Qutub Minar

 

The Qutub Minar was built in 1193 by the Emperor of Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The tower was built to be the tallest tower in the world at the time of its construction. It is made of Redstone and marble and has a height of 73 meters making it one of the highest minarets of world. The Qutub Minar has five stories, each level having its own balcony decorated with intricate carving and inscriptions. The monument was completed in 1220 by IItutmish, son in law of Qutub-ud-din Aibak.

Qutub Minar

Over the years it had been damaged multiple times. The tower was struck by lightning in 14th century. The Mughal Emperor Humayun rebuilt the top stories when they were destroyed. Earlier it was possible to climb up the monument but to avoid any mis happenings it has been closed now.

Iron Pillar Mehrauli

The Qutub Minar stands tall as an exceptional cultural symbol of  Delhi's rich history, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monumental tower is accompanied by several other significant historical sites such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Alai Darwaza, constructed during the same era.

Qutub minar inscriptions

The Qutub Minar is an architectural marvel and an embodiment of the grandeur of ancient Indian civilizations, witnessing a succession of rulers over the centuries. Its intricate carvings and elaborate architecture showcase the brilliance of the skilled craftsmen of that era.

Qutub minar

The Iron Pillar located in Qutub Minar is seven meters high and is thought to be constructed during Gupta Dynasty .It is present within the Qutub Complex and is famous for its rust resistant properties.

A visit to the Qutub Minar and its surroundings offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of Delhi, from the tower's origins as a victory monument to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a remarkable experience for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating history and cultural richness of India. Qutub minar is a tallest brick minaret in the world and is considered a earliest Islamic structure in India. The inscriptions are written in both Arabic and Brahmi.

Accident

On 4 December 1981 due to a unfortunate incident the lights of Qutub Minar went out and in darkness people got panicked and in the ensuing stampede many people were killed. After that incident entrance inside the Qutub Minar was stopped.

top 10 places to visit in Shimla

 Shimla also known as the “Queen of Hills “is a famous vacation destination for all of India. It is located in state of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful town is situated in picturesque foothills of Himalaya. It is a world-famous tourist destination with beautiful hills and amazing climate. The British era architecture adds an old charm to the place. During Summer when whole of North India is scorching in Heat , Shimla is a place to be. The top 10 places to visit in Shimla are as follows.

The Ridge: The vast open space is thew centre of activities in the town. You can

 enjoy breath-taking views of mountains here and see the glamourous sun set in the background. You can enjoy an ice cream here or go for a horse ride too.

The Mall Road: It is a shopping area where loads of shops and restaurants are lined up. It is a great place to buy souvenirs and eat local cuisine. Mall road was constructed during British Colonial rule and is located below the Ridge. Office of Municipal corporation , fire department and Police Headquarters are present at Mall Road.

Christ Church: Built in Neo Gothic style built on Ridge Road is a oldest church in North India. Stained glass windows of this church are famous.

Jakhu Temple: A hanuman ji temple located on Jakhu Hill offers magnificent view of mountains. Everybody advises here to take off your spectacle and mobile here as there are loads of monkey here. The monkeys check the pockets of visitors here and take items of their liking. This temple dedicated to lord Hanuman is located on Jakhu Hill that is Shimla's highest peak. The statue of Hanuman present in the temple is one of the tallest in the World. As per the Hindu scriptures, Hanuman ji stopped at this point to rest while searching for Sanjivini Booti to treat Laxmana. This 108 feet statue of hanuman placed at Jakhu temple was inaugurated on 4 November 2010.  Jakhu temple can be reached on foot or via taxi and a ropeway is also available for this purpose.

 

Viceregal Lodge: Situated on Observatory Hill, this Lodge is a amazing colonial architecture. British Viceroy of India used to live here in summers but today it is a museum and research center.

 

Shimla State Museum: It is situated on the Mall and one can see vast collection of artifacts, painting and sculptures here. It displays the cultural heritage of Himanchal.

 

Kufri: a small hill station situated 16 km from Shimla so it is famous for breath-taking views and adventure where one can do skiing, hiking. Trekking is also done in this area.

Chail : it is charming town 45 km from Shimla. It has the highest cricket ground in the world.

Naldehra : It is situated around 22 km from Shimla known for its golf course. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful golf courses in India.

Tattapani : It is a small village famous for its hot springs.

Which is the best time to visit Shimla?

March to June month the weather is pleasant and good for outdoor activities like paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting. The temperature is in range of 15° - 30° C.

What is Shimla famous for ?

