Assam, NEI

This time I got the opportunity to go beyond Guwahati in Assam. On 8th November 2009, we first landed at Guwahati and then took the Rajdhani Express for Tinsukiya. The train was late by three hours. On reaching Tinsukiya, we moved to Naharkatiya. Both sides of the road one can see the most sceneric view of Tea Gardens. enjoyed the dance of Bihu and then at night we stated at Guest House in Naharkatiya. Next morning we went to Dibrugarh to board the flight for Guwahati.

Bheem Baithika, Madhya Pradesh

Around forty Kms from Bhopal is the place called Bheem baithika. As the name suggestes, this is related to one resting place for Pandavas on their exile from Hastinapur. Rocks every where and place where Pandavas stayed during that period are still preserved by the Government. Most attractive to see is the rock painting which is evidences of any habitat long back in this region.

Manali, HP

If no plans to go beyond Manali passing through Rohtang Pass to higher Himalayas, best time to visit Manali is December and January. I always enjoy visiting Manali when it is time to snow. If there is less snow than one can reach upto Rohtang Pass from where River Beas originates. At the hieght of more than 15,000 feet above the sea level, Rohtang Pass is the gateway to Lahaul (Kellong), Spiti (Kaza) and Leh. When there is heavy snow, one can reach upto Marhi or maximum upto Kothi. Even Sonal Nala which is very close to Manali looks beautiful when covered with white snow. Otherwise, Manali itself has got its own beauty. Devdar forest, Hidamba Temple, Hot water streams are some of the places which are beautiful as always in all the seasons. Quick walk on the small Mall road is also nice. Always enjoyed being at Manali. Himalaya is something which i cant resist seeing again and again.

Nairobi, Kenya

When I got a chance to visit Nairobi, Kenya, I had many doubts about the place. One doubt was due to widespread image of the lawlessness in the city and another was that all African nations are hot in weather. The moment I stepped out of the International Airport, my one doubt cleared immediately. The weather was much pleasant and I got the feeling of being in Shimla. Another thing I saw was the greenery everywhere right from the Airport to the campus where I stayed in the city. River and wild life century is adjoined to the Nairobi city itself, so the natural beauty is much closer than any other city. While in the city apart from staying within he boundary of the campus, I tried to venture out for small walks on the main road and some of the places to see and than my another doubt also got cleared that it is as safe as any other city. Conflict can be part of any city these days. Seeing people from Indian origin moving as freely as the Kenyans, cleared the doubts more. What fascinated me is the conservation of forest and its wild life. I got opportunity to visit the Giraffe and Elephant parks and they are nurtured within the vicinity of the protected forests.

Marble Rocks, Bhedaghat, Jabalpur, MP

Since 1992, when I started visiting Madhya Pradesh, I always heard about the stories of beautiful Marble Roacks on the banks of river Narmada at Bhedaghat. Since than I wanted to see the place for myself. I had been to Jabalpur couple of times but always on tight schedules which did not allow me to venture out for the sight seeing to the places. It is said that the marble rocks shines as white during full moon night and it is a life time experience if seen while boating in the river. The Marble rocks starts with a waterfall which is nothing less than the beauty of a small Niagra Falls during the rainy season. This August 2009, I finally got chance by default to see the Marble rocks and the waterfall at Bhedaghat during my visit to Jabalpur. It was as beautiful as heard. Water mixed with yellow soil got the look and feel of freshness of the rainy season. I could not enjoy the boat ride due to the possibility of flash floods but had a good ride on Ropeway giving the full view of the landscape. Weather was perfect and enjoyable.

Barmer, Rajasthan

The colour of Rajasthan is something one can always trust upon. Sharp and contrast colour is evident in the dresses of both male and female. My trip this time to Rajasthan was at one of the remote area in the Barmer District of Rajasthan. It was close to the border of Pakistan and India. The sand dunes and barren land in the last villages adjoined to the No Mens Land clearly shows the end of the world for the local residents. Where ever eyes can see, there is visible only but desert. Sand dunes are not as glamorous as of Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer but gives the feeling of part of Rajasthan known for. Bunkers of BSF on top of the sand dunes and scattered bushes are only visible things on the mountains of the sand. Ofcourse a delight for the lovers of wilderness.

Srinagar, Kashmir

My first visit to Kashmir was in December 2008. It was a workshop on Local capacities for Peace for Voluntary Organisations from the valley at Srinagar. As it was December, one can imagine the extreme cold weather of Kashmir. Electric blankets, heaters both electric and LPG, thick heavy quilts and blankets to cover self were the demand of the situation. It was close to election time and curfew almost everyday restricted us to move out freely to see places. Somehow got chance to see the dal lake and shankracharya temple and Parimahal. A little bit of the city exploration could be done though. Again got chance for a quick visit to Srinagar in the month of January 2009. It was supposed to be more colder time than December but it was lesser actually. Much calm than my first visit as elections were over and also rarely could see any tourist in Srinagar. Dal lake supposed to be freezed at that time but though chilly water, it was not freezed to ice level. With chilly winds smashing on the face, I still dared to take a quick Shikara ride at Dal lake. Ofcourse with full protection of sigri, blanket and jackets on. I still starve to see outside Sringar natural beauty and can't wait to happen it again.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya was my second opportunity to visit NEI after Manipur. The moment I crossed the border of Assam (Guwahati) and entered Meghalaya state, I enjoyed the road journey through out till I reached the resort just 20 kms before the Shillong town. It was lush green mountains with milky clouds covering them. It was evident from the clouds that why it is called Meghalaya (Abode of Clouds). The resort is situated at the bank of the beautiful big lake surrounded by trees of devdar. Rain was there all the time and confirming the presence of the cloud cover every second of the day and night. Shillong is like another big city with people around but still beautiful. Meghalaya is the only city which is known as the tourist destination for people from nearby states and specially from West Bengal. I missed the opportunity to go to Chirapunji, which is the oldest name in NEI ever read in the text books in our school as the maximum rain fall place. Next time, it will be my first target for sure.

Goa

Goa is another distination I always wanted to explore. I always desired to experience the richness of Konkan Railways. Through the Konakan belt, wanted to visit Goa from Mumbai and than Kerala via Karnataka. Never been to these places and planned many times but got the opportunity to visit Goa first and that is due to an official visit. Went straight to Goa and stayed at the Cidade de Goa resort. Staying with the resort was a good experience. Though it was a hectic schedule because of the meeting but quick trips organised in between helped us to see through glimps of Goa and its life. Short time spent at Miramar beach, Dona paula and Panji was nice. Cruising in the sea was also a good time spent. Visiting churches in the old Goa was an spritual comfirt to the soul. Best time spent was at the private beach at the resort. sitting close to the see and taking short walks every evening was good to relax after hectic day schedule. Water is always a stress buster for me. Loved the place as it was peaceful in the off season and wish to come again.

Nepal

I am always an admirer of the beauty of Nepal, the Himalayan Nation. It has got the beauty of biodiversity till today. Kathmandu is the place like a bowl surrounded by the mountains and rest of the places either on higher Himalayas or planes close to Indian border. Beauty of the people and the richness of flora and fauna is something which touches the heart.

Manipur

Visit to Manipur was my first exposure to North East India. It was an experience I was waiting since long to happen. I had never been to North East India before though heard about the beauty of the region and wanted to see it for myself. It was an experience of life time. At places though I could feel some amount of fear and presence of security forces but life was as smooth as it is anywhere else. During my stay at Imphal and visits to some of the districts in Manipur, it was pleasent experience to meet people and interact with them and to learn how they see development and peace together to create a prosper state. Stayed there for few days and enjoyed being there.