HOP AROUND INDIA'S DECEMBER NEWS LETTER

Hop Around India team Wishes entire enthusiasts a Happy New Year with loads of adventure and fun filled travel holiday

Year 2012, has been very eventful for us at Hop Around India. Visits to Hoparoundindia.com have more than doubled and are steadily at 50,000 visitors per day this year. This December and this year also sees the calendar date as 20-12-2012. This kind of a date doesn’t come again for the next 89 years. Hoparoundindia team wishes the entire travel enthusiasts a happy new year with loads of adventure and fun filled travel holiday. December is the 12^th and the last month of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. December is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Christmas Day: Dec 25th ”

Christmas Day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ at Bethlehem, the land of Jews. The festival is celebrated as an honor of Lord Jesus, who is considered as the son of God and founder of the Christianity. Most important Christmas traditions, including Christmas trees, mistletoe, Christmas presents, and Santa Claus – are modern incarnations. Therefore, wishing someone Merry Christmas is truly wishing them a peaceful or blessed ‘Mass of Christ”

Chumpha Festival:

Chumpha Festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the state of Manipur by Tanghul Nagas, for whom it is important festival. These festival celebrations include get to gather all family members and friends for everyone to rejoice and enjoy.

Wild life:

Jim Corbett National Park:

The most famous national park in India. It was established in 1936 as Hailey National park. The park is named in honor of Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment and is a legendary figure in this area. The park is located in the state of Uttarakhand. The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics.

Events

New Year Eve: Dec 31st

New Year's Eve Celebrations in India are the time to party and excavate into the last minute fun. People wait for the festival with high excitement as it marks the new beginning of the next stage of life. The celebration usually starts in the evening and gets to full swing at 12 o' Clock midnight and lasts till late night. All the night clubs, discotheques, amusement parks and even the cinema halls are thronged by people of all ages.

Chrysanthemums Show:

Chrysanthemums Show is very famous flower show in Chandigarh, hosted every year at the Terraced garden in sector 33. This show usually held in the month of December. In this fair we can find different types of flowers. They conducted various competitions regarding gardening, in which more city gardeners participate.

Best Places to Visit in December:

Honeymoon places in India:

Manali:

“Himachal Pradesh is a thrilling paradise and a most admired honeymoon destination in India. It is closely situated to the snowline of Himalaya’s; Being a hill station winters remain extremely cold in Manali.

Goa:

"This is the best time to visit Goa during winter. Millions of tourists visit Goa in December. Wonderful Beaches, Temples, Museums, Churches and Wildlife Sanctuaries located in the State attract and sustain tourist visits 

Munnar:

“Munnar - one of the most beautiful hill stations in India is located in the state of Kerala. Munnar is also popularly called as “Kashmir of South India” and a trip to Kerala is never complete without a visit to Munnar. Being a hill station, Munnar has pleasant climate throughout the year and gives you a thrilling experience especially in winters.

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Geeta Jayanti Samaroh

Geeta Jayanti Festival is a unique and exceptional festival dedicated to the birth of Srimad Bhagvad Gita, the holy book of Hindus. The festival is celebrated mainly in northern part of india i.e. Kurukshetra, Haryana. 

The festival is very sacred to Hindus and is celebrated with immense devotion and dedication. Kurukshetra is inseparable when one talks about the Indian culture and Hindu mythology. Indeed Kurukshetra is believed to be the land where the essence of real Hinduism found place.

It is in this same land that the famous sage Manu wrote the Manusmriti. Not only that, but the Rig Veda and the Sama Veda were also composed here. The land was visited by divine personalities like Lord Krishna, Gautama Buddha and some eminent Sikh Gurus.

Srimad Bhagwad Gita has since its inception been the philosophical guide and spiritual teacher for Hindus. In Gita, Lord Krishna has taught numerous lessons to Arjuna, one of the Pandavas which are considered to be ideal means of living one’s life. One of the most famous teachings of Gita followed since ages says "one should selflessly perform one’s duties and karma, not worrying about the outcome". Gita according to the Hindu Mythology provides solution for every problem that a man faces in his life.

In 2012, Geeta Jayanti Festival will begin on December 23rd.

During the Geeta Jayanti Samaroh pilgrims from all over India gather in Kurukshetra to take part in this sacred festival. A normal ritual observed to be followed by everyone is to take bath in holy water of the sacred tanks - Sannihit Sarovar and Brahma Sarovar. The whole environment becomes divine and spiritual with numerous activities being organized. Celebrated in the month of November - December, the fair lasts for about a week and the major attractions for the visitors are shloka recital, dance, Bhagwad Katha reading, bhajans, dramas and book exhibitions.

The Geeta Jayanti Samaroh is organized by Kurukshetra Development Board, Haryana Tourism, District Administration, North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala and Information and Public Relations Department Haryana.

