Tour of Nilgiris Challenges Endurance Cyclists

December 23, 2016

Author – Vidhi Bubna

Growing up in a metropolitan city like Mumbai, I always thought that cycling wasn’t for Indians since our cities are too crowded and it is really unsafe to cycle around. However, whenever I went abroad for family holidays, I enjoyed cycling and wished that I could explore more of our country on a cycle. While I was stepping out of the comforts of my home and began cycling in city, I learnt that my friend is going for long distance endurance rally in the Nilgiris on a cycle! I really envied him and I wished that I could do the same.

But, I soon found out that this was a risky sport that only people with a high endurance could do. After I read more about Tour of Nilgiris, my entire perception of cycling in the country changed. Now, I know that cycling in a metropolitan city is tough, but I can explore some nice places in the countryside to travel on a cycle. The increasing number of cycling enthusiasts has given rise to many cycling groups and cycling tours around the country. Among them, the Tour of Nilgiris is the only multi-day cycling tour in the nation that attracts the maximum number of highest caliber cyclists in the nation.

The Tour of Nilgiris is an event for adventurous people who want to get new experiences in life and seek that adrenaline rush. Initiated in 2007, the bike tour is known to be one of the largest and the most loved bike tours in India. The tour covers more than 800km in its path, beginning from Bangalore and passes through Mysore, Kalpetta, Ooty, Palakkad and Valparai to reach Pollachi.

Ride-A-Cycle Foundation organizes Tour of Nilgiris from 16th to 23rd of December every year. During the tour, bicycle riders need to endure the most astounding terrain in South India which will test their endurance and temperament. Cyclists pass through three scenic wildlife sanctuaries: Nagarhole in Karnataka, Waynad in Kerala and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. The tour has rich flora and fauna that the bikers get to experience and it requires a lot of endurance that makes it even more challenging and fun.

The Tour of Nilgiris has many cycling enthusiasts participating in it every year that has caused it to add exciting new editions. The path is now pretty difficult now with time-trial sections introduced in various stages that tests cyclists’ grit and skill. The tour consists of a competitive segment each day, in which the riders have to battle to be “The King of the Mountains” by taming some of the roughest terrains in the country. Each day, the cycling does not exceed 160 kilometers.

Various riders also take part in the tour to spread awareness about problems in the country as they work for non-profit organizations. The number of such activist cyclists is also increasing every year, which is called “Cycling for a cause”. However, due to the increasing number of applicants that they receive every year, the Ride-A-Cycle Foundation limit the number of participants to 110.

If you are a cycling enthusiast and you have the capacity to cycle around 160 kilometers a day, this is a perfect cycling tour for you. If you are unable to cycle as much, it is great to enjoy the spirit of the people who do cycle and appreciate them for their mental and physical endurance. Sport is more about mental endurance than physical endurance!

Cycling in Mumbai – Risky or Fun?

Factfile & Image sources –
http://tourofnilgiris.com/
Tour of Nilgiris FB page

The Timeless Mehrauli Street Food and Neighbourhood

Caleidoscope

December 19, 2016

Author – Nupur Bhardwaj

Like most Indians, ‘Nani ka ghar’ (grandma’s place) is my favourite place to visit. However, my mom’s family hails from Mehrauli, which one of the seven ancient cities that make up the present city of Delhi. Just like an old man sitting in his armchair, Mehrauli has seen it all – right from the fall of Prithviraj Chauhan and the rise of Delhi Sultans to the division of India. What particularly fascinates me is the ancient monuments and the local street food in Mehrauli. I would like to take you on a street food tour of eateries alongside the popular monuments of Mehrauli such as Qutub Minar and little known ones like the Gandhak Ki Baoli.

