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Travel

My Favorite Best Travel Documentaries

February 10, 2022 No Comments

The travel documentaries highlight the travel history of the traveler. Also if you are looking for inspiration for your next trip, these travel documentaries will help you undoubtedly to be more knowledgeable. Travel documents make it easier for people to get to know new places and also new cultures. My Favorite Best Travel Documentaries- I have compiled a list of outstanding travel documentaries that you can watch on Netflix, Youtube, and also other OTT platforms. So at this time enjoy your virtual travel.

List Of My 9 Best Travel Documentaries

Salt Of The Earth

Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian photojournalist, spent 40 years on his travel documentaries. He captures some group of unknown people in South America, Africa, and Central Europe and the results are compelling. He portrayed the painful lives of those groups of people through documentaries. As well as this Oscar-nominated 2014 documentary has been highly acclaimed all over the world. This is one of the best travel documentaries I have watched.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube.

Also, Read My Travel Cool Photos

Also, Read 10 Amazing Things To Do In-Home When You Can’t Travel

Magical Andes

The magical Andes resembles a virtual tour of the royal Andes Mountains in South America. The Spanish documentary features a unique story of five characters who share a deep love of nature and also mountains. This six-part docu-series clearly showcases the landscape of the region and the ever-changing lives of the people who live there.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist- The Travel series explores Dark Tourism. Presenter journalist David Ferrier travel to many shady places of the world. And he mainly focuses on that area of travel, known as dark tourism, in this docuseries. The series is also a wild ride that depicts bizarre tourist traps and unsociable things. This is one of the most unique Netflix travel documentaries.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix.

180 Degree South

Watch it for exciting travel documentaries. As well as gritty traveling, and the proper technique devised before pulling off such endeavors. 80 Degree South is an assimilation of the memorable journey undertaken by Jeff while recreating the epic tour pulled off by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins during their road trip in 1968. Jeff’s journey was also more adventurous as he chose to surf, sail, and climb before finally making it to Chile.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube

Hit The Road India (2013)

Two people running through the coasts and ghats of South India, driving one of the lightest vehicles, making it a spectacular sight. Hit The Road is one of the most interesting travel documentaries. Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the best travel documentaries of 2012, this film is a story of two friends participating in a rickshaw rally from Chennai to Mumbai spanning 12 days also covering over 2000 km. Yes, as well as they had to suffer plenty of breakdowns along the way.

You can watch this documentary on Epic Tv App

Children of the Snow Land

This multi-award-winning film follows young people making a long and emotional trek back to their homes in the mountain villages of the Himalayas. Children of the Snow Land is a 2017 Nepalese English feature documentary film directed by Zara Balfour, and Marcus Stephenson. Also, The documentary has won Best Documentary at the Victoria Film Festival and London Independent Film Festival.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube

Baraka (1992)

Baraka, also known as one of the best travel documentaries of all time, is a non-narrative documentary of a kaleidoscopic retreat with various hymns of nature and its impact on different cultures. From the cacophonic mantras of hundreds of monks assembled for a cosmic sacrifice to the frantic slaps of the whole village, the documentary highlights the phenomena of nature and how it forms the core of different cultures.

You can watch this documentary on Youtube

14 Peaks

For some, climbing the world’s highest mountains is a lifelong achievement. For Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja, the new Netflix documentary film 14 Picks, Nothing is Impossible is going to be a good season to climb in all of them. Purja also sets a goal – which he calls “project possible” – to climb 14 peaks (more than 8,000 meters high) in a single mountaineering season. This is one of the absolutely stunning mountain-based travel documentaries.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix

Tales by Light

Travel Docu-series, Tales by Light, is full of moving portraits, panoramic imagery, live music, and also philosophical narratives for exploring the natural world through various photographers and filmmakers. As well as it has unseen footage from unique angles.

You can watch this documentary on Netflix.

This is my list, please comment and let me know what is your list of best travel documentaries.

Also, Read Wear Mask Help In Yourself

Social

10 Amazing Things To Do In-Home When You Can’t Travel

January 15, 2022 No Comments

Yes, I know Travel is an amazing thing. Now is the time to stay home and explore the world within your own thoughts. Travel is now is little restricted for all because of the pandemic situation. Yet many travelers are traveling to different places. And I’m sure those who are traveling now, are following all the safety rules to keep them and others safe. Most people like to travel but do not want to travel for this epidemic time. But they are using their travel-hungry minds for travel in various ways while staying in the house. Traveling is vast like an ocean. There are different ways we can gain our knowledge from travel.

