Monday Images - Iceland Incredible!

Monday Images. Every weekend, we share images taken by us during our travel or those taken by fellow travellers from different parts of the world to places we haven't been to but liked them. Hope you will like them too.

We meant it. When we said Iceland is incredible.

You know why.

It is so breathtakingly beautiful, it may be your next destination.

It is definitely in our bucket list.

We stumbled upon these pictures by Moyan. We could not take our eyes from his album.

We are sure you don't either.

Here are some starters.

Stunning pictures of the Icelandscape shot beautifully by Moyan Brenn.

Skogafoss waterfall in the morning, the best moment to see it thanks to the sun position which creates rainbows

stormy landscape from the ring road, south area, east of Vik

Okulsarlon glacier lagoon during a cloudy midday of september...Blue icebergs are due to the strong ice compression of the very low layer of ice on top of the glacier which eliminate air bubbles by making a blue appearence like that of sea water

view of landscape from the main ring road of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano mountain complex

You can check out his complete album on "Iceland in Summer" here.

Iceland Summer Time

If you are planning a visit to Iceland, it may be worth reading this post by him here.

6 things to know before visiting Iceland

For other posts in "Monday Images" series, please click here

Monday Images

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Skywatch Friday - Rumtek on a Cloudy day!

A trip to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim - the largest in the state - is a must do on every visitor's list to this lovely state. We too were allured by its charm after seeing many picture and reading about it.

The drive to rumtek is most fascinating as we leave behind Gangtok and start climbing up. At many places, you can get a lovely glimpses of the city. The drive through the woods and small villages leads to the monastery.

Here is a picture of Rumtek we clicked on a cloudy morning. Very colourful and quite a contrast to the sky above!

This place deserve a separate post. We will do justice soon.

Dont miss to check out our fantastic drive to Nathula, the last post on India - China border here.

Nathula - A Spectacular drive to India - China border!

Happy Skywatching! For more Skywatching posts in this blog, please click here.

Skywatching Friday

For lovely pictures of Sky around the world, please click on this link.

Skywatching around the world!

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10 places to experience Monsoon in India!

Come june, it is time for monsoon in India. Entering peninsular India, rains soak the parched lands of the country in three months. It is the time for celebration of rejuvenation. A time, when Green becomes the colour of the season. Waterfalls gurgles down at their glorious best. When clouds kiss the hills.

We love rains. We have a done some memorable drives in the Western ghats and Himalayas during monsoon. We were thinking about listing the places where one can experience monsoon at its best.

Here is our list.

Cherrapunji

Yes, it has to be Cherra. Monsoon and Cherra are made for each other. This is the time when it pours. Relentlessly. Standing in the mist filled valley, you wait for those wow moments when you get a glimpse of waterfalls falling gracefully from tabletop hills. You will fall in love with this place.

For more details on Cherrapunji please check out this post in this blog.

Cherrapunji - Where wet is beautiful!

Mandu

When it rains, Mandu comes alive. The ruins in the high plateaus of Malwa region in Central India turns romantically beautiful in rains. It is a pleasure to watch rain drops falling over the Mandu valley from Roopmati pavillion. Get mesmerised to see Jahaj Mahal floating in the lake full of water.

Travel Tips - Mandu can be easily reached from Indore which has lot of stay options and well connected with other parts of the country by Air, Rail or Road. If you want to stay in Mandu, you have lot of stay options by Madhya Pradesh Tourism.

For an offbeat stay option, check out this lovely palace hotel in Dhar. We loved it. Check for more details in this post here in this blog.

Jhira Bagh Palace Hotel

For a pictorial tour of Mandu, please click on this post on this blog

Romantic Ruins of Mandu

Ziro

Have you heard of this place? Probably not. Poorna always keep talking about his many visits to this place while serving in Army in Arunachal and he swears by its beauty. Ziro is stunning during and after rains. This huge valley in Arunachal pradesh looks like a green carpet. The rice bowl of Arunachal Pradesh famed for its Bamboo is the place to be when it rains.

Travel Tips - Ziro is well connected by road to their towns of Arunachal Pradesh. Stay options are limited. Plan a minimum of two days to explore.

Udaipur

Can we say anything about this place which is not written already? This "Jewel of Aravali" is surrounded by greenery. When it rains and Lake Pichola gets filled, it is the time to go for a lazy boat ride. When you are not on the lake then go for a drive in the Aravalis. The green vistas are soothing for the eyes. Drive up to Sajjangarh fort to be one with the clouds!

