Monasteries of Spiti

Apart from the landscapes which are breathtakingly surreal, what captivates Spiti are culture and monasteries of this spectacular land. Fed by the Spiti River and with innumerable barren mountains, the valley has numerous tiny villages perched on ridges with fluttering prayer flags and sporadic green patches. Highly influenced by the Tibetan way of life and sharing borders with Tibet, Spiti valley is home to some of the prominent and mystic Buddhist monasteries.  Kaza is the district headquarters and the major town from where one can explore these monasteries. The public transport is quite limited and one has to travel in own vehicles to reach most of the monasteries and places around it.

Dhankar Monastery:

A steep detour from Shichilling coupled with gorgeous views of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers takes you to Dhankar monastery, and to the eerie rock formations with houses atop it. Dhankar has two monasteries and the new one is brightly painted with colourful interiors and numerous monks strolling around. However, Dhankar is known for its old monastery which follows Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. Located a short distance away and perched on weirdly shaped rocky formations, the monastery has cracks on its walls and seems precariously standing tall on the rocks. The tiny rooms inside with low rise roofs are dimly lit and have wall paintings. The views of the confluence of the rivers from the monastery are breathtaking. Further ahead of the monastery is Dhankar fort which is a nice vantage point. From the new monastery, a narrow trail leads up the hill to Dhankar lake which is 3 kms and 3 hours away.

Location: 29 Kms from Kaza and 8 Kms from Shichilling

Tabo Temple Complex:

Located to the south of Kaza, Tabo is a small town and known for its temple complex which is believed to be the oldest continuously functional Buddhsit monastery constituting of many stupas and shrines. The new monastery is typical of the modern architecture and design with bright colours and prayer flags. The Kalachakra next to it has chortens and prayer flags. Behind this are the many old monasteries built entirely of mud and wood. Of these, the prominent one is Tsuglhakhang, the main temple which was built in late 10^th century. Adorned with mural art on its walls, stucco clay sculptures and thangkas (Buddhist paintings), this ancient temple place evokes a sense of serenity and exquisiteness. The other monasteries were built between 15^th and 17^th centuries and they too have wonderful works of art on display. Tabo monastery is home to millennium old Tibetan monastic art and is often referred as the Ajanta of Himalayas.

Location: 50 Kms from Kaza

Lhalung Monastery:

Winding roads through lovely barren landscapes of Lungti valley take you to the secluded Lhalung village located at the base of snow clad mountains. Lhalung monastery located near the village is a small one, but the inner sanctum has mural art and numerous stucco sculptures of Buddha, Tara, Maitreya and Padmavasambhava. The monastery is also referred as Serkhang (golden hall).

Location: 30 Kms from Kaza

Ki Monastery:

Perched atop a hill, Ki monastery is visible from a distance as you ride up to it. It is probably the most picturesquely situated monastery in Spiti with brown mountains and blue skies in the backdrop apart from overlooking the turquoise waters of Spiti river. At more than 13,500 feet, it is the highest monastery in Spiti and also the largest in the region. The 13^th century monastery which follows Gelugpa sect of Buddhism houses a huge collection of thangkas (Buddhist paintings) and is home to 350 monks. The monastery has been constantly under restoration works as it was repeatedly attacked by Mongols, Dogra army, Sikhs and also because of natural disasters.

Location: 14 Kms from Kaza

Kibber Monastery:

Located further ahead of Ki monastery, Kibber village (Kibber wildlife sanctuary) is a popular place to spot snow leopards during winter. The monastery here is fairly a small one (is under restoration and expansion presently) and has an ancient prayer hall which has colourful mural art on its walls.

Location: 25 Kms from Kaza and 11 Kms from Ki

Langza Monastery:

It’s a long meandering road to Langza, a tiny picturesque village lying at the base of snow clad mountains. Though a small one, the monastery is colourful with fluttering prayer flags. The other big attraction here is the huge colourful statue of Buddha facing the mountains. Langza village is also known to have a variety of marine fossils and is a popular night sky gazing site.

