Tag Archives: travel

A VISIT TO ZUIDERZEE MUSEUM – HOLLAND (August 2023)

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THE MAGIC OF READING, WRITING, STUDYING & BOOKS

BRIGHT WELL BUNGALOW–SHILLONG

Copyright@shravancharitymission

BRIGHTWELL BUNGALOW SHILLONG, MEHGALAYA, INDIA
Lady-Haidari Park

Absolutely nostalgic … This is the precious picture of ‘BRIGHTWELL BUNGALOW SHILLONG’ which used to be our house in Shillong, now Meghalaya. I have myriads of smashing memories coming out of it, and some are quintessential … and par-excellence. I was schooling in St. Edmunds and running-riot in Brightwell Bungalow all my childhood. If you look beyond the bungalow there is a foothill. In the night many Malis, wood cutters while coming down the hill and the steep links used to sing in high-pitch, which I could hear from my room. They were mostly the daring and undeterred Biharis who often encountered wolf and jackals on their way down, just like pets. The morning sun was something to talk about. It used to enter the bungalow surreptitiously through the chinks in the curtains. Upon venturing out early in the morning, one could get to see the thick carpet of frost sprawled all over the lawns, sparkling as pearls. The sunset was early … Shillong being east, and it was over the straight line of the Lady-Haidari Park (picture above) that the sun sank into the yonder horizon. As time draws one can only reflect on memories that gave you flourish in life even if it was for some moments. Long live BRIGHTWELL BUNGALOW … long live Shillong.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai and Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristics of Lucknow. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K.)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day to day life. The book is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

MIRAGE

(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)

Short stories and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; Indica, 15.8.20; The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; Happy Days, November 15, 2020; The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15,2020;

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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INTERESTING FACTS FIGURES & QUOTES-33

Copyright@shravancharitymission

4000 Drops of water makes a litre of water—So save every drop.

Thomas hardy’s admonition—“Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.”

A 2017 report of the Travel and Tourism Council says that tourism contributed 9% to India’s GDP and 8% to its total employment.

Industry data suggests that 65% of foreign travelers to India only visit six ASI monuments. We have around 3,000 such monuments that equally deserve tourist footfalls in droves.

According to 2017 data, the number of foreign tourists in India, remain low, at 10.5 million, but domestic numbers, are huge at 1652 million, and growing steadily. However, policies are formulated, keeping in mind, only inbound tourists.

Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends to its clients generally against government securities. Reverse repo rate is the rate at which RBI borrows money from the commercial banks.

IMF recently lowered its growth forecast for India in 2019 to 7.0%. But what should bother India’s economic policy makers is that this year every successive revision has been downward.

The fallout of US-China trade friction has allowed Vietnam to attract more direct investment from companies. India should grab this opportunity while it lasts. To do so, government should reverse the policy of the last couple of years where protectionism has been used to help domestic companies.

Economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidise it—Ronald Reagan

No nation has sustained growth rates of 9-10% for two or more decades without succeeding in global markets. China’s share in global merchandise exports rose from 2% in 1991 to 12.4% in 2012. These two decades saw China fully transform from a primarily, agrarian economy to a modern industrial economy.

A strong rupee keeps imports artificially cheap for citizens and exports artificially expensive for foreigners.

The Shinkansen HSR (high speed railways) was launched in Japan in 1964. Shinkansen trains perhaps have the best safety record in HSR. Another country, with a quick HSR roll out is china which has developed, about 22,000 km of HSR since 2007-08.

Japanese exports to India rose from Rs 22,900 crore in 2005 to Rs 57,800 crore in 2015, and as of today about 1,305 Japanese companies have branches in India.

Mumbai-Delhi is one of the busiest air corridors of the world.

In the absence of actual knowledge, God is different for different persons and for the same person, different on different occasions.

When your methods are doubtful, said Mahatma, you cannot get good ends.

Well known sci-fi author Ron Hubbard once said, ‘If you really want to make big money, you should start a religion.’

In July 2017 Facebook announced a 71% increase in global profits. And India is one of its fastest growing markets. A lot of its success is well deserved and users now spend an average of 50 minutes a day on its platforms.

