tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13722305325718844392024-02-08T01:10:00.035+05:30tales of a compulsive wandererthe world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page - saint augustinePKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-42555866794844969922023-11-25T14:21:00.006+05:302023-12-06T11:45:56.404+05:30Barog<p>We planned on a whim. We were looking for an outing with our pet golden retriever Leo and found a highly recommended AirBnB called <a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/The+Red+Roof+Farms+A+Homestay,+The+Red+Roof+Farms,+Near+Tapan+Hyundai,+Barog+Hills,+By-pass,+Barog,+Himachal+Pradesh+173211/@30.8883127,77.0865729,17z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sred+roof+homestay!3m5!1s0x390f870ee2a8fb2f:0xfaee00d6ab382a5!8m2!3d30.8883127!4d77.0865729!16s%2Fg%2F11m_lx7z5z" target="_blank">Red Roof Homestay</a> in Barog where we booked two nights stay. Barog is less than 7 hours from Gurgaon. We did not want to test our Leo for longer travel for our first trip together.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxeVn87kPK53VRsSnuSaegdlVgazn2Z3z1J2NWf4ZiuxPC_5upRohJPRjP_AxC1c_4Ub9G_7WEWa91WaaZUsUVgVAdzms1qwEZjuaQNf5euqzP7qK3EhLmE34ngiHnpo1ANX_vXnj8AEKsrJ4JagOUlW_UwwLMBqtFJK2iH3WQSGIlaN-j-tynwoK3Tgk/s4032/IMG_1900.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxeVn87kPK53VRsSnuSaegdlVgazn2Z3z1J2NWf4ZiuxPC_5upRohJPRjP_AxC1c_4Ub9G_7WEWa91WaaZUsUVgVAdzms1qwEZjuaQNf5euqzP7qK3EhLmE34ngiHnpo1ANX_vXnj8AEKsrJ4JagOUlW_UwwLMBqtFJK2iH3WQSGIlaN-j-tynwoK3Tgk/w640-h480/IMG_1900.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our bedroom</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>We started after breakfast at 9 and reached our destination at 4. We were warmly welcomed and after a quick check in we settled in our room. The stay was lavish. There were two rooms and a large garden exclusively for us. The bedroom had a large bed and the other room had a large TV and balcony access. We were provided a small kitchen where we prepared our coffee and enjoyed the serenity around. Leo was thoroughly enjoying the garden and freedom.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVO7wQc6xm-l2RPY5Wa3m5GZAOFdyY4budOMWKx0KRZCU4CBG5ejFvkChwmEn6dfyx0XJfnkW5GlAx5vJkyx47FR41ltBzN4vCNXHa5Pln5EI_A6jEQjIgIoRgGk_ykWHMwdrXDJHlLnLeeRXP2dF6Qjh5mF9FQRCYlqlIQvkt9aLAa6eIXukStq0wxz8/s4032/IMG_1901.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVO7wQc6xm-l2RPY5Wa3m5GZAOFdyY4budOMWKx0KRZCU4CBG5ejFvkChwmEn6dfyx0XJfnkW5GlAx5vJkyx47FR41ltBzN4vCNXHa5Pln5EI_A6jEQjIgIoRgGk_ykWHMwdrXDJHlLnLeeRXP2dF6Qjh5mF9FQRCYlqlIQvkt9aLAa6eIXukStq0wxz8/w640-h480/IMG_1901.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo, enjoying the winter sun</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Next day we enjoyed the warm sun in the cold november morning and started planning for the day. There were couple of options with us. <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/search?q=shimla" target="_blank">Shimla</a> was about an hour away and so was <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/search?q=chail" target="_blank">Chail</a>. By noon we were too lazy and ditched the entire plan. After lunch we decided to go for the Barog station. It is part of the Himalayan Toy Train which has been awarded a Unesco World Heritage Site status.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzqXHvQgUZp1jf6phAExYaysO75-PTnmutM1QS2Khe_ijeQZHmnTQ8oVEuODgABILv-ADEArq7J_5x1jZvFUbnLqWkvBLafqP1F1t_3Lz_cU18KN5HH6PPlKXbqrFK0WUDmR0CRm92ifb6u5B2WkDiLJMaxHxpUd9fXdamoYA-VUErNzeYGPC9V4-NYr9/s4032/IMG_1894.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzqXHvQgUZp1jf6phAExYaysO75-PTnmutM1QS2Khe_ijeQZHmnTQ8oVEuODgABILv-ADEArq7J_5x1jZvFUbnLqWkvBLafqP1F1t_3Lz_cU18KN5HH6PPlKXbqrFK0WUDmR0CRm92ifb6u5B2WkDiLJMaxHxpUd9fXdamoYA-VUErNzeYGPC9V4-NYr9/w640-h480/IMG_1894.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barog Himalayan Railway Station</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Barog station was a 20 min hike from our stay and an amazing discovery. It was as if we had been transformed to the British era suddenly. Narrow gauge rail lines coming out of the tunnel and going further into the mountains were mesmerising. The station itself was nestled deep in the mountains with surrounding forest. There was a stall where we had tea and some snacks.</p><p><br /></p><p>The stall owner told us there is another way to the station from the top and we decided to take that hike as well. We ended up couple of miles away from our stay but the trip was worth it. Somehow we managed to get back to our room where the hotel chef had prepared a delicious meal or mutton and rajma with bread for us.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8VtKzixwU-D-ZY-lz-Pjd5MNmCqg6Yf0OSEa_aSlNJ98lh0Y6A6JTAY42ReEwfA2t-yB7OgpqSxT0Arf2IeKXfF6GkPxW3LVJH5sAPbgc9P97nzMF7Xni1uczQh1397JcDsOWgzwk5ywlWSqRAavjU19iDUqfg13MZDujDewftuSwM5S3bDj-kXammfa/s4032/IMG_1864.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8VtKzixwU-D-ZY-lz-Pjd5MNmCqg6Yf0OSEa_aSlNJ98lh0Y6A6JTAY42ReEwfA2t-yB7OgpqSxT0Arf2IeKXfF6GkPxW3LVJH5sAPbgc9P97nzMF7Xni1uczQh1397JcDsOWgzwk5ywlWSqRAavjU19iDUqfg13MZDujDewftuSwM5S3bDj-kXammfa/w640-h480/IMG_1864.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">‘Why am I being asked to pose?’ expression</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Next day we left for Gurgaon after another sunny morning in the mountains and a sumptuous breakfast. We were crossing Chandigarh in no time and decided to stop over at an old friend’s house in Panchkula on our way home.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Barog, Himachal Pradesh, India30.8883473 77.0765926999999922.578113463821154 41.920342699999992 59.198581136178845 112.23284269999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-11203233725398777702023-10-26T13:50:00.051+05:302024-01-25T08:34:35.930+05:30Jodhpur<p>We were in Jodhpur for a day to attend a wedding. Jodhpur has become famous for lavish destination weddings. However ours was a modest one. Our direct flight from Delhi landed on time and we were settled for a brunch at our hotel by 11. At 12 the Haldi ceremony was scheduled which we did not want to miss.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QdK_rkZN3USBDQFl2aKT7UqOpl-hMr2oxmX9b2qIhjZFSkD9OS6KD1f_8x_469eeur6sQRgtUNdv7XLnZ6IIDVXTQKHuhgzWdSseBTilVs2UxoxcAT4VWLytY9r_YqqOth4Mv6AxlGG1ZSp-t2g13AtF0ZJd1sGW58EDf6ADQhof_P4lc56Fc4ABwvrj/s4032/IMG_1768.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QdK_rkZN3USBDQFl2aKT7UqOpl-hMr2oxmX9b2qIhjZFSkD9OS6KD1f_8x_469eeur6sQRgtUNdv7XLnZ6IIDVXTQKHuhgzWdSseBTilVs2UxoxcAT4VWLytY9r_YqqOth4Mv6AxlGG1ZSp-t2g13AtF0ZJd1sGW58EDf6ADQhof_P4lc56Fc4ABwvrj/w640-h480/IMG_1768.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main exhibition building @ Mehrangarh Fort</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The brunch proved to be a lavish early lunch as I was not able to stop myself drooling over some of the most delicious Rajasthani dishes and delicacies. We were full by the time Haldi ceremony started. After the event we decided to take some rest before starting for local sightseeing.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmiTcCVHmjvML5rvgpvQtxP5enr6OeT-w5F2j_JaOPnhqHjT7fdWY_hMzybt6Iz196WMvxLZFBlDroIvvkQEWKhZXc5Xs89Xo-DgoS7pbvY7PnFS6yJFLW1pyfSllqvEPUAWvw5BiKQQyukQzmniDC0-vDp95l8EohBwRmtpPcNnKKUtNUMrvwXQJJEtH/s4032/IMG_1766.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmiTcCVHmjvML5rvgpvQtxP5enr6OeT-w5F2j_JaOPnhqHjT7fdWY_hMzybt6Iz196WMvxLZFBlDroIvvkQEWKhZXc5Xs89Xo-DgoS7pbvY7PnFS6yJFLW1pyfSllqvEPUAWvw5BiKQQyukQzmniDC0-vDp95l8EohBwRmtpPcNnKKUtNUMrvwXQJJEtH/w640-h480/IMG_1766.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodhpur city from top</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Local sightseeing was actually limited to two places that were also on top of our list. The first was the famous Mehrangarh Fort and the second was a place called Janta Sweets famous for a northern snack called Pyaaz ki Kachori. We started for Mehrangarh.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhO-csL5QVqnyxs2q2E6_5-hOht2sXTT6NJE3W4vdPpWcCUao5A05e9-M8oSzuVm4w3jMal0ObMmdSlppNDI74W0TAmmW5FnYiqeX651rZuH6YyWexmbML7HgxcQt2LTFKr-DP3u4TOOOwBVajaKgX5KZh5Nz2n39fEnduQ9L0MlZ2HT0fizKuFNH8K57/s4032/IMG_1751.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhO-csL5QVqnyxs2q2E6_5-hOht2sXTT6NJE3W4vdPpWcCUao5A05e9-M8oSzuVm4w3jMal0ObMmdSlppNDI74W0TAmmW5FnYiqeX651rZuH6YyWexmbML7HgxcQt2LTFKr-DP3u4TOOOwBVajaKgX5KZh5Nz2n39fEnduQ9L0MlZ2HT0fizKuFNH8K57/w640-h480/IMG_1751.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palanquin on display</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Jodhpur has limited modes of transportation. The Uber drivers are a cunning lot. They accept your ride and then call you to negotiate. We learned this the hard way and then settled for a local six seater that proved to be a great decision. The vehicle dropped us at the gates of Mehrangarh fort as promised. We took tickets and entered what looked like a giant compound.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtBlFIlzBffPbvMyWWSYcF17xluB5IYhhScGza3wzYv1u6hcB6Jl1XIpj30DId3Ijbakb9GKxgb2uWJZEUZQLpDsjDOjF14le2ipXjL3qwvyruz7Mfh8HjG5oVVCO-Axz6E1ku64TDr7ewNHbYLSsrkeUd8GDlbX4rz79SsOF0_h4aaFbxtVIauFYQTkE/s4032/IMG_1756.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtBlFIlzBffPbvMyWWSYcF17xluB5IYhhScGza3wzYv1u6hcB6Jl1XIpj30DId3Ijbakb9GKxgb2uWJZEUZQLpDsjDOjF14le2ipXjL3qwvyruz7Mfh8HjG5oVVCO-Axz6E1ku64TDr7ewNHbYLSsrkeUd8GDlbX4rz79SsOF0_h4aaFbxtVIauFYQTkE/w640-h480/IMG_1756.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ornate Palanquin on display</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Mehrangarh Fort, just like other Indian forts, is built on levels. The first level is the broadest with easy view of surroundings. What impressed me was the deeper we went the more organised it became. There were artefacts demonstrated in glass with descriptions that I rarely find in other forts. We specially enjoyed the sword collection on display and played a little game of whom of us each of the sword suits personality wise.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsJaCfS6FcBS23KldQnXyOIzMpVGzNZd9hJfa-9vszJRaLDE4-qyGPgYh5o2c8nTMP_-VeViojLe1rjUlTgZnGyPy7IEAaK3ecUoPt-ETg1Pcq2hjt5EIdKbPvekHJRevQEddZKCiMTTVarAO6OcTeh_qCabfX94K3kpfjZICM3duBM8RZoeoj9KN77Pv/s4032/IMG_1763.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsJaCfS6FcBS23KldQnXyOIzMpVGzNZd9hJfa-9vszJRaLDE4-qyGPgYh5o2c8nTMP_-VeViojLe1rjUlTgZnGyPy7IEAaK3ecUoPt-ETg1Pcq2hjt5EIdKbPvekHJRevQEddZKCiMTTVarAO6OcTeh_qCabfX94K3kpfjZICM3duBM8RZoeoj9KN77Pv/w640-h480/IMG_1763.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sword collection on display</td></tr></tbody></table><p>From the top the entire Jodhpur is visible as well as the complete compound of Mehrangarh which is huge. Right at the top there is a serene garden at the edge of which large cannons were placed facing outward. There is a temple as well which was drawing large crowd.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx-dhrWx14O7kkYJwnq6V85GK-Qa-D3kPtmWFirmEAOBlO3xZwdihEoug3Mr8V1wQq8AJpOFxoIBx4IWlleHx-scslzVZ4-ollVJK6WH8hOviY5ki69GlSPgVT0y83ixL9lB_E2LOjj8-zShAMNhn92mY1bJrAV9QKvVYb9DkyP9OOvo13xqYxzGg6ubK/s4032/IMG_1769.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx-dhrWx14O7kkYJwnq6V85GK-Qa-D3kPtmWFirmEAOBlO3xZwdihEoug3Mr8V1wQq8AJpOFxoIBx4IWlleHx-scslzVZ4-ollVJK6WH8hOviY5ki69GlSPgVT0y83ixL9lB_E2LOjj8-zShAMNhn92mY1bJrAV9QKvVYb9DkyP9OOvo13xqYxzGg6ubK/w640-h480/IMG_1769.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannons at the top</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was time to start for Janta Sweets. Before that I bought a magnet sticker for home from an elaborate merchandise of products on display at the souvenir shop. IT was by far the largest such shop that I have seen till date.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHLtQ4pL3F1ttiU9fiAtQWjjs86umWKRE2syHt2FCnGewMSuZGm7QaRsM8vyXwEhiI_RFzG4yodfQRNZVlUFblbQfLovrJLwQugLwL2W9ZL8UzLl8xIWn27p9xiMP_NXBT8A7ZtjHVfD8oCbfw5QYKXEQzPWY28Hj0G-e3bMs_Af8JsZ2rzP7Pi0AYECm/s4032/IMG_1772.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHLtQ4pL3F1ttiU9fiAtQWjjs86umWKRE2syHt2FCnGewMSuZGm7QaRsM8vyXwEhiI_RFzG4yodfQRNZVlUFblbQfLovrJLwQugLwL2W9ZL8UzLl8xIWn27p9xiMP_NXBT8A7ZtjHVfD8oCbfw5QYKXEQzPWY28Hj0G-e3bMs_Af8JsZ2rzP7Pi0AYECm/w640-h480/IMG_1772.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal replica of fort premises</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Janta Sweet is in the older part of the city and therefore congested. We just packed our snacks and ate everything while on our ride. We reached our hotel before sunset. We had a wedding to get ready for.</p></div>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India26.2389469 73.024309399999993-2.0712869361788471 37.868059399999993 54.54918073617884 108.18055939999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-53208239985241197142023-08-06T10:21:00.146+05:302023-12-25T19:46:32.883+05:30Phuket<p><a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/krabi-thailand.html" target="_blank">Krabi</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/koh-samui.html" target="_blank">Koh Samui</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/phuket.html" target="_blank">Phuket</a></p><p>Phuket has the best of both the worlds. Families can plan vacation in and around Phuket while loners can stay for days around Bangla Street and not get bored. We were on a boys trip but we did both. It was a seven day planned itinerary that we were following that included Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phi Phi & Phuket.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ev5SPzZozrp_WJyVGfZX8zinN23zI0dSH364Ao-B4femIKxkoPdaduM78hFGNZ1nAh2YujIALpX96ylMU95n_lrTYf3MWZ0C-1knINHnywuIbM-YCPgF7iWtQ-FdvtBhyphenhyphenpVJuw1KtFxmHV9Z-aHQu_qGLKCqsdwdr1cb8LnyrWgoC_dD5WywiIzkFmAt/s4032/PXL_20220915_112137006_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ev5SPzZozrp_WJyVGfZX8zinN23zI0dSH364Ao-B4femIKxkoPdaduM78hFGNZ1nAh2YujIALpX96ylMU95n_lrTYf3MWZ0C-1knINHnywuIbM-YCPgF7iWtQ-FdvtBhyphenhyphenpVJuw1KtFxmHV9Z-aHQu_qGLKCqsdwdr1cb8LnyrWgoC_dD5WywiIzkFmAt/w640-h360/PXL_20220915_112137006_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset @ Patong Beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span><br /><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;">Phuket was the last of our stop-overs given that Phuket International Airport is well connected with the rest of the world. On our first day we rested and walked to Bangla Street in the evening. Taking a hotel nearby was a great decision. Evening time is early for the buzzing central area of Phuket. Crowds arrive mostly around 9 in the night and parties go on till early morning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6HRZ0sqvGCyB9qZKfXXJZJsflC1zzxehBuLOjYN1vPt_1Qb4a-DEKdTLEG8LQw4yoFOmrjG0pZ0pzOVy9uOHjO5DJKeHuJOXv8gpv5ZzA6HCx1Pf1VxpyB8PHU6psqGFTxFMU-sRZgVB-21f81WY1mF3QdY-DAVovpKb6tsQ0XssmKPDMg8eXHCGqrr5/s1600/72470873-b67e-4f0a-af88-ba4c8686ee23_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6HRZ0sqvGCyB9qZKfXXJZJsflC1zzxehBuLOjYN1vPt_1Qb4a-DEKdTLEG8LQw4yoFOmrjG0pZ0pzOVy9uOHjO5DJKeHuJOXv8gpv5ZzA6HCx1Pf1VxpyB8PHU6psqGFTxFMU-sRZgVB-21f81WY1mF3QdY-DAVovpKb6tsQ0XssmKPDMg8eXHCGqrr5/w360-h640/72470873-b67e-4f0a-af88-ba4c8686ee23_Original.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangla Street @ Phuket</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We visited Harem Gentleman’s Club and Susy Wong which are the on a costlier side for a strip club. There are famous pubs like The American Cafe and Heroes Bar if you want to enjoy a round of beer and some live music. There is an amazing Indian restaurant called The Amritsar where we went every day for dinner.