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

Read All About Travel

Reading books or travel magazines are perfect to learn more about travel from home. Many travelers around the world have their own personal travel blogs, and by reading them you can learn a lot of amazing things about your next travel destination from their travel experience. So through Google and YouTube videos, you can take a tour to your favorite destination or location. When your mind is open then you can go anywhere you like. Connect with relatives and friends and take a download of their travel stories. There are many ways, I have noted very few here. Find your way of travel.

WatchTravel Documentry

Documentaries have the power to educate. The documentary film is an in-depth and informative resource that makes our travels much more knowledgeable. There are many good travel-related documentaries around the world. Which is very helpful to know about world travel. It is easily available on Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, or different OTT platforms. I will share some amazing Travel documentary names –

Encounters at the end of the world, Mountain, Woodstock, Tawai A voice from the forest, Children of the snow land.

Also, Read Travel Precautions During Covid-19

WatchTravel Video log

Nowadays travel vlogging is a very trendy thing. The complete travel story of any traveler is recorded in their vlogging. Travel vlog has become a big trend followed by many travelers who go to new places, explore the subtleties of the destination and offer tips and tricks to help fellow travelers.

Discover Hidden Places

Discovering is always knowledgeable things. When we travel somewhere, we like to see the main attractions of that place. Places are hidden because of a lack of awareness (you don’t know they’re there) or access. Every place has some hidden places except the main places or attractions. It could be a new place, a new village, a new restaurant where normal people are rarely gone. Discover such hidden places before heading to the next destination.

Learn First Aid

It’s good to be prepared for an emergency or minor injury. If you suddenly need medical attention But if there is no hospital or doctor available in the area then we have to take care of our own injuries with basic first aid. There are many first aid courses online that we can take in our free time from home.

Have A Workout/ Yoga

Workout and yoga are important not only for traveling but this is very important for our healthy living. So we always need to know some freehand workout or yoga that even if we can travel, we can take our time and do it for our healthy lifestyle.

Also, Read Yoga Indias Most Successful Export To The World

Find Your Amazing Travel Music

Without music is a bit of a hassle for me when traveling. The music of your phone or iPad gives you the best company in any long journey. While at home you collect your best amazing travel music which will become your next best travel companion.

Learn A language

Learning a new language is a great idea. When we want to travel somewhere outside our country, the language there is different. So if we can learn the basics of the language of that country in advance, So traveling there becomes a bit easier for us. Google Translator can help us learn the language in this case.

Also, Read Travelling-Explore The World From Your Home

Find Your Best Travel Gear

We can’t say travel gear is just packing clothes and luggage. Different travel gears are needed in different places. Travel gear like shoes, accessories, anything and everything that might be necessary for traveling and staying at a place. For example, travel insurance, electronics gear, photography gear, hygiene essentials, explorations, safety essentials, etc which help make a trip perfect.

Writing Your Travelogue

Write your own travel experience as an article or blog. Writing a travelogue is to take the reader to a new place. When done well, it can even inspire others to explore, experience new things, and gain an appreciation for different cultures. So start your amazing travel experience through your writing.

Also, Read Stay Healthy While You Travel

Travel

Experience A Train Journey

January 7, 2022 No Comments

The long-distance train journey is like a movie to me. Lots of people, lots of characters, lots of places, lots of small incidents & crazy sounds in a journey make a train journey very memorable. Once upon a time, people used to travel the country on foot or in bullock carts. At that time travel meant a pilgrimage or to a relative’s house. With the invention of the train, travel gets its speed and people get their frequency. The train is an affordable medium for people to travel all around. The biggest advantage of a train journey is the space which gives added comfort to the journey. As the train crosses different stations, different places travelers get to experience a different culture.

Also, Read Bir Paragliding Capital In India

Window Seat

Train windows are pieces of the open world. If you want to go somewhere far away by train, the window of the train is the only big thing to pass the time. Through that window, every moment the scene in front of your eyes is changing. The best thing is that you get to see different people and their mundane life. To me, this window of the train is an open book. Every moment we have to learn something new as the train leaves the city, village, river, and moves towards its destination.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

People Of The Train

This is the most interesting part of a train journey to see different kinds of people. The different attitudes and actions of different people are very much seen in the train journey. Sometimes when family members travel together, they make the train cube their own home. Then you find one person for sure who roam around and see others for their entertainment. It’s their favorite time pass. Different vendors from different stations get on the train from time to time and each of them has a different style of selling their items. The interesting thing for me is the tea sellers of different stations. Their call, pronunciation change at different stations.

