Sikkim

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Photographs by: Aranyak Sen

When you plan on visiting Sikkim, here are five major tourist attractions that you must pay a visit. Aranyak Sen, Director at Siddhartha Logistics Pvt. Ltd, shares his experiences and photographs on a memorable trip to Sikkim.

Sikkim's favourite sepoy
A visit to Nathu La is mandatory. Once a stop on the Silk Route, Nathu La, which means listening ears, is a pass connecting India with China which was opened after 44 years in 2006.

On your way to Nathu La don't miss the Baba's Mandir. Frequented by locals, defence personnel, mountaineers and tourists, this is a very popular tourist and pilgrim destination situated on the road to Kupup near Nathu La, at a height of 14,500 ft in east Sikkim.

This is a memorial built in honour of Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment, who apparently drowned near here in 1968 and it is believed that his samadhi brings good luck. It is considered a good omen to visit the shrine before setting off for a journey.

Ever seen a clouded leopard?

The Himalayan Zoological Garden offers a peek into some of the most exotic flora and fauna of the mountains. Situated at a height of 5,840 ft. (1780 m) at Bulbuley, it is about three km from Gangtok. Spread across 200 hectares, the park is a home to the barking deer, the red panda, spotted deer, bear, the civet cat, the clouded leopard, the snow leopard. The zoological garden is really awesome, extremely picturesque and a relaxing place to spend a day.

The solitary temple 

Rumtek and Enchey are the best-known monasteries of Sikkim. Rumtek is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Sikkim and 24 km outside Gangtok. Enchey which means 'solitary temple', is more than 200 years old and is in Gangtok.

Afternoon at Changu Lake

I particularly liked the Tshangu Lake. It was a good two and a half hour drive from the city. The Tshangu or the Changu Lake is about 400 kms from Lhasa and very close to the Nathu La (20 kms). Prior permission is required for visiting the lake as it is located in a restricted area. Your local guide/ hotel can arrange that for you.

Being situated in a high altitude of about 12,600 ft, this lake freezes during winter and that makes it one of the most exotic locations in Sikkim. The beautiful mountain flowers, like the gorgeous primula when it is in full bloom, together with the highland trees add further beauty to this lake making it quite like paradise on earth.

Published in Rediff.com, on 22nd June, 2007
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2007/jun/22slide2.htm

Travel> Kerala> Wayanad

Image: Chemdra Peak Wayanad
Image by: Dhruvaraj

Text by: Tanya Munshi

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Wayanad
Looking for an ideal destination for hiking and trekking, Wayanad is the place to be. Famous for its home-stays, tea, coffee, rubber and spice plantations, Wayanad is a perfect weekend getaway for the adventurous spirit in you.
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About the place
Trekkers can hop on to their trail to the Chembra Peak which is around 18 kms away, the Banasura Sagar Dam near Padinharathara, which also 18 kms away, and the Meenmutty Waterfalls which is about 40 kms from Kalpetta.

Don’t miss the Pookote Lake which is an ideal picnic spot where you can also go for boat cruises in the lake. If you wish to visit some beautiful coffee plantations, then plan a trip to the Manathavady, which is about 110 kms from Calicut.

Apart from monumental temples such as the Thirunelly and Valliyurkavu Bhagawathi temples, you can also visit the bird-watching centre of Pakshippathalam. Also don’t miss the Ambukuthi Hills to see the Edakkal caves formed by natural rock-cut formations. Once in Waynad, you can make it a point to visit the famous Ananthaatha Jain Temple at Puliyarmala, which is located on the slope of the Vellarimala Hill. This temple bears testimony of the Jain population of this region of the yesteryears. It is a must visit to see the mirrors inside the temple that reflect hundreds of beautiful patterns of the temple icons.
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How to get there
Wayanad is well connected by most state run buses. In fact, Wayanad is head quartered in Kalpetta which is well linked to towns in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

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Air: The nearest airport to Wayanad is Kozhikode, Calicut - about 100 kms. You can also reach Wayanad from Cochin International Airport, which is about around 300 kms.

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Rail: The nearest railhead is at Calicut - about 110 kilometers from Wayanad.