Travel Tips - Udaipur is well connected to other parts of the country by air, train and bus. There are stay options to suit all budgets. Plan a minimum of two days to explore. Plan Kumbalgarh and Ranakpur as a day trip. It is beautiful in rains.

Konkan

The region of Konkan on west Coast is a fascinating place. Blessed with greenery, lovely beaches and forts atop hills, it is a riot of green in Monsoon. Trek to the forts for a commanding view of the green vistas. Go for a boat rides in the backwaters. Just be alone on the pristine beaches watching the sky thick with clouds.

Travel tips - Make Ratnagiri as the base to explore Konkan. It is well connected with other parts of country by rail and bus. The nearest airport is at Goa. There are good stay options in the city. Another option is to stay in Konkan Homestays to explore the region.

Chhattisgarh

The verdant valleys of Chattisgarh come alive in Monsoon. This is the time to savour the vistas of Asia's Niagara falls - Chitrakoot falls. Don't worry if you are not able to do caving. But enjoy the green vistas and numerous waterfalls in their full glory.

Travel tips - Make Jagdalpur as the base to explore. For more details on exploring Chhattisgarh, please check out posts in " Chhattisgarh Chronicles" series in this blog here.

Chhattisgarh Chronicles

Malabar

We did not want to write about Kochi or Kumarakom or Munnar. It is Malabar in Kerala which is still not exploited. Cruise on the quaint backwaters of Cannanore, experience your own "Tuhire" ( Remember the soulful song by Hariharan in the movie "Bombay") moment in Bekal fort or  watch the clouds pass by you on the beaches of Cannanore and Calicut or walk on the lovely sea front of Mahe.

Travel tips - Make Cannanore or Calicut as the base to explore Malabar. Calicut has a airport. Both towns are well connected by rail and bus. Adequate stay options are available in both cities.

Malnad

Yes, we are partial to Malnad, the western ghat region in the state of Karnataka. If you want to experience relentless spattering of rain drops, you have to come here. Whether it is the rolling hills of Coorg or mighty peaks of Chikmagalur or meadows of Sakleshpur or the lovely vistas around Tirthahalli, rain in Malnad is a true celebration. All you need to do is to take out your car, switch on some music and go on a drive in the rains. you will not regret it. We have done it.

Travel Tips - The region of Malnad is well connected by bus. Convenient airports are Bangalore and Mangalore. Chikmagalur, Shimoga and Sakleshpur are connected by rail. Nearest railhead for Madikeri is Mysore. All places - Chikmagalur, Madikeri, Sakleshpur, Tirthahalli, Shimoga - are well connected by bus.

More details on exploring Malnad can be seen in these posts in this blog.

Monsoon in Western ghats - An itinerary to experience it.

Monsoon Drive in Malnad - Countless waterfalls & Visual bliss!

Monsoon Drive in Malnad - Stunning Sakleshpur!

Chikmagalur - A monsoon drive in Western Ghats

10 Waterfalls in Karnataka you should not miss this monsoon!

Uttara Kannada

Not many visit this enchanting part of Karnataka. A land blessed with myriad waterfalls, thick forests, Uttara Kannada is known needs to be savoured during rains. Spot a Malabar pied hornbill in Dandeli or savour the sight of beautiful Magod waterfall. Go there to enjoy a peaceful monsoon holiday.

Like Malabar, Uttara Kannada is not much commercialised.

Travel tips - Make Dandeli or Sirsi as the base to explore Uttara Kannada. both towns are well connected by buses. Nearest railhead and airport is at Hubli.

If you are planning a road trip to Uttara Kannada, you should look this post on this blog here

Driving Holidays from Bangalore 6 - Enchanting Uttara Kannada

Goa

We had to give it to Goa. It is peaceful when it rains in Goa. There are no tourists. No crowds. No shacks. You have beaches all by yourself. The countryside is rich and green. If you dont want to spend time on the beach, pick up a bicycle and explore rural side. If you don't want to pedal your way then put on your hiking shoes and go for a trek on the railway track to Dudhsagar falls.

Travel tips - Goa is well connected by air, rail and bus to other parts of the country. Stay options suiting all budgets are available.

For details on Railway track trek to Dudhsagar, please click here

Dudhsagar Falls - A monsoon trek on railway track!

For offbeat activities in Goa, you may look at this post in this blog here.

12 things to do in Goa you haven't done before!

There are other gem of places we would love you to explore as well. They are Valley of Flowers in Himalayas, Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh, North East India, Valparai in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad in Kerala.

And of course, Kashmir when all tourists are gone and everything is quiet!

