JIBHI- AN UNSPOILED PLACE IN HIMACHAL (CVI)

23rd June -27th June 2017

Reaching home from office at 8.30 pm, convincing Dad, booking tickets at 9.30, packing by 10.00 and in bus by 11.00. I love sudden plans and that sudden plan made me find Jibhi- an unspoiled place in Himachal. 

With every new journey I evolve a little, with every new journey I find a little new me. And I know that travelling solves everything for me. It was a long weekend when  half of Delhi was going to Himachal but I was lucky enough to find one seat for me in a Volvo bus. Tired from the hectic day in office, I immediately slept in bus and with such an unplanned trip and no place to stay I started googling for places to stay in Jibhi. After 6-7 unsuccessful attempts I came across Mr Sandeep who runs Jibhi Camps & Cottages. Denying any vacant space initially, when I told him that I was travelling solo he ensured to arrange a place for me in his cottages. I had a sigh of relief.

View from my room- Jibhi Camps & Cottages

HOW TO REACH

Delhi- Aut (Bus)

Aut to Banjar (Cab or Bus)

Banjar- Jibhi (Cab or Bus)

THE JOURNEY AND THE EXPERIENCES

I meet so many helpful people during my solo journeys. But then there are certain people who could not do anything for you but are always ready to give free advises. So as I proposed my idea of going to Jibhi solo, a "friend" of mine messaged me on 'social media' that I should be careful as this is "India". Probably he does not know that India is unsafe because of negativity the guys like him possess. It was not an advise, it was an attempt to create fear in mind. However, I continued my journey and like all other journeys I met beautiful people on this journey as well- Sonali, Sandeep and Rahul.

SONALI

A 22 year old solo traveller, I met Sonali in bus from Delhi to Aut. It started with a simple 'Hi' and ended with hugs and goodbyes. With Sonali, this solo trip turned into a duo trip where we both were together but still we had our own space. Seeing Sonali I thought that I started travelling very late, but then present is the right time to start anything and I am happy that at least I am doing it.

Me and Sonali- Jibhi Waterfall

SANDEEP

Well I have less words to describe Sandeep. He is the owner of Jibhi Camps & Cottages and he came as a rescue for me when I had no place to stay in Jibhi. The long chats over beer and tea, listening his stories, discussing economy and philosophy, the jokes and his morning teas, he clearly considers that 'The guest is equivalent to God'.  The one line which Sandeep said very casually but I could not forget it is that, " It is easy to earn money. But it is difficult to digest it. And that is why money is the cause of all diseases in the society."

RAHUL

Before Jibhi Rahul was my facebook acquaintance whom I used to follow to get to know about different travelling places. So it was Rahul's facebook post which made me decide to travel to Jibhi. But I had no clue that I would get a chance to meet him on this trip. So all this happened because of long weekend traffic jam in Manali, when Rahul decided to find a peaceful place and ended up in Jibhi. We got in touch on messenger and he was staying just beside Jibhi Camps. We had endless chats but still there is so much left to talk about. I hope I will be meeting him soon again to talk more about places and our journeys. Indeed it is a small world. 

PLACES TO SEE

SEROLSAR LAKE TREK

From Jibhi to Jalori Pass via Sojha village- in Cab or bus (I took a cab and shared it with three more people who were staying in the camp)

A 6-7 kms trek from Jalori Pass to Sarehul Lake

The trek to Serolsar Lake

The trek to Serolsar Lake

It was beautiful 6 kms trek, very serene and calm. While I was walking there were so many thoughts running through my mind. But there were times when my mind was totally free. There were no thoughts. That was the time when I found myself totally elated. That was the time when there was complete silence and I could hear myself in that silence.

It was moderate but a long trek. I took a maggie and tea break in between. It was picturesque. 

Way to Serolsar Lake

Way to Serolsar Lake

Way to Serolsar Lake

I finally reached Serolsar Lake. I sat on a stone, closed my eyes and in that silence the cooing of Himalyan crows touched my ears. Meanwhile the lake was playing hide and seek amidst the clouds

Serolsar Lake

Serolsar Lake

While returning back I wondered that any new trek creates an excitement, anxiousness and curiosity in beginning. But the same trek while coming back creates totally different feelings- feeling of tiredness and a feeling of 'known' which makes it little boring. Probably all known people and known things become boring after sometime and that's why we humans keeps running after 'change'.

JIBHI WATERFALL

The regular showers became too boring for me and Jibhi Waterfall became my daily shower on this trip. My day used to start and end with Jibhi Waterfall. 

In the end I could realise, "That this is my journey and I have to fight it, enjoy it and complete it on my own."

FRIENDLY CAFES OF RISHIKESH (CV)

8th June -10th June 2017

"Revolutions have always started in Cafes", said by Martin Firrel.

