A walk to the Nako Village; Himachal Pradesh

July 21, 2017 allgudthings 30 Comments

As we were heading to Spiti Valley from Kinnaur, the road was curling and getting narrower through the wide valleys, the wind was flowing through the mountains, and I looked out through the window of my car in astonishment that how the lush green mountains were taken over by arid huge mountains. There were no people and vehicles around, only we, the nature and sky in its quintessence form. So, ideally, we should say it was a “Drive to No Land”. Finally, we saw the colorful Buddhist flags fluttering over the peak and a small village popped out nestled among the barren Himalayas. It was none other than the Heritage Nako Village which is well known for its Nako Lake and centuries old Nako Monastery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQp858Qh50n/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Distance: From Delhi- 671 km; Shimla- 331 km; Sangla- 129 km; From Rekong Peo- 103 Km

Route from Delhi: Delhi – Chandigarh- Shimla – Rampur – Chulling – Karcham- Kalpa- Spello – Pooh -Nako

The ideal time to visit Nako Village: April – October. Avoid traveling during winters as there is heavy snowfall and roads get closed.

At evening, the first glimpse of Nako Village at Himachal Pradesh — Nako Village view from Kanygoh Kinner Camps

Nako Village; Himachal Pradesh

The word Nako comes from the Tibetan word “Nego” which means Door to Holy place.

The small picturesque green Nako Village located in Kinnaur district is perched on the banks of Nako Lake at 11,893 feet. It lies in the Hangrang Valley and has an extraordinary backdrop of majestic Reo Purgyal (22,632 feet), which is the highest mountain of Himachal Pradesh. The Nako Village is a part of restricted zone along the Tibet border. Foreign tourist needs to take an Inner Line permit from DC office at Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Rekong Peo or Kaza for visiting and staying in this village and it is valid for two weeks.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKLlz3hcRU/?taken-by=suruchimittal

The Nako Village is a glory with maze cobbled lanes and further by lanes. The traditional houses are made of stone and mud which remain warm in winters and cool in summers. Summers are just for the say; as the maximum temperature in peak summers here goes to 20 degree Celsius. The doors are made of stone and wood and are painted from inside with the Buddhist inscriptions. Gradually; the concrete and more modern houses too have come up with the trolling tourism.

Solar panels are installed at many places in the village to reduce carbon emissions from firewood. Villagers and their chief strongly believe in making the place environment-friendly, as they clearly understand that Nako village lies in seismic zone 5 and too much environmental disturbance can lead to severe disaster.

The Prayer wheels, flags and Mani stone mounds are seen around for the peace and prosperity of the village. The villagers have Tibetan features and burnt complexion, as they love soaking themselves in the direct sun during days and fire at night.

Most of the villagers are shepherds and have herds of cattle, goats, sheep, and donkeys. They have plantations of peas, carrots, rajma (pulses) apples and cherries. The Nako village, villagers practice Buddhism and speak Hindi and Bhoti. (Bhoti is a dialect of Tibet)

Farming at Nako Village — Source: Outdoor Photographer

The greenish blue lake, vast azure sky and the open expanses around the village make it a tourist as well as photographers paradise.

Attractions at Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

Nako Lake

The Nako Lake is just like an oasis in between the naked mountains. It is oval shaped, seasonal Lake with a small walkway along. The thick canopy of Willow and Poplar trees surrounds the Lake periphery from all sides giving it a bluish green color. The Lake is sacred, as Saint Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated here.

Padmasambhava Temple at Nako Village

Just close to the Nako Lake lies Padmasambhava temple; which holds his idol and foot prints on the stone dating back to 8^th century.

Nako Monastery

Rinchen Zangpo also known as Ratna Bhadra; translated all the Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Tibetan and established 108 monasteries in this region in the 11^th century. Nako Monastery is one of those monasteries. Monastery has bright artwork, centuries old sculptures, idols, and murals in it. During 1975 earthquake, the roofs and artwork of monastery were vandalized. Further, due to extreme winters in 1998, the monastery was at the urge of collapse. In 2002, Nako Preservation Project was launched to restore the Nako monastery and other affected buildings and today this monastery stands well in a restored condition. (Note: Photography is strictly prohibited in the monastery).

