Sundarbans Mangroove - It Lies At The Mouth Of The Ganga

SUNDARBANS MANGROOVE

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WEST BENGAL

Sundarbans means "beautiful forests," but the region may also have been named after the large number of Sundari trees that grow there in the salty coastal waters.The Sunderbans are a part of the world's largest delta, formed by the mighty rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna. Situated on the lower end of Gangetic West Bengal, the Sunderbans is criss-crossed by hundreds of creeks and tributaries.

 It is one of the most attractive and alluring places remaining on earth, a truly undiscovered paradise. The Sunderbans is the largest single block of tidal, halophytic mangrove forests in the world. The name can be literally translated as beautiful jungle. The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are found in the Sunderbans. The Sunderbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is spans a vast area covering 4.264 sq. km in India alone. It is the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India.

The Sunderbans forest is home to more than 250 tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers.  As you enter the adventurous wild land of the Sunderbans, you will be thrilled to see the chital deer and rhesus monkey. 

The aqua fauna of Sunderbans include a variety of fish, red fiddler crabs, and hermit crabs. There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks.  Sunderbans National Park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle. An incredible variety of reptiles is also found in Sunderbans – these include king cobra, the rock python and the water monitor. The endangered river terrapin, Batagur baska, is found on the Mechua Beach, while barking deer are found only on  Haliday Island in the Sunderbans.

Tiger (Panthera tigris), Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Water monitors (Varanus salvator), Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), and Jackal (Canis aureus) are among the many wingless inhabitants found in this ecoregion.Bird species include little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger), Open-bill stork (Anastomus oscitans), Common pochard (Aythya ferina), White stork (Ciconia ciconia), and Common redshank (Tringa totanus).

Giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) is another native to this area. Although they once roamed here, today the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and the Wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) have been extirpated.

The Sunderbans is only accessible by waterways. The nearest railhead is Port Canning, from where organized group