Mahakaleshwar - Abode of Lord Shiva

This is where one of the 12 Jyotirlinga (Shiva Lingam) resides, besides the Rudra Sagar Lake. It is one of the holiest destination of the Hindus on pilgrimage. This is the only South facing or dakshin muki temple among the twelve Jyotirlinga. The temple lies within the center of Ujjain city on Kshipra River in Malwa in MP.   

Besides the lingam there reside idols of many Hindu Gods including Nandi in the premises. Nandi Bull is the vehicle of Shiva as always portrayed alongside the Lord.  The temple overpowers the holy city of Ujjain and is an an architectural marvel. The fine carvings and sculptural finesse creates and aura of awe and majestic splendor.  

During ancient times the city was called Avantika and once ruled by Chandrasen an ardent devotee of Shiva. The city was protected by the Lord against warring neighbors who had an evil eyes on its treasures. There are numerous temples within and outside the confines of the Holy City. Those on long stay can visit the temples in order to explore the religious places of importance.

Madhya Pradesh destinations

The major tourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh are of course the tiger reserves Khajuraho Temples  and Pachmarhi Hill Resort. But then one cannot forget Amarkantak, Orchha and Mandu. For the religious kind Amarkantak, Sanchi, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, Maheshwar (Maheshwari Sarees), Bhojpur and Ujjain are a must visit.  

Major towns must visit are Jabalpur, Indore, Gwalior and Bhopal for food, commerce and sightseeing historical monuments. Jabalpur is the best conduit for the tiger reserves - Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Satpura National Park. One can also reach Khajuraho & Panna tiger reserve via Bandhavgarh or from Satna/Katni. For sightseeing Jabalpur has the famous Mable Rocks, Dhuandhar Falls, Chausathjogini and the Madan Mahal Fort. 

There are many lesser known destination worth visiting in Madhya Pradesh but proper research should be done before moving in. Among Hill Resorts Pachmarhi takes the cake. It is a pristine forest with magical landscape - Valleys, forest clad mountains, ancient temples and numerous waterfalls.   

For those averse to making rigorous travel arrangement package tours to MP are best. The tour companies do all the work for for a hassle free holiday in Central India. Though English is in use everywhere a touch of Hindi Dialect would make things easier. In rural and distant areas banking and shopping would be limited. Hence it is better to pack oneself with the prerequisite before leaving.

Traveling in the state is safe but still it is better not to be on road during the night time. One should keep one's valuable in sight since minor theft can take place. 

Chambal Pristine & Esoteric

The river is an epitome of purity, less damaged by polluting industries and urbanity. It is surrounded by enigmatic low rise sandy mountains that create an amazing maze of ravines. The ravines are topped by scanty thorn forest of Babul typical of arid and semi arid zones in India. The amazing spectacle of ravines and river flowing through spell binds and intrigues.

Chambal was once notorious for harboring Dacoits like Phoolan Devi, Daku Man Singh, Tehsildar Singh,  Daku Madho Singh, Mohar Singh, Chhidda Makhan  and others. Decimated gangs of dacoits or bandits still patrol the region giving sleepless nights to the law and order machinery.  Anyway all the Cat and Mouse chase has been effective in curbing the menace. The menace has not hampered tourism and is limited to rural environment perhaps dominated by local politics.    

For the travelers visit to Chambal River Sanctuary is the easiest way to experience the rivers magnificence.  The panoramic river cruise on motor boats is and enchanting experience.  The river is home to two crocodilians the mugger and gharial besides the Gangetic river dolphin. The fauna is amazing  eight species of freshwater turtles, smooth coated otter, jackal, hyena, fox, and some nocturnal mammals. 

The bird life is interesting one can see Indian Skimmer, Great Stone Plover,  Long Legged Buzzard, Osprey, Black-bellied terns, Sarus Crane, Woolly Necked Stork, Black-necked storks, Bar Headed Goose, ruddy Shelduck, teals, Bonelli's Eagle, Laggar Falcon, Sand Lark, Brook's Leaf Warbler, stilts, Comb duck and more.

The vegetation is diverse depending upon the region the river traverses through. Nevertheless vegetation is dominated by arid zone floral elements. The geology is diverse with sedimentation and soil types that are much varied.      

A short visit is worth it perhaps few hours of boat ride and birding on the shores. MPT facilitates motorboat ride at affordable fee at Dholepur in Rajasthan. MPT is on the Madhya Pradesh. part of the river across the bridge.    

Winter travel in India

It is important to take basic precaution during India tour in winters. Severe winter ranges from mid December to mid January. In some hilly areas it may stretch for longer period. The severity may occur anytime hence one has to be prepared to face it. 