Street-Food-Mehrauli — Image – Wikimedia

Gobhi ka samosa, a typical favourite dish of the locals residing here, is available at eateries near Bhool Bhulaiya, which is also known as Adam Khan’s Tomb. Samosa is a familiar snack among north Indians, but what makes this one special is its unique stuffing made of cooked cauliflowers and its presentation. The samosa is stuffed with. It can be differentiated from the normal samosa by the strokes present on its fried, outer covering.

Rabri Falooda, is a lavish sweet dish, and quite heavy on the stomach. Falooda (boiled vermicelli) is mixed with rabri, rose water and dry fruits. At an extra price, you can add kulfi to this dish. I prefer rabri falooda with extra kulfi. This delicacy is also served near Bhool Bhulaiyan but I prefer eating it at Gandhak Ki Baoli which is a few metres away from Bhool Bhullaiyan. Gandhak Ki Baoli, which literally means ‘well of sulphur’, is said to have magical powers. The well’s water was used to cure skin ailments, but sadly, it has dried up now!

Turning left from Gandhak ki Baoli, you’ll reach the Dargah of Qutub-uddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. The street towards the Dargah is full with aroma of flowers and incense stick. A little far from the Dargah, you can tingle your taste buds with Dahi Kachori and gol gappe (panipuri). Dahi kachori is prepared using curd, boiled potatoes and kachori, which is a deep fried snack with moong dal stuffing in it. Dahi Kachori tastes similar to dahi papdi, but kachori has a tincture of spicy moong dal in it.

Another place to try a variant of Kachori, is the one situated near the Hanuman Temple. The poori sabzi and kachori sabzi made there is mouth-watering. The vegetable curry is made up with potatoes and tomatoes, and to increase its tanginess, curd is added to it. The best part is that you can quench your hunger in just 20 rupees. Milk cake and Ras Malai available nearby are the best desserts to complete your meal.

Netaji-Golgappe-waaley-Mehrauli — Golgappe -Source

If you are in Mehrauli, then you shouldn’t leave without trying the seasonal sweet dishes like gajjak, gud ki patti ((jaggery bar), til ke ladoo and revdi. These sweet dishes are available in winter, when groups of women sitting and enjoying groundnut and revdi, is a common sight in Mehrauli. These seasonal dishes along with soothing sunlight, bring out the old neighbourhood culture which is dwindling now. I remember sitting beside my grandmother and a bunch of old ladies, listening to their stories and eating gajjak and revdi.

Murena Gajjak Bhandar, situated near the Mehrauli market, is the oldest shop that serves these seasonal sweet dishes. The owners allow customers to taste all their delicacies for free. Today, many shops with the same name have come up, but locals like me never fall for those counterfeits. Mehrauli market is another wonderful place that soothes the eye with vivid colours of flowers and vegetables.

Momos-in-Delhi — Momos Ritesh Man Tamrakar Via Flickr

Apart from these exceptional foods, Indian version of Chinese cuisine is also available near the Mehrauli market. Today, we can spot momo vendors, and they are crowded throughout the year. The soda shops are also a hit among locals, especially youngsters. I am sure tourists will go on a time travel, when they visit Mehrauli, since the place has an aura that touches your heart.

Be Enchanted at the Enchanted Valley Carnival in Lonavala

Vidhi Bubna

December 12, 2016

Mumbai is a bustling mega polis teeming with people rushing to their jobs. Fortunately, there are some travel destinations nearby that give much needed relief to tired souls. Lonavala is one such location situated up the Western Ghats and it is just a two-hour drive from Mumbai. The drive to the hill station is very serene and there are some lush green mountains on the way. The valley a different feel every season.

This winter season, there is good reason for all of us to travel down to Lonavala. Mid-December, the Aamby Valley beyond Lonavala is hosting the “Enchanted Valley Carnival” – a great music festival that provides an amazing experience for youngsters. It should definitely be on your bucket list if you are a music lover and if you like live music and crazy weekend partying.