India has 11,000 skill training institutes while china has 500,000. Not surprising, only about 2% in the age group 15-59 in India have some skill training.

You can stop speaking to someone, but you cannot stop being related—BURMESE PROVERB

George Patton Jr once said, “I don’t measure man’s success by how high he climbs, but how high he bounces back when he hits the bottom.”

A commonly quoted aphorism says, ‘New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.’

From the play … Julius Caesar—‘the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves, that we are underlings.’

Society is never interested in religion because religion is individual and society is always afraid of individuals—Osho

India is very important because of its size. So for the world to do well, we need India to do well.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day to day life. The book is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

*****

 

 

 

INEFFACEABLE HOLIDAY: JAMMU-PATNITOP-SANASAR CIRCUIT

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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wonderful Sanasar

 

I recently covered Jammu-Patnitop-Sanasar circuit as a vying tourist with my family. It was an electrifying experience. I had not known what I was missing in life, till I actually got to see this paradise that remains unruffled from the poison of planet erosion even now.  Let me take you through this interesting journey that may motivate you too, to visit these fizzy tourist spots that remain huddled in scenic landscapes and keeps lazing around in idyllic settings.

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picturesque Shivalik range

The hilly region of Jammu spreads across the middle Himalayas and the Shvaliks in the Jammu & Kashmir state. It presents a variety of attractive features and is home to several tourist resorts and pilgrimage centres. These include the Holy Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi (so famous that I dare not discuss in the passage) nestling in the folds of the Trikuta hills which is one of the most venerated Hindu Pilgrimage destinations of northern India, visited by millions every year. Also hidden away amongst the surrounding mountains are a number of hill resorts, the most famous among these being the beautiful meadows of Patnitop & Sanasar towards northeast of Vaishnodevi. These present an opportunity to recoup, after the strenuous pilgrimage, amidst an enchantingly beautiful and salubrious environment, with a variety of other tourist attractions/pilgrim centres to see en route before returning to Jammu, the City of Temples, on way home.

 

Chidai Muttal

As one embarks towards Patnitop, 12 kms from Katra, is Chidai Muttal, famous for its wells and well side sculptures. An ancient temple stands beside a small garden here, shaded by Chinar trees normally associated with Kashmir. A brief stopover at this place refreshes one’s soul and mind.

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Middle Himalayas

Krimchi

After travelling a further 25 km towards Patnitop, a short detour of 8 km from the National Highway near Udhampur, leads to Krimchi, the site of one of the oldest temple complexes of Jammu. Believed to have been constructed between 11th-12th century AD. This group of temples, is locally known as the Pandava Temples, has some interesting architectural features, which resemble the Orissan style of temple architecture.

 

 

Udhampur

An important town in the hilly areas of Jammu region, Udhampur is the farthest rail head of Northern India so far. The ancient Raghunath Temple located next to the sacred underground river, Devak is one of the oldest temples of the region. Accommodation is available in the PWD Dak Bungalow and several private hotels. The ancient temple of Jallandri Mata at Ladden Kotli is believed to have been abode of the Pandavas for some time during their exile. The hidden chambers in its roof, sculptures on its walls and the nearby springs tell a unique story. Mini Hydel Project Chenani, is at a short distance, and an ancient fort provides the backdrop of the temple. 10 kms from Udhampur towards Patnitop, at the way side station of Samroli, one can enjoy Kaladi Sandwhich (a local cottage cheese produced in the interiors of hilly areas) with a hot cup of tea.

Kud

The first hill resort on this circuit, Kud (1738 meters), is a picturesque town located just 9 kms short of Patnitop. This resort commands a panoramic view of the terraced valley downwards and the mountains beyond, specially, from the Mall Road, presently under construction. Besides enjoying a cool climate in summers, it is also famous for Patisa a speciality sweet preparation and waters of a spring. A number of hotels and guesthouses besides the Tourist Bungalows of the JKTDC here provide decent accommodation for a comfortable stay in the hills.