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kb7Rtr4CtnW-UzKBGiAStHxtP2V83Psc9VrV6rIEGQ3i-y_J3HoMGVb6vMDcV_0udGPZlqxcul92sdQOlNoRhNuqEqO8znSEzo8_vKuefHuggFOpR2xA4oP89uf-7w9xXee4FyKzBnPnlz97IMPjyHNnI9CRVat4hToM5GyKOVET3VGx4Wl5IHLljLMr/s4032/IMG_1442_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kb7Rtr4CtnW-UzKBGiAStHxtP2V83Psc9VrV6rIEGQ3i-y_J3HoMGVb6vMDcV_0udGPZlqxcul92sdQOlNoRhNuqEqO8znSEzo8_vKuefHuggFOpR2xA4oP89uf-7w9xXee4FyKzBnPnlz97IMPjyHNnI9CRVat4hToM5GyKOVET3VGx4Wl5IHLljLMr/w640-h480/IMG_1442_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phi Phi</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Next day we had booking for a ferry ride to Phi Phi Islands. Phi Phi is a major attraction among tourists with its Avatar-like islands in the middle of ocean and party culture. We enjoyed the ride and the snorkeling that came with the ride. Phi Phi had an amazingly hot crowd. I was later told that we should have planned a night stay at the island itself.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB1SN6q9eOm9XW4Guk84c6s1Nu5Zz304RUR0IyMCUXlAhA8T6dnK9B9br8meyDIq-lMs83HZJ2nnDJgXrbCtGkb3XO26cPk5_AVYOzErvk0ZCafY5jzYjUACwSpsHAhrxD7yUfIIy0wnvrBf7CZMHU1vWHyDX60kS7Ny8XmZGjmOuwfybZh8UMOkyaGNi/s1024/cf0a914d-28bc-4203-b2da-7dc58e1d552a_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB1SN6q9eOm9XW4Guk84c6s1Nu5Zz304RUR0IyMCUXlAhA8T6dnK9B9br8meyDIq-lMs83HZJ2nnDJgXrbCtGkb3XO26cPk5_AVYOzErvk0ZCafY5jzYjUACwSpsHAhrxD7yUfIIy0wnvrBf7CZMHU1vWHyDX60kS7Ny8XmZGjmOuwfybZh8UMOkyaGNi/w640-h360/cf0a914d-28bc-4203-b2da-7dc58e1d552a_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Kingdom, Phuket</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our third and last day was mostly about sight-seeing in Phuket. The Great Buddha was obviously the first place to go. On the way we stopped at The Tiger Kingdom and took photographs with the tigers. View from the Great Buddha and the statue itself were the other highlight of the day. On our way back we hopped from one beach to another before reaching our hotel which was on Patong Beach.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCb50N6xXqF6RvLjPOGllLnI_NEA1kpS8mF92jLZj5OSlhoyiQwaOWv4FwH2nGaXQ0gnHNRPuvKo87OTwz5_iGtVD42p0BufxAv07qKHD0cTyU8ZLb5iAy8W5eWi1r89ZO4n5j9dgdSpfz_NL8Avo98S5FhF1YNF2pHgtNbyQYmBKDuthpld_sd39rwAGJ/s4032/PXL_20220916_040108139_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCb50N6xXqF6RvLjPOGllLnI_NEA1kpS8mF92jLZj5OSlhoyiQwaOWv4FwH2nGaXQ0gnHNRPuvKo87OTwz5_iGtVD42p0BufxAv07qKHD0cTyU8ZLb5iAy8W5eWi1r89ZO4n5j9dgdSpfz_NL8Avo98S5FhF1YNF2pHgtNbyQYmBKDuthpld_sd39rwAGJ/w640-h360/PXL_20220916_040108139_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Buddha, Phuket</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The first beach on our way was Cara Beach. It is small but beautiful with rocks at one end. Surfing boards are available at very attractive rates here. There are restaurants with sea view as well here. Next in line was Karon Beach which is huge with giant waves. It was less crowded and my favourite of the three. The third was of course Patong Beach which is most accessible but also most commercialised of the three.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98PoSgV0o5COl4Fy_HZ5LIdMyAi7dHHdYT3QsJCngoo5V5ZUNtxyXBFb3dQhdwvuy8mENgt-U-EdEA939M1GI4BObVoWFuDLWBho-glOCXB2N7MmWszDFourgL-SwCQmSzLidCxCeBaZLQ7Xc6QEbbDkZkRAnjMuPcVnRXLolVpji9wpVtW0TUZGLFNiM/s3798/PXL_20220917_042610391_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3798" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98PoSgV0o5COl4Fy_HZ5LIdMyAi7dHHdYT3QsJCngoo5V5ZUNtxyXBFb3dQhdwvuy8mENgt-U-EdEA939M1GI4BObVoWFuDLWBho-glOCXB2N7MmWszDFourgL-SwCQmSzLidCxCeBaZLQ7Xc6QEbbDkZkRAnjMuPcVnRXLolVpji9wpVtW0TUZGLFNiM/w640-h360/PXL_20220917_042610391_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karon Beach, Phuket</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was time for our flight way back home. We had an amazing seven days in Thailand with friends and we loved every bit of it. We specially enjoyed the weather and the lively party crowd that throngs this part of Thailand during the full moon.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Phuket, Thailand7.8804479 98.3922504-20.429785936178845 63.236000399999995 36.190681736178846 133.5485004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-35251167512906290922023-08-03T13:38:00.149+05:302023-12-25T19:46:45.218+05:30Koh Samui<p><a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/krabi-thailand.html" target="_blank">Krabi</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/koh-samui.html" target="_blank">Koh Samui</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/phuket.html" target="_blank">Phuket</a></p><p>Koh Samui is for party and leisure. The island brims with vacation air. Adjacent Koh Phangan island has become the biggest full moon party destination which attracts more and more tourists to this bustling town year over year. We were here around such a full moon party and witnessed the grandiose night unfold.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8bTiKVWiQQq6_M1tSTXWKR9jUesBwPgt0Em-hws0X-GB3Ns-TcBqvABOd5-CHQht2b-RNJyIG7hWgNQs2VTaWYn-ljivi1GDAh2oSIXCCN7T0c1HgLZdXiVcVhlZIJvMuThkWKRJyQVixKvG2_sa7kssef4kAEXvPhZBsiDiPLpxoCzxbkve5u2_hSYW/s4032/IMG_1429_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8bTiKVWiQQq6_M1tSTXWKR9jUesBwPgt0Em-hws0X-GB3Ns-TcBqvABOd5-CHQht2b-RNJyIG7hWgNQs2VTaWYn-ljivi1GDAh2oSIXCCN7T0c1HgLZdXiVcVhlZIJvMuThkWKRJyQVixKvG2_sa7kssef4kAEXvPhZBsiDiPLpxoCzxbkve5u2_hSYW/w640-h480/IMG_1429_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks @ Haad Rin Full Moon Party</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>Our hotel, <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/SzBsLVZMaAGh8ao57?g_st=ic" target="_blank">Impiana Resort</a> was right on the Chaweng Beach with body massage services at the beach itself. This was very convenient. For first two days we hardly moved away from the hotel. We would go to the beach, have massage then rest and later at night we would go to Chaweng Beach Road where most of the happening parties occurred. This we did for two days till the night of the full moon arrived.</div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnEKCEc9rEXiuexvJThoibrlMHALTlbwv3GhuYX1-Jl3Rf2Df3nQJMsOct4E0AXcGjQl2WWGw4UoSrRciUbY1HdkAZLb6d7g5bGcK_Qe3nFqNf4jXy8w0pB9XcZJ_Q00_2-bsQ4jDmV3hHg_XGcURmNexOOJiOHU-qIO9MYmIf2twq2cBxnZ_Tthc3Ruq/s4032/IMG_1410_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnEKCEc9rEXiuexvJThoibrlMHALTlbwv3GhuYX1-Jl3Rf2Df3nQJMsOct4E0AXcGjQl2WWGw4UoSrRciUbY1HdkAZLb6d7g5bGcK_Qe3nFqNf4jXy8w0pB9XcZJ_Q00_2-bsQ4jDmV3hHg_XGcURmNexOOJiOHU-qIO9MYmIf2twq2cBxnZ_Tthc3Ruq/w640-h480/IMG_1410_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaweng Beach @ Impiana Resort</td></tr></tbody></table><p>There are two major party spots on Chaweng Beach - The Arc Bar & The Green Mango. Arc Bar is right on the beach, upcoming with better music, better crowd but pricey. Green Mango is for the masses, old and established and well crowded. There are enough massage parlours on Chaweng Beach Road that will give Phuket a run for their money.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjn90IN202DdwLcFQcFigBqMMVbs0eNiVoj5s-OqIvzopf0LfyScJpEDal4dnR1Gwpnxi5v2_jSg7wL5iCK4VxKRU2thNNHDKpasqXTt8kK6wYV2wxwMxKf1i5H3Sua96bV3PDguoMql-Z8Eo6gH3G_RRv0QErkSp0CcVksAmk6clXR1ul7yzEv_NKE71/s4032/IMG_1424_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjn90IN202DdwLcFQcFigBqMMVbs0eNiVoj5s-OqIvzopf0LfyScJpEDal4dnR1Gwpnxi5v2_jSg7wL5iCK4VxKRU2thNNHDKpasqXTt8kK6wYV2wxwMxKf1i5H3Sua96bV3PDguoMql-Z8Eo6gH3G_RRv0QErkSp0CcVksAmk6clXR1ul7yzEv_NKE71/w640-h480/IMG_1424_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full Moon Party @ Koh Phangan</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Full moon party at Koh Phangan is organised at industrial scale. It is not possible otherwise to gather thirty thousand people over half a mile of party beach of Haad Rin and then carry them back to their beds the same night. Full Moon Party @ Haad Rin Beach has an entry ticket available online and with every hotel that includes pickup from hotel to transfer via ferry to Koh Phangan and then back.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5X04k_h3Z-geWbonaQ6H2fvin0thqlKlNxmyCwCwRDh4Tdv7V_FHBnm92GYoCiiNJLvI1PRf7eyGc8EXv2FJFMoXizzgm1IZ0oHw6TauMb1gMZmdhG_etckphJFx0ung-W44Jyc10vfVxrepg37qfoH9Mnb4I29wHjD8tY3W668BM2Dw3grVjP1CsUCA/s4032/IMG_1428_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5X04k_h3Z-geWbonaQ6H2fvin0thqlKlNxmyCwCwRDh4Tdv7V_FHBnm92GYoCiiNJLvI1PRf7eyGc8EXv2FJFMoXizzgm1IZ0oHw6TauMb1gMZmdhG_etckphJFx0ung-W44Jyc10vfVxrepg37qfoH9Mnb4I29wHjD8tY3W668BM2Dw3grVjP1CsUCA/w640-h480/IMG_1428_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire-acrobatics @ Haad Rin Full Moon Party</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Ferries towards Haad Rin start at 5PM. We took the one at 7PM so that we could hit the sweet spot of 9PM-12PM when the crowd is at its peak. The Full Moon Party is an experience just by its sheer number. Imagine more than ten thousand people moving and dancing to the tunes to psychedelic music in an inebriated state in a small space with fire-acrobats on display. We were happy just to be there.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPHEE1PVAHgsGza5pjEct1PpFnUDLgF2v0Q_uDhzZ1NhvLA714ryVgtRf_AR2VzKi_HPm2pc6JL_s9qNrzK0SnQ9recfvXi-U7lF6oqpilwEgCvDMO2dYw3ur4mCcZUXo3yR7k0ol8K4IulGdnlNk3nFwZ8HSRt9fLbCZE5CH4OmDJGbp82C0gwNqulNk/s4032/IMG_1417_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPHEE1PVAHgsGza5pjEct1PpFnUDLgF2v0Q_uDhzZ1NhvLA714ryVgtRf_AR2VzKi_HPm2pc6JL_s9qNrzK0SnQ9recfvXi-U7lF6oqpilwEgCvDMO2dYw3ur4mCcZUXo3yR7k0ol8K4IulGdnlNk3nFwZ8HSRt9fLbCZE5CH4OmDJGbp82C0gwNqulNk/w640-h480/IMG_1417_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandfather & Grndmother Rocks @ Koh Samui</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After multiple rounds of the beach we left at 1AM and were promptly dropped at our hotel by 2AM. Next day we took scooters on rent and visited some of the nearby attractions in Koh Samui. Grandfather & Grandmother Rock was a good place to relax and enjoy the sea. This was our last day in Koh Samui and we wanted to relish it so we decided to spend a quiet evening at the hotel only.</p></div>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Ko Samui, Thailand9.5120168 100.0135929-18.798217036178848 64.8573429 37.822250636178843 135.1698429tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-39487943373417333302023-08-02T10:49:00.087+05:302024-01-04T09:40:12.378+05:30Krabi<p><a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/krabi-thailand.html" target="_blank">Krabi</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/koh-samui.html" target="_blank">Koh Samui</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/08/phuket.html" target="_blank">Phuket</a></p><p>Krabi was a stopover. There are few attractions in Krabi although if you include day tours of Phi Phi and Hong Island you can actually plan a three day itinerary. We were here for just a night and so we decided to make the most of it without planning anything far.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi4-FzNu6caMPcvCe40umakHGcpRGX_PMnhPjyzLR7gA_qH3uJRTuIwEB0e4oPUzH0qvjdYeCHCFesHDAHlxN3x2W47EfhiUCoAORzNWG9x0ptJdsgViaFJHfHUgLPG73NxHwAIY8orZK1KNe5Ji3I77uUEJ4tOVs0rQZ6SGFot7UEwMJDZR_Y0N2onjp/s4032/IMG_1373_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi4-FzNu6caMPcvCe40umakHGcpRGX_PMnhPjyzLR7gA_qH3uJRTuIwEB0e4oPUzH0qvjdYeCHCFesHDAHlxN3x2W47EfhiUCoAORzNWG9x0ptJdsgViaFJHfHUgLPG73NxHwAIY8orZK1KNe5Ji3I77uUEJ4tOVs0rQZ6SGFot7UEwMJDZR_Y0N2onjp/w640-h480/IMG_1373_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ao Nang Beach, Krabi</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>We landed at Phuket Airport and a hotel cab brought us to Krabi in two hours. By lunch time we had checked in and refreshed ourselves. We decided to walk to the nearby Ao Nang Beach. It was sparsely crowded and had a McDonalds where we lunched. After couple of dips in the lukewarm water we decided to go to famous Railey Beach.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwUB0J78uxDGCj9Hcyrvjf1iS4cnzo2miox2IUgNAY7JNt5WAJPFUJdsJ3jvHNQUN4N7ZWW2mizCTXLPsDAODxSaICPbMHbryAUiK7tYenuj3QATtFx5jyhVaGgblUd-4FMUUDFOq_jl155-NijasEkK1rcXewh_Ik4R91o7yF3EeB-5MtFJriPeD9TKj/s4032/IMG_1385_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwUB0J78uxDGCj9Hcyrvjf1iS4cnzo2miox2IUgNAY7JNt5WAJPFUJdsJ3jvHNQUN4N7ZWW2mizCTXLPsDAODxSaICPbMHbryAUiK7tYenuj3QATtFx5jyhVaGgblUd-4FMUUDFOq_jl155-NijasEkK1rcXewh_Ik4R91o7yF3EeB-5MtFJriPeD9TKj/w640-h480/IMG_1385_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railey Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Railey Beach is not accessible through road. We had to go to Ao Nam Mao Pier to take a speedboat. The speedboat experience proved to be the highlight of the day as the boat driver was in a somewhat of a hurry. He literally zoomed us through the waves. We deboarded at the back of Railey Beach and walked to the opposite side. There was a quaint town by the beach and a decent crowd.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwbBM9NDe-q8Me-LV075myZc2XgseDMQSE3Nr-GCJr76cU63ypmiqy8Jk1kD_I4QBfhbQlX58Lg7qLlQhlmt6ww5ir_jlFRjU-BwQvVjaBFuFVvTQ8Zp7Ge093VMjdj9VGAke9RhlCM4_rKFT7udePT5TIXGE-61G9DU0BUuPo8pHFTK3-PVAC4W89Ata/s4032/IMG_1392_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwbBM9NDe-q8Me-LV075myZc2XgseDMQSE3Nr-GCJr76cU63ypmiqy8Jk1kD_I4QBfhbQlX58Lg7qLlQhlmt6ww5ir_jlFRjU-BwQvVjaBFuFVvTQ8Zp7Ge093VMjdj9VGAke9RhlCM4_rKFT7udePT5TIXGE-61G9DU0BUuPo8pHFTK3-PVAC4W89Ata/w640-h480/IMG_1392_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market @ Railey Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We bought some beer and walked to one corner of the beach where the Bat Cave had opened up in low tide. Later we moved around and settled on sand for a beautiful sunset. We had planned dinner at Ao Nang Beach only at an Indian Restaurant we had earlier noticed. The boat ride back to Ao Nam Mao was less spectacular more so because it was already dark.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfL6v2_6SDeIqRWM7jsf3UkmELHl6ToMPWi16cZddLjZngypehcliLh2CQZM_bXm2vrrJZQL3HK1CfORu3brYUNCYPQ7_GoIiCsFgAsaHI-sbSrxKqcpQZtoDRW0eV42FvBUujShWkXKFzcNHhZE_em8v7Id1IQ_eX2EjwXGfyQOH9VaOM4TxwNRdxO-e/s4032/IMG_1393_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfL6v2_6SDeIqRWM7jsf3UkmELHl6ToMPWi16cZddLjZngypehcliLh2CQZM_bXm2vrrJZQL3HK1CfORu3brYUNCYPQ7_GoIiCsFgAsaHI-sbSrxKqcpQZtoDRW0eV42FvBUujShWkXKFzcNHhZE_em8v7Id1IQ_eX2EjwXGfyQOH9VaOM4TxwNRdxO-e/w640-h480/IMG_1393_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset @ Railey Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After a quick but filling dinner we settled quickly in our respective beds after what seemed like a long day. Next day we had to take an early morning ferry to Koh Samui which was our prime destination of this trip. </p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-79550048517625450242023-06-07T00:16:00.001+05:302024-01-04T17:52:12.077+05:30Rupin Pass Trek - Part 4<p>Trek <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a></p><p>Upper Waterfall campsite belonged to another world. It was below minus 10 degrees here. Everywhere we could see there was snow. It took some effort just to change clothes and settle in our tents. We were finding it ridiculous to come out and have lunch. Few things are mandatory on a trek and that includes not skipping a meal.