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Travelnjoy Vol. I - Issue 7 - July 2017
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Travel e-Magazine ------------------------------------------------Editor: Shirish Kirtane Contributors: Girish Pimpale Design & Layout: Shirish Kirtane Manish Malve Photography: Shraddha Kirtane Shruti Kirtane Published by: Travelnjoy Holidays A/302, Ankush CHS, New Viva College Road, Vartak Ward, Virar (W). --------------------------------------------------------------Be a contributor by sending travel related articles, photos and other contents helpful to the readers. We are looking for the contributors. Those who are interested can contact on: shirish.travelnjoy@gmail.com OR shirish@travelnjoy.co.in To read the magazine online log on to: www.travelnjoy.co.in --------------------------------------------------------------Cover Photo Credit: Shraddha Kirtane DISCLAMIER
We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information on this magazine. However we can give no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of the content of this magazine. Hence we accept no liability for any losses or damages, whether direct, indirect or otherwise arising out of errors or omissions contained in this magazine. We reserves the right to update, add, amend, remove, replace or change any part of the content at any time without prior notice. We shall not be liable for distortion of data arising from any technical fault including transmission errors, technical defects, interruptions or third party intervention.
Don’t let the rains ruin your travel plans. People, who until now were burning under the scorching summer heat, know how they have awaited the arrival of the monsoons. But, as it is said, each thing comes with its own set of pros and cons and monsoons are no exception. As much as you would like to get drenched once in a while, or enjoy the droplets on your window over a cup of hot tea or coffee, travelling, on the other hand, becomes quite a task during monsoons. Be it the slippery roads with potholes that slow down your pace of driving, health issues or the ensuing natural hazards, monsoons have every chance of turning your journey into a nightmare. Nevertheless, rains should not stop you from travelling. So, before you step out,
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these tips will help you cope up with monsoon: 1. Select the right attire: Firstly, it’s always important to select the right set of clothes, if you are heading out during monsoons. Avoid packing whites and pastels in your bag. Go for dark coloured pants and shirts with long sleeves. Also, wear rain-proof shoes. 2. Don’t forget to carry essentials: An umbrella and a raincoat is a must. To make sure that your belongings, especially your camera and phone don’t get wet, pack them in a nylon backpack with proper waterproofing. Also, carry enough inner wears. 3. Carry a first-aid box: With the weather getting moist, the chances of bacterial infection also increases. Keep disinfectant scrubs, antiseptic creams and bandages handy. There might be mosquitoes and bugs, so, carry mosquito repellents. Falling sick is the last thing you would desire while travelling. So pack antiallergic drugs too. 4. You can’t get away from disruptions: Since monsoons in India are erratic, certain delays and interruptions in your journey won’t be unusual. Be prepared for delayed or cancelled
flights or trains. Make sure your hotel and airport transfers are well-prepared for delays. Just keep calm and go through your plans once again. 5. It’s not the perfect time to take the road less travelled by: You may be keen on adventures while travelling, but monsoons are just not the ideal time to indulge in your travel pleasures. As much as you may love road trips, it is not advisable to undertake one during monsoons. Also, in case of any mishap, finding help in a place less inhabited might be difficult. 6. Relish well-cooked food: Sometimes, you need to sacrifice street food, just for the sake of your health. Raw food, on the other hand, is also prone to contamination, and should be avoided. Besides, don’t forget to carry your own water bottle. 7. Rejuvenate with Ayurveda: Monsoon is the best time to go for Ayurvedic treatment. Among the best getaways would be Kerala, Uttarakhand, Goa and Pune.
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Konkan railway route is full of scenic landscapes, ranging from tunnels, bridges, coastal peripheries, steps of Western Ghats (popular as Sahyadari), innumerable small rivers, seasonal streams and lush green meadows. Do not forget to take out your handicam or camera and capture the highlights of stunning Indian train journey. 06
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Exciting Konkan Rail Journey in Monsoon Konkan Railway traverses along the picturesque west coast having varieties of flora and fauna. The natural beauty of region complemented with elegant man made structures will make the journey over Konkan Railway into memorable experience for the passengers .The shortened time span, easy accessibility of historical , religious spots and to beaches along the picturesque coastline of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka states ,will contribute to a booming tourist trade. The ride on Konkan railway is always beautiful, but in monsoons, the waterfalls on long stretches of western ghats can simply take your breath away.
