All posts by allgudthings

I am a traveler who loves capturing each moment which gives me happiness and reason to explore more.
Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Tourist or Traveler – Don’t know who we are?

53 Comments

Are we confused who we are – Tourist or traveler?

Tourist or traveler; the two debatable words had put us in deep thoughts and left us wondering who exactly are we?

Let’s see if these pointers can really help us decide:

%CODE1%

  1. During the beginning of our each journey and trip, we wander endlessly on the roads without knowing where we are heading. Which place will be our final destination being completely unaware of the pleasant and unpleasant events on the way? But in the same trip, at the end of the day when we are tired, the heart & mind juggle among themselves and says it would have been better if you had some fixed itinerary, at least a room booking. So isn’t that self-contradictory?

The saying goes that a tourist has a fixed scheduled plan and a traveler has none. He just follows his heart and the trails. So, who are we? A traveler in the beginning and throughout the trip? but tourist at the end of the trip or when we are tired?

On the way to Gangotri - Tourist or Traveler
On the way to Gangotri
  1. We love traveling and want to be full-time travelers. We too never want to return back from the offbeat (like Tehri Dam, Mana Village, Kinnaur) and conventional places (like Shimla) but our work commitments, time, finances, and family pull us back.  If not after 7 but surely after 10 days. So, what it is?

And the saying goes travelers like to travel slow, stick to places for exploring more. Whereas tourist comes back exploring the fixed trails in a fixed time. So, what are we– Tourist or traveler or a combination of both? 

On the way to Badrinath - Tourist or Traveler
On the way to Badrinath
  1. While traveling we taste traditional cuisines, stay at homestays and camps, mingle with locals, explore their culture and make new friends. But at the same time, we start craving for our staple food after few meals and days. We start missing people back home.

And some say, tourist always look for McDonald, Subway, Pizza Hut whereas traveler loves to munch on local delicacies. So, we are again confused nuts and where should we put ourselves into a tourist or traveler?

Views from Ranikhet Homestay : Tourist or Traveler
Views from Ranikhet Homestay
  1. Before hopping to any of the places, we read the blogs and enquire from locals about the dos & don’ts at the destination. Whereas after reaching and seeing the suggested places, we try to roam around to find the hidden and mysterious gems of the place.

The saying goes that tourists follow the travel guide and fixed trails whereas travelers explore the offbeat place. So, what are we here –  a Tourist or Traveler?

Trails near Kasol: Tourist or Traveler
Trails near Kasol
  1. We always prefer traveling as a couple, with friends, family and also solo when it is the need of an hour.

In 2015 Holidify once illustrated in their post that tourist’s travel in a group whereas traveler travels alone. So in which category do we fall– tourist or traveler? 

Tourist or Traveler

  1. We trek, walk, hitchhike, travel by local transport and take road trips in our own vehicle as well as rented and shared cars/cabs.

The saying goes that tourist prefers taking cars or cabs instead of walking tours and treks. So where should we fit ourselves- a tourist or traveler?

Roadtrips: Tourist or Traveler

  1. We always carry our laptops, tablets, cameras, tripods, and phones on our trips. They are not only an essential component of our work but we use them to capture photographs too.

The saying is tourist carry selfie sticks, laptops, phones & tabs for luxury whereas travelers just carry cameras & tripods. So, where do we stand- A tourist or traveler or both. 

  1. We take pictures of landscapes, mountainscapes, and lakes with people, without people and our own selfies too.

For this many of my fellow friends quote, that tourists take selfies with monuments and landscapes behind whereas travelers just photo shoot landscapes and other people’s portraits. So who are we – a tourist or traveler?

Landscapes: Tourist or traveler

The term tourist and traveler might have different dictionary meanings, but for us, these two terms overlap in every trip. One might be a traveler in his own eyes but the locals always take him/her as a tourist only. We too feel that the one who is a traveler is also a tourist and vice versa. Actually, both of them follows each other’s trail – but then does it really matter and do you care?

