Things to do in LEH, LADAKH (India) - A guest post by Banbanjara Travels

It's my pleasure to have Rishi Shivhare write a guest post on my blog about things to do in Leh Ladakh.

Hope you will like this article!

THINGS TO DO IN LEH, LADAKH 

There are many must-visit places in the Leh Ladakh region. From ancient architecture, markets, and traces of Tibetan heritage, you will experience rare beauty and bliss. 

Take a look at the list of places you will love to visit. 

1.LEH PALACE 

The palace was built in the 19th century by King Sengge Namgyal. It is a 9 story royal palace of Leh blessed with some breathtaking views. You will love and enjoy the sights of snow-capped peaks, Stok Kangri looming up to the sky, and the serene Indus river. The palace also has a beautiful collection of artifacts of the time. You will also get to see various costumes, jewelry, religious scriptures, and remnants of the royal family. 

2. PANGONG LAKE 

The lake is nestled at an altitude of 14,270 feet above sea level. The crystal clear lake is about 134 kilometers long. 60% of the lake falls under China's territory. The scenic beauty of the tranquil lake is simply mesmerizing. As the lake displays seven shades of blue, the water certainly ensnares the traveler's mind. The towering peaks and the tough road leading to the lake is an experience of a lifetime you shouldn't miss. 

PC: https://pixabay.com/photos/lake-mountains-coast-fog-snow-5832067/

3. TSO MORIRI LAKE 

The Tso Moriri lake is located at an elevation of 15,000 feet above sea level. It is a popular freshwater lake in the Ladakh region. The environs of the water body are a splendid landscape offering a change from rough to lush green. The lake is fed by streams and springs that run about 7 kilometers wide and 19 kilometers long. The lake is home to 34 species of rare flora and fauna. You will be awestruck by the splendid view. 

4. SHANTI STUPA 

The Shanti Stupa was inaugurated by the Holy Dalai Lama in 1991. This is a beautiful Japanese structure located close to the town of Leh. The place is set at a height of about 4,200 feet above sea level. The white beauty enjoys splendid and magnificent views of the panorama of the looming snow-clad mountain peaks. The view of the sunrise and sunset from this place is all worth it. 

5. HEMIS MONASTERY 

This monastery has put the town of Hemis on the world map and made it popular. It is one of the richest and largest monasteries in India. You will be mesmerized to see the Tibetan-style architecture in the midst of the rugged environs. The Hemis Festival is the most popularly celebrated festival in this region. The monastery is also a house to many rare and exquisite Buddha, gold and silver Stupas, and Thangkas. 

6. ZANSKAR VALLEY 

The Zanskar Valley is blessed with picturesque natural beauty all along the way. The valley is inhabited by monks and is one of the places that will complete your tour. The Zanskar river flows along the valley and has lent its name to the place. You will love visiting this place if you are an adventure enthusiast. You will have numerous options of adrenaline-gushing activities to choose from river rafting to a frozen trek. 

7. KHARDUNG LA PASS

The KhardungLa pass is the highest motorable road in the world located at an altitude of 18,739 feet above sea level. The pass is situated in the Karakoram Range at the north of Leh. The KhardungLa pass is a popular tourist attraction because of its pristine air, scenic vistas, and the feeling that you are on top of the world. Before you sojourn the region, make preparations as it is a challenging pass. 

PC: https://pixabay.com/images/id-232730/

8. DISKIT MONASTERY 

The Diskit Monastery is located in the Diskit village of Nubra Valley. This dates back to the 14th century. This ancient monastery is home to a 106 feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha in the prayer hall. The monastery will bustle with activities every February as the popular Dosmoche festival is celebrated. 

9. DRASS VALLEY 

Drass Valley is located in the heart of the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is famous for all its natural hot springs that are blessed with medical benefits. The Valley is renowned to be the second coldest inhabited region in the world. You will love to visit the place as it strikes a perfect balance between the lush greens, soothing blues, and bold browns. 

10. ZOJI LA PASS 

The Zoji La Pass is a popular mountain pass lying between Ladakh and Kashmir. The pass is situated at an altitude of 11,575 feet above sea level. The spectacular views are heartwarming. You will fall in love with the place and cherish these memories for a lifetime. 

Make sure you visit the above-mentioned places and make beautiful memories. 

Pin it for later!

 

Author’s Biography

Rishi Shivhare, an MBA IT And MARKETING Graduate as well as pursuing Bachelors in  English Honours. is fond of reading books and magazines and writing articles, interacting with people, and is still learning every day. I am also interested in getting to know about new things, traveling and enjoying the scenic views, and cooking. I am presently involved in content writing work with Banbanjara Travels LLP and taking short-term courses on human resources. At times I also take interest in painting and drawing.

Until next time,

 

5 Best places to visit in Rajasthan from Delhi

While Delhi, the capital city of India is buzzing with tourists, the following places make for a perfect weekend trip from Delhi. 

Rajasthan means "The land of Kings" and this is one of the northern states in India. The tourism industry is flourishing in Rajasthan due to several options like Majestic forts, beautiful lakes, scenic Mount Abu, Deserts, temples, and Wildlife. This state has a rich culture, best traditional food, great folk music, and dance styles.