So where are you going this monsoon? Which is your favourite monsoon destination?

Photo Courtesy - Cannanore Backwaters - Sri Cholan
                            Ziro - Sri Rajkumar

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Monday Images - Stunning Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Monday Images. Every weekend, we share images taken by us during our travel or those taken by fellow travellers from different parts of the world to places we haven't been to but liked them. Hope you will like them too.

Our affair with Ladakh continues in this blog!

Four years back when we were in Ladakh, we missed out going to Nubra valley. We plan to compensate for that this year when we go there in August.

Nubra valley and surroundings have stunning landscape. 

A desert within a cold desert! 

Spectacular Sand dunes with a backdrop of snow capped mountains!

Bactrian camels with twin humps. 

A clear sky when night becomes a spectacle!

We will leave you with these mindblowing images of the valley. 

Please click on the pictures to see them in original size. Click on the name of the photographer for more pictures taken by them in Ladakh.

Diskit, Nubra Valley ( Photo Courtesy - Sreenath U B )

Reflections in Nubra ( Photo Courtesy - Rajesh )

A small pond in Nubra at Sun rise ( Photo courtesy - Andrew Beirne )

Sand dunes, Hundar, Nubra valley ( Photo courtesy - Prabhu R Doss )

Potato fields around Turtuk in bloom - Nubra Valley ( Photo Courtesy - Fulvio Spada )

A panoramic view of the Shyok River in the Nubra Valley. ( Photo Courtesy - Praful Tripathy )

Diskit Monastery (Photo Courtesy - Amit Rawat )

After seeing these pictures, we are excited to be in Nubra in August.

What has been your experience in Nubra? Do share it.

To find out our experience in Ladakh, you may click on the Series "Ladakh Diaries" here

Ladakh Diaries 1 - Manali to Leh, Day One

For other posts on Ladakh in this blog, please click here

Ladakh - Mesmerising cold desert in Himalayas!

For other posts in "Monday Images" series, please click here

Monday Images

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Skywatch Friday - Nilkantha peak in Badrinath

We had seen Nilkantha peak in Garhwal Himalayas two years back in Badrinath on the way back from our Valley of Flowers trek. (For more details on our Valley of flowers trek, please click here Trek to Valley of Flowers ). There wasn't much snow and was covered by clouds as well.

Last weekend we were in Badrinath. A quick trip with Brinda's parents whose cherished desire was to get blessings of Lord of the mountains - Badrinarayana.

For us, it was a revisit. We could see devastation at Govindghat caused by last years floods. Roads virtually washed away when Khiraoganga coming from Kedar side swell and blasted its banks before Hanumanchatti and joined fast flowing Alakananda. Together, they washed away whatever was there between Hanumanchatti and Govindghat.

This time we could see lot of snow on the peaks. The weather was crystal clear in the morning. The Nilakanta peak was at its glorious best. Umesh, our driver from Pandukeshwar is a blessed soul. He says he climbs Nilkantha every year for picking some rare herbs. Though, they don't summit, they go quite close to it. Every day they trek for 15-16 Kms in these ranges everyday!

Here are the lovely pictures of Nilkantha peak. Click on them to see in Original size.

This picture was taken from a vantage point near Narayana Palace hotel 

This was taken from the road closer to Bus Stand

If at all you are planning a trip to Badrinath, don't miss out on visiting a paradise known as "Valley of Flowers". You may read about our experience here.

Trek to Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria

Happy Skywatching! For more Skywatching posts in this blog, please click here.

Skywatching Friday

For lovely pictures of Sky around the world, please click on this link.

Skywatching around the world!

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Magic of Indian Monsoon!

Monsoon has hit peninsular India.

It is pouring in southern state of Kerala and is likely to extend to other parts soon.

Monsoon is lifeline to Indian farmers whose livelihood depends on bounty rainfall. It is key to Indian economy.

The rains cools the hot earth beaten brown in torrid Indian summer.

It is rejuvenation again.

Get out in the rain to enjoy the lovely vistas during monsoons.

Don't worry if you get drenched.

A leech bite here or there does not hurt either.

Go for a drive. Trek the hills. Walk to waterfalls.

Time to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Don't sit at home.

It is heart warming to see these monsoon images by Suhas Desale.

The vibrancy of Indian Monsoon has been beautifully captured by him.

These pictures should pull you outdoors!

Please click on the pictures to see them in original size.

Suhas has a lovely album on Monsoon magic. Click on this link below. You would thank us for it!

