Monthly Archives: April 2017

India, Punjab, Tourism, Travel

An hour of Patriotism : Flag Retreat Ceremony at Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur

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The state Punjab, also known as the land of five rivers is bordered by Pakistani Province of Punjab on the west. And to demarcate the Indo – Pakistan regions there is Line of Control and three main borders in Punjab. These are Wagah Border (near Amritsar); Hussainiwala border (near Firozpur) and Sulemanki border (near Fazilka).

Out of all these three, the Hussainiwala border is just an hour’s journey from my hometown (35 Kms from Faridkot and 110 km from Ludhiana). We had planned several times earlier to see the flag retreat ceremony at Hussainiwala but always failed. Finally, it was this time to get immersed in the electrifying atmosphere of patriotism. The time to see; the lines of demarcation created by humans on map, land as well as in minds; the stomping and posing by BSF (Border Security Forces) Jawans of India and the Rangers of Pakistan.

Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur
Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur

About Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur

The Hussainiwala border lies 11 km from Firozpur/ Ferozepur. The border is bordered by Hussainiwala village on one side and Pakistani village Ganda Singh Wala on another side. The Indian check post is just 100 meters from the zero point whereas Pakistan’s post is around 600 meters. (As Narrated by the BSF personnel at Bunker)

Entrance to Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur
Entrance to Hussainiwala Border

The roads to reach the area are wide, clean, and decorated with swaying golden wheat fields on each side. On the way, in the evening you will only meet passing vehicles of army personnel and the travelers traveling to see the retreat ceremony. Before the border entrance, there is a huge Iron Bridge on River Sutlej which is closed on the Pakistan side.

Iron Bridge near Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur

Hussainiwala Border History

The Firozpur Border used to be the trade route for import of Kandahari Angoor (dehydrated grapes) and other fruits from Pakistan and Afghanistan, till 1970.  Since then the border roads are closed and only evening flag retreat ceremonies take place here.

How to Reach Hussainiwala Border

The Hussainiwala border lies 11 km from Firozpur/ Ferozepur, 35 Kms from Faridkot, 110 km from Ludhiana & 23 Km from Chandigarh. It is well connected by rail and road. The nearest railway station is at Firozpur itself whereas the nearest airport is at Ludhiana or Amritsar.

The Flag Retreat ceremony at Hussainiwala Border

The flag retreat ceremony at Ferozpur Hussaini Border started taking place only after 1970 when Mr. Ashawani Kumar Sharma, BSF Inspector General called upon both the authorities and suggested to start the flag retreat ceremony.

Hussainiwala Border Parade Timings

The hussainiwala retreat ceremony happens at fixed timings every day i.e. 5:30 pm in summers and 5:00 pm in winters and the whole ceremony lasts for half an hour. The entry gates open exactly half an hour before the beginning of the retreat.

Hussainiwala Border Entry Fee

There is an unpaid entry ticket or VIP Pass for the ceremony, which you get after showing I card. VIP Passes will land you sitting in the front row on chairs and general ticket on stairs. I personally feel that location for general ones is better than VIP’s for good clicks and one feels more enthusiastic there seeing the whole crowd cheering up.

Remember, the ticket is equally important for the exit too. Losing tickets means inviting trouble for yourself. The Jawans will kill you with the questions as well as they think you have come across the border. I will say God saves you here.

Inside the Border Parade Ceremony Area

On entry, the patriotic songs were buzzing at full volume with the sun planning to settle down. There is an aroma of patriotism in the air. Meanwhile, some of the BSF Jawans were busy settling down the crowd and they warned everyone from raising anti slogans.

Indo- Pakistan; Hussainiwala Border; Firozpur
Gates Closed between India & Pakistan at Hussainiwala Border

Once we settled down, we saw the Indian and Pakistan galleries are so close and opposite, that we could easily see each other so clearly. Is this the white line on the ground and gates on that line which has demarcated us into India and Pakistan? Why was the feeling and simultaneously there were questions running behind mind; after all, we all are humans and creation of same God, then, why there is so much hatred.

Before the retreat commenced there are a plethora of unstoppable patriotic slogans “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” from the Indian side, reciprocated by Pakistan from another side of the border. Then was the entry of real heroes of the show – BSF Jawans and Pakistan Rangers in equal numbers (not only men, women too). The BSF Jawans are dressed in their dress with red Peta whereas the rangers in black Kurta Pyjamas.

