First it was the normal thick cathode ray TV, then came the age of the plasma followed by the LCD TV, and now, you have the age of the LED TV. One of the major advantages of using an LED TV is that it makes you feel a part of the global energy-saving campaign, since a LED TV helps you save energy as compared to a LCD TV or Plasma. Here is a Samsung TV that is as modern as TV's can get, being an LED TV with a huge viewing size (link to article)
Key Features: Screen Size: 55 inches Full 1080p HD Breakthrough LED picture quality with true-to-life brightness ranging from the purest black to pristine white. Energy Savings: Samsung's LED TVs use up to 40 percent less power than conventional LCD TVs. Ultra-slim Design: 1.2-inch depth
A bulldozer digging up a beautiful Swiss mountainside on the route to Jungfrau, for making a path. The picture looks beautiful, but it was a bit sad to see a green hill being partially destroyed.
Kadmat is a beautiful Island, located in the Arabian Sea, as part of the Lakshadweep Islands. It is situated 407 kms. far from Kochi (Cochin) in the Indian state of Kerala('11* 13*' north latitude; '72* 48*' east longitude). One of the largest islands in the group of islands in the Lakshadweep, Kadmat is 8 Km long and 550 m wide at the broadest point. Surrounded on the eastern and western side by a reef lagoon, Kadmat is the ideal heaven of solitude. The beautiful shallow lagoons that surround Kadamat form an ideal spot for water sports activities. There is a very large lagoon on the western side abounding in coral growths and the associated colorful fish that frolic in such coral growths. This little island has an astonishing variety of marine flora and fauna. Out of these, the best attractions are the long sandy beaches and the sand banks on the southern tip that are ideal for a sunbath.
The resort at Kadmat offers peace and solitude at the isolated South tip of the island. The rooms offer fantastic views of the encircling lagoons and waking up to Dolphins frolicking just beyond the reef at sunrise is part of the charm at Kadmat (however, be warned, sometimes the Dolphins don't appear and you could get disappointed). A full-fledged water sports institute is functional at Kadmat which allows you deep sea scuba diving (as long as you are able to show your qualifications - if you have not done scuba diving, you can take a learners starter course, but it is not part of the package). Kadmat woos its visitors with its long unending stretches of white sandy beaches and exceptional scuba diving facilities. Although Kadmat is among the inhabited islands in Lakshadweep, it's population is quite low and is only around 5000. The water around the Kadmat islands are one of the most cleanest in Lakshadweep. The afternoons here are a little sultry and hot, but the nights are quite pleasant with cool breeze from the ocean soothing the environment. If you somehow miss the sunrise, do not forget to witness the sun setting behind the horizon. It lasts a little more than an hour curtaining the sky in a myriad of unbelievable hues. Without a doubt, the shores of Kadmat are one of the most irresistible in many sections of Asia. Apart from the warm and clear waters, Scuba Diving is worth it for the awesome spread of coral reefs on the sea bed. The most appealing of them all is the red tinged coral that might just tempt you to pick them. However it is advised that you don't do it as it is against the law to take corals from these islands. The tourists may indulge in the water sports like kayaking, yachting, boating and skiing on the water surface. In addition, you can do para-sailing with a rope tied to a speedboat (however, keep in mind that you should reach there early). There is also a glass bottom boat ride where you can see corals and fishes through a glass pane at the bottom of the boat. And then you can do snorkeling, lazily floating through the water with a small pipe getting you the required air to breathe. A person will show you the places with beautiful fish and corals.
Tourist Information: Lakshadweep Tourism Resort provides both AC and non-AC accommodation with attached bathrooms, foyers and a porch. The huge resort has an office, a gymnasium, a conference room and bathing blocks for people coming after a swim in the sea. The meals here are served in buffet style. The Kerala cuisine are the most favored cuisine here. However, Lakshadweep specials can also be had here. Kadmat can be reached from Agatti by taking a cruise. It can also be reached by taking up Lakshadweep Tourism departments Marine Wealth and Scuba Diving packages. Read more at this link. http://www.lakshadweeptourism.com/ Learn and book for diving at this location: http://www.lacadives.com/
The large variety of fish however, ensures that snorkeling is delightful at all times. You may even attempt snorkeling at night. But only if accompanied by a local expert. The experience is ethereal – Imagine - A solitary large star lighting up the sea with a starlight beam. The lagoon is dark and foreboding but for the canopy of little stars above and a world of luminous plankton lighting up the sea grass underwater and the fish swimming around the torchlight.
The remoteness of Kadmat Island really gives you a feeling of "getting away from it all" - but this comes at a price, either in terms of money or time. Staying on Kadmat Island and paying for the dives are not expensive (in fact, comparatively cheap), but getting to Kadmat is. The diving was truly spectacular, and Kadmat had a wonderfully comfortable, mellow island feel to it.
Once you get used to breathing in from your mouth and allow your nose the rest that it never gets, snorkelling and scuba diving is fun.It is like you are absorbed in a different world surrounded by fish big and small, beautiful coloured corals of numerous shapes and sizes and all you have to do is float about enjoying the spectacle.
5. GalBeanVie Leaves Home (link to article). Many photos on this blog also.
The island is a narrow strip of about 6km long with one single road running through the middle, covered in coconut trees and surrounded by the reef, heavenly! The ship stopped just outside the reef and then we had to climb down a rope ladder and get onto a small wooden boat for a 20 minute trip to reach the island. As there is nothing here but fish and coconuts it comes as no surprise to learn that there is a tiny desiccated coconut plant and coconut coir rope factory which we visited one morning.
Photo / Picture Galleries of Kadmat:
1. Ashish's Gallery (link 1, link2) 2. Photo Gallery at lacadive.in (link) 3. Indiamike.com (link) 4. Photos at Kadmat on Flickr (link)
Quick Facts Country : India State : Kerala District : Thiruvananthapuram Coordinates : 8.18 N 77.4 E Official language(s) : Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English Poovar Climate / Weather : Summers: 36°-20° C; Winters: 16°-32°C
Poovar is like a natural wonder where different water bodies such as Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. A rare find in Kerala, the southern state of India. Poovar fits the definition of an unspoiled and unexplored place, enveloped by serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea, with a bonus of a dream golden sand beach. The historical importance of Poovar lies in its strong ties with the legendary King of the erstwhile Princely State of Travancore, the great Marthanda Varma Maharaja.
How to reach ? Nearest Airport - Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport : (travel time - 45 minutes by road. Nearest railway station Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) - (travel time - 45 minutes by road).
