Dipankar

Locations in Uttarakhand have a certain mystical quality about themselves. However, Kedarnath beats all other locations hands down. The beauty of Kedar lies in its out-of-this-world charm and making you feel as if every other experience of life is quite immaterial. Nonetheless, better beware of the travel conditions in Uttarakhand. In one word - LOUSY. Do not expect any kind of travel amenities either from the govt. authorities or otherwise. The roads are almost non-existent, the food bad, the buses disgusting - the most tourist unfrienly state. Once you reach Janki Chatti, the last motorable point to Kedar, you have to park your car in a scheduled parking lot (maintained by authorities, charges reasonable and safe) to start the 13KM climb. You could hire a mule or a 'doolie' (a chair carried by 4 persons) or ... read more

For people like us, in the plains, Auli is heaven. From Joshimath, at 6200ft, a 20min. ropeway ride takes you up to 10,500ft. As you get out of the cabin the Hathi(elephant), Ghora(horse) & Palki(palenquin) peaks welcome come - almost at touching distance. The temperature difference between Joshimath and Auli is overwhelming. You can further climb up (optional) another 750 ft to get an even better view of the peaks. During the winter they are all snow covered as is the slope you are standing on. Even during summer, if you are fortunate, you can see a sheet of snow on the ground. Take heavy woolens with you. ... read more

We were in Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole and Hampi in 1st. week of Jan 2008. While you are in these loctions, their history seem to weigh on you heavily. In a metaphysical way, you seem to get transported in that era. The greatness of Vijaynagar empire of which these were parts, seems to touch you through the mist of these hundreds of years. ... read more

Its not for nothing they say Kerala is god's own country. The beauty of Kerala is beyond all description. The diversity (and beauty) between the coastal areas and its eastern part is astounding. Kerala always makes you want to go back there.... read more