Top 7 Hidden Gems in and Around Dharamshala You Cannot Miss!!!
Dharamshala is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh that, over the years, has become one of the most traveled locations in the state. The beauty of Dharamshala is unquestionable with its absolutely stunning views and great trekking locations. The city also boasts a fascinating and rich Hindu and Tibetan culture, making it a great location for all kinds of travelers and pilgrims. The town of Mcleodganj, nestled at an elevation of 2000 m, is the administrative capital of the Tibetian government in exile and houses the holiest man in Buddhist culture, the 14th Dalai Lama. The location is rich with history, and the integration of unique cultures at Dharamshala is truly mesmerizing. Thousands of people visit Dharamshala each year, and there is always a bustle here at popular locations such as Triund point, Bhagsu falls, Gyuto monastery, and Dal lake. However, there are so many beautiful locations that are not visited at all due to them not being as popular. This article will give you the top 7 hidden gems in and around Dharamshala that you can not miss!! 1. A Serene Monastery Experience at Tashijong Mcleod Ganj and Dharamshala are hotbeds for Buddhist pilgrims, with never-ending crowds flicking at the major locations such as the Namgyal and Gyuto monasteries. These are absolutely stunning locations, but they can be extremely crowded due to their popularity, which can take from the soothing and serene experience that monasteries are famous for. The village of Tashijong offers just that. The Tashijong village, which literally means “Auspicious valley“ In Tibetian, is a beautiful location best suited for offbeat travelers and housing the Khampagar Monastery, established under the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery complex is colorful and absolutely gorgeous. It has many buildings consisting of the main temple area, a beautiful statue of Rinpoche, a smaller room for monks to pray in peace, and a Lakhang which houses multiple statues of the reincarnation of Lord Buddha. The village is located near the Palampur-Baijnath road, and one can reach the location via a small diversion from the main road. The location offers picturesque scenery of the beautiful mountain backdrop and is a great hidden gem that you must not miss. Address: Tehsil, Tashi Jong, P.O Taragarh, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176081 2. Palpung Sherabling The Palpung Sherabling monastic seat is situated in the beautiful Bhattu village near Bir. It is one of the largest monasteries in the district and is a place for Tibetian children to get an authentic Buddhist education. The monastery Is beautifully decorated with a massive statue of Lord Buddha and beautiful fresco paintings on the walls and pillars. The location is extremely serene and soothing, with morning prayers and peaceful chanting. The location is truly great for a peek into the true Buddhist culture and its simplicity. Palpung Sherabling Monastery is located near Baijnath and houses several grand stupas in the middle of lush forests near the monastery grounds. Address: Baijnath – Bhattu- Palpung Sherabling Monastery Rd, Bhattu Samula, Bhattu Uparla, Himachal Pradesh 175032 3. The Picturesque Pong lake The Pong lake created by pong dam, also known as the Maharana Pratap dam, is renowned for being the highest earth-fill dam in India. The lake is massive, with over 300 km in width at its widest, and this is a great hidden gem to visit while in Dharamshala. Some of the main attractions at this location are: Rainsar: It is an island in the middle of the lake and houses a forest rest house. The island looks stunning and appears to be floating when seen from shore. Visitors can reach the island by boat. Bathu ki Ladi – It is a series of beautiful ancient temples that get submerged underwater on all sides when the dam’s level rises. It is believed that the temples are very holy and that the Pandavas constructed them during their period of exile. You can visit the temples by boat ride. Pong lake was also declared a bird sanctuary in 1983, and you can witness a wide variety of birds at this serene location. The best way to truly appreciate the beauty of the lake is to boat around the lake at visit these great locations here. This hidden gem is highly recommended. Address: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh 4. The ancient Baijnath temple The Baijanth temple, also known as the Baidyanath Shiva temple, dates back to 804 AD and is an absolutely gorgeous temple decorated with intricate stone carvings, and is surrounded by a wide-open space. The complex surrounding the temple is well-preserved and was completed in the 13th century. Inside the temple, there are many beautifully carved statues, and the sanctum area houses the holy Shiva Lingam protected by the 5 headed cobras. This travel destination offers a great location for photography with the beautiful Himalayan landscape and the temple’s unique architecture constructed using the Nagara style, a