicians wanted this buidling to be converted into a vidhan sabha. Thanks to efforts of many, that FRI is still the user and its charm is preserved. I have frequented this building many times, mostly for academic and personal visits. I have stayed in its rest house which has oak and rosewood flooring, the rooms superb and used by Gandhi, Nehrus and almost every president of India. We will stay here and in night visit jungles of Lacchiwala & Motichur ranges. A must visit place in India.

Route: Delhi - Saharanpur - Dehradun

Bhojbasa - Bhagirathi Peaks seen from camp

Coordinates:

30° 57' 54.88" N 79° 2' 9.56" E

There are very few places in the world where you can connect with the god easily. The 19km trek from Gangotri to Gomukh is infact path to moksha. The scenery is out of the world and you pass through many glaciers along the young ganges river. Make shift facilities are at Chirbasa and Bhojbasa. At Bhojbasa there is ashram of Lal Baba, where you can have food at langar. Impressive peaks of Bhagirathi and shivling are breathtaking. The sun rays shine with star effect reflected from these peaks against the bluest sky one can see. I have visited the place thrice 1993, 2000 & 2006. After Gomukh only few can venture into the Tapovan glacier. Trust me that place is true gates of heaven on earth. If you loose your life having fallen through a crevice do not worry as it was from here Pandavas left for heaven. Om shanti: shanti: shanti: Om.

Route : Delhi - Haridwar - Narendranagar - Uttarkashi - Gangotri by road. After Gangotri get on a 19 km trek. Bhojbasa is at km. 12

Valentine's Day at Dubai Festival City

Coordinates:

25° 13' 14.43" N 55° 21' 4.02" E

14th Feb 2009. Gulshan & my families decide to meet at Dubai Festival City for a circus show. When we reach there, the tickets are all sold out and there is a huge queue for next show. We drop the idea of circus and become busy with the kids rides. A great promenade and stalls lining it. The place is a busy one with couples kissing, kids shouting and housewives bargaining at the stalls. We are provided with a super heritage boat ride in the canal by a Arab gentleman - Free.

A quick dinner at Shamiana - Indian restaurant at the centre had us munching chole bhature and pulao. While we had our icecreams, the sky becomes lighted with superb electronically controlled fire works. A must visit if you are in Dubai.

Washing my sins at Haridwar

Coordinates:

29° 57' 11.74" N 78° 10' 12.66" E

My Japanese boss Mr. Shimazaki, wanted me to take him to the holy river Ganges so that his India stay could be of some spiritual meaning. We visited Haridwar, Rishikesh and washed our sins away, specially the ones committed by me.

Haridwar is no doubt the best place to start your journey towards the god. It literally means Gateway to Gods and it is. As you move with Ganges, higher ups in Himalayas, you come across places which keep on becoming more heavenly with each step forward. At tapovan glacier - if you can manage to go, you have touched the pearly gates. Pure Bliss..

Route: New Delhi - Meerut - Muzaffarnagar - Roorkee - Haridwar

Sela Pass - Our Jawans at high altitudes

Coordinates:

27° 30' 13.20" N 92° 6' 16.39" E

Near China border in Arunachal Pradesh at Sela Pass, I met these friendly jawans who keep a watch on India's borders even in the toughest conditions. My salutes to them.

I was greeted with genuine welcome, shown the bunkers and met one Muslim jawan who was distributing the prasad from the Shiv Temple.

खतरे मैं हो देश अगर तो लड़ना सिर्फ़ धर्म है,
जीना है क्या चीज़ आदमी लेता नया जनम है।
ताक़त वतन की हमसे है, हिम्मत वतन की हमसे है,
इज्ज़त वतन की हमसे है, हैं देश के हम रखवाले।

Sela pass has quite a history. At times of 1971 war when Chinese were coming ahead, two girls Sela & Noora were helping by ammunition supply to the lone soldier Jaswant Singh who kept holding the accession of the chinese army. Chinese first tortured Noora. Jaswant Singh laid his life after killing many chinese soldiers. Chinese then ran after Sela, who climbed to the peak of the mountain and jumped to her death. The pass and the peak is named after Sela and there is a memorial nearby for Jaswant Singh. His washed uniform and polished shoes are still provided to him everyday. It is a known fact that his spirit still protects this pass.