Exposure to cold could be more frequent and extensive hence on needs to be best equipped. Warm inner, sweaters, jackets, socks, head gear and  hand gloves should be with the traveler all the time. Some basic accommodations may not have a heating system hence an extra quilt should be in one's bag always.  

High altitude may not suit travelers with breathing problems hence should be avoided. Places above 1400 m can be quiet uncomfortable for such travelers. 

It is wiser to carry all prescribed medicine for those susceptible to cold and high altitude. The cold is not restricted to North India it can be severely cold in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh at Places. A good doctor may be able to give apt advise to travelers in India during winters. Masala tea or ginger tea proves very good for cold and cough. Try it! Any chaiwala will make you a ginger tea.

Due to fog flights, rail and even road traffic may come to a stop hence on should keep an alternate travel recourse well planned in advance.  Even tough winter is a healthier season in India road side food and water should be avoided at all cost.

It is better to make your trips during the day and return to hotel in the evening since the cold gets worse after sunset. The nature is at its best during the winters and the landscapes splendid enjoy your travel in this incredible country. 

Nainital Tour

As we climbed up the road to Pangot from Nainital township the landscape began to change. The snow all along the road made matter worse. But the driver of our bus handling the vehicle expertly and we were assured. The tourist from UK had never experienced all this. 

As you climb higher on the road to Pangot the sight of Himalayan Range is breathtaking. One can see a long stretch of the magnificent Himalayan Range if there are no clouds. breathtaking is what my guests described it as.

Pangot is about fourteen km from Nainital township and is visited most by birders. Birding is the major activity at this hamlet. It snows in Pangot albeit less frequently sometimes blocking the road to Nainital township. Major birding stops are Kilbury, Bagad, Vinayak, Gugghu Khan and the township itself. 

The place clean and unspoiled by ubiquitous plastic that you see everywhere in the district of Nainital. The plastic is littered everywhere in rivulets, roads and countryside. It is surprising that no removal system exists since Nainital is a prime tourist destination. Most of the visitors are young couples on honeymoon. The inbound tourists from foreign countries come here mostly for birding at Sat Tal and Pangot. 

The next destination is Corbett Tiger Reserve for tiger safaris and birding as well. Corbett is a well known destination.  As a tour escort of destination management company I enjoy visits to Nainital. Most of my tours are for bird watching and it is exciting to be at Sattal, Pangot and Corbett National Park.   

North India Travel

Traveling is one way of experiencing India well only way perhaps. My recent travel along North Corridor for birding was a delightful experience. The trip starts at New Delhi and goes long like a maze. The birding circuit often covers Corbett Tiger Reserve, Sat Tal, Pangot, Chambal River Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and adjoining places of birding interest. Agra of course Taj & Fateh Pur Sikri & Red Fort + Lunch.   

India has an impressive list of birds and it is a sheer delight to see them. The bird heavens are still in preserved state. But we may loose some until unless we care for our wilderness both in towns and hill resorts. 

As tour escort at service for people from far and wide, I love to see our beloved country through scope of others. The colors and flavors of India touch one and all. The diversity amazes visitors the amazing pot pourri and a mixed basket of throbbing life. The food is delicious! "Why serve us continental food we prefer Indian gastronomic delights?" "Please lot of Masala!" "Tandoori Aha!"

No wonder India is Incredible by all means augmented by our warmth, hospitality and love.  But then India is also a chaos of traffic jams, road blocks, bumps, loud speakers, rude drivers, dirt, filth and loo on the roads.  The sewage, nullahs and roadside reek of thousand tons of caramelized shit! Yeek!  As much as India amazes the disgust on the negative is apparent. Though politely  set aside there are sometimes remarks.

My answers

"A large number of people. You know!"

"Poverty!"

"Illiteracy!"

What else! Just see the swanky New Delhi International Airport ....can't we change our country for much better this way. Can't some of us handle waste better...at number of places the Use Me container lies vacant with rubbish all around. Sometimes it is over filled with no service to dispatch it. One can go on. Yes most of us are doing our bit perhaps doing more and more is for better. 

Anyway I still recollect the colors of rural India some very clean villages and lush green fields. The visitors  appreciate and are intrigued with life so different from modern India. 

"Look there are so many people in bazaars, but every one is working!"

"Look so many people on trains, buses, rickshaws!"..Click, click, click.     

"An Indian Wedding?" "Oh Yes!" Click click click..

"A religious procession?" "Oh Yes!" Click click click
"Children going to school everywhere. Great!" 