Chango Gompa

The Chango Gompa lies on the Spiti road at Chango. It has 500 years old prayer wheel which is 3.5 meters in diameter. The Chango village is famous for apricots and apples.

Accommodation at Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

The budgeted home stays, hotel Reo Purgil and Knaygoh Kinner Camp are the only options for accommodation at Nako Village. The price for Homestay starts from Rs. 200 and goes up to Rs. 650/- whereas in the hotel and camps it goes up to Rs.4000/-. We stayed at Knaygoh Kinner camps and it was worth every penny. The camps offer a panoramic splendid view of Nako Village and snow capped; arid Himalayas.

Food at Nako Village

The locals run small Dhabas and serve momos, chowmein, maggi, soup, Rajma rice and Parantha as a menu. At Reo Purgil and Knaygoh Kinner camps, one can get to taste the local, Indian as well as continental cuisines.

Travel Tips for Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

Roads are perfectly built but narrow. So, prefer driving up and down only during day times. Moreover, nothing beats the day views of this valley and we are sure you cannot afford to miss them.
Nako Village lies in a rain shadow region. Always there is an overcast of clouds but rains happen unlikely. The rain usually happens in the form of snow here.
In the evenings and mornings temperature dip variably in summers too, so always carry sufficient woolens along.
Always walk clock wise around Buddhist temples and shortens, keeping your right side facing them. Don’t touch stone mounds and prayer flags with the left hand.
The Youth social club puts real efforts to keep the village clean and eco-friendly. They have installed dustbins throughout the village. So, use them to throw the waste.
Avoid using poly bags. The members of youth club encourage villagers to use cloth bags instead of poly bags and they have distributed them too.
Wood is the most expensive thing in Nako. You may have to pay additionally for the bonfire.
Avoid playing loud music especially at night.
Before leaving for a road trip, get your vehicle properly inspected and keep it equipped with the required accessories.
Do spend a night at Nako, to experience the heritage, spirituality, and tranquillity of nature. There are never ending mountainscapes, which leaves you wondering every way.

We left Nako Village with a broad smile, thinking to return back soon. What do you think about this heaven?

Sri Lanka, Tourism, Travel

Virgin White Tea Estate Tour – Handunugoda; Sri Lanka

July 13, 2017 allgudthings 78 Comments

Ah, Tea! It is the world’s most acceptable beverage and second most popular drink. Tea works in every situation – be it cold, sitting down to work, to cheer someone up or as a medicinal remedy. Tea too has strong social and cultural connotations and is a sign of hospitality, worldwide. China is the largest producer as well as consumer of Tea and Sri Lanka ranks fourth in the production as well as export and its consumption is far less. We all know about the different varieties of tea – black tea, green tea, herbal tea but have you heard about Virgin White Tea. It came as something new to us and now exploring the Virgin White tea estate and tasting virgin white tea was high on our list.

Virgin White Tea Estate, Handunugoda, Sri lanka — Source: Lanka Houses

One fine day, after breakfast at Apa Villa Illuketia in Sri Lanka, we took our bike and rode to the south coast of Sri Lanka to explore more dormant villages and the virgin white tea estate, Handunugoda at Ahangama.

The Virgin White Tea Estate, Sri Lanka

The Virgin White Tea estate, Handunugoda is a family owned plantation of planter Malinga Herman in Tittagalla, Ahangama. In fact, this is the only tea estate that is so close to the sea in the whole world. It lies 160 km from Colombo; 24 km from Galle Fort; and 6 Km inland from the main highway nestled between the evergreen forest and the vast Indian Ocean.

As we arrived at the estate, we could see women dressed in coats and plucking the tea leaves and there was a continuous music by birds in the plantation. The briefing about the estate began by plantation guide in minutes and this is how he went about the property. The total Handunugoda estate is spread over 150 acres, out of which 75 acres is only of tea and the balance 75 acres is of rubber, cinnamon, and coconut. The estate is not a mass producer of Tea but produces the only choicest collection of tea that matches International Standards.