Poovar Beach, near the Kovalam Beach, separates the River Neyyar from the sea. Poovar is basically a fishing village, and interestingly, the only way to reach Poovar is through water approach. Known for its pristine and virginal beauty, Poovar Beach is visited by those who love solitude. There are not too many beach activities or water sports on this beach because of the fishing population and emphasis on fishing. Those who love angling as a sport would like the place. Poovar is truly a window into paradise. Time stopped a few decades ago bowing to the sheer beauty of Poovar. The tranquility of Poovar is punctuated by the sound of waves and the birds. The area is abundant in well-preserved local flora, with hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, complete with banana and coconut groves. You can go out with a camera, fitted with a nice zoom lens, and enjoy some spectacular shots of nature. Poovar offers several possibilities. Cruise to a neighbouring fishing village in 2 minutes. Alter course, and visit a centuries old martial arts village. Kerala is the birthplace of a unique martial art form. The traditional lifestyles here provide the experience of a natural museum. The Poovar beach separates the river from the sea and is quite breathtaking. Because of the active fishing population the beach is not really used as a sunbathing spot or for swimming as the currents are quite strong.
Poovar weather: Poovar lies on the southern coast of Kerala, close to the major tourist resort of Kovalam. Like other regions of India, Kerala enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine, with the peaceful beach resort of Poovar seeing high temperatures all-year round. The best time to visit Poovar is during the dry winter season, from November to February.
Holidays in Poovar – Stay in a unique floating cottage The beach at Poovar is covered with golden sands and backed by coconut and palm trees, enjoying an unspoilt atmosphere and an abundance of natural beauty. Banana groves, exotic flowers and spices add to the scenery and create an exotic environment. Poovar is home to a couple of hotels along the river estuary and on the beach offering modern and comfortable facilities, as well as the Ayurvedic health centres, found throughout Kerala. A must-see in Poovar is the serene and isolated Poovar Island Resort, accessible only by boat from the jetty, offering the unparalleled experience of staying in a floating cottage, which bobs gently up and down in the Arabian Sea. These cottages are
Things To Do In Poovar : - Beach (and it is spectacular). The tranquil beach resort is the ideal spot for relaxation, in a setting of golden sand backed by coconut and palm trees. The exotic setting is enhanced by lush vegetation and tropical flowers, and the picturesque fishing village boasts an unspoilt charm. Swimming and snorkelling are the main activities on the beach. - Waterways. Located on the famous Kerala backwaters, Poovar offers many trips along the canals and rivers, providing a fascinating insight into local life. Excursions range from basic canoe trips to luxury houseboat cruises, with the many water-taxis a unique way to get around. These can give a great feeling on gently coasting on the water, relaxing, with a book in one's hand. - Ayurvedic Treatments. With Kerala being the home of Ayurvedic medicine, Poovar offers plenty of opportunity to try age-old treatments that soothe the mind, body and soul, with the tranquil ambience enhancing the relaxing atmosphere found here. - Cuisine. Enjoying the delicious Kerala cuisine is one of the pleasures of a holiday in Poovar, with plenty of places to try the many different spicy dishes, from street snacks to leisurely meals. With affordable prices and an array of varying flavours, dining out is a treat, and especially good for vegetarians. And of course, enjoying sea food is great. - Shopping. Poovar's weekly market offers a taste of local produce and offers an array of hand-made goods and crafts, which make ideal gifts and souvenirs. - Floating Island. Visit the luxurious Poovar Island Resort and enjoy a tranquil stay in one of their unique floating cottages, or a drink or a meal in the restaurant for a one-of-a-kind experience. - Day Trips. Head out on a crocodile watching expedition, enjoy a sunrise cruise to watch the fishermen, or a romantic sunset cruise for two. Make the trip to the city of Thiruvananthapuram for a taste of bustling life in Kerala.
PLACES TO STAY IN POOVAR : - Poovar Island Resort (link) The Poovar Island Resort Thiruvananthapuram belongs to the Sarovar Park Plaza hotel chain. It offers you the very best in luxury and hospitality. Traditional Keralian architecture has been used to construct the cottages. The cottages though traditional in outlook is replete with all modern facilities. Set amidst the verdant green of coconut plantation and overlooking the cobalt blue sea, Poovar Island Resort Thiruvananthapuram, is an ideal place to spend your weekend. The floating cottages are connected to the main area by a bridge. They are constructed out of hollow light weight hulks. Traditional materials have been used to accentuate the heritage value of the resorts. - Estuary Island (link) It is nestled in Poovar Island and offers 46 rooms which show off premium comforts and plush settings. The rooms are categorized as Estuary Suites, Estuary View Suites and Estuary Garden suites – all of which are aesthetically furnished with attractive wood furniture, spacious lounge areas, king sized beds, attached washrooms and baths, and private balconies. Enjoy the tranquility of a beach resort without compromising on the world class amenities. - Isola De Coco (link) It is blessed with some of the finest natural bounties, it provides you with the best of comforts. No visit to Kerala would be complete without a reverie stint with this enchanting resort. There are 46 well furnished rooms with fine decor, which are last words in opulence. The ensuited rooms are categorized into Suites, Heritage Rooms and Standard Rooms, complete with private balconies, which offer great views.
Poovar Estuary Island resort has an island with a beach and the Arabian Sea beyond, an estuary giving way to a lake and subsequently, the Poovaru (river). There is a vantage point upfront with recliners from where all of them form part of one panoramic view. The island is sandy for the most part (land reclaimed and silted) and looks over to the lake on one side, the sea on the other. There are boats that ferry people from the resort to the island and the boat-jetty is operational 24 hours if prior notice is given.
2. A wandering mind (link to article). Lots of photos in this article.
Poovar is a small island about 30 Kms from Trivandrum, where the backwaters merge with the Arabian Sea. The river Neyyar also empties into the sea here, and thus, at Poovar Beach near the island, one can see the remarkable sight of river, sea, beach, backwaters, as well as lakes (formed at intervals due to the flow of water), all converging at the estuary.
Situated on the midst of south-west coast of Arabian Sea, the beautiful land of Kerala, Poovar Island Resort owns a sense of natural beauty in itself, where it has been widespread around 30 acres along with 60 cottages, which looks like that nature itself is creating a true landscape. And not only has this, the secluded beauty of golden sandy beaches where long palm trees surrounds it, made this place a true paradise. That is the reason why the count of tourist visiting Poovar Island Resort of Kerala is increasing year by year.
5. Anoop's weblog (link to article). Plenty of photos on this blog.
Poovar is a small coastal village in the Trivandrum district of Kerala state, south India. This village is almost at the southern tip of Trivandrum and there is not much distance from here to the Kerala – Tamilnadu border. This village has a beautiful beach which attracts tourists. There are also some good tourist resorts. Poovar was a trading center of timber, sandlewood, ivory and spices. It is believed that the trading ships of King Solomon landed in a port called ‘Ophir’, which is figured out as Poovar.