There are several waterfalls that you can get a glimpse of while on Konkan railway journey. Mostly they are seasonal and depending on the rainfall during the season. The train chugged along, passing through tunnels, over rivers that looked more like backwaters and through narrow openings in the hills – it was a sight to watch. Waterfalls graced both the sides making it difficult to decide which side to look at. There were vast stretches of green dotted with water bodies. It was fun to get in and get out of tunnels.
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Monsoons are here and it is best time to enjoy away from the city, in the cradle of nature. So pack your bags and head to the undiscovered corners of the country where you can enjoy monsoon at its best. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra Situated about 700m above sea level, this hill station explodes with waterfalls, come monsoon season. The lakes swell with water, the mountains are cloaked in fog, and the roar of waterfalls will be music to your ears. The valleys and forests of Malshej Ghat are freshly green and if the rain seems to have abated for a while, getting out with a picnic blanket and a basket of goodies would be a good idea. Saputara, Gujarat Saputara is a splendid location for those who like to combine their love of monsoon with adventurous fun. There is a month-long Monsoon Festival organised here and it is a combination of activities, games and cultural programs. Shivanasamudra, Karnataka This is a town that is located on the banks of the River Kaveri and is home to a number of lovely waterfalls. The popular ones among them are Gaganachukki and Shivanasamudra waterfalls. Once the rains arrive, these swell up in might and makes for a great experience. Ashtamundi Lake, Kerala Eight channels come together to form Ashtamudi Lake and this is one of the best experiences of the backwaters of Kerala. You can stay in quaint cottages that overlook the seemingly endless lake, and watch the patter of raindrops. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh This is a small town of temples and forts built at the beginning of the 16th century by Raja Rudra Pratap. Orchha is also home to a wildlife sanctuary with a river flowing in its midst that will be brimming with water during this season. Monsoon is magical here and there’s nothing comparable to exploring ancient forts as the rain comes pelting down on you.
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Ranikhet, Uttarakhand The place offers majestic views of the Himalayas. If that isn’t enough, then imagine the verdant greenery of the valleys and forests. The high-altitude lakes are a sight to be enjoyed and though the roads may at times be difficult to navigate, the pleasant climate, the beauty of the surrounding hills and ease of access to the Valley of Flowers makes this a wonderful monsoon holiday destination. Bishnupur, West Bengal Bishnupur gets its name from Lord Vishnu, the prominent deity of the rulers of the Malla dynasty that ruled the region during the 16th century. The town is famous for the innumerous terracotta structures. The temples and other buildings are a huge draw for people, whether for religious or architectural purposes. Around August every year, the monsoons are in full swing, washing clean the terracotta structures. The brick-red buildings are a stark contrast to the bright greenery all around. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh Ziro is famous for its picturesque landscapes. Though located in a valley, it is over 5500 feet above sea level and has stunning views of mountains all around. With rice fields throughout the valley and the mountains looming over it, the village almost seems like a bowl of vibrant green beauty. Majuli, Assam Majuli is an island that experiences the force of the powerful Brahmaputra. Despite being the world’s largest river island, every year when the monsoons hit the river manages to encroach on to the land mass creating beautiful islands. Mawsynram, Meghalaya The clouds that roll over Mawsynram are thick, dark and bursting with raindrops. Located on the slopes of the Khasi hills, and being one of the wettest places in India, the monsoon season here brings a sudden outburst of waterfalls all around.
Best Monsoon Destinations in India Monsoons are here and it is best time to enjoy away from the city, in the cradle of nature. So pack your bags and head to the undiscovered corners of the country where you can enjoy monsoon at its best. Travelnjoy | July 2017
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If you are a trekking enthusiast, monsoon treks will definitely delight you. The beautiful nature after a few spells of rain, fascinate every passionate treker to experience it.