Over the years Gita Jayanti Samaroh has gained importance and popularity especially among the Hindu Community. Every year large number of tourists visits Kurukshetra during the event to participate in this sacred fair

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Amarnathji Yatra

The toughest Yatra of them all – the Amarnath Yatra – the Hindu Annual Pilgrimage of Lord ‘Shiva Linga’ is here, beckoning all the strong-willed on a spiritual journey all the way up to13,000 feet altitude to the 130-foot high Amarnath Cave where the ice Shiva Linga naturally forms every year. The Amarnath Cave is set amidst snowy Kashmiri mountains where the air loses its oxygen count at -5⁰ Celsius. 

 Amarnath Yatra is open for 37 days in the year 2012 between June 25th and August 2nd . Online registrations and over the counter are open. On-spot registrations are also available.

Visiting the Amarnath Cave is practically an adventure in itself as it entails strenuous trekking - trails through challenging rocky, verdant and snowy mountainous terrain and camping in the mountain wilderness. Involving 50 kilometres of near-vertical mountain-climb and spanning 4 days (one way) is this mother-of-all-Yatras for Hindus all over the world.

The base camps for this Yatra are Chandanwari and Baltal. A view of Baltal base camp, 15 kms north of Sonamarg. It is one of the starting points for Hindu pilgrims who undertake the annual trek to Amarnath cave shrine. 

Both these places are approached via Jammu. The routes being:

1.  Jammu > Pahalgam (315 kms from Jammu to Pahalgam) > Chandanwari > Pissu Top > Sheshnag > Panchtarni > Amarnath Cave – 50 kms from Chandanwari to the Holy Cave.

2.  Jammu > Udhampur > Patnitop > Kud > Ramban > Banihal > Qazigund > Anantnag > Srinagar > Baltal (414 kms from Jammu to Baltal) > Amarnath Cave – 14 kms from Baltal to the Holy Cave.

Pilgrims can also opt for Helicopter rides to complete this Yatra in a shorter span, which start at Pahalgam and at Baltal. Ponies are another alternative for people who can’t walk or fly in Helicopters., About 34,000 people from all over India and the world visited Amarnath Yatra in 2011 is the highest ever!

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department along with the Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust are geared up for more visitors in 2012. Registration Counters have been increased from 149 to 274 counter and additional tent-accommodation facilities are being freely offered by Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department, Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust and many other non-Government Charitable Organizations. Helicopter fare from Pahalgam and Baltal to Amarnath Cave has been slashed by 40% in order to make it more convenient for aged pilgrims who are daring this Yatra. Security has been revved up along the route to make it naturally safe for the pilgrims.

The one thing that is reiterated as mandatory by the Shrine Board is a fitness test and a medical certificate issued by Registered Medical Practitioner for the pilgrim, without this, the pilgrim is not allowed on the Yatra as 107 pilgrims lost their lives due to Cardiac arrest on Amarnath Yatra in 2011 and the Shrine Board is concerned for the safety of the pilgrims.

Besides the Darshan of the Shiva Linga in Amarnath Cave, the amazing aspect of this Yatra is the route to the Holy Amarnath Cave which is awesome and overwhelming and gives a sample of the glorious Kashmir terrain. And reciting what my colleague recently taught me - Bol Har Har Mahadev!

Get booked cheap flights for your air travel on cheapoair.co.uk

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2012

Sikhism was born in the city of Nankana Sahib (formerly Rāi Bhōi dī Talwandī) located in Punjab, Pakistan. Sikhism was found in 15^th century; Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh religion and the first guru of Sikhism. Nanak ji was born on Apr 15, 1469. He was fascinated by Religion and God. He peculiarly meditated alone in which he did not took part in religious rituals. His teachings mainly based on mysteries of life. Sikh religion is the 5^th largest religion in the world with the population of about 30 millions, out of which 75% of sikhs lives in the state of Punjab, India.

This year Guru Nanank Jayanti celebrates on 28 Nov. Sikhs celebrates his birth anniversary with great pride, honor and religious fervor. On this day a huge procession will be held. Procession – known as Prabhat pheris, starts early in the morning at gurudwaras and make it way around the neighborhood, chanting and singing hymns.

Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs is read for 48 hours. The holy book contains compositions by the first five Gurus of Sikh religion. People from all religions throng to Gurudwara on this day, Prayers and Kirtans at gurudwaras are followed by community meals. Nishan Sahibs (the sikh flag) carried by Five armed guards, representing the Panj Pyaras leading the procession. As the procession continues, the followers sing shabads (religious hymns) while the local bands play religious music.

Guru Nanak teachings are mostly based on dangers of Egotism, Meditation and Divine order. It is said that the journey of Guru Nanak was mostly on foot, about 28000 km in all directions along with his companions. It is believed that he is the second most travelled person in the world on foot.

Hop Around India's November NewsLetter

"The name of the month 'November' is supposed to be derived from 'Novem' which is a Latin term for 'Nine'.  In ancient roman November was the ninth month after march. as part of the seasonal calender November is the time of the 'snow moon' according to the pagan beliefs and the period is described as the 'Moon of the falling leaves' by 'Black Elk'."