Poovar island is 30km from Trivandrum and 12km south of kovalam. Nearest airport and railway station is in trivandrum…Through road if you travel from Trivandrum in the early morning you can avoid the traffic and reach the boat jetty in 45-mts….A 15-minute scenic boat ride through the backwaters takes you to the resorts around the island.
In the southwest coast of India, Arabic sandwiched between the sea and the majestic mountains of the Western Ghats, is a narrow strip of the beautiful countryside. A great country, famous for its natural beauty breathtaking. The lush green country of the name of Kerala, the country of God. " Poovar Island Resort, http://www. poovarislandresort. com, has a large number of unique habitats. A total of 54 bungalows in a 25 hectares. Charming country cottages, country inns 54, built in typical Kerala architecture, which extends over the island, lined with coconut Haine traditional atmosphere combined with state-of-the-art facilities.
The resort offers stay in either a land cottage, which lies beyond the reception and swimming pool, or a floating cottage - on the backwaters. The floating units are constructed on hollow light weight concrete hulls. They are air-conditioned and fully equipped with all modern amenities.
We had reservations for a floating cottage, which are built on a hollow concrete base and tethered to the shoreline. However, as these cottages were shutdown in the weeks prior to our arrival due to high tides and wind, they were not ready for occupation when we arrived. They put us up in a regular room, with a hammock in the balcony for a couple of days before we shifted to the floating cottage. In hindsight, that was a good break, as I was not very impressed with the cottage, which had quite a shabby feel to it. In contrast, the rooms were extremely impressive, spacious and neat.
10. Rising of a photographer (link to article). Lots of photos in this article.
This stunning location has been successful in attracting many tourists over the years. This charming beach is considered as one of the leading tourists spots in Kerala. Poovar Beach is a place where life goes on as it did hundred years ago
The place is already so beautiful that you feel you are part of some dream sequence. On top of it everywhere you see, there are couples holding hands and walking slowly, couples sitting near the swimming pool and nuzzling each other like newly born kittens. Things are almost in slow motion and where ever you see, couples are walking in slow motion looking dreamily into each others eyes.
Poovar was a trading center of timber, sandlewood, ivory and spices. It is believed that the trading ships of King Solomon landed in a port called 'Ophir', which is figured out as Poovar.
Photo / Picture Gallery:
1. Poovar Estuary on Webshots.com (link) 2. Poovar Photos on sulekha (link) 3. Poovar Photos at trekearth.com (link) 4. Poovar Photos on oktatabyebye.com (link) 5. Photo Gallery at royj.net (link)
GENERAL INFORMATION : Sikkim : 7,096 sq.kms Latitude : 27-28* North Longitude : 88-89* East Altitude : 5,500 ft. Temperature Summer: Max -21*C / Min-13* C Winter: Max-13*C / Min-05* C Annual rainfall : 3,894 mm Best Seasons : Feb – May / Sep-Nov. Capital Town : Gangtok Other Major Towns : Rongpo, Namche, Gyezing, Jorthang, Pelling, Singtam Clothing : Summer - light woolens / Winter – Heavy woolens
Sikkim is a land of peace and tranquility, an ideal destination for trekking and for seeking some rest from fast paced action of life. People can rejuvenate themselves by being much closer to nature, walking in green areas, among mountains and trees. The Night sky is clear with constellations being clearly visible as opposed to cities where the light hides everything. Spend some time in this cultural wonderland, get some insights into Buddhism, enjoy shopping in the local markets, and overall forget all your tensions and problems. Small but beautiful. Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas. The state is legendary for its peaceful nature and simplicity. Famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, along with a view of the majestic Mount Everst. The mountain state of Sikkim offers tremendous variety of plant and wildlife besides a diverse ethnic mix of people with rich cultural tradition. Sikkim is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna, and can make nature watchers salivate at the prospect of finding nature's marvels so easily accessible. About 450 varieties of orchids, over 600 species of butterflies, 500 species of birds along with red pandas, snow leopards and other animals can be seen in Sikkim. The largest collection can be seen at the Kanchenjunga National Park which covers an area of 850 square kilometers. As a result ornithology tourism is also gaining in prominence in Sikkim.
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION: Airlines: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 kms) in North Bengal which is about 4 hours drive from Gangtok. Sikkim Tourism operates daily five-seater helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra connecting all civil flights. We also arrange Helicopter service for sight-seeing.
Railways: The two nearest railway stations are Silliguri (114 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (125 kms).
Road: Good condition roads connect Sikkim with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Silliguri all the way to Kolkata. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) plies regular bus service from Gangtok to all Major cities and towns in North Bengal and within the state. Booking facilities are available at Silliguri and Gangtok. Private buses and taxis are also available in plenty connecting Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Silliguri.
- The Ridge Park : It stretches from the Main Palace Gate to the White Hall. A long idyllic stretch lined by the beautiful cherry trees that in season burst into flower in a profusion of delicate pink blossoms, this is the perpetual haunt of the jogging enthusiasts. The flamboyant marquee or 'Hawa Ghar' with ornate design holds sway over the Park where you can laze around or watch the local children romp exuberantly. The Flower Festival which is held year round is just a short walk down. - Saramsa : It is the home to the Ipecac Garden is another popular tourist destination that is a mere14kms away from Gangtok. Home to many rare orchids and other flora, its shady lawns often play host to picnic parties. - The Water Garden : A little further away at 16 kms is another alternative worth exploring. Cool off in the small and sheltered swimming pool there. Or else clamber over rocks in the vicinity and dip your feet in the river. - Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology : It was Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last monarch of Sikkim who realized a long cherished dream when he set up this Institute. HH The Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the NIT which is done in typical Tibetan architectural style in Feb 1957. The following year Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the NIT. - Do-drul Chorten : It is one of the most important Chortens or stupas of Sikkim that is exquisite as it is sacred. It was built in 1945 by Trulshik Rimpoche, a great teacher and interpreter of Buddhism.
NORTH SIKKIM : - Dzongu : The territory of Dzongu in North Sikkim was set up in 1975. It is a land where pristine glacial streams thread their way through thick virgin forest. Countless waterfalls cascade down the steep cliff-sides and hot-springs bubble inside the hidden caves. The area is very remote, and is surrounded by sharply tilted verdant mountains that are stacked on top of each other at a forbidden angle. The elevation ranges from 500m to 6000m, and these extremes have nurtured an amazing diversity of plants and wildlife.