The concept of the carnival is to make it like a village fair by doing crazy activities like silent music parties, bonfires, dream catcher making workshops, painting workshops, poi workshops, drum circles and sports. You will also get the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and regions. Enchanted Valley does offer to you the best two days of your year if you are a party animal and if you would like to let yourself loose during the year end.

The most unique aspect of the Enchanted Valley Carnival is the first-ever music fully-fledged campsite for a music festival, known as Enchanted Village. Besides the plethora of camping, adventure and fun activities offered here, the organisers keep your music preferences in mind and set up different stages for different genres of music. Their stages are Cosmos for pop music, Pyro for EDM, Akva for techno, Terra for live Bollywood and Aero for deep house and techno. You could choose any of the music genres and go to the venue which has the stage for your music.

This year’s Enchanted Valley Carnival is happening on 17-18 of December 2016, so mark your calendars and put some good music on and get into the party mood. The top performing artists include Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Kanungo, Badshah, Nikhil Sood and Arijit Singh. Apart from them, there are some international pop artists like Flo Rida, Alan Walker, Carlo Lion, Papon, Force etc., who will also be performing live at the festival.

If you are a student and you feel like being a little productive during the year-end, you could volunteer for EVC and go to the festival without buying a ticket. This would be an interesting experience since you get to learn event management and the work done behind the scenes in a music festival. Volunteering for a music festival is always a great experience since it allows you to learn and have fun at the same time. It is on my bucket list to volunteer for EVC this year!

It is always cheaper to book accommodation at the Enchanted Village campsite and get the tickets included in it. If you visit the campsite with your friends or in a large group, you can avail discounts on accommodation and ticket prices. The food at the festival can be a little expensive and if you are deciding to go low budget, it is a good idea to go to Lonavala for your meals and you could also pre-booze instead of buying alcohol at the event.

Enchanted-Valley-Carnival-05 — Photo – Abhinav kodam Via EVC FB Page

Lonavala has a diverse range of restaurants and bars to choose from. The perks of going to Lonavala would include enjoying the scenic beauty of the hill-station. Transport from Mumbai or Pune to Lonavala is very easy as there are buses that go to Lonavala every day and if you are in a large group, you could also hire a car and self-drive. The road is very safe even for beginners and the formation of the eastern freeway has enabled faster travel.

In short, the Enchanted Valley Carnival is a festival that is totally worth going for and you can immerse yourself in the Indian music scene and experience music and pop culture vibes. Even if you are an adult who likes to explore and understanding changing trends, this concert is the best place to lose yourself in only to find yourself again.

Factfile –
http://evc.co.in/activities

Kochi Muziris Biennale – All Set to Inspire

Santhini Koshy

December 5, 2016

Ancient archaeology and modern art – it is amazing to see a lost ancient town playing host to contemporary art and the revival of art & culture activities. ‘Kochi Muziris Biennale’ – the very name evokes colourful emotions among art-lovers; especially in those who love the idea of open boundaries and the role of artistic discourses in society.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016 – a contemporary art exhibition and a carnival of sorts is all set to begin this month in Kochi, Kerala with the theme ‘forming in the pupil of an eye’. The largest of its kind in South Asia, the biennale event will begin on 12 December 2016, and carry on till 29 March 2017. Biennale is a term in the art world to describe any large-scale international contemporary art exhibition that happens every two years. The earlier biennales, held in 2012 and 2014, were popular enough to draw a million visitors from around the world.

Kochi is famous for its Portuguese, Dutch and English settlements, housing some of the oldest churches and other monuments of historical interest in India. These locations add to the historical flavour of biennale exhibits along with the other cosmopolitan points of interest.

The art exhibition, set in carefully chosen spaces across Kochi and its surrounding islands, draws inspiration from the land’s storied past, especially from Muziris, an ancient port city said to have been the hub of the spice trade in the early centuries. Destroyed in a flood in 1341 AD, this city is also believed to have been the entry point for various religions such as Christianity, Judaism and Islam, from the Middle East to India.

