'm missing it actually, the last encounter I remember was on my way to 'Kotdwar/Lansdowne'. The fog was kinda killing on that day with some live examples of few fresh crashes, so it was time to concentrate on road leaving the idea to frame them :P The worst one was a very nice trail of few cars (read 5-6) with a UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) bus leading them while a poor Indigo driver was still struggling to understand if something has happened!!! And by then the clock was showing 11.15 AM and some 45 kilometers on the trip meter. Huh... what a start of the day!
After all it was 'Fog', so please skip all the above said as if it was drunk to any level :D
So it was time to keep the eyes 'double wide open' and to 'stop severing' by holding the steering wheel tight.
Some 45 kilometers more and some 405 degree rotation of the minute-hand in the watch. And the surrounding seemed to be interesting and irresistible to search for a deeper parking bay on Nh-119. Was I lucky enough to park myself and to cross the road for the yellow fields (read mustard fields) saving my 1000D from somebody smashing me out of the dense fog... ;)
Warning: And now the rest is for your eyes if you don't have any abhor for greenery or any kind of fascination for the concrete jungles or 'color blindness'...
I do not know how much this image justifies to the surreal virgin surroundings of 'Hunder'. Hunder in Nubra Valley which lies about 150 kilometers to the North of Leh is the last Indian village accessible to general tourists.
During my last year's visit to 'Ladakh' I was lucky enough to spend a night in this beautiful place. The feel that came after seeing such a beautiful valley at above more than 10,000 feet above sea after crossing Khardunga La, worlds highest motor able road can not be described in words.
Hunder houses 'Ladakh Sand Dunes' and also 'Double Humped Bactrian Camels', who are originally from Central Asia and were part of ancient 'Trade Routes'. With the end of traditional trading policies and the development of modern transport system, some of these Camels remained along with Nubra or Siachan River. These camels are capable of surviving in both sand and snow so were preferred as porters. A camel ride in the Ladakh Sand Dunes is no less fun than a Camel safari near Jaisalmer.
After really a long long time, I felt it is a Sunday. Truly do not remember when I spent such a day including all leisure works starting from meeting old pals, dropping them at places, taking the car to service center, a cityscape photo shoot accompanied by a photographer friend and even a haircut. Do I need to mention about the vegetable shopping! ;) What can be a coolest Sunday for me except a ride to the city out-skirts!!! Forget about parties/movies etc, because I am neither a party animal nor a movie freak :P
Lansdowne, A place surrounded by beautiful oak, silver fir, spruce and pine forests is a proper weekend getaway from Delhi. At 1700 meters from mean sea level is an easy 240 kilometres drive from National Capital Region (NCR) and only 40 kilometres from Kotdwar, the entrance to ‘Pauri-Garhwal’ of Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal.
This serene and unspoilt hilly town was established as a British Cantonment in 1887 and named in the honour of Lord Lansdowne.
But now it houses the Regimental Centre of famous ‘Garhwal Rifles’ of ‘Indian Army’.
Places to see:
Bhulla Tal:
In Garhwali ‘Bhulla’ means ‘Younger Brother’. This small beautiful small lake was created in the memory of young men of Garhwali Rifles who sacrificed their life in the service of the nation. A small park is also constructed close to it.
Sitting peacefully there for some time and watching the reflection of Deodar trees on the lake was really worth. And there is also provision of boating in the Lake.
Tip in Top:
It is the top most point in Lansdowne with a magnificent view of the GreatHimalayanRange. The view of snow claded mountains can just take your breath away. Chaukhamba and Trishul are to name the few peaks visible from here. The view of sunset from here is magnificent.
St. John’s Catholic Church:
This Church was built in the year 1936 and the construction was completed in 1937 and is the only one in Lansdowne to worship. It is situated close to Forest Bungalow.
St. Mary’s Church:
It is the oldest church in Lansdowne which was built in 1895-96 with a surreal backdrop of Snow topped mountains.
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year though January is considered as the coldest month.
Route: Delhi-Meerut (no by-pass)-Mawana (by-pass)-Bijnor-Kiratpur-Najibabad-Kotdwar-Dugadda-Lansdwone (NH-58 and NH-119)
How to reach?
With well laid tarmac and with available of all amenities through out the way driving or riding is a sure fun. The last gas station is in Kotdwar so don’t forget to get your car/bike’s tummy full from here though I found some boards selling Diesel in black, but better to keep the LUCK aside.
NH-58 and NH-119 are to be followed to reach Lansdowne.
You need to take a right at Dugadda on NH-119 and I’ll suggest not to return via same route but to ask for the other route which meets NH-119 some 10-12 kilometers ahead of Dugadda, it will increase the distance by 5-6 kilometers but I bet you will love the surreal nature and superb twisties that you will find on your way.
With other options one can find UPRTC bus service from New Delhi to Kotdwar and then one can hire a taxi or shared cab to Lansdowne.
Still, train is the most preferable way to travel to Kotdwar in the opinion of local people and to hire a taxi or something to Lansdowne. And daily service of Mussoorie Express may solve your problem.
Where to stay?
There are few very good options available to stay and explore this non-commercialized little hill station. GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikash Nigam) is always preferred in Uttarakhand for their proper service and all. Except it there are also few other private guest houses for the pleasant stay.
Homer truly said, 'There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.'
'Saurabh' and 'Mitali' two of my great buddies got tied in KNOT this week. I wish them all the happiness of the world. I hope to see you both smiling the same way as 'm seeing since last two years. God bless you both.... :)
'Chevrolet' was my favorite for 'BEAT' and for the Camaro 'S5'. Beat is quite impressive with very stylish design. Beat comes with a price tag of 3.35L-3.95L and is equipped with a 1199cc engine.
Maruti-Suzuki which still dominates Indian car market and brought a revolution in 4-wheeler category with it's most popular model M-800, displayed its superb concept 'F III'.
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