EAST SIKKIM : - Rumtek Monastery : It is now the largest Buddhist monastery in East Sikkim and is the place where the monks perform sacred rituals and practices. Many sacred objects are housed within the complex, and one of the most magnificent is the Golden Stupa, which contains the precious relics of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa. - Pastanga : The village located in East Sikkim is very rich in culture and folklore; and is surrounded by hills covered with dense forest and cascading streams with rivulets cutting through the landscape and appealing orchids blooming on tree tops. - Khedi - Located in East Sikkim, is renowned for its two sacred lakes, the Bhale Pokhari and the Pothi Pokhari where a festival is celebrated every year attracting hundreds of pilgrims from all over Sikkim.
WEST SIKKIM: - Pelling : The city of Pelling located in West Sikkim is balancing on a ridge at an altitude of 2.040 m. One of Pelling's main attractions is the Pemayangste Monastery. Known as the "Perfect sublime lotus" it is one of the oldest Monasteries in Sikkim being founded in 1705. The Sagachoeling (or Sang Gnak Choling) monastery is an even older monastery, dating back to 1697, and situated on a hilltop close to Pelling. Khecheopalri Lake, which is considered to be a holy lake by both the Buddhists and the Hindus, can be easily reached from Pelling. - Darap : The picturesque village of Darap, located 8 kilometers from Pelling is a 20 minutes drive downhill passing through cardamom groves and terraced paddy fields. - Yuksam : Yuksam is situated in the far western corner of Sikkim and nestled at the base of high forest-covered snow-capped mountains. Yuksam literally means 'the meeting place of the three monks'. - Uttaray : Tucked away in the lap of mother nature is the tranquil village of Uttaray, the gateway to the Singalila trek. This village provides visitors with many options to go for short hikes or longer treks in the vicinity or visit the Limboo village of Sopakha located an hour walk from Uttaray. - Hee Bermiok : The newly developed destination of Hee Bermiok with widespread community participation is an ideal destination for visitors wanting to sample unique rural lifestyle of Sikkim. The strong Limboo culture of this area is worth appreciating.
SOUTH SIKKIM : - Namchi : Sikkim's South District, is the second largest populated districts of Sikkim. Its headquarter is in Namchi, meaning "High sky". The area does credit to its name, nestled among the hills it gives panoramic views of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the magic snow-capped mountains in the back. - Kewzing : It is a typical Bhutia village in South Sikkim under the cover of the forest. At an altitude of 1200 m Kewzing provides its inhabitants with magnificent views of mountains including Mt. Kabru. Best mountain views occur from mid September to mid December. The atmosphere in the village is very serene and peaceful as the local people are very friendly and hospitable.
TREKS IN SIKKIM : Most of the mountain areas in Sikkim have a fragile ecosystem. This demands any trekkers to obtain special permit to trek. Trekking in Sikkim is conducted in an organized manner. Individuals cannot trek on their own. * Darjeeling to Kanchenjunga Trek * Darjeeling and Sikkim Trekking * Off Beaten Treks * Singalila Ridge & Goecha La Trek * Sikkim and Kanchenjunga Trek(20d) * Sikkim and Kanchenjunga Trek(23d) * Varsey Trek * Yuksom To Dzongri & The Goecha La
RIVER RAFTING IN SIKKIM : Rafting in Sikkim is an adrenalin pumping exercise especially in the two snow fed rivers of Teesta and Rangit. During the monsoon season hundreds of small streams can be found all over Sikkim. The two trails that are possible amongst rafters are : * On River Teesta: Chungthang - Dikchu - Singtam - Melli * On River Rangit: Legship - Jorethang - Melli http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7200244138493866871
Where to stay in Sikkim ? - Heritage Hotels * Norkhill Heritage Hotel, Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok * Himalayan Heights Hotel, Palzor Stadium Road, Gangtok - Luxury Hotels * Tibet Hotel (3 Star), Paljor Stadium Road * Chumbi Residency, Tibet Road * Tashi Delek Hotel (4 Star), Gangtok * Hidden Forest Retreat, Lower Sichey Busty - Deluxe Hotel * Tashi Gang Resort, Yangtey near Peling, West Sikkim * The Bliss Resort, Biksthang, Mangalbarey, West Sikkim * Hotel Golden Pagoda, M.G.Marg * Golden Heights, M.G.Marg * Hotel Tashi Tagay, Tadong, Gangtok * Hotel Bayul, M.G.Marg * Hungry Jack, National Highway - 31 A * Hotel Mount Simvo Tadong, Gangtok * Middle Sichey, Gangtok * Tashi Ghang Hotel, Yuksom
On the way to Jungfrau, the train passes through a track dug through the mountain, passing through rock. On the way, there are several stations, with a small view point, some restrooms and a small walk to stretch your legs. The view from this station, called Eiger, is spectacular. You can see the tops of hills nearby, showing the height at which you have already reached.
Want to give your child a little off-road entertainment? Turn to the Razor dune buggy, the ultimate in electric-powered backcountry cruising. Outfitted with a powerful 350-watt motor designed to reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, the buggy is fast enough for serious fun, but slow enough that it won't compromise your child's safety. Parents will also appreciate the side roll cage, which creates a barrier between the rider and the outside, and the padded bucket seat, which includes a seatbelt for added security. And thanks to the buggy's specially designed reduction drive, the vehicle is capable of both lower torque climbing and high torque gearing. Perhaps the coolest feature, however, is the fully electric design, which is not only easy to charge, but requires no fuel at all, runs quietly, and produces no emissions. Other details include eight-inch knobby pneumatic tires, an active rear suspension, a durable tubular steel frame with diamond-plate floorboards, hand throttle and brake controls, a rear disc brake, and a safety flag. Ideal for difficult tracks and terrain, the buggy supports up to 120 pounds of weight and is suitable for ages 8 and older.
Key Features:
For ages 8+ 220-pound weight limit Can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour 350 watt motor 8 knobby pneumatic tires Bucket seats with seatbelt Powder coated finish on tubular steel frame Protective padding Diamond plate floorboards Hand throttle and brake controls Rear disc brake Safety flag Vertical storage
Customer feedback:
1. THIS KART IS AWESOME! In addition to arriving fully assembled, and charged up, this thing does everything it claims. It's got great torque, crawls right through mud and over bumps and uphill, and is a very well constructed little buggy. Like the MX350, I would prefer a footbrake, because my 3 year old can drive this thing, but can't squeeze the hand brake. OH well, he's younger than the recommended age so this is on me. THe motor provides more than enough " engine braking" anyway to bring the thing to a pretty rapid halt when you let off the gas. I am verypleased in every way with this buggy.