Location: 18 Kms from Kaza

Komic Monastery:

Komic village at 14,830 feet is apparently the world’s highest village accessible by a motorable road. Tangyud monastery is a fortified monastery with bright colours and tall mud walls surrounding it. Built in early 13^th century, the monastery follows Sakya sect of Buddhism and has a large courtyard apart from a colourful prayer hall. The monastery was restored after a natural disaster that happened in 1970s.

Location: 19 Kms from Kaza

Geyu Monastery:

Geyu, also referred as Gue is a secluded village in the southern region of Spiti, closer to Kinnaur district. Though monastery isn’t a functional as yet, the village is popular for the 550 year old mummy of a Buddhist monk. The well preserved mummy is kept in a glass enclosure inside a small structure next to the monastery. As per the locals, the mummy was discovered by the Indo Tibetan Border Police near the village of Geyu in 1970s.

Location: 81 Kms from Kaza

Sakya Tangyud Monastery:

Located in Kaza town, this new monastery is a colourful one which follows Sakya sect of Buddhism. There are prayers held every day in the morning and evening. The colourful interiors have a peaceful ambience and the morning prayer with various instruments played by the monks enhances the serenity of the prayer hall.

Location: Kaza

Travel Tips:

• There is a public bus that connects Kaza with Ki and Kibber.
• There are accommodation options available at monasteries such as Dhankar, Tabo and Ki

Navigator:

The nearest airport is at Bhuntar in Kullu, 253 Kms away. The closest railhead is at Kalka, 484 Kms away. There are daily buses from Shimla to Kaza and from Manali to Kaza (except during winters).

Accommodation and Food:

Kaza has numerous hotels, guest houses and hostels. I stayed at Zostel Spiti. There are small cafes or restaurants near most of the monasteries which offer Indian and Tibetan food.

Ekam Chail- Serenity Amidst Deodhars

A detour off the road that leads further to Chail takes you to Ekam Chail, a luxurious home stay amidst deodhar trees. Owned by Sumeet Singal, who wanted a home in hills, he has turned his beautiful getaway into a luxurious home stay with all the modern amenities. While places like Chail and Kufri can can get crowded, Ekam Chail which is 9 Kms before the town of Chail (on Kandaghat- Chail road) is devoid of holiday makers and sits peacefully amidst the greenery that surrounds it.

The stone walled structure which has a quaint charm to it stands tall surrounded by vegetable, fruit and herb garden apart from hundreds of trees.  From the colours to the interiors, the property has been tastefully done with displays collected from various parts of the world. The beautifully done common spaces include a living area and a dining room apart from a cosy library/ leisure area on the first floor. Named after colours (red, green, grey), Ekam Chail has 4 rooms with additional beds and attics. The spacious rooms come with large balconies overlooking the deodhars and hills, and also offer gorgeous sunset views. The leisure room makes sure that the kids are engaged with numerous games on offer.

The in-house chef is at your service and is always keen to prepare dishes as per your request. While the pizzas and cakes are pretty special, their sandwiches are scrumptious. All ingredients for the gourmet food are grown within their garden as they make sure what they serve is holistically healthy. It might be a disappointment for meat and egg lovers as they serve only vegetarian fare.

A place to get away from the daily hustle, Ekam Chail is all about tranquility and waking up to nature and spending time amidst it. It is a home away from home and an ideal place to unwind amidst the green surroundings. However, for the outdoorsy people, Chail and Kufri aren’t far.

Contact:

Ekam Chail- House in the Hills

Vill Dunti, Kandaghat-Chail Road

District Solan,

Pin Number- 173217,

Himachal Pradesh

Mobile: +91-9810058247

Email: sumeetsin@yahoo.com

P.S.: I was hosted by Ekam Chail, but opinions are my own.

4 Surprising Coastal Getaways In Europe

When we think of Europe and the coast, there are a few destinations that usually come to mind first. We might think of the French Riviera, the Greek islands, the gorgeous seaside towns of Spain and Italy. All of these are iconic destinations for travelers from all over the world. And yet, to limit our fascination with Europe's coastal getaways to the headline-snatching paradises is to do this wonderfully versatile continent a disservice. Here are four more fascinating coastal spots in Europe that might surprise you, or which you simply might not consider ordinarily.