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZFWndQB5mBKdpvVNF3MKNwYPj-DENJ8dlRWEvCwAUac1me-nv-TIoyUzk3-G0tCCG25f3xvcVzQI3ythnytQ9tZJxa7dYFp9AbNDC9TGXHNllD8Y1iGIvewEtX7xgKlzTaUnQhz_frb8FxESBDwvAZJuVx0bHTmWS7rxzYJ_HsD87eLiIr2h7xe8pQpO/s4032/IMG_1162_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZFWndQB5mBKdpvVNF3MKNwYPj-DENJ8dlRWEvCwAUac1me-nv-TIoyUzk3-G0tCCG25f3xvcVzQI3ythnytQ9tZJxa7dYFp9AbNDC9TGXHNllD8Y1iGIvewEtX7xgKlzTaUnQhz_frb8FxESBDwvAZJuVx0bHTmWS7rxzYJ_HsD87eLiIr2h7xe8pQpO/w640-h480/IMG_1162_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On way to summit, a view of our Upper Waterfall campsite</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>In the evening we settled in the master tent for another briefing. Next morning we had to wake up as early as 4 and start for the summit attempt before 5. A lot of co-ordination would go into ensuring this. We were briefed and released for early sleep in about an hour. The night went quickly and everyone was awake in the morning darkness at 4.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb71IaHpC78b5cPZdFPOwA05Aoqohd5JfRzf1I5x9HXfOIm-b-KlYe-AzeAdgpGUb1DI6dHPrviRqJ0vGkfGwElyTnFIFI46DUvq6T5E9X7qRGsdhFrtKGSGPRc8x4_n3f-Q6Sn5PASbjb1kbH4AdGgsWLlR1YKD29L7bJGlTsS6IjCfdeHz2o_yIh-OF/s4032/IMG_1136_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb71IaHpC78b5cPZdFPOwA05Aoqohd5JfRzf1I5x9HXfOIm-b-KlYe-AzeAdgpGUb1DI6dHPrviRqJ0vGkfGwElyTnFIFI46DUvq6T5E9X7qRGsdhFrtKGSGPRc8x4_n3f-Q6Sn5PASbjb1kbH4AdGgsWLlR1YKD29L7bJGlTsS6IjCfdeHz2o_yIh-OF/w640-h480/IMG_1136_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The extra-ordinary Upper Waterfall campsite</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We packed our meals, had a quick breakfast and started at 5. The first climb was steep and tricky. We were almost overhead our campsite at one point of time. After an hour the slope flattened and we walked leisurely. Rupin Pass was visible not although it was still far. We walked flat for another hour before the summit climb began. At 15279ft, the final climb for Rupin Pass is not only difficult but also the lack of oxygen means breathing gets harder.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjJwVU-JiohhVrLZO5Rp71EZXljUCP60MXOdWLH1-WzSL1vlY0ay0jJkpr9k70cnpdG0udGwNdpNycge0ixXyuZskLGVRvRBE2b-6YoRNXvDa7LURjezybvyj90SAcWD9BYSuZVYd17fgck6XqQQle_6MoUdVA6r-dFAqL1_sZSPn80byd5Zf6zV36g_t/s4032/IMG_8182_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjJwVU-JiohhVrLZO5Rp71EZXljUCP60MXOdWLH1-WzSL1vlY0ay0jJkpr9k70cnpdG0udGwNdpNycge0ixXyuZskLGVRvRBE2b-6YoRNXvDa7LURjezybvyj90SAcWD9BYSuZVYd17fgck6XqQQle_6MoUdVA6r-dFAqL1_sZSPn80byd5Zf6zV36g_t/w640-h480/IMG_8182_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group photo before the final climb @ Upper Waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I had taken a full tablet of Diamox before we started and I believed that saved me. For those having a history of AMS this is most recommended. The last one hour to summit was vertical climb. We were exhausted midway but a few who had reached the top were encouraging us to climb for the view. Finally we stepped on the top and the view opened for the other side.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vCsvXv8xuTDB47PLRdFl6prN2hd8_kO9UFhJUbPdVXVDtscZLYVYSg4m52RLorGtdoyzNetBeFqKcRg-cZ-GQk60ZfRiJclDMZoVq3WGaAE8HDlHjsaJy4KYCB50tEA_G5rIGQ2YDnj9d9cBgzmVouXhBz3DQ59ELFItTVZxBlmZGw3dj2F6zJFQviQR/s4032/IMG_1178_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vCsvXv8xuTDB47PLRdFl6prN2hd8_kO9UFhJUbPdVXVDtscZLYVYSg4m52RLorGtdoyzNetBeFqKcRg-cZ-GQk60ZfRiJclDMZoVq3WGaAE8HDlHjsaJy4KYCB50tEA_G5rIGQ2YDnj9d9cBgzmVouXhBz3DQ59ELFItTVZxBlmZGw3dj2F6zJFQviQR/w480-h640/IMG_1178_Original.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final climb to summit @ Rupin Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><p>While I have done summits before, this was truly special given the hard work it took to reach here over 5 days. We took group photographs, cherished our accomplishment of being the second group of the season that had reached this far, and then started our 9km long downward journey to Ronti Gad campsite. It would take us another 8 hours to finally arrive at our last camp.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXOc1pfdaMwC7SFPGMRnyoH65xWFew5v2lS792aNLgaC5ecGvF1dfnvg20xYm6s-RRWwgmxvusn7yiU6VTwaNRahdv4NMWl2oWh3Q3-Z61-KQaPvSpFwhyVuuyyP-t2MY210T1rjoVGtu-11-g_jyCBU-bK_3OtgI_l2ggEMLZdDqoQidSVG5XQErZWgf/s1040/0f02daf7-6406-4687-95e2-17960bf16886%20Copy_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="780" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXOc1pfdaMwC7SFPGMRnyoH65xWFew5v2lS792aNLgaC5ecGvF1dfnvg20xYm6s-RRWwgmxvusn7yiU6VTwaNRahdv4NMWl2oWh3Q3-Z61-KQaPvSpFwhyVuuyyP-t2MY210T1rjoVGtu-11-g_jyCBU-bK_3OtgI_l2ggEMLZdDqoQidSVG5XQErZWgf/w480-h640/0f02daf7-6406-4687-95e2-17960bf16886%20Copy_Original.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The official summit pick @ 15279ft</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Ronti Gad is the greenest of the beautiful campsites we stayed in. We were most relieved and happy here after completing the trek without any injury or delay. Next day we started walking towards Sangla and civilisation. A small village called Sangla Kanda was our stopover. Vehicles were arranged to drop us back to Shimla.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Rupin Pass, Himachal Pradesh, India31.3535395 78.1540648000000153.0433056638211546 42.997814800000015 59.663773336178849 113.31031480000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-40420786583132055272023-06-06T11:32:00.001+05:302024-01-04T17:46:22.576+05:30Rupin Pass Trek - Part 3<p>Trek <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a></p><p>We reached our next camping ground called Dhanderas Thatch half past noon. By now almost everything in our view was white. We were told to refresh ourselves for lunch after which we will go for a small trek sideways and practise some snow gliding which was a needed skill to navigate the other side of summit.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm2mtZkkEucqMRdViEAmgsy4GlJsC_LgpDSRM7pIk54llOsvbObI4kiANbUsuggRU8UAcFQ-79b6joqpex2bcbNToJFgDkklJbjzBul1liklRVjSttFe0hY0Ck1Xy22tWH1qsHEFsAbKyNe6qLl6HIH4i4k1zEu4_gQdv_nTWAl0V189_5mI_sX5d2t1U/s4032/IMG_1305_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm2mtZkkEucqMRdViEAmgsy4GlJsC_LgpDSRM7pIk54llOsvbObI4kiANbUsuggRU8UAcFQ-79b6joqpex2bcbNToJFgDkklJbjzBul1liklRVjSttFe0hY0Ck1Xy22tWH1qsHEFsAbKyNe6qLl6HIH4i4k1zEu4_gQdv_nTWAl0V189_5mI_sX5d2t1U/w640-h480/IMG_1305_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View on the way to Upper Waterfall, our campsite is visible</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The summit was still not visible but what we could see of our ascent was overwhelming. Almost vertically above us we could see three frozen waterfalls cascading one after another. We were camped at the base of the Lower Waterfall. Our next camping ground was above the Upper Waterfall about 3000ft above us. The route to the top was as vertical as could be.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQbJ9QXAzy6yVr9GmI-Pc9frmLXa947q7vBTnrhFvv3Ocd7ZXOsW-aVTwW0N9AAo4GDFD6bXNLQn7x1bDMG-8kdgkhO-Yflzc-Daiy9UUbEMLtBJayYnoxitYHBXcteAZqaL4yYqeOPeFCXXfew6Ts8tD4tVZ5_G0JZthn2G2xVnltBChDhywxM_HKQe7/s4032/IMG_1094_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQbJ9QXAzy6yVr9GmI-Pc9frmLXa947q7vBTnrhFvv3Ocd7ZXOsW-aVTwW0N9AAo4GDFD6bXNLQn7x1bDMG-8kdgkhO-Yflzc-Daiy9UUbEMLtBJayYnoxitYHBXcteAZqaL4yYqeOPeFCXXfew6Ts8tD4tVZ5_G0JZthn2G2xVnltBChDhywxM_HKQe7/w640-h480/IMG_1094_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flatwalk towards Dhanderas Thatch</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Deciding not to think too much about tomorrow, we ate our lunch and started the sideways trek on ice. At the top our guide was showing us how to slide. It was a wrong technique. He was basically asking us to cross our arms and let the gravity take us down. It was ok for those with high upper body weight. When I tried it, I started moving left and right immediately and eventually knocked two people as well as injuring myself on the neck.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb8DVTBGjzNduTuEOolwoj0Id8OXXgR5s1-2n19r4soC67ye2uJeIwPp7MDcvyonsXC5irb-wVxEugjGF-b9eAWY6pZDLztPbF5ZzmXlgGdn3j93P_0U_Bag4-vIZ_XIGViWCFtVO7GHsio-KH6soTuM-Kv4dUlkEtEG7g3OmBGS_C0BfZx-5zGjveEuW/s4032/IMG_1122_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb8DVTBGjzNduTuEOolwoj0Id8OXXgR5s1-2n19r4soC67ye2uJeIwPp7MDcvyonsXC5irb-wVxEugjGF-b9eAWY6pZDLztPbF5ZzmXlgGdn3j93P_0U_Bag4-vIZ_XIGViWCFtVO7GHsio-KH6soTuM-Kv4dUlkEtEG7g3OmBGS_C0BfZx-5zGjveEuW/w640-h480/IMG_1122_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Waterfalls are visible</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I was immediately asked to rest in the tent. Someone gave me balm and our guide provided a hot water pillow. Thankfully the injury was superficial and more thankfully I was able to skip the two hour evening get together that had become a droll. By late evening I was feeling much better although there was some stiffness in my neck.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nelvqrXGKBRK2Fpic0Tb4FJfXXruTPiQjT7SGjYAkyoU7Jf0mUmh-mkTIb-QpAC96Q3FR1SzHDuNsw0P1Z2sb93IX76IeyrCahHeXMZx0-aRaqvVhtJrpOMWuoP3qS5lGcPclNvtiXQigJsvTbpeTSVK2TLOxNo0sfrmRoqmEPvy66Y4Yc8SLhksNCAV/s4032/IMG_1124_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nelvqrXGKBRK2Fpic0Tb4FJfXXruTPiQjT7SGjYAkyoU7Jf0mUmh-mkTIb-QpAC96Q3FR1SzHDuNsw0P1Z2sb93IX76IeyrCahHeXMZx0-aRaqvVhtJrpOMWuoP3qS5lGcPclNvtiXQigJsvTbpeTSVK2TLOxNo0sfrmRoqmEPvy66Y4Yc8SLhksNCAV/w640-h480/IMG_1124_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sideways trek from Dhanderas Thatch Camp</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Next morning we started early for the Upper Waterfall as it was a long and steep climb, the most difficult day of our trek. Steps were carved all the way. Snow had covered most of them but thanks to our crampons and gaiters, we made a swift climb. We had a small break on the way but mostly continued incessantly to the top.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqEwZ0_3lt9Ucz6KTddeqF96Xyy1rC-SQ_J3aQLfkcTWXyhoF8lRY4a6ogn-x1eRK_m9Wg-M3ykAqJxOM9YYTOGCXNuP2kZpR7WkfWkodoc0rfz5Qjnpf8CAjNqTOYJzi8s-gZQjo-j4tonjYrRczLXAm4QqaLrDptcRaxkG0NKkmeP3A4yTOs7vglzrD/s4032/IMG_1131_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqEwZ0_3lt9Ucz6KTddeqF96Xyy1rC-SQ_J3aQLfkcTWXyhoF8lRY4a6ogn-x1eRK_m9Wg-M3ykAqJxOM9YYTOGCXNuP2kZpR7WkfWkodoc0rfz5Qjnpf8CAjNqTOYJzi8s-gZQjo-j4tonjYrRczLXAm4QqaLrDptcRaxkG0NKkmeP3A4yTOs7vglzrD/w480-h640/IMG_1131_Original.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The climb begins, we leave Dhanderas Thatch campsite behind</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was an arduous climb but once we were above the Upper Waterfall we celebrated. The campsite was visible at our level some distance away. We enjoyed the view of valley below from here which was surreal. The snow here was almost 14ft deep but somehow a sliver of water was still flowing through the waterfall. It was gorgeous.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Rupin Pass, Himachal Pradesh, India31.3535395 78.1540648000000153.0433056638211546 42.997814800000015 59.663773336178849 113.31031480000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-20999257567100400142023-06-04T09:23:00.002+05:302024-01-04T17:39:46.834+05:30Rupin Pass Trek - Part 2<p>Trek <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a></p><p>From this night onwards there was neither any electricity nor network. It was just us bantering in the dark while trying to sleep in an alien environment. Tiredness cocooned us into deep slumber in some time. Next day we were as fresh as ever and started with spring in our legs. I still remember this day as the most beautiful of the trek. First came the forests, then a ravine and finally a winding stairs to flatlands at the end of which was our camping ground.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEaX1DJBd_ZfOFBBe0hyphenhyphen8YUpVsrJlcw3_bekTrhiaxBNkwiYDU4myflgrzlNyjXM5lyPTAC8eHH310vx23tO6mqWnzK3entqd84mABDCuJYmTdJ4D6vCD8CodrI6FWJoCJfUBoKh148X07BnbshDq0rBkyB_7uvJbqdyFKhSYGHUWJky8lFRUgU6Fnp8A/s4032/IMG_1011_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEaX1DJBd_ZfOFBBe0hyphenhyphen8YUpVsrJlcw3_bekTrhiaxBNkwiYDU4myflgrzlNyjXM5lyPTAC8eHH310vx23tO6mqWnzK3entqd84mABDCuJYmTdJ4D6vCD8CodrI6FWJoCJfUBoKh148X07BnbshDq0rBkyB_7uvJbqdyFKhSYGHUWJky8lFRUgU6Fnp8A/w640-h480/IMG_1011_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ravine on way to Saruwas Thatch</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Saruwas Thatch was as pretty a camping ground as could be. There was a flowing river, high rise mountains and a lush meadow encircling our camp. To top it all, there were a series of waterfalls opposite our camps, visible as we opened our camp zip, falling into the flowing river. We danced. After lunch we rested before gathering for a mandatory evening catch-up where we would share our day’s experiences.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWbQue6TA7H_9pja48crngl8YodZxlzHJw68f321nj0sNpNZa7PCAaF97rs-hSbWz-sAoOby-FHHylDOvx5VDMy3wdkr_6wkLwd8zXwOYBXKDmUBI4opi-QnVLK8404BAsFi4TcjrCfAYfcsEwwU1-JLdRt1xsSCKJ5Aztcxm4DCE_xWrZFhhH8UT8meb/s4032/IMG_7965_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWbQue6TA7H_9pja48crngl8YodZxlzHJw68f321nj0sNpNZa7PCAaF97rs-hSbWz-sAoOby-FHHylDOvx5VDMy3wdkr_6wkLwd8zXwOYBXKDmUBI4opi-QnVLK8404BAsFi4TcjrCfAYfcsEwwU1-JLdRt1xsSCKJ5Aztcxm4DCE_xWrZFhhH8UT8meb/w640-h480/IMG_7965_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First break on way to Saruwas Thatch</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At night the landscape became more surreal. Numerous stars sprouted in a clear night sky. For us city-dwellers this was equivalent of Northern Green Lights. In the middle of night some of us gathered for a collective peeing ritual and appreciated the above.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnASxKtgIdXkoDrexOGuLHx3O5NX8P54LpCtknB18FmybDRay4h5mh_NVGkprjdpaLZ0VNm6xHQh8JJkDxtgieh2djhrK8x7C-AFrheP4wublhNTM7h7pHzp2Utf630ZOh_Cx9oJrBzNSX69pLVeQ88t4H1I6p7MrfiKCeY6RDvWS9VE5oeOZtYmZnGB0C/s4032/PXL_20230604_053454044_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnASxKtgIdXkoDrexOGuLHx3O5NX8P54LpCtknB18FmybDRay4h5mh_NVGkprjdpaLZ0VNm6xHQh8JJkDxtgieh2djhrK8x7C-AFrheP4wublhNTM7h7pHzp2Utf630ZOh_Cx9oJrBzNSX69pLVeQ88t4H1I6p7MrfiKCeY6RDvWS9VE5oeOZtYmZnGB0C/w480-h640/PXL_20230604_053454044_Original.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second break along the river on way to Saruwas Thatch</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Peeing is on top of my problems with high altitude trekking. As someone who suffers from AMS, I need to take Diamox which has a side effect of excess peeing. The problem is when you are covered in three layers sleeping inside a sleeping bag and the warmed in your legs has just triggered a soporific effect, your bladder gives up. Next time I am going to carry one of those peeing bottles that one can use while sleeping.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqZA2UKr8nc1U7uZjqOLrl0Qh5Pvq0umSop_ZQHIyt4aLmuP2NBJ2lTyTbY67l9NPi62xvUxtyitSgfSb6UviKGam6a89c3VS6HQlROqMpB-H1QxI31N9NMAL7esrWnEpnS3eOgH4sSc13wI1wGn4YsNGiDv3rfjKbFD6rKVu8t5vX9BA9z6_2Q5CCK1A/s4032/IMG_1074_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqZA2UKr8nc1U7uZjqOLrl0Qh5Pvq0umSop_ZQHIyt4aLmuP2NBJ2lTyTbY67l9NPi62xvUxtyitSgfSb6UviKGam6a89c3VS6HQlROqMpB-H1QxI31N9NMAL7esrWnEpnS3eOgH4sSc13wI1wGn4YsNGiDv3rfjKbFD6rKVu8t5vX9BA9z6_2Q5CCK1A/w640-h480/IMG_1074_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful campsite of Saruwas Thatch</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Next morning we were welcomed by a clear sky and a sunny day. Today was a relatively easy day in terms of both length and altitude. Within an hour of our start we came on the same level with the river that was flowing so ferociously near our tent. Here it was meandering and calm. We had a push-up competition. Soon we were walking on ice. It was unbelievable that we were walking on ice at such low altitudes in the peak of summer.