Kochi and its mythical predecessor, Muziris, is an ideal place for KMB as it brings together the past, the present and future, drawing from the idea of civilisations existing together and bettering each other through exchange of resources and ideas. And this time around, Curator Sudarshan Shetty has a larger than life vision for KMB. For the theme, he has drawn from mythical accounts of India as the ‘land of the seven rivers’, looking into converging and diverging lines; artists will likewise delve into ideas of tradition and community and what the terms mean in a contemporary context.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale not only blurs geographical boundaries but also imaginary boundaries within people. In keeping with this spirit, the event this time is envisioned to blur boundaries within various artistic disciplines and showcase visual artists, poets, musicians and performance professionals from various backgrounds.

Paintings, sculptures, art installations, performing arts and film shows will be on display across nine venues including David Hall Art Gallery, Aspinwall House, Cabral Yard, Durbar Hall, Kashi Art Café and Pepper House. This diverse activity will bring alive an otherwise muted art hub, as it pulls in artists from 24 countries around the globe under one umbrella.

Students, researchers, art-lovers, collectors, art connoisseurs, thinkers are all expected to be there to engage and participate in this cultural extravaganza. In the words of Atul Dodya, India’s leading contemporary artist, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is one of the greatest things to happen to contemporary art in India.

For those who are looking for something special, this time there is a pop-up studio for home products. The Nicobar Edit will make a stop at the Biennale for two months and offer a taste of wanderlust and relaxation, in a sensual physical space created from white tents and tropical fronds.

Image sources –
https://www.facebook.com/KochiMuzirisBiennale/photos/

Echoes of Earth Enthralls Bangaloreans

Levine Lawrence

November 30, 2016

We often go to a music concert that combines a social cause with artistic excellence to appeal to a larger audience. However, we rarely find a musical festival that is totally wedded to the cause. I recently participated in an event named ‘Echoes of Earth’ that invited its audience to bring along pets, displayed eco-friendly art installations, urged us to eat organic food and invited them to attend waste recycling workshops!

Organized by Swordfish Events and Watson’s Bar, the Echoes of Earth musical festival was truly a one-of-a-kind experience that enthralled the audience with some soulful music and dazzling display of art installations. In fact there was something surreal about the whole experience; like a going through a dream sequence that remains vividly etched in our memories!

Held on 26th and 27th of November 2016 at Embassy International Riding School, Bangalore, the artist line-up at the festival included: Susheela Raman, Talvin Singh with Rishabh Seen, Submotion Orchestra, Youngr, Jordan Rakei, Alo Wala, Franca, Sam Maher, The Ska Vengers, Soulmate and many others.

I feel words cannot explain my surreal experience at the Echoes of Earth musical festival. So I would rather share some of my images that can vibrantly depict the psychedelic nature of events –

The uniqueness of the Echoes of Earth festival was evident in the dazzling art installation that masquerades as the entry sign. Each letter was decorated from recycled metal scrap, electronic waste, used tyres, and plastic wire.

Art installations were abound at Echoes of Earth. Aesthetically designed art works were displayed at the entry of each of the stage.

There were ample number of stalls from small enterprises to sell some interesting eco-friendly products and organic food items

The most dazzling display was a giant wheel decorated with colourful drapes rotating behind the centre stage to give a dynamic feel

The most famous Indian musician of foreign origin Susheela Raman rendered some soulful songs

Psychedelic images superimposed on barrels gave a surrealistic feel to the stage

Geometric installations gave an aesthetic feeling to resting lounges

Inviting pets was the most peculiar aspect of the festival

How to Go Green with Indian Ethnic Home Decor

Caleidoscope

November 21, 2016

Author – Davis Miller

Whenever we think of Indian ethnic home decor, we instantly picture colourful rugs with patterns and stripes, unusual materials such as bamboo and top-quality fabrics such as damask and cotton. In terms of accessories, the Indian style is all about artefacts and vintage cultural paintings, candles and seasonal flowers. The country’s main religion is Hinduism, which basically means adorning your home with Zen like accessories, hardwood furniture that looks outdated, and bright hues of pink and purple.