Zadar, Croatia 

It is certainly no secret anymore that Croatia has some of the most gorgeous coastal spots in the world. A bit of a hidden gem just a few years ago, the country has exploded in popularity, and it's for the reason you might expect: Game Of Thrones, which does a lot of shooting there, is making an impact. Indeed, the numbers have shown that the show is turbo boosting Croatia's economy almost too much, with the city of Dubrovnik having to restrict tourism to prevent overcrowding. The city of Zadar, however, receives far less attention and is equally intriguing. Featuring a Venetian-style old town that juts out into the Adriatic Sea as its own peninsula, it's a striking visual city built for world-class relaxation.

Image source: Wikimedia commons
Gibraltar, Great Britain

Gibraltar is a very bizarre destination, at least so far as geography and politics are concerned. Though technically a part of Great Britain, it's actually a Mediterranean peninsula attached to mainland Spain. Said to be one of Europe's most hotly contested areas in terms of territory (current prime minister Theresa May has vehemently vowed to keep it under British control), it seems to be the subject of dispute every few years. But don't let that eclipse its allure. This is a unique seaside spot, marked above all else by the famed Rock of Gibraltar, which is a paradise for travelers who love history and nature. Featuring everything from Europe's only native apes to ancient tunnels carved out as wartime hideaways, the rock which is really more of a mountain is absolutely fascinating. 
Image source: Wikimedia commons
Kotor, Montenegro
Many of us have it in our heads that Montenegro is a beautiful place, but that perception tends to be light on specifics. Unlike other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, Montenegro does not necessarily possess a given city or beach that is known the world over as a specific destination. But perhaps Kotor should be on that list of places. It's actually not technically on the sea, but rather slightly insulated, positioned on the Bay of Kotor (which does ultimately spill into the Adriatic). It is perhaps a bit unoriginal to describe a place this way in an article like this, but the simple truth is that Kotor is an almost uniquely beautiful old town, nestled at the base of a mountain on one of the most picturesque bays in the world. If you are into tranquil relaxation, you can't do better.
Image source: Wikimedia commons
Lanzarote, Spain
This is a different kind of coastal getaway as it's actually on the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain (rather than attached to the European mainland). Nevertheless, it is another overlooked spot that's absolutely sensational to visit. With beautiful beach stretches known for walking and cycling routes, and eco-friendly accommodations, it's a great place to get in touch with nature for a few days. The Telegraph even ranked it among the best summer holiday islands in Europe, which could put it on the map a little bit more. But for now it remains something of a hidden gem. 
Image source: Wikimedia commons

Five Bucket List Holidays That Your Family Will Enjoy Together

If you’re thinking of touring India with your family but don’t quite know where to begin, here’s a bucket list of holiday destinations in India that your family can enjoy together.

1. Goa

Looking for some sun, sand, and surf along with a dollop of history and culture? Look no further than India’s sunshine state, Goa! With gorgeous beaches lined with fun cafes and adventure sports outlets aplenty, this tiny state in western India is one of the most fun holiday destinations in the country. From March to May, the weather is hit; during the winter months from October to February, the state takes on a misty charm; while the monsoons make it the perfect trekking destination, making Goa an evergreen place to visit. When you are done enjoying the beach, take a tour of the UNESCO-listed churches in south Goa to learn about the culture and traditions of the Goans. The destination is well connected to several major metros like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and New Delhi by airplane, train, and bus.

2. Kerala

When you are looking for peace on your family holidays, few things compare to God’s Own Country, Kerala. Whether you want to take in the art and eclectic markets of Kochi, drive through the misty, winding lanes of Wayanad, unwind by the backwaters in Alleppey, or head to the tea haven of Munnar, this destination has got all it takes. While the backwaters can be humid, the hill stations of Thekkady and Munnar provide relief in the warm months. It’s easy to reach Kochi and Trivandrum from cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

3. Rajasthan

For family vacations with a royal touch, Rajasthan fits the bill. Head to Udaipur in the monsoons to visit the palaces on the lakes in all their glory while the desert with all its rugged splendor awaits you in Jaisalmer. Don’t forget to watch a cultural show in the evenings here. The Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort teach you about Jaipur’s history while its Johari Bazaar will spoil you with its vibrant shops. Rajasthan is best visited in winter. Jaipur and Udaipur are connected to major Indian cities by flight and cities like Jaisalmer and Jodhpur can be reached easily via road.