“Kolayat Fair: Nov 17th to 26th”

Kolayat Fair is also known as the Kapil Muni fair. This is the main fair of Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnimaa. Thousands of tourists visits this fair and take a dip in this holy lake and float clay lanterns in the lake. There is a huge show of cattle, horses etc at this place as well. Competitions for best breed of animlas is conducted, this show attracts the best breed of animals from across the country. It's quite a spectacle as buffaloes, camels, horses, cattle etc in thousands are assembled here for trade -. It is believed that one day stay at Kolayat is equivalent to spending 10 years at any other holy place. Sewag Brahmins perform the daily rituals in the temple.

Pushkar Camel Fair: 18th to 24th

Pushkar Camel fair is celebrated in Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan. It is a five day festival held on the day of Karthik Purnima in the month of November. Pushkar Camel fair is one of its types in the world, where nearly 50,000 camels are on display to participate in the competitions held exclusively for camels, which are brought from across the country. On this day all Camels are dressed up, paraded, raced, and traded. This Camel exhibition attracts many tourists from all parts of the nation. A huge celebration is held, with an array of musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and camel rides to entertain the tourists.

Guru Nanak Jayanthi: Nov 28th

Guru Nanak Jayanthi is celebrated by Sikhs on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Ji. The festival is celebrated all over India with great honor, respect and enthusiasm. Guru Nanak was the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev was not only admired by the followers of Sikhism, but also by the Punjabi Hindus in Amritsar and Sahajdhari Sindhis residing across the Indian subcontinent for his noble words and deeds.

Muharram: Nov 25th

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. Some Muslims fast during day time in the 9th - 10th or 10th - 11th days of the month and they also attend special prayers and meetings in mosques. Some Muslims in Kerala paint their bodies with tiger markings, wear masks, and parade through streets playing, dancing and mimicking a tiger - which is called “Pulikali”. This year Muharram will be celebrated on 25th of November 2012. Muharram is one of the most important festivals in Hyderabad. Ashura is the last day of the festival. On this day they perform Surah Ikhlas (Prayer) 1000 times.

Diwali: November 13th

“This year Diwali the ‘Festival of Lights” falls in the month of November. It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm all over India. Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to indicate the victory of good over evil. The illuminated house is a sign of welcoming the Goddess Lakshmi. In the North India, Diwali is related with the returning of Lord Rama, Lakshmana & Seetha to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile and victory over Ravana. He was welcomed to Ayodhya Kingdom with thousands of Deepa’s (lights) illuminated throughout the kingdom.

Tourist Destinations of this month

Goa
Coorg
Mussoorie
Shimla
Manali

A Pleasant break in a long walk....

We were on our way to do the Circumambulation of Tiruvannamalai and visiting the Lord Arunachaleshwara in Tamil Nadu.  Six of us started off by mid day of 6 Jan 2012, on this 17km walk; it was a hot and sunny day.  We kept crossing many foreigners on our way and one of them a school teacher named Voila from Canada was also walking along with us.  She told us that after reading the teachings of Bhagwan Ramana Maharshi which impressed her deeply, she came down to India to spend a couple of months here. We were pleasantly surprised to note that she is checked into a small home stay at Tiruvannamalai and does walk up and down to the Ramanasramam daily. After walking for 3 hrs we reached Ramanasramam and walked in with lot of expectations. 

First we stopped by the big hoarding detailing the Ashram site map. After checking out all the places to visit we went on to Bhagavan Samadhi Shrine.  It is a huge and peaceful hall where a Shiva Linga is placed on the Samadhi of Bhagavan and a close to real life idol is also there.  Black and white life size pictures of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi adorn the walls of this hall.  Every picture leaves you spell bound as the eyes are so full of life and seem to look through your soul. 

We sat in that hall along with few others and meditated for a while.  It was interesting to note that surroundings make a huge impact on the state of mind, as I found it was easy to focus and meditate positively here than usual.Our next stop was of Mathrubhuteshwara temple which has the remains of Bhagavan’s mother.  This was inaugurated by Ramana Maharshi himself. We found a group of people singing some very pleasant and melodious Tamil songs in the hall of this shrine.  We all found them so interesting and sat for a long time listening to that rhythmic and captivating music despite not understanding the language, it is so true that music has no language barriers to enjoy.

We went ahead and looked around the dining hall, meeting area, well and the residential quarters of the Asram.  Everything is excellently maintained and we found many residents cleaning, sweeping and mopping these places as part of their routine. Then we visited the soul of the Asram, Sri Raman Maharshi’s personal chamber where he used to live and the articles that he used were also kept on display.  The area was kept intact and gave a feeling as if He is still there and spreading some positive energy around. From here we went towards the Cow sheds or Gosalas.  All the animals here are named and reared with love and affection.  The helpers and the residents of the Ashram take good care of these cows and showed us around the place. We fed the cows with the fruits we carried after taking permission to do so, took few pictures and were surprised to see the way each cow responds when called by name.  We were told that even Bhagavan had a favorite cow named Lakshmi that always stayed outside His quarters and grazed around close by.