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Rupin Pass, Himachal Pradesh, India31.3535395 78.1540648000000153.0433056638211546 42.997814800000015 59.663773336178849 113.31031480000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-49088617380124869002023-06-02T09:16:00.001+05:302024-01-04T17:32:21.742+05:30Rupin Pass Trek - Part 1<div>Trek <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2023/06/rupin-pass-trek-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a></div><div><br /></div>Rupin Pass is a moderately tough trek. On the day we attempted it, it was difficult because of the 14ft ice that was covering our path from Dhanderas Thatch which is 2 days away from the summit. We were the second group of the season that had successfully attempted the summit @ 15279ft. This was a feat of no small proportion given the motley group we were.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup_J66S0sfhnHlR3B-IOblhE9ihLTxUTkJeW5p2zHRPkCdXVEV03W5G5CorSLTmhgNGUcuKmW6WDBOSGlZqwyX6yp_rclDoYBoy4S1vBLT7cp9ORY3Vx-t7-vHA4DlpvPgBtezaaHhRpX78guPsNc4ORQvYvpEs2HxMcBc6rgOjLZnIrZyla09_jBvGqP/s4032/PXL_20230607_034627918_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhup_J66S0sfhnHlR3B-IOblhE9ihLTxUTkJeW5p2zHRPkCdXVEV03W5G5CorSLTmhgNGUcuKmW6WDBOSGlZqwyX6yp_rclDoYBoy4S1vBLT7cp9ORY3Vx-t7-vHA4DlpvPgBtezaaHhRpX78guPsNc4ORQvYvpEs2HxMcBc6rgOjLZnIrZyla09_jBvGqP/w640-h480/PXL_20230607_034627918_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15279ft @ Rupin Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><span></span><br /><span><a name='more'></a>To begin with it took us two full days to reach the base camp of our trek which was in a smaller village called Jiskun. We started from Delhi for Chandigarh vi Shatabdi and quickly transferred to an Innova that dropped us at Rohru just before dinner. On google maps there were no roads beyond Rohru. Next morning our trekking company, <a href="https://indiahikes.com/rupin-pass#quick-itinerary" target="_blank">Indiahikes</a>, arranged for a 4X4 MUV to drive us through hilly road via Chansheel Pass to Jiskun.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4C5kwR1Fu9Mx2Og6Y7znkRHkrzcJuOyN7qEQX5ok9MPPYe25Ya755eESdwh-udMD_8u1RqnYwe30uwhMVGnGGcSFOMToZ45fQKtkJMwBkqeQW-WicOyiNgD6aCgpQOrzVBoIFN0oGQG-Z7TE7pLoVZXTU1TzZ1_Icf6bptcGjDPRmpijYHqoAKXF7JPj/s4000/IMG_20230602_135410_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4C5kwR1Fu9Mx2Og6Y7znkRHkrzcJuOyN7qEQX5ok9MPPYe25Ya755eESdwh-udMD_8u1RqnYwe30uwhMVGnGGcSFOMToZ45fQKtkJMwBkqeQW-WicOyiNgD6aCgpQOrzVBoIFN0oGQG-Z7TE7pLoVZXTU1TzZ1_Icf6bptcGjDPRmpijYHqoAKXF7JPj/w640-h480/IMG_20230602_135410_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch @ Chansheel Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span>It was a beautiful journey specially when it started snowing in the middle of Chansheel Pass which in itself was a beautiful landscape. We stopped at a restaurant right on the last curve of the pass which served us a simple but delicious meal. Just before Jiskun there was a landslide that gave us an opportunity to walk the last mile.</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiGO6VmpvASZfQgb5Av2opHOi5WxACgDClLVDuLDsXxofd5pqZRUq7KCw8a3GFjSAqDKH9ER7gJodKxEZouiNOw97RZUQVFYZLcXEB_P_HxkNdxCOjKNWt_QWS-M6OIJtOQq80No3xQpXkZsSsen2scoZZLAjd5O89ZHRPbWEhaFu2Mcsp9ykDsjtBZFE/s4032/IMG_0932_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiGO6VmpvASZfQgb5Av2opHOi5WxACgDClLVDuLDsXxofd5pqZRUq7KCw8a3GFjSAqDKH9ER7gJodKxEZouiNOw97RZUQVFYZLcXEB_P_HxkNdxCOjKNWt_QWS-M6OIJtOQq80No3xQpXkZsSsen2scoZZLAjd5O89ZHRPbWEhaFu2Mcsp9ykDsjtBZFE/w640-h480/IMG_0932_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walk towards Jiskun</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span>After evening tea we were asked to collect items we had to carry through the trek as well as items we had rented out from </span><a href="https://indiahikes.com/rupin-pass#quick-itinerary" target="_blank">Indiahikes</a>. I had rented trekking shoes and trekking sticks. This was officially our first night into the trek. Next morning we were briefed for two hours about the trek. After breakfast and some more items getting distributed (like crampons, gaiters etc) before we started for Jakha.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBq4bClvAMq82SBGom99gACmXfMimElyot4TPxIySNRMgWnFTsMZ76_0AzWpVU9WsnPSsu6iGqcaTke7SB74YcpR-GE6d4f34u0Px_YYQFXrqk4gyczKuIFfnxbZNdJLqtq30if6jMsgfzc0IOD3DvEdIJycucM0Es_duw3PDQH3zUycbI65o5o0xnqPM/s4032/IMG_0925_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBq4bClvAMq82SBGom99gACmXfMimElyot4TPxIySNRMgWnFTsMZ76_0AzWpVU9WsnPSsu6iGqcaTke7SB74YcpR-GE6d4f34u0Px_YYQFXrqk4gyczKuIFfnxbZNdJLqtq30if6jMsgfzc0IOD3DvEdIJycucM0Es_duw3PDQH3zUycbI65o5o0xnqPM/w640-h480/IMG_0925_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village on way to Jiskun</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was a sunny day and an auspicious beginning of our trek. We reached Jakha in no time and refreshed ourselves before lunch was served. After lunch we visited the nearby temple where our guide told us about the myths and history behind it. This is when the weather turned. Thankfully we were carrying our raincoats. The return journey was made under heavy rain. As it happens in the mountains, rain also brings chill. We decided for an early sleep after dinner.</div>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Rupin Pass, Himachal Pradesh, India31.3535395 78.1540648000000153.0433056638211546 42.997814800000015 59.663773336178849 113.31031480000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-78382344593279811902023-04-12T17:11:00.000+05:302024-01-03T11:15:30.266+05:30Pangong<p>The road from Nubra to Leh is picturesque. Add to that the promise of seeing the expanse of Pangong Lake, no wonder we were thrilled. The road conditions are not very good because firstly it’s not strategic and secondly there is a road expansion going on around Pangong. We still enjoyed the long hours on the road as the landscape kept changing.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73yVkuw9jl6iobtmwSeKYrBjnYo3rDWnkFjfRz0Sk9tfOUy7K_2B6jIGwx8jfmgKk8Rw1eIPPlNhppp3IirJGfya1FXrOI1D78AaRAy91n-v32gotgPCtvq__L6OAGlbQrdZeoPS38iSiL87xa0vj9amdqdSfiGq_-wt2yMmdQz4mSKPs4QKCf1xqiK0e/s772/IMG_1091_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="772" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73yVkuw9jl6iobtmwSeKYrBjnYo3rDWnkFjfRz0Sk9tfOUy7K_2B6jIGwx8jfmgKk8Rw1eIPPlNhppp3IirJGfya1FXrOI1D78AaRAy91n-v32gotgPCtvq__L6OAGlbQrdZeoPS38iSiL87xa0vj9amdqdSfiGq_-wt2yMmdQz4mSKPs4QKCf1xqiK0e/w640-h480/IMG_1091_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Pangong Tso</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The approach road to Pangong is close to the now famous Galwan Valley which our driver promptly pointed out to us. As the road turned towards the lake, a part of lake was visible. It was frozen. This was unexpected. By the time we reached the proper point of disembarkment we were more thrilled than ever. None of us had been to a frozen lake let along walk and dance on it.<p></p><p>We first settled for lunch as we were all very hungry. There were few restaurants open because the tourist season was just beginning. There were fewer restaurants with washrooms that we badly needed. We ordered a variety of food that we all shared before walking downhill to the lake. It was some experience.</p><p>The frozen lake was slightly slippery but not difficult. It was definitely way colder down there than at the banks. I asked my photos to be taken sitting on the lake. One of us had an idea of creating a group dance on a popular number. We even took photos sitting on a 3 Idiots prop. We had fun. It was time to head back to Leh.</p><p>Our journey back was longer because of bad roads. We had planned a dinner party back at our Leh hotel but we were still on the road at 8. Hence we decided to have dinner there only. By the time we reached hotel we were too tired for a party and immediately slept. Next morning our flight was scheduled to take us back to Delhi.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Pangong Tso, India33.7595131 78.667440399999995.449279263821154 43.51119039999999 62.069746936178845 113.82369039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-81108501179506633892023-04-11T15:29:00.009+05:302024-01-02T16:49:03.854+05:30Nubra<p>We started at 9 for Nubra and reached Khardungla by 11. At a height of 18000ft, Khardungla is a major tourist destination. For the first time we were among the snow capped hills. It was time for a hot cup of tea and a lot of photographs. We took photos in all permutations and combinations before starting downhill for the Nubra Valley.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsC05lsMve7FeMtUf7DW7e_ypGQVoZ1CmDRor0hVqb8zc63hz-iwmGFAo113pK2_8slI8Ig3RCXD3ldfkpEF64TU307ccl1Vb2UvmsjwujvmCt9zedCeNp5p2FrbbOkrCUlq5PWrXXkl5qCGoX9S1-y2dMmbhSU8V0XrhEuD-7HSBp-Go2S4z9FeS2WYm/s4032/IMG_0623_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsC05lsMve7FeMtUf7DW7e_ypGQVoZ1CmDRor0hVqb8zc63hz-iwmGFAo113pK2_8slI8Ig3RCXD3ldfkpEF64TU307ccl1Vb2UvmsjwujvmCt9zedCeNp5p2FrbbOkrCUlq5PWrXXkl5qCGoX9S1-y2dMmbhSU8V0XrhEuD-7HSBp-Go2S4z9FeS2WYm/w640-h480/IMG_0623_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khardungla Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Our next stop was for lunch just as we hit the valley floor. River was flowing adjacent to us. We first ate lunch and then drove to an empty stretch of river bank for some more photographs. We were carrying few cans of beer with us which we promptly opened and drank with our legs in the cold water. With the loss of altitude it was more pleasant here than it was at Leh.<p></p><p>From here on, the road was mostly flat but meandering. We were going for a place caller Hunder which was famous of sand dunes. Just before Hunder we saw a huge Buddha statue and made a stopover. Known as Diskit Gompa it was part of Diskit Monastery and quite a good place to hangout for a while.</p><p>It was getting dark in the April evening by the time we reached Hunder. We decided to go for the sand dunes first and then check in into our hotel. The sand dunes were a sight, spread over more than a mile next to the river on one side and high rise mountain on the other. The place was attracting all sorts of games from camel riding to ATVs. We tried bows & arrows.</p><p>Our hotel was cosy and spacious. Before dinner bonfire was arranged which was a luxury in plummeting temperature. We chatted and ate around the warm fire, played cards later on and then retired to sleep. Next morning we were to start for Pangong. </p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Nubra Valley, India34.6863146 77.5672881.6859674850361159 42.411038000000005 67.68666171496389 112.723538tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-16182440654307214642023-04-10T12:57:00.004+05:302024-01-02T15:29:13.959+05:30Leh<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leh - Nubra - Pangong</div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Only postpaid works in Leh. The internet and connectivity is good even in Nubra and Pangong.</li><li>Take it easy on the first day. At 12000ft, the quick altitude change is challenging even to the healthy.</li><li>Better to book a cab for the entire time of stay. Khardungla, Nubra and Pangong all need vehicle.</li><li>May & June are the busiest seasons. We enjoyed the tranquillity of April. Frozen Pangong was a bonus.</li></ul><div>We literally reached Leh in no time. I remember taking a call from my wife at Leh airport when she was thinking I am still at Delhi airport. Something so exotic is so accessible was a surprise. I generally prefer window seat and was thoroughly rewarded on our one hour flight to Leh with ice capped mountain view and amazing Himalayan landscape.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HmCvo6ub6d2-uEtbWnzMRs9tBuAXcJoV6Ag7K1ebkFDIRn9cgDr-t1iyIVm_KroSb85VGrnN_GcYVWOAJi2gfPAxRc2yAA1j0uFT4uGM-b_c5N0PrZlUlf1qS_0sHoeGnAKXHGQ4p7Lnoye5SDwEqH5sfCOIMN_o6Z_Z998gBOoAQvr1yPrp9vps5NzA/s4032/IMG_0597_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HmCvo6ub6d2-uEtbWnzMRs9tBuAXcJoV6Ag7K1ebkFDIRn9cgDr-t1iyIVm_KroSb85VGrnN_GcYVWOAJi2gfPAxRc2yAA1j0uFT4uGM-b_c5N0PrZlUlf1qS_0sHoeGnAKXHGQ4p7Lnoye5SDwEqH5sfCOIMN_o6Z_Z998gBOoAQvr1yPrp9vps5NzA/w640-h480/IMG_0597_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Leh from Shanti Stupa</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>We landed at Leh on an April morning thinking it would be freezing cold. It was pleasant thanks to clear sunny sky and absence of chilly wind. We were in our hotel rooms by 11. I suggested a day of rest given my history of AMS. We decided to go to the roof of our hotel where we were served tea and snacks. For lunch we settled in a nearby restaurant that was serving a fixed thali which was a mix of local vegetables. It was delicious.</div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to chuck the resting plan and go for Leh Palace. A bus dropped us at the edge of central market and we walked from there. WE had to navigate through the narrow alleys to reach the gates. Leh Palace is majestic with multiple tiers to explore and a clear view of entire Leh. We reached the roof of palace and stayed there for a while enjoying the sun and view.</div><div><br /></div><div>After that we explored the market below for souvenirs and someone suggested we should see the sunset from Shanti Stupa which was visible from the market. It took a half hour drive to reach there. We were on time although the evening weather was not as pleasant. We witnessed the sunset and quickly came back to the marketplace. There we gathered snacks and beer for our night party.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the hotel we arranged for a cab for three days that will take us to Nubra, Pangong and back. The party was lively and went late till night. An IPL match was going on which acted as a filler. We were exhausted after a long and eventful first day in Leh. Tomorrow we had to start for Nubra after an early breakfast.</div><p></p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Leh, India34.1525864 77.5770534999999915.8423525638211515 42.420803499999991 62.462820236178842 112.73330349999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-34535228894804651922022-12-08T13:18:00.006+05:302024-01-22T10:32:17.758+05:30Orchha Fort<p><a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2024/01/jhansi-fort.html">Jhansi</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2024/01/orchha-fort.html">Orchha</a></p><p>Orchha Fort was in my checklist since I missed it on my trip to Khajuraho. I had heard so much abut this bastion of Bundelkhand rulers that it would have been a tragedy to miss it twice. We left Jhansi Fort around 1 and reached Orchha by 2. Mauranipur, our destination for wedding we were here to attend, was still couple hours away.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRwhd2htbjXb5n-4H0jngP-LU6X7wYN0_sJtcToVPQsvZFu9bfO5z2o0py2AHcSOr-cMappvPjMB3U426wANmPSa-YlhRSkbkcGhY6Hvx4-kAlplTSPrRCyB6WdQpiDpiEjmgnnZW01ZKJk43kx7cdC4_uA0Ko08bpRINwQ3Be0qzEVBvcX3fJA0JmYdA/s4032/IMG_0039_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRwhd2htbjXb5n-4H0jngP-LU6X7wYN0_sJtcToVPQsvZFu9bfO5z2o0py2AHcSOr-cMappvPjMB3U426wANmPSa-YlhRSkbkcGhY6Hvx4-kAlplTSPrRCyB6WdQpiDpiEjmgnnZW01ZKJk43kx7cdC4_uA0Ko08bpRINwQ3Be0qzEVBvcX3fJA0JmYdA/w640-h480/IMG_0039_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchha Fort</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The first glimpse of Orchha Fort doesn’t disappoint. Standing tall beside a river, the imposing vertical walls speak about the dominance that used to flow from this place once. Now mostly pigeons and occasional tourists hawk this palace fort. We crossed the river bridge and asked our driver to park near the entrance.