4. North- East

For a slightly off-beat take on family holidays, visit the gorgeous North-east India. Here you will get to experience India differently. Avoid the entire region in monsoons; the best time to visit is from November to April. For tea plantations and history, you can head to Assam while Shillong is a fun party place with amazing natural surroundings. Besides, Arunachal Pradesh beckons those who crave adventure and Sikkim is a beautiful Buddhist state to visit.

5. Himalayan region

The final place on our list is the beautiful Himalayan region—whether you choose Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand, its pristine spirituality mixed with adrenaline- boosting adventures is a sure-shot contender for blockbuster family holidays.

Should you choose to go to the north, south, east, or west of India, Club Mahindra has you covered. With state-of-the-art hospitality, enjoyable fun filled resort activities, and modern well-done rooms at India’s favorite resort chain, you cannot ask for a better partner to make memorable holiday moments with family!

P.S.: This is a sponsored post.

Weekend getaways from Coimbatore

Coimbatore is a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu apart from being a popular tourist and business destination.  It is close to many other places of tourist’s interest too such as hill stations, trekking spots, beach destinations and wildlife sanctuaries. The wonderful natural beauty of the entire region offers an unforgettable travel experience. You can directly visit any of the nearby places by taking a car on rent in Coimbatore. Here is a list of must visit places around Coimbatore.

Mudumalai: It is a serene hill station perched on top of Nilgiri hills. It is famous for its national park that houses some of the most amazing varieties of flora and fauna and also offer breathtaking views of scenic landscapes. Mudumalai National Park is the habitat for some of the rare fauna found in India such as leopards, dholes, golden jackals etc. The two primates of the area, grey langur and bonnet macaque draw large number of wildlife enthusiasts. Families can engage in interesting activities such as bird watching too.

Mudumalai tiger reserve (Image source- Wikimedia commons)

Ooty: Often called as “the queen of hills”, Ooty is the most popular hill station in Tamil Nadu and is the capital of Nilgiris district. It is located at an altitude of 2240 meters above sea level and is very popular among honeymoon couples as it observes pleasant weather throughout the year. The region in and around Ooty is blessed with beautiful mountains, dense forests, sprawling grasslands and lush tea gardens that delight the visitors. If you are planning to visit from Coimbatore, it is best to hire one of the reliable Coimbatore to Ooty cabs for a safe and comfortable journey.

Botanical gardens (Image source- Wikimedia commons)

Wayanad: Wayanad is an ideal destination for a wholesome vacation as it offers cascading waterfalls, historical caves, beautiful hills, adventure activities and plush resorts. It is also renowned for its spice plantations and wildlife. Wayanad is located at the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and a large portion of its area comprises of forest reserves. The entire region brims with green hilly ranges and wildlife. It's a lovely experience to take long walks through the sprawling spice plantations and trek to the pre- historic Edakkal caves. Wayanad is an ideal destination for a memorable family holiday.

Thamarasseri ghats (Image source- Wikimedia commons)

Munnar: A picturesque hill station located in the state of Kerala, Munnar is famous for its tea estates, exotic landscapes, rolling hills and rich flora and fauna. It is situated on the banks of three rivers and has one of the biggest tea plantations in South India. The major attractions of Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and tea plantations.

Tea plantations (Image source- Wikimedia commons)

Kodaikanal: A popular honeymoon destination in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is famous for its scenic beauty. What brings the touriss here are dense forests, enchanting waterfalls and the lovely weather. Kodaikanal is located in the picturesque Palani Hills in Western Ghats and presents the most enchanting surroundings to the visitors. You can make your trip more exciting by taking part in activities like trekking, boating, horse riding etc.

Upper lake view (Image source- Wikimedia commons)

Chennai: Despite being a metropolitan city, the capital of Tamil Nadu state is the hub of commercial and political activities and also a popular tourist place. Chennai has an amazing mix of modern and traditional culture, and is famous for its beaches, heritage temples and churches. Major attractions in Chennai include the Marina beach, Kapaleeshwarar temple, VallurKotum, Queens land and many more. One can hire a Coimbatore to Chennai taxi for a convenient travel experience.



P.S.: This is a sponsored post.