Patnitop

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By far the most populous of Jammu’s hill resorts, 87 kms from Katra, Patnitop (2024 meters) is perched on a beautiful plateau across which the Jammu-Srinagar highway passes. It comprises of several meadows enveloped by thick forests of Deodar & Kail trees and affords peaceful walks amidst pine groves, beautiful spots for enjoyable picnics and breathtaking views of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. For solace one can visit the beautifully located Nag Mandir. Other activities include horse rides and short treks into the surrounding hills. One can also drive through thick forests 12 kms downhill to Batote, an old hill station also known for apple orchards, Amar Cheshma and other springs. From here one can also visit the Dam site of the Bagliar Hydro-Electric Project 10 kms away, with permission of the authorities.

In winters (January-February) the snow covered slopes of Patnitop provide opportunities for various snow games including amateur skiing and sledging. Visitor facilities at Patnitop include good quality accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, the JKTDC’s tourist bungalows, and recreational facilities in the Patnitop Club. Accommodation for youth and students is available in the Youth Hostel. The JKTDC’s luxury huts-self contained timber cottages tucked away amidst pine trees- provide an idyllic ambience for a quiet and memorable stay surrounded by sights and sounds of nature.

The most exciting feature of the beautiful resort of Sanasar (2079 meters), 19 km west of Patnitop, is a sprawling cup shaped meadow, 1 surrounded by gigantic conifers, which has been developed into a 9-hole golf course. Besides enjoying exciting pony rides amongst the groves and the other smaller meadows, one can also take treks up the surrounding hills from here. Sanasar is also ideal for paragliding, while Natha Top on way to Sanasar affords scenic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. For those desirious of experiencing a quiet stay surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, there are self-contained huts and a Tourist Bungalow managed by JKTDC at Sanasar.

Sankhpal

At an altitude of 10,000 ft, 10 kms from Sanasar, the misty meadow of Sankhpal offers the most exciting trek from Sanasar. It takes about two and a half hours of exciting trekking through scenic mountain slopes to reach here. One can also hire ponies upto Sankhpal. Food etc., should be carried from Sanasar. At one side of the meadow is the small old temple of Sankhpal Devta. On a clear day trekkers can be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.

This highly revered Shiva temple (1225 mtrs) is located at a distance of 42 kms from Patnitop and 112 kms from Jammu. Legend has it that after bathing at a spring called Gauri Kund, just short of Sudh Mahadev, the Goddess Parvati would worship the Shivling here that is believed to be at least 3000 years old. The temple also houses a black marble statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati. A trishul (trident) of Lord Shiva is also preserved here. Pilgrims in large number visit the Shrine on the full moon night of Sawan (July-August) to participate in the festival to worship Lord Shiva. The mystical underground stream, Devak believed to be as sacred as the Ganges originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks some distance downstream. Also of interest are wooden sculptures, crafted locally. Accommodation is available in Tourist Sarai managed by J&K Tourism Development Corporation and Dharmshala managed by the Dharmarth Trust.

Mantalai Temple

A few kilometres further ahead of Sudh Mahadev is Mantalai (1450 meters) surrounded by lush Deodar forests. As per legend, it is a place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. Besides the Shiv temple here, one can also visit the complex created by Swami Dhirendra Brahmchari which includes a tree shaped house, an air strip, a hostel and a number of other unfinished projects. An excursion through the woods to Naina Devi 5 kms from Mantalai provides excellent views of the mountains landscape all round.

Kali Mata Mandir

While returning to Jammu one can visit the Kali Mata Mandir, located next to a waterfall near Manthal, 40 kms from Jammu. A highly revered location for travellers driving on the National Highways, it provides a cool and refreshing stopover point for the traveller especially during the summer season.

Jhajjar Kotli

Further ahead, 35 kms short of Jammu on the National Highway is the Jhajjar Kotli, Tourist Complex, built on the banks of the Jhajjar rivulet. The crystal clear, cool waters of Jhajjar attract picnickers in large numbers especially during summers. A Tourist Cafetaria, a Bar and a small Tourist Bungalow are provided here by JKTDC. Moving further towards Jammu, one can also stop at the ancient Rani ka Talab.

Kol Kandoli (Nagrota)

The ancient temple of Kol Kandoli located, 9 kms from Jammu is considered to be the first darshan of the Holy Goddess of Mata Vaishnidevi was performed entirely on foot, the first of the 6 nights, halts after Jammu used to be at this temple.

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