medieval north Indian architecture layout. The story surrounding this temple is a mythological legend. It is said that this Shiv ling was placed here by Ravana on his failed quest for invincible powers. He was an avid Bhakt of Lord Shiva, and to test him; Lord Shiva gave him the task to carry the Shiv ling all the way to Sri Lanka without putting it on the ground even once. It is said that Ravana failed his quest here, and the Shiv Ling has been worshipped ever since. Address: Temple Path, Dharer, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176125 5. Andretta village, the village of artists The Andretta village is a quaint village 13 km away from Palampur and once home to several famous artists like Sobha Singh and Norah Richards. Sobha Singh was renowned for his beautiful paintings, and his work is showcased here in the Sobha Singh Art Gallery, which his family members run. He lived here until
17 Incredible Places to Visit in Kasol (2022 List)
Kasol is probably India’s most famous backpacking destination. Favorite among students and travelers alike – Kasol offers everything a traveler wants from a place – clean air, peace, tranquility, and closeness to Nature! This picturesque town is located in the Parvati Valley in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. Besides being a backpacker’s heaven, Kasol has some amazing places of interest. In this blog post, we will look at some absolutely breathtaking places to visit in Kasol. Table of Contents: Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Trek to Kutla Trek towards the Glacier Point (Hidden Gem) Parvati River Bed Tirthan and Jibhi Valleys Choj Village Kasol Bridge Walk to the amazing Chalal village Trek to Grahan village Visit the mysterious Malana Village Stop at Kalga, Pulga and Tulga village Trek towards the adventurous Waichan Valley Stay in the most unique domes in Jari Trek towards the Rasol pass Visit Tosh Trek to Kheerganga Best Places to Visit in Kasol Kasol is a small village in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a popular tourist destination because of its scenic beauty and its proximity to the Himalayas. Kasol is also known for its trekking and camping opportunities. Let’s have a look at some of the best places to visit in Kasol. 1. Manikaran Sahib Image by Harsh Patel Manikaran Sahib, a famous pilgrimage site located just a few kilometers from Kasol is among the most popular places to visit in Kasol. It is believed that Manu recreated human life here after a flood, thus the name Manikaran. Furthermore, according to Sikhs, Guru Nanak visited this place with his disciple Bhai Mardana. Hence, Manikaran is a place holy to both Hindus and Sikhs! In addition to this, Hot springs are also a major attraction here! Location: 4.5 km from Kasol 2. Nature Park Kasol Image by Ashwini Chaudhary Nature Park offers a peaceful atmosphere in the hills of Kasol. You can listen to the songs of birds, and the rustling of leaves, and feel the cool mountain breeze on your face! Nature Park is a great location for jogging and strolling while being shaded by towering pine trees. Visitors can also relish some unique foods if they want because the region is accessible to numerous well-known cafes. In addition to the tranquil setting and weathered rocks, the Parvati River flows through the park, making it a wonderful area to unwind. In short, if you love nature, Nature Park is a place that you just have to visit when in Kasol! Location: Kasol Check out our Offbeat trail to Parvati Valley 3. Trek to Kutla Image by Raimond Klavins Kutla is a quaint little town that has just a couple of travelers going towards the village from the town of Tosh. The trek to Kutla takes around 1.5 hours of steep climbing but the majestic view and the clean air are definitely worth it. A two-hour hike via the winding path from Tosh will lead you to the Kulta Village, which is encircled by the Himalayas looking down at you and is situated in a lush meadow. In the out-of-the-way village of Kulta, tucked away amid the mountains, you can experience the undisturbed beauty of nature. If you’re staying in Tosh then Kutla should definitely be on your itinerary. Location: 1.5hr trek from Tosh 4. Trek toward the Glacier Point Image by Balouria Rajesh The glacier point is a clear meadow from where you can see a mammoth glacier in front of you that will make you feel like the snow-clad mountain is just a fingertip away from you. Kutla glacier is a fairly easy trip that takes a day to reach from Tosh and takes around 2 hours to accomplish. You’ll be charmed by the pristine beauty of Himachal along the route so it will be worth it. The sound of the river gushing with such an amazing view will make you stay there and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. PS:- You’ll always find a dog helping you find the way towards the trek. Location: 30-minute walk from Kutla 5. Parvati River Bed Image by Shubham Tharani Spend some time listening to the burbling of water and basking in the Mountain Sun on the bed of the Parvati River. The river’s