Though my business is to take on international outsourcing contracts in India, I like to believe tha...
Though my business is to take on international outsourcing contracts in India, I like to believe that I am a travelhog by compulsion :-) It's great to be here and thanks to everyone leaving comments & ratings for my reviews.
Member since:25.08.2003
Reviews:4
Here I am again with a rundown of my last visit out of the nauseating din of New Delhi, India.
This was kind of a trip by default since I had sold off my wheels but was itching for a getaway. I borrowed my Boss's car and off we went to spend a night with a friend in Chandigarh, a northbound Indian Union Territory. Little did we know that the next morning breeze would tingle our impulse so much that we would zoom towards Manali - The Valley of Gods.
Manali is 400 kms from Chandigarh 650 kms from Delhi - the Capital City of India. We did this entire way and back over three nights at a resort in a petite car called Santro, from Hyundai stable. The hotel, Whispering Rocks, was kind enough
to throw in the fourth night for free but for a call from the Office. The thought that "one needs to earn for future such getaways", got us back, but not without a fantastic experience and still itching for more.
My previous visit to Manali was around 6 years back and it was predominantly to test the waters for a possible entry in the Himalayan Motocross. The event is now called Raid De Himalayas and I am still an aspirant. :-) Maybe this year. But yes what did satisfy me on this trip was that I beat my own record of driving down to Delhi from Manali by almost two hours. Well, I did gained curses from wife who was back broken by the time we got home, but she did agree that the entire trip was a fabulous experience.
Manali has two approaches, from Nalagarh and from Kirathpur. I personally like the Kirathpur approach for it's wide, clean, perfectly metalled roads. The route is clean and clear all along but rain can be a nag. From Delhi one travels around 250 kms in plains and rest of it in the majestic Himalayas with every turn having something new to offer. A shortcut is to take a 14 seater flight to Bhuntar, in district Kullu around 45 kms from Manali. But then you'll probably have a pilot who will keep circling over the mountains to avoid the pouring clouds over Kullu and miss out the real adventure as well. If you are stretched for time go for it. It's safe. A lot of people coming into India from other countries also like to bike it down on the 350 cc Enfield Bullet bikes available at easy rentals in Delhi.
The real stuff while driving towards Manali starts once you cross the Pandoh Dam and enter the Valley of Gods. It seems like a divine sketch with roads moving on either sides of the Beas with the river's pristine blue green waters gushing into the Pandoh Reservoir. The greenery on the either sides is unbelievable. The river on both sides is lined with white sandy beaches and has some amazing focal points in small temples. There is a giant waterfall right in the center of the route, which is quite picturesque. I am always awed at this sight and end up burning rolls of photographic films to capture the max of this beauty.
The entire road stretch to Manali is perfect except for a small part of Sundarnagar, which is a little rubbly. Throughout the way there are hotels/ motels/ eateries and really hospitable people. The food needless to say again is amazing.
Once in Manali, there is a mall (read the central road) with shops filled with supplies enough for a lifetime and some of the best of Kullu handicraft for shopping. The local tweeds, rugs (Namdas), foot wear (Pullan), baskets and natural oils (Olive and Almond) are very popular among tourists. Enough modes of transport from 2WD and 4WD drives are available at reasonable prices. As always I didn't forget to gobble down the exotic grilled chicken breast done to perfection and served with mushroom sauce and garlic bread at Johnson’s Cafe. I think going to Johnson's Cafe is like a pilgrimage in this part.
To see there is an Ancient Hidamba Temple, a Lake called Chandratal, Solang Valley that is famous for it's winter sports, the famous Rohtang Pass amongst other places. There are enough travel operators out there who offer day trips and make overnight arrangements for hotels in case you want to venture out afar from the town. But I have always maintained, "Do-It-Yourself".
We had booked ourselves into a quaint resort called Whispering Rocks, situated in a place called Palchan around 8 kms from Manali. The resort is on the man Manali-Rohtang highway and is located near the Solang Ski Slopes. If you ever go there sneak a peek at the resort and sample some of their delicious recipes. The best part was that the resort had something for everyone even for my two year old who had a rollicking time playing with the two dogs the hotel has as mascots. I managed to spend sometime over a ping-pong table where I was beaten three sets in a row by the manager on duty.
The best part of being in Manali was to be able to bask in the sun amidst the snow clad Himalayas at total leisure. We didn’t quite manage to go up to Rohtang but what the neighbors told us was that it was totally clad in snow. Solang Valley was a delight as always with the winter sports on. It seemed like a tourist invasion there. Snow gets a little nasty there so if you are not fully equipped, take some furs and boots on hire.
Plus!! Have a great time if you venture out there. Cheers
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Advantages: Spectacular Scenery, a real adventure in a four wheel drive. Disadvantages: Heart stopping moments on tricky mountain roads. Altitude sickness.
cyrano 08.09.2000 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Leh (India)
Advantages: Spectacular Scenery, a real adventure in a four wheel drive. Disadvantages: Heart stopping moments on tricky mountain roads. Altitude sickness.
cyrano 08.09.2000 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Leh (India)
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