The Handunugoda estate manufactures 5 categories of tea: Black Tea, Oolong tea, green tea, white tea and Herbal infusions. To us, the most attractive were Virgin White Tea, so let’s start with it.

Total Duration for Tour: 1-5 -2 hrs

Best time to visit: Any day of the week, between 8:00 am- 4:30 pm

Story behind Virgin White Tea

The Virgin white tea estate produces Virgin white tea, completely untouched by hands. The white tea leaves here are harvested, following the Chinese rituals.

Haresting Virgin White Tea- at Virgin White tea estate, Handunugoda, Sri Lanka — Source: Tripadvisor

In the ancient era, the Chinese emperor Tsong and Tsang used to deploy the virgins to pick the leaves wearing white silk gloves, with a golden scissor into a golden bowl. The virgin white tea never touched the bare skin until it touched the lips of an Emperor. This high tea was only for the emperor and served to the rulers and dignitaries.

The Handunugoda estate still mimics this tradition except that the virgin concept now applies only to the tea and not to the pluckers. After explaining this; he kept on walking ahead and we were still lost in the leaves and his confident words.

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Processing of White tea

Virgin White Tea is unique and it requires minimal processing. Each step while processing is done with special attention and care.

At dawn, as the first sunlight hits the tea estate, the unopened buds are carefully picked by tea pluckers in the bowls and placed in silk pouches. After plucking, the buds are spread over black flannel trays and are dried only using the filtered sunlight. When the bud dries completely, it is packed delicately in air tight containers using the soft gloves. Isn’t that interesting process for royal tea?

Virgin White Tea spread over Black Flannel surface trays - Virgin white tea estate, Sri lanka — Source: Herman Tea

Manufacturing of other Ceylon Tea (Black Tea)

The Black tea is manufactured after series of eight steps and the equipment used in the estate is more than 150 years old. So, Handunugoda estate is also referred as a Living and Working Museum.

Virgin White Tea Estate, Handunugoda- Living & Working Museum — Source: Tripadvisor

The process starts by plucking bud and tender leaves by hand and this is termed as Fine Plucking. Then, the leaves are sorted to remove the coarse mature leaves, as they can affect the quality of tea. After sorting, leaves are withered by cool air to reduce moisture content. Withering make them more pliable and also activates certain elements in the leaf which are essential for quality tea. Next, the leaves are rolled. Rolling is performed at fixed room temperature to bring out the flavors of tea. It also gives the curved appearance of tea. After rolling the leaves turn golden brown and are further put to fermentation. The fermented leaves are called Dhools. Next, the leaves are Dried by conditioned air to reduce moisture content and deactivate fermenting enzymes. From here, the tea is further moved for grading. The last step Packaging at Handunugoda is still done by hands in air tight containers.

Interesting Facts about Virgin White Tea

The average plantation worker picks 25 -30 kg of Black tea leaves in a day whereas, at Handunugoda estate, a damsel only picks 150 -160 grams of virgin white leaves in a day. That means 3.5 -4 kg in a month and 48 kg in a year.
White tea is delicate in flavors and aroma.
White tea has 10.11% antioxidants, highest of all the teas and other beverages. So, it is the healthiest tea in the world. Apart from this, white tea has many medical benefits. It is rich in vitamin A; reduces inflammation; prevent eye dryness and night blindness.
Virgin white tea is also one of the most expensive teas is the world. Usually, it is sold at a price of $1500 per kg.
Mariage Freres International situated at Faubourg Saint –Honore in central Paris is the only Tea Salon to stock this Herman Virgin White Tea.
The one teaspoon of exquisite white tea can make 3-4 cups of tea.

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Visiting tea plantations and getting lost in the lush terraced landscapes is what we had dreamt of. But we never knew we will have step back into the colonial times along the coastal belt. We had one of a kind experience visiting Virgin White Tea estate, Handunugoda, and factory. The session was followed by a tea tasting along with chocolate cake, in the owner’s bungalow verandah and it was good enough to seduce our senses.