Also, Read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Without Ticket

Gone – without a ticket. You can’t dare to go without a ticket. However, one of my friend’s fathers used to work for railways. He used to get passes for his two sons. I used to use one of those passes while traveling. There was always a throbbing feeling in my chest. And I used to fear if get to inquire about my father’s name. Their surname is Goswami, mine Ghosh. People may lie about their own name, but there is a dilemma in their mind to lie about their father’s name. Of course, I never caught traveling like that. But once or twice my friends were caught by the ticket checker. They used to make them wait on the platform for long hours. Lastly, make them pay a sum of 100\200 Rs. I don’t know what is the punishment now, or how much the bribe rate has gone up.

Also, Read Tell Yourself- TODAY IS MY DAY

My Story

There was an intense desire to travel at an early age. I wish I could get out of the house and go somewhere but I didn’t have money then. Going abroad was unimaginable. I used to go around with twenty rupees and twenty-five rupees. Because of my friend and the train pass I got an added wing to my desire.

The advantage of that pass was that the cost of the ticket got saved, and as far as the pass was concerned, one can get off at any station beforehand. I used to drop off my luggage at a station and deposit it in the locker. Then I used to wander around freely, and come to the station at night and sleep in waiting rooms. The hotel cost used to be saved. That’s how I used to roam when I was in college.

But now when I think about it, it seemed much better than today’s planned and luxurious travel. Then maybe there was trouble and a friend who would get on the train and say, I forgot to bring my wallet. Everything was done on purpose to save the little pocket money. As a result, two people had to travel on one person’s money. And in the end, it was cool.

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

Travel

Tell Yourself- TODAY IS MY DAY

November 17, 2021 No Comments

Sometimes a day is just for you. Do you believe that? I believe and I feel sometimes a day is designed just for me. And of course, I am the designer for that day. When we leave our city and travel to another unknown place, those days are almost planned for us. When we travel, we planned what we will do all day, what we will see, what we will eat. Someone has either instructed us or we have been influenced by someone. Normally most of the time we get influence from different travel destinations on social media and spend lots of time in such away. If you get up in the morning and cancel all your plans & schedule and you decide to spend the day on your own, that time is basically your day.

Also, Read Bir Paragliding Capital In India

Love Yourself

We love ourselves the most in any given situation. But we tend to believe being well means, being well with our family and loved ones around us. Sometimes while looking after a loved one’s comfort we tend to forget our own comfort. Loving yourself means doing what you love. Eating junk, roaming around with no plan, or going to a new place and sleeping all day in a new room, new bed in a new atmosphere. Go alone on a date with yourself. Ask yourself and spend a day or two as you like. Be adventures or just lazing around. Don’t forget your daily dose of self-love, even if it makes you a little selfish, trust me don’t feel guilty, you totally deserve it.

Also, Read Travelling-Explore The World From Your Home

A Day Past In Bir

This one day I just did nothing. I woke up in the morning and went to the roof to have tea and my car was supposed to come. I had been fully planned for the whole day. But all of a sudden I saw the weather there and it seemed like I was going to spend the whole day with this Weather. I canceled my car and plan and decided to stay on the roof today. Suddenly someone started giving me company. He is Bagiraa, the pet dog of the Hostel. It seemed to me then that the decision to cancel everything today and sit there was the best. Believe me, I was sitting on the roof from morning till evening. No phone calls, no meetings, no rush to get around, I was far from everything that day. I realized that there is more joy in sitting quietly.

Also Read When I met little God In Shantiniketan

Good Time With Bagiraa

I always like to spend time with animals. wherever I travel, always they join me. They walk along, they also sometimes guide the roads. Dogs never like the concept of “loneliness. That’s why when I was sitting alone, Bagiraa joined to give me company. Playing with dogs or cats, spending time with them is great for your mental health and healing. That day Bagiraa sat with me quietly and looked at the sky all the time. I was responsible for taking care of Bagiaa that day. We spend a good time together. Our happy hormones made the day special.