The best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to May as it becomes very hot in Summer.

The following are the best places to visit in Rajasthan near Delhi :

1. Jaipur (Pink City) - 5 hrs from Delhi

This is the capital city of Rajasthan and it got its name due to the distinctive pink color of buildings in the city. Forts, Monuments, Market places, Gardens, museums - this city has all to satisfy any tourist. 

The City Palace which is famous for its architecture is built in 1732 AD and this architectural beauty is a must visit. You can also get a good view of Pink city from this Palace. Hawa Mahal / “A Palace of Winds” is not to be missed. This five-story building has 953 windows. Jantar Mantar Observatory is one of the largest observatories in the world and the Jal Mahal in the center of Mansagar Lake is divine.

2. Ranthambore - 3.5 hrs from Jaipur

Ranthambore National Park is spread about 390 sq. km and it was once used by Rajput family as a hunting reserve. This forest has an animal sanctuary with more Tiger population and is visited by tourists worldwide. This deciduous forest is home for around 539 different species of flowering plants. 

This park is closed between June and September when it is the breeding season. The entry to the park is free even though they charge a camera fee.

Other places around this park are Ranthambore Fort, Surwal lake and Raj Bagh ruins.

3. Udaipur (Lake City) - Around 7 hrs from Ranthambore

Udaipur is also knowns as 'The city of Lakes' / 'Venice of the East'. City Palace on the banks of Pichola Lake houses 11 palaces inside constructed my multiple rulers in different time periods. The Palace, Museum and the scenic backdrop are great to visit.

A boat ride in Pichola Lake, Dinner at Taj resort in Lake Palace, A visit to Lake Garden Palace and exploring the Vintage Car museum should not be missed in Udaipur. 

Jal Mahal

4. Jodhpur (Sun City) - Around 5 hrs from Udaipur

This is the second largest city in Rajasthan, and it is divided into the old and new city. Also, famous as 'Sun City', it has many forts and Palaces. 

Mehranghar fort is one of the largest forts in India. The architecture is amazing, and the fort is situated at 400 ft above the city giving a beautiful view of the city. Other Important attractions in this place include - Mandore Gardens, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Masuria Hills Garden.

5. Pushkar - 4 hrs from Jodhpur

Pushkar is a city with spiritual importance and rich cultural heritage. Many visit this place for spiritual salvation.

Pushkar lake is considered a holy lake and it is surrounded by 400 temples and 52 Palaces. Pushkar city is famous for its annual Camel fair. Brahma temple on the banks of Pushkar lake is significant as this is one of the 3 Brahma temples in the world. 

Other attractions in this place are Man Mahal, Varaha Temple, Pushkar Meditation temple and Camel Safari.

I hope, you liked this list of 5 best places to Visit in Rajasthan. Let me know your opinion in comments. 

Until next time,

PC: All Images from www.pixabay.com
This is a sponsored post but all the tourist place suggestions and opinions expressed are based on my personal view. 

Explaining Indian Republic Day to kids

India celebrates its Republic day on January 26th. When I was a kid, I used to confuse between Independence day and Republic day. Both days were national holidays and we used to hoist the Indian flag on both the days at school.

Later, I learned from our teacher that India got its freedom from British rulers on Aug 15th, 1947, whereas it actually has written the constitution and enacted it on January 26, 1950. From that day, India became "the Sovereign Democratic Republic".

So, to explain to kids in simple words, we can say, 

The Republic day is the day when India actually implemented its ruling power by forming the Indian Constitution.

What is the Constitution?

India became an Independent nation in 1947 on August 15. But, Our Country needs our own set of rules, principles on which our government can run.

So, A committee was formed to draft the constitution which was led by Dr. B R Ambedkar in 1947. This committee has drafted fundamental laws on which Government can run and the authorities and rights of both the government and its citizens.

You will be surprised to know that our Constitution is the longest in the world!

This document has 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules. Oh, Such a big book :-)

How do we celebrate Republic Day?

Our President hoists the Indian flag in Delhi on that day. A military parade is the main attraction. This parade showcases India's defense capability and its cultural heritage.

Governors in their respective states hoist the Indian flag. Even in schools, colleges, and Universities, people hoist the flag, salute and show respect to our nation.

I hope, this simple post helps in explaining kids about the constitution and the Republic day.

Until next time,

Gandhi - A graphic novel by Jason Quinn - [Book Review]

Book Details: 

Book Title: Gandhi : My Life is my Message 

Author: Jason Quinn

Illustrator: Sachin Nagar

Genre: Graphic Novel, Biography

Publisher: Campfire Graphic Novels (June 19, 2016)

Length of the book: 212 pages

Source: Picked from local library 

Blurb:

How did this shy, unassuming lawyer transform himself into the leader of India’s freedom movement? Renouncing wealth, ambition, and comfort, Gandhi led by example, becoming one with the people he sought to free, facing imprisonment, hardship, and humiliation while never raising his voice in anger.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as the Mahatma or Great Soul, took on the might of the British Empire armed only with a message of love and non-violence. In Gandhi: My Life is My Message we discover the man behind the legend, following him from his birth in the Indian coastal town of Porbandar in 1869, to the moment of his tragic death at the hands of an assassin in January 1948, just months after the independence of India.

