Author: saumya gupta

Chandigargh-Pinjore-Anand Sahib

Chandigarh, the city of French architect Le Corbusier, is best known for being India’s most planned urban developments. The shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, it lies at foothills of the Shivalik range and offers options for easy getaways. That’s what this itinerary is all about.

Day 1: Chandigarh

Get into town

Arrive in Chandigarh and check into a city hotel that will make sightseeing convenient. We recommend the newly opened JW Marriott in Sector 35 B. Freshen up, put on your walking shoes and get ready to see the city of Corbusier. Entrusted with creating a blueprint for Chandigarh, he envisaged a city of planned residential blocks, grid-pattern streets, several gardens and public spaces. Begin at Capitol Complex, the administrative quarters and a grand expression of Corbusier’s work. Break for lunch; you are never short of places serving hearty, affordable Punjabi khaana in the city centre. Later, drive around the city, taking in the architecture. A visit to the Le Corbusier Centre is also recommended. Spend a relaxing evening in your hotel.

Day 2: Chandigarh sights

Distance:

Time Taken:

Today is for a tour of Chandigarh’s most popular attractions. They attract tourists by the scores and for a good reason. First, the Rock Garden, which houses figures and sculptures that are almost a symbol for Chandigarh. Nek Chand scoured the Shivalik hills for interestingly shaped pebbles and rocks, interspersed them with waste materials like glass shards and created this spectacle spread over 25 acres. After a break for lunch, wander off to Sukhna Lake, where the city gathers in the evening to stroll, unwind and just hang out. Head back to the hotel, before getting a taste of Chandigarh’s buzzy nightlife. Buzz, in Sector 17, is a good choice, with good drinks, food and a dance floor in case you want to groove a bit.

Day 3: Chandigarh gardens & museums

Chandigarh’s museums and galleries are as well-organized as the city itself. Take a tour of the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10 with its splendid collection of stone sculptures from the Gandhara period. Pre-historic fossils are another major attraction here. Then, there’s the Museum of Evolution of Life in Sector 10 that lets you travel back 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. The International Dolls Museum in Sector 23 has a colourful collection that children will especially love. Devote the second half of the day to a relaxing stroll through the city’s beautifully laid-out gardens, such as the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and the Garden of Fragrance in Sector 36 which lives up to its name. As the day winds down, get to sector 17; the sleek shopping area, dotted with fountains and sculptures, becomes one big outdoor club every night. There are drinking and dining options aplenty here.

Day 4: Prakriti Farms

Distance: 45 kms

Time: 1 hour (by road)

Drive out to this organic farm which nestles in the lower Shivaliks and is set amidst forestland on all sides. Accommodation is in Swiss cottage tents and safari tents . Take a farm tour and see environment-friendly farming practices at work. Dine on delicious Punjabi food prepared from vegetables grown on the farm. You could also catch a Sufi music performance in the evening. It’s the perfect green getaway and antidote to city stress.

Day 5: Pinjore

Distance: 25 kms

Time: 30 minutes (by road)

It’s picnic time. Make the short drive from Chandigarh to Pinjore Gardens, also called Yadavindra Gardens. Carry a picnic lunch. With its scenic location at the foothills of the lower Shivalik range, this is a garden created in the Mughal style. Stroll amidst the plant nurseries and Japanese garden and picnic on the lawns. Return to Chandigarh for the night.

Day 6: Hidden Valley

Distance: 8 kms

Time: 20 minutes (by road)

After a relaxing day in the gardens, it’s time for some adventure. It’s at Hidden Valley, an eco-tourism centre in the Shivalik foothills. The famous Mata Jainti Devi temple is nearby. At Hidden Valley, you are surrounded by nature. Go trekking, mountain-biking and take cart rides. This day trip is perfectly suited for children as well. Return to Chandigarh.

Day 7: Anandpur Sahib

Distance: 85 kms

Time: 1 and half hours (by road)

Anandpur Sahib, one of the most sacred spots for Sikhs, is serene and calming, even with the hundreds of devotees who throng the place.  Walk its marble corridors and say a quiet prayer, or meditate. After a break for lunch, travel to see the Gurudwara Qila Taragarh Sahib, a graceful fort that sits atop a hill.  You’ll be surrounded by spectacular views all around. Get back to Chandigarh in time for your return trip.

——

Do:  A boat ride on Sukhna Lake may seem like a touristy thing to do. But try it, it’s utterly enjoyable.

Eat: Can’t leave Chandigarh without tucking into its most-famous food export. The butter chicken at Pal Dhaba in Sector 28 is rated among the best by locals.

Shop: Phulkari is Punjab’s beautiful embroidery. Buy shawls and dupattas at the Punjab Emporium in Sector 17.