Also, Read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Your Day

I don’t know what is your plan. You will understand best what it is and what you want. Your day doesn’t have to mean or can mean drinking, partying, and socializing. Also, Your time can be a night alone, getting lost in a book or music, a deep conversation, a walk, just sleeping, just eating, playing with animals, or simply doing nothing. Find your best leisure and go for it.

Also, Read The Holiday

Travel

Bir Paragliding Capital In India

November 13, 2021 No Comments

Bir is known as the paragliding capital in India. There are plenty of places to travel in India for adventure. Some are famous for bungee jumping, river rafting. Some are famous for scuba diving. And then there is Bir, famous in India for paragliding. People from all over the world come to India to enjoy these adventures. Paragliding in India has become one of the leading adventure activities in the world in several years. The best and safest destination for paragliding in India is the Bir Town in Himachal Pradesh.

Also, read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Best Paragliding site in India- Bir & Billing

Bir and Billing are small villages located about 14km apart in Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is always famous for natural beauty and Tibetan culture. Billing is popular for its adventure sports. Billing is a paragliding take-off point, which offers panoramic views of the world’s second-highest, 8,000 feet high, valley below. The landing place is in the field west of Bir Chaugan. In the backdrop of the blue sky of the Bir these paragliders fly all the time with colorful wings. There is another name of Bir “Parindo Ke Nagari” ( City Of Birds). In 2015 the paragliding World cup held in Himachal Pradesh at Bir Billing villages for the first time.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

How To Go Bir Billing

There are many ways to go to Bir Billing village. I go from Kolkata to Delhi and plan the rest to go from Delhi to Himachal mainly Bir. From Delhi and Chandigarh, you can reach Bir by Volvo bus or by car.

Delhi to Bir 489 kilometers. Time Take 11 to 12 hrs. There are various overnight buses ( Private and Government) operating from Delhi to Bir. Manju ka Tilla and Kashmeri gate from these two bus stand you will get a bus to Bir. Bus ranging from 1200 to 1400 depending upon the luxury and season.

Chandigarh to Bir 289 kilometers. You can get a direct bus to Chandigarh ISBT to Bir. Time takes 7hrs by Car or bus. Bus cost around 1000 Rs.

The nearest airport Kangra Airport is 68 kilometers away from Bir town. Time takes 2 to 3 hours by car or bus. But to reach Kangra Airport, you need to go via Delhi Airport.

From Dharamsala and Mecloadganj you can easily reach Bir colony by hiring a car or taking a local bus. It will take 6 to 7 hrs.

Please Note Bir to Billing is 15Km & the time takes 40 minutes by car.

Bir Paragliding Information

Bir and Billing is the safest paragliding site in India. This is the place where India gets the opportunity of the International Paragliding World Cup. All amenities here meet international standards. You will always have a license holder paraglider with you whenever you paraglide. So don’t worry about your smooth landing. Some risks involved with adventure sports. To deal with this, experience rescue teams trained on-site to deal with any unforeseen accidents. The Bir Billing Paragliding adventure starts at Billing where you’ll be at approximately 7,600 feet above the ground. Expect to be in the air for 15 to 30 minutes after which you’ll land at Bir which is 4,300 feet above sea level.

Timing

You cannot paraglide when the region receives rainfall, usually from July to September. Otherwise, paragliding is done here all the time for the rest of the year. The best month is October till mid-December. This time you will see a gorgeous view of the Dhuladhar ranges with clear skies.

You can go paragliding anytime from 7 am in the morning to 6 pm. But people prefer paragliding at sunset. There is only one reason, the sky and the surrounding environment look so beautiful at this time. Many times while paragliding, you have to wait a long time at the take-off point for clear weather.

Also, Read KOLKATA IS AN EMOTION

Booking

Don’t need to book online. When you get in Bir, you will find lots of operators in the Tibetian colony bazaar area, who book paragliding and other activities all day long. There are also lots of paragliding instructor information in the hotel or hostel where you will be staying. Call them to book your time and enjoy.

Price

The cost of paragliding in Bir is INR 1800 to 2500. The flight journey time is 15 to 25 minutes. This price including

Bir to Billing transportation (15Km) and video photography. Some people can do 45 minutes of paragliding if they want, in which case the charges become INR 4000.

Please Note There is another still photographer on the landing site. When someone is landing the photographer clicks a lot of your landing pictures. And then sells them 200 Rs for all pictures. But it’s up to you whether you want to buy those pictures or not.