The is stunning ...the long stretch of ghostly white Himalayas on way up to Pangot at Naini Tal District.     

Birding in India is thrilling and so is Indian Wildlife. Hence an extension to Kanha National Park in MP. Another experience the chaos and turbulence of crowd on Railway Stations. The confusing movement of trains across many platforms. Our very own Great Indian Railway a transportation wonder that moves India. From the impoverished settlements of Industrial towns the scape leads to beautiful surrounds of rural India and some stunning landscapes. The first AC coach offers lot of comfort not withstanding the toilet.    

The extension benefits the Indian package tour operator but onus lies on me to track the tiger. Nevertheless we see one in spite of bad weather. Another stunning masterpiece of nature the charismatic tiger! In absolute rapture!

"It is India wildlife tour next"! Shout my guests filled up to the brim with the magical appearance of the tiger.  

Incredible India! Yes lets make it better and better!

Indian Railway - Traveling tips

Indian Railway is one the of the most popular mode of transportation in India. It is unavoidable mode of transportation as well. Unavoidable Yes! Thanks to its fantastic reach. You may be an elite traveler used to plane travel and luxury cars but be prepared for train travel if you are going to move extensively in India.     

To few train travel is a frightening spectacle especially if you cannot afford to travel in AC class. The dirt, squabble and chaos of second class travel is by no means palatable especially if you are traveling for a long distance. Anyway here are few this to remember:

Book you ticket in advance. Reservations start forty five day before travel date.

Booking can be done online as well through booking counters on stations. 

Tour & Travel operators also book tickets through booking counter.

Book in AC Class if not on budget travel. Ist, 2nd & 3rd.

Keep tab of your reservation if in waiting. 

Book by Tatkal reservation system if seat availability is not there.

Tatkal reservation is available three day before travel date. 

Do not eat from unregistered eateries and porters. IRCTC catering is safe. 

Carry mineral water, colas and packed fruit juices.

Do not eat food offered by suspicious elements in fact avoid totally. Carry you own food.

Buy fruits with peel.

Keep tab on your luggage.  Best use chain lock.

Keep tab on personal valuables. Keep your ticket safe.

Do not alight at the station en route if necessary do it for short time. Ask a fellow traveler that you trust to keep a tab on your luggage albeit it is no guarantee.  Do not blindly trust anyone. 

Know your rail route before hand. 

Know your train particulars name number and timings. 

Reach station before hand and make sure of the platform it is arriving at.

There is an inquiry counter on every station for information. Do not trust anyone for information. The porters can be of assistance. Check for registration number plate on shoulder.   

Indian Railway travel is safe and enjoyable as it offer you sight of vast cross section of the country. Basic precautions have to be taken like in case of any mode of travel. Since number of passengers is so high it can be a bit chaotic. Travel by AC class if you need more privacy and comfort. 

IRCTC website offers online reservation facility. You can buy I-ticket and E-ticket online. If the ticket is in waiting list then you can check online. Railway reservation status is checked using the 10 digit PNR number on your ticket. You can find reservation status using pnr number online at IRCTC website. The site provides pnr status enquiry tool to find your reservation.

Other means to check pnr status is through mobile phone sms service. IRCTC has made it possible to check reservation status using SMS pnr enquiry number assigned. This is done through mobile messaging utility. You should keep a tab of your reservation status. If your train berth or seat is confirmed than note down you coach and berth number to avoid last minute finding about.

Find the arrival platform early and then see the coach number mentioned on the plates hanging from the station roof. The platform number is also shown in this manner. Stand with your luggage in less crowded portion of the platform. As the train arrives confirm the train number as well as the coach number mentioned on the coach. Confirm your berth on chart next to the door if  posted. Or seek the TTC help who is normally available few minutes before the arrival of train near the coach.  

For more serious matters relating to any discomfort or service you can seek guidance from the top authority  - The Station Master.      

Happy Journey!

 

River by the Fort

Allahabad Fort 

The Fort at Sangam once an object of glory and pride stands neglected, but not in complete ruins. The occupants find shelter in the ancient monument - now an object of architectural and historical significance at best. A temple busy with worshipers executing their duty to God, Indian army, pigeons and parrots, bats, insects and more. 

Till this day the Fort at Sangam serves its purpose. A silent sentinel that stands witness to one of the most holy spectacle in the World.  The meeting of the country's holiest rivers takes place at Sangam - Ganga - Yamuna - Sarawati. The religious fair and biggest pilgrimage Kumbh Mela is held after every  4 years, Ardh Kumbh every 6 years,  Purna Kumbh every 12 years and Maha Kumbh Mela after 144 year in India is organized in Allahabad. The fort has a maligned existence that of imposition and conquest a futile exercise in superiority .