Opened gates for flag retreat ceremony at Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur
Opened gates for flag retreat ceremony at Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur

The Jawans turn wise clatter their feet on the ground and stomp them in the air which is followed by huge cheer and applause from the countrymen. Rangers in response, try to give poses of being more fearless and aggressive. Each of them even widens their chests to show their strength and anger. This is not all, still, the retreat of the flag is there and it is really interesting and jingoistic.

 

The flag Retreat Ceremony

The Jawans and Rangers cross the white line to come to the other countryside and form a beautiful cross X with the flag threads. Both the flags are held together at the junction and then are brought down at speed and folded neatly. It is actually a unique and amazing experience to witness the whole retreat ceremony.

 

As soon as the flags are folded and handed over, the BSF Jawans ask you to leave the premises. They ensure that the civilians intentionally or unintentionally should not cross the borderline.

Way to Hussaini Border, Firozpur
Way to Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur

Some Important Points

  1. Do remember to carry the Identity card with yourself.
  2. There is an entry ticket (unpaid) or VIP Pass for the ceremony (which you get after showing I card). The ticket is equally important for the exit too.
  3. VIP Passes will land you sitting in the front row on chairs and general ticket on stairs.
  4. In summers, the sun is on your head, so bring your umbrella as well as sunshades.
  5. You can carry your snacks and water bottle inside but do remember to bring them out too. Littering is not allowed and it helps to keep the premises clean too.
  6. Ask for permission to click the picture with the BSF personnel. They won’t say No and they actually like getting themselves clicked.
  7. Nearby, there is a park where memorials of Shahid Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev are built. If you have time go and pay tribute to them.
  8. Don’t dare to raise anti-national slogans as you will be chucked out and punished for the same.
  9. If elders are accompanying you, there is a facility of an electric car which can help them drop till the ceremony area.
  10. Weekends are more crowded than the weekdays at Hussainiwala Border Firozpur, as locals flock to see the ceremony, so plan your trip accordingly.
Indian BSF Jawan at Border
Indian BSF Jawan at Hussainiwala Border, Firozpur

Our Experience

Both the countries India and Pakistan might have enough hatred for each other but the Border is one place where both the countrymen are enough civilized, happily cheerful, and performs the same consensual rituals and now this ceremony had been happening for years. I just hope that a similar understanding might solve the other problems between the two nations and maintain peace.

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Firozpur Border Retreat Ceremony
 
Hotel Review, Hotels, India, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Hotel Review: Country Inn Mussoorie

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Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills, is a weekend getaway from Chandigarh and Delhi. It is and was always known as the charming Hill station with beautiful views of Doon Valley and clear blue sky. But now, the ease of transportation and vacationing has turned this place into Hill City rather than Hill station. Mussoorie has become super crowded. In short, the beauty of the Valley has eloped away by construction of tall hotels, and restaurants. I should say there are hardly any spaces left on the sides of mall road from where one can get clear wide views of the valley. Anyways to take the feel of Hill station, to get wide views and feel fresh mountain air, I decided to take an accommodation at a Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie which is on the outskirts, away from Mussoorie’s mall road and city’s hustle bustle.

The Hotel Country Inn and Hotel Country Inn & Suites by Carlson are two separate properties in Mussoorie.

Hotel Country inn Mussoorie
Over Crowded Mussoorie

Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie

The hotel country inn Mussoorie is situated on the Dehradun- Mussorie road, approx 3 km away from the mall road. The hotel is nestled between magnificent lush mountains on sides, Doon Valley view below and tall coniferous trees all over.

Hotel Country inn Mussoorie
Source: Tripadvisor

Rooms at Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie

The hotel has 13 total cottages out of which 12 falls into deluxe and 1 into luxury suite category.

Cottages at hotel Country Inn Mussoorie
Cottages at Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie

The cottages are bedded for single to three persons and have complete in-room amenities like Television, Tea/coffee maker, air conditioner, geyser etc. There is a balcony in front of each cottage which offers you the complete the bird’s eye view of the Doon Valley.

Cottage & views from Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie

Early morning the valley views are misty and if there are clouds too, one can see them floating in between blue-sky and tall mountains. During the day when the sun is at its peak, the whole space gets lit up and the houses look like blocks on the slopes of mountains.

Doon Valley View from hotel country inn Mussoorie
Doon Valley View from the Hotel Country Inn

Please Note: Only 2-3 cottages are located adjacent to each other at one step and you need to take a steep climb to reach them. So, it is tough if elderly people are accompanying you.