There is a Veda Pathasala (Vedic School) where the mid day classes were going on.  We waited outside and listened to the clear, rhythmic way of pronouncing the Sanskrit Shlokas. There were many Peacocks around this part of the Asram and we were lucky to see a Peacock dancing in very close quarters, it was so magical that we forgot to capture it on roll.

On our way back we visited the Book stall which stocks Books on Ramana Maharshi, Books written detailing his teachings and many other publications on Hindu religion, Vedic transcripts and many more.  All the above books are available in different languages as well including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and English. Cotton hand bags with long strap were on sale here with the logos of the Asram.  They are so useful to carry along that I bought many to gift my friends and family.  I also bought the Diaries that carried Pictures and quotes of Ramana Maharishi.

With that we walked out of the Ashram and were back on to the Parikrama of the Arunachalam Hill.  My experiences of this walk deserve another blog altogether hence I will detail them later.

Mahanavami

Maha Navami, is the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Ashwin month. October 23, Tuesday is the day where this festival is celebrated. Mahanavami is the final day of Navratri Festival. Mahanavami is also the one before the last day of Durga Puja. This nine day festival is most significant festival in India celebrated by Hindus in India.

The Festival Maha Navami vary from region to region where when associated with rituals and celebrations. Maha Navami is determined as Ayudha Puja (Weapons puja). All books, utensils and gear are set aside for puja.

Maha Navami refers to final rituals related with Durga Puja. The Immersion of Durga Murti follows the next day. A major bhog is held on the day and Devotees offers Prasad to Goddess Durga. Food items which are prepared on this day for Goddess Durga will be shared by devotees.

The ritual, sacrifice of animal on this day in some parts of India is discouraged by many people nowadays and is banned by government. But in some rural regions of India is following this ritual in the famous temples of Goddess Durga.

Almost everywhere else but west Bengal, durgapuja means victory of Ram over Ravan. Ravan was killed by Ram on Vijayadashami and this is fabulously narrated through these Ramlilas, folk theatres.

Aparajita (Goddess Durga) is worshipped on this day, by offering her sugarcane stalks. Mahishasura Mardhini Puja is also observed on Mahanavami, Goddess Durga is decorated and worshipped in the form of Mahishasura Mardini alankaram. Matangi Dasamahavidya too, is worshipped on Mahanavami as a part of Dasamahavidya pooja in Navratri. Mukteshwari is the Goddess to be worshipped on mahanavami as part of Saptamatrika and Ashtamatrika puja. As per Hindu beliefs, Durga pooja on Maha Navami is alike to the Durga pooja performed on all nine days of Durga Navaratri.

On this day, Goddess Siddhidatri puja, is also performed, by the Navadurga Shakteya sampradaaya people. Kanya Puja is performed in Bihar, Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar, when nine young virgin girls (kumarika), are worshipped, who symbolically represent the nine incarnations of the goddess Durga. Their feet are washed, kumkum applied on the forehead and they are feasted and given gifts and new clothes offered the devotees.

Nine Incarnations of Goddess Durga:-

1.      Goddess Shailputri (Daughter of king of Mountains)
2.      Goddess Brahmacharini
3.      Goddess Chandraghanta
4.      Goddess Kushmanda
5.      Goddess Skandmata
6.      Goddess Kaatyayani
7.      Goddess Kaalratri
8.      Goddess Mahagauri
9.      Goddess Siddhidatri

The Nine Incarnations of Goddess Durga has very significant role during Navratri. Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra follows the next day of Mahanavami. One more festival is celebrated on this day, in some places of Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, Bathukamma festival is celebrated.

Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra

Dussehra is one of the prominent Festivals of Hindu Religion in India. This festival is mostly celebrated by hindus at the same time in different ways in different parts of India as well as around the world.

As per Hindu autumn calendar in the lunar month of Ashvin or Ashwayuja which falls in months of September or October. After the new moon which falls in Bhadrapada, to the next day or tenth day and culminates the tenth day as Dasara. After the completion of nine days of Navarathri, Vijaya Dashami falls on tenth day, 

At this time, the harvest season begins in India and Goddess Durga is invoked to initiate the new harvest season and achieve the vigor and fertility of soil. Hindus, as per their faith observe Vijaya Dashami through social gatherings and offering Prasadam (Prashad) to gods at home and in temples all over India and Nepal.

As per the History, there were some demons who were very powerful, ambitious and continually tried to capture Heaven and overtake Devas or Gods. During this period whole world was crushed under the dictatorship of demon Mahishasura. All the gods joined their energies to get rid of the demons rule and transferred all their energies to a single mass luminescent energy "Shakti " to kill Mahishasura.

A beautiful virgin with ten hands came out of powerful band of lighting from the mouths of Trimurthi’s (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) riding on a lion. Special weapons were received from all the Gods. This battle raged for nine days and Mahishasura was defeated and killed by Goddess Durga on the tenth day of Ashvin Shukla Paksha.

These nine days are called as “Navratri’s and the tenth day as “Vijaya Dashami.”

There are different stories regarding the celebration of this festival. 