My Review:

This is my first graphic novel and I came to know about this book through a women's group. I have already read Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography 'The Story of my experiments with truth' in my childhood. So, I have some expectations set on this book before reading it.

This book is in the first person, as said by Gandhi himself. Even though the book covers all his important life events, it highlights more on his morals and why he believed in them. This book also portrays clearly the dilemma faced by Gandhi in different situations and how he has overcome a lot of problems undeterred. It is definitely an inspiring read. The autobiography of Gandhi is more detailed than this graphic novel. This novel seems like a quick recap or summary of the autobiography. One thing I liked most about the book is, it also portrays the dilemma in Gandhiji's mind when someone suggests him to go against his conscience. The clarity of his thought, ability to take the right decision, his patience and reasoning behind each decision are very well depicted in the book. I personally liked the details about his role during India and Pakistan partition and his feelings. 

The concepts of Satyagraha, self-reliance by using spinning/charkha, Enabling villages, leading a simple life, his opinion on Untouchability and finally, the Quit India movement is very inspiring to learn about. 

Reading a graphic novel is a better experience than reading only text. Illustrations by Sachin are good.

I would recommend this book to people of all ages and especially young, as there is a lot to learn from Mahatma Gandhi, our Father of the Nation. 

PS: I have picked this book from the library and this is my honest opinion on the book.

My Rating:

4/5 

Purchase Link:

 Amazon

About the Author:

Jason Quinn learned to read with comic books, and while most kids in his school dreamed of becoming astronauts or firemen, he always wanted to work in comics. He has worked in television, radio and publishing and has written for such characters as Spider-Man, Ben 10, and the Incredible Hulk. He co-wrote two books with his writing partner, Jonathan Magnanti, under the name Quinn Magnanti, those books were The Palace of Wonder and Leeds LS80. Before writing Steve Jobs: Genius by Design, he scripted New Baby Productions adaptation of the HG Wells classic, the Chronic Argonauts. He now lives and works in Delhi as Campfire Graphic Novels' Creative Content Head.

Until next time,

India by Debra Schoenberger - [Book Review] and A GiveAway

Book Description:

I have always been fascinated by the sheer beauty and diversity in Indian culture. "Sensory overload in a glance" is an apt description of a country that is always in movement. To be able to stand still in the middle of all that movement allows me to really "see" her people and absorb the flow of life from birth to death.

From learning how to make yellow ink from cow urine to watching funeral pyres burn in Varanasi, I realized that I would have to spend a lifetime here to grasp the immense value of her art, stunning architecture, fascinating food and love of all that is beautiful.

Buy the book:   Amazon   Blurb   iTunes   Website

Add on goodreads

My Review 
This is my first photo book review. I love photography and I am from India, so I chose this book to see India through a photographer's eyes. 

The photos range from smiling portraits of people to landscapes to crowded streets to common households and slums. These photos show not only the beautiful architecture but also clumsy areas and streets. Debra also covered a few photos of people from different religions. I loved the pic of a tourist taking Taj mahal from his phone. Pictures like Dhobhighat(a place where clothes are hanged after laundry for drying), a boy purchasing something in a grocery, a Muslim lady waiting outside a shop, a woman holding her husband on a bike etc., show the everyday life of people in India. I also loved the photos of the serene Ganga river in the dawn, some forts, Arti in Varanasi, Akshardham temple etc., 

One thing which is unique about this book is Debra, unlike other photographers didn't strive to show only good about India and its culture, but she also focused on normal people like street performers, shopkeepers, people stuck in traffic, busy roads etc., India is very diverse in cultures, traditions, religions and languages. An attempt to capture the essence of the country in one book itself is a brave concept to think about. Debra also mentioned the list of places where she has taken photos marked on a map at the end of the book. This of course, helps people who are not aware of India. 

I loved this book but I felt, it would have been great if there are captions to each photo or 2 sentences about the photo. I also felt some of the images seemed repeated, they might not be same but same lake/ river in different angles or photos of flower shops which are alike etc.,  

Overall, a good book that I would recommend to any photographer or someone who wants to see the everyday India.

My Rating: 4/5

PS:I have received this book through iread tours and this is my honest opinion on the book.

Author's Bio:

Debra Schoenberger aka #girlwithcamera

"My dad always carried a camera under the seat of his car and was constantly taking pictures. I think that his example, together with pouring over National Geographic magazines as a child fuelled my curiosity for the world around me.

I am a documentary photographer and street photography is my passion. Some of my images have been chosen by National Geographic as editor's favourites and are on display in the National Geographic museum in Washington, DC.  I also have an off-kilter sense of humour so I'm always looking for the unusual.

​Connect with the author:    Website ~  Facebook ​~ Instagram ~  Pinterest

Book Trailer:

GiveAway:
Win one $25 Amazon gift card (international) - 5 other winners will receive one copy of INDIA (choice ePUB or PDF) (ends April 1, 2017)

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Until next time,

Linking this to Mary's LMMLinkup.