Category Archives: Travel

Visit to the Highest Dam of India – Tehri Dam Uttarakhand

Last week, we had to visit Tehri dam Uttarakhand officially and the first thing which struck my mind was – is this the same place where there is the highest dam of India with a unique architecture, which took more than 35years for completion and was in the limelight for protests by the locals and environmental activists. Yes! it was same and also a good chance for me to explore the unknown facts about dam from local along with work.

Route to Tehri Dam from Delhi: Delhi – Ghaziabad – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Chamba – Tehri

Distance from Delhi: 324 Km

Time to reach Tehri from Delhi: 10 -11 hrs

Places to Halt in between : Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chamba

Little Introduction to Tehri Dam Uttarakhand

Tehri Dam Uttarakhand is the highest dam of India, second highest in Asia and 8th in the world. It is 855 feet high and is located on the river bed of sacred River Bhagirathi. The Dam generates 1000 MW hydroelectricity and further has an additional 1000 MW capacity of storing pumped hydroelectricity.

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Interesting is that the preliminary investigation of Tehri dam started in 1961 and the construction completed in 2006. That means just or long 45 years for completion. I was too anxious too find out; was there something unique or different about it and what exactly took so long for its completion?

So, here is the answer. The main reason for so long construction span and the delay was protests by locals and environmental activist – Sundarlal Bhauguna (You might have heard about Tehri Dam Andolan).  

Bridge on the way to Tehri Dam Uttarakhand

The detailed issues raised before and during construction of Tehri Dam Uttarakhand were:

  • Building a dam on the Himalayan foothills which is extremely a weak ecosystem can lead to an imbalance in the whole environment of that belt.
  • Old Tehri village was on the banks of river Bhagirathi. So, constructing a dam on the bank means relocating more than 1, 00,000 people to some newly constructed area with proper resettlement facilities.
  • The Tehri belt of Garhwal district falls in seismic zone 5, so very much prone to earthquakes of high magnitudes which can be 8 or more. And earthquake of such high magnitude means loss of not only Tehri village but other nearby villages too.
  • The sacred belief of Hindus – that Bhagirathi is a sacred river and nothing should be constructed on it.

Tehri Dam Uttarakhand

So, there were on and off going protests and strikes at the Tehri Village. The Tehri Dam, Uttarakhand first construction started in 1978.  And it was halted again due to political instabilities. In 1986 USSR provided technical and financial assistance. In 1988 THDC (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation) was formed to take this project ahead. And finally, the construction was completed in 2006 considering all the issues raised by locals and environmental activist.

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Here are the interesting facts about the Tehri dam Uttarakhand.

  • The dam is unique in its architecture as it is a rock and earth – fill embankment dam.
  • The whole of the old Tehri village was relocated to hill top which is now known as New Tehri.
  • The dam can sustain an earthquake of magnitude more than 8.4, without causing any destruction. (Cool for the region which comes in seismic zone 5).
  • Hindus believe is retained and Bhagirathi River flows as such, just that the water levels have dipped because of the water storage in the reservoirs.

Few Attractions near Tehri Dam Uttarakhand

  1. Tehri Lake

Tehri Lake came into existence only with the construction of Tehri Dam. The Lake offers a lot of adventurous water sports like boating, rafting, Kayaking. There are too plans to increase the list by adding more water and aerial sports like water zorbing, canoeing, scuba diving,  paragliding and hot air balloon.  The Uttarakhand Tourism Board holds an Asia’s largest lake Adventure festival at Tehri Lake.

Tehri Lake near Tehri Dam in uttarakhand

  1. Koteshwar Dam

The Koteshwar Dam is a gravity dam located 22 km ahead of Tehri Dam. It is a part of Tehri Hydropower complex and generates 400 MW Hydroelectricity. Different is there is a beautiful replica of Kedarnath temple on one of the tunnels face, known as Shakti Dawar. Look out the detailing in the picture and this detailing was carved by a single mason in 2 months, just after a single visit to Kedarnath. One needs a special permission to experience all this. (Luckily, I had one this time)

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  1. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple

The Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is in the form of the cave and is located on the bank of river Alaknanda. Legends believe that Lord Shiva stayed and meditated here for certain time when devil Bhasmasur tried to kill him. The interesting here is Gange’s garland the temple and flow around it.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Tehri Dam, Uttarakhand
Source: www.uttarakhandnews1.com

This is what I experienced and loved at Tehri Dam Uttrakhand. If you want to experience the same or planning a tour to Tehri Dam Uttarakhand; click here for information.