Shimla is surrounded by pine and oak forest , walking among them is a pleasant experience . Shimla is capital of Himachal Pradesh and various hightlights of this city is The Mall, Ridge and Toy Train. The colonial style buildings take us into our past.

Travel in summers : Tips

  Travel in Summer

                                                              

Heatwave in India

The following activities can keep us safe.

1.Stay hydrated: Keep the water filled bottle near you and take a sip time to time.

2. Stay Indoors : Stay in shaded part or indoors to escape the wrath of Sun.

3. Wear light clothes : wear light weight clothes and light colors clothes.

4. Take care of children and elderly as they are likely to be affected by heatstroke early.

 Mussoorie places to visit

Mussoorie is famous hill station in the Indian State of Uttarakhand. Situated at a height of 2000 metres in the foothills of Himalayas. This town is known for it's scenic beauty , good weather and British era architecture. In Mussoorie places to visit are Kempty fall, Gun hill and Mussoorie lake.

Mussoorie

Kempty Falls - It is a famous waterfall located just outside Mussoorie . Nowadays the stair reaching down to the fall are occupied by commercial shops . There are so many stairs to reach the Kempty fall that it becomes a adventure in itself. There was also a cable lift for taking us to the lower part of waterfall. The water falls from a height of around 40 feet and a cemented boundary has been set around it. Visitors can take a bath in the cold water and enjoy the fall. Bathing suits are available at the surrounding shops. The water is very cold and a single dip energizes one to the core. The flow of the water is so enormous that one can't stand under it. 

Gun hill: Gun hill is the second highest peak in Mussoorie with great views of hills and mountains. We can just walk to Gun hill or we can take a cable car to the top of the mountain. We get amazing views in the cable car too. Gun hill has few eatery shops and some fun games shops like pellet shooting . We can spent and hour or so at this point. Before Independence it is said that every afternoon British used to fire a canon so that locals could know the time.

Lal Tibba : This is the highest peak in Mussoorie and gives beautiful view of the mountains and valleys. Visitors can just take a walk to the point or take a horse ride instead. It is located on tip of Depot hill in Landour near Mussoorie.

Mussoorie lake :  Mussoorie lake is a beautiful man made lake away from the city center. People can come here and enjoy some boating ,feeding ducks and spend time in eatery. Recreational activities are also available here.

Mall Road : Mall road is a main road where lots of shops are situated . We can just take a stroll and explore shops ,restaurants and cafes along the road. Just being there we feel energized by the positive energy of mother nature. Taking selfies while on a stroll in Mall road is a experience in itself. 

Company Garden : Company garden is a popular spot in Mussoorie where lots of flowers, garden fountains and great views can be found. Spread over a area of 22 acres , this garden is about 3 km from the City center .Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of garden here . It is also known as Municipal garden and is one of the well maintained garden in Mussoorie. There is a artificial lake in garden where people can take a boat ride. We can take leisurely walk in this beautiful garden.

What is the famous thing in Mussoorie?

There are plenty of famous places in Mussoorie , but few capture are worthy of mention . Gun hill can be accessed by cable car. Lal Tibba offers scenic beauty of nature.

Is 2 days enough for Mussoorie?

if you want to explore Mussoorie at relaxed pace then 2 days would be necessary as there are plenty of places to visit.

What's the best time to go to Mussoorie?

Summers offer respite from the Northern Heat of India so best time would be April to June but if you want to enjoy the snow then you should come during winter months.

Which is the top most point in Mussoorie?

Nag Tibba peak which is around ten thousand feet above sea level in Uttarakhand.

Can Mussoorie be visited in One day?

yes all of Mussoorie can be covered in one day , kempy fall, mall road ,gun hill and lal tibba.

Kedarnath Mandir

                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                 

Kedarnath Mandir

A marvel to visit for those with religious sentiments and scenic beauty for those looking for some adventure trekking. Kedarnath Mandir is famous for pandavs who spotted shiva here when they searched for him after the war. The place is quite cold and the temple is sourrounded by snow capped mountain.The enthusiast can either take a horse to the temple or can walk the entire 14 km route on foot.It is very nice and warm when we start our journey from gauri kund but as we head towards the temple chill starts going stronger.

Delhi

 DELHI
                                                                           
  Being my birth place is close to my heart. Such is the historical importance of Delhi that ,it has been mentioned in Mahabharata by the name Indraprastha. It has been captured, plundered and recaptured so many times that history has lost counts. It has been ruled by slave kings, Mughals and British. It is the capital of India,located on the banks of river Yamuna.Mugal king Shahjahan built many marvellous pieces of architecture here as well as the walled city of Delhi.British too changed there capital from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911.
                                                                               

Birla Mandir,Delhi

Delhi extends from Narela in north to Badarpur in south to Seemapuri in east and Najafgarh in west.