Verandah of Virgin White Tea Estate, Handunugoda- where tea and cake was served — Source: TripAdvisor

Apart from this, there is a tea museum within the estate where one can taste almost 50 varieties of tea including virgin white tea and shop them from the tea shop. We highly recommend Virgin White Tea, Pure Lemongrass, and Rainforest tea, if you are willing to purchase. Climb upstairs from here to have a peek into old pictures and paintings on the walls and to have a panoramic view of a plantation.

Contact Details: Handunugoda Tea Factory, Tittagalla, Ahangama, Sri Lanka.

Phone No: (+94) 772065555/ 777713999/ 91 2286364

Email Id: [email protected]

Website: www.hermanteas.com

Note: The Handunugoda or Virgin White Tea estate at Sri Lanka, offers a free guided tour of the plantation and factory, along with tea at the end of a session.

And if you are a book lover, then do buy Herman autobiography- The Suicide Club: A Virgin Tea Planter’s Journey, which is highly entertaining and has great insights about his life, tea, and Sri Lanka, from the waning days of the British Raj to today.

We feel the visit to Virgin White Tea Estate was quite interesting if you too feel so please share it with your friends.

Also Read the complete Sri Lanka Itinerary

Hotel Review, Hotels, Sri Lanka, Tourism, Travel

Heritage Property near Galle: Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri Lanka

July 8, 2017 allgudthings 62 Comments

Grandiose Dutch estate in the woods, rich food, immaculate hospitality, peace and “We” time is what sums up our stay at 200 years old heritage property near Galle – Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri Lanka.

After reaching the Colombo airport, we hired a cab and drove to the South coast of Sri Lanka till Galle. The distance was just 120 km from Colombo but the single road lane, non-stop chit chat with the driver, scenic landscapes, endless seascapes on one side and, comatose villages under the shade of palm trees on another side, turned the whole road trip to 6 hours. Trust us, the six hours passed away in a jiffy admiring Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

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It was almost evening when we reached Galle and our destination; Apa Villa Illuketia was further laid 5- 7 kilometers deep in the forests. As we started moving inland, the seascapes turned to lush green fields and the sound of ocean waves was taken away by birds chirping. The open blue sky turned dark by the thick canopy of swaying palm and bamboo trees.

Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri Lanka

The Apa Villa Illuketia, a plantation heritage property is a mix of contemporary and traditional designs. It is modernized to the needs but has retained the ancient culture. The property is 200 years old; and a perfect live example of Island’s colonial past. It sits on 10 acres land and is surrounded by tropical gardens, botanical gardens, paddy fields and tea estates. So, the whole place is LUSH PLUSH with gardens and pool around. The birds and animals roam freely in the sky and on the ground. Currently, this magnificent estate house is owned by Hans Johannes Hofer, a German photographer, and owner of Travel Insight guides; Here is the link to his website for reference www.insightguides.com.

Welcome at Apa Villa Illuketia

As we reached the Villas, the porters greeted us with a warm smile and took us to the living room. The staff made us seated and handed the welcome drinks. We were awestruck by the room’s layout. The nine similar carved doors, two tier roofs with Balinese carvings, chandeliers, antique porcelains, Chinese cabinets and bamboo furniture added glamor to whole space. In the meanwhile check in formalities were completed, and we were directed to our Jasmine – Pond House Suite.

Rooms

The Apa Villa Illuketia has in total 6 suite rooms. The Hibiscus, Lotus, and Citronella are the suites in main house whereas Ginger and Jasmine are Pond house suites. Each suite has its own distinct interiors with open air shower and private garden.

As we were walking towards our Pond House suite, we were getting elated. The villa was overlooking natural Lotus pond and had a huge swing to sit and relax. The room was furnished with wood furnishings. It had a king sized ornamental bed with canopy, sitting area, plush open bathroom, shower, bathtub, upscale toiletries and enclosed private garden. The suite also has fans, air conditioner, and good connected Wi- Fi but no TV and DVD player.

Apa Villa Illuketia Jasmine suite — Source: APA-Villa-il luke tia-Sri Lanka.en.ww.lk

Pond House Suite - Washroom at Apa Villa Illuketia — Source: http://www.thevillaguide.com

There was a common open living room between Ginger and Jasmine Pond houses, hedging couches, armchairs, sun beds and dining table. It was a perfect place to dine, soak in sun and admire the exotic birds.