Age & Weight

There is a certain weight limit for paragliding, which is that you have to weigh between 15 kg and 95 kg. If your weight is between 95 kg and 115 kg, then you too can fly, but you have to pay a fee of 500 rupees. Children under the age of 18 will also need parental consent to fly.

Safety Precaution

Always Choo’s license holder and experienced paragliding instructor.

Wear something warm when you go paragliding.

You need sports shoes that fit properly. During takeoff and landing time you need to be running so good shoes will help you.

Avoid carrying too many things. You will be dropped off at another point after you land, so carry just what you need.

Don’t eat heavy food before paragliding.

Don’t panic in the air. Be a team player do as your instructor say and enjoy the thrill in the air.

Also, Read The Land Of Festivals -Nagaland

Fly Solo

You can have your solo paragliding experience here. But for that, you have to do a month course from paragliding institute here. And only if they give you a certificate after taking the exam then you can fly solo. Lots of tourists from India go there for about a month only learning paragliding. The government operates a national paragliding institute with training facilities for domestic and international pilots. So fly solo in the paragliding capital in India.

Please Note– The local police can take a fine of up to 1000 RS for not wearing musk. So wear your mask.

Festival

Durga Puja During The British Era

October 19, 2021 No Comments

We all know Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in Bengal and as well as in India. And not only in India but in all corners of the world. In long years the Puja has changed in many ways. But one thing remained unchanged. That is the pure bliss, the joy, the excitement that has never changed throughout the years. The style of Durga Puja in Calcutta during the British period was a little different. Even before the British rule, the Durga festival was celebrated in Calcutta even during the Muslim period. Earlier, Durga Puja was not so glamorous at that time, then Raja Krishnachandra of Nadia was the first to bring great splendor to this festival. And seeing his glorious Durga Puja festival, those who became rich during the time of the British government also started the same glorious worshiping of goddess Durga.

Also, Read KOLKATA IS AN EMOTION

Durga Puja Invitation In British Era

From the middle of the eighteenth century till the rule of the famous Act No. 10 of 1840, Durgoutsab was the best social festival in Calcutta irrespective of the class of the society. The joy of the natives in this festival is more than that of the company. From Esplanade to Enntali, from Latbahadur to normal clerk, no one could have dreamed of leaving Calcutta during Pujo. Most of the time they were almost ready to wait when Pujo’s invitations would come from different big houses.

Nemantanne ( Invitation) never made mistakes. During Durga Puja, Durga Puja tickets or invitation cards used to go to different houses. At that time generous advertisements were published for the common people on behalf of the big zamindars. Advertising was an invitation for everyone. Because Babura knew, even though the occasion was Durga, this festival was the festival of the company. In the beginning, just like the money given by the company, in the end, the only desire was to get the company’s favor.

British People Holiday During Durga Puja

In the late nineteenth century, British officers based in Calcutta started going out of Calcutta with their families during Durga Pujo. They went on vacations to various places in Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling. Following in the footsteps of the British, the Babu community in Calcutta at that time used to leave Calcutta. At that time, Durga Puja meant to them to travel outside Calcutta like the British. The Barwari Durga festival did not start in Calcutta at that time. Durga Puja used to perform only in the house of the big zamindar of Calcutta. Durga Puja was not performed in large numbers, as all the zamindars or big people in Calcutta used to travel outside Calcutta. At that time Pujo was not so glorious in Calcutta. But from that time onwards this touring tradition began. So far, the people of Kolkata have gone out of Kolkata for the Pujo holidays.

Also, Read Unique Story- Of 7 Indian Villages

Debt-Ridden Prisoners

Apart from various pleasures of dancing, singing, and drinking during the puja, the people of the Babu community in Kolkata used to free the prisoners who were in debt. In the old days, a class of prisoners could be released only if they repaid the loan. At that time some rich people used to repay their debts and release those prisoners. They used to release more English prisoners to please the British government. As a result, during the puja season or at the small causal court, a crowd of underage people would gather. They want to go to jail right now, before Pujo. Because there is the hope of liberation soon.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

50 Rupees Durga Puja

At that time British officials used to perform Durga Puja with their own money. One of the employees of the company used to do Durgotsab with his own money. He is John Chips, the famous manufacturer of Hunter’s Annals of Rural Bengal. The popular ‘Sree Chikbahadur’ of Birbhum. When Chips set foot in Calcutta as a writer for the company in 1782, he was only sixteen years old. Within a few years, it was heard that he had been appointed Auditor General of the company. In due course (1787) he was appointed the first commercial agent of the company in Birbhum. The company then traded in cotton, silk, lacquer, dyes, etc. Chips added to that, personal business. The company’s office was in Sonamukhi, and Chips’ home was in Surule, near Santiniketan. Shyamkishore, a descendant of Lord Singh of Raipur, was the dewan of chips.