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If you like it Pin it Visit to the highest dam of India- Tehri Dam Utatrakhand

My Travel Tattoo Butterfly and its tale

Shall I get Inked? Will this tattoo look good? Will it stay forever? Won’t I get bored of it seeing every day? Not only these, but many other questions poured up when I had to get myself tattooed. Is that true with you too? The only thing clear to me was that I wanted a travel tattoo. The travel tattoo which could depict my lust and hunger to see the world; the soul which want to be free but equally connected to nature. So it could not be- compass, suitcase, map, globe, the trajectory with a paper plane or passport stamps. But then what it should be? After scrolling on hundred images, I stopped at a gift of nature – Butterfly. Yes, this is what I want but not a regular dark one, something different in a gradient look! And this is how it looks.

My travel Tattoo Butterfly and its tale

According to me, a tattoo is not just an artwork. It is a souvenir which one wants to embed on his or her skin as a special remembrance forever. Tattoos are drawn superficially but they carry a very deep meaning inside. They tell a lot about the self-expression and personality of a wearer.

Travel Tattoo is just one type of all the tattoos. They are mostly adorned by travel lovers. These tattoos depict the desire of one to travel the world, to follow the dreams and some even represent the unforgettable memories of the place or trip.

My Souvenir – Butterfly Travel Tattoo

My travel tattoo might be a simple butterfly to an eye; but to me, it means much more. It depicts me as being feminist, my nature as well as it pushes me to follow my travel dreams.

My travel tattoo butterfly and its tale

It represents me as:

  • A woman who is graceful, delicate and gentle like a butterfly but is independent too.
  • As the soul who has the freedom to spread her own wings with the wind.
  • Who is wanderlust, unstable and wants to see the whole world just like a butterfly that goes from flower to flower collecting food
  • Who can accept the changes and is ready to undergo transformations of any kind
  • One connected to the universe and nature around
  • Who has emerged from the shell and has retained its inner beautyMy travel tattoo butterfly and its tale

I say, getting a tattoo done is purely one’s own decision. Never listen to others for it. Go for the one which you like and which you feel meets your personality. For me, the tattoos are great memorials and self-characters. This one is my unique travel tattoo and its tale. What is yours? I would love to see and hear about yours. Do share and pin it if you like it.

My Travel tattoo butterfly and its tale

34 best things of life, I am grateful for on turning 34

Gosh!! I didn’t realize it’s my 34th birthday. Am I too old or getting younger? Honestly, the feeling is getting younger and the countdown has started in the reverse order after 30. That means I am 26 now. Isn’t that cool? It is because I have the best things of life with me! I feel that I still have the same youth and happiness as that of the twenties and my friends and family too compliment me on that.34th Birthday - Best things of life on turning 3434th Birthday - Best things of life on turning 34

34th birthday might sound like big responsibilities, big bills, big talks, big work and so much more. But I purely believe it is up to you how to take your life and your responsibilities.  Times do slip out but it’s only you who can decide whether you have missed something or learned more. 34 years have slipped for me too, but I don’t regret anything.  I just look back to know what all I have gained, learned and gather as the best things of life.

At times even I do get the feeling that I am almost half way or more than that done with my life journey but what relevance that thought has. Nothing fruitful! Who exactly knows how much way it is? So why should I worry? The simple philosophy now is to cherish what I have today and make my present as the best years of life. I live and want to live each day in a celebration.

So, today in this post, I will be listing my 34 best things of life which I really cherish and I am grateful for.