However, there’s more to the Indian ethnic home décor than meets the eye. Here are some tips on making your home feel and look greener, while still preserving Indian cultural aspects:

how-to-go-green-with-indian-ethnic-home-decor — Source: Wicker Paradise

Cultural décor accents

Urban Desi is a great Indian ethnic style that you might want to include in your home. It is a combination of modern and vintage styles that will ensure your place is cosy and comfortable. Keep the décor clean and simple. In the living room, everything should to have clean lines. A clutter-free space breathes comfort, and your guests will be instantly drawn to the Indian home décor. Change your living area’s main structure and colour of the walls. Non-VOC paint is highly recommended since toxic chemical free and eco-friendly. Add some cushions, new curtains and fluffy rugs to give your space a brand new soft feel.

Bring the place alive with fresh plants

Fresh plants are yet another excellent way of bringing some Zen into your home. Choose colourful seasonal varieties in hues of purple, yellow, white and pink. Orchids, Yucca plants, bonsais and delias can transform your home into a living, breathing garden on a budget. Many homeowners have grown fond of the Indian sense of style, mainly because it is so lively and colourful. Fresh indoor plants are not just meant to fill blank spaces; they also fill your home with fresh air and complement a dull décor. Do you have a sense of style in mind? Great, then your personal style will look with fresh plants and flowers spread all around the living area.

green home decor — Source: coco+kelley via Flickr

Rugs and curtains

India is famous for its ethnic rugs and high-quality curtains with golden stripes and purple hues. Revamp your window draperies and your place will look completely different. Choose some eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, polyester, or recycled cotton. These are affordable and are incredibly resistant to sunlight. Pops of colours are in trend this season; bright yellow with hints of black, royal blue and reds are everywhere. Use the suitable combo for your bedroom or living room curtains, and the final result will blow away your visitors!

Accessories

Accessorizing your home on a budget is something everyone can do; but you need to do it smart. Pillows, blankets, mini rugs, coasters, candles and paintings are highly recommended. To preserve the Indian ethnic style, find out more about the country’s customs and traditions. Chinaware in the dining room, golden bowls and glasses, decorative bells and paintings inspired by Indian culture will definitely make your home the abode of peace and tranquillity.

Play with some colours and go bold. Bright accents of red and purple, golden and yellow pillows on the sofa, and striped rugs are specific to India. To complete the home décor, include scented candles and aromatic sticks. You will love the end result the moment you walk into your newly decorate living room.

Indian ethnic home decor — Source: ♥threadbare via Flickr

Wallpapers

There is a wallpaper on most Indian homes because unlike sheer paint, wallpaper adds movement. It fills up a space and makes it cosy and comfortable. Pick a design that best complements your personal sense of style, and don’t be afraid to improvise. Spice things up with colours and décor items that calm you – artificial flowers might be a good idea, and even paintings with Indian scenery and natural landscapes. If you don’t know where to start, ask for help or search the web for assistance. You can find more information about Indian ethnic home décor, oilcloth fabric styles, and ways to blend vintage accents with modern accessories. Add a personal touch too; at the end of the day, it’s your home and you have the right to customize it as you see fit.

Also check out homework writing help website for all sorts of homework help in India.

Global Citizen Festival – Global Music For Local Causes

Caleidoscope

November 15, 2016

There is no doubt that music is the universal language that appeals to people of all ages, all regions and religions. Musical songs are the soul of our human existence and we all have varied choices to let in our ears to groove in our hearts.

Music is an established commercial business today that caters to millions for their entertainment. However, this melodious medium can be utilized to convey a social message. Despite the abundance of music albums and musicians around us, we rarely find musicians lending their voice for a social cause. Very few occasions, we find musical events that are dedicated to create public awareness on different social causes.