He started Durga Puja in the words of his Dewan Shyamkishore to improve his business. Chips already knew about the british company’s official mood about Durgotsab. He organized the Durgo festival of the people with pomp and circumstance. And he used to believe that this Durga Pujo was the reason why his business flourished and every year Chips continued to perform Durga Pujo in his place. Mr. Chips used to spend only fifty rupees a year on this. Pujo costs only seventeen rupees. With the rest of the money, the people of the village used to get new clothes, and a full feast on the day of Mahasthami.

Also, Read The Land Of Festivals -Nagaland

Also, Read My Travel Cool Photos

Travel

Six Indian States Opened For Travel – Know The Covid-19 Rules

August 13, 2021 4 Comments

Six Indian States Opened For Travel – cover picture source by Google Image

Many Indian states opened for tourism in compliance with the Covid-19 rule. At the moment, as well as there are various protocols for travel in Indian states. Safety is the most important thing when travelling somewhere during this pandemic. In addition to complying with the Covid-19 Rules for travelling to different States, you should also maintain your own safety. Wearing Mask, social distancing and sanitisation is the most important part of travelling during this pandemic. From mountains to beaches, here is a list of destinations that you can visit if you follow these protocols.

Also, Read Unique Story- Of 7 Indian Villages

Goa

Goa is a name in India where most tourists want to travel. Before the Pandemic, the number of domestic tourists visiting Goa was 7.81 million and foreign tourists arrived at around 0.9 million. But since the Pandemic, this tourist amount has been declining. Last year, in 2020, only around 9.1 lakh tourists went to Goa. Travellers who are planning to go to Goa at this time have to abide by the Goa Covid-19 Rules. Chief Minister Promod Sawant said that visitors to coastal states would have to show the results of a negative RT-PCR test or a certificate of vaccination of both levels.

Also, Read The Perfect Detour – Goa

Himachal Pradesh

COVID-19 Negative Certificate or vaccine certificate (signal or both doses) is mandatory while travelling to Himachal Pradesh last update 5th august 2020. Rt-PCR test reports are not required if a tourist has taken the first or second vaccination dose. The Himachal government has made it mandatory to wear a mask. Those who are not wearing a mask could face a fine of up to Rs 5,000 Rs or 8 days in jail. And they are warning people to maintain social distance. Although many hotels or guesthouses are open in Himachal, many homestays in Himachal are yet to entertain outside tourists to stay at their homes.

Also, Read World’s 5 Places Where People Are Healthy & Long-Lived

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand opens for Indian travellers. But if you go to Uttarakhand, you have to follow the strict Covid-19 rules of Uttarakhand. Double doses Covid vaccinations (minimum 15 days ago) report will be required to enter the Vally Of Flowers. If someone has not been vaccinated with double doses then it is mandatory to bring RT-PCR negative report, must be within 72 hours to enter Uttarakhand. These rules apply to visit Chardham and Corbett National Parks as well.

Meghalaya

If you enter Meghalaya then it is mandatory to all travellers must register on the State portal to generate a unique registration ID: http://meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid/travel.html or http://meghalayaonline.gov.in/covid/testing.htm before their arrival. As well as all travellers are undergone RT-PCR tests at the entry points. Although proof of a valid final certificate of vaccination will exempt you from the test.

Sikkim

The Sikkim government had for a long time baned the arrival of tourists from other states. From 5th July Sikkim State Government lifted the ban on the entry of travellers from others states of India. Now they allow fully vaccinated travellers to enter the Himalayan state through Melli (South Sikkim) and Rongpo ( East Sikkim) check post without RT-PCR test.

Also, Read Stranger Meetup In Travel -Part 1

Ladakh

As per the latest report travellers from other parts of India are allowed to travel in Ladakh. It is strictly mandatory that all travellers have an RT-PCR negative report that is not older than 96hrs. You need this negative report to go by air to go by road. If any travellers are unable to deliver a negative report, they will have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 testing upon arrival. And all travellers want to have an Aragya Setu app on their smartphones.