34 Best Things of Life

  1. The greatest gift life has given me – my soul mate Tashi, who has accepted me with my 100 defects.34 best things of life on turning 34
  2. My parents who happily helped and supported me in every nick and corner of the world.
  3. My siblings with whom I can talk any bull shit and they will pamper to say a Good Job. Keep rocking sis.
  4. Being married in a great family where In-Laws is just a word.
  5. Being born in a country like India, where there is so much cultural variation but still an utmost feeling of love and brotherhood.
  6. To be born as women who can bear all the pains and still bring a smile to others face.
  7. Having amazing friends, who bring happiness and belly hurting laughter into my life.
  8. Meeting awesome staff that respected me and made me learned every day new.
  9. Learning the real photography to capture all the memories.
  10. Meeting Mridula Dwivedi – the known travel blogger who introduced me to the term travel blogging.
  11. For realizing my passion i.e. Travel! Travel!34 best things of life on turning 34
  12. For doing what I love doing. I know many of us don’t get the opportunity to follow our passions but that is what my mate helped me in doing.
  13. Being surrounded by people who share the common interest of travel.
  14. For traveling around the world and meeting amazing people and seeing their cultures that I had barely imagined.
  15. Good health that helps me to travel, explore and reach my milestones.
  16. To Tashi for motivating me to start my own blog – AllGudthings – where I share my thoughts, ideas independently and connect with the lovely people of similar niche.
  17. Having a know-how of digital world, social Medias and the marketing tools that remove the physical distance helps to stay connected and up to date.
  18. My blogging friends, many of whom I have never met but have formed bonds on the Internet.
  19. For the motivation, I get through comments and likes on my blog, although being busy in our daily routines.
  20. My travel bucket list which motivates me to save and travel more.
  21. For the ability to trek and see the most unexplored and untouched amazing trails of the world.
  22. Seeing and experiencing the changing colors of sunsets and sunrises at the beaches and mountains.34 best things of life on turning 34
  23. Gazing at the starry night in the mountains.
  24. Being part of travel communities and groups which make me feel I am on the road always and they do give me ideas on how to grow my blog.
  25. For starting my own venture that gave me a freedom of individuality.
  26. For all the ups and downs in life which have turned me into a more strong human.
  27. The freedom I enjoy because of my family, husband and important credit is to the people who protect my country.
  28. For a wonderful Coffee, that turns my bad day to a Good Day.34 best things of life on turning 34
  29. Being unequivocally happy and contented
  30. Seeing 34 and still thinking that I am 26.
  31. For having a baby heart which still cries and feels the pain of others.
  32. Parties, festivals, and Laughter with family and friends.34 best things of life on turning 34
  33. For all the hugs, smiles and wishes of loved ones.
  34. Last but not the least, for being myself, a unique God’s human.

I raise the glass for my 34th birthday and look ahead for more birthdays to gather best things of life and travel to see the world and make memories.

Experience Indian festival on a Holiday Trip – Part II

India is a country where each day; one or the other festival can be celebrated, with the equal zeal and enthusiasm. In Part I of Indian festival we discussed the famous festivals for the month of January, February, March, and April. Taking this ahead, here is a guide describing the festivals, their celebration and places to experience for the months of May, June, July, and August.

Indian Festival for month of April, May, June and July
Source: http://www.classictajtours.com

May – Indian Festival

10. Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima is a Buddhist festival that marks the Gautam Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. It is also known as a Vesak day.

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Celebrations: The Buddha followers visit Buddhist temples to listen to the hymns and praise and some of them spend their whole day in the temple on this occasion. Temples display Lord Buddha statue as an infant, in the water-filled basin decorated with flowers. Devotees offer fruits, flowers and light candles on the statue. People are seen dressed up in white clothes and they refrain themselves from consuming nonvegetarian food.

Key AttractionsVarious cultural and religious events/ fairs are held like Boodhidroom Mela (which takes place in ‘Boiddopara’ village in Chittagong).  In Gangtok, a special procession by monks is carried out carrying Buddha sculptures.

A place to experience–  Bodh Gaya, Lumbini, Kushinagar, and Sarnath. Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautam Buddha got enlightenment and at Sarnath, he first taught Dharma. Lumbini is his birth place and Kushinagar is a death place. Other places are Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim.

June – Indian Festival

11. Jagannath Rath Yatra /Puri Rath Yatra

The Chariot festival is one of the oldest Indian festivals happening in India as well as the world. It is associated with lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Rath Yatra is symboled as a festival of unity as hundred of devotees from all over the world come together to pull the chariots and celebrate.

