The Guest House at Sunset, Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh We used Mandi (Himachal Pradesh, India) as the base for our Prashar Lake trip. For our return journey Sesha booked two tickets in a private Volvo bus through Satluj Travels (located next to the Mandi Government Bus Stand). One can get the tickets in a Manali-Delhi…
The Paradox of Taj Mahal
The beauty of Taj Mahal is a legend and according to this newspaper report it still remains the biggest draw for the tourists coming to India. But I wonder why do I have to get to the message boards to get the other side of the story. yes, people love the Taj but also advice…
How do You Avoid Sunburn and Naughty Nephews?
They Grow Up So Fast! Now you must be wondering what is the relationship between nephews and sunburn. But hear me out and you will know. Every trip in which we trek, I get sunburned and this one to Prashar Lake was no exception. I really got a burned face and it takes at least…
World Heritage Sites
I was looking at the World Heritage Sites list at the UNESCO site. I was curious to see how many India has, how many I have seen, etc. Well, here is the India list (reproduced from UNESCO site, I have only changed the bullet points to bullet numbers) Agra Fort (1983) Ajanta Caves (1983) Buddhist…
Food at Prashar Lake
When we reached the forest guesthouse at the Prashar Lake after climbing for 4.5 hours (it took me 4.5 hours, you may take more or less) from Bagi (the starting point of the trek) food was the dominant thought. The trek route and the jeep route are different. At Bagi there are a few Dhabas but…
A Small Video from Prashar Lake
Well, the video is very grainy but you have to hear the sound. Sesha and I were on the opposite hill when the music started. And by the time I was any closer it had stopped. People from the nearby village had come with their deity to the Prashar Temple. All very beautiful till now,…
I have Got Mail: Middle Class Content
Who Cares about my Wardrobe in such a Heaven? I got a mail from someone who read my blog and then wrote to me. I appreciate the gesture so much, in itself. It gos like this: “hey, Mridulaji, its nice to read such beautiful & informative articles, particularly contents belongs to middle class tourist. …”…
What a Day!
I am spending the weekend at my sister’s place. When I came my niece was sleeping. I too decided to take a short nap. When she woke up after an hour she demanded ‘mummy’ and I started distracting her by various tricks, then I asked her to say ‘masi’ (aunt) and for the first time…
Delhi to Manali on a HP State Transport Volvo Bus
When I went to Shringi Vatika (Himachal Pradesh, HP) the second time to get my cell phone back, Sesha did not come with me (he has less number of leaves than me). When Sesha is around, I almost always end up traveling on a Khatara (uncomfortable) bus. This time around my younger nephew came with…
Accomodation in Lachung (North Sikkim): What Does Basic Mean?
Sunrise at Lachung (North Sikkim) We visited Sikkim in December 2006. Sikkim is a small state and we managed to see a bit of East, West and North Sikkim. Lachung is in North Sikkim and it is a small and beautiful place. Usually, it is the night halt for going to Yumthang Valley. I remember…