Neil Island, Andaman

Monday 30 April 2018

Lucknow

  • Bada Imambara, Chota Imambada, Roomi Gate and Clock Tower are all located at walking distance from each other. Bada Imambara holds Bhool Bhulaiya which is not to be missed even with the crowd thronging.
  • Aminabad is the area to be for food related interests. Tunday Kababi, Prakash Kulfi and Netram Kachori are all close by.
  • La Martiniere and Ambedkar Park are good for a stroll. Both offer different legacies - the college is old and the park is latest addition to Lucknow.
Lucknow was shining bright as we alighted from Shatabdi. Our hotel was little far in Gomti Nagar but thanks to readily available taxi for hire, we checked in within next half hour. Plan was to rest for an hour and chalk out the route we need to take to maximize our stay. The Imambadas (Bada & Chota) were definitely in the list and so was the delicacies of Aminabad - Tundey Kababi, Prakash Kulfi and Netram Kachoris to name a few.

Chota Imambara

Saturday 31 March 2018

Kasol

  • Staying in camp near the river is an option but consider for safety if you are going with family. There are good hotels near the market at good price as well.
  • Kasol to Manikaran is a half hour walk. Trek around the river is main attraction apart from the obvious ones around smoke.
  • The city is small and cozy. People start walking at evening till late night and try different joints specializing in food from different part of world. Don't miss that.
Kasol is as different a hill station as possible - a flowing river right next to it, surrounded by high hills and the charm of Malana cream - all add to a mystery that attracts youths around the world to this small town. We reached Kasol at noon after a spiritual morning well spent at Manikaran.

On way to Chhalal

Friday 30 March 2018

Manikaran Sahib

  • Don't come by car if you can. Park your car wherever you are staying and walk to Manikaran. There are Volvo buses that ferry around here which create massive jams.
  • Come prepared for the holy dip in the hot spring water below the Gurudwara. Food served at the gurudwara is tasty and healthy. Dont miss that.
  • The scenic view of Manikaran is best visible from high ground. Try to find one. The holy town bisected by a sizeable river is beauty to behold.
We drove and drove and drove and reached Manikaran exactly in 30 hours. This included a comfy stay at a resort near Mandi overnight. Hence we were fresh and full on energy when we hit the holy city. The first glance of Manikaran gives an impression of a bowl with a liquid flowing through it. Surrounded by high hills and dissected by Parvati river, the city automatically brings the spiritual in you to fore.

Manikaran Sahib