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Celebrations: The Deities of lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are taken out in procession on huge decorated Chariots (approx 45 feet high) from Puri temple to Gundicha temple which is 2km away. The devotees together pull the chariots. The three deities stay at Gundicha temple for 9 days and return back to the main temple on the 10th day. This return ceremony is known as Bahuda Jatra.

Key Attractions: Three huge decorated chariots and the way they are pulled. Lord Jagannath Chariot height is 45.6 feet high with 18 wheels; Lord Balabhadra chariot is 45 meters with 16 wheels and Subhadra’s height is 44.6 meters with 14 wheels.

A place to experience: Puri in Orissa.

12. Eid –ul- Fitr (Ramadan)

Eid is a fast-breaking festival or the end of Ramadan celebrated by millions of Muslims in the country with lots of devotion and energy. It is a festival of brotherhood. The whole month of fast is known as Ramzan/ Ramadan month.

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Celebrations: Muslims fast from sunset to dawn for 29 to 30 days in this month. They rise before sunrise, take bath and offer prayers. Every evening before sunset there is a feast known as Iftar Parties. The night before Eid is known as Chand Raat. People visit markets, shop and young girls apply Heena on their hands. Everyone greets each other with “Eid Mubarak”.

Key Attractions – Iftar parties during Ramzan; decorated markets and prayer offering on Eid day.

A place to experienceThe huge celebrations happen at Jama Masjid in Delhi; Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad; Aishbagh Idgah in Lucknow; Red road and Nakhoda Masjid in Kolkata; Taj-ul Majid in Bhopal; Jama Mosque in Mumbai and Hazrat Bal mosque in Kashmir.

July – Indian Festival

13. Hariyali Teej

Teej festival is celebrated by women and young girls of India; with songs, dances and prayers. The festival marks the union of Goddess Parvati with lord Shiva. It too represents the onset of monsoon season.

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Celebrations: On Teej; fairs are held and swings are put in the courtyard under the trees. Women get dressed and come together to perform Gidda and take swings. Girls also apply Heena and pray to God for their husband longevity. Mothers send Sindhara to their married daughters which include bangles, clothes, mehndi etc.

Key Attractions- Swings, Gidda, Fairs and Gehwar (special sweet)

A place to experiencePunjab, Haryana, Rajasthan

14. Hemis Festival

The Hemis festival is a two-day celebration done to remember the birth of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.

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Celebrations: Locals dress up in their traditional attires. Men wear Cummerbund and women wear headbands with lots of jewelry. The monk performs mask dance known as Cham dance to the songs and tunes of cymbals, drums, and trumpets. The Cham dance is a part of tantric traditions.

Key Attractions- Decorated Hemis Monastery, Cham dance and dressed up locals.

A place to experience – Hemis Gompa, the monastery in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir.

August – Indian Festival

15. Krishna Janmashtami / Dahi Handi

Janmashtami is another religious festival of India, celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.

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Celebrations– On this auspicious occasion, temples are decorated with flowers. The deity of Lord Krishna as an infant is kept in the swing. Devotees visit temples, sing and dance on the hymns during midnight. They fast throughout the day and break their fast with a feast in the late evening. Small children are dressed up as Lord Krishna and processions depicting their life are carried out. At some places, Raas Lila, depicting youthful naughty flirtatious acts Of Lord Krishna is played. In some part of the country, people play Dahi Handi, where young men form human towers to break the high-hanging pot containing curd.

Key Attractions: Decorated temples, deity of Lord Krishna in swing, Raas Lila, and Dahi Handi

A place to experience: Celebrated throughout India but best can be seen at Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat for Dahi Handi.

16. Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10 day long colorful festival; celebrated in honor of Lord Ganesha. People pray on this day to complete the newly started work satisfactorily without any obstacles.

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Celebrations– The clay idol of Lord Ganesha is installed at home, offices, and Pandal. People pray during morning and evening and on 10th Visarjan (immersion of idol into the sea, lake, or river) are performed. Other activities include singing, dancing, and food stalls.

Key Attractions: The Handcrafted colorful idol of Lord Ganesha, Pandal decorations and most important is immersion ceremony.

A place to experience- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

This is not the end. Be with us to know and experience some of the more Indian Festival for the month of September, October, November and December.

Click here to read for Indian Festivals Part I (January, February, March, and April)