Monsoon Magic - An Album by Suhas Desale

Please take a look at the following posts which celebrate monsoon in India

Monsoon in Western Ghats - An Itinerary to experience it!

Driving Holidays from Bangalore 2 - Magical Malnad!

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Skywatch Friday - Monsoon skies in Western Ghats!

Monsoon has started its magic in India. When it pours in the mountains of Western Ghats it really pours. No respite.

It is also time to rejoice when the barren lands turn green. The streams are rejuvenated. The waterfalls at their best.

This is the time to go out and feel the nature's transformation at its best.

We will be celebrating monsoon for next few posts on this blog.

Here are some pictures we had captured in our previous sojourns in the mountains during monsoon. 

Please click on the pictures to see them in original size.

Scene from top of Kundadri hill near Thirthahalli

Clouds making the ranges in Bisle, Coorg

Meadows come to life in Sakleshpur

What is your monsoon experience in India? Please share it.

If you want to experience monsoon this season, here is are some itineraries for you.

Monsoon in Western Ghats - An Itinerary to experience it!

Driving Holidays from bangalore 2 - Magical Malnad!

Driving Holidays from Bangalore 6 - Enchanting Uttara Kannada

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10 places you should not miss eating out in Leh!

So, you have landed in Ladakh. You have gone around the mountains and feasted your eyes. You had your share of lovely sights of Himalayas. How about satisfying your taste buds now?

Leh is the best place to explore. Traditional Tibetan fare is now offered along with international cuisine in this small mountain town. Leh seems to moving in the direction of a Gourmet's paradise in years to come.

We are gourmets and look for opportunities to explore local cuisine. These are the ten places you should feast while in Ladakh. Some we have eaten in. Thanks to some of our friends who have shared their favourite places in Leh.

Here is the list. Like Ladakhis say "Shelak nye po nang ko!" 

Dzomsa

For a quick authentic Ladakhi breakfast of khambir (leavened bread) with homemade khakla (butter) and fresh apricot preserve, jo labuk or tang tur, a sort of raita with veggies, smoky tsampa with apricot or Leh berry juice and gur gur cha or butter tea (free) head to this small place on Fort road. The other branches in town do not serve breakfast.

Open Hand Cafe

If you have been to their outlets in Varanasi and Kochi, you know where to go in Ladakh. This is a typically "chilled out" place in a large garden where you can actually see vegetables being grown. Check out for piece of chocolate cake. Try their pancakes filled generously with chocolate, banana, apricot cream or apple crumble or any of their breakfast selections, from yoghurt muesli to toast, sausages and eggs.

Budshah Inn

If you are looking for a Kashmiri meal in Ladakh, search no further. Being Veggies, we had to be content with Dum Aloo and Rotis. But our Non Veg freinds say you get best Roghan Josh here in Leh.

Lala's Cafe

You go here for sheer ambience and snacks. Beautifully restored Ladakhi house, you are greeted by a nine foot statue of Maitreya. Behind the cafe, you can see Leh palace. Feast on Gur Gur cha while munching on local Ladakhi dishes or Italian pastas.

Bon Appetit

The fine dining choice of Leh. This one is in Changspa. It is quite hidden. But once you get to it, you will like its minimalist Ladakhi architecture. It has a nice view of mountains. Our friends recommend Cashew Chicken in Pesto sauce. We loved chocolate Momos and Jungle tea!

Tibetan Kitchen

You cannot come out of Leh without tasting the best Tibetan cuisine in town. Go for "Tibetan Hot pot" or "Gyakko". A traditional Tibetan barbeque, this has to be pre ordered a day before and make sure there are four hungry souls to share this! Gyakko can be either vegetarian or Non Vegetarian. If you are not lucky to eat Gyakko, then you have wide variety of Tibetan cuisine to choose from.

Tenzin Dickey Tibetan Restaurant

A vegetarian Tibetan hub. Unpretentious. Another nice place to enjoy Tibetan cuisine in town. Savour the steaming cheese and potato fried momos.

Chopsticks

Possibly the best Chinese and Thai fare in town so much so that you need to go there early to get a table. Try depenadale chilli Garlic Noodles with their fries - Veg or chicken or Mutton - with Thai red curry.

Cafe Jeevan

At the tail end of Changspa road is this vegetarian establishment. A small alcove with popular fiction and books left over by tourists is inviting to turn a page or two while soaking the view of Shanti Stupa. The place has best pizza in town apart from regular Indian, Continental fare.

German Bakery

We did not want to leave this out. You go here for its chilled out atmosphere. This is a local institution. Come here for breakfast or just to munch on Cinnamon rolls, Apple Pie and wash it Coffee.