2. After having a "real" Dune Buggy years ago, I purchased two Razor Dune Buggies for my grandchildren for Christmas (6 1/2 and 8 yrs old). The order was delivered much faster then expected and the only thing I had to do is add a little air to the tires and charge the batterys. The Buggy is built extremely well and because the tires have groves for off road riding, it moves over grass and smooth surfaces much better then other ride on toys. The hand controls were easy for the kids to operate and the 6 1/2 yr old had no problems at all. And "yes" it definitely travels FAST enough! I believe a child over 10 yrs old would probably be too large to ride comfortably, but the Buggy would probably carry them easily any way. The battery lasted a good 45 minutes or more, and ran full throttle most of the time.
AREA : 6,227 sq. kms. LATITUDE : 26° North LONGITUDE : 88° East ALTITUDE : 400.62 ft. Above Sea Level Population : 258,000 STD Code : 0353 Best Tourist Season : April to Mid-June; Mid September to November Best Mountain Views : Mid Sept. - Mid Dec. Recommended Clothing : Light woollens and tropicals in summer (umbrellas and raincoats are useful) and heavy woollen in winter. Language Spoken : Bengali, Hindi, Nepali and English Weather : The weather and climate in Siliguri is fine throughout the year; temperature in summer being an average of 34.8 'C and the winter temperature being around 12.8 'C. The humidity in this region remains high throughout the year with an average of about 81 %. Best time to visit: The best time to visit the city is throughout the year except for the monsoon season that begins in June and lasts up to the end of September.
Silguri is the main commercial city of North Bengal and its importance comes from its strategic location near international and state borders. It is located on what is called the Chicken's Neck, a small width of territory that connects the main portion of India to its North-Eastern states. Siliguri is situated on the banks of the river Mahananda. The town is located on the foothills of the eastern half of the Himalayas, and is an important transportation, trading and educational center. Siliguri is the gateways to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nepal, Dooars, Bhutan and most of the North-East states of India.
Siliguri is the commercial capital of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. There are a large number of tourists in Siliguri at any point of time, with over 5 lakh domestic and 15000 foreign visitors, excluding the people of Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, who visit Siliguri regularly both for business as well as for leisure.
Siliguri is the major trade centre for the North-East and eastern Nepal; cycle-rickshaws dominate the roads and there are large number of buses and jeeps plying to different tourist destinations of the region. The main national highways of this region pass through Siliguri. Bus services to all the neighboring places and states is available from Siliguri. Bus services to Bhutan are also there from Siliguri.
Siliguri being the junction, accomodation is easily available here with price ranges from expensive to nominal. Restaurants are also available in plenty. Siliguri also gives the pleasure of marketing specially the foreign stuffs. Siliguri apart from being a junction also offers some places in its surroundings to visit and relax. You can visit the tea gardens, monastries, hills, forests and many more..... . You can also visit the different beautiful picnic spots around Siliguri.
How to get there ? By Road : Siliguri is the main city in the plains by the Tenzing Norgay Road (formerly Hill Cart Road). By Bus: Bus services between Siliguri and Calcutta are frequent. By Rail: New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri Junction stations at the base of the Darjeeling Hill areas have direct railway connections with Calcutta, Mumbai, Guwahati, Madras, Lucknow, and Delhi. By Air: By air to Bagdogra (Siliguri), from where you need to go by road to Siliguri. Indian Airlines as well as private airlines operate on this route.
Places to Visit In and Around Siliguri 1. Nature Interpretation Centre : Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary Nature is presented as an exhibition. Entry permit for Mahananda weir, Sukna are issued. 2. Mahananda Weir wild life Sanctuary, Sukna : 18 km from Siliguri, a place, deep inside forest & nature a good picnic spot. 3. Madhuban Park : A park, developed by Indian Army, is an excellent picnic spot. 4. Umrao Singh Boat Club, Sukna : Umrao Singh Boat Club, Sukna, a Boat Club, developed by Indian Army. Different size & shapes of boats are available for tourists. 5. Passing through Tea Gardens : The trip passing through tea gardens provides an excellent view which everybody can cherish for a long time to come. One can see tea processing also by making prior arrangements. 6. Salugara Monastery : His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche constructed a one hundred foot stupa, which contains five types of relics and is an object of veneration which will bring liberation to any one who sees it. 7. Kalchakra Monastery : Kalchakra was 1st time organized in Salugara in December '96and is one of the most religious nerve centre of Budhdhist religion. 8. Teesta view Point at Sevoke : The Teesta river is the life line of the Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas. One can get a good amount of bird watching at this place. 9. Kali Mandir : Kali Mandir, a Hindu Temple near Sevoke, an abode of the living goddess Kali. The famous Kali Mandir is visited by many newly wedded couples seeking the blessing of the Goddess Kali for a happy married life. 10. Monkey Point : Before reaching Coronation Bridge, you will run into groups of friendly monkeys. These monkeys can be hand-fed items such as bread, bananas etc. 11. Coronation Bridge : Between Salugara & Kalijhora is the Sevoke Bridge, built in 1930, a relic of British Excellence in design & architecture. This is about 23 km from the city on way to Gangtok/Kalimpong and Dooars on the National Highway 31. 12. Consumer Goods Market : Seth Srilal Market and Hill Cart Road have some big consumer goods shops, which stock large varieties of mercantile. The people of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh regularly visit Siliguri for Purchasing. Prices are competitive and bargaining is negligible. 13. Railway Exhibition : For seeing Steam Engines of narrow gauge , a relic of British Raj, one can visit Siliguri Junction. 14. Art Gallery : Regular art exhibitions are being held in Siliguri. The most important and regular site of Art Exhibition is Dina Bandhu Manch. 15. ISKCON Hare Krishna Mandir : A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The ISKCON CENTRE in Siliguri is being labelled as the biggest Krishna Centre in the whole of the North East. Lord Krishna had gone into hiding in the jungles of Baikunthapur with Rukmini at one time so Siliguri was the first choice of Iskcon for making this biggest Krishna Centre in the North East. 16. Fulbari barrage: Typically a barrage means that a water body is formed, and the sam is the case over here. Located about 15 km from Siliguri on the Siliguri-Jalpaiguri national highway is a small but beautiful artificial water body - Fulbari. The main attraction here is that, Mahananda, the most important river of Siliguri forms a huge marshy land which provides ideal nestling place for migratory water fouls like Rudy shell, Mallard, open bull stork and much more.
Where to stay in Siliguri ? You can take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Siliguri besides star categorized accommodation. The various hotel packages offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your feet.