%CODE2%

I guess, it is just one’s own mindset and reflection of how he/she wants to be called and what they want to be seen as. For us – Travel is all about experiences and it’s an endless fairy land. So, simply wear your shoes, pack your bags and search for the next trail. It doesn’t matter anywhere whether you are a tourist, traveler or both, but more important is to enjoy the journey, destination as well as whole trip.

If you feel this was good, pin it and share with others.

Tourist or Traveler: Don't know who we are?

 

 

Hotel Review, Hotels, India, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Review: Auli Resort – The Royal Village

42 Comments

Rising up to the sun rays hitting snow clad peaks of  barren mountain, sipping hot lemon ginger tea admiring the mother nature; eating delicious breakfast under deep blue sky, the scenic stroll around lush green meadows,non-stop family talks and chairlift journey to the meadows are some of the golden moments which I can recall from my recent trip to Auli and stay at the Auli Resort – The Royal Village.

Views of Auli from the Auli resort- The royal Village
Panoramic View of Auli from Auli Resort

Auli Resort- The Royal Village is a cool environment-friendly holiday resort and is located at one of the most picturesque locations. It lies within the complex of GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), giving the panoramic view of majestic Himalayan ranges.

After a long drive and trip to Badrinath Dham and the Mythical Mana Village, we thought of rejuvenating our body and soul with the fresh air and serene beauty of Auli.

At Auli Resort

As soon as you reach Auli base, GMVN resort welcomed us. But somehow it didn’t attract us and far away the rowed yellow log huts with the green background were too enticing. That was the Auli resort – the royal village. It’s hardly a 100 meters drive or walk from GMVN.

Reception

The reception is simply done with a seating and few Himalayas and trekking books are around, in the shelves. The staffs behind the desk are super friendly and they helpful you while checking in and assist you to your rooms. They too guide you about local sightseeing and how weather changes in Auli. Read here for the different shades of Auli in summers.

%CODE1%

Auli Resort

There are 12 luxurious huts in two rows lined one behind another on the mountain slope, each having its own patio facing towards the snow covered mountain peaks. The Auli resort is a perfect place to soak in the mountain atmosphere.

Auli Resort - The Royal Village

Rooms/ Huts

The rooms are designed keeping in mind the extreme winters at Auli and they are comfortable for summers too. The maximum temperature in Auli goes around 16 degree Celsius in summers and in winters the lowest can be up to -8-degree celsius.

The Auli resort huts are colorful, clean and cozy. The hut in which we had put up was painted in purple and white and there was a separate space for bedroom, dressing room, and washroom.

Huts at Auli Resort

The room has all basic amenities like television, chairs, room heater and tea-coffee maker. And yes! The views from the window of the hut were just not Wow but spectacular –Almost half of the Auli was visible.

View from Hut of Auli Resort

Restaurant and Food at Auli Resorts

One cannot stroll or enjoy without food and there is no worry when you are at Auli Resorts – The Royal Village. They have a variety of Indian, Chinese, continental and some local dishes in their menu. We tried Indian, Chinese and Uttarakhand’s local food. Everything was just scrumptious.

Restaurant at Auli resort - the Royal Village

The dining area behind the reception is clean. It has wooden roofs, giving the typical feel of a place in mountains.

Dining Area at Auli resort
Dining Area at Auli Resort

Sightseeing at Auli

  1. The Hanuman Temple: It lies just after a refreshing trek of 15-20 minutes from the royal village Auli Resort.
  2. The Panoramic View of Snow clad Mountain Peaks: From the resort itself complete panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks is visible and the prominent are Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Panch Chuli.The view of Himalayan Ranges from Auli Resort
  3. Gurso Bugyal Meadows: The Meadows lies 3kms from Auli resorts and are spread amidst forests of oak and conifers. They turn lush green in summers and are snow covered in winters. So, if you love winters sports you surely cannot miss visiting Auli as a winter destination in Uttarakhand. One can try skiing, ATV rides, and others sports here.
  4. Ride by Chairlift till meadows and highest artificial lake:

Parking at Auli Resort

There are enough parking spaces available around Auli Resorts.