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXntZvHx0JZiNqa7oonTD0BQkxyOv_kE4DdXGdCUhm5e_eikvOYP5Ml5prEAyTNkS9reeFKrYLEEgjY7nRxj00uJgQGKbu-NQLYOrdwIEtNxRTM2_hwf3HaUUXKJVLHssRRvBKPndMNZKMMn94WCCfqpXKMB2k7NgOjHK5lELrd8lruBLk5BUiWuqSRsHX/s4032/IMG_0037_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXntZvHx0JZiNqa7oonTD0BQkxyOv_kE4DdXGdCUhm5e_eikvOYP5Ml5prEAyTNkS9reeFKrYLEEgjY7nRxj00uJgQGKbu-NQLYOrdwIEtNxRTM2_hwf3HaUUXKJVLHssRRvBKPndMNZKMMn94WCCfqpXKMB2k7NgOjHK5lELrd8lruBLk5BUiWuqSRsHX/w640-h480/IMG_0037_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost every corner is carved at Orchha Fort</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A nominal fee was paid and we were climbing the stairs to an expansive garden. Here there were more parking and a hotel restaurant. We skipped that and entered the fortress directly. Jahangir Mahal which is a separate palace on the right side of the entrance was visited at the end. Through a narrow corridor for tourists we entered the main compound.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV-6c022fxDhV9c3fnQ8fnc5KPwGDCbInp2mHl-DKeNMwjP5snV6-gL-F1QcAzF4ahU130h-M4vZ4wON0c-JOiUsut0sbxqMUi4zgRuBLlOtP26ppqlNNfEmzvWZEK7rZatuADXjFqRKN6j12B3oK72gELHS11WWNteOH92Fcuj6Q_5xlx5poCfrD7kbi/s4032/IMG_9227_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV-6c022fxDhV9c3fnQ8fnc5KPwGDCbInp2mHl-DKeNMwjP5snV6-gL-F1QcAzF4ahU130h-M4vZ4wON0c-JOiUsut0sbxqMUi4zgRuBLlOtP26ppqlNNfEmzvWZEK7rZatuADXjFqRKN6j12B3oK72gELHS11WWNteOH92Fcuj6Q_5xlx5poCfrD7kbi/w640-h480/IMG_9227_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort view from top tier</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Orchha Fort is grandiose from inside. The stone structures look sky high when you look at them from inside. Almost every corner is carved. There are narrow staircases that take you further up the fort. We took one such stair and after a couple of flight of stairs we reached the eastern gallery at the top. From here the Betwa river was visible.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq01BPGP5cMtdpVDo0Wc_3ApEWWi4CeXn_okyTzUV0g-whHNkiWOcFRaWdLavAkm_qoqfnF6jOzXjbxmTDDATmBoP3WHkgpgGvKW-iOKxpE4XCEYjVK6xVbgfg9eigB9ycNS-s2hA-5y0oq41H5l58fLilt6l6TXfwHaPOXTXeprVKyyOhI3P77mYUYym1/s7638/IMG_0054_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3330" data-original-width="7638" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq01BPGP5cMtdpVDo0Wc_3ApEWWi4CeXn_okyTzUV0g-whHNkiWOcFRaWdLavAkm_qoqfnF6jOzXjbxmTDDATmBoP3WHkgpgGvKW-iOKxpE4XCEYjVK6xVbgfg9eigB9ycNS-s2hA-5y0oq41H5l58fLilt6l6TXfwHaPOXTXeprVKyyOhI3P77mYUYym1/w640-h280/IMG_0054_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of back entrance to Orchha Fort</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We started climbing down to reach the back of the fort enjoying the paintings on the walls and ceilings while taking this route. From here the palace looked even more beautiful. Maybe this was an equally important entrance from the river. Jahangir Mahal was more horizontal and plain but kingly.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm11uhllxFK9sQ6EWzI8JvBAkDzW9hbqAmKGT3KLz8OsCctuyVmEME4yxbSmTMj_9fEuHXi1oE-0Ho24IySqMtze0Ub9UnTq7ualOqa4BaSjyUbe7tuXXyjbjNluDALpX3xAto2BGsEVF-RGkAH7qdjSyXeDlTpMR80fWhiySvsx6OVHe84PuMDq_orCR/s4032/IMG_9240_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm11uhllxFK9sQ6EWzI8JvBAkDzW9hbqAmKGT3KLz8OsCctuyVmEME4yxbSmTMj_9fEuHXi1oE-0Ho24IySqMtze0Ub9UnTq7ualOqa4BaSjyUbe7tuXXyjbjNluDALpX3xAto2BGsEVF-RGkAH7qdjSyXeDlTpMR80fWhiySvsx6OVHe84PuMDq_orCR/w640-h480/IMG_9240_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting on wall at Jahangir Mahal, Orchha Fort</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were here for more than two hours. It was time to start for our final destination. There is a famous Ram temple across the fort. We had a tea and some snacks as we had skipped lunch. With a final look at the Orchha Fort we headed for the wedding.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Orchha Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India25.350675 78.642702599999993-2.9595588361788465 43.486452599999993 53.660908836178848 113.79895259999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-65459253523893562702022-12-08T12:02:00.005+05:302024-01-21T11:21:10.680+05:30Jhansi Fort<p><a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2024/01/jhansi-fort.html">Jhansi</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2024/01/orchha-fort.html">Orchha</a></p><p>We took at 8.10AM Gatimaan Express from Nizamuddin and we were at Jhansi before lunch. We were still about two hundred kilometers away from our destination Mauranipur. We were here for a wedding so we had ample time. We booked a cab that will be at our disposal till midnight when we had to take the returning train back to Delhi.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDBg1ALYVFuoyQU-Et-12yK1RJvZN1Q_9xVBykUADk6AbZd7-mtDG3jc-jnORBF386eqlp_xIWy0QwRWj_yH0H6J9Hu4vkNtTUZOE8vgqr3DM97uaHHMCTIguxWlZu87cXsZf9bS7mYA4ySdiMnXW6Y8EvQAK0_l0HD9Sj7WMe9xGJyYpanEs1fVZEZnn/s4032/IMG_9201_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDBg1ALYVFuoyQU-Et-12yK1RJvZN1Q_9xVBykUADk6AbZd7-mtDG3jc-jnORBF386eqlp_xIWy0QwRWj_yH0H6J9Hu4vkNtTUZOE8vgqr3DM97uaHHMCTIguxWlZu87cXsZf9bS7mYA4ySdiMnXW6Y8EvQAK0_l0HD9Sj7WMe9xGJyYpanEs1fVZEZnn/w640-h480/IMG_9201_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jhansi Fort Entrance</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>We asked the cab driver to take us to some famous eating joint for lunch. He was not aware. I asked him what’s the most visited place in Jhansi and he said Jhansi Fort. Of course. We were in the city of Jhansi ki Rani. We asked him to take us there.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuJjGIYEHEj8kGnjHRmR8jMIcSmy1zXbMsY5SnZVhyAyOAQ-20enR9Rwd8tC1l8MSiVCOFVgVERM1FrW1yPcKlQ9WeRzbNnz0SsSDsFpDzjtc9gnshlcKd6AzbvqgBo0FiQcupqsUe-aY3Dxy__JOfTLeNIMZcqNsh4llccxx8CKfx5m3oVX_-g-tQm0Q/s4096/IMG20221208135651_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="4096" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuJjGIYEHEj8kGnjHRmR8jMIcSmy1zXbMsY5SnZVhyAyOAQ-20enR9Rwd8tC1l8MSiVCOFVgVERM1FrW1yPcKlQ9WeRzbNnz0SsSDsFpDzjtc9gnshlcKd6AzbvqgBo0FiQcupqsUe-aY3Dxy__JOfTLeNIMZcqNsh4llccxx8CKfx5m3oVX_-g-tQm0Q/w640-h286/IMG20221208135651_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second entrance from the back</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Jhansi Fort is an imposing structure right in the middle of the city. Built on a small hill, the fort is visible from far. There is organised parking and a nominal entry fee. We were inside the Fort in no time. The road from entrance keeps moving upwards and reaches the top after several curves but not until you cross two iron gates.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTLKK647hrEf4ASIwRXJ-CEJR-HK3THIqkPXv9Y0Stlp6_vytIOhvHdtfr5jHOsCnYDQUwJKPzhKjZyvz05rQ99ORHFMrnGf4laNWDspIlSTlMrCctNaGBxLzI4J1JltSvJFCwGJZtK8h-N70OelK2ad4BSuDSRcy6y3QhZf_bCELTT9bdJSZsaUL4_Mo/s4032/IMG_0014_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTLKK647hrEf4ASIwRXJ-CEJR-HK3THIqkPXv9Y0Stlp6_vytIOhvHdtfr5jHOsCnYDQUwJKPzhKjZyvz05rQ99ORHFMrnGf4laNWDspIlSTlMrCctNaGBxLzI4J1JltSvJFCwGJZtK8h-N70OelK2ad4BSuDSRcy6y3QhZf_bCELTT9bdJSZsaUL4_Mo/w640-h480/IMG_0014_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Queen of Jhansi</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The main complex is lavish with gardens and palaces. The palace of Queen of Jhansi was clearly demarcated. We reached the top most point of this fort where a status of Queen was established. Nearby was the marked place from where she had jumped after British soldiers conquered the Fort. There are poetries written about her bravery and never said die attitude.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzs2M3JmWN4zDmp-6uuo4MP06HgD7dVWAAXtSJlYiMXPu4zqa4C0gLOtlwuCdswxJXP8iitQwb8vbpWPig5k02_QxybpntkSHTP4s7-corejG3-vk9eIOZFeutUPIR_OwsTpaEJ3n-2r9qjxWDjr9ntIQvNqds6QkvRU5AiRQZMXqRBGVIGq3iEiUX17O/s4032/IMG_0017_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzs2M3JmWN4zDmp-6uuo4MP06HgD7dVWAAXtSJlYiMXPu4zqa4C0gLOtlwuCdswxJXP8iitQwb8vbpWPig5k02_QxybpntkSHTP4s7-corejG3-vk9eIOZFeutUPIR_OwsTpaEJ3n-2r9qjxWDjr9ntIQvNqds6QkvRU5AiRQZMXqRBGVIGq3iEiUX17O/w640-h360/IMG_0017_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens and palaces in Jhansi Fort</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We also explored the back side of Fort which was used for supplies from the city. Again there were giant gates with small doors for bringing in supplies. This part is cascaded and more beautiful artistically. There are couple of temples here as well.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnAH8n1j9GxVrwK_WC7k-cN8LtcJ1DCIOCYQddiNBksinGniIGYG0sgFy5VoyP6MbAR6Aam8PZMSKVC99S9Rdr0SHfUlZqgxFILu5UasavSoBV8TYL9SLrvIQGz3nvKo9cV_sp-dC5jqtmbA7o5X8S1rPTQuf66ZYvWsKmVq21eiOYpPMvlkNbpfO1DOF/s3024/JPEG%20image.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnAH8n1j9GxVrwK_WC7k-cN8LtcJ1DCIOCYQddiNBksinGniIGYG0sgFy5VoyP6MbAR6Aam8PZMSKVC99S9Rdr0SHfUlZqgxFILu5UasavSoBV8TYL9SLrvIQGz3nvKo9cV_sp-dC5jqtmbA7o5X8S1rPTQuf66ZYvWsKmVq21eiOYpPMvlkNbpfO1DOF/w640-h480/JPEG%20image.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous cannon used in 1857 revolt</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We took pictures around including one with the giant cannon placed here famous for being used in the 1857 revolt. We still had few hours and Orchha Fort was on our way. We decided to cover that as well. The lunch was planned on the way but we were anyway headed for a wedding dinner so food was not exactly the first thing in our mind right now.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Jhansi Fort, Uttar Pradesh, India25.4575915 78.5764611-2.852642336178846 43.4202111 53.767825336178845 113.7327111tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-44632081725155452372022-12-02T09:29:00.038+05:302024-01-20T08:52:55.620+05:30Andaman’s Day 9: Port Blair<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p>Next day we rented a two-wheeler for Wandoor Beach which is an hour away from Aberdeen Bazar. We crossed the airport on the way. It was refreshing to drive along the sea taking in all the greenery and beauty. Wandoor Beach was quiet and welcoming. We just sat the the beachfront and enjoyed the waves.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnO7NjxJwAfPJ8zJMVfs2bmPPX2xdIAlJPQkO89_o7WpGIbXUAq-bNFLm5rmdwMLUzuH3bYN33f0IYgCXK8r83MzV-0TWAbs1cRH-PBWGhG4HiieMHBPlkenb6LR-Q2ADIg3CeFVwOcidkJI33ddzCgz8l2dQgoaVtgw4gueIagZ90Zn2Vt8YPql3uUVL/s4032/PXL_20221202_073625517_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnO7NjxJwAfPJ8zJMVfs2bmPPX2xdIAlJPQkO89_o7WpGIbXUAq-bNFLm5rmdwMLUzuH3bYN33f0IYgCXK8r83MzV-0TWAbs1cRH-PBWGhG4HiieMHBPlkenb6LR-Q2ADIg3CeFVwOcidkJI33ddzCgz8l2dQgoaVtgw4gueIagZ90Zn2Vt8YPql3uUVL/w640-h360/PXL_20221202_073625517_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandoor Beach entrance</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>I was thinking to taking a dip before noticing a board which said there might be crocodiles in these waters. We came back after lunch and moved around Aberdeen Bazar without any agenda. We went all the way to Chatham Bridge, crossed it then came back.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uijnVl2yZLjuB1803PLbGzu4IxSI6KerE5F_15PWaV35m-HwMxooHUXb2IgzYAkpb3ndJKVqjGGoCeyeWmZSQeRfjMsVdAllLrxrcjDCUJ65yi_iPxKyDmZK4MXmd2QFlvfHwHCO95P6X6I27MK3weqYdoVBwiUh3Oxtk34bD_J6z7UKQcRS22r3aTj6/s3854/PXL_20221202_073847723_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2167" data-original-width="3854" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uijnVl2yZLjuB1803PLbGzu4IxSI6KerE5F_15PWaV35m-HwMxooHUXb2IgzYAkpb3ndJKVqjGGoCeyeWmZSQeRfjMsVdAllLrxrcjDCUJ65yi_iPxKyDmZK4MXmd2QFlvfHwHCO95P6X6I27MK3weqYdoVBwiUh3Oxtk34bD_J6z7UKQcRS22r3aTj6/w640-h360/PXL_20221202_073847723_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandoor Beach, Port Blair</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We had evening tea at WelcomHotel by ITC which has a superb terrace view. Bose Island was visible from here. We had some snacks as well. The cascading structure of this hotel was a delight as the sea opens up in steps.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4-zU1nvVNAjC_oROrYBN3TdpxqjcYAE9d8-DA15s55KRlTOrjQp49VNPooCqYdb5-_A__Id2EzU4KpMkQLyugLwQP5HaLuHVVdQOzaJQoSldTtlG9s9ZtPYwPNnMvy0YWSv0Pa6c0v51bFytfLLScI5k1-pyV8aJPyBhw7r8HTpvQa3IjT2nqwrRY3fS/s4032/IMG_9037_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4-zU1nvVNAjC_oROrYBN3TdpxqjcYAE9d8-DA15s55KRlTOrjQp49VNPooCqYdb5-_A__Id2EzU4KpMkQLyugLwQP5HaLuHVVdQOzaJQoSldTtlG9s9ZtPYwPNnMvy0YWSv0Pa6c0v51bFytfLLScI5k1-pyV8aJPyBhw7r8HTpvQa3IjT2nqwrRY3fS/w640-h480/IMG_9037_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WelcomHotel by ITC, Port Blair</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was time to get back to our hotel and pack our bags for return journey. We had a most amazing and eventful trip to Andaman’s. I lost my phone and we had a scary day in Elephant Beach. Radhanagar Beach was majestic. All in all we enjoyed the time here.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.6233774 92.7264828-16.686856436178843 57.5702328 39.933611236178848 127.8827328tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-90495942747999786352022-12-01T09:54:00.054+05:302024-01-20T08:50:12.111+05:30Andaman’s Day 8: Port Blair<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p>Next day early in the day we went for Bose Island where most of the cavalry and all of the British officers used to live during the Raj days. Now most of the buildings are in ruins. It is still a beautiful island with deers roaming freely. We took a ferry from Marina Park Jetty which hardly takes 10 minutes and runs every half hour.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay9YeR-RlklgcdNcqDL2dw1VVyjs_HpCIyXgZ5ZeJtN_0QIKOTE3c1FiOLtPtBXMFhIkJ6YjRoKvvxBw8H6cr3R2Dl57_Ab6OW4mAXWgbC_7olHnmzupqqjI65UWAaR9NlJkN-eGu5VJVvwPpt7RK8sPiDUeB9K1DpDaYMN9v83IWDOMqYeWaKc_0NwZF/s4032/PXL_20221201_050256676_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay9YeR-RlklgcdNcqDL2dw1VVyjs_HpCIyXgZ5ZeJtN_0QIKOTE3c1FiOLtPtBXMFhIkJ6YjRoKvvxBw8H6cr3R2Dl57_Ab6OW4mAXWgbC_7olHnmzupqqjI65UWAaR9NlJkN-eGu5VJVvwPpt7RK8sPiDUeB9K1DpDaYMN9v83IWDOMqYeWaKc_0NwZF/w640-h360/PXL_20221201_050256676_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruined buildings at Bose Island</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p>A pleasant battery ride took us up a hillock from where the other side of this island. We trekked down the other side and saw a lighthouse. It belonged to Hollywood movies - the waves were crashing high on the lonely lighthouse with the backdrop of an infinite sea. We loved it. By the time we came back it was still not lunch.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBEUmQFJoOCSHgYp0On-0rVwrppwBTpLOxatrTPbbR9ubXhbhKiAmtsShAmLcugGFgPGbFTG-nIHVixqyrUGi_BgR710zqeh7CwpcO3KwGQTCe8YFFwzgr4TBrGJ2WIHOwur9e_BAYQ4v2hIfzC36T1AfAJ4Z246EeDnYknVkRViWh66Hc5eaMMCD-vA9/s4032/IMG_8976_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBEUmQFJoOCSHgYp0On-0rVwrppwBTpLOxatrTPbbR9ubXhbhKiAmtsShAmLcugGFgPGbFTG-nIHVixqyrUGi_BgR710zqeh7CwpcO3KwGQTCe8YFFwzgr4TBrGJ2WIHOwur9e_BAYQ4v2hIfzC36T1AfAJ4Z246EeDnYknVkRViWh66Hc5eaMMCD-vA9/w640-h480/IMG_8976_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lonely lighthouse at the back of Bose Island</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We decided to return downhill walking and take some pictures with the deers. They would run away at our slight notice. We still enjoyed the walk back to the terminal where we were supposed to take the ferry back. There we found two hungry deers jostling for bread that one of the staff was offering.