Trekking
Destinations in Maharashtra for
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Lohgad Fort is not too far from Lonavala which means you can get here in just few hours, if you reside in Mumbai or Pune. Located in the Western Ghats, the fort is around 1,052 meters above the sea level (3,450 feet). The trekking here is good enough for first timers who don’t want to push their limits, but would want to experience the same fun that trekkers do. The fort is easily accessible and therefore all you have to do is be careful to ensure you don’t slip on the rocks. The fort overlooks the Pavana reservoir. On the way up, trekkers will find lot of history as there are many structures within the fort that are still intact. Keep an eye on the moss growing on the rocks that can lead to accidents. On reaching the top, you can enjoy the misty environment all around and get a great view of the Pavana Lake and the mountains around. Korigad Fort trek is another worth mentioning destination that first time or basic level trekkers can try out. The fort is a bit isolated from the main highway and therefore it would be ideal if you have a car. The fort is located in Peth-Shahpur village close to the Amby Valley. The terrain here is not difficult and therefore it offers lot of fun and excitement without any risk factors. You can choose the Peth-Shahpur route to climb up which makes it easier during the monsoon. There is one more alternate route, but during the monsoon season that terrain can be unforgiving and dangerous. When you reach the top, you can enjoy the nice view of the surrounding mountains and the temples and ponds located at the top of the fort. The fort is around 3,050 feet above the sea level offering a panoramic view. Not too far from Lonavala is a place called Kamshet. If you catch a local train from Lonavala, it would take you hardly 15 minutes. Tikona Fort is at a higher level so if you love to trek up higher this is the place to be. The fort is easily accessible and therefore you don’t have to put too much of effort finding it. Take the route for the Gavhande village and you will find a way to the Tikona Fort along with its twin fort – Tung Fort.
If you want to push your limits, Torna Fort trek is something that can offer you complete satisfaction. The fort is easily accessible, but the trek route poses certain amount of challenges and therefore trekkers need to be cautious while climbing this terrain. While the initial climb is fairly easy, it gets harder and harder as you progress higher. The fort is located 4,610 feet above the sea level making it one of the highest forts in the Pune district. It is also advisable that you keep track of how you’re moving up because you might get lost if you’re on the wrong trail. The final part of the climb has rocky patches and that is where you will need to slow down and take things pretty seriously, especially if you are a basic level trekker. During the monsoon, the rocks tend to slippery and the growing moss can only make conditions worse. Take your time and help out each other to get to the top without any injuries. Nestled between Matheran and Panvel, Prabalgad Fort trek is quite a challenge during the monsoon period. At the elevation of 2,300 feet Prabalgad Fort is a great trekking destination in Maharashtra. The fort can be seen from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. When you’re heading to Prabalgad you might also come across dense forest at the foot of the hill. Crossing the dense forest on the foot brings you closer to the nature. The fort is closer to the Mumbai city and therefore once you’re on the top you can see the Mumbai city at the horizon. If you want to save time on your journey, you can definitely pick Prabalgad Fort that can allow you to get an entire day of adventure. Right next to the Prabalgad Fort is Kalavantin Durg, one of the most mysterious places in India, which you can explore if you want to take on some more challenge during the monsoon.
While the trek here is designed for basic trekkers, it can pose a challenge in some ways as there are certain areas where basic trekkers will have to stretch their limits and climb almost vertical rocks. This probably will slow down the trek and it takes around couple of hours to reach the top. Check out the temples and caves when you reach at the top. The narrow passages between the fort walls makes the entire trek experience even more exhilarating.
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Goa’s Dudhsagar Waterfall might get better Rail connectivity soon Although it has become inaccessible due to restrictions imposed by Indian Railways, Goa’s tourism department has appealed for better rail connectivity to the spot. The Dudhsagar Falls, located at the Goa-Karnataka border, has always been one of the most popular landmarks for tourists visiting the region. Most of us have seen it in photos and movies, and have immediately desired to visit the place at least once. After all, to see the waterfalls from the window of a train would be an experience a traveller would want to remember forever. But unfortunately, the Falls have become inaccessible owing to restrictions imposed at the nearby railway station by Indian Railways. In order to enable tourists to get a glimpse of this glorious waterfall, the tourism department of Goa has urged the Railway Ministry to improve connectivity to the spot. Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar has requested Railway Minister Suresh 12
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Prabhu to intervene and request Indian Railways to operate trains from Vasco to Dudhsagar on a daily basis without “unreasonable restrictions.” Parulekar has also given word on the fact that the Goa Tourism Department will coordinate and cooperate with the local district administration so that enough safety measures are in place for the tourists.
“It may be recalled that Dudhsagar waterfall was well connected by the South Central Railway. However, last year, the railway authorities banned passengers from alighting at Dudhsagar falls citing safety reasons,” the minister said. Parulekar has pointed out that with the onset of the monsoons, tourists have been expressing disappointment at not being able to visit and view the waterfall. “Goa is promoting monsoon tourism in a big way and tourists opting for monsoon holidays in Goa wish to add Dudhsagar waterfall to the itinerary,” he said. Parulekar also revealed that the Goa Tourism Development Corporation might also get into a partnership with the South Central Railway to charter a bogie for tourists at areasonable cost.