%CODE2%

Conclusion

I will say the Auli resort lives up to the name of Auli and is a complete value for money. We paid Rs. 3000/- per night. The colorful huts, delicious food, impeccable services, and beautiful views – everything is perfect here. The place not only relaxes your mind and body but make you feel in the abode of heaven.Review: Auli Resort - The Royal Village

Rating of Auli Resort

I rate it 4.5 out of 5

Some Additional Info 

  1. One can get the huts booked at Auli resort from MakeMyTrip, Tripadvisor or Booking.com.
  2. The Gondola Chairlift is only 100 meters away from the Auli resorts.
  3. The resort arranges day treks, only on prior information.
  4. Auli resort is a good place for families, friends, and couples.

%CODE3%

 

 

India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

The different shades of Auli in Summers

53 Comments

Auli also known as Auli Bugyal is nestled among the Himalayas and is graded as one of the best skiing destinations by ski lovers. But unfortunately, it is not much famous among travelers and tourists and fortunately, it was really high on my travel bucket list. I was already captivated by the pictures posted by the fellow traveler of its skiing slopes and wide green meadows extending in Kilometres.  So, here was the chance for us to explore Auli in summers and cross one of the more travel bucket list destinations in Uttarakhand.

The different shades of Auli in summers, uttarakhand

Travel Guide to Auli in Summers

Distance from Delhi to Auli

Auli lies 509 Km from Delhi

Route to Auli from Delhi

Delhi – Noida- Meerut – Roorkee- Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karanprayag – Chamoli – Joshimath – Auli

Time to Reach Auli

Almost 13 -14 hrs in one stretch

Stoppages in Between

One can drive in a stretch but still we will advise you to take a halt in between at Haridwar or Rishikesh.

Auli in summers

Auli is at a hilltop; just 43 Kilometres short from Badrinath Dham and Mana Village. The steep road deviates and rises 16 Km up from Joshimath. The other way one can reach Auli is by Asia’s highest and longest Gondola cable car which directly connects Joshimath to Auli covering the total distance (slope distance) of 4 kilometers in 15-20 minutes.

Auli Ropeway Gandola Cable Car - Auli in Summers
Source: Beautiful places in India

Auli is already famous as a winter destination for snow and skiing but not in summers. We traveled and explored Auli in May and trust me- it did not disappoint us!! In fact, it surprised and treated us with different shades and colors.

While returning from Badrinath; clouds were following us and they were seen floating in between the Himalayas. And here was the first glimpse of the Auli.

Auli in Summers

We wanted to check-in before the rain. But within minutes, as we reached our hotel Auli Resorts the rain started and the Highland got crystal clear. The subtle colors and shades of the resorts and buildings became bright and started jutting out; leaving us completely spellbound.

Our plan was to sit, sip hot coffee, and enjoy rain in the lush mountains but nature was ready to shock us pleasantly with some more colors and thrill. Just then, a strong orange light was sparkling in the sky from one side, making it look like a glowing ball. Yes! The sunset along with rain. I should say one of the best views. The sun and its rays did their work tremendously well making the whole valley look more alluring.

Sunset at Auli in summers along with rain

It was raining & drizzling the whole evening and we spent time enjoying the Himalayan ranges from our resort; hoping the next day to be sunny. The next morning sun was shining at its best. The barren mountain tops covered with snow were ready to wear the golden crowns. At some places in between, these majestic Himalayan ranges were decorated with green patches. Everything in the valley seemed to be muted, except the birds who had full freedom to chirp and sing. Literally, the feeling was that all forces of nature are united here.

Auli in Summers

The snow-clad mountains appeared to be so close yet so far too and they are equally inviting.  One doesn’t need to think to get lost in their charm. Just sit and see them, you will be with them.

When you are in the thoughts of these stuffed ranges; your dreams can only be pinched out by the noise of flying a helicopter in between them. And the only sentence you can utter out is! Wow! I missed this and need to add this to my bucket list for sure.

Helicopter flying in between the Himalayan ranges at auli in uttarakhand- Auli in Summers

Ride to meadows through Chairlift

To reach the meadows, one needs to go by the chair lift. It opens around 9:00 am and takes one from 2500 meters to 3050 meters elevation in just 4-5 minutes. This seemed like fun just on listening and it actually was.