This was my fourth visit to Rishikesh and I chose Zostel as my home and 'exploring cafes of Rishikesh' as my business. Every cafe here has its own vibes, its own colours and culture. The best part about the cafes here is that they do not bring bills to the table (and that is with every cafe I had visited) and one could sit for hours watching the flowing Ganga and the green mountains with no one to disturb.

Cafe 60's (Cafe Delmar/Beatles Cafe)

1. 60's BEATLES CAFE

With a view of Ganga, peaceful ambience and Beatles music in the background, Cafe 60's is the perfect place for the people who love silence and the food. With delicious food and amazing Masala Chai, Cafe 60's became my favourite cafe. 

View from Cafe 60's

2. ZOSTEL ROOFTOP CAFE

Zostel in itself is a 'must visit' place in Rishikesh. A perfect place to stay for a backpacker, Zostel provides all amenities with chance to interact with different travellers from different countries. My love of graffiti increased after visiting this place. Even if one is not staying in Zostel, one could visit its beautiful rooftop cafe in evening to have its amazing Dal Fry with hot chappatis. 

Graffiti on one of Zostel's walls

Zostel Cafe at dusk

3. CAFE MOKTAN

We went to have early morning breakfast in Cafe Moktan. Well, I would call it a brick cafe. The interiors of cafe was made of appealing raw bricks with one corner of the cafe covered with books. We had delightful cheese omelette and garlic breads with sumptuous fresh fruit juices.  

The Brickhouse

4. CAFE DE-GOA

"All our waiters are married. They know how to take orders." With a view of Laxman Jhula, Cafe De-Goa is a place to sit where one could observe people walking on Laxman Jhula and wishing and hoping to go on the other side of the river. While we were looking for another cafe to munch-on it started raining in Rishikesh and we found shelter in Cafe De-Goa. The green tea and hot ginger lemon tea were enough to satisfy our taste buds.

Graffiti in front of Cafe De Goa

Graffiti near the cafe

View of Laxman Jhula from the Cafe

Cafe De Goa

5. CAFE LITTLE BUDDHA

Cross Laxman Jhula and walk for few minutes towards right and  one would come across a hidden gem- Cafe Little Buddha. I started climbing the dungeon stairs of the cafe and wondered where I was heading to. To my surprise the dungeon stairs opened upto a beautiful cafe full of people of different colours with amazing Ganga view. We named it the Happy Buddha Cafe.

 

6. CAFE CHATSANG

Very near to Little Buddha Cafe on the road side was Cafe Chatsang. The name of the cafe lured me (from Satsang came the Chatsang) and I couldn't control myself entering the cafe. Grabbing just a cup of tea with my book in my hand I spent some silent time here.

"Sore Today, Strong Tomorrow"- Wall of Cafe Chatsang

 7. GANGA VIEW RESTAURANT

We had heard a lot about Cafe Moksha and in efforts of finding it we ended up landing at Ganga View Restaurant. Cafe Moksha, as was told, is the most happening cafe of Rishikesh with live music in evenings. As we had our bus back to Delhi in evening we visited the cafe from outside and decided to spend some more time with view of Ganga at the Ganga View Restaurant.

The Cafe hopping in Rishikesh gave many beautiful moments to me- the rains, the rising moon, the setting sun, the Ganga water with rafts and bloats floating, the bridge with loads of people walking peacefully over it, the cool breeze and yes the amazing sumptuous delicious food.

Exploring galis of Rishikesh

The Rising Full Moon

A MARRIAGE TO GET INSPIRED FROM - A MARRIAGE IN MUKTESHWAR, UTTRAKHAND (CIV)

They met 8 years back and fell in love. Love, that beautiful feeling of being understood, being always together in all ups and downs. They were travellers, the mountain lovers and they chose Mukteshwar to tie that sacred knot. The knot- the promise to take care of each other, the promise to travel whole world together.

PRISTINE MUKTESHWAR

They are Anki and Prat, my favourites. Anki is my friend and my soulmate in office and Prat (now) her husband. Anki is crazy like me as being in Delhi she was getting married in hills and that's why I love her so much. 

An affair which couldn't be completed without 100s of people attending it, an affair which calls of so much show off that people die thinking that "what other people would think about them", an affair which is usually torturous and painful (at least for me and probably for Anki and Prat also), an affair which is usually called "Marriage" in our society. Well, marriage is not all this. Marriage is two people coming together, marriage is event of those two people, marriage is for happiness of those two people and marriage should be for those two people.

I was sitting in my office and a courier came. It was a card which stated "Dear person who is really important to us...Let's go to Mukteshwar, come for a trip, stay for a wedding." I jumped off my seat after reading the card.