Common area between Ginger and Jasmine Pond House at Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri lanka — Source: http://www.hotelroomsearch.net/

The Apa Villa resort is tucked in between the tea estates and paddy fields. The huge verandahs with side seatings, all suites facing ponds, ponds covered with lotus flowers and plants, pool amidst the canopy of thick trees, flowering shrubs, and a variety of reptiles, birds make the whole place earthy, serene and close to nature.

Dining at Apa Villa Illuketia

The meals are served in the main house verandah, each time with a different setting. The Birds, monkeys, and cicadas play background music whereas the water channel runs alongside the corridor.

Breakfast: is served from 7:30 am -10:30 am. It starts with a fresh juice and tropical fruits. Then the main course includes eggs, sausages, bacon or typical Sri Lankan breakfast (Pan – hoppers with or without egg, coconut milk curry and spicy sambol relish) with Ceylon tea and fresh island coffee.

Dinner: is served from 6:30 pm -9:30 pm. It includes two – three courses of set meals. The cuisines vary from Sri Lankan, Singaporean to Seafood variations.

The in-between snacks are served till 5:30 in the evenings and one can choose these perfect cozy side seatings in the verandah with the garden views for munching.

The side seatings in Verandhas of Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri Lanka — Source: Tripadvisor

Activities & Amenities at Apa Villa Illuketia

Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri Lanka has one 25 meters long swimming pool with comfortable deck chairs enclosed in between the bamboos, tall trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Apart from this; there are many coffee table books, magazines, and novels to read and relax in the basking sun. They too have a pool table, TV room, and study room. The estate organizes cycling tours to the nearby villages, day trips to the tea estates, river trips, sightseeing to Galle and other nearby surroundings.

Sightseeing from Apa Villa Illuketia

The shuttle van runs from Apa Villa Illuketia which dropped us till the main road. From there we took the local bus to reach Galle city which was almost 5 kilometers. We explored Galle fort on foot and munched on pizza and drinks in the cafe. At the end of the day, we hired a bike at a very reasonable price for our future day’s exploration.

Galle Fort Streets: Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri Lanka — Source: Enviroreach

The second day of our trip started with a wonderful fresh breakfast, overlooking the gardens and lazing in the verandahs. By afternoon we thought of exploring the other beach towns Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, which lies at a distance of almost 5 km and 20 km respectively from Galle. These places are famous among hippies, surfers, and divers. They too have the perfect beaches to watch the sunset. You can check here the enthralling pictures of Sri Lanka beaches.

Apart from this, on the third day, we rode our scooter to see Handunugoda Tea Estate in Ahangama. It took us total 30 minutes to reach. The Tea Factory is famous because of Virgin White Tea. This tea is completely untouched by hands. The factory is a living museum and it stills operates its more than 140 years old machinery.

The others attractions nearby are:

Peace Pagoda: The peace pagoda lies on the top of Rumasalla hill and gives serene views overlooking the Panoramic Ocean. One can go hiking or by bike till the top.

Galle International Cricket Stadium: The Galle stadium was used as a race course by Britishers. Since last 100 years it is being used as a cricket stadium and since 1998 it has become an international cricket stadium.

Lighthouse: The lighthouse lies at the southern end of Galle fort and it has been there since 1848.

Shopping: Shop for beautiful pearls and check for the authentication certificate.

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Overall Experience of Apa Villa Illuketia

If you are looking to unwind yourself, get tranquilized and spend some romantic moments together in the lap of nature, then this is a perfect place for You! The resort and rooms are beautifully handcrafted keeping the surroundings in mind. The services are impeccable. The moment you are here, you are away from the city’s hustle-bustle and clock stops for you.

In short, the resort is a perfect combination of modernization, traditionalism, luxury, and comfort. We adored each day staying here and these memories will stay with us forever.

The Apa Villa’s have their another property Apa Villa Thalpe located 5 Kilometers away from Apa Villa Illuketia. The property is equally stunning and is located on the sea shore. The property has seven suites, blue pool and direct access to the beaches. We wanted to spend last two days here but couldn’t get the option. So choose to laze around at Apa Villa Thalpe for a day in the pool, watching waves in the Indian Ocean. Later on, we had a sumptuous lunch here.