Pondicherry

If you want to go to Pondicherry then it is mandatory-you need an RT-PCR negative test. And this report will also be useful for all hotel bookings there. Those arriving Pondicherry by road need an e-pass.

NOTE- Covid-19 related travel rules are changing every time in Indian states. Before going to any destination, you should check the latest rules or protocol of that destination.

Travel

Doorless Indian Village

May 22, 2021 No Comments

Cover Picture Source By Google Image

An Indian village with no front doors, shops that are always unlocked, and residents who are never feeling unsafe. Anyone can walk into your home or shop in this village there are no doors and no locks. But no one will steal. If someone does, they will suffer from ‘sade-sati’, a period of seven years of bad luck.

This is the story of Shani Shingnapur, a village in India’s Maharashtra state. Where villagers avoid their security because of their undying faith in Lord Shani, the god of Saturn, who is considered the guardian of the village.

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

Village house with no door concept — Google Image

Story Behind The Doorless Indian Village

According to legend, a heavy black slab of rock washed up on the shores of the Panasnala River. Which once flowed through the village, about 300 years ago after a bout of rain and flooding. When a local shepherd touched the 1.5m boulder with a stick, blood started oozing out of it. Lord Shani appeared in the shepherd’s dreams later that night, telling him that the stone was his idol. The shepherd asked the Lord for permission to build a temple for him, but he refused. He wanted to be placed in the heart of the village without shelter, so he could look over around freely. He promised the shepherd that he will protect the village from any dangers and mishaps.

Also Read When I met little God In Shantiniketan

*Loard Sani temple In Shinganapur* (Google Image)

Faith In The God

Since this day, the village has placed all its faith in god. The villagers installed the huge slab on a roofless platform in the heart of town, they decided to discard all doors and locks. They didn’t need them anymore, not with the Lord to watch over them. This remote Indian village, Shani Shingnapur attracts devotees from across India. At least 40,000 visitors pour in each day to see the once-humble shrine that has grown into a large temple with extensive property and donations.

Now It Is A 300 Year Old Tradition

This tradition has continued for generations. Locals sometimes lean wooden panels against their front door frames to keep stray dogs out, but they don’t have permanent doors. Villagers leave their jewellery and money unsecured, firmly believing that their holy guardian will protect them from any mishap. Local lore says that a man who built a door outside his home had an accident the next day. Even the public toilets in the village square just have a thin curtain at the entrance for privacy.

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lockless Goverment Office In Shani Shingnapur

Even post offices and police stations do not have doors here. The United Commercial Bank opened its first “lockless” branch in Shani Shingnapur in 2011. It has a glass entrance and a remote-controlled electromagnetic lock that is barely visible to respect the sentiments of the villagers.

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Belief VS Superstition

Although Shani Shingnapur has officially remained free from thefts for centuries. However, many villagers now strongly feel that it is time to get rid of the superstition. Until 2010, Shingnapur had not reported any cases of theft. However the next year, gold ornaments worth Rs70,000 went missing from the home of a temple trustee. The no-door policy has become such an important belief for the village and its economy, that many cases even go unreported. Many peoples argue that the low crime rate in the area is due to the village’s remote location rather than the miraculous powers of the lord.

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Travel

Travelling-Explore The World From Your Home

September 9, 2020 No Comments

Cover Image source by Google Image

In this pandemic situation all over the world, travelling is one of the difficult tasks now. It’s a strange time to be a traveller or travel enthusiastic. Our world predicated on the belief that everywhere, anywhere, is just a drive, ride or flight away. These past few months of being strictly at home, even sometimes walking down the street not even possible. If there’s no travel, there’s no travel blogging. During this time I realise maybe travelling is not physically possible for a certain time but there are many ways to explore your travelling passion.

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When Travelling In Your Hand

Virtual travel experiences that let you explore the world from your suitable place. This tours can take you pretty much anywhere, without your passport. Travelling is a learning process. Either you are in physically travel or either you travel virtual, you learning lots of unknowing things. In this pandemic situation, we don’t live our nomadic life that’s right but we watch travel documentaries, travel show and many more things. In the digital platform, there are a ton of travel vlogger publish their travel experiences. You want to know lots of new things, tips and idea about your travel destination, then there it is.

