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A streak is noticed
more than a gleam, a spark more than flame, a comet more than a star; so are the
small joys of life that we cherish forever. Holidays are too long, needs time
and money both; a short trip to a land hitherto unknown among deep forest
ornamented with cascading waterfalls to bathe under, timeless backwaters to
cruise in moonlit night, virgin islands with coves and beaches; all, all of
these within 2 nights time?
Saranda Heights:
Perched in a river valley
among 700 hills of the Saranda range, skirted by meandering KARO river on one
side is the SARANDA SAFARI RESORT nestled in the heart of KARA RESERVE FOREST.
Bhitarkanika – The
Dream Island Sanctuary
Castaway from the rigmarole of
urban monotony, Bhitarkanika lies hidden in the neighbouring state of Orissa.
Halfway between Kolkata and Puri it’s vast virgin beaches and nearby
uninhabited islands emerging out of the turquoise blue sea, enliven by Dolphin
(seen on sea cruises), Turtles, Seagulls, Terns and host of exotic birds and
animals make it best comparable to Belize & Costa Rica.
Simlipal – The Cool
Nearest Gateway
Nestled in the heart of
Mayurbhanj in the northern most district of Orissa, only 270 kms from Kolkata is
SIMLIPAL NATIONAL PARK & TIGER RESERVE.
Sangla Valley
About 54 kms from Sarahan lies
the Sangla valley (4-5 hrs. drive). The road to Sangla is narrow, rough and
hazardous, taking one through Wangtu and Karchham.
Spiti
Locally pronounced ‘PITI’
or the ‘middle country’, has its sub divisional headquarters at Kaza. The
river Spiti originates at the base of the Kunzum range and flows eastward to
join the Sutlej at Khab in Kinnaur. In practical isolation for centuries, Spiti
has an intensely introvertive culture entered around its several monasteries –
Dhankar, Ki, Tabo, Mud, Gungri, Lidang, Hikim, Sangam, Mane Gogma and Giu to
name a few.
Pin Valley
South of the Dhankar Gompa, en
route Kaza; infact only 16 kms short of Kaza is the road to Pin Valley across
Attergo Bridge. The valley is characterized by alpine pastures of dry alpine
scrub forest.
Lahaul (Keylong,
Jispa, Suraj, and Dipak Tal)
At once stark and forbidding
yet Lahaul has an ethereal beauty. The word “Lahaul” is regarded as a
derivative of the Tibetan “lho-yul” southern country ‘or of Ilahi-yul’
country of gods.
Seraj
One
of the most fascinating valleys of Himachal bodering The Great Himalayan
National Park, crossing the mighty JALORI PASS (11000 ft.) is the picturesque
Seraj Valley.
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