Humayun Tomb, Delhi

                                                                    Humayun tomb

Humayun tomb,Delhi
Humayun tomb video

                                                                                

       One day I had the chance to visit the beautiful Humayun tomb which I had never  seen, even when I live in Delhi. I was ready to explore the beautiful building which was the model , on which later Taj Mahal was built. I reached the Humayun tomb by New HOHO bus which is best to travel around Delhi as it circles round all the major tourist points.

       The gate through which I entered was a small one but what lay inside was enormous. As I entered the Tomb area I was greeted by the guard at the ticket counter. On paying up a petty amount of , I was able to take a glimpse into our past.

Isa Khan Tomb

                                                                                    

          As soon as I entered I was greeted by the Isa Khan Nayazi tomb, It presents itself on the right side of the entrance on way to Humayun tomb.

         Isa Khan Niyazi was a noble in the court of Sher Shah Suri. This enclosure includes his tomb and a mosque both built during his lifetime. The octagonal tomb, predating the Humayun Tomb by only 20 yrs has striking ornamentation in the form of canopies, glazed tiles and lattice screens. Along the western side of enclosure, the three bay wide mosque has a grand red sandstone central bay and striking mehrabs. Until the early 20^thcentury, and entire village had been settled in the enclosure.

Humayun Tomb side view

                                                                                     

         Hamida Banu begum, his grieving widow built the Emperor Humayun Mausoleum. Precursor to the Taj Mahal it stands on a platform of 1200 m²  and reaches a height of 47 metres. The earliest example of Persian influence in the Indian architecture, the tomb has within it over 100 graves earning the name of `dormitory of Mugals’.

          Built of the rubble masonry, the structure is the first to use the red sandstone and white marble in such great quantities. The small canopies on the terrace were originally covered in glazed blue tiles and brass finial over the white marble dome is itself 6 m high.

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Travel blog about Mussoorie

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Mussoorie-travel here is fun
Mussoorie video

It was a sudden urge to go out from the maddening crowd of Delhi. I decided to be at a hill top next day which was a sunday. I blurted out my plans to my wife and we were ready for another fun packed action. We decided to meet at interstate bus terminal at 3 pm and start our voyage. As usual she was late and I kept waiting for her at the terminal....but she did come and we were off to a bus to visit what is called Mussoorie.

treks of Mussoorie

It was very sunny day and till the evening we were basking in sun but my excitement didnot let that ruin my enthu. Bus was running down the road and it was a pleasant evening .It gives me great pleasure to watch fields and villages passing by from the bus. The zipping past of the eucalyptus trees and seeing people work on the field is a experience which is more enjoyable than the place of visit. Jams at the major cities is what I hate but can do little about it.

Manali trip

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                         

 Travel in beautiful Manali
Manali video

It all started with Jiji my friend planning to take vacation from his hectic job in marketing. He knowing my nature ,invited me to join. I was not the one to turn down the opportunity. It took whole month for Jijimon and Khan to plan our vacation to Manali......I could have done that in one day. (hehehe just pack the bag and go for Manali Trip)

Manali trip

Two tickets were ready for me and my wife ,we were going in Volvo. The stage was set to leave Delhi. The morning we had to leave for Manali , Meenu became excited to join us and all three of us were ready to salute Manali. We had to take bus from Chandralok building in CP, we were all on time. Jijimon had come with his sister, Khan with Vinod, Dilip with his wife and Anoop with his family....in all we were a group of eleven. The bus was late and it was getting dark .Simultaneously three buses came there and it was a scene of chaos. Nobody knew which bus to get into, as no staff person was there to guide the passengers.

Nainital to pangot

 Pangot

Pangot

In the lap of the Himalayas, Pangot is a small village located just 15 km from Nainital in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The road from Nainital to Pangot is filled with Pristine greenery, breathtaking vistas, and rich biodiversity. If you are looking for a peaceful time away from the   hustle and bustle of city life, then Pangot is the place to go.

 

Birdwatcher's Paradise
 

Pangot is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds found here. You can spot birds like the Himalayan Woodpecker, khalij pheasant, Brown Wood Owl, and the Black headed Jay. Birdwatching enthusiasts from all over the world come to Pangot to witness the beauty of these beautiful creatures. Pangot is best place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The village is surrounded by dense forests, and there are many nature trails that one can enjoy. The best time to go on these nature trails is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These trails take you through the forests, and you can spot many species of birds and animals along the way. We visited one such trails which ended in a breathtaking waterfall. We took a bath there and trekked back to our hotel. It was a very thrilling but tiresome experience.