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Reading An Alternative To Travel

I always prefer to read some book, about my travel destination. Because its help me making a sudden decision during my trip. Reading is mind travel. Reading a book is clear your thought and it gives you imagination power. Last few months we all are stuck at our houses for the pandemic situation. No travel at all. Maybe coming few months are also a little difficult for the travel lover. So do that mind travel choose your next travel destination and pick the book about your destination. And I am sure your mind reached your destination. In India, there is a famous Bengali author named Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay he never been African jungle, but he wrote a famous novel called Chander Pahar (The Mountain of the moon). This Novel is published in 1937 and believe me that era not even know the power of Google or the internet. The mind is the most powerful thing we have.

Photograph Is Another Journey

Travel without photographs means an ocean without water. A photograph is the first thing to encourage your travel. When you are home during this pandemic situation watch travel photographs. Watching travel photograph is eye-soothing and cheerful. In my childhood, I saw some African safari photos these photos till then encourage me to go to Africa. I am sure you have some travel photograph in your mind when you want to go someday.

People Have A Lot Travel Stories

In my childhood, I used to listen to my father’s travel stories. I used to cherish those. Every detail, every incident used to take me to that place. Not only that, but I also got to know about so many places that hardly mentioned in any travel destination list. Now when I am an adult, I still use the same old trick. In my neighbourhood, there are people who travelled to many places. From them, I get to know about Visa procedure, places to visit, their best travel experience. These tips always help me to plan my travel and bookings.

Travelling is in your mind. Nothing in this world can stop that travel. It’s only you who can set a limit. Decide your own limit and travel as far as you can.

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Travel

Ancient Ganesh Temple On Chhattisgarh

August 23, 2020 No Comments

Ancient Ganesh Temple On Chhattisgarh Blog Cover picture source by timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Chhattisgarh was on my travel list in 2020. But COVID 19 pandemic change all travel enthusiasm plan. If I will be allowed to going Chhattisgarh this year, then Dholkal hill Ganesh temple was one of my top list places. This temple not like that normal classic temple. The 1100-year-old this small, mysterious shrine located atop a hill in the middle of a dense forest In Dantewada district, about 350 km from Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The small hill shape of which resembles a dhol (Indian drum), and hence, it became popularly known as Dholkal. I don’t know this temple is man-made or some mystery had happened. But this temple’s location and its scenic beauty attracted everyone. I am just eagerly waiting to visit this place.

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Chhattisgarh The Untouched Melody

Sliced off from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh is one of the newest states of India, but one of the oldest enclaves, thriving with ancient tradition and customs. Weekly Haats (markets), ancient temples, dense and deep jungles, frothing waterfalls, a well-defined spiritual circuit, and intriguing customs are some of the things that awaken travelers to a new but old era.

The Myth

As per the mythology, folks believe, a battle occurred between Lord Ganesha and sage Parashurama on Dholkal hill a long time back. This was a fierce battle in which Parashurama attacked Ganesha with his farsa (ax) and cut one tooth of Ganesha. That’s why Ganesha is known as “Ekdant“. The village nearest to the hill named Faraspal (the name derived from Parshuram’s weapon). It is also saying that, because Parshuram’s farsa fell here, the Bailadila mountain range became rich in iron ore.

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Ancient Ganesh Temple On Chhattisgarh — source by timesofindia.indiatims.com

11th Century’s Temple

According to history, In memory of the battle between Parashurama and Ganesha, the kings of Chindak Nagvanshi dynasty set a stone idol of Lord Ganesha at the hilltop in the 11th century. The 2.5 to 3 ft idol has carved in the shape of a Dholak (musical instrument) hence, the hill has been named Dholkal. The idol depicts Ganesha seated in his typical Lalit asana or playful and easygoing posture. The local villager worships the idol of Ganesha throughout the year, and a special fair has held at this site in the month of Magha, between January-February.

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The Journey

The most interesting part about the ancient temple its journey. Raipur to Jagdalpur 300 km and Jagdalpur to Dantewada town another 80 km. Both private cabs and public buses are easily available from Raipur to Jagdalpur and Dantewada. Dantewada town to Faraspal village is 18 km away and Faraspal to Dholkar hill another 5 km trekking in the dense jungle it would help you immensely to hire the service of a local guide to make your way through the dense conifer forests. So definitely Dholkar Ganesh temple and Chhattisgarh are my bucket list. You also join me actually for this ancient city travel. Till then be safe.