flow begins at the Man Talai Glacier, runs through Parvati Valley to the north, and then merges with the Beas River close to Kulu. The river’s banks make for an excellent campsite. One can even go white water rafting in Kasol. This location is nothing short of perfection for adventure seekers. When in Kasol do take your time out and spend time relaxing with your feet soaked in the crystal clear water of Parvati. However, beware of the trout that swim there. Location: Parvati Valley 6. Tirthan and Jibhi Valley Image by Tirachard The twin valleys of Tirthan and Jibhi are the major attractions in Banjar. Tirthan Valley, also known as the Trout Fish Valley is regarded as Himachal’s best-kept secret by bloggers and travelers! This valley is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With beautifully carved small wooden houses and mesmerizing beauty, these villages are like the ones mentioned in the fairy tales. Hence, these valleys are at the top of the list of places to visit in Kasol. Location: 80km from Kasol 7. Choj Village Lucas Hemingway Just a small walk from Kasol lies the Choj Village. It is a hamlet free of cars and bikes and all the noise of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Kasol if you’re on a trip to rejuvenate your soul in nature. For people willing to spend a day or two at Choj, there are lots of homestays and hostels at affordable rates. If you are looking for peace and quiet,
Bhopal: The City of Lakes – Everything You Need to Know
Bhopal, the city of lakes!! One of the underrated gems of the country, Bhopal may not be a place that comes to mind first when thinking of travel; but the solace and serenity you will find here amidst delightfully beautiful backdrops will undoubtedly charm you and make it a special trip for years to come. Bhopal City, popularly known as the “City of Lakes” is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, which is situated at the heart (central part) of India. The ‘Nawabi’ city abounds in a variety of beautiful and interesting places ranging from national parks to zip-lining spots and has recently also captured the attention of several filmmakers, with many popular Hindi shows and movies being shot here. The city is divided into two areas, ‘Old Bhopal‘ and ‘New Bhopal‘ with the New Bhopal City being a hotspot for many tourists. So, let’s take a tour of one of the greenest cities in India, Bhopal. How to Reach Bhopal? By Air By Rail By Road Places to visit in Bhopal Van Vihar Kerwa Dam Jehan Numa Palace Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum Taj-ul-Masjid Birla Mandir FAQs Final Words Bhopal: The City of Lakes How to reach Bhopal? By Air: Bhopal has direct connectivity with the major cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Raipur, and Hyderabad, with several flights available around the year. From the eastern and southern parts of India, you can get connecting flights via these cities to Bhopal. By Rail: The ‘Old Bhopal’ and ‘Bhopal Habibganj’ stations are regarded as World-Class Stations with well-maintained amenities, and have connectivity with most cities in India. Trains like the ‘Shatabdi Express’ and ‘Bhopal Express’ have a wide reach and are very convenient and reliable modes of transportation. By Road: Bhopal is linked to several cities via road. The roads are well maintained with multiple rest stops along the way. There are many highways like MP SH 18 which connects Bhopal to Ahmedabad, there is NH46 which connects Gwalior, Bhopal, Guna, and terminates in Betul. Bhopal is connected to many 2 and 3 tiers cities through state bus services, like Indore(190km), Ujjain(189km), and Nagpur(354km). You can easily take a bus from Bhopal to Indore, Shirdi, and various other cities. Now that we have talked about how to get there, let’s look at the activities you can indulge in when visiting the regal city of Bhopal! Plan a Bhopal Experience Places to Visit in Bhopal Bhopal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The city is home to a number of historical and religious sites, as well as a number of natural attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Bhopal: 1. Van Vihar A profound National park and Zoo in central India and is definitely a place to ‘vihar’ that is, to visit. Van Vihan National Park consists of various spots like the rescue center, zoological gardens, conservation breeding centers, and of course, the national park. The zoo houses a diverse variety of fauna ranging from the tiger, hyena, sloth bear, and leopard, as well as the fear-inducing reptilian display including pythons and many more scaled creatures. A park is set right next to the famous Upper Lake, also known as the ‘Bada Talab‘ of Bhopal. You can also engage in various events like bird-watching camps, photography competitions for various categories, and wildlife week celebrations. The wildlife celebrations begin on 1st October to spread awareness around the conservation of wildlife. Van Vihar is a beautiful spot with lush green trees, swampland and even boasts of a cycling track. Tourists and