A group of 15 people started their journey from Delhi in Shatabdi till Kathkodam and from there in mini bus and cars till Mukteshwar. Parents, siblings and friends (whom Anki and Prat call close people) were invited. People with whom there was no formality, people who understand them, people with whom they could enjoy their special day with. It was a marriage full of laughter, talks, fun, dance and excitement.

Finally the time arrived and we went to wedding mandap. I was in awe when I saw the mandap. Mandap was beautifully decorated by the village women with rice flour. For them Anki was like their daughter. The village people played music and danced in the barat.

LADKEWALE :D

Anki was looking as beautiful as always and Prat the handsome hunk. It was a marriage which solemnised in midst of mountains. While leaving the place I couldn't control my tears. The village people performed vidai ceremony of Anki in their traditional way with golden colour Kalash (Urn) and baded her goodbye like their sister.

Our tastes match so much

   

Beautiful Bride and Groom

It was the marriage which is unforgettable, a spectacular, awe-inspiring marriage.

IN SEARCH OF SOMETHING UNKNOWN - TRIP TO SARAHAN, HIMACHAL (CIII)

10th March- 14th March, 2017

INDIA- a book gifted by a fellow traveller, is an ocean in itself. I opened its chapter on Himachal and the first heading I saw was Sarahan. Secluded Sarahan- erstwhile summer capital of Bhushar rajas is some 170 kms ahead of Shimla. I couldn't resist myself after reading about it and two days later I was on a bus to Sarahan.

HOW TO REACH?

Delhi to Shimla night bus (10-11 hours)

Shimla to Rampur bus (4-5 hours)

Rampur to Sarahan bus (2-3 hours) 

There are direct buses also from Delhi to Rampur which I got to know later on my return journey.

START OF THE SEARCH

I didn't know what I was looking for or what I wanted. I was just taking this journey, probably in search of "Nothing".  

The bus crossed Shimla and my eyes became wide open in amazement. I had never seen Shimla like this before - It was white, pure white. The trees were covered in snow and the sunlight was falling on them, the water dropped from my eyelids like that melting snow falling from the leaves. It was start of a good journey.

The bus had to take another route to reach Rampur as route from Narkanda was closed because of heavy snowfall. Narkanda, every time I hear this name I go back in my memories - my first solo trip was till Narkanda. The trip which has given me strength to fight my fears, the capacity to know me well, the trip which has given me new perception of looking at life. (Story on Narkanda)

It was raining cats and dogs in Rampur. The Hotel Satluj view came as a rescue- cosy room, with all amenities and a beautiful view of Satluj River.  

Rampur is a small town in Himachal with River Satluj flowing through it. The sound of river, the vibration of the bridge, prayer flags emitting good vibes - everything was positive about that town. The rain droplets were kissing all my body and the mountains merged in me making me feel alive. At night looking out of my room window I cried, I cried a lot hugging those mountains, no ifs and buts were asked, no questions were thrown, it just let me cry and the river soaked in all my tears. 

Places to Visit in Rampur

1. Padam Palace

2. Rampur bridge over Satluj River

3. Small beautiful market after crossing the bridge

4. Peaceful mountains and river water

SARAHAN

The journey from Rampur to Sarahan is beautiful. I saw snow covered mountains from Rampur and I wished to reach there and after reaching Sarahan I realised I was on those mountains. 

Sarahan is famous for Bhimkali temple - a temple with beautiful wooden architecture and I was lucky to have its tasty langar food. Snow covered mountains surrounded the temple making it even more pious. 

The road ends at Sarahan and I was glad to touch the last point.  

END OF SEARCH

As I said, I didn't know what I was looking for but I was sure that I was not going empty handed from this place. Leaving this place was not easy for me. I didn't get enough of this place. Any number of days or how much time I spend there were less. I felt as if I was leaving something really important behind. I had no relationship or connection with it but still when I bade goodbye something in me was sad. The conversations I had with nature I could never share those thoughts with anyone else- my fears, my views, my thoughts which are unacceptable to this world. It had lent such a good hear to all my talks. If I had an option I would have chosen this place as my home, but unfortunately I had no choice. All this while I was leaving love stating it to be impractical, but for the first time love was leaving me as the same was not possible.  I wish I get only one reason to hate it so that I never come back here again. However, I took a promise- not to forget me ever and keep me as one good chapter of life.  On the way back to Delhi I said "I will miss you" and the setting sun shone even brighter as if it held my hand in that moment. Only two things could bring tears in my eyes- love and nature and I got both on this trip. 

For pictures on Rampur and Sarahan visit my facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/thedayirealisedthatiamalive/

I WISH! (CII)

I wish when I die, 
I die in hills reading a book 
Or on a beach watching sunset

I wish when I die, 
I die in desert drowning in mirage
Or in sea watching star fish

I wish when I die, 
I die sitting on a cliff meditating 
Or under a waterfall playing

I wish when I die, I die while living. 