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Hotels

http://www.hotelskerala.com/wayanad.htm

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Website
http://www.beautifulkerala.com/coco/redcarpet/wynad.php

http://www.wayanad.com/

Travel> Kerala> Idukki

Image: Mattuppetty Dam Munnar
Image by: Dhruvaraja

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Do the mountains and thick forests beckon the peace starved soul in you? Then a trip to Idukki is a must. Idukki is known for its hydroelectric power projects where more than 60% of entire Kerala state’s electricity needs are met, and more than half of Idukki is protected as forest reserve.

About the place
With mountains at the height of 2,500 to 5,000 feet above sea level, Idukki has enough reasons to make your holiday memorable. Known for the 1500 sq ft Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and the Idukki reservoir, this place is a photographer’s delight.

Apart from being a home to a variety of plants and wildlife, this forest also has sandalwood, rosewood and other exotic variety of wood. Lush green valleys, streams and mountains complete the picture of ideal weekend getaway.

How to get there
Like all places in and around Kochi, Idukki is well connected by good roads. The NH49 is the main highway connecting Idduki to other parts of the state. It is about 40 kms from Thodupuzha.

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Air: Nearest airport from Idukki is the Cochin International Airport which is about 132kms.

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Rail: Nearest railway station is Kottayam which is about 133kms away.
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Hotels in Idukki
http://www.hotelskerala.net/kerala_idukki.htm
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Websites
http://www.idk.kerala.gov.in/

http://www.idukki.com/home.htm

Travel & Food> Cafés and Cigars at Fort Kochi

Image1: Solar Café

Image2: A peek inside

Image3: Inside Kashi Café


Image4: Entrance of Solar Café

Image5: Inside Solar Café

Image6: Window at Solar Café
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Fort Kochi
If you want to spend an entire day leisurely walking around or simply reading a book at an art cafe, consider Fort Kochi, a mere 9 kilometres from MG Road, Ernakulam.
Apart from enjoying the food and line up of curio shops, you could watch locals pulling up huge Chinese fishing nets, or take a walk along the fish market. Although prices are sky high, you could probably buy a couple of delicious Karimeen or Spotted Pearl Fish, and give it to the shack owners alongside to cook -- steamed, fried or in a curry.

Fort Kochi is mostly famous among foreign tourists for its home stays and cuisine. But, it has preserved a certain old world charm that lavish hotels and restaurants, with their sterile environment, simply cannot offer. The streets of Fort Kochi are narrow and cobbled, lined on both sides with trees and beautifully maintained heritage houses. Most of these have been converted to part hotels or home stays, with art galleries and restaurants for tourists to enjoy seafood and beer.

A Café with a difference
On one of our Sunday drives, we chanced upon Solar Cafe -- a different kind of art cafe.
The blackboard at the entrance announced its daily menu, along with timings for cookery classes and several workshops, including one on mask-painting. The walls were yellow and red, their peeling paint adding a rustic tinge to the ambience. While a World Space radio station played Indian classical music, we ordered two Farmer's Omelettes, which came with generous amounts of tomato, cucumber and spring onions (Rs 50).
We also got wheat grain bread and Himalayan salt, ground with sesame seeds. Finally, a pot of soothing English tea (Rs 30) made for a perfect breakfast. An average English breakfast for two, priced at Rs 130, is not a bad idea at all!

Colour therapy at work
While waiting for the bill, we took a stroll along the first floor, which was a pleasant surprise.
With typical Kerala coir carpets on the wooden floor, the white walls were adorned with paintings by several local artists. The place was peaceful. The windows, overlooking the channel with little fishing boats on them, completed the look. We walked into the adjoining Blue Room, primarily adorned with blue upholstery and blue paintings.
Maybe it was colour therapy at work, as this room was calm and soothing, classical music playing in the background.

Dine on a sewing table
On another Sunday, we experimented with another popular stop -- Cafe Kashi. The highlight here is they have converted sewing tables to dining tables, with antique furniture in their gallery and restaurant. We opted for the Breakfast of the Day (Rs 70) -- a cheese and tomato omelette, brown bread, and a dollop of butter.

More hot spots
On a lazy walk, post breakfast, we noticed a shop selling Cuban Cigars, a store called Kapitan for cold cuts and fresh meat, and a store called Shop 'n' Save, catering to everyday needs of the neighbourhood. We took a break from the sun and stopped by Vasco Cafe, next to a tidy bookstore called Idiom. Over a cup of masala chai, we read the morning paper and took a peek inside. It made for one of the best weekends spent in complete leisure.
So, the next time you're in Fort Kochi, wander into an art cafe, relish the food, enjoy the ambience and maybe you can pick up a painting to remind you of the day you broke away from the ordinary.