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU1k2X1A8QVESF7gKqHnlQoCToyznCfxwXVaCI4R28IZUw7xUi-YtJbH05M4cI3nAqeeTh2_hyPOOcWJ_fRfPfAIhunjoLiz5gUV5Y01riaA47QIIvsFX6Vgpfe-1KEeup05vaoiTe29PQwHw5Ge7_O-u7d15GfAliykJraNnY_feOxFFAljS1rSrLWTh/s4032/PXL_20221201_052008307_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU1k2X1A8QVESF7gKqHnlQoCToyznCfxwXVaCI4R28IZUw7xUi-YtJbH05M4cI3nAqeeTh2_hyPOOcWJ_fRfPfAIhunjoLiz5gUV5Y01riaA47QIIvsFX6Vgpfe-1KEeup05vaoiTe29PQwHw5Ge7_O-u7d15GfAliykJraNnY_feOxFFAljS1rSrLWTh/w640-h360/PXL_20221201_052008307_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freely roaming deers at Bose Island<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We decided to rent a cab and go for Chidiya Tapu which is on the southern most tip of Port Blair. It is famous for sunset point and small trek into lush green forests. The trek closes for entry at 3 which we missed by a whisker. The entrance itself was grand and we ended up spending about an hour there.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV071cpBZ4XeQHaMoR86-t6TKg2KTzxdLdNjVsHHSyOyHLaZf8ThtgivEgiArjUktw4i0LWUXocCnMEG8S7PGTq2GLv2JXy_xvMe3mv1ShxFYzw68joaLscS45QMKllW3ZUFUEc86g8HkS0OcvYpNFl914h7tNizAN9yVqVJwgplXpbwu2AmVyb89cEhy/s4032/PXL_20221201_105815429_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV071cpBZ4XeQHaMoR86-t6TKg2KTzxdLdNjVsHHSyOyHLaZf8ThtgivEgiArjUktw4i0LWUXocCnMEG8S7PGTq2GLv2JXy_xvMe3mv1ShxFYzw68joaLscS45QMKllW3ZUFUEc86g8HkS0OcvYpNFl914h7tNizAN9yVqVJwgplXpbwu2AmVyb89cEhy/w640-h360/PXL_20221201_105815429_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset @ Chidiya Tapu</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We returned back to our hotel in Aberdeen Bazar just before dinner. After refreshing ourselves we settled walked to Marina Park where we settled at another of those numerous food stalls that line along the Park Road.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.6233774 92.7264828-16.686856436178843 57.5702328 39.933611236178848 127.8827328tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-5152638889803028582022-11-30T09:02:00.023+05:302024-01-20T08:10:58.564+05:30Andaman’s Day 7: Port Blair<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p>We woke up in the dark not to leave for Port Blair. One visit was left. In the dark we started for Sitapur Beach which is the eastern-most point on Neil Island. We were on the clock. The sun was about to rise in 10 minutes and we were still fending in the dark. Somehow we reached the beachfront only to find a large crowd was already there.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhqSlhZcFGK0CvH3ThgdEZtPHxdqjbWukXy_FqOKtzdZNS-tK34AYTGbD6OFeHHf-eFBG8Zu1LPmvBjUyEt3QIJ6frkZySsRJ4H7z-oEnITPsu02qxbuIov8np0EfwxBTB6h_SODDHQ0wHm26_YHX70WIooU6lvYgCzXCFa026_rRi7XqlVAmTqjLzDQZ/s1496/IMG_0498.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1496" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhqSlhZcFGK0CvH3ThgdEZtPHxdqjbWukXy_FqOKtzdZNS-tK34AYTGbD6OFeHHf-eFBG8Zu1LPmvBjUyEt3QIJ6frkZySsRJ4H7z-oEnITPsu02qxbuIov8np0EfwxBTB6h_SODDHQ0wHm26_YHX70WIooU6lvYgCzXCFa026_rRi7XqlVAmTqjLzDQZ/w640-h260/IMG_0498.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise @ Sitapur Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The sunrise was glorious. The crowd cheered something as common as sunrise which happens everyday. We knew we will probably never see it again from this point. The beach itself was plain. The vendors we met yesterday at sunset at Laxmanpur Beach No.1 had transported here for sunrise and were selling the same stuff.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVExbxLtrm4kzcOthcH6sQIMKI4P9kZjhVlSIjsckk4JKwAmQctr2Q951Qk4WjkxMlIEMWLc650m501LdFkdJjb86F-5wLsy44k5Lf0t1InV27ddIla9gBV6KzQgc6gjwsc1uV6XNZuxTpK7pqeyqO064n-c_K2QtXzRC12fz_ROzRLy_0syQvAHbUnLo/s4032/PXL_20221130_043310367_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVExbxLtrm4kzcOthcH6sQIMKI4P9kZjhVlSIjsckk4JKwAmQctr2Q951Qk4WjkxMlIEMWLc650m501LdFkdJjb86F-5wLsy44k5Lf0t1InV27ddIla9gBV6KzQgc6gjwsc1uV6XNZuxTpK7pqeyqO064n-c_K2QtXzRC12fz_ROzRLy_0syQvAHbUnLo/w640-h360/PXL_20221130_043310367_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jetty area of Neil Island, we leave for Port Blair</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was with some sadness that we left for Port Blair. Neil Island is an introvert’s paradise. You can lose yourself in any of the thousand corners of this tiny island. The ferry took us back to the main Island where we checked in again at the same hotel. This time we got the sea facing rooms. This was small compensation.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SQeLWy2RWCpM4ZylDpQSYWh6BGY2V_A7gnRoC_QmmrHnu9NfG69qDXFlwN0TmxhTK39DJuMD7BiaU-HfH223_nd1IRhCmIFOMS_OUFTWL05CW2zyK5mv-yZdPDnEboPLkH-IlsCqbxMatlXsj7SDXvQDb4t7frFSNecJv-YQ51QDnGSiEzeYvv4MrS0Y/s4032/PXL_20221130_110114958_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SQeLWy2RWCpM4ZylDpQSYWh6BGY2V_A7gnRoC_QmmrHnu9NfG69qDXFlwN0TmxhTK39DJuMD7BiaU-HfH223_nd1IRhCmIFOMS_OUFTWL05CW2zyK5mv-yZdPDnEboPLkH-IlsCqbxMatlXsj7SDXvQDb4t7frFSNecJv-YQ51QDnGSiEzeYvv4MrS0Y/w640-h360/PXL_20221130_110114958_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cellular Jair, Port Blair</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>We had arrived at Port Blair eight days later and the first item on agenda was the famous Cellular Jail. A guided tour took us through the layers of the dreaded prison of yesteryear’s. We were told harrowing stories of prisoners. We took ample pictures and returned with thoughts that we should something that lightens our mood.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvq5wgGt8_C1y1e5-BIMz_G6XDMVSQahUJF-7lbyReQw698pX22JjWwfesY240bEt8xcgHfZ2ApP7vpqs6S3x_x-2QSlt_AJGvlz7edvjrc69hCm7qWCTnbXtDak3YaKgdHWCuEDBoGMFubvU0jt__DJ-T1eEGEFgwm-t69X7jw0g-G6BbJToHGVSjS4p/s3758/PXL_20221130_102409113_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="3758" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvq5wgGt8_C1y1e5-BIMz_G6XDMVSQahUJF-7lbyReQw698pX22JjWwfesY240bEt8xcgHfZ2ApP7vpqs6S3x_x-2QSlt_AJGvlz7edvjrc69hCm7qWCTnbXtDak3YaKgdHWCuEDBoGMFubvU0jt__DJ-T1eEGEFgwm-t69X7jw0g-G6BbJToHGVSjS4p/w640-h360/PXL_20221130_102409113_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prisons @ Cellular Jail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Marina Park is a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful dinner. With the salty sea on front and glittering Port Blair behind, one of the roadside vendors was serving piping hot pizza that we thoroughly enjoyed. We walked back to our hotel in a good mood.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.6233774 92.7264828-16.686856436178843 57.5702328 39.933611236178848 127.8827328tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-34967050476332835162022-11-29T22:55:00.053+05:302024-01-20T17:18:40.499+05:30Andaman’s Day 6: Neil Island<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p>Next day we promptly reached Bharatpur Beach at 11 and waited for the tide to rise the water level. Since this is the only beach where venturing into sea is allowed, almost entire Neil was here. We had fun going deep into the sea. We would take multiple trips into the sea and then rest at the sandy beachside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDkRsM06HqqT7zjVY7Wh8eDSUX7tgkJaBPS592PWFrxlllvW81uTlEAATiuNO3DDxYOclH3SxQzudbGrfLVf6zljHf60_5zQ1j5dYt0LbHBrKb09Q6yuQMKVYxJA7WPUYaVwyWr2Wn3OuEdi8OGeZe5jlEqSZEgBM4R7DcpoBdTGSppeM5m8Bw7xnqfAf/s2186/IMG20221129124055%20Copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="2186" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDkRsM06HqqT7zjVY7Wh8eDSUX7tgkJaBPS592PWFrxlllvW81uTlEAATiuNO3DDxYOclH3SxQzudbGrfLVf6zljHf60_5zQ1j5dYt0LbHBrKb09Q6yuQMKVYxJA7WPUYaVwyWr2Wn3OuEdi8OGeZe5jlEqSZEgBM4R7DcpoBdTGSppeM5m8Bw7xnqfAf/w640-h480/IMG20221129124055%20Copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our second stint at Bharatpur Beach</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>After lunch we asked the locals what’s good and we were told the flora and fauna around the Natural Bridge is not something we should miss. This natural bridge was close to Laxmanpur Beach but the vehicle route was different. Thanks to our vehicle we were there in half an hour. We parked our two-wheeler and walked up and down a small hill to face the sea.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlYS72UH5qw1XfKNiclKzCMN61Rw_2_xUsXjjv9zSHNk6QezrZ0cYY6HpowiSCj_IfcTUX0GKsUc7x3Ii-LPJ0lMi-siTMWJn_n6go_XtKjtJr4INtM93NPlkwTk_44FTUrmO8r6BtdV5hSoR3I3TjtilpzC1gdBYt9jR1AUdaRwrftdMIrZ834X3bhBX/s4192/IMG20221129154441_Original%20Copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="4192" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlYS72UH5qw1XfKNiclKzCMN61Rw_2_xUsXjjv9zSHNk6QezrZ0cYY6HpowiSCj_IfcTUX0GKsUc7x3Ii-LPJ0lMi-siTMWJn_n6go_XtKjtJr4INtM93NPlkwTk_44FTUrmO8r6BtdV5hSoR3I3TjtilpzC1gdBYt9jR1AUdaRwrftdMIrZ834X3bhBX/w640-h146/IMG20221129154441_Original%20Copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laxmanpur Beach No.2</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This beach is called Laxmanpur Beach No.2. It is a remarkable part of Neil Island. One of us had the sense of taking a guide with us who took us deep into this beach. There were so many sea creatures of different shapes that I saw that day that’s worth rest of my life. We were shown how corals are living creatures, how they grow and how crabs find their crevices the best place to live.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OH6MZbJsNyYxEBpzzisU79ib6F2pkgaKLucsoFTUPeCD_Pi0LDTD8GFtd6FFlOVVHVnl7u76InfaeXSA1ziwzYRotJcSH_YmqbLPA9HnyQXuhnwO1w1fVMCM2VmhMmj5_PDXu3c6gOJwvuTfS26t7jf1T4uHePTLCGH7t78fITdQ_F7ulJWvqhTSoWpZ/s2304/IMG20221129150446_Original%20Copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1729" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OH6MZbJsNyYxEBpzzisU79ib6F2pkgaKLucsoFTUPeCD_Pi0LDTD8GFtd6FFlOVVHVnl7u76InfaeXSA1ziwzYRotJcSH_YmqbLPA9HnyQXuhnwO1w1fVMCM2VmhMmj5_PDXu3c6gOJwvuTfS26t7jf1T4uHePTLCGH7t78fITdQ_F7ulJWvqhTSoWpZ/w640-h480/IMG20221129150446_Original%20Copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Bridge @ Laxmanpur Beach No.2</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Natural Bridge itself is a beautiful structure that we crossed and stood at a rock on the other side that was just getting wet. It would submerge in the sea later in the day. We were thrilled. We took so many photographs around this place and yet could not capture the true beauty of this place.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiTfjRQqncsWCh_JtcWtWpbW94RmIeqtBMIcU61LaKu5Z7gRhem5rnPCbus1Y40GTwXbZJm2qnwe3Kts6B-Z05ehQZ4Nr3vjvvM9kI43tnMxVXnI6ZWT5Dx1xBpn3DnZc25txmn7gjPYOBnApPwswmpkHdO2B5ppVacreuZCpeKn0vEvZkdDFuU55LrQb/s4096/IMG20221129161438_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiTfjRQqncsWCh_JtcWtWpbW94RmIeqtBMIcU61LaKu5Z7gRhem5rnPCbus1Y40GTwXbZJm2qnwe3Kts6B-Z05ehQZ4Nr3vjvvM9kI43tnMxVXnI6ZWT5Dx1xBpn3DnZc25txmn7gjPYOBnApPwswmpkHdO2B5ppVacreuZCpeKn0vEvZkdDFuU55LrQb/w640-h480/IMG20221129161438_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Throne @ LAxmanpur Beach No.2</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the other side of the beach was a celebrity fish waiting for us - a whole family of clownfish was residing in a small water body. Finding Nemo fans would find this unforgettable. In the evening we again went for the sunset point and came back after dark. Next day we had to leave for Port Blair.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Shaheed Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.8329186 93.052612-16.477315236178846 57.896361999999996 40.143152436178845 128.208862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-21153105798193381322022-11-28T22:42:00.055+05:302024-01-17T13:02:33.335+05:30Andaman’s Day 5: Neil Island<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p>Early morning we went to Vijaynagar Beach which was opposite our resort. We wanted to see a Havelock sunrise. We were not disappointed although half a dozen puppies did follow us back to our resort. They probably mistook us as their mommy.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zg5WvoJaEHQKfRcQvl-0MCSvU40guGyp1EFu2eP9F40gbfP-I_jkP72bmHvzNOFEMXSB82ZofszVoYuS_-RvflE_RFni2ycERPNf85Rc04rQ_eaUtVrsMKaDlUlDW1UAW1q-VX3zyRTWdEPUQjIIYJNIKGN4pImGjkHApdxZzvZf8wjLAHYxwIqYJfgS/s4032/PXL_20221128_000037943_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zg5WvoJaEHQKfRcQvl-0MCSvU40guGyp1EFu2eP9F40gbfP-I_jkP72bmHvzNOFEMXSB82ZofszVoYuS_-RvflE_RFni2ycERPNf85Rc04rQ_eaUtVrsMKaDlUlDW1UAW1q-VX3zyRTWdEPUQjIIYJNIKGN4pImGjkHApdxZzvZf8wjLAHYxwIqYJfgS/w640-h360/PXL_20221128_000037943_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at the rocky Vijaynagar Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>We packed our bags and took the ferry to Neil Island. The island is to the south of Havelock and you can see Havelock from the north-most point of Neil. The water turns bright blue as you get closer to Neil Island. When we disembarked a different world awaited us here. The whole island shimmered in the sun, inviting us to be a part of it.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoBr1f8pscBA5Jj3tTR5EmOXhXViugxCKbMDzHgO7jwW4E7UBS-N2anOdSfgYZQb3-2AC09ObVfV3tUap5dQr7dKfdnyA2r-D59y4fzWFS4lUfxHQlOpkcH-0DFS6QWm3ojvCwT3FHvPgrgVqKXTBCZMHCOWftLoF7D57_9hI_EBet0ms8ZTeLOV7cPab/s4032/PXL_20221128_053413331_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoBr1f8pscBA5Jj3tTR5EmOXhXViugxCKbMDzHgO7jwW4E7UBS-N2anOdSfgYZQb3-2AC09ObVfV3tUap5dQr7dKfdnyA2r-D59y4fzWFS4lUfxHQlOpkcH-0DFS6QWm3ojvCwT3FHvPgrgVqKXTBCZMHCOWftLoF7D57_9hI_EBet0ms8ZTeLOV7cPab/w640-h360/PXL_20221128_053413331_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deep blue sea around Neil Island</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A cab quickly transferred us to our hotel which was a luxurious cottage in the middle of the island. We rented a two-wheeler and immediately hit for Bharatpur Beach. Only after entering we realised the water was too shallow. It was due to receding tide. The tide hits the peak at around 2 in the afternoon. We decided to come back again the next day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino08j_bNfpzyH-OoV2qHSPPX8cGQ2KatE01h_dqzTuAlByQIbKOkdR34ms4lrAJ892e69FAk7wdaeWpvA7owg1MqkH9XYWj7Sp4jrJtaih0OsIpcio8ZY5ZYjjBy8b3cvep8OasNKjo0168fBQIBuEQACWwVNQsoA2v0WiCPDa-Oq5KKUNt5Aa4mvW_C_/s3826/PXL_20221128_110410639_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2152" data-original-width="3826" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino08j_bNfpzyH-OoV2qHSPPX8cGQ2KatE01h_dqzTuAlByQIbKOkdR34ms4lrAJ892e69FAk7wdaeWpvA7owg1MqkH9XYWj7Sp4jrJtaih0OsIpcio8ZY5ZYjjBy8b3cvep8OasNKjo0168fBQIBuEQACWwVNQsoA2v0WiCPDa-Oq5KKUNt5Aa4mvW_C_/w640-h360/PXL_20221128_110410639_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach No.1</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The west facing sunset point is near the north-most point of Neil also known as Laxmanpur Beach No.1. This was our next destination. There was good crowd here waiting for the sunset. There were vendors ready to serve us hot snacks while we watched the dying sun. They were having a good business.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7o50SxFVFLX1QiKP0UmMiL5aDjWseYUSEOGiTzWhQqIq-7b18fY3UVFR4N658rsVufZI5w0kARbCHVnIt18plUHvR42UfBiIwnzN1F5heD4Y5eRHQBSmJH1C1_aJ-_hQXF6t_Ylq4FHvNVbyGt7ONGGF_XxBfGZDExqNmvzcRIseRkBI3nWWZST_Hw6o/s3970/PXL_20221128_113438500_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2233" data-original-width="3970" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7o50SxFVFLX1QiKP0UmMiL5aDjWseYUSEOGiTzWhQqIq-7b18fY3UVFR4N658rsVufZI5w0kARbCHVnIt18plUHvR42UfBiIwnzN1F5heD4Y5eRHQBSmJH1C1_aJ-_hQXF6t_Ylq4FHvNVbyGt7ONGGF_XxBfGZDExqNmvzcRIseRkBI3nWWZST_Hw6o/w640-h360/PXL_20221128_113438500_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vendors serving hot snacks at Laxmanpur Beach No.1 at the sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We came back to our hotel for some rest and then we started again, this time in dark. There are no street lights in Neil Island. For dinner we went to a restaurant near the Neil Jetty that was serving American food. The resort that was hosting this restaurant also offered scuba classes. We however gave it a pass.