KASARDEVI, UTTRAKHAND, INDIA

IN SEARCH OF SOLITUDE- TOSH, THE UNTOUCHED BEAUTY (CI)

Sitting on my comfy chair with Murakami in my hand, when the sun rays were filtering my hair and the sun-light on snow was emitting gold and silver, I realised that Himachal has given me so much- so many friends, the love of my life, so many sunrises and morning teas, full moons and the constellations and most of all the courage to start my solo journeys. This was my another solo venture to find some solitude in Tosh- The Untouched Beauty of Himachal. Tosh is a small village ahead of Manikaran and some 20 kms from Kasol. Soothing, isolated and away from all the luxuries of city life, Tosh has the charm in its simplicity.

HOW TO REACH

Bus from ISBT or Manju Ka Tilla, Delhi till Bhunter (11-12 hours)
Local Bus from Bhunter to Barsheni (Bhunter-Kasol-Manikaran-Barsheni) (3-4 hours)
Taxi or Trek from Barsheni till Tosh. (20-30 minutes)

THAT 21 YEAR OLD

For the first time my side seat in bus was occupied by a female solo traveller. 21 year old, young and smart, she was little conscious and confused as it was her first solo trip in India. She was going to Kasol. We talked and laughed and discussed, without interfering into each other's privacy. We were alone but whenever required we were together.

GRAFFITI IN VILLAGE TOSH

WHERE TO STAY

Sunset Guest House, II Floor, Corner Room for the best view.- Rs 300 for double occupancy room (he may charge extra Rs 100 if there are two people).

FEAR- THE FIRST NIGHT

As suggested by my traveller friend Sushant I took room no. 111 and indeed the view was perfect from the balcony.

It was off season and there were very few people in the guest house and on my floor I was the only one. The sun started snoring and the moon was hidden behind the clouds, huge black mountains were standing tall in front of me and from a distance sound of gushing water of waterfalls was touching my ears. Everything was dark and I could feel the darkness inside me. I felt scared. I tried to sleep but I couldn't. After half an hour when I failed in my attempt I knocked the door of fellow travellers Sakshi and her brother Vikrant who were staying on first floor. The brother-sister from Delhi were travelling together for the first time and they had a very sweet and sour relationship. It was fun listening to them. For five minutes I kept pondering whether to knock or not, whether to disturb them or not, but for the first time I kept myself above "What people would think about Me." I knew I would be disturbing them but I couldn't help. For me it was the matter of survival.

View of Waterfalls from my balcony

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Orchid Cafe- This wooden cafe offers delicious honey pan cake, cheese omelette, lemon tea and paneer and butter roti.

NEW FRIENDSHIP, NEW LOVE, NEW RELATIONS

By this time me, Sakshi, Vikrant and Animesh (a fellow solo traveller from Delhi) already had many discussions on business, marriages, love, friendships, relations, economy, law, philosophy, psychology. The next day after bidding adieu to Sakshi and Vikrant,  me and Animesh started our trek hoping to reach that ferocious waterfall.

TREKS

1. Trek till river bed- I would not call it a trek as it was a simple walk till a pasture from where one could hear sound of rustling water of river.

2. Trek till the Waterfall- It was not a normal trek and no villager suggested us to go for it.

Me and Animesh started walking down the lane hoping to touch the waterfall. It was the tough terrain and I am sure that if Animesh wouldn't have been there I would have never thought of taking pains to reach the waterfall. In life we experience all kinds of hassles and sometimes a help, a confidant, a friend is required to overcome them.

That mud on my feet was like sparkling stones, the natural music of water and wind, the villagers gazing the cows and sheep, the smoke from the chimneys- everything was mesmerising about that place. After experiencing many difficulties when we saw the waterfall in front of us all pain vanished in a second. Pain is necessary to value life, this small life.

We had to cross the river to reach the waterfall

Newly discovered Tosh bridge

I couldn't imagine that something which I could see from the distance, which was so far from me, I would be able to touch it someday. I got so engrossed in the beauty of that waterfall that I forgot to click any pictures.

When I saw the mountains above and the river beneath and I was standing somewhere in between, I felt so small.

At night while gazing at the stars and the constellations I thought about the darkness I experienced the night before. I saw that one brightest lonely star and I wondered if life could be same- alone amidst the darkness and shining brightly like that star. 

One never gets enough of Tosh and it was not easy to leave that place. The best part was that I came alone but was leaving with a friend. 

LAW? (C)

Being a lawyer,

I think why there is need of law.

It comes when somebody wants to harm other

It comes when somebody hates someone.

It is required when somebody wants more than what he/she is working for

And being a lawyer I still wonder,

That law is important to remove that somebody

But is that possible unless that somebody changes

And being a lawyer I still wonder why law is required.

AMBEDKAR PARK, GOMTI NAGAR, LUCKNOW