Fortunately there are concerned individuals who bring together groups of soulful singers and musical bands to play for a cause that is much larger than the commercial aspects of the event. Sunday Soul Sante, Vasantahabba, NH7 Weekender are some of musical festivals that utilize music to bring the spotlight on social cause.

Global Citizen Festival India is one such attempt for bringing together musicians to sing for a cause and raise funds. The event is organised by the Global Education & Leadership Foundation, a US-based organization that has chosen to address a range of social issues through a unique method of urging youth to campaign for their pet social cause on social media and garner maximum support. Volunteers can win tickets for the musical concert if they successfully raise funds for their cause on Ketto.org, a crowd-funding website.

The Global Citizen Festival supports three main social causes –

Education – focus is on reaching out to underprivileged children and providing education to them
Gender Equality – focus is on helping acid attack victims, preventing child marriage and empowering women to educate themselves
Water & Sanitation – focus is on preventing open defecation and finding innovative solutions for sanitation in slums

Apart from these, volunteers can choose a variety of other global issues that are part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By taking these actions, 23,000 global citizens have already won free tickets to the festival. It could be the biggest gathering of young people for a social cause with 70,000 people expected to gather for the festival in Mumbai on 19 November 2016.

The festival features pop culture icons such as Coldplay, Jay Z, Demi Lovato, Aamir Khan, Arijit Singh, Arjun Kapoor, A.R. Rahman, Amitabh Bachchan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Dia Mirza, Farhan Akhtar and many others, who will join hands with public policy makers in the government to commit to change and pledge their support to the issues that matter the most.

Since the movement was launched in India on 12 September, around 1.5 million actions have been taken by committed global citizens who are knowledgeable about global diversity and passionate about change. This is the first time that the Global Citizen movement has moved outside of North America and the youth of India have embraced the movement as a powerful way to amplify their voice as well as to catalyse change.

You too can join this unique movement to promote a social cause through music!

Factfile –
Image sources –
www.globalcitizen.in
businessworld.in

Planning a Paddleboarding Adventure: The Top Benefits of This Activity

Cscope Staff

November 12, 2016

Paddleboarding-Adventure — Image – Unsplash

More exciting than swimming and easier than sailing, stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, has become extremely popular in the last decade. While the activity is still somewhat new, it offers quite a few undeniable benefits. These aren’t just health boosters, either. If you are planning a paddleboarding adventure here at home or abroad, learn about some of the biggest benefits it offers here.

It’s an Activity Everyone Can Enjoy

One of the biggest appealing benefits of SUP is its varied level of intensity. When you cruise on a paddleboard, you can enjoy a gentle drift across a glassy lake, or if you are paddleboarding as part of your celebrity Caribbean cruises experience, you can take on a more exciting and exhilarating body of water.

For example, on a tropical beach, you can paddle out to sea and catch the biggest waves. While this is true, small children can also enjoy SUP in the shallows. This makes it a versatile, family-friendly activity that everyone should try.

You Can Participate in Stand-Up Paddleboarding Anywhere

While this is most commonly done as a beach activity, you can also use a stand-up paddleboard in a canal, on a lake, or even a river. This makes it a popular option for water-sports enthusiasts who don’t live next to the coast. They can train on the local river rather than having to drive for hours to get to the closest beach.

What’s even more appealing is that modern paddle boards are lighter than canoes and kayaks, and you can pack the inflatable option in your rucksack. This means you can always have your paddleboard with you when traveling.

Paddle Boarding is a Great Workout

While SUP is something easy to learn, it’s also a great form of exercise. The gentle turning motion used while padding will strengthen your core muscles, especially the inter-vertebral and oblique muscles. Your arms and shoulders also work to propel your body weight with the paddle, and your legs are constantly tensed, which helps to keep your body in an upright position.