Contact Details:

Apa Villa Thalpe: +94 91 2283320; Apa Villa Illuketia: +94 914-381411

Email Id: [email protected]

Hans Hoefer (Owner) Mobile: +65 96196170; E-mail: [email protected]

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Himachal, India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Why we love monsoon road trips to the Hills

July 1, 2017 allgudthings 60 Comments

Finally, nature is at its best in North India and the first downpour has brought a big relief from the scorching summer heat. The moving clouds, thunderstorm, lightning; the changing skyline from orange, gray to dark makes the whole sky look so mystic. In fact, it seems that nature has finally used its magic wand to bless everyone. The fragrance of wet earth, the rain drops on leaves, cleansing of trees & shrubs, hazy misty weather, a breeze with rain drops caressing your face is what defines the perfect monsoon for us. And if there is a chance for the road trip during the rainy season, then it is exactly like frosting on the cake. Yes! We are talking about the monsoon road trips.

Monsoon road trips

As the June end’s or first week of July starts, we start thinking when and where to head for the monsoon road trips. Where never gets answered but we start chasing rains in North India, especially toward Hills of Himachal and Uttarakhand. The roads, trails, and nature start smiling with the showers and get a new life.

Here are few of the reasons why we say monsoon road trips are the best ones.

Umbrella Love

The rain is nature’s art and umbrella is my art. When I walk with it in the rains, I walk with a super art. I feel free to jump in the puddles and have some Chapak! Chapak moments!

It was raining and the car was sailing on the curvy roads to Kasauli from Chandigarh. But who could stop me and my smile from getting clicked with the colorful umbrella?

I cant let this storm pass away like that; I want to feel the breeze and mist on me. Its a rainyday. #travel #travels #travelblog #travelblogger #allgudthings #uttrakhand #rainyday #monsoon #colors #umbrellagirl #umbrella #friday #umbrellaplanet #travelphotography #picoftheday #photography #photogram #like4like #followforfollow #igers #wanderlust #explore #roadtrip #mytravelgram #traveling #travelersnotebook #traveler #travellife #india #raining

A post shared by AllGudThings (@suruchimittal) on Jul 18, 2016 at 10:04am PDT

I never wanted this storm to pass like that, I wanted to get wet, feel the droplets and breeze. The way to Ranikhet in Uttarakhand was becoming so sensational.

Roads and Trails During Monsoon Road trips

The roads get washed and get a make over whereas the trails smell wonderful in the rainy days.

We would love to walk and drive endlessly on the clean roads in the rains.

There were light mist & cool air, I opened up my arms for both to fondle.

He said follow me as we walked up this trail and I did because he is worthy and the trail looks awesome – take me to the wonderland. This image was taken at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The valleys and Himalayan Villages look exceptional

The Himalayan Village, Kalpa is a heavenly abode and I think my words can’t do any justice to this image.

Over every mountain, there is a path and it passes silently without disturbing the mountains. The image was clicked on the way back from Valley View Homestay Ranikhet.

Trees get refreshed, flowers bloom and the Fragrance of pine and woods open up your senses.

Rains only let the flowers bloom.

The lush green meadows turn greener and they act as real tranquilizers. The picture is taken near the Mahadev Temple in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spot a rainbow
Rainbow is always special but if you see a double rainbow along with the rains, it is astounding. See how it turns adults into kids. The very special moment captured by a fellow blogger Jitaditya Narzary; of The Travellingslacker at Manali.
Raindrops and Photography.

The colors and raindrops make your pictures look different and perfect. Isn’t it?
The rivers start gurgling and sometimes you can spot an amazing sun peaking through the clouds on the banks of rivers, giving sky it’s own shading.

River Parvati flowing at its best during monsoons in Kasol.

The seasonal waterfalls are equally charming as the all time waterfalls.

.During rainy days, water is the real boss and landscapes, mountainscapes just have to obey. The picture was taken on the way to Kheerganga

We are sure these wonderful reasons and pictures might have lured you for the monsoon road trips but always remember the monsoon road trips are equally dangerous and need to be done with special cautions. You can also check the related posts 5 offbeat monsoon weekend getaways from Delhi and 5 places not to miss for monsoon road trip.