Slope to reach cottages at Hotel country inn Mussoorie

Food at hotel country inn Mussorie

There is a separate multi-cuisine restaurant which serves Indian, continental and Chinese food in the buffet or a la carte. There is no bar facility.

Multi-cuisine restaurant at Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie
Multi-cuisine restaurant at Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie

My Experience with food: In February which they say it is off season- they have very limited options in cuisine as well as food. But the food quality was really good. The correct term will be finger licking. I enjoyed my food on the terrace with the bright lit valley views.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRAWaSuh4gk/?taken-by=suruchimittal&hl=en

The timings for Breakfast are between 8:00 am -10:00 am and Dinner between 8:00 – 9:30 pm.

Activities 

Within the hotel country inn Mussoorie, one can spend time playing Table Tennis, Carrom Board, Chess, Cards, puzzles, Ludo, darting etc. It is a complete fun day for children. Apart from indoor facilities the hotel too organizes some outdoor activities like cycling, river crossing, kayaking, rappelling, trekking, nature walks, bird watching but only on prior request.

Parking

There is a good car parking space available within the hotel, just outside the reception area.

Conclusion

I recommend this place only if you are looking for a mid segment range hotel away from the city rush with great views. I spent Rs. 3000/- for one night but didn’t feel it worth at all.

The rooms are spacious but the quality of linen, decor and toiletries doesn’t stand anywhere near 3 or 4 stars. The bed makes so much of noise while turning. The huge windows in rooms offer great views but you cannot keep the blinds or curtains open during the day, as there is a common passage for the adjacent rooms, so no privacy.

Yes! there is something fascinating and epic about the air conditioner installed in the rooms.  I had to click this and really hats off to the person who could replicate the cover and swings.

AC in Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie

Rating

I rate (3out of 5). That too, because of the mesmerizing Doon valley views, quietness, and food at the Hotel Country Inn Mussoorie.

Some Additional Info:

  1. They provide pick and drop facility from the mall road or one can even walk down.
  2. You can avail the discount by getting a room booked from MakeMyTrip or Tripadvisor.com. ( I got my room booked from MakeMyTrip and got 1000 Rs cheaper than the actual price.
  3. Enjoy your breakfast on the terrace.
  4. Some of the staff members were really courteous and pleasing whereas other even don’t even have the complete information about the property.

Note: This is not a sponsored post and is completely written on my experience.

There is an another property to check, with awesome views on Camels Back Road – The Pacific Hotel Mussoorie. Click for the review.

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India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Harsil: The Virgin Village of Uttarakhand

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When I say, Harsil the virgin village of Uttarakhand, I don’t mean the villagers don’t like themselves or their surroundings being touched as it is in Malana village of Himachal.  But the word virgin here means the village is unpolluted; not destroyed, has retained its natural beauty and traditional culture. The Harsil Village of Uttarakhand is serene and it has not been influenced by the fast developing urbanization and civilization. I actually had a feeling that Thank God! at least this village is saved.

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Village Harsil, Uttarakhand
First Glimpse of Village Harsil

The dense lush slopes of deodar trees encapsulated the Harsil village from all sides; the clear bluish green River Gangotri make its own way amidst the village and snow capped peaks kissing the blue sky makes the village look abode in heaven.

The Harsil Village

The Village Harsil lies at an altitude of 7860 feet and is located 70 Km ahead of Uttarakashi and 23 km before Gangotri on the Uttarkashi – Gangotri Highway. Harsil is an army cantonment area with only a few houses, guest houses, small market and local Dhabas.

Harsil Village, Uttarakhand
Source: https://www.yogeshsarkar.com/

How to reach Harsil

Route from Delhi: Delhi – Noida – Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee- Haridwar – Rishikesh- Uttarkashi – Harshil

Time to reach from Delhi: 13 -15 hrs by road.  By air, one can fly to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant) and from there the rest journey till Harsil Valley can be covered in 6-7 hrs by car.

Advised Stoppages:  At least one-night stoppage is advised for Harsil if you are driving by car. One can opt to stop either at Haridwar or Rishikesh. That covers almost half of the journey. We stopped at Uttarkashi, which covered  3/4th of the total distance. You can read my Uttarkashi post-Uttarkashi post here.

Best Season to Travel: April – June and September to October (full season); November – March (offseason)

Expected Temperature: In Summers temperature day temperature varies between 10 -15 degree Celsius and night can go till 7-8 degree Celsius whereas in winters the day temperature is between 0-10 degree Celsius and at nights it can dip too low as – 5 degree Celsius or more.