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Every Indian should know
the basic flight etiquettes It’s time we stop being an inconvenience to fellow travellers. Chatty co-passengers, armrest hoggers, people who drink too much on board--in-flight behavioural nuisances has been damaging overall experience of air travel with each passing day, especially in India. All you need to do to realise this reality is browse through the recent instances of misbehaviour in flights that stand out as glaring examples of the breach of public conduct. While there are
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regular cases of assault on crew members, people recently have also been found masturbating or copulating, while on flight. If flights have indeed added to your convenience of travel, the least one could expect from a passenger is to know how to ‘behave’. After all, your fellow passenger deserves as peaceful a journey as you. Here is some basic flying etiquette that every passenger should keep in mind while travelling:
Give enough room to your copassenger You are not the only traveller on board. So, make sure you are not using up all the space for yourself and your luggage. Also, if it’s a short-haul flight, you may try and not recline your seat way too much. Let everyone have access to their respective seat, legroom and luggage space in the overhead bins. Try talking less, for once? It’s time one realises that being a chatty neighbour can be a source of irritation for many, especially if the other is trying to concentrate on something more important. How about listening to music on your own, or reading a book? Else, enjoy a short, rejuvenating nap.
Don’t let your actions be an inconvenience You very well know what qualifies for respectable public behaviour, and what doesn’t. Things like bad odour (from food or body), littering the place or even hogging armrests lead to the inconvenience of other passengers.
Pay some respect to the crew If certain people can manage to be cordial, even after clearing your litter, can they not expect the same behaviour from you in return? You may say it’s the responsibility of the air hostesses to ensure you have a comfortable journey, but it is also your responsibility to avoid causing unnecessary hassle. Don’t drink too much Nobody minds a couple of drinks, only if one is not a drunk troublemaker. Drink only to the extent you can manage to hold.
Maintain a queue while boarding or getting off If you have boarded your flight already, know that nobody is going to take away your seat. Nor will you be left behind in your seat, for the flight to take you on a free trip after landing. It’s just a matter of a few minutes. Maintaining some form of discipline while travelling is not that difficult.
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Lahaul-Spiti is now going to be the hottest new tourism destination The government aims to develop LahaulSpiti as part of the Buddhist tourism circuit. A hilly terrain with trekking trails, monasteries, diverse flora and fauna, and a rich Tibet-influenced culture--the twin districts of Lahaul and Spiti boast of a wide variety of attractions to woo tourists. To tap its tourism potential, these destinations in Himachal Pradesh have now been identified to be developed as new tourist spots. Union Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma assured that the Centre has approved Rs 250 crore to develop the much-talked-about Buddhist tourism circuit in parts of India,
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including Lahaul-Spiti. The minister said this while visiting the district on the occasion of Chandra-Bhaga Sangam Parv. The trans-national Buddhist circuit from India to Nepal has been one of the most important tourism projects envisioned by the government. With Buddhism having originated in India, the government is looking at bringing more of Buddhist pilgrims to India. Mahesh Sharma also added that the Tandi Sangam, where Chandra and Bhaga rivers meet, would be developed for tourism purposes, as per the demand of people, as there was no dearth of funds to execute the project, reported The Tribune.
You will be able to fly to Shirdi, from July onward
If you’ve been wanting to take your parents to Shirdi, things are about to get a lot easier. The Maharashtrian town of Shirdi receives a lot of religious tourist year after year. Now, this religious tourism is all set to get a bigger boost, because if all goes to plan, Shirdi might just have an operational airport before the month of July 2017 ends. The airport is set to cut down travel time to Shirdi from Mumbai to just 40 minutes. Right now, the same distance 238 km is covered in about five hours by road. This airport project has partly been funded by the Saibaba Sansthan Trust, reports The Indian Express.
Airport officials have said that various airlines like Alliance Air, Trujet and Indigo have visited the airport site. “Expecting four flights a day in the beginning. Aircraft ranging from ATRs to an Airbus 320 could land here. Based on a study, passenger traffic of 700-800 daily is expected. In addition to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad will be among the first cities connected. The airport is being built at a cost of Rs 340 crore, and is expected to be inaugurated towards the end of July 2017.
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Most preferred country for vegetarian food for Indian travelers
Do you too look for vegetarian food every time you go vacationing? Thanks to our culture and some predisposed ideas, one of the most difficult things for Indian travelers to encounter while travelling is finding good vegetarian food. More often than not, vegetarian Indian travelers end up finding their food of preference only at Indian restaurants in whichever country they’re vacationing in. Needless to say, this Indian food at these Indian restaurants abroad is not half as good as the authentic Indian food back home. But all of that changes when Indians are vacationing in Israel. That’s right-Israel has now emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for vegetarian food for Indian travelers vacationing abroad.
