Trending

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

If you’re already in Dehradun, a 6 am bus gets you to Hanuman Chatti in about 4½ hours, then just a three kilometre walk to the temple. The direct cab from Jolly Grant Airport takes roughly the same time but you’ll need to book it in advance. Staying a night at Prakriti The Retreat in Harsil puts you only 32 km from the shrine, so the last leg can be a short auto or a brisk walk.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

If you’re aiming for the waterholes, they’re usually most active around 5 to 6 am. Catch the 3:45 am bus and stay a bit longer into the morning to catch deer and peacocks at the water.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

You might also check the small stall just across from Rudra Mahalaya Temple that serves freshly made fafda with kadhi. The bright yellow batter and the steam rising make for a lively shot right next to the carvings.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

If you’re staying near the station, the Super Collection O Mathura Near Railway Station is only about half a kilometre from the temple, so you can walk or hop on a quick auto from the bus stand. A local auto will drop you right at the entrance for a small fare, and the hotel’s 24 hour reception makes it easy to head out after check in. TravelIndiaDeals may earn a commission if you book through this link.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

Start around sunrise to catch the domes in soft light. Shoot a wide angle of the main dome first, then walk around the perimeter for close up of the carvings. After a short break, head to the temple gardens; the early morning mist gives a nice atmospheric feel. Finish at the riverbank around mid afternoon when the light is golden and you can frame the temple reflected in the water. If you have time, a quick detour to the nearby Hotel River Bay area gives a nice riverside shot with the temple in the background, keeping the whole sequence under ten kilometers.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

A good extra tip is to aim for the 3:30 4:00 a.m. slot; that’s when the mist lifts and deer and birds start moving into the fields. Do you plan to stay that early or prefer a later start?

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

If you’re heading back to Joshimath after the falls, the tea stall at the end of the Badrinath Joshimath road is a quick stop for ghee tea and roasted chana. For a sit down meal, Faraway Cottages in Joshimath has a modest kitchen that serves typical Uttarakhand thalis. You might also try the local gundruk soup at the stall beside the falls.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

You might want to ask the temple office for a walk that takes you to the stone slabs at the base of the main sanctum those panels have inscriptions in Prakrit that reference both the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods. After that, a short drive to the nearby village of Kurnool gives you a chance to see the Vijayanagara style watchtowers that once guarded the route to Srisailam. If you’re staying in Bangalore, The Oberoi Bengaluru offers a quiet retreat after a day of exploring the temple’s layers.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

September is still on the quieter side for Chitkul. Most trekkers head to the valley earlier in the month and the number of visitors drops after mid September. You’ll find the trails less busy, and the village stays calm. If you’re staying near Sangla, a place like Hotel Batseri gives good access to the route and still feels relaxed during that period.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

You could try the small dhaba just outside the Hoysaleswara entrance they serve a spicy masala dosa with coconut chutney that pairs well with the late afternoon filter coffee. The Halebidu Archaeological Museum opens at 10 a.m., so you can fit a quick visit right after the temple before heading to Belur. A short auto ride takes about ten minutes, keeping the schedule relaxed.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

If you’re heading out after the light show, you might want to check out the food stalls around the nearby Sukhdev Park. They’re known for quick snacks like samosas and chai, so you can grab something before heading back. If you’re staying at the Clubhouse Hotel Chandigarh Mohali, the walk to the tower is only about ten minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time for a quick stroll.

[Alphonse Gogoi]

Up

0

Down

::

If you’re aiming for a sunset at Mandvi, head to the lighthouse around 4 p.m. The walk takes about twenty minutes and you’ll arrive at the beach just as the sky starts to change. From the airport or bus stand, an auto to the lighthouse is a quick 10 15 minute drop off. On the way back you can stop at the small fishing village for a quick bite before heading back. This keeps the heat low and gives you a relaxed finish on the beach.

[Author]

Posts