The fort is a testimony to barbaric conquest, a triumphant onslaught of a foreign ruler over the souls of a billion devotees.  In spite of periodic dominance of alien culture the essence remained preserved. The fort appears to be intact, nurtured perhaps by the confluence of the holiest.

Ganges

The rivers in India are progenitor of humanity as they sustain life throughout the land. Worshiped as mother, Ganges resides in the heart of billions of devotees. For every devout Hindu, Ganges is mother of worship and an object of atonement - from sins of the past. Ganga Devotion initiated perhaps by the conservation ethos of Vedas, the river has selflessly sustained life and myriad civilizations in its fold throughout its existence. The overload of the burden is evident but the service continues.  

Mythology though secondary has elaborated and justified the spiritual and religious significance of Mother Ganges. The rituals though devoid of rationality for some are  pathway to  religious and spiritual quest for millions. The ritualistic exercise and meditation besides communion with God have a deep meaning - a methodology that adds value and justifies conservation of our environment as whole. Kumbh Mela the spectacle of Gods, heightens veneration - a womb that nourishes billions of souls - Ganges.         

Allahabad - (Prayag)

Allahabad itself, a spectacle of filth on roads and chaotic humanity,  is blessed by the confluence of the holiest rivers. A town of temples and modern architecture, it spirals uncontrollably over its sacred past and invading modernity. No wonder India's holiest destination is most coveted by devout Hindus. A much sought after travel that ironically excels as place of last rites - a final assimilation with earthly elements.    

MP tours - Destinations

Much publicized as a popular destination for holidays, sightseeing, birding and wildlife. The state of Madhya Pradesh offers much more. The state has gained popularity as tourism destination due to tiger safari parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench tiger reserves.

Top MP Tourism Destinations 

Khajuraho Temples

Eleventh Century AD temples that depict Kamasutra on the outer falls of many temples. The  temples are a fine example of ancient Hindu Architecture and typifies the construction under the Culchuri dynasty of Central India. The exhibits on the outer walls exonerate humans as sexual beings and are more of a treatise  without any malaise.      

Khajuraho is well connected by flights from metros especially New Delhi. The nearest rail head  is at Satna. The destination can also be reached from Bandhavgarh & Jabalpur.  The tourism infrastructure is well developed with hotels ranging from five star to budget class available for accommodation. Nearby places of interest are Panna National Park and Ken Gharial Sanctuary. These places are within driving distance and can be easily approached from Khajuraho. The temple town is popular among inbound tourists and the highlight is the Khajuraho Dance Festival.    

Pachmarhi Hill Resort

One of the finest hill retreats in Madhya Pradesh, India, Pachmarhi is more popular amongst Indian tourists. The retreat is a wildlife sanctuary and a Cantt hence rabid development has not taken place outside the township. The retreat is a magnanimous delight of  forest clad and rugged mountains, deep valleys and  rivers. The sightseeing is at waterfalls, glens and mountain sides. Pachmarhi is picturesque beyond words and abounds in birds and wildlife. There are many ancient caves and temples devoted  to Lord Shiva. Nearest places of interest are the pristine Bori Sanctuary and Satpura National Park.  

Only MP tourism hotels provide adequate accommodation though many private hotels are in the town limit.  The hill resort is approached from Piparia rail head and is about 57 km uphill. Piparia is well connected with Jabalpur rail head with number of trains plying to and fro. From Jabalpur, Piparia is about two and half hours of train ride.   

Kanha National Park

A well known tiger reserve Kanha is a prime tiger habitat famous for tiger safaris. It is a heaven for wildlife watchers and birders. There are more than 22 Central Indian mammals that inhabit the park. The park abounds in birds, butterflies and reptiles. The keystone species are tiger, leopard, wild dog, swamp deer, sloth bear ad the bison.     

The tourism infrastructure is well developed with large number of wildlife resorts and hotels for accommodation. The park safaris are organized by the hoteliers under supervision of the forest department. The safaris are conducted under strict rules and regulation t benefit the conservation efforts.

Kanha can be approached from Jabalpur, Raipur and Pench Tiger Reserve near to Nagpur. Jabalpur offers the best approach to Kanha via Mandla. The driving distance is about 165 km. The city is well connect by Indian Railway network and by flight to New Delhi.    

Bandhavgarh National Park

Famous for its tigers on which many films have been made. Bandhavgarh tigers might be the most filmed tigers in the World. In my opinion Bandhavgarh is one of the most charismatic tiger reserve in MP, India. It is home to more than forty tigers in an area little more than four hundred sq.km. This National Park is unique since it has historical and religious importance.  