locals alike often rent bicycles to enjoy a tranquil ride amidst the forests and alongside the beautiful lake shimmering in the light of the rising sun while the whole city sleeps. Van Vihar is open throughout the year and the timings are 6 am to 7 pm from Saturday to Thursday (closed on Fridays). You can take a cab to reach this attraction. Also, you can do Van Vihar online booking now. Van Vihar National Park 2. Kerwa Dam Kerwa Dam is known for its scenic beauty and is a hotspot for tourists who want to try out zip-lining and other adventure sports conducted here. You can see different hues of green in the rich gardens, relish street food at the Kerwa restaurant, and children can have a great time at the swings near the garden. There is also a good spot in the garden for people to view the entire dam backed by the breathtaking sight of rich greenery. You can book your spot for zip lining at a booth near the dam and enjoy a splendid experience. Camping at the Kerwa Dam is another major attraction, the Serenity Camp nearby offers an exciting camping experience including fun ice-breaking sessions and sports like cricket, and water volleyball. There are bonfire nights filled with fun and frolic, and you can also enjoy your own company and indulge in stargazing in the serene night sky lit up like diamonds, away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Kerwa Dam is open on all days from 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the dam is gushing with water and its gates are opened. You can either hire a taxi or take a rental car and enjoy a lovely drive along with the fields. Travel Experiences Kerwa Dam 3. Jehan Numa Palace Jehan Numa Palace is one of Bhopal’s finest hotels with a legacy of over 100 years. It beautifully replicates the old ‘Nawabi’ style of Bhopal. Bhopal has inculcated the Mughlai touch in its cuisine and is extremely famous for its Mughlai dishes, the most famous of them being the ‘Bhopali Gosht Korma Mughlai’. Y You can relish this appetizing dish at the Jehan Numa Palace which will definitely
Tosh-Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh
A perfect hideout for solo travelers. Every place has its own beauty and relevance for a traveler. Tosh is a place of magnificent mountains, beautiful terrain, and escaping landscapes. If you are lucky enough to travel in winters, you might come across snow-covered mountains all along your trek. A place of happy faces, generous localities, and a hub of solo travelers is all you would be in need of to escape your routine life. ???????????????? Tosh, situated a couple of hours away from Kasol, is a quick stay for a traveler who can eventually explore nearby villages like Kalga, Pulga, Nathan, and Kutla. You can engage in late-night discussions with the #Toshis or you can take a hike to #Kheerganga with other travelers. You can even discover little waterfalls and explore the nearby forest areas. And well, do not forget to savor the delightful and mouthwatering food that the Cafes offer! If it is #Shanti that you crave for, this has to be on your list! ???????? So when are you planning your trip this Summer? #TheTarzanWay #Explore #Nurture #Inspire Read more about the travel experience from Himachal Pradesh in the blog written by Sandeep!!
Dhanushkodi: The Ghost Town
“Everything has come to an end, marking its way for new beginnings.” Outlined by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, this place should be your next destination if you are fond of spotless white sand, #the ruins of an old town, and the spooky experiences of #ghostly existence. #Dhanushkodi, declared as the #GhostTown is one of the less travelled places of South India. Blemished with the havoc of #1964Tsunami, this town is the most fascinating of all. On one side, we found a structure in ruins which looked a lot like an old church. The other side was a sight of ruins of an old railway station , where you can literally see the railway lines disappearing in sand! #Haunted yet divine, this place plays a role in Hindu mythology too. Can you recall the Ram-Setu bridge built by Lord Ram’s Army? Yes, this is the place where it all began ! In a layman’s language, Dhanushkodi is the stretch of land that you see running from #India to #SriLanka, which gradually disappears in water. The deserted place is inhabited with a few people who do not understand English or Hindi. But who won’t take an interest in the hand-made sea jewellery they sell? You will find hardly any shops here except for a few jewellery shops that are run by the inhabitants at reasonable prices! Enjoy the sea, the warmth of the sun, the cool breeze, the pristine white sand and capture the ruins of the entire town! To all the #writers, #photographers and #filmmakers, this place can be your new inspiration ! Where damages and liveliness co-exist. Where breathtaking stillness is a price. Where spectacular stretches of sand have unsaid stories. Dhanushkodi. Ghost Town, since 1964. #Explore Read more about the travel experience from Dhanushkodi in the blog written by Murali!!