1) The Lord's Shakti, Parvati, defeated demon Mahishasur on the 10th day after a 9-day battle. This is cited in the Skanda Puran.

2) On this day Lord Ram vanquished demon Ravan. Therefore people celebrate the Lord's victory by burning Ravan's effigy.

3) Mahaar, Dhaumya rishi’s son married to Shami, daughter of Aarva Rishi of Malwa. Both went to darshan and blessings of Shaunak rishi. On their way, they saw a rishi with trunk head and made fun of him. For which, both (Mahaar & Shami) were cursed into trees by the rishi. For their liberation they prayed to Lord Ganesha. They were blessed by Lord Ganesha that, Mahaar tree and Shami tree will be worshipped from then. Since then, people worship these Mahaar and Shami trees and give their offerings. It is said that this form of worship is equal to shiva’s puja. 

4) As per Skand Puran, another story revealed. Kautsa, who was the poor student of Vishwamitra Maharishi, approached Raghu Raja for wealth, to gift his guru. But Raghu Raja utilized all his resources for Vishwajit yagna by that time. Raghu Raja doesn’t wanted kautsa to leave empty hand, then he forayed into Kuber – the treasurer of the devas. The shami tree was sprinkled with14 crore gold coins by defeated kuber and the poor student gathered them and gifted to his guru. In turn, the poor were gifted with these gold coins by Vishwamitra. Thus, the leaves of shami considered as gold during puja. At this time, Shami tree gifted with wealth, so puja is performed to Shami tree during this festival.

5) A story revealed, when a battle between Arjuna and Duryodhan. Arjuna picked up his weapons hiding behind the Shami tree, to retrieve Virat Raja's cows from him.

Dussehra is the last day of Navratri; during these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. It falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin (around September or October). Dussehra in 2012 is on 24th of October.

Durgashtami 2012 - Durga Ashtami Festival India

Durgashtami, which is popularly called as Durga Pooja is one of the most significant festivals of India. This refers to all six days observed as Mahalaya, Shasthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami. More than just a festival Durga Pooja is a carnival of life, culture, popular customs and traditions. It is a time relocates, reunion and rejuvenation to love, to share and to care.

It is celebrated with different rituals and festivities; Durga Puja is a most significant Hindu Festival which is celebrated throughout India with various rituals and revels particularly in the eastern part of the country covering the Indian states West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Tripura. Mainly in West Bengal and Tripura, Majority of Bengali Hindus living here, Dugastami considered as the biggest festival of the year. Apart from eastern part, this festival in addition celebrated in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala and more states of india. This festival falls in the month of September/October every year.

 On this day involves the worship of Shakti i.e Goddess Durga (which is a incarnation of Godess Parvati) The story of this festival lays back to the story of Mahisasur, a powerful daemon also called as the Buffalo Daemon. Through several years of intense praying and worship he got blessings from Lord Brahma that no power could making him invincible. But once the great powers were blessed upon him, he started ravaging the entire world and assassinating people and eventually wanted to uproot the deities too. The Gods, finally decided to combine their powers to create a pleasant maiden, and each placed his or her most powerful weapon in one of her ten hands riding a lion. Godess Durga killed Buffalo Daemon and won the paradise back for the Gods. Her return in every year occurs in the Bengali month of Aswin (September-October) commemorates Rama's invocation of the goddess Shakti before he went into fight with Ravana and defeated ravana in the battle.

Godess Shakti is also referred as Amma (means mother) in south india. So many temples are situated in south india devoted to various incarnations of Shakti maa in most villages of this part. Their belief is the Shakti maa is curer of all diseases and protector of the village, punisher of evil people and one who gives welfare to the village.

All pine for the Alpine….

My love-affair with mountain ranges and all things alpine started recently and seems to be growing more passionate and diverse by the day. First, I used to browse the blog-sites and view lots of personal videos of true-travellers’ low-down on high altitudes. Then I remember driving up in the rain to a book store and buying books on mountains of India and the seven summits of the world….just to be able to read about mountains in bed endlessly which is difficult with a laptop. Then came a phase when I started painting, art-journalling and paper-collaging with a central theme of the mountains. By this time….mountain ranges started getting so etched in my mind that I became a virtual curious-tourist so I took a nose-dive into mountaineering and started researching technology that aided humans in discovering and exploring the mountains and their terrain. That’s when I discovered that there is a formal course that teaches the knack of climbing mountains plus all the mountain’s moods which basically decides whether or not one would return from them in one single piece….or…..not at all!

The fact that you’re reading this topic speaks of your ‘inclination’ towards the snowy-slopes. Don’t know which milestone you’re at but maybe you need to lap-up some knowledge and know-how before you sign-up or fizzle-out. Did you know that the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering in Darjeeling offers month-long and on-field training in Mountaineering and costs less than Rs. 5000??? This should put to rest your delusions that mountaineering is for James Bonds and Yash Chopras. Anybody who has a fetish for adventure of treading lesser traveled angular roads running in his veins, has the grit to take on a risky challenge of climbing unpredictable powder slopes, longs for the adrenalin rush that comes with uncertainty of the mood of the mountains and someone who wants to stand closest to the sky….qualifies!