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Interesting History Behind Village Harsil

The Village Harsil is famous for Raja or Pahadi “Wilson” whose original name was Frederick. E. Wilson. He deserted the British army and escaped into the Garhwal mountains. While rescuing he landed at a remote beautiful village Harsil; where he married a beautiful Pahadi girl and got settled. For his living, he started selling huge deodar trees/wood to Britishers by floating them in the river. This was sold for railway construction. By selling these rail sleepers he became so powerful that he started his own currency coins which were even available with the locals till the 1930s.

Wilson Forest Guest House at Harsil Village, Uttarakhand
Wilson House

He too built his own mansion a Wilson Cottage at a beautiful location. The cottage is just located after crossing the bridge which later on caught fire and got turned into ruins. Now the cottage has been restored by Forest Department and converted into Forest Guest House.

Wilson Mansion at Harsil Village in Uttarakhand
The Wilson House

Attractions of Village Harsil

On walking ahead of the Wilson cottage there is a wide river which was almost dry during my visit but locals told in summers it is filled with one of the purest and cleanest waters. The water of this river has medicinal properties as it is rich in minerals and digestive enzymes.

River passing inbetween village Harsil and Bagori - Harsil Village, Uttarakhand

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Keep following the trail ahead for almost 1- 1.5 km and there is another small village Bagori having traditional wooden Pahadi row houses. I simply loved these houses, they look so homely. During my visit in February the whole village was closed, I mean locked (I have actually never seen anything like that). There was not even a single human except some Pahadi dogs which were our companions till Buddhist Monastery. Honestly, it was scary too.

The way to village Bagori - in Harsil Valley of Uttarakhand
Trail to Village Bagori

From the river itself, there were few more trails going up the mountains which looked adventurous but I was advised by my guest caretaker not to explore them in the late evening.

On the other side of the bridge crossing the cantonment offices, there is a trail going to another religiously famous Village Mukhwa.

Village Mukhwa near Harsil Village, Uttarakhand
The Village Mukhwa

In off season/winters; when the main Gangotri Temple is closed, the deities of Goddess Gangotri are brought down here in the village temple, so the Village Mukhwa is a winter abode of Maa Gangotri.

The Village Mukhwa is abode of Goddess Gangotri in Winters - near village HarsilThis village lies almost 3 km from the village Harsil and the views from here are breathtaking.

The views from Village Mukhwa near Harsil are breath taking
Breathtaking views from village Mukhwa

One can hike ( bit steep) or go by car, as the road is motorable. I went by car but personally recommend to go hiking, if you can to get the mesmerizing views of nature.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRVj-zchAbP/?taken-by=suruchimittal&hl=en

Places to stay in Harsil

There are few guesthouses and hotels in Harsil. All of them are fully equipped and operational during the seasons but the problem arises during offseason. During my off season visit, only two of them were operational – GMVNL and Sunder Guesthouse. So, first, we checked the stay option with GMVNL (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd) and I didn’t like the rooms. They were smelly as well as not at all cozy; which was must require for the dipping temperatures in Harsil. So, we headed to the Sunder Guest House. The attendant here was welcoming and he helped us out in every way. He even took the pain of preparing fresh food with the selected vegetables available in the market. Don’t expect that you can get all type of food and vegetable. So, relish your tongue with the limited options only. Even the place and rooms were warm, cozy and comfortable.

Sunder Guest House in Village Harsil
Sunder Guest House, Harsil

Overall this small village is an incredible gem in the lap of nature. It bestowed me in every sense and I wish to go back to explore the left out trails.

Note:

  1. Always carry some of the woolens as temperatures are low in this belt of Uttarakhand and they can further dip anytime.
  2. In offseason, the whole of villages is locked. So refer locals about the available accommodation and food options.
  3. Always keep some snacks handy for the way, as there are not much-running Dhabas during offseason.
  4. The food options and Vegetables available are very limited at these altitudes, so eat whatever you get. Sometimes you need to kill your taste buds too.
  5. Do carry a small heater or hot water bottle if you feel excess cold.
  6. Avoid driving if there is old snow on the road. Your car/ Bike can slip and put you into trouble for life.
  7. Check the weather conditions with locals before heading ahead on this route.
  8. Be slow while driving as at point the road is for a single vehicle. There is no race going and you won’t be rewarded for anything.

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Harsil: The Virgin Village of Uttarakhand