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The survey was conducted by Cox & Kings with a sample size of 5000 with age groups ranging between 20 and 65-year-olds from January to March 2017. In the survey, titled ‘Top vegetarian-friendly destinations and preferences of Indian vegetarian outbound travellers’, Israel has emerged among the top 10 in the list of destinations. Other destinations to have featured on the list are Dubai, United Kingdom and Singapore. What’s working in Israel’s favour in this case is the increase in number of vegetarian restaurants opening up in the country, and the growing outbound travel to Israel.
How to save yourself from Jet Lag
Here’s how you can ensure a happy and healthy tour. Travellers often prefer a flight journey over other modes, owing to its convenience and shorter travel time. However, what often comes along with it is jet lag. The sense of fatigue and dizziness that one goes through, especially after a long-haul flight, takes away the pleasure of travel. It may also have an adverse affect on your health. According to World Health Organisation, jet lag can lead to indigestion, disturbance in the bowel function, blood pressure fluctuations, among other disorders. So, before your jet lag kills all the energy for travel, here are some of the measures you can undertake to have a stress-free vacation. 1. Adjust your body clock: This should begin at least three days before your day of departure. Keep shifting your sleeping schedule, by an hour or two, to suit it to the local timings at your travel destination.
2. Opt for a split-trip: This allows more time to the body to adapt to the new routine. Plus, it can reduce the air fare for your journey. 3. Keep your body hydrated: It is always advisable to avoid alcohol or caffeine while on a long-haul flight. Drink as much water as possible. 4. Don’t fall for a nap: Might sound impractical otherwise, but falling asleep as soon as you reach your hotel, is never a good idea. Head out instead; go for a walk in the neighbourhood and explore. And if you can’t do without sleeping, utilise the time in the flight to do so. 5. Exposure to sunlight: Once you arrive at your destination, keep your windows open to feel the brightness of daylight. It always makes you feel better. 6. Try working out: Might not sound as good an idea, but a little bit of exercise will help regulate blood flow in your body, thus reducing the chances of a jet lag.
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The Iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train to get Rs 3.5 crore UNESCO and Indian Railways have joined hands to preserve every bit of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as ‘Toy Train,’ is set to be preserved for posterity. UNESCO and the Indian Railways have embarked on developing a ‘Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan’ (CCMP) for the vintage British-era rail heritage. A core and buffer zone will be fixed for the 78 km-long narrow gauge rail which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Guidelines will be prepared for maintenance of its beautiful steam locomotives, machinery and historic stations like Kurseong. Even its intangible heritage like craftsmanship will be documented. An expert team has already visited the site twice. It’s a two-year-long project and a fund of over 5.33 lakh US dollars is involved. A core and buffer zone will be fixed for the 78 km-long narrow gauge rail which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Guidelines will be prepared for maintenance of its beautiful steam locomotives, machinery and historic stations like Kurseong. Even its intangible heritage like craftsmanship will be documented. An expert team has already visited the site twice. It’s a two-year-long project and a fund of over 5.33 lakh US dollars is involved. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999, only the second railway after Austria’s Semmering (1998) to have this honour bestowed upon it. It was also Asia’s 20
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first ‘industrial heritage’ site to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Universally, the first was Poland’s Weiliczka salt mine (1978). Designed and built by the British in 1880, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway quickly opened up north Bengal’s sleepy hill economy. Villages, tea estates and residential schools grew up around it. Tourism blossomed. It also played a key role during World War II, transporting soldiers and supplies. In the 21st century though, natural calamities, rapid urbanisation and growth of road traffic along the rail took a toll. The Gorkhaland Movement also forced it close from 1988-89. Two global NGOs--International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and The Industrial Committee for Conservation of Industrial Heritage (TICCIH)--are assisting UNESCO experts on the project. Numerous landslides, flash floods and earthquakes have damaged the DHR railway line over years. Operations between Siliguri and Kurseong were temporarily suspended following the Pagla Jhora landslide in 2010. Other than that, the picturesque views that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers has to be protected, hence the conservation plan will also have tight strictures on unauthorised slums and encroachments. The Indian Railways is also planning the digitisation of its heritage inventory. All details regarding its 14 museums and 11 galleries, spread across the country, will be uploaded on a specially-designed website. This includes Delhi’s National Rail museum.
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