Hotel Sinclairs, P.O. Pradhan Nagar (link) Hotel Heritage, Hill Cart Road, Pradhan Nagar Hotel Gateway, Sevoke Road Hotel Cindrella, Sevoke Road, 3rd Mile, Box No. 88 Viramma Resorts & Hotels, Hill Cart Road Hotel Vinayak, Opposite Tourist Office Hotel Apollo, NH 31, Mallaguri, PO Pradhannagar, Siliguri, India Hotel Tourist Inn, Opp. P.C. Mittal Bus Terminus, Siliguri 734001, India Hotel Conclave Hotel Dolly Inn
Photo Links / Galleries:
1. Djingen Photography: Kolkata to Siliguri by train (link) 2. Siliguri Jn. Railway station (link) 3. Photos of Sikkim and Siliguri (link) 4. sunset on mahananda bridge siliguri (link) 5. Siliguri Photos at trekearth.com (link) 6. Photos of Siliguri at Flickr.com (link)
Lonavala is a beautiful and charming Hill Station at a height of 625 Meters above sealevel. It is without any doubt blessed by nature's beauty. The hill Station is only 128 Kms from Mumbai and around 70 kms from Pune, and is one of the favored hill stations and weekend getaways for people from Mumbai.
The best Season to visit Lonavala is throughout the year, except perhaps May when it can get warmer. * October to March is ideal for sight seeing, with the best weather. * April is bit warm, but suitable for outings, but as you get to May, it gets hotter. * June to September offers some great views of natural beauty of Lonavala in the rainy season with rainfall all around, and can be a good time to visit if you like to look at natural settings when water is pouring all around, and the overall feel is soft and romantic.
Population : 50,000 Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English
Set in the lush green hills of the Sahyadris, Lonavala is the most popular weekend destination from Mumbai and Pune. For a lot of people, it is a regular outing from the busy life in hectic cities, and there are no problems in going to the same place again and again. Lonavala is known as the Jewel of the Sahyadri; if you look at what all it offers, the praise seems justified - it offers the tourist pristine woods and valleys, gurgling and gushing waterfalls, historic caves, and many scenic vistas. Historically, Lonavala has been there for many centuries, with the surroundings hills being the stronghold of the Maratha rulers, in their fights against the Moghuls and later the British. The Maratha warriors practised guerrilla warfare from here in their battles against these sets of enemies. However, now Lonavala is the epitome of peace and tranquility, with a lot of rich and famous people having setup holiday homes here for their use as a rest away from the city. Lonavala also provides thrills of adventure sports in terms of rock climbing, including rock climbing at Duke's Nose.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS : - Karla & Bhaja Caves: These rock-cut cave temples date back to the 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India; they belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. - Rajmachi Point: Located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. Why is it famous ? It is famous for the view; this point commands a magnificent view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrace) and the surrounding valley. - Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan: The stunning gardens are amongst the favorite picnic spots of the children, owing to the soaring trees and spacious open spaces provided by them. - Valvan Dam : Located about 2 km from Lonavla. Located at the foot of the dam is a blooming garden, adorned with a wide variety of colorful flowers and other plants, which attracts a number of tourists. - Tungarli Lake : The lovely Tungarli Lake supplies water to Lonavla town. There are no buses to the site, but taxis and autorickshaws are available from Lonavla Station (3 km). - Lonavala Lake : The tranquil surroundings and serene atmosphere offered by the Lonavla Lake are enough to lure tourists here. The lake is also visited by a number of birds, making it a bird watcher’s delight. - Duke's Nose : It stands 12 km from Lonavla, it is the finest landmark in Khandala and is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose famous and ample nose it resembles. - Tiger's Leap : It is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m. The magnificent view from Tiger's Leap is enthralling. - Christian Cemetery : It is worth a visit for the century old tombstones with work on them. However, as happens in a number of such places, vandals have been at them, with most of them having been desecrated and their precious engravings stolen. - Bushi Dam : During the monsoons, the dam fills with water and the water overflows on the 'steps'. People can sit on these steps and get wet. There are also a few waterfalls around. - Lohagad Fort : Lohagad (literally 'Iron fort' in Marathi) is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It is situated 52 km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet. A robust climb of about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway Station takes you to the 'Iron Fort', once a formidable battle-station of Shivaji. The fort commands a view of the surrounding hills and hamlets. - Yoga Center: Lonavala has a Yoga center that provides
How to get there ? Air: The nearest airport from Lonalvala is Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala. Train: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune, all express trains plying between the two cities stop here. Road:The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good (2 hours). However, the ride is rough and it takes 4 hours to reach Lonavala from Mumbai. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes trip).
PLACES TO STAY - Fariyas Holiday Resort - Treasure Island Resorts - Velvett Country - Dukes Retreat - Kumar Resort - Swiss Resorts - Sahil Sarovar Protico - The Upper Deck Resort - Hotel Whispering Brook - Basilica Holiday Home - La Exotica Resort - Biji's Hill Retreat - The Lagoona Resort - Orchard Resort - Country side Inn
Tourists to West India often make it a point to include Lonavala referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains’, in their itinerary. Trekkers, campers, hikers throng the hill station while leisure travelers account for the majority of the footfall. It is also fast emerging as a preferred choice of honeymooners. Most part of the year is good to visit Lonavala as it sports pleasant climate.
2. Placesnearpune.com (link). Some great photos of scenery, greenery and waterfalls.
Lions view point was easily the best part of my lonavala trip. The moment you reach the edge of the cliff after walking across the road, you just cannot avoid saying “wow!”. The view is majestic and panoramic. You would see dozens of small waterfalls all over the place with one waterfall pretty prominent in the view.
Lonavala is not only about the picturesque sights and salubrious climate but it is also home to some of the finest places of tourist interest. The most outstanding among the tourist attractions in Lonavala are the Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla located in close vicinity of this hill station. On your trip to Lonavala, you must not miss out on these caves since they offer interesting insight into the development of Buddhism in the region.
5. Trek to Twin forts of Lohagad-Visapur & Bhajje caves near Lonavala (link)
Lohagad: This is one of the most interesting forts to visit as it still has its fortification and doorways in pristine condition. The fort dates back to the Satvahan Era and was mainly used to keep a watch on the trade route passing through the Sahyadris.
Yet, the hidden beauty of the city can be revealed only after a chat with localites. One such place is the Karala caves, which are approximately eight kilometers from Lonavala. The cheapest mode of transport to reach this fabulous place is bus service, which will drop you in 10 minutes to the site. Or else you can also take an auto rickshaw, easily available in the city.
The must visiting sites in Lonavala during your trip are as follows - First, there is the Rye Wood Park near the rail way station which is famous for its dense forest of many big and beautiful trees. During the season it attracts tourists with variety of flowers.
8. Lonavala Excursions: A Visit at the 5 Historic Caves (link)
Bhaja Caves are located at the center of Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort. These caves are mush smaller with a Chaitya style. Tourists should take a 250 feet climb to get into the caves. There are 18 rock cut caves as old as since the 2nd century. The first cave is the place of the master architect and ten were reserved for the viharas for priests. The other seven caves have an inscription concerning its donors. A beautiful waterfall is seen at the end.