Fort Kochi Fact File
1. Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. It is well connected by rail, road and airways with major cities across India.
2. You can cover the length and breadth of Fort Kochi in about an hour.
3. Once in town, hire a cab from the airport, ask your hotel to organise reliable transport, or take the ferry from the main boat jetty or terminus jetty near Willington Island.
4. Fort Kochi has several sightseeing options -- the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, and a whole lot of Portuguese architecture.
5. Cuisines includes North Indian, Keralite, Chinese, European and continental food. If you are non-vegetarian, you are in luck. Indulge in a variety of seafood and meat.

How to get there
By rail: Ernakulam Railway Station is 1.5 kilometres from the main boat jetty.
By air: Cochin International Airport is 50 kilometres from Fort Kochi.
Web sites: http://www.keralatourism.org/, www.ernakulam.com/fortkochi.htm

Published in Rediff.com, on November 7, 2007
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2006/nov/07slide.htm

Travel> Why you can't miss Munnar

Image1: A cottage up in the hills

Image2: A quaint place for prayer

Image3: View from our hotel room

Image4: Cloud of green, the tea gardens at Munnar
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Munnar
Far from the crowds lies this haven of green. Its smooth, winding roads are a pleasure to drive on, the pitter-patter of raindrops on your windshield for company. The time is just right for Munnar, considering the swish of wipers is possibly all you will hear now, aside from the occasional birdcall.
If you want to make the most of a weekend trip, start early from Kochi. This 140-kilometre drive can be covered in a leisurely 3-4 hours, complete with a couple of coffee and wada breaks at small restaurants along the way.

A flower 12 years in the making
I had the opportunity of seeing the famous Neelakurinji flowers years ago, when I visited Munnar on a school holiday. This unique species blooms once every 12 years, from mid-August to December. Coming up in their thousands, the tiny blue flowers overwhelm the entire hilly area of the Eravikulam National Park. This year, coupled with Onam, Munnar is flooded with local and foreign tourists, all here to catch a glimpse of Neelakurinji.
A huge mob of tourists, choking roads leading to the Park, made it difficult for us to trek up the hills and see the flowers in bloom again. Amidst these blossoms, mountain goats known as Nilgiri Thar or Ibex also share the limelight. Capturing this flora and fauna is a photographer's delight.

Take time for a cuppa
We couldn't enter the Park, but we managed to buy some fresh tea. Near the entrance to the Eravikulam National Park is an exclusive Kanan Devan Tea outlet, with a variety on offer. For instance, Green Tea is priced at Rs 75 for 250 grams, while Madupatty CTC Leaves costs Rs 45 for 500 grams. What's more, during the drive, you can spot several other estates with outlets selling tea. It is disheartening to see plastic packets ruining the greenery of Munnar, although forest officials are doing their best to keep the area plastic free. This is a magnificent holiday spot and, as tourists, we ought to be careful with what nature gives us in such plenty.

Where to stay
Munnar is dotted with hotels and resorts for all budgets. Most bookings can be made booked online. Rates are currently up, thanks to the crowds coming in to see the flowers.
Although the best time to visit is from September to February and April to May, Munnar is breathtaking in the monsoons between June and July. As you drive up, there are springs and waterfalls all along the way.
You could check out Las Palmas or Hotel Hill View. At the former, a deluxe room costs about Rs 2,400 (plus taxes). A room at the latter should be about Rs 1,000 (plus taxes), and includes a complimentary breakfast.

Contact:
Las Palmas: NH 49, Devikulam, PO Munnar 685 613. Phone: (04865) 264218.

Hotel Hillview: Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar 685 612. Phone: (04865) 230567 / 230882.

Fast facts for travellers
Distance by road to Munnar from Cochin: 140 kilometres.

Nearest railway stations to Munnar:
Kochi -130 km
Kottayam -142 km

Nearest Airports: Kochi (130 kilometres) and Coimbatore (156 kilometres).

Season: September to February and April to MayOff season: June to August.

Published in Rediff.com, on September 25, 2006
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2006/sep/25slid.htm