Plus Says

Best time to go: Mid-August to November is a good time to visit Chandigarh, especially if you prefer mild weather to extreme. But the cold winters have their charm, too, and are a great time to indulge in rich, Punjabi fare.

Good to know:

Hop on hop off bus: This open-top double-decker bus service run by the Tourism Department is a convenient way to take in Chandigarh’s sights. It begins at Hotel Shivalik View, in Sector 17, and takes you to the Rose Garden, Museum and Art Gallery, Bouugainvillea Garden, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake.

Permits: Special permits are required to enter some of the key buildings in the Capitol Complex. These can be had at the Tourism Bureau.

Girls’ nights out: Chandigarh’s pubs and bars are surprisingly women-friendly. So, think nothing of making a night out of it with your girl gang. The Blue Blazer in Sector 26 and Score in Sector 8 have rocking ladies nights.

Great getaways:  While there’s plenty to do in the planned city of Chandigarh it also makes a convenient point from which to travel out of town. Some of the day trips and short trips from Chandigarh include those to the quiet hill station of Kasauli, the town of Barog and Renuka lake on the Kalka-Shimla highway and Morni Hills in the Shivalik range.

Tip: Both men and women must cover their heads and dress respectably when entering Gurudwaras. These welcome people of all religions and denominations.

 

Top Picks:

Cooking classes at Prakriti Farms: The organic farm, based on sustainable practices, offers cooking demos and classes in Punjabi cuisine. Sign up and get hands-on training in some classic dishes.

Cycling through the city: Chandigarh, with its dedicated lanes, is perfect for cycling. PedalChandigarh is an outfit that rents out bikes and also arranges cycling tours.  Cycles are parked at ISBT, Sector 17.

Rock the night: With its late closing times, dance floors and discotheques, Chandigarh is a happy place for party types. Besides Buzz, check out also spots like Zinc Lounge in Sector 26.

Evenings at Sector 17: It’s a daily party in the piazza at Sector 17. Fountains light up, people gather, bars and restaurants buzz with activity. A recommended way to spend an evening in Chandigarh.

Gardens by night:  You will enjoy attractions such as the Rose Garden by day. By night, these are lit up and allow access to visitors.

Mandu, Malwa Region (MP): It is beautiful fortified city of the 6^th century that has now turned into ruins of the past. Nevertheless, it still has the charm of the bygone era. With many different monuments to see around, Mandu makes for the perfect day trip. When visiting, do visit ‘The Darwazas’- the wall of the fort that surrounds Mandu has 12 gates, through which the road to Mandu leads. ‘Jahaz Mahal’- is a ship palace situated between two artificial lakes. An admired marvel, it gets its name ‘Jahaz Mahal’, because it seems as though it is floating in water.

 

 

 

 

Orchha, Tikamgarh District:A former princely state founded in the 16^th century, Orchha has one of the most spectacular fort in India called the Jehangir Mahal. Orccha is lined along the Betwa River. The fort has the influence of Bundela art and the views that the fort offers are stunning. Everywhere you look, you would find small shrines that tell an enriching history of their own.

 

Pachmari Satpuras: A beautiful hill station, that is very rich is flora and fauna, Pachmari is situated in a valley of the Satpura range. Pachmari is a very popular tourist destination. The name Pachmari means ‘the five caves’, it is believed that the caves found here, were built by the Pandavas, when they went into a fourteen years long exile. There are numerous cottages and hotels in Pachmari to reside in, giving you ample amount of time to visit all the beautiful sights that this hill station has to offer.

 

Ramghats at Chitrakoot:Situated in the town of Chitrakoot, the Ramghats overlook the Mandakni River. When you visit the ramghats, you will feel a sense of calmness watching saints sitting in saffron and meditating. In the evening, aarti is done by the river where everyone gathers and offer their prayers. It is believed that this was the river where the three mythological characters of Ramayana, Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman bathed.

 

Shivpuri, Shivpuri District (MP):An ancient and a scared town, Shivpuri got its named after Lord Shiva. Shivpuri, might be a small town, but in the past emperors have walked on the very same hunting grounds and dense forests that Shivpuri still has. Graceful remnants of the past that have stood test of time are the tourist attractions of Shivpuri nowadays. Another known fact about Shivpuri is that it is called the Shimla of Madhya Pradesh, because of its winter and geographical similarities.

 

Tawa Reservoir- Madhai:This is a reservoir that forms the western boundary of the two important biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh i.e. are Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. It has become a major tourist attraction during the monsoon season, which has prompted the tourism department to allow a cruise for the visitors to visit the dam and the reservoir.