If you’re that someone or you want to know if you’re that someone….there is one good way to find out. Do what I’m going to do. Enroll for mountaineering training.

My inspiration? Jordan Romero, 13 – world’s youngest climber to summit Mount Everest at 29,035 feet altitude.

Source of my confidence? The 4000+ successful climbers who made it to the top of Mount Everest.

My preparation? Relentless training, gaining 360-degree awareness and focus.

They say the best way to focus on a goal is to visualize your goal frequently by forming mental images of your goal in your brain and by recalling them often in a day.

My method? Come to the Tiger Hill Watch-tower. 4 AM. And see for yourself…..

Courtesy : -Hop Around India Blog

When Amitji over powered Rajivji…

It was sometime in Dec 1989 when I and my brother were travelling from Guwahati (Assam) to Shillong (Meghalaya). Before undertaking the journey we had to stay at the army’s transit camp (which was just outside the Guwahati railway station) where all defence personals take a break journey before proceeding towards Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland or any of the north-eastern states by road. We had to stay at the camp till the fog cleared on the route to Shillong.

Once we got the clearance we started immediately by jeep. The distance being just a 100 kms, we were told that it would take about 3 hrs to reach Shillong. We started at 5 pm and in no time it was dark. The jeep started making jerks mid-way as we felt we were running out of gas. As the jeep slowed down we were over taken by a lorry who’s driver shouted saying that our jeeps silencer had caught fire. We jammed brakes, got down and ran away from the jeep. The driver didn’t panic but took out one of the water bottles and threw water on the silencer. The driver said that we couldn’t go further as the jeep had broken down and he needed to call the unit to send us a recovery vehicle. We were in the middle of a forest and didn’t have a clue on how to contact the unit at Shillong.

It was past 7pm, cold, foggy and pitch dark with no lights around. The driver said that he’ll try to stop any army vehicle coming or going for help, meanwhile my brother was searching for place to answer nature’s call when he shouted…“Hey! I can see some light coming from that hut downhill.” I told the driver to continue what he’s good at and we both will go down the hill to get some assistance.

I and my brother slowly walked down the hill and knocked at the door. A 50 year old chinky tribal looking guy opened the door…before he could ask us I asked him…“Chai milegi”? The man couldn’t understand. I asked him again in Hindi- if we could get a mechanic as our vehicle had broken down. The man was clueless, my brother started guessing on how to explain the man…as the man asked- “Why don’t you both come in?” in English…we were completely zapped!!! I asked him how come he knew the language; he said it was their local lingo.

We both sat down inside as the man went in to get us some tea. We looked around his walls which had a few paintings, arrows and a huge poster of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Amitabh Bachchan. My brother asked the man if he was more of a fan of the PM or AB. The man replied that he didn’t know who the posters were of but all he knew was that the right side poster was of a man who acts in Hindi films and got injured while shooting in 1982. Before we could ask why he didn’t know about our country’s PM, our driver shouted…“Sir, recovery van mil gaya!” We soon thanked the man and asked if we need to pay for the Tea, he said- “No, you are my guests!” We both thanked him again and left his hut to be carried away to Shillong by the recovery vehicle only to realize how much our Bollywood actors over power our politicians.

Courtesy :- Hop Around India Blog

India's Highest Skiing Location

One day I wanna pack my bags and take off - all by myself to a place totally ‘not-known’ to anyone in my ever-evolving network of friends or family. No advice……no map….no compass….no GPS….no asking for directions…..no newsletters from befriended (or not) planets….no screaming promos from travel companies who seem to know exactly when I oughtta take a break from work (even though I don’t) and ask me to leave NOW….no weddings to attend…..no family friends to visit with a ‘sweet-packet’.

It doesn’t matter that a city won’t charm and shock me at the same time. It doesn’t matter that a historic monument won’t stir my soul from within and make me feel nostalgic of an era that I did not witness. It doesn’t matter that a prehistoric artifact won’t fill me with awe and rake up the archaeologist in me. It doesn’t matter that the million flowers in the valleys won’t welcome me with a smile. It doesn’t matter that the salubrious air won’t embrace me with warmth. It doesn’t matter that the trickling brooks won’t tickle my feet. It doesn’t matter that snowflakes won’t land on my nose. It doesn’t matter that I won’t get the thrills of my life hanging upside down by a rope in a deep gorge. It doesn’t matter that I won’t race down a snowy mountain at a 40-degree angle at a maddening speed like a maverick on wheels who has nothing to lose. It doesn’t matter that a gushing river won’t drench me with its ice cold water as it tosses me around merrily. It doesn’t matter that I won’t laze around in a hammock with a book at hand and a German composition in my ear. It doesn’t matter that I won’t be rolling in laps of luxury with hot and smooth black pebbles dotting my spine. It doesn’t matter that I won’t do a ‘world-tour’ of India on a shoe-string budget. It doesn’t matter that I won’t have stunning backdrop photos of mine to share online. And it sure as hell won’t matter that my bank balance remained untouched.