The Gambhirnath Caves is the most exciting natural attraction. The adventure lovers will enjoy it here This area lies between Thakarwadi and Monkey Hill while departing towards Mumbai. Everyone may reach this location after experiencing some sorts of annoyance. Tourists will get the chance to climb atop the hill. The path will be narrow but is still worth trying for experience.
10. Enjoy the cool and lush greenery of Lonavala (link)
Start your day with a visit to the Karla Caves where you can look at some ancient ruins and Buddhist carvings. Not a very crowded place, it will give you ample time to explore it in a better way. The Chaitya caves are also a must-see. You can also go trekking to the Bhaja caves, which is situated next to Karla caves. The rocks date back to 2nd century BC and make up many temples.
For people who are looking for a good place to stay try MTDC resorts Karla - The cottages are good much better than highly priced hotel rooms , the only drawback is the distance from the main city - but its a good place to just relax & enjoy the rains...
The scenic beauty was amazing, all the mountains were lush green, and covered by clouds and it was raining consistently to add on to the beauty of the weather. As we were heading towards the Tiger Waterfall, the fogs became more dense
Ryewood Park is a picturesque hang out in the hill station Lonavala and is located very close to Lonavala market. This Park has plenty of grounds with greenish lawns and playing grounds for children. The Park is blessed with many varieties of trees which are decades old. It was a botanical garden and later converted to a Park.
Admired the symmetrical architecture of the place which was built in 2nd or 3rd Century. The stupa inside the cave is a very common feature in the Buddhist rock cut caves in India
after some thoughts we went for Lonavala and thankfully it turned out to be a worthwhile decision. A wonderful ride for someone in Pune looking out for a decent biking experience. Mind you it is a bit risky, we were lucky not to get into any accident but next time if I am gonna go that route it would be in day time and with some more preparation.
Korigad predates 1500 A.D. and Shivaji Maharaj included this fort in Swarajya along with Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657 and in 1818 Marathas lost it to the British. There is Ganesh Darwaaja half way to the top with idol of Lord Ganesh in small rock cave and big cave near it.
While going through the old highway there were three things which stuck me most. First being the countryside around me it was beautiful. I have almost visited all the hill stations in northern India so small cliffs now dont entice me so much but i was awestuck by the sights i saw in a cloudy evening.
Photos:
1. Photos of a trip to Lonavala (link) 2. Photos of Lonavala on Flickr (link) 3. The Lion Valley, Lonavala (link) 4. Loanavala Photo Gallery on world66.com (link) 5. Photos at sulekha.com (link) 6. Photo of Karla caves near Lonavala (link) 7. Lonavala in monsoons (link) 8. Photos of famous tourist spots (link) 9. Lonavala: Korigad and Kune falls: Amby Valley: Entrance (link)
Some videos shared by people about Lonavala on Youtube:
General Information : - Altitude: 1600 meters. - Language: Nepali, Sikkimese, Bhutia, Lepcha, Hindi, English. - Best time to visit: Gangtok enjoys a gentle, moderate climate all year through. Mercury levels range from an average maximum of 22°C in summer (March to June) to an average minimum of 4°C in winter during December to February. Best time to visit is September to March.
All good things in life come in small packets and Gangtok is a good illustration. Be it the rich flora, the beautiful people, or the serene Buddhist monasteries, this small town, occupies an important position in the itinerary of tourists in search of tranquility from the humdrum of modern life. The eastern state of Sikkim lies couched between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan. Gangtok became the capital of the state in the 19th century and lies to the south of the district of East Sikkim. It is a hilly town and spreads down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River.
An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.
Places to Visit : 1. Do Drul Chorten : It is regarded as the most important ’stupa’ of Sikkim. This stupa also has sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels. 2. ENCHEY MONASTERY : The Enchey monastery literally means the solitary temple. This place especially attracts attention during the religious dances or ’Chaam’ performed in January. 3. Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology : The institute promotes research on Mahayana Buddhism. 4. Pemayangtse Monastery : This Monastery is located at the hill top and gives a wonderful view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills of the region. 5. Government Institute Of Cottage Industries : t was established with the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. Thankas (also spelt as Thangkas), hand carved wooden tables - known as Choksees and exquisitely woven woolen carpets. 6. Lachung : This is the area inhabited by the Lachungpas, a hardy mountain people who consider themselves quite different from the Bhutias and the Tibetans. The lush green, terraced hillsides, even in winter, were a testimony to the grit and determination of these people. 7. Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs : These springs are considered holy as one of the four holy caves is located here. This holy cave is called the "Kadosangphu" or 'Cave of the occult fairies' and lies on the south of the four cardinal points. 8. Orchid Sanctuary : The sanctuary is famous for its rare and extensive collection of orchids. 9. Namgyal Institute : Namgyal Institute was built in the year 1958 to promote research in Mahayan Buddhism and Tibetan language and traditions. 10. Tsuk La Khang : A depository of a large collection of scriptures, this is the principal place of worship and assembly for the local Buddhists. The Tsuk la Khang is also characterised by the beautiful and impressive building with mural covered interior, lavishly decorated altars or images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Tantric deities and the many fine works of woodcarving.
Excursions from Gangtok : 1. Kabi Longstok : 25-km from Gangtok, here is a spot amidst tall trees, where the treaty of brotherhood between, the Lepcha Chieftan - Tetong Tek and the Tibetan chief Khye Bhumsa was signed. 2. Changu Lake : 35-km from Gangtok. 3. Chungthang : 95-km from Gangtok. 4. Ganesh Tok : 7-km from Gangtok. 5. Hanuman Tok : 11-km from Gangtok. 6. Menmecho Lake : 20-km from Gangtok. 7. Phoodong Monastery : 40-km from Gangtok. 8. Tashi View Point : 8-km from Gangtok. 9. The Ipecac Garden : 14-km from Gangtok, 10.Yumthang : 149-km from Gangtok. 11.Yumthang Hot Springs : 135-km from Gangtok. 12.Nathula : It is a mountain pass situated about 56 km from Gangtok at an altitude of about 14,200 ft and is covered with rich varieties of alpine flora and fauna.