Paddle Boarding is a Great Way to Stay Lean

Did you know that in just an hour of paddleboarding you can burn 400 calories or more? This also means you can build lean muscle, which will eat up fat, even when you get out of the water. By doing this activity regularly, you can burn off excess weight and reduce strain on any problem areas, such as your knees or back.

If you are paddleboarding on flat water, SUP offers you gentle strength training, which is something effective without being too strenuous. If you are chasing waves or racing, it is a great cardiovascular workout that will help build your stamina and lung capacity. SUP is considered to be a low-impact exercise, which helps to build your fitness level with a very low risk of injury and absolutely no excessive strain on your muscles.

Improve Your Balance

The paddleboard itself is unstable. This makes it such an effective workout. While it may feel as though you are standing completely still, the board’s wobbling motion requires your muscles to be constantly engaged to keep your body upright.

By practicing regularly, you’ll discover that your balance is better both on and off the water. If you play other sports, this can prove beneficial, and help with certain jobs, such as decorating. Believe it or not, paddle boarding is even a great activity for seniors, as it can help restore some balance issues that occur as a person gets older.

Are You Ready to Go Paddle Boarding?

Are you ready to see all the benefits mentioned here yourself? If so, get a paddleboard and hit the water. Chances are you will discover a few other benefits, too, not to mention this is a fun and enjoyable activity. What’s even better is that this is something you can enjoy with every member of your family, regardless of where you live.

Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim

Caleidoscope

November 7, 2016

Sikkim’s is popular as a tourist destination and is rising substantially as various people want to explore its multiple dimensions. One such dimension is its rich flora and fauna which helps the visitors to connect with the nature during their stay in this state.

The wildlife and vegetation of Sikkim is so vast that its information is penned down in the form of multiple books which include ‘Flora of Sikkim,’ by Ramesh Chandra Srivastava, ‘The Butterflies of Sikkim Himalaya and their natural history,’ by Meena Haribal and ‘Birds of Sikkim,’ by Salim Ali.

Some of the popular Sikkim Tourism places where visitors can experience the surreal beauty of Sikkim include:

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is located on the eastern part of the Sikkim and is home to some rare and endangered species of plants. The ground slipper orchid and Rhododendron niveum (Sikkim’s state tree) are also introduced here for protection of these species. Species of musk deer, Himalayan black beer and red panda etc can also be located in this sanctuary.

Kanchenjunga National Park

Also referred as Khangchendzonga National Park or Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, this place is a combination of Biosphere reserve and a national park. The place is home to myriad mammal species which include slot bear, Himalayan black bear, Red panda (state animal of Sikkim) and barking deer etc. it is also home to numerous reptiles like Russell’s viper and rat snake. The place abodes about 550 bird species like osprey, lammergeyer, Green pigeon and Asian Emerald cuckoo.

This park has mixed forest type with trees like birch, maple and fir etc. various herbs and medicinal plants are also present at higher altitudes.

Trekking and lodging are some of the activities performed among this stunning natural region by the tourists.

The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is a paradise for nature photographers and wildlife lovers. It is home to numerous lovely bird species like scaly laughing thrush, hill partridge and chestnut crowned warbler and many more. Mammals which can be sighted easily in this region include red panda, barking deer and yellow throated marten to name a few. It is advised to hire a guide in this sanctuary when visiting first time as the trails of this region are quite confusing and complex.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

This is bit underrated sanctuary of Sikkim where one gets lost in the beauty of colourful floral species like orchids and rhododendrons. All the bright coloured flowers including pink, maroon, cream, purple and red etc can be spotted within this sanctuary making it a must visit for nature photographers and seekers of beauty.

Sikkim International Flower Festival – Tourists can also experience the floral heritage of Sikkim through this tourism festival which is held each year during the month of March or April. The festival boasts numerous species of trees, ferns, orchids and rhododendrons.