Bandhavgarh draws lots of tourists from all over the World to see the tiger in the wild. The density of the tigers is high and so is the visibility because of unique terrain. The park is full of low rising hillock interspersed with marshy grasslands which provide the tigers with ideal hunting grounds. Besides the tiger one can spot the leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, wild dog, wild boar, barking deer, spotted deer and the ubiquitous langur.

The places of interest are within the park: Bandhavgarh Fort, Sesh Shaiyya or reclining Vishnu, many zoo morphic form of Lord Vishnu carved out of igneous stones and Laxman temple near the fort. One comes across many mad made caves and temples in ruins on wildlife safaris. The preserve is an excellent place for birders as large number of bird species are found here. 

Bandhavgarh is best approached from Jabalpur which is about four hours drive via Katni or Umaria.  Umaria railway station is connected overnight with New Delhi and few trains from Jabalpur. The rail head is about 32 km from the  park. Bandhavgarh is about six hours drive from Khajuraho and about seven hours drive from Kanha.   

Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench in the Seoni Hills as Kipling described it is a tiger heaven. It is where Mowgli the wolf child was born. One can still see the wolf pack from Khwasa to Turia gate with some luck. The park lies ten km inside from Khwasa on Jabalpur Nagpur Road. The keystone species are tiger, leopard, wild dog, bison besides many Central Indian mammals, reptiles and insects make Pench their home.

Pench is famous for tiger safaris and leopards are more frequently seen here. The preserve is good place for birding with many exciting finds to be discovered.

The best approach to Pench National Park is from Nagpur which is one and half hours drive and connected with air service from New Delhi and some other towns. Jabalpur is about 200 km from Pench and a good drive. Pench is also about six hours drive from Kanha.

Marble Rocks Jabalpur

Jabalpur is a go between the top tourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Embellished with verdant greenery the city still retains its Old World charm at many places. It is a large town with all modern amenities and accommodations. There is lot of sightseeing to be done at Jabalpur City but most popular is a visit to Marble Rocks a gorge in the Narmada River. It is a famous boat ride amidst dazzling melange of color on smooth rocky mountains of marble. Nearby places of interest are Dhuandhar Falls and Chausath Yogini Temples.      

Tourism in Madhya Pradesh is well organized. The best way to tour is on MP package tours organized by tour companies in the state. Hotels and Taxis can be booked online directly. Most of the hotels in Kanha National Park, Pench and Bandhavgarh have their websites for online booking facilities.   

MP Tourism Hotels are the best stay in Pachmarhi while Khajuraho has wide range of hotels. There many tour operators offering packages for the state of Madhya Pradesh in India.     

Indian Railway Travel

The biggest railway network is not necessarily the best. But whatever you feel about India trains, it does take you to your destination cheap. Indian rails are the cheapest transportation that anyone can find in the country.

The railway coverage in India is vast and hence offers the best reach any mode of transportation can offer.
The inter connectivity is amazing with more than eleven thousand trains plying all over the country. The system transports more than twenty million passengers and about two million tons of goods.

It is all about where you want to go or how you wish to go? If you are planning a holiday on the super luxury tourism trains than you need to shelve a lot of money. The holiday packages on luxury trains cost a lot.

If you are rich enough to travel by First AC or Second AC your journey would be in absolute privacy and comfort. Well as much as possible! Third AC delivers as well but there is a bit of a rush always. But it is okay since the climate control rarely fails.    

Second Class sleeper travel is hardly comfortable with what seems like whole India trying squeeze into your compartment. The comfort level depends upon the climate outside since there is no air conditioning. The only comfort that sleeper class offers is a berth to sit and sleep upon.

A big relief has been the online ticketing facility in recent years. One need not wait for a long time in sweaty queue for hours and hours. The Irctc website online conducts all the task of booking office. You can book or cancel your ticket in a jiffy, find information about seat availability or distance between stations. All railway information is at your finger tip.

The worst nightmare is availing a reserved berth if your ticket status is on waiting list. Those lazy enough not to book a journey ticket in advance are the one’s who visit the Indian Railway site the most.  They are constantly seeking pnr status online in order to find the position of their ticket on IRCTC site.

One can also seek status using sms or mobile messaging service. The sms pnr status check is quick and easy. Just type you pnr number on the ticket and send to 139 or whatever the number is. In few seconds you will get the status of your ticket as message.  

The online reservation offers much more information in a short time than a land based railway office does. Hence switch on your computer every time you wish to make a rail journey.