 

Ujjain:An ancient city and a religious center, Ujjain is situated on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River. It is one the four cities in India that hosts the Khumbh Mela, that attract millions of Hindu pilgrims from around the country. Another important religious center in the city is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ujjain was also the home to Kalidas, who is very important figure in the literary world till date.

 

Vidisha, near Bhopal, (MP):Vidisha is a city that is dotted with important monuments and temples of the past making it history rich. A little north of the town is the ruins of an ancient city called Besnagar. Near Besnagar, are the Udayagiri Caves which have inscriptions and sculptures that date to the Gupta empire.

 

Wildlife- Kanha, Pach, Pana: The wildlife in Madhya Pradesh is very varied and rich. You will find Tigers, Barking Deer, Panther, Black Buck, Lion and many exotic animals in this state, all thanks to the well maintained national parks that Madhya Pradesh has maintained. Some of these national parks that are a must visit, are, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pana National Park and Pench National Park.

 

 

 

Xtreme Vacations:Xtreme Vacations does the wildlife safari in Madhya Pradesh like no other. They organize tours to all the important national parks of the State, such as Pench National Park, Kanha National Park, Bhandhavgarh and Panna National Park. Xtreme, makes you stay in each of the national parks and takes you out on jeep safaris, to observe the exotic animals such as tigers, black buck, barking deer etc in their natural habitat. Xtreme Vacations definitely provides an unforgettable experience.

 

 

Yashwat Sagar:Indore Zoo, Indore (MP): The Indore zoo located in the largest city of Madhya Pradesh is also known as Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalay. The zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks of Indore and houses some of the most exotic animals in the country, such as the white tigers, Himalayan bear and the white peacock. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the city.
This is one of the brilliant most manners in which exploring the heart of the nation seems feasible and completely possible and realistic. Everyone must not ignore the state to relish the most of the country as a citizen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amarkantak: A natural heritage in a unique sense, this is the town where the three important rivers, Narmada, Sone and Johila emerge from, helping the dense flora and fauna Amarkantak is blessed with. The town has a charming history mentioned in the ancient Indian texts. It is believed that whoever dies in Amarkantak is assured to have a place in heaven. You may not live there, but you can definitely make a visit to this scenic, often unexplored tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh!

 

Bhopal:India’s 16^th largest city, is also known as the ‘city of lakes’ and it should be of no surprise to you that greenery flourishes here. The forts and various monuments of national importance give away to the fact that it is situated on an 11^th century site. Bhopal’s ‘paan culture’ is still very much alive and kicking. So, when you do visit this city, you have to treat yourself to many different varieties of Paan that Bhopal’s streets have to offer. These are traditions passed down generations!

 

Chanderi, Ashoknagar District (MP):A town that is very historically diverse and that churns out stunning silk weaves that are hard to match up to, signifies how much of the ancient skills and history has been preserved to date. Chanderi may not speak vocally, but visually it shows how much it has seen and experienced. It was an important trade route centuries ago and has been ruled by ambitious rulers that have been instrumental in shaping the city to what it is.

 

 

Eran, Sagar District (MP):Eran is a hamlet that is surrounded by the river Bina on three sides. It is a historical place which is spotted with pillars and monuments from the time when it was believed to hold a very important position. After many high profile excavations, coins that tell a tale of the bygone era have been found. The quintessential history buff would thoroughly enjoy spending time amongst the ancient ruins of Eran.

 

Fossil Park-Dindori.This is a 65 million year old heritage park that has fossils of plants that grew in abundance at a time when man possibly did not walk on earth. The fossil park has a lot to show you. Imprints of plants such as woody plants, leaves, flowers and seeds can be found here. This is truly a unique destination in India that deserves a visit and would definitely remain etched in your memory for a long time!

 

Gwalior:A historical and a major Indian city in Madhya Pradesh, it is rich in heritage, it also sports one of the most magnificent forts built in India, the Gwalior Fort. It was built by the Tomar dynasty and has Chinese influence in its architecture. The Chinese architecture signifies the time when India and China had strong ties and an important trade route. When in Gwalior, the Gwalior fort is a must visit and the views of the entire city are beautiful!

 

Halali, Raisen District (MP):Halali means ‘the river of slaughter’, this name was pinned onto this tributary of Betwa river, when the forces of Mohammed Khan killed the Rajput force, on the bank of the river, in turn changing the color of the river to red due to all the bloodshed. Present day, this reservoir houses important species of fish, such as catla, mrigal, rohu etc.

 

Indore: The largest city in Madhya Pradesh, Indore has all the needed attractions to charm you. A city which has seen development at different stages of its life, from the Mughal to the British Raj to the present day, has many architectural masterpieces with various influences to see and enjoy. Indore, also has been making progress in terms of public transport. Metro Taxi Service in this city has been hailed to be the best in the country. When visiting, do make a trip to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Park and the Indore Zoo.