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Shaheed Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.8329186 93.052612-16.477315236178846 57.896361999999996 40.143152436178845 128.208862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-36712185585881673652022-11-26T22:30:00.092+05:302024-01-17T12:43:37.161+05:30Andaman’s Day 4: Havelock Island<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p>Our plan for the day was very simple. Reach the point where the trek to Elephant Beach starts. Cover the two kilometers to Elephant Beach on foot. Return back before dark. There was a small matter of rain that was easing in and out but with our raincoats and helmets we were mostly safe or so we thought. We parked our two-wheeler at a designated parking lot.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl050dS7Ons8fazCTmzROZ7MjqQqjbW-ENYnBzezwoJ7fvaP5DYvlYc4m1yw2quzYvOmb7hFy5TDeA9g1gybLa5vDaoTkmx-Rw5ydX6Q7l9Xm-oJ9piT57Iv-5rGzSf5tNm1LWvAl__rYAwj7J00kQ9qoHiabzeTzQeEI_gFtbMR1mWcYZze6QscxoF-d/s4032/PXL_20221127_080406875_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl050dS7Ons8fazCTmzROZ7MjqQqjbW-ENYnBzezwoJ7fvaP5DYvlYc4m1yw2quzYvOmb7hFy5TDeA9g1gybLa5vDaoTkmx-Rw5ydX6Q7l9Xm-oJ9piT57Iv-5rGzSf5tNm1LWvAl__rYAwj7J00kQ9qoHiabzeTzQeEI_gFtbMR1mWcYZze6QscxoF-d/w640-h360/PXL_20221127_080406875_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy trek to Elephant Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The first leg of our trek to Elephant Beach was easy. We reached a bridge all smiling. There was family standing there. They told us the route is muddled due to rain. They were returning. We laughed at them and continued. Within a hundred meters the muddy stretch started. Initially it was alternating between slippery and dry. Soon the slippery became continuous and the mud became ankle deep.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh8qkFMKez-LFF6GfR1z8DFeocvx5tiQW95gZDfoULOhkGTuqNw5d_gWox4fTkb_7gT_X3aQ8oQzGpw0IbLFYC9yzGSvGARB8Rmq0mMiK5x03Q0UALkQfPHMTF8faE8Yje06LnHG8ntp6QRKZqoRl5nUnFvWvkRUecN32H95LEqwsrgpTz1LI64q5ObTd/s4032/PXL_20221127_051140235_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh8qkFMKez-LFF6GfR1z8DFeocvx5tiQW95gZDfoULOhkGTuqNw5d_gWox4fTkb_7gT_X3aQ8oQzGpw0IbLFYC9yzGSvGARB8Rmq0mMiK5x03Q0UALkQfPHMTF8faE8Yje06LnHG8ntp6QRKZqoRl5nUnFvWvkRUecN32H95LEqwsrgpTz1LI64q5ObTd/w640-h360/PXL_20221127_051140235_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We move on</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were confused now - should we continue or return? A local we met on the way told us he works at the beach and will help us. Our confidence returned. We continued. By the time we were halfway we realised we were in a soup. The descent to the beach had started and the combination of slippery and slope was deadly. We got more and more apprehensive with every step.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ET0PAq3lsuNOCk_9GxefVtLoijSQAyr1jZ0hvqB-xic0-ooXv_2IafSKJcr8yCzZ_rbbMhSatcylHWecv8gjHeloNgbIpwxcMYCuOFOWDCaMoFi4JoD5eIees6FrZAzuRu7X8F806IrEJH9POU3IvLpjb9IyKM3e-FQQ2Xwq3f01034_sd2x_PPkgiLW/s4032/PXL_20221127_044027616_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ET0PAq3lsuNOCk_9GxefVtLoijSQAyr1jZ0hvqB-xic0-ooXv_2IafSKJcr8yCzZ_rbbMhSatcylHWecv8gjHeloNgbIpwxcMYCuOFOWDCaMoFi4JoD5eIees6FrZAzuRu7X8F806IrEJH9POU3IvLpjb9IyKM3e-FQQ2Xwq3f01034_sd2x_PPkgiLW/w640-h360/PXL_20221127_044027616_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floaters were not ideal for the day</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We found a stretch that was stepped with rocks and dry. That helped us cover most of the last leg faster but by the time we reach the sea level we were clear - we are not coming this was back. The last shallow leg had crabs in ankle deep sea water. We hit the beach. It was beautiful and crowded. The crowd was mostly coming through the ferry that operates from Haveock Jetty. When we enquired the fee for return via ferry we were told it’s not possible.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGbrdUXKcSPNyXJ_f7pnbE8_7BUXyU40S3Z2vd3O8x18itbzs4LSy4hTKkWpZDimkP3lYPRmmYVzsbqr98GaSidRGIZKNEgTXdAX951uyXFt12u91ThtVVRh9um7iF2AWImhyUpibhyv468_i1oMlkr9UQXKR-OXdh9UH6UZBVdl73RTgRkOh3ebw3mEC/s4032/PXL_20221127_052019206_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGbrdUXKcSPNyXJ_f7pnbE8_7BUXyU40S3Z2vd3O8x18itbzs4LSy4hTKkWpZDimkP3lYPRmmYVzsbqr98GaSidRGIZKNEgTXdAX951uyXFt12u91ThtVVRh9um7iF2AWImhyUpibhyv468_i1oMlkr9UQXKR-OXdh9UH6UZBVdl73RTgRkOh3ebw3mEC/w640-h360/PXL_20221127_052019206_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally we hit the seafront</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Ferries are booked for entire trip which includes return journey. One ferry agreed at an exorbitant price of 10000 and wanted us to go immediately so that he gets back in time for his scheduled return trip. We declined and went for snorkeling. The sea bed was rich with flora and fauna.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68pRMfMLH20Hhyphenhyphenkwl8jbiQ8GAxGU2cosOEjgdS06vQzT4Kij5UnA_ZKB-WErZYziDNAn4-vvr2I83XHfwUGOPW30gIj8HhUCKsWVJ39bJ35PKvU8uo0zcsDLmfIfqvB25tICkT1fFny8mV80DchaJLF0_8gAqPlXr9mQxrY5WcYVPyEk3u6uqoWj6ybqC/s2224/IMG_0482.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="2224" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68pRMfMLH20Hhyphenhyphenkwl8jbiQ8GAxGU2cosOEjgdS06vQzT4Kij5UnA_ZKB-WErZYziDNAn4-vvr2I83XHfwUGOPW30gIj8HhUCKsWVJ39bJ35PKvU8uo0zcsDLmfIfqvB25tICkT1fFny8mV80DchaJLF0_8gAqPlXr9mQxrY5WcYVPyEk3u6uqoWj6ybqC/w640-h356/IMG_0482.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corals and fishes while snorkeling</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was time to take a decision - 10000 or risk of returning the way we came. To our own disbelief, we decided to retrace our steps. The return leg was worse because a good number of people had walked over the muddy track. It was thrilling yet terrible. Somehow we reached back to where our two-wheelers were parked.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe3vf8BItXkBoeyNJZlF0o5fcQBtHiAKXiF560W0Ea0US5FE4q3AM97enSNMDGFlgyPcZkXAD6OUcbBVjymaz5ZhgHJ8Pwv5xafhxgCldRoIsIa1PPbArIPKYKgYv1j3kvZKluX34TyxpS4HrEMauguwir-r7ykm8_Gkrx7GawPaaMhn2Kpl3QfVvYlZT/s4032/PXL_20221127_051709690_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe3vf8BItXkBoeyNJZlF0o5fcQBtHiAKXiF560W0Ea0US5FE4q3AM97enSNMDGFlgyPcZkXAD6OUcbBVjymaz5ZhgHJ8Pwv5xafhxgCldRoIsIa1PPbArIPKYKgYv1j3kvZKluX34TyxpS4HrEMauguwir-r7ykm8_Gkrx7GawPaaMhn2Kpl3QfVvYlZT/w640-h360/PXL_20221127_051709690_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We return the way we came</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was an adventure to rememer that could very well have been a nightmare had we not made it without injury. To top it all, my smartphone got wet on the trek and by the next day it was not working. Thanks to the quick return we had time to go for a more predictable experience at Radhanagar Beach again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdG1O5YiPrr0Tr_PjlEYeRaOgAsQ_n8v06DYH1h2PzjabgXVjtVrCBq4gNeCDTKElWian6q6PCVBFCTuaosshIwsnu0xsESJe0YJzEddcCeK0Gxh-JExTM6sA1IfPYLmtQlSB5xMvBXDuwP_6oiJtguoLEXDVPiGhQTI5uYaqnvBNqYksrLAVGdbOiNIz/s4032/PXL_20221127_110737915_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdG1O5YiPrr0Tr_PjlEYeRaOgAsQ_n8v06DYH1h2PzjabgXVjtVrCBq4gNeCDTKElWian6q6PCVBFCTuaosshIwsnu0xsESJe0YJzEddcCeK0Gxh-JExTM6sA1IfPYLmtQlSB5xMvBXDuwP_6oiJtguoLEXDVPiGhQTI5uYaqnvBNqYksrLAVGdbOiNIz/w640-h360/PXL_20221127_110737915_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset @ Radhanagar Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This time we were at Radhanagar Beach in the evening. The day was less warm and the sun was going to set in an hour right in front of us. It was a magical experience that we would have missed had we not come this way again. We saw the sunset while we were in water and came out only when it looked like it will get dark.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Elephant Beach, Havelock Island, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India12.0081083 92.9416061-16.302125536178846 57.7853561 40.318342136178842 128.0978561tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-76386382225176999832022-11-26T22:11:00.044+05:302024-01-16T12:45:56.671+05:30Andaman’s Day 3: Havelock Island<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9<br /></a></p><p>First look of Radhanagar Beach is queenly. The sea opens up with a panoramic view, there is not much crowd and the beach is immaculately clean. That’s not the best part. The best part is when you get into the water. I have not encountered a more perfect gredient anywhere in the world.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHe-CRvZZUW8WA1OKyShFxwCFUcPvpTtRfuiwTYz3eBpih9l0oft_eyjw2BdvvZYwdJ2FCmmy_Gb75YCYWoBCWSJXF36fuZcGXvCJj54np_wy2hMgILirYSMSglYwisPNFBzUcg33ISuB-2uBFV_Gqa_lnoRLo5J4QVMz41KXEm1xCfwZYDLEWIGJssrU/s2224/IMG_0471.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="2224" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHe-CRvZZUW8WA1OKyShFxwCFUcPvpTtRfuiwTYz3eBpih9l0oft_eyjw2BdvvZYwdJ2FCmmy_Gb75YCYWoBCWSJXF36fuZcGXvCJj54np_wy2hMgILirYSMSglYwisPNFBzUcg33ISuB-2uBFV_Gqa_lnoRLo5J4QVMz41KXEm1xCfwZYDLEWIGJssrU/w640-h340/IMG_0471.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The queenly Radhanagar Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>We enjoyed the lukewarm water under the hot sun on a December morning and thoroughly enjoyed it. There is a floating rope that demarcates the limit. We were hovering on the rope most of the time. I had learned swimming recently and tried my hands and legs in the sea thoroughly.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxneyHMI1-foY2bargDuOmpDF4033ZNZw2FAVPtGYiyxMZ7jclHblb3Lmiiz50SWq8X9Ca9__m48ZtsLomR4UpC5iofCIasOTdUj-58TjeC6-6no5he_bJYzwoaJ_Lm6TsRIU_N4hjARJdBGSRxEpIXWuS-jPXval3TfkZJeVucyo821yy0KC0NUSROID/s2224/IMG_0473_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="2224" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxneyHMI1-foY2bargDuOmpDF4033ZNZw2FAVPtGYiyxMZ7jclHblb3Lmiiz50SWq8X9Ca9__m48ZtsLomR4UpC5iofCIasOTdUj-58TjeC6-6no5he_bJYzwoaJ_Lm6TsRIU_N4hjARJdBGSRxEpIXWuS-jPXval3TfkZJeVucyo821yy0KC0NUSROID/w640-h302/IMG_0473_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radhanagar Beach was as clean as possible</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were hungry when we came out. The bathing facility is again the best I have seen for the size of crowd that Radhanagar caters to. After bath we started looking out for food. There are no food stalls close to the beach but there is a line of them outside the gates to keep the beach clean. We ate a few items and drank coconut water before starting back to our hotel for a proper lunch.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF9vhKX5a5WqOc7ol3nMEpe9NhUUtr4RYIIa1ZCJEZBrnaMJHHXQQWX3KpIX7z8wNUiqT3ARAPzun7Fhn2hLH28UkgiwJ3cMgHLQ_iNPbMz-94HTfMddIeqvH65l-7cYk9bwbgncgXpspzU8YZbw5SV6MffRM3yWM8nxPrisHfxJ3BUu-nKgcIKbIaGhC/s3896/PXL_20221126_103553103_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2191" data-original-width="3896" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF9vhKX5a5WqOc7ol3nMEpe9NhUUtr4RYIIa1ZCJEZBrnaMJHHXQQWX3KpIX7z8wNUiqT3ARAPzun7Fhn2hLH28UkgiwJ3cMgHLQ_iNPbMz-94HTfMddIeqvH65l-7cYk9bwbgncgXpspzU8YZbw5SV6MffRM3yWM8nxPrisHfxJ3BUu-nKgcIKbIaGhC/w640-h360/PXL_20221126_103553103_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kala Patthar Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After lunch and a good rest we decided to go for Kala Patthar Beach. We had time and it was nearby. The beach surprised us more than anything in Andaman’s. It is rocky and shallow which when it reflects the sky and the sunset creates so many different colours and hues that we were mesmerised.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwKyvLWYyx-I478FNacfNuAGkyYiWrI5uqhb9JQi1zeVonkTdLb3fJax5dhEpqRVDxPhQEQ4PAzHQTUEE3QDngF6Q-KtlR0A2-a-ikMiOHZAi-KZrsLcT6xsWE0BU8OaHHiPkGSjcLz7wJIFZ6D4D-Dqs2J2D7h1j2Ea2qqCBZunB-27flsTGUph28dKf/s4032/PXL_20221126_110102512_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwKyvLWYyx-I478FNacfNuAGkyYiWrI5uqhb9JQi1zeVonkTdLb3fJax5dhEpqRVDxPhQEQ4PAzHQTUEE3QDngF6Q-KtlR0A2-a-ikMiOHZAi-KZrsLcT6xsWE0BU8OaHHiPkGSjcLz7wJIFZ6D4D-Dqs2J2D7h1j2Ea2qqCBZunB-27flsTGUph28dKf/w640-h360/PXL_20221126_110102512_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky side of Kala Patthar Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We stayed here till dark and only started when we could not see the play of colours anymore. We came back to our hotel with a day well spent and settled at a nearby South Indian dhaba that served hot dosas and uthappams. We enjoyed the dinner that was very cheap also. It was a day well spent.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kynLq4seIOFKGDOLwCpdlnHJeoayywP6EhyemEvVmw70nkAHnyVTvazfhTvwb9EPKIeqXpFewgZFwLeftI5Xt4iHRxVbqUBXw5tYcNP7YcSaUxj_Q-p1Qh_Tz1v4jQmoZPA4KrPBuG1_bX5UMSMqLmWNezReEQOSNODqQ0DcVX6kXj4NLtK5jYPo2Fh3/s4032/PXL_20221126_111832007_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kynLq4seIOFKGDOLwCpdlnHJeoayywP6EhyemEvVmw70nkAHnyVTvazfhTvwb9EPKIeqXpFewgZFwLeftI5Xt4iHRxVbqUBXw5tYcNP7YcSaUxj_Q-p1Qh_Tz1v4jQmoZPA4KrPBuG1_bX5UMSMqLmWNezReEQOSNODqQ0DcVX6kXj4NLtK5jYPo2Fh3/w640-h360/PXL_20221126_111832007_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset @ Kala Patthar Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back to our hotel we settled for a different game - Uno. It proved a running success. We were glued to it till late night. Tomorrow was our last day in Havelock. We planned to try our hand on Scuba Diving and snorkeling at the Elephant Beach.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Swaraj Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.9760503 92.9875565-14.155664805252723 57.8313065 38.107765405252721 128.14380649999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-91227166861120702872022-11-25T22:13:00.040+05:302024-01-16T11:57:07.780+05:30Andaman’s Day 2: Havelock Island<p></p><p></p><ul style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></ul><p></p><p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p>Early morning we reached Haddo Jetty to take our ferry to Havelock Island. The ferry was modest and the journey was eventless. We reached Havelock around noon and a cab transferred us to our hotel in no time. Havelock is a moderately sized island so the first thing we did after checking in was to rent couple of two-wheelers.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPJ1iycMgTyed7CGuc-Od8e87JUPFiPp7FiG1spRvp_vVY_HCAMPKbvWtlCQrmTuyEotpVoBrVo6iQxXdd-GXefxIz8k_IQrfwUVgX0CYScsENae9sVqz8yprVF8o_MnwQYi20h-IQ-9P_nCbvpHdqhOxwOwUKk7dRL89vieDjEpK_47t6AcGlPa33Hcy/s4032/PXL_20221125_080204496%20Copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPJ1iycMgTyed7CGuc-Od8e87JUPFiPp7FiG1spRvp_vVY_HCAMPKbvWtlCQrmTuyEotpVoBrVo6iQxXdd-GXefxIz8k_IQrfwUVgX0CYScsENae9sVqz8yprVF8o_MnwQYi20h-IQ-9P_nCbvpHdqhOxwOwUKk7dRL89vieDjEpK_47t6AcGlPa33Hcy/w640-h360/PXL_20221125_080204496%20Copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Bird Resort, our hotel in Havelock</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Our hotel, <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Csk9zThPdMYPfvK7?g_st=ic" target="_blank">The Blue Bird Resort</a> was strategically placed - not on the beach but not very far, not near the main market but not remote. Our cottage was spacious and cosy. The hotel compound was larg, green and served complementary breakfast at the backside where everyone who was staying had to go in the morning. There was a famous restaurant next to our hotel where we had all our lunches.