Route: Delhi - Guwahati - Tezpur - Bhalukpong - Bomdila - Shangrila - Sela Pass

The Marina at Abudhabi

Coordinates:

24° 28' 31.90" N 54° 19' 28.34" E

One thing which strikes the mind in Abudhabi is its splendid beauty as a city. Despite the nature being against the place, Abudhabi has tamed the nature by its persistent efforts. Today Abudhabi stands out as a green, neat and clean city in middle of desert and full of tourists. Once you are in this city it is like that you are on a magic carpet of Arabia.

The Abudhabi corniche and its marina are wonderful example of city's quest for being the front runner of modern architecture and landscape elements. It is truely a cosmopolitan city.

Ras Al Khaima - beach bashing

Coordinates:

26° 3' 13.32" N 56° 5' 13.53" E

Some 130kms from Dubai, we were exploring the Arabian wilderness, when we touched upon this beach just before border of Oman. On one side there are hills with ancient caves dwellings and old castles. The persian gulf stretch here is consisting of rough sea waves and heavy water currents not safe for swimming. However, it is fun to drive on the long beach. We joined some local boys with their pajeros in beach bashing.

Suggested Route : Car ride from Dubai - start early in the morning.

Elephant charging at me in Pichola Jungle

Coordinates:

27° 1' 44.58" N 93° 43' 34.76" E

I had gone to see the Forest departments' plywood factory at Pichola, Arunachal Pradesh. While returning to Itanagar just after the factory as the jungle road started, I saw this elephant who had strayed near the road. I asked driver to stop the jeep and got out to click the photos. As soon as the elephant sensed my presence, it took a turn furiously and started charging towards me. I pressed the click button and ran to the safety of jeep. A close encounter.

Approximately 470km from Guwahati. Route: Guwahati (Assam) - Tezpur - Gohpur - Pichola (Arunachal Pradesh) . Innerline permit required to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Temples of Patan, Kathmandu

Coordinates:

27° 40' 23.38" N 85° 19' 30.76" E

We have taken till now only one pre planned package tour which was in 2003 for Nepal & Bhutan. Otherwise our trips just happen at a snap of a finger. Well Holiday Nepal offered us a 5 days trip for a couple just for Rs.17,000/- which included all expenses for a 4 star hotels, fare and food. On the top of it we were given coupons for 6000/- Nepali rupees and luckily we won 18000/- rupees and our trip was sort of free.

At Patan the old capital of the Nepal King could be seen in its out of heavens architectural style. The temples seem to have an influence of chinese roofs, buddhist ornamntation and indian deities. The woodwork of windows and chowkhats is very ornate and typical of Nepalese architecture. It also reminds you the Devanand's song 'Kanchi re kanchi re..' which was filmed here.

Take a flight from Delhi for Kathmandu. I suggest a package tour through Druk Airways, the bhutan's airline. The small fokker planes fly at low height and give you an excellent view of Everest and Kanchenjunga. You can also take an everest flight trip from Kathmandu airport.

India's unspoilt beauty at Havelock Island

Coordinates:

11° 56' 56.94" N 93° 1' 49.22" E

If one wants to really enjoy the unspoilt beaches of India, he must take a flight to Port Blair from Kolkata or Chennai. Andaman & Nicobar islands are one of the best locations for once in a lifetime visit. While a number of islands can be explored, as it is one of the largest archipelago, being a bio sphere reserve restrictions are also in place. Permits are required and many areas have been kept out of reach so as to protect the aboriginals' habitat.

We had a chance to visit the Havelock island on the eastern side. To our amazement we found that the beaches were crystal clear azure waters & white sands. The striking fact which made this part different from the rest of world was a number of live conch shells could be seen on the beaches as well as colonies of baby turtles just out of eggs laid in the sand.

