Why it’s not the right time to travel(& why it is)
The world is recovering from a pandemic that we never saw coming and we are adamant to recover and move forward and not look back to the pain and suffering the second wave of Coronavirus had on the nation. The cases of the virus have dropped drastically and most of the restrictions have been lifted in many states so that people can get back to their affairs but the “new normal” is very difficult to become a reality. Traveling is something that had been affected the most during the lockdown and now that everyone is free to move, even people who did not like traveling are moving towards the mountains or beaches since traveling is the only cure from this state of despair. Here are a few thoughts on why you should not travel right now and why you should. The Monsoon season is upon us Most of the travelers find respite in either hilly areas or beaches and both of them are prone to dangerous natural activities during the monsoon season. The landslides in the mountains destroy roads and bridges like the one that recently happened in Kinnaur and the tides are so high on the beaches that a person can not even get close to them. Monsoon is gripping mountains roads but they look amazing! Since the travel restrictions have just opened up for traveling, people are thronging these places without prior information and knowledge about the places and even required documents due to which traffic build-up has become another problem as well. Although it might not be the best time to visit mountains or the best time to travel to beaches, it might be the right time to travel right now too. Since the cases of the Coronavirus have just started going down and people have been vaccinated, it might be right to go out on a getaway since we all have been cooped up for so long in our homes. Monsoon treks can never be better To make sure you have a safe travel journey during monsoons, do the following things: Research about the weather forecast of the place you’re visiting on the dates you’re going to travel. 90% of the time the forecast is right and you should make changes accordingly. Read recent news related to weather incidents or natural calamities in the place you’re visiting. Look out for landslides, cloud bursts, road blockage, high tides, river level rising, and thunderstorms. A few states in India have proper guidelines if you wish to enter that state for traveling. Do read the guidelines beforehand and keep your documents ready accordingly. Keep your Monsoon gear ready, raincoats or poncho, an umbrella, rain cover for bags, tire kit if you’re driving, a headlamp, waterproof phone case, mosquito repellent, and some extra socks. You can find more tips and tricks on our blog page here and if you’re looking to travel and want to create your own experience head over here. Too many people are traveling A major problem while traveling right now is that everyone is looking to travel and all the major tourist spots have witnessed a lot of crowds. Due to this influx of too many travelers, the markets and tourist attractions are getting crowded and no social distancing norms are being followed which might become a big safety issue. As a result, people are opting to stay in hotels or indoors and not wander outside to these famous attractions. People thronging the streets of Manali with no Social Distancing Due to so many people traveling and crowding major tourist attractions, another major problem is finding availability in hotel rooms and the cost of accommodation going up. Since a lot of people are traveling, it also becomes hard to have a flexible schedule and plan. Major tourist spots can be crowded with people but that’s why they are major tourist spots because tourists are going there. This might be the right time to skip these major places and head over to some amazing hidden gems near major tourist spots. Instead of Manali, visit Jibhi, instead of Shimla visit Theog, instead of Mussoorie visit Landour, instead of Nainital visit Naukuchiatal. Check out our blog on hidden gems in India here. A view from Naukuchiatal that beats all the major tourist spots It might not be the best time to visit Manali or the best time to visit Goa but if you do want to visit the major tourist spots, you can change the way you travel, try out the following things to make sure to get a safe and amazing travel experience: Try Staycation: Staycations are basically vacations where you get a wholesome experience of the place you’re staying in and enjoying all the activities and amenities of the stay while staying safe from crowds of people. Relieve your stress on a Workcation: As the name suggests it’s a combination of Work + Vacation where you take your workspace where you travel. Stay in your hotel with an amazing ambiance in your favorite location and work during the working hours and exploring when you get off work. Take the offbeat route: You can always wander on to unique and unexplored places near your destination. There are always villages and natural whereabouts where you can stay near the major tourist attractions. Start your adventure on a trekking trail: Treks are often underrated and people don’t really travel to treks since most of the travelers are looking for a peaceful getaway. You can pick up a 2-3 days hike or go on a week-long adventure on some amazing treks in India To personalize a safe experience visit our travel support page at www.thetarzanway.com/travel-support The Coronavirus is still looming at large The reason why we all want to travel is Coronavirus and the reason why we are hesitant to travel is also the Coronavirus(pretty ironic), we all are frustrated because of