This was our list. What has been your experience? Please do share and let us know if you have discovered any new place to eat in Leh.

You may also be interested to read the following interesting posts on Ladakh in this blog. Please click on links below.

10 things to do in Ladakh you haven't done before!

Ladakh Diaries 1 - Manali to Leh, Day One

If you are looking for all posts on Ladakh, you may click here.

Ladakh

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Monday Images - Ladakh Trekking Stories by Pierre Martin!

These are not images. These are great stories of trekking in Ladakh. We were astonished with admiration when we looked at them.

We were looking for stories and pictures on trekking in Ladakh in preparation for our own trek in Markha Valley in August this year. When we searched in Picasa we stuck gold mine.

Pierre Martin. The man who has trekked over 600KMs over 46 days in Ladakh! The man who is humble enough to share his experiences with trekking community. Hear in his own words the mindblowing statistics.........

• 43 days walking (13 + 19 + 11), 
• 3 days off 
• 24 17 which passes above 4800m and 10 above 5000m 
• 5300m, the maximum altitude reached in Marang La (41th day) 
• 183 hours of work (58 + 72 + 53), 
• between 600 and 800 km (impossible to recognize in the mountains) 
• 27000m positive and negative vertical drop (7330m/8425m + + 12060m/11725m 7750m/6755m)
• 50 strings of prayer flags placed in the collar ("Ki Ki So so The Gyalo!") 
• 1 pair of shoes bass rod of € 49.90 in Quechua (Arpenaz 500) Photo , 
• 4000 photos 
• and only 3 days of meat ...

If you are planning a trek in Ladakh, please take a look his trekking stories in the link below. Look at a preview of the lovely places he has gone in these pictures below........ (Please click on pictures to view in Original Size)

Good morning in the valley of the Borong Togpo

Lanak

Between Yakru and Zabuk Yogma

Tso Tok

Descent Zangla to Padum

For details on Pierre's treks, pls click the following links. The website is in French. Make sure you translate it and read it.

Grand Tour of Ladakh

Bonus - Pierre has also trekked extensively in Nepal. Check that out as well in his website. Amazing exploits in Himalayas which should not be missed!

If you need any help, please write to him. He is ever willing to help fellow trekkers!

Monday Images. 

Every weekend, we share images taken by us during our travel or those taken by fellow travellers from different parts of the world to places we haven't been to but liked them. Hope you will like them too.

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Skywatch Friday - A Ladakh sight near home!

A raised high ground.

Surrounded by rich green corn fields.

The golden turrets of the monastery glowing in the afternoon sun.

Overcast sky.

The contrast was striking!

The setting looked almost the one you see in Ladakh.

Clouds in place of snow clad mountains and corn fields replacing barley fields.

The Monastery was magnificent.

But this was closer home. In Bylakuppe. In Karnataka which has the largest Tibetan settlement. We have been to this place many times. The drive from highway to golden temple is always a lovely sight. Especially in the months of August - September when the vast fields of corn stalks standing shoulder high on the undulating terrain. Miles and miles of it. All due to hard work by the Tibetans.

We stopped on the road when we noticed this. It looked as if we were in Ladakh. But closer home!

(Please click on the photo to get larger view)

For other lovely posts of under Skywatch Friday in this blog, please click on the link below.

Skywatch Friday

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Road Trip Vignettes - Saffron Fields of Kashmir!

On the way back from Srinagar to Jammu, our driver Abdul stopped for a few minutes on the roadside and showed us these tilled fields. He asked us to guess what would be planted there. We blabbered some names of cereals or vegetables.

Abdul was not amused and said it would be SAFFRON. We were zapped as we had never seen Saffron fields. "Red Gold" as it is called, Kashmir is one of the largest producer of Saffron in the world. We were in Pampore town known as "Saffron Town" which produces 80% of Kashmir Saffron on Srinagar - Jammu highway. The Saffron of Kashmir is regarded as high quality and gets very good price. For people of Pampore and surrounding regions, it is a lifeline.

We could not see the flowers as they normally bloom in October in Autumn when these fields would be carpeted with lovely lavender flowers. Autumn is a excellent season to visit Kashmir and visiting these Saffron fields and seeing how they harvest it will be icing on the cake.

If you are driving on Srinagar - Jammu highway during the months of October - November, stopover at Pampore to enjoy these Saffron farms.

Postscript - The Pictures with flowers are downloaded from web.

If you want to read interesting vignettes captured on our Road trips, you may click here

Road Trip Vignettes

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