Approximately 3 hours flight from Chennai to Port Blair. Enjoy Port Blairs' beauty and sea side roads, Marine museum and cellular jail. Take a yatch ride to Havelock islands for a day trip.

The sleepy city of Hatta

Coordinates:

24° 48' 5.12" N 56° 7' 48.26" E

About 130kms from Dubai, united Arab Emirates lies another part of Dubai across the Oman borders. It is an oasis town in middle of ancient desert hills of Arabia. What makes this town different from rest of UAE is that it has a vast cultural heritage as well as natural springs and lakes fed by fresh water springs.

There is also a fort here and a museum. One can enjoy off roads driving in its many locations and enjoy the arabic food.

Approximately 130kms from Dubai: Route Dubai - Al Awir - Hatta.

Radi Ghati on way to Uttarkashi

Coordinates:

30° 46' 14.78" N 78° 15' 17.24" E

We had stayed at Barkot rest house after completing our trip to Yamunotri, one of the Chardhams of Uttarakhand. In morning we started for Gangotri, a drive thru scenic pine forests brought us after an hours drive to Radi Ghati which is a sort of big hair pin bend on the hill road. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and a tea shop. The place is also very important for me personally as I had once taken shelter in this tea shop, when a furious storm had hit me on a earlier trip. This place is part of Garhwal Himalayas and offers breath taking views of the valleys and snow clad peaks. For Rs. 17, we had the best ginger spiced hot tea with a pack of krackjack biscuits. Trust me the aroma of the tea and simple hospitality of the shop owner is just priceless.

Approximately 450kms from Delhi. Suggested route: Delhi - Ambala - Vikasnagar - Barkot - Radi Ghati. (At places the drive is one of the toughest in Himalayas)

Forest Road to Shakumbhari Temple

Coordinates:

30° 10' 33.33" N 77° 53' 24.84" E

If you are going to Delhi from Dehradoon, you have to pass through the Mohand Range of Rajaji National Park at Uttaranchal Border. The forested area is a huge one and infact starts from Jim Corbett National Park as far as Ramnagar on east side, Motichur & Lacchiwala range near Haridwar, Mohand near Dehradoon and extending upto Shakumbhari range within Shivalik mountains.

Just after you have crossed Mohand check post, on your right you will find a small, one vehicle wide road going in the forest. If you want to use it, you need to check with the Forest Guard at the checkpost and make a payment of Rs. 20 to forest department. The road will take you to famous shakti peeth of Shakumbhari Devi, dedicated to one of the nine swaroops of Maa Durga. And this drive is full of thrills, you can see elephants and cheetals around many of the shallow water rivulets which you have to cross. And if you are lucky, the big cat Mr. Tiger may be waiting for you on the road itself. Keep you cameras ready.

Stop near this old banyan tree and try to listen to the sounds of the jungle which is the nature's own music.

Approximately 290 kms from Delhi. Suggested route : Delhi - Saharanpur - Chutmalpur - Mohand - Shakumbhari Devi.

Shangrila - Deadly roads in paradise.

Coordinates:

27° 29' 0.56" N 92° 6' 42.09" E

Our trip to Tawang Monastry was cut short by a heavy snow storm just before Sela pass in Arunachal Pradesh. Within minutes the landscape changed to white and we had no idea where the road was on the deadly slopes of the steep hills. We could not go forward. So we retreated and found a old forest inspection bunglow at Shangrila. We had no option but to wait and enjoy the beauty of the area as snowfall did not stop for 2 days. The monpa caretaker of the inspection bunglow tried making our stay comfortable with whatever facilities he had. Certainly this was not the place where anybody ever thought of stopping. But a stay of 2 days in this place, made us realise how we had always ignored the beauty of Shangrila in our hurry to cross the Sela pass. On third day we woke upto a beautiful morning. Army was clearing the snow from the roads and we were ready to go.

Approximately 650kms from Guwahati, Assam. Suggested Route: Guwahati - Tezpur - Bhalukpong - Bomdila - Shangrila. (Entry is restricted and authorisation is required to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh even by Indians)