Do read the monsoon destinations in India, which should top your list.

Some precautions before taking Monsoon Road Trips

The driving person needs to be fully attentive. His focus should be just on the road with both hands on the steering. Clicking photographs while driving should be a real No!
Get your vehicle properly inspected before hitting the roads. If your tires have gone bald, get them replaced. Check for wipers too and get them changed if they have become brittle.
Use headlights and taillights to get a clear view as well as to make your car visible to others.
There are more chances of skidding on wet roads. So, drive slowly and maintain distance from the vehicles in front.
Drive along the center of the road and preferably follow the vehicle going ahead.
Park your vehicle away from trees as there is a chance of electrocution of trees during lightning which in turn can damage your own vehicle.
If the weather condition and storm worsens, don’t try to push yourself and your vehicle. Stop your car on the side.
Flooding can occur on the highways and other streets within minutes of downpour. Don’t try to drive through the flooded areas.
Rainwater moistens the brake drums so the braking efficiency gets lowered. It is advisable to use the brake on and often. Also, keep the brakes well moistened.
Avoid driving at night during rains.

If you like it please share it and let us know where are you heading next.

Nako Village; Himachal Pradesh

Attractions at Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

Accommodation at Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

Food at Nako Village

Travel Tips for Nako Village Himachal Pradesh

The Virgin White Tea Estate, Sri Lanka

Story behind Virgin White Tea

Processing of White tea

Manufacturing of other Ceylon Tea (Black Tea)

Interesting Facts about Virgin White Tea

Apa Villa Illuketia, Sri Lanka

Welcome at Apa Villa Illuketia

Rooms

Dining at Apa Villa Illuketia

Activities & Amenities at Apa Villa Illuketia

Sightseeing from Apa Villa Illuketia

Overall Experience of Apa Villa Illuketia

Contact Details:

Monsoon road trips

Umbrella Love

It was raining and the car was sailing on the curvy roads to Kasauli from Chandigarh. But who could stop me and my smile from getting clicked with the colorful umbrella?

I never wanted this storm to pass like that, I wanted to get wet, feel the droplets and breeze. The way to Ranikhet in Uttarakhand was becoming so sensational.

Roads and Trails During Monsoon Road trips

We would love to walk and drive endlessly on the clean roads in the rains.

There were light mist & cool air, I opened up my arms for both to fondle.

He said follow me as we walked up this trail and I did because he is worthy and the trail looks awesome – take me to the wonderland. This image was taken at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The valleys and Himalayan Villages look exceptional

The Himalayan Village, Kalpa is a heavenly abode and I think my words can’t do any justice to this image.

Over every mountain, there is a path and it passes silently without disturbing the mountains. The image was clicked on the way back from Valley View Homestay Ranikhet.

Trees get refreshed, flowers bloom and the Fragrance of pine and woods open up your senses.

Rains only let the flowers bloom.

The lush green meadows turn greener and they act as real tranquilizers. The picture is taken near the Mahadev Temple in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spot a rainbow Rainbow is always special but if you see a double rainbow along with the rains, it is astounding. See how it turns adults into kids. The very special moment captured by a fellow blogger Jitaditya Narzary; of The Travellingslacker at Manali.

Raindrops and Photography.

The colors and raindrops make your pictures look different and perfect. Isn’t it?

The rivers start gurgling and sometimes you can spot an amazing sun peaking through the clouds on the banks of rivers, giving sky it’s own shading.

River Parvati flowing at its best during monsoons in Kasol.

The seasonal waterfalls are equally charming as the all time waterfalls.

.During rainy days, water is the real boss and landscapes, mountainscapes just have to obey. The picture was taken on the way to Kheerganga

Some precautions before taking Monsoon Road Trips

Travel Stories

Spot a rainbow
Rainbow is always special but if you see a double rainbow along with the rains, it is astounding. See how it turns adults into kids. The very special moment captured by a fellow blogger Jitaditya Narzary; of The Travellingslacker at Manali.