Experience breathtaking landscapes, immersive cities, and thoughtful reflections. From distant horizons to personal insights, travel becomes a journey of both place and mind.
The author recounts a three-day New Year adventure. Beginning in Ranchi, the author and his wife embark on a motorbike road trip to Ghatshila, Jharkhand, visiting several picturesque sites, experiencing local culture, and overcoming challenges such as poor road conditions, wounds, and extreme cold. Highlights include Dharagiri Falls, Phuldugri Hill, Ratmohana River Bridge and Rankini Mandir. The trip concludes with a newfound eagerness for future adventures.
As we approach the new year, amidst the challenges of COVID-19, I share our Christmas Eve trip to Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Ranchi. The zoo, set in lush surroundings, impressed us with efficient parking, eco-conscious initiatives, and diverse transport options. We encountered a wide range of animals, from birds to big cats, and appreciated educational information about them. Despite some tiredness, it was a fulfilling day with my family. Stay safe and observe COVID guidelines.
Varanasi, a timeless city on the sacred Ganga, captivates visitors with its historic ghats and temples. A trip included a visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple and an evening cruise on the Ganga aboard the Alaknanda luxury liner, offering breathtaking views and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The experience also encompassed exploring Ravidas Ghat and witnessing the city's rich cultural heritage. The day ended with a memorable Ganga Aarti and a peaceful float of a Floating Diya. The Alaknanda Cruise provided a unique perspective of Varanasi's iconic ghats, offering a tranquil escape from the lively streets, concluding with shopping, a temple visit, and a delightful dinner before departing for Ranchi.
Upon arriving in Prayagraj, I discovered that my cousin had fallen ill, but thankfully recovered. A detour to Sitamarhi was necessitated by my mother's ear infection. We visited the Sita Samahit Sthal and then proceeded to Varanasi. Our visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, though crowded, was spiritually fulfilling. I explored Varanasi, visiting historical sites and a fighter jet statue. Lastly, we enjoyed a Ganga River cruise.
In the heart of Baghdad, where faiths once intertwined, I traced the forgotten footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. From the tomb of Pir Bahlol to the ruins of a lost Gurudwara, this journey revealed not only history but humanity — a reminder that love, peace, and understanding can outlast even the ravages of war and time.
The narrator and his wife Tania embarked on a long bike ride on a perfect weather day to Bagda Valley viewpoint, some 50 kilometres from their house. The valley is part of the Chotanagpur plateau, with hills, forests, rare species of birds, butterflies, tribal villages, and farms. Their journey included off-road biking and a steep climb to a hilltop providing breathtaking views. After enjoying the destination's serenity and beauty, they had to leave due to drizzling weather.
Mount Magica, a picnic resort, nestled amid the serene nature 25 kilometers from Ranchi, offers a quaint farmhouse experience complete with meals and recreational amenities. We visited on June 26, 2022, and partook in the resort activities and meals while relishing the village-style hospitality with a modern approach. Our experience was fun-filled, memorable, and worth the cost, fulfilling their need for a hassle-free and enjoyable picnic getaway.
During a routine flight from New Delhi to Baghdad, a breathtaking view of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah from the airplane window sparked a sense of wonder. The iconic man-made island, a symbol of human ingenuity, is a blend of luxury and functionality, offering opulent villas, world-class hotels, and a vibrant retail hub. This unexpected encounter served as a reminder of the awe-inspiring experiences travel can bring.
Nobody is quite sure how Chowringhee, one of Kolkata’s most iconic roads, got its name. Chowringhee, not quite an arterial road but one of the city’s longest thoroughfares today, connects two parts of the city — Kalighat and Dharmatolla — to each other. Chowringhee is one of the best addresses in Kolkata. It still oozes of the imperial heritage. The building nearby are majestic and imposing and reminds of the British raj.
Maa Tara Chandi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Maa Shakti or Maa Durga. Maa Tara Chandi Shakti Peetha, also called Maa Tarachandi, is the oldest and one of the most sacred temples of Sasaram. It is regarded as one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas in India. The temple is very ancient. The mention of this temple can be found in ancient manuscripts.
