Flowering Valley Of Sangla

While touring to India, if you are bored of visiting the popular destinations, than you must look for some offbeat destinations of India. These places are still far away from the touch of commercialization and has very well maintain the pleasant and serene ambiance of their.

Himalayan mountain ranges houses some of the hidden charismatic places in its kitty. Sangla valley is one of them. Positioned at an elevation of 8,900 ft above the sea level, Sangla valley is 238km from Shimla and 589 km from Delhi.

EXPLORE THE FORESTS OF KUDREMUKH

Kudremukh is a small hill town, located on the Kudremukh mountain ranges of Chikmaglur district in Karnataka. Owning a striking natural landscape full of thick green forests that are abundant in wildlife, makes it an exciting destination for forest exploration treks. Natural pathways descending the rolling hills of Western Ghats look exceptionally beautiful with a rare collection of orchids and interspersing rivers-The Nethravathi, Tunga and Bhadra.

A lesser-known paradise, Kudremukh is called so because of its 'horse-face' like mountain range situated here. This secluded hill station is situated at a height of 1894 mts, 95 km from the Chikmaglur town in South India. It calls travelers to explore its lovely caves placed in the tropical wet green forests and the hints of civilization that can be found on its virgin lands.

The scenic splendor of the cross-linked peaks here transforms into a mystical aura when tourists navigate the deep valleys blanketed by thicks forests, which is home to many wild creatures including the lion tailed Macaques. For the daredevils, the advice would be to venture out in the Kudremukh National Park, which is home to scary Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs and Sambars. The National Park was formed in 1987 and is a Wildlife Protected Area.

Adding to the wildlife charm, there are also a multitude of avi-fauna species that make the trip more exciting for avid bird-watchers and bird lovers. There are around 195 species of birds that can be spotted here including Malabar Whistling Thrush, Imperial Pegion and the Malabar Trogon. There are several camping facilities provided in the park too, that are fully equipped with tented accommodations and dormitories. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company, India's largest iron ore mining company, is also situated within the park.

Apart from the wild attraction, the mesmerizing view of the Hanuman Gundi Falls, which descends from a height of more that 100 ft, will also win you over. Its the immaculate scene and the peaceful silence, broken only by the gushing sound of the waterfall, that makes you surrender to the unmatchable surroundings.

The holy city of Hornadu, located close to Kudremukh, is known for the temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari, the one who bestows food. The shrine holds a gold statue of the deity, and also a recently added statue of Goddess Adi Shakti. Another holy site is Gangamoola, which is known as the Varaha Parvat. At an altitude of 1458 m, it is the point where the three rivers, Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi, originate. It is also enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

While your trip to Kudremukh, don't miss to check out the Lakya Dam, constructed at a height of 100 m above the sea level, by Kudremukh Iron Ore Company. The place attracts quite a large number of visitors, who get attracted by the picturesque surroundings beautified by hills, forests and rivers.

-by Shikha Priyadarshini

MISTY MORNINGS AT IGATPURI

Igatpuri is not just an ordinary railway junction between Mumbai and Nasik cities of Maharashtra, rather it is an ideal paradise, perfect for a monsoon getaway. It lies on the Western Ghats at a height of 2000 ft, surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range, like Ajoba and Ratnagar.

Its immaculate beauty is characterized by misty hills dressed with soothing greens and gushing waterfalls serenading its deep valleys. Embalming the air is an aroma of freshness that mingles throughout the year which keeps pampering your senses even when you return from your trip.

The main highlights of this hill station are the Camel Valley and the Bhatsa River Valley. The Camel Valley is called so for its distinctive shape. Its haunting slope goes as deep 1000 ft below the ground level. Monsoons give rise to several waterfall here, which cascade through the rocky slopes of the valley. A railway track can also be seen near the valley. The Bhatsa River Valley and the Konkankada Valley are other prominent valleys with their share of picturesque waterfalls.

A small temple, devoted to local deity Ghanta Devi, is also nestled in here amidst five waterfalls that was down the hilly terrains here. Other temples at Igatpuri include the Trimbakeshwar Temple, which is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and the Amruteshwar Temple, which is famous for its exquisite carvings in Hemadpanti style. While your trip to the Trimbakeshwar Temple, don't miss out on the ancient sculptures and appealing architecture, which is an exclusive heritage of India.

Trekking down a narrow path through the hills, one can access the Tringalwadi Fort, overlooking the Tringalwadi Lake. At a close distance from here is the Talegoan Dam, where you can sit and listen to the gushing sounds of the forceful water accompanied by the aroma of freshly drenched soil. Adventure enthusiasts can embark on treks, down the curious hills and valleys. Cycling and hiking are other sports that are common in this area.

If you think you have lost yourself in the natural allurements of Igatpuri, then you can call back your soul at the Vipaasana meditation centre, called the Dhammagiri Vipasana Centre, where thousands of tourists turn up for ten day meditation camps, amids the scenic landscapes to discover a new meaning of life.

Though there are less number of hotels and resorts in this place, owing to its concealed identity among tourists, but few good hotels with average facilities are available. The best accommodation options available here are Manas Resort, Golden Resort and Hotel Ashwin. Don't miss out on the local food specialty called Vada Pao, served hot with a tangy chutney.

-Shikha Priyadarshini