 

Jabalpur:It is one of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh and is also known as the cultural capital of the state. This city has been ruled by 4 dynasties in the past and later on went on to be ruled by the British Raj as well. Mahatma Gandhi’s longest and most important stay has been at Jabalpur. The BehdaGhat, i.e. the Marble Rocks are a must visit tourist attraction. You could hitch a boat ride and see huge marble formations on both sides, while snaking through the river.

 

Khajuraho, Chhatarpur District (MP):A town that is world renowned for its medieval Hindu and Jain temples which depict erotic sculptures, has become one of the most famous tourist destination in India. These temples were built using sandstones and no mortar and are masterpieces that have to be witnessed to be believed. They all speak of a talent that has long gone but is successfully preserved in form of these majestic temples.

 

Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho:A part of the Khajuraho temples, this temple is located in the western complex of Khajuraho. The Lakshmana temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built by Yashovarman, a Chandela ruler. The structure of the temple has a high platform and the architecture has all the elements of the Hindu architecture. This temple is a gem amongst many of the other temples of Khajuraho.

Delawadi Jungle Camp: Madhya Pradesh ahs a lot in store for the viewers and the travelers even though it might not sound very interesting in the very beginning for reasons unknown or known as well. It is for reasons umpteen and reasons which have been tried and tested over the years and hence proved that it is called the heart and the heartthrob of the nation. Traveling gives another kind of rush in itself. It’s a craze in another world. It opens your mind, be it finding yourself or losing yourself. Be it in dislocating your mental bounds or finding new bones in yourself which you never thought you would have or ever had, it clears the cumbersomeness and the confusion of one’s personal self apart from curing them from various kinds of stresses and problems because it opens a new perspective for retrospection, introspecting and contemplating. It gives each and every one an edge over others where they sleep with peace and care for nothing but only themselves. Their world revolves various extremes but it keeps changing. They do miss home but do not want to get back there. Jungling is another crazy passion one must try in their lifetime at least once in their lifetime apart from so many else things which might include bunjee jumping, mountaineering, cliff diving, riding an animal, bull fighting, paragliding, fish sailing, rafting, monkey crawling. This is a crazy experience which is full of experience and craze which helped I the creation of a number of excellent stories which you remember all your lifetime and also build them into anecdotes to dictate to your kids and grand kids. There is a lifetime you get for traveling but sometimes it is all about making every moment count in the most unique and special to make it into the divine most experience you can cherish and relish. Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants (known as campers) leave areas which are more urban than their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or various nights outdoors, usually at a camp site. Camping may involve the use of a tent and caravan and motor kind of home and  a primitive structure, sporting camp and no shelter at all. Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national or state parks, other public-ally owned areas and privately owned campgrounds. Camping is a key part of many youth organizations around the world, such as scouting It is used to teach self-reliance and teamwork. Camping describes a range of activities. Surveyors campers set off with little more than their boots, whereas recreational travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. Camping is often enjoyed in conjunction with activities, such as: canoeing , climbing, fishing, hill walking, swimming and mountaineering and whitewater. Camping may also be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location. The fun of doing this particular exercise does not really stick to a particular kind of people of age or sex or anything else for that matter. The point is that anyone and everybody must do this as a part of their bucket list in their lifetime. Because one day it all comes down to nothing and we all bring back the sand in us, so camping and doing something crazy like this makes us realize that we all have lived enough and makes us relive the fact that we are all strong enough to endure all the pangs of sorrow and mirth that life ever challenges us to give and throw at us. Camping is also used as an inexpensive form of accommodation for people attending large open air events such as sporting meetings and music festivals. Organizers often provide a field and other basic amenities. In the peaceful surroundings of the jungle with the ever faint sounds of animals and insects, Delawadi Jungle camp is truly a breath of fresh air from the humdrum of the city life. This camp boasts of lush greenery and unpolluted air which would do wonders for you! It is situated in the Ratnapani Wildlife Sanctuary, which is 60 km away from Bhopal and 265 km from Indore. When visiting the camp, you could follow the nature trails and treat yourself to a nice walk among-st beautiful flora and fauna. There are a few tourist places nearby which you could visit, such as the Ginnorgarh fort, which is a historical fort that stands on a hill and is 4 km away from Delawadi. You also have Bhimbetka, which is a world heritage site and is 40 km away from Delawadi. This is the site of the second oldest cave paintings in the world rendering a whole new experience to your trip. This is surely one of the best experiences anyone would want to be having. It would take a silly person to not go for a wild trip like this in their lifetime. Also, to taste life at its fullest it is quite important to keep feeling alive at every point of time in the immortality of life.