Places To Stay In Gangtok 1. Heritage Hotels * Norkhill Heritage Hotel, Paljor Stadium Road * Himalayan Heights Hotel, Palzor Stadium Road 2. Luxury Hotels * Royal Plaza Hotel * Hotel Tashi Delek (4 Star), Mahatma Gandhi Marg * Nor-Khill Hotel (4 Star), Paljor Stadium Road * Hotel Dew Pond (3 Star), P.S. Road * Hotel Central (3 Star), 31A, National Highway * The Oriental (3 Star), Mahatma Gandhi Marg 3. Deluxe Hotels * Hotel Rigwa, M.G. Marg * Orange Village * Sidlon Residency * Hotel Sonam Palgey * Shambhala Mountain Resort * New Castle * Chumbi Residency * Hotel Rendezvous
How to reach there ? - Nearest Airport Bagdogra Airport (16km) - Nearest Train Stations New Jalpaiguri (124 km) - Main Road Highways NH 31A
External articles:
1. Long journey - section of Gangtok (link): Bike journey with photos of difficulties 2. Sikkim’s Gangtok: The Place where great journeys begin (link)
Sikkim is bounded by Bhutan to its east, Nepal to its West and China to its north. The southern boundary is shared with the state of West Bengal. The topography of Sikkim is such that the entire state is covered with beautiful hills and mountains. Not just a tourism destination, it is also a paradise for naturalist and environmentalists owing to its wealth of flora and fauna. There have been many expeditions related to zoological and botanical research leading to the discovery of a number of plants and animals. It is also the spiritual center for Buddhists all over the world and has around 250 monasteries, each having its own peculiar history and traditions.
3. Hotels in Darjeeling and Gangtok (link) 4. Forum post on trip to Darjeeling (link1, link2, link3) 5. Gaga about Gangtok (link)
Our first stop was at the Rumtek Monastery. The Monastery consists of the main shrine-temple, a retreat centre, a monastic college (Shedra), a nuns’ hostel, some stupas, a protector’s shrine, and some other establishments for the community. I was awed by the vibrant basic colors of the walls, festoons, and chandeliers in the monastery.
6. adventures of mak & mainu (link): Many photos of Gangtok as well
So there we were finally, the long awaited Gangtok. Saw the sikkimese people with their chic clothes and finest shoes, supposed to be brought in from china. We checked-in to Sonam Palgey hotel, touted to be one of the best in the area, located right under the Gangtok ropeway. After a warm shower and some rest we went out to explore the area. Started with the Rumptek Monastery, seeing the monks in their maroon robes reminded me of those Dalai Lama movies, the peaceful serenity of the monastery was capturing.
Gangtok in Sikkim is well connected by roads, rail and air transport. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra in West Bengal. There are helicopter services from Bagdogra to Sikkim. The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, which is connected by regular trains from different cities in India. One can easily reach Gangtok by road from the airport and the railway station. The city is connected with West Bengal by all weather roads which connect Siliguri and Kalimpong in West Bengal with Sikkim.
The nearest train station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri which has direct connections to New Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities in India. It is a 10-12 hour journey from Kolkata. From New Jalpaiguri, you can either hire a taxi from the station itself or take an auto-rickshaw to the Siliguri bus stand. From there, you have the option of traveling to Gangtok by state bus, roughly a 5-6 hour journey.
Gangtok is 140 km from Bagdogra Airport. You can take a vehicle from the airport to gangtok. No need of booking anything in advance.
10. Travelling India (link) 11. One step closer to Freedom (link)
The road to Gangtok was really breathtaking. Its surely a must try. But today, it had a lot of traffic snarls with the mud and rocks still being cleared with bulldozers. In one place, we were held up for almost an hour. Maybe there was a landslide here last night, I wondered. But the delay there, gave me a unique oppurtunity to take photos of the Kanchenjunga peak which was slowly coming out of the clouds. Let me tell you one thing. The first time you see a mountain peak for real is very special. I have seen many photos of this peak before. But only when you stand here, you get to see the relative size of the peak with everything else around you. That, my friend, you can't get in a photo. For people like me from the plains, its truly a breathtaking experience to see a mountain peak.
12. Travel & Work, Work & Travel (link). Some great photos of Gangtok.
To my amazement, and utter joy, she stayed for a bit. And then she also rubbed up against the fence and I got a chance to touch the soft, soft fur. That touch seemed to have lasted, because for the next minute or so she pushed into the fence, and I dug my fingers further into her fur. Behind her ear, on her shoulder blades, neck, even (and I admit my foolishness in going this far) but was able to pet her underbelly a bit.
The tourist attractions in Gangtok include museums, monasteries and quaint surroundings. The Deer Park is a must-see tourist spot commanding a breathtaking view of the valleys neighboring the city of Gangtok against the backdrop of the elegant Mt. Kanchenjunga. The park is home the rare red panda and the Himalayan Bear. Dul Dul Chortena also features among the popular tourist attractions in Gangtok that was built under the direction of the late most respected Rimpoche and is a place of worship for the Tibetan Buddhists.
The inhabitants of Gangtok are chiefly dependent on tourism, which is the most important occupation for the residents. A number of superior international standard hotels have turn up in the recent years to cater the escalating demand of tourists. All these hotels are extravagantly built and decorated and offer service which is a combination of conventional hospitality along with modern professionalism.
The name Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word for 'hillside,' and the city currently has a population of around 80,000 - a mixture of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Lepcha,Bhutia Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry along with people from across India settled and engaged in trade and business activities.
I'm now in Gangtok, which seems a very pleasant place so far. It's got a wide pedestrianised main street with no litter. This is a first for me in India (outside of shopping malls) and it's very nice. I'm not sure how they enforce it – I suspect large fines and men with sticks. Sikkim is noticeably quite wealthy, which I believe is partly because the Indian government put lots of money into their economy to lure them away from any loyalty to China.
Photos of Gangtok:
1. Gangtok city view on rope way (link) 2. Gangtok picture gallery at India Travelinfo (link) 3. Photos of Gangtok on Slideroll (link) 4. Many photos of Gangtok at SikkimInfo (link) 5. Photos of Gangtok at oktatabyebye.com (link) 6. Gangtok Photo Collection (link) 7. Photos of Gangtok on Flickr (link)
Videos detailing different experiences in Gangtok:
Surviving in Gangtok in Rs 3,000
Gangtok town
How to Get Lost Two backpackers: part 2 of 7: India (Sikkim, Gangtok, Kolkata)
Gangtok - Sikkim - India
Gangtok: A Beautiful Memory
Gangtok calling: This video was taken en route to gangtok when i was about to reach Teesta.
Gangtok: The land of Mystic Splendor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf9lYFp1r6A
Beautiful Snow Fall in Gangtok (26.05.2009)
Gangtok (Sikkim) Road Trip
Gangtok Videos, Sikkim, India
Helicopter ride from Bagdogra to Gangtok: Beautiful experience flying over the Himalayas
A beautiful photo of a journey to Jungfrau, the journey was so beautiful with some incredible sceneries. In the same photo, you can see the ice line, where the greenery ends on the hills, and moves to the ice line higher up on the mountain. Such a photo was very captivating.