Buuuuuut….what DOES matter is that I do things on my terms, at my pace in my own race. I decide ‘where’ and I decide ‘when’. And right now I feel like surrendering to the bliss of warm oil dripping on my head while a masseuse kneads my feet endlessly. I want to be enveloped in light Indian folk instrumental music and want lush green trees to surround me. I want to inhale moist cool air and I want beams of the sun to shower on me through the mosaic-like thatched roof. And when I’m done with this piece of paradise, I want to lazily walk over and park myself next to either splashing water or gushing water and just watch all of nature’s bounty on the roll. And I wouldn’t mind an occasional visitor or two – an Elephant or a bird that would sit along with me or flutter around me like as if I mean the world to them. No…it ain’t impossible. I heard that in Kerala - in quiet and quaint towns - there exist – what we now call ‘Spas’ which bring my dream to reality. These Spas are a legacy of certain select families. It’s almost as if it’s a trade secret. It must be. Why else do others not succeed in this endeavour of treating people’s lifestyle oriented ailments using this very technique? You may have other successful techniques but this technique behaves like it won’t survive if it switches hands. And who cares? From what I heard, I will walk my way…..all the way…..to Kerala just to be pampered by these Ayurvedic masseurs and practitioners. I’d indulge in Ayurveda from head to toe and ravel in the ‘magical’ balms, oils and lotions of Kerala.

Or……I could also head north to Himachal Pradesh where resorts are resorting to ‘Kerala-Style’ practice of Ayurveda – only…. at an altitude of about 6000 feet. An additional fringed benefit of Ayurveda treatment in Himachal Pradesh is the breathtaking and wondrous panoramic views of the Himalaya Mountains. Just imagining myself in those mountainous regions…sends a chill down my spine. To be soaking in all of nature’s bounty….the lush green meadows dotted with millions of wild flowers; the pleasantly chill weather with cool breeze; the clean air; the sparse civilization with no traffic (much less traffic jams); the open and vacant streets of these small Himalayan towns – all surrounded by the Great Himalayas is an experience by itself. And then to bask in the Himalayan sun with Ayurvedic oils from a different latitude is pure bliss!!

And while I’m up there kissing mountains in Himachal Pradesh, how would it be if I just drifted to 34.05°N 74.38°E? What say? In case you’re looking up these coordinates – don’t bother. They belong to an all-weather resort which sports millions of wild flowers in summers and radically changes to a ferocious snow-sports capital of India in winters. This is where we’ll find India’s highest skiing location; world’s 2nd highest Cable Car; world’s 4th highest golf course; and one of the very few Helicopter-skiing resorts in the whole of Asia. And what I’m really interested in the ‘apres ski’ in this place. I heard it one of the most happening international party places in the world with people from New Zealand, Australia, Europe, China, Russia and India converging after a whole day of ski-indulgence to let their hair down and chill and socialize. With the holistic and Ayurvedic treatments with which I’d feel totally invigorated, I think I’d be all ready for some action then. Now…all I’d need to do is rope-in a friend or two and I’m set for the best action-packed and picturesque vacations of my life. Oh….and 34.05°N 74.38°E belongs to Gulmarg in Kashmir!

Courtesy :- Hop Around India Blog

The Fast Depleting Hinterland of Jharkhand

What have we achieved in mowing down mountain ranges, harnessing the energy of mighty rivers, or moving whole populations about like chess pieces, if we ourselves remain the same restless, miserable, frustrated creatures we were before? To call such activity progress is utter delusion. We may succeed in altering the face of the earth until it is unrecognizable even to the Creator, but if we are unaffected wherein lies the meaning?    -Henry Miller

Touched a raw chord dint it?

But what misery lies untold is misery double-fold. These were the words that crept into my mind when I read about the depleting forests of Jharkhand. Jharkhand, the land synonymous with forests, the land whose visage we imagine is green with smiling brightly hued tribals whose cause for celebration begins and ends in the forest. The land that celebrates life in jungles, under the thick canopy of trees, the green-lungs of the Eastern belt, the land that is rich in mineral resources- you name it they have it in short all those elements which can produce billions and billions of dollars. But then you utter Jharkhand and the screaming headlines of a Madhu Koda or a Shibu Soren stares back at you. But there is never any mention of the fast-depleting-at-the-blink-of-of-an-eye huge tracts of trees and with them the endangered species of flora and fauna!

Jharkhand is now 12 years old. But the forests that give it its identity, give no cause for celebration. While the state is forging ahead with its grand plans of industrial development tapping into the rich mineral resources, the forest ranges of the Santhal Pargana are fast disappearing. Reasons..well they are myriad in number.

Careless and illegal human activity heads the list. Man’s insatiable greed has taken him to gobble the dense mountainous forests and all its richness within. The huge expanse of 5470 square miles of solid lung space has been home to several indigenous tribes for centuries. Tribes who have lived with wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation, communities who have lived in harmony with the forests that provided them with sustenance of such magnitude and importance that the so called modern way of living seemed inconspicuous and insignificant. These forests have been home to hundreds of rare species of birds and animals, making them the destination of numerous enthusiasts, researchers and bird watchers worldwide.