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMvSXRK-JC7Mj1qPO-jYTUu_J80mKLcV4F2YO9wVspGLIhkMcv8IHbM5xXihCnJBUER7n9aVg3Yzv8eZQkN38tCAD5-71WOCuiZHQtQTDOclyKaENO43imEj959Kl5TUY2EOLRv7l0cNIXRf6f4azD_XIOvKvn_LA5nGQC-1q8PMEem5tPTIwp45zL10Y/s4032/PXL_20221125_114059099_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMvSXRK-JC7Mj1qPO-jYTUu_J80mKLcV4F2YO9wVspGLIhkMcv8IHbM5xXihCnJBUER7n9aVg3Yzv8eZQkN38tCAD5-71WOCuiZHQtQTDOclyKaENO43imEj959Kl5TUY2EOLRv7l0cNIXRf6f4azD_XIOvKvn_LA5nGQC-1q8PMEem5tPTIwp45zL10Y/w640-h360/PXL_20221125_114059099_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vijaynagar Beach at sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The two-wheelers were at our disposal from next day so we strolled to nearby Vijaynagar Beach after lunch. It is rocky and most of the visitors are those staying in the resorts lined along the beach. We walked a good distance and came out through one such resort that was beautifully lighted. Lights made us feel safer as well.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXMiwPbRvzfDwhDfXUDdEx_7bMgmFw2YuBg7NCvIEbZmMwjvS0Pn5dpmkIEld4rDapM1cnAjBkmFlh433UGQIr4vIS8nL39OoDlMnLL5_bMP2DbqojnksAhVncfrnS6FNUEPAcHi-hEh-hvQtVliBEbp907R5pS6-iLBO2kDcLHLzkisAsL5a6PO67fZT/s4032/PXL_20221125_114334019_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXMiwPbRvzfDwhDfXUDdEx_7bMgmFw2YuBg7NCvIEbZmMwjvS0Pn5dpmkIEld4rDapM1cnAjBkmFlh433UGQIr4vIS8nL39OoDlMnLL5_bMP2DbqojnksAhVncfrnS6FNUEPAcHi-hEh-hvQtVliBEbp907R5pS6-iLBO2kDcLHLzkisAsL5a6PO67fZT/w640-h360/PXL_20221125_114334019_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From beach to road via a well-lighted beachside resort</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We came back walking after taking tea at a roadside stall. At night after dinner we settled for the game of Carcassonne. We slept early. Next day on our two-wheelers we started for the famed Radhanagar Beach. It is considered as the best beach in Asia. On the way we picked fruits for the beach picnic.</p></div>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Swaraj Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.9760503 92.9875565-16.334183536178845 57.8313065 40.28628413617885 128.14380649999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-56916544378090941502022-11-24T14:57:00.003+05:302024-01-17T17:03:39.059+05:30Andaman’s Day 1: Port Blair<p>Andaman’s: <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/port-blair-part-1.html">Day 1</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-2-havelock-island.html">Day 2</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-3-havelock-island.html">Day 3</a> - <a href="http://prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-4-havelock-island.html">Day 4</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-5-neil-island.html">Day 5</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-6-neil-island.html">Day 6</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/11/andamans-day-7-port-blair.html">Day 7</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/port-blair-part-2.html">Day 8</a> - <a href="https://wanderer-prashant.blogspot.com/2022/12/andamans-day-9-port-blair.html">Day 9</a></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A trip to Andaman’s can be 5 day, 7 day, 9 day or even more, not less. Don’t miss Radhanagar Beach @ Havelock, Cellular Jail @ Port Blair & Natural Bridge @ Neil.</li><li>It rains almost all the time more or less, come with umbrellas and rain coats.</li><li>Rent two-wheelers from the hotel of stay itself. It will be slightly costly but reliable.</li></ul><p></p><p>It was raining when we landed at Port Blair. By the time we checked out the weather had dried out. This was the story throughout our 10 days stay at the Andamans. The cab pickup however was efficient. We checked-in into our hotel in no time. We had booked the same hotel when we would come back for the return flight ten days later.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidszGhEhJhMQBDUVimAEzZF7yAohZdf08_jv1G-uFz00vfU4S1s-uQfj-76xjBe-bwWYqX66pHq2qYV0FPCMy0hdhaLReHs1NezUMpfoj3GOX39RX05SubeYEJaImL1fLHHWaGNOz32H9R0leC-MpuBh_1h8xegk8NRXRnO64WVZyMY0ShZ0xovmthyphenhyphenslM/s4096/IMG20221124200329_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidszGhEhJhMQBDUVimAEzZF7yAohZdf08_jv1G-uFz00vfU4S1s-uQfj-76xjBe-bwWYqX66pHq2qYV0FPCMy0hdhaLReHs1NezUMpfoj3GOX39RX05SubeYEJaImL1fLHHWaGNOz32H9R0leC-MpuBh_1h8xegk8NRXRnO64WVZyMY0ShZ0xovmthyphenhyphenslM/w640-h480/IMG20221124200329_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marina Park, Port Blair</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The planning for Andaman’s had started six months in advance and had almost derailed twice. First when our airlines unilaterally changed the dates of our flight when our ferry and hotel bookings were complete - we somehow got the dates changed at some cost. Second was unknown to me & my wife even after we reached the Andamans.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmZRHC3XoflE9RXg2hJ9G02GYTvvvcv8UN25YchvKqDOiIBpGBrQ-l6nw1LEV8urM4nRdM5T0GYYCL4zVpvIDtYVmVuZMHdp5gIoKbxR43Yi5cDlUXaFnYKu1oCNtjFZ_mYRluWH7lsOA7aUO-ai2PYaCaAwI2sefYgN51OlmOe1s5w5D_PuYoOUq9swM/s4032/PXL_20221124_102802141%20Copy.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmZRHC3XoflE9RXg2hJ9G02GYTvvvcv8UN25YchvKqDOiIBpGBrQ-l6nw1LEV8urM4nRdM5T0GYYCL4zVpvIDtYVmVuZMHdp5gIoKbxR43Yi5cDlUXaFnYKu1oCNtjFZ_mYRluWH7lsOA7aUO-ai2PYaCaAwI2sefYgN51OlmOe1s5w5D_PuYoOUq9swM/w640-h360/PXL_20221124_102802141%20Copy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corbyn’s Cove Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The trip still went ahead and here we were. Our visit to Port Blair was in two part - one today and second on return leg. We were here for just half the day today as next morning we had a connecting ferry to Havelock Island. We did what we could and visited the only proper beach in Port Blair.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8ohyphenhyphenmNcRubbCPrQMOXq8XR1ER2RO5IagkvFwazdhoYHMARky0Qs5n4tykEFaZMUKrhmMJrOWly8wpSHgF49QiIaA2mn9u4eiWSneAPtwux3B-eQkJ9hAjFe9dLc4aY-C03RqGpP-X3i5CJSdYpRleNfAMnKUlFwW3NrQgLpZpwmrOEgieatS2aQ34Rp0/s4096/IMG20221202170645_Original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="4096" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8ohyphenhyphenmNcRubbCPrQMOXq8XR1ER2RO5IagkvFwazdhoYHMARky0Qs5n4tykEFaZMUKrhmMJrOWly8wpSHgF49QiIaA2mn9u4eiWSneAPtwux3B-eQkJ9hAjFe9dLc4aY-C03RqGpP-X3i5CJSdYpRleNfAMnKUlFwW3NrQgLpZpwmrOEgieatS2aQ34Rp0/w640-h360/IMG20221202170645_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Blair from Flag Point</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Corbyn’s Cove Beach is half an hour drive away from Aberdeen Bazar where we were staying. The beach was plain, less crowded and with few vendors. We enjoyed the serenity. The water was dirty so a dip was not considered. We stopped on our way back at Flag Point where a large National Flag waves at the north-eastern edge of Port Blair.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India11.6233774 92.7264828-16.686856436178843 57.5702328 39.933611236178848 127.8827328tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-79967385195817993062022-08-27T12:24:00.003+05:302024-01-12T12:32:41.033+05:30Chand Baori, Abhaneri<p>We were testing our new car for a long drive and decided to go for Abhaneri which is about 200km from our home in Gurgaon. Google Maps suggested we go via Nuh towards Alwar. We followed. It was a mistake. It took us a good part of morning and afternoon to just figure out where we can get on track. Now with Delhi - Mumbai Expressway open, it takes less than three hours.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrJ44nv6-esZaOT3BlMHdrnGGbt5IEcXd7FZY6ArfXkCAtS0cTLllDWz0IxVNT6SqcXQKecb4dkkfQq4ITvu5y9Cf8J4D8QXmMX7KLlmxaqseky_CBRPZbJLSLy0vxG4H84qlqVa89EcAK4cnUSe6Xf6R1q9ZFnbYinXznDA4ymaGKe-BRa4ZIADigQk5/s4032/PXL_20220827_092724866_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrJ44nv6-esZaOT3BlMHdrnGGbt5IEcXd7FZY6ArfXkCAtS0cTLllDWz0IxVNT6SqcXQKecb4dkkfQq4ITvu5y9Cf8J4D8QXmMX7KLlmxaqseky_CBRPZbJLSLy0vxG4H84qlqVa89EcAK4cnUSe6Xf6R1q9ZFnbYinXznDA4ymaGKe-BRa4ZIADigQk5/w640-h360/PXL_20220827_092724866_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chand Baori, Abhaneri</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>We reached Abhaneri somehow and went straight for the stepwells. The Chand Baori Complex is well maintained but also well restrained. The area where you can venture is extremely limited. The step well itself is a strict no no. The grand tiered structure against the step well is also off limits. That meant we were just allowed to circumnavigate the well.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCDL1RmVWmiSYKy8zAKNXx5Gsv9lkUyoNuQQm86BGD5nIjZiR3moB5kzzX7fEt3F-7JoOGXEWRJAPb9zlnOfcHderQOeJK2gCXm9EincsKpYYMFTJSXAPSxOJ4LtxHCeF-r6kuZkUMtl5ZhddhT4lINT_vI8KmMkTzNWeDQlgtRiOPYSHoYh_Qtnu4-lo/s4032/PXL_20220827_093308948_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCDL1RmVWmiSYKy8zAKNXx5Gsv9lkUyoNuQQm86BGD5nIjZiR3moB5kzzX7fEt3F-7JoOGXEWRJAPb9zlnOfcHderQOeJK2gCXm9EincsKpYYMFTJSXAPSxOJ4LtxHCeF-r6kuZkUMtl5ZhddhT4lINT_vI8KmMkTzNWeDQlgtRiOPYSHoYh_Qtnu4-lo/w640-h360/PXL_20220827_093308948_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step well structure is barricaded @ Chand Baori</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We did that in matter of minutes. The step well is the largest in the world and part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. There were some intricately carved stones kept at the periphery which we admired. We complained about restricted areas to the security staff and left.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqUjR6lHuUs5OIJAUn8JihxoeLCnHwC2YcKI034ywUBUCyZNtYBdjHdOUgn7RIL2TDxOeUCRjzQ9iR-wWy9omsM5vXDCg0GRQTRnoK54q9SLxVZUdPmfiOvcUbRV-v_setPJ33D9EQWqllyJQHrDFdsqZoYpwnsku4B5FVqyV8CR5Jge1qIlNzIywDLhR/s4032/PXL_20220827_093904722_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqUjR6lHuUs5OIJAUn8JihxoeLCnHwC2YcKI034ywUBUCyZNtYBdjHdOUgn7RIL2TDxOeUCRjzQ9iR-wWy9omsM5vXDCg0GRQTRnoK54q9SLxVZUdPmfiOvcUbRV-v_setPJ33D9EQWqllyJQHrDFdsqZoYpwnsku4B5FVqyV8CR5Jge1qIlNzIywDLhR/w640-h360/PXL_20220827_093904722_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved rocks at the periphery</td></tr></tbody></table><p>There is an old temple adjacent to Baori complex. We went there next. It’s built on a large and high platform. What was surprising was that around the modest temple those intricately carved stones we had seen at Baori were just strewn around. They must have significant value.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpSF8xyaaIXvAflf7yp4zt2rIHCs2C871sS947W5_Dw2I56NtqLbJxApVCEE96qg8YPwuQY-ji3ckV6qfunLSJ47YI1JriB6bnAPTAa8-U_k-g_BFX7LfVbTAvtw9QpxTY30tZ8BnAvtAVKyMwXDzKOhXPE5UEZ3uu7nW7Fc9HSpuPwc6qaOW3uqALTg5/s4032/PXL_20220827_094205774_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpSF8xyaaIXvAflf7yp4zt2rIHCs2C871sS947W5_Dw2I56NtqLbJxApVCEE96qg8YPwuQY-ji3ckV6qfunLSJ47YI1JriB6bnAPTAa8-U_k-g_BFX7LfVbTAvtw9QpxTY30tZ8BnAvtAVKyMwXDzKOhXPE5UEZ3uu7nW7Fc9HSpuPwc6qaOW3uqALTg5/w640-h360/PXL_20220827_094205774_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adjacent temple on high platform</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our return was as big an ordeal as our forward journey. This time we took the Tijara route where doe to some construction and traffic it took us more than three hours to just cross the city of Rewari. We reached home late at night promising ourselves we will not go in that direction again.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Chand Bawri, Step Well, Abhaneri, Rajasthan, India27.0072667 76.6064803-1.3029671361788466 41.4502303 55.317500536178841 111.7627303tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372230532571884439.post-79537774212915990982022-06-08T23:06:00.004+05:302024-01-12T08:30:54.730+05:30Tungnath Trek - Part 2<p>On our last leg Tungnath Temple was visible from more than a kilometer away. This last leg is straight. It took us about three hours in total to reach the complex. Holy chants and bells were ringing around the temple. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and it attracts its due lot of worshippers.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeRhIl_a0U_33vGsMOgQ7eqdKutMEPe1oRSVV4AULQFKjlKI7uRnqdycmIOFWUum5w1fOtlCKTREonf09lKeTTusWA9x41jQq-Q5XTkiiAAX30tvf2KaLM83Iy4lTYFyBlJhGv24GM_W9N6-IbBbGvZ_kZufDyL-O4T64zJY8AnYyHwO5CHYo4uTK-o9f/s4032/IMG_7446_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeRhIl_a0U_33vGsMOgQ7eqdKutMEPe1oRSVV4AULQFKjlKI7uRnqdycmIOFWUum5w1fOtlCKTREonf09lKeTTusWA9x41jQq-Q5XTkiiAAX30tvf2KaLM83Iy4lTYFyBlJhGv24GM_W9N6-IbBbGvZ_kZufDyL-O4T64zJY8AnYyHwO5CHYo4uTK-o9f/w640-h480/IMG_7446_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last leg of Tungnath trek, temple is visible now</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Tungnath Temple is ancient from the look of it. We did a clockwise round of the temple complex before entering the sanctum sanctorum. It was peaceful here. Afterwards, we settled at a bench and enjoyed the ambience. Chandrashila was supposed to be our next stop.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMf1uxLkCym-szQ7bmvxgthCx-FGFUitSaNEH4zpJCoIvcQw2jimhtWstILKBZNvKUGZg95LNg04iYtyv3N3DdkZu8XQzlzJnNg3CAqCpqDLGldK9sxlZ7JGNfWLei2dP1-OiV5dcfoqKgxqX83yQYfMRz0V3uPNg-5NWadXJmre8xTXAqcLg3jFNUm0g/s4032/IMG_7418_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMf1uxLkCym-szQ7bmvxgthCx-FGFUitSaNEH4zpJCoIvcQw2jimhtWstILKBZNvKUGZg95LNg04iYtyv3N3DdkZu8XQzlzJnNg3CAqCpqDLGldK9sxlZ7JGNfWLei2dP1-OiV5dcfoqKgxqX83yQYfMRz0V3uPNg-5NWadXJmre8xTXAqcLg3jFNUm0g/w640-h480/IMG_7418_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main temple of Tungnath</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We argued whether we should attempt another 1000ft to Chandrashila peak but decided otherwise. We were exhausted and then there was the matter of oxygen. We agreed to descend gradually. One of the trekkers at Deoriatal had suggested us to a small food joint run by a local.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw98ibQF_XeONNumjIrGkQO2_wko7kxTjIoPQ7BJyhRMokJkfGDNejvZM6C39SDTzJWDpA-KrvZuUmB4Kypk_vjMQhqPLFxdf7SCU1uZhrrJ6zCqi243QBWd_l312XVl84wmDFh7o-m0eZ-MQJ6ZjrQxzqCMhmQrAR7mhC1LAlmpGiGqY1VTVe0_qPiS_/w640-h480/IMG_7432_Original.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main temple complex, Tungnath</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The food was made from locally grown vegetables and we found it very delicious. Resting here for about half an hour we started for our downward journey. We took the shortcuts this time and were at Chopta before 3. We started right away for Rishikesh.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HY0h0qGUPN4UFRUmPW1Z9vrZU0MW-Vw5Yp_Wls4OtJQcfL657aPz_by-Vd2RHsR9AdxxTfnrCctmlNvuIMa8V5e7EiG1KKZ21nTi2byXOzlNTpozzophJ6SJaxWRG6eSsaiurUOMymtHRpe_ebUpVe7h8rcGQvv107F59acoi6-g9tgF6p29C0hqHDxn/s4032/IMG_7449_Original.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HY0h0qGUPN4UFRUmPW1Z9vrZU0MW-Vw5Yp_Wls4OtJQcfL657aPz_by-Vd2RHsR9AdxxTfnrCctmlNvuIMa8V5e7EiG1KKZ21nTi2byXOzlNTpozzophJ6SJaxWRG6eSsaiurUOMymtHRpe_ebUpVe7h8rcGQvv107F59acoi6-g9tgF6p29C0hqHDxn/w640-h480/IMG_7449_Original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Return leg through shortcuts</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the way our driver suggested we go to Dehradun which was another hour drive from Rishikesh. We found a brand new hotel near Dehradun airport. One of us had to take a flight the next morning. Rest two including me were heading towards Mussoorie for couple of days.</p>PKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14440817362029851455noreply@blogger.com0Tungnath, Uttarakhand, India30.4886998 79.21702112.1784659638211537 44.0607711 58.798933636178845 114.3732711