So, its awe inspiring scenic places can fill tourist’s mind with calmness and pleasure forever and must be the part of travel itinerary when customizing your Wildlife Tours in India

Of Ruins and Open Fields in Hampi

Caleidoscope

November 4, 2016

Author – Shweta Gurjar

I was in Bangalore when I decided to stop by Hampi. Halfway from Pune, it seemed like a perfect stop over. A long 10-hour bus ride brought us to Hospet. It was 8.30pm and the sun was long gone, and further rickshaw ride to Hampi seemed like riding into nothingness. Checked into my dorm room, but the place was surrounded with darkness. The only light that shone brightly in this small town was from the Virupaksha Temple, located 100 meters away from my room.

Day ends early in this part of town. I was lucky enough to find a ‘chaiwala’ at 10pm to refresh, and had luckily collected enough street food at various bus stops to make for dinner. It was too dark to see anything anyway and sleep was the best option.

Woke up at 6am to the sunrise and the shadow of the tall detailed temple. My first sight of Hampi was brown with overcast sky with shades of grey and green trees. Big boulders reaching the sky lay all about, as if a construction site of super giants. The Virupaksha Temple was filled with friendly pilgrims and I joined them in chanting mantras. The temple is huge, filled with muggy smell and dark corners. All pillars and floors are carved in single tall rocks, and through every door, there was something interesting to see or a new deity to greet. Across are the Bear Sanctuary and the Nandi Monolith.

Life in Hampi can be divided into 3 different lifestyles: the religious and conservative, the hippie, and the secluded. After a night of religious and conservative experience, I checked into the farthest guesthouse, on the outskirts to experience nature at Hampi. A quick ride across the river in round straw and bamboo boats, a rented bike at the other end, long winding roads led to the guesthouse nestled in the never ending paddy and sugarcane fields. Huge boulders spread across, cutting off the view at the horizon.

The ruins in Hampi are widely spread across the radius of 10kms, of which are mostly green open fields of paddy, palms, and coconuts. The guesthouses are beautifully placed such that rooms are either in the centre of a field or overlooking it. Private, loaded with nature, and relaxing! Every guesthouse has its own restaurant with typical food of pasta, parathas, and falafel, and everyone serves beer, so complete nourishment is guaranteed. However, my craving for a South Indian thali remained unattainable.

The architecture of the ruins and other monuments in Hampi is a bombardment of art. They are spread all across the town. Of them, my favourite remain the Hazara Rama Temple that has carved Ramayana on its stony walls, right from the top to bottom. It is said that if you make ‘three pradakshinas’ around this temple, then you have read the entire Ramayana. Adjacent to it is the Mint Garden surrounded by open never ending fields, ruins, an overcast sky, and nature at its best! And my most favourite is the famous Vitthala Temple, with Kali sitting in her chariot made of stone. It is said that King Krishnadevaraya was very fond of music, and so he build the Vitthala Temple with pillars that made music. They don’t allow us to touch these pillars now, but I was lucky enough to sneakily tap to the music of tabla, flute, veena and horse gallops… until I was escorted out!

Other than the ruins of Hampi are its beautiful treks. It’s okay if you’re not a trek person, but do not miss out on the Monkey Temple. A soaring height almost reaching the sky, the Anegundi Hill is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Painted in white, the never ending stairs offer a spectacular view every few feet up. The Tungabhadra (Pampa) River winds spectacularly through Hampi. Many monkeys inhabit this hill, and they love to steal junk food of cookies over coconuts. At the hill top, the energy of the place is amazing, with an added bonus of the view of entire Hampi.

My last days were spend in the hippie part of Hampi, relaxing on the hammock between tall coconut trees, and huts made of bamboo and hay. The local people of Hampi are simple, helpful, yet business minded making it a little too commercial. I can’t complain though, because this place is one of a kind, as if made from magic.

1...191192193...256 Page 192 of 256