A GUIDE TO TIRTHAN VALLEY
The Tirthan River, photographed by Saurav Kundu on unsplash “Listening to the murmur of water or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time”, the lines were very rightly said by John Lubbock. The clouds, the hills, the waterfalls are just like mother nature’s arms where anyone can find peace and happiness, Tirthan valley happens to be one such hidden jewel of Himachal Pradesh, where peace and happiness come hand in hand. Tirthan valley, the perfect hideaway of the Himalayas, is perched at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level, in the Kullu district of the state. Tirthan valley happens to be the state’s best-kept secret. So, a treasure hunt is what would be an appropriate term for a vacation here. HOW TO REACH THE START POINT OF THE HUNT? The nearest airport to Tirthan is the Bhuntar Airport, which is 90 minutes away from the valley. The nearest railway station is at Kirtipur which is 7 hours away from Tirthan or the Ambala railway station which is 8 hours away from Tirthan valley. However, the best way to reach here is by road. The roads to Himachal are quite smooth and are connected directly to major cities such as Delhi and Chandigarh. The road trip adds an essence to the trip and also helps you get into the mood for mountains. THE LITTLE TREASURES OF TIRTHAN VALLEY The Tirthan Valley, photographed by Junaid Ahmad Ansari THE GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK The national park happens to be one of the most-visited and most well-maintained treasures. The national park is a UNESCO world heritage site, which adds more value to it. The park was established in 1984 and is spread over an area of 754 sq. km. The place is enriched with a variety of flora and fauna, some of which happen to be exotic. There are about 181 species of birds and 31 species of mammals here. The park is surrounded by lush green landscapes and tall trees. The place happens to be very popular among trekkers, explorers, and enthusiasts. RIVER TIRTHAN The main river flows in the valley. The turbulent river flows through the forests, making its way by slashing rock pieces on the way. The river is a true sight to cherish. The river is also home to the wide known variety of fishes, the trout. People with an interest in fishing and angling tend to visit here. The river crossing is another sport that one can enjoy here. Sitting on the banks of this river and relaxing brings peace to your hearts. SEROLSAR LAKE Serolsar Lake happens to be another attractive yet enchanting stop here. The water of this lake is crystal clear and people around here believe that it is blessed with medicinal properties. The best way to explore the enchanting beauty of the place is to take a walk along the banks of the river. One of the major attractions around here is the Budhi Nagin Temple, which belongs to the Goddess of the forest. The place has a number of oak trees, which makes this place even more mystical, yet picturesque. RAGHUPUR FORT The Raghupur fort is a historical spot present in the Tirthan valley. The place is believed to be constructed by the rulers of the Mandi dynasty to prevent themselves from the attacks of the invaders. However, the place is now in ruins, but the remaining walls still narrate the history. The best part here is the panoramic landscape adorned with oak trees and vibrant flowers. The calming environment here serves as a cherry on the top. JALORI PASS Jalori Pass is the most precious gem that one can find here. Situated at an elevation of 10,800 ft. above sea level, the place is one of the most stunning spots to visit. However, the place still remains unexplored but happens to be one of the major destinations on the list of trekkers and travel enthusiasts. The place is nestled in the arms of the Himalayas and is adorned with coniferous trees, ferns, and vibrant flowers. The forest around is home to a number of migratory birds such as the blue robin. Thus, making this place a potential hotspot for bird watchers, photographers, and enthusiasts. The trekking trail here is one of a kind, as one can spot snow-capped mountains, meadows, valleys, and hamlets along the way. CHHOIE WATERFALLS Chhoie waterfalls are one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Himachal Pradesh and are quite a famous stop for trekkers amidst their trekking expeditions. The cascade is breathtaking and is surrounded by rocks and lush greenery. The rumbling sound of the water brings peace and tranquility. BUT WHAT’S A HUNT WITHOUT SOME ADVENTURE Trekking, photographed by Rahul Dey on unsplash The Tirthan valley is home to several activities, in which one can indulge. FISHING AT RIVER TIRTHAN The crystal clear river is home to brown and rainbow-colored trout, thus making it an attractive destination for angling enthusiasts. The weather year is something, which remains favorable throughout the year, making the place even more compatible and attractive. RIVER CROSSING River crossing at Tirthan river is one of the best things to do around here. The place is a hotspot for adventure seekers, who come from all over the world just to explore and satisfy their adrenaline rush, as they cross the river being tied to the safety harness. ROCK CLIMBING Tirthan valley has a number of spots for rock climbing and the activity is loved by many tourists and enthusiasts. Before the actual activity, you would be given some basic training in rock climbing. This activity is conducted by several local operators around here. Sunrise at Tirthan Valley, photographed by Vaibhaw Kumar on unsplash The treasure hunt was indeed a long one. However, the treasures we take home from here are the best. The cool breeze,