 

Biodiversity Hotspot

 

Pangot is located in the middle of the Kumaon Himalayas, which is known for its rich biodiversity.  Pangot is also a great place to spot leopards, Himalayan black bears, and barking deer.

 

Accommodation

There are many homestays and guesthouses in Pangot, that offer a comfortable stay among nature. You can use your own camp in the forests and experience the beauty of nature up close. The local cuisine  with dishes like the Kumaoni Raita and Bhatt Ki Churkani should be tried .

 

Getting There

 

In regards to airport there is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 85 km away. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station  which is about 20 km away. From here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pangot.

 

In conclusion, Pangot is a hidden gem that is waiting to be explored. If you are looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway, then Pangot is the perfect destination for you. With its breathtaking vistas, rich biodiversity, and comfortable accommodation options, Pangot is sure to leave you spellbound.

FAQ

1. Why is Pangot Famous?

Ans.  Pangot is a beautiful place in Uttarakhand, 15 km from lake Nainital. It feels like a remote Himalayan village .This place is also called as Bird watcher's paradise with more than 250 bird species.

2. Is Pangot worth a Visit ?

Ans.Pangot In Uttarakhand offers a adventure a in greenery filled mountains.It sis around 15 kn from Nainital Lake and is bird waters treasure.

3.. Is there snow fall in Pangot ?

Ans . Yes during the month of November, December, January and February.

4. Which State is Pangot in ?

Ans. Pangot is in Uttarakhand.

District - Nainital

Tehsil   - Kosiyakutoli

Elevation -1980 m

Also Read

Manali

Nainital

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Nainital

Travel with me to Nainital ,a beautiful hill-station that is surrounded by lakes. The lakes around Nainital are Bhimtal that is the biggest  and named after Bhima. Naukuchiatal and Sattal are other lakes that add beauty to Nainital.

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                        

view from the hotel

Nainital where lakes are everywhere and scenic beauty  spell bounds the imagination 

distant view of himalayas

its a joy to travel to the mango shaped Naini lake with beautiful scenery in it’s back ground .Pleasant weather to enhance the already beautiful surroundings and lovely people to interact to, is what I mean by Nainital. The place is reachable by train at Kotgodam which is around 200 km from Nainital. We travelled by train to Kotgodam and took taxi to Nainital. It was early in the morning when we reached Kotgodam and hopped onto taxi to view the scenic beauty at dawn. It took us fair amount of time to reach Nainital but I enjoyed the ride ,taking breaks to have tea and parathas. Travelling becomes fun if you add parathas to it.

Travel to Taj Mahal

        The idea of visiting Agra and experiencing the Taj, was of my friend Jijimon.  Distant relative of his ,had come from Kerala and they desired to see the greatest monument of all times, The Taj mahal. He planned for our weekend at Agra and invited us to be part of it ,and as you know I don't turn down these kind of offers .
                                                  

Travel to Taj Mahal

        The D day came and I was more than ready to travel to history. A van was booked which could easily pick up 20 person in one go. It did take us in one go but the real problem was that air condition was not working. That being the hot month of June, we were sweating like anything in the morning itself. We could not do anything about it except complaining to the driver. He was busy driving his van ,unruffled by any comment given by us. The music being played in the van was becoming irritable because of the hot condition of the van.

Yamunotri temple

        This time around I have planned to visit the sacred temple of Yamunotri. The tickets to the Ac chair car had been booked and I was enjoying the ride on the Shatabdi express to Haridwar. I really love this train for cleanliness and service that is provided. The climate outside the train was fantastic. There is no trace of sun and  through the window of the train everything looked green, this made the scenery outside look  divine.

                                                                Yamunotri Temple  

        We reached Rishikesh at 2.00 pm in the afternoon. There I got to know that no bus was available at that time to go to Yamunotri temple. The bus would leave early in the morning tomorrow. We tried our best to arrange transport for our ride to Yamunotri temple but nothing could be done. At last we were helped by a local policemen to hire a cab to drop us midway at Chiyali saur. We enjoyed the journey in the vehicle ,soaking the scenery outside. We reached Chiyalisaur at 7.00 pm in the evening and had to stay there for night.(No traffic runs after dark in Uttarkashi). We had to reach Dharasu band in the morning to continue our journey at yamunotri. We slept at 9.00 pm and were awakened by the knock on the door. It took us a hour more to dress up and get ready to move there.