Way back in 1910, the West Bengal Gazetters published a book written by L S O’Malley, that reveals the large presence of wild animals in Dumka, Godda, Pakud, Sahebganj, Devghar and Jamtada forests. Malley also states that the clash between man and animal began around 1790-1810 when the Santhal tribes began to claim the forests for their own.

There has been drastic change of scene and since the last 11-12 years the Santhal Pargana that was once home to the Asian Elephants, has all but wiped it out. The gentle pachyderm’s 11 ft huge skeleton stands as a mute testimony of its presence in the Museums of Kolkata. Pattabadi and Dumka forests no longer echo with the trumpeting and groans of these wise animals. Who is to be blamed?

Life still continues and wild pigs, bears, rabbits, wild cock, royal peacock, wild cats, hyenas, jackals and bucks still inhabit these forests. But woe to the greed of man again, these are marked! What was once considered to be a favorite pastime of kings and zamindars continues to attract the upper echelons of society, whose modern weapons make the killing in large numbers. Making matters worse is the huge demand for skins, bones, teeth, horns and meat of rare species in the international market. Animals straying into human habitations and getting caught or killed are again a matter for grave concern. Those that have been killed or maimed or captured or sold are never brought to the notice of the forest officials, and the numbers get screwed.

Research into the numerous varieties of birds and animals in the forests are bound to bring cheer in to the hearts of many wildlife enthusiasts. But those familiar with the forests believe that the government officials are hand-in-glove with the poachers and hunters of the region. Illegal killing of rare birds and animals is rampant and in such an alarming way that many are not sure if these did exist in the first place!

Strapped for funds, civil society organizations, natural wildlife groups feel that with no active support or any massive drive ordained to save wild animals, birds and trees, the extinction of several rare species of flora and fauna from these forests is just a matter of time. Time may come when Jharkhand meaning the land-of-jungles may soon seek to change its name!

Courtest :- Hop Around India Blog

Hop Around India - Travel Tips: Top Tips to remind during "Vinayaka navarathrulu"

Hop Around India - Travel Tips: Top Tips to remind during "Vinayaka navarathrulu": Many people follow way of worshiping, how ever don't care about neighbors. Disturbance some times leads to quarrel and makes devotion into ...

Yak Do Teen- ‘The Yak Effect’…

Ever wondered why Yaks are seldom given due importance by visitors in their trips and why do they end up just being a part of your trip album? Well, they could be many reasons for it as they are not found easily in the lower line areas but only in the snow capped mountains, just like camels in the desert. But believe you me, be it Leh, Kufri, Rohtang, Nathula or Tawang, all Yaks are the same. They are misunderstood by many as they look ferocious and dangerous by their appearances.

As we know, Yaks are good for carrying loads and transport tourists for a short distance in a snowy tourist spot and to take a pic or two with it (and trainer of course) for the album. The Yak helps you through slippery snow melting roads provided you have the patience to have your heart in the mouth if you are a first timer.

A Yak ride is better than a horse ride; a safe roller coaster ride, at least it doesn’t throw you off its back. There are many researches one can do on Yaks before getting to know what they are all about. To understand Yaks all you have to do is sleep a couple of nights with them (no ideas plz!!!), they are harmless and full of fun except for the smell…they stink horrible but they do have the “Yak Effect” as I discovered this during one of my visits to Nathula Pass in Sikkim, where I along with my friends had to spend a night in the shed with the Yaks. Couldn’t help as it snowed heavily due an avalanche that night and all rooms were booked except the shed, so we ‘shed’ all inhibitions (no ideas plz…again) and shivered (because of the cold) the whole night as none of us had seen so many Yaks… so close. The way they mooed we felt we were not welcomed sharing space with them, later we were told that it was one of the female Yaks who expressed her excitement seeing the 4 of us.

I’ve travelled on a few Yaks at various snow-hill mountains and got to gather some tips to bear in mind while travelling on a Yak….

1. Make sure you know a bit of horse riding as it would be easy to handle a Yak or recover from a fall.
2. Never use a body-deo or spray before mounting on it, remember Yaks hate good smell. So at least make sure to miss your bath that day, for a safe trip.
3. If still you can bear it, cover your nose with a surgical mask as some Yaks smell ‘Yuck’.
4. Never try to cuddle or pat it as it could be the last thing you did in your life.
5. If you are nervous dare not sing, carry an i-pod instead.
6. Keep your mobile in silent mode, never take or make a call, you may distract it.
7. All questions about it should be directed to its master.
8. Never dismount in a hurry, give an impression as if you enjoyed it.
9. Once you dismount, thank its trainer whole- heartedly instead of the Yak. You’ve reached safely, remember.
10. And, finally, never bargain on the charges; remember, you may have travel on it again.

Courtesy :- Hop Around India Blog