Chairlift- Auli in Summers

You can check this out here in a video.

OMG! The views were spectacular and beyond my words. We could see the huge green meadows extending in kilometers, the highest manmade artificial Auli lake standing in between making Auli meadows and slopes more worthy, with the panoramic views of Himalayan ranges around it. Below and above from the chair lift, one can too see thick oak and coniferous trees.

From the meadows, the top one can witness the complete Himalayan range. The third highest peak Nanda Devi (7817 meters) stands out with others peaks like Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi, Godhra, Palki, Neelkanth, etc, in line to it.

Himalayan ranges and green meadows at Auli in summer, uttarakhand

One can hover over these long stretched meadows to see the huge rock formations, grazing cattle’s and flowers.

Rock formations in meadows at Auli in Uttarakhand: Auli in Summers
Rock  which looks like Toad at Auli in Uttarakhand

Apart from this; Auli acts as a trekking base for this part of Uttarakhand. One can opt for a day or multiple days treks from here. The shortest of all is till Gurso Bugyal (3 km) Further; 9 km ahead the trail continues till Kwani Bugyal. Some other popular ones are Auli – Gorson which is around 7 km, Gorson- Tali (6 Kms); Tali – Kuari Pass (11 km) etc.

Best Time to Visit Auli

Auli can be visited throughout the year. In winters i.e. from November to March, it is a perfect skiing destination. From April to November days are pleasant with moderate climate. July to October are the monsoon months but the place receives a scanty rainfall.

Expected temperature at Auli

The temperature in Auli in summer May, varies between 7 to 18 degrees Celsius, whereas in June it can go up to 20 degrees Celsius. July & August are rainy months so the temperature varies and after August till October, it lies between 4 – 15 degrees celsius. In November – December Temperature lies between 2 – 10 degrees celsius. January and February are the coldest months and temperature can go as low as -5 degrees celsius.

Places to Stay at Auli in summers

There are budget as well as luxury resorts in Auli for accommodation. The Auli resort and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Hotels are located at the Auli base whereas Hotelli Clifftop and Nanda Devi Eco-tourist resort is on the hilltop or in between the meadows. The views from all of these places are breathtaking.

Hotels and Resorts at Auli: Auli in Summers

Some points to take note of while traveling to Auli in summers

  1. The road is really steep and narrow (single vehicle) from Joshimath. So, be slow and patient while driving.
  2. Try to cover the journey from Joshimath to Auli, only during the day.
  3. Temperature can dip anytime at Auli in summers, so always carry woolens with you.
  4. One needs to climb a few stairs to reach a chair lift.
  5. The ticket of a Chairlift for to and fro journey is Rs 300/- per head.
  6. The ticket for Gondola cable car from Joshimath to Auli is Rs. 750/- and there is some time limit for returning back too.
  7. On the hilltop, there are shacks where you can get tea, coffee, and some snacks.
  8. April, May, June are the good months to visit Auli. In July, Auli receives a good amount of showers whereas in August and September there is a flowering season.
  9. Try to keep the surroundings neat and clean.
  10. Do check out the wonderful artwork of Shri Badrinath Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Himalayan flower, and Monal Bird done by a travel lover.
Graffitis in the meadows of Auli in Uttarakhand: Auli in Summers

If you find it interesting, please let us know and share it with others. You can read the complete review about Auli resort here.

India, Photolog, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Mana Village: Last Indian Village near Indo – China Border

42 Comments

The last Indian Village! Isn’t that sentence a fascination in itself? It is and I was actually flying with happiness when I saw this board just 3 km ahead of Badrinath Dham. And look at those blue views at the entrance of the charismatic Mana village.

The Last Indian Village: Mana VillageThe excitement was not because of the first visit to the last inhabited village. In fact, earlier too; I had visited the last inhabited Village; Chitkul at Indo-China border in Himachal. I was excited there also but the Mana village experience was altogether different. The village has a mythical history along with the natural beauty. In fact, after traveling to so many areas of Uttarakhand now the belief is that whole of Uttarakhand is so so different from Himachal. The whole state is still not that commercial and has retained its natural beauty with the original trails.

Entry to the Last Indian Village: Mana Village

Mana Village

The Mana Village lies at 3118 meters and can be reached either by the smooth motorable road or by a scenic walk along the clean Alaknanda River.

Mana Village can be reached by foot
The way along the River Alaknanda to reach Mana Village

The village is crammed with cobblestone roads. The slanting roofed stone houses with wooden windows bask the village on either side of the road. Some houses too have a small kitchen garden around them.

Slanted roof houses and the ccobblestone Strret at Mana Village

The origin of habitats can be traced back to Mongolian tribes. Currently, it is occupied by the last generation of Bhotia community. The ladies of this community are masters in knitting and weaving while men run small shops and take tamed goats for grazing. They too are seen playing carom, cards etc.

Handicrafts made by the Bhotia Community Women of Mana Village
Mats, Carpets, Caps woven by women of Bhotia Community at Mana Village

The inhabitants of the Mana village are migratory and they move to nearby places like Joshimath in the months from November – April when the weather gets too hostile.

Closed Houses during Hostile weather conditions at Mana Village
Locked House at Mana Village

Okay! Here comes the real thing. Mr. Barfani Baba: He stays in this cave throughout the year, even when everyone else from the village migrates during extreme cold. He actually posed for the picture.

Baba Barfani stays in the cave throughout year at Mana Village

Mythical History of Mana Village

The Mana Village has a Mythical past and its traces can be found in the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that Pandavas crossed this village on their journey to heaven. While crossing the village; Bheem one of the strongest brothers of Pandavas laid a rock bridge; known as Bhim Shila to cross the River Saraswati. This is believed to be the place of origin of River Saraswati and there is a Goddess Saraswati Temple too.

Bhim Shila at Mana Village
Bhim Shila (Actually a single piece rock bridge)

Further, there is a Vyas Gufa (Vyas Cave) at Mana Village, where Saint Veda Vyasa has composed the whole Mahabharata. And Ganesha Gufa, where Lord Ganesha penned down the whole epic dictated by Saint Veda Vyasa.

Shri Ganesha Gufa at Mana Village

After Crossing Bheem Shila, keep walking on the trail and you will reach the hill top pointing towards the end of the road. I don’t know its a myth or truth but there is a saying that Pandavas might have eloped from this path to heaven. (The way to Swarg)

View from the Hilltop at Mana Village
Hilltop views on one side, and end of the road (From where Pandavas might have eloped)

Views from Hilltop at Mana Village
Views from Hilltop at Mana Village (another side)

From here ahead the trail becomes stony, steeper and goes 6 Kilometer ahead till Vasudhara Waterfall. The last of this trail take you to Satopanth Tal and Satopanth Glacier, which is in total 22 km trek from Badrinath. This trek is considered to be a tough grade and one need porters and guides for completing it.

Satopanth Tal, Trek from Mana Village
Source: IndiaHikes

Apart from this, the Last Indian Mana Village too has many shops claiming themselves as last Shops, serving coffee, tea, maggi and some more snacks. There is fun having tea here with those mesmerizing views.

Some Additional Info on Mana Village:

  1. One has to park the vehicle outside the Mana village.
  2. The best time to visit village is during early morning like 6 a.m, as there is no rush and can capture sunrise shots.
  3. Porters carry pilgrims in the baskets/Palkis on their back till Bheem Shila, so give them the way when they whistle. Porters carrying Pilgrimages at Mana Village
  4. Buy some locally weaved stuff to help the community grow.
  5. Click pictures after taking permission from the people.
  6. Carry jacket along as it gets windy anytime when you climb up the slope.
  7. Do keep some small denomination currency with you, as the locals are in shortage of change.
  8. Mana Village is also famous for Potatoes and Kidney Beans.
  9. There is an army helipad on the way to Mana Village, worth admiring.Helipad on the way to Mana Village

Uttarakhand government has declared this place as a tourist village destination, so be a contributor wherever it is possible for you.

Have you been to Mana Village and Satopanth? If yes, then let us know what we missed on and should explore next time. If you like it share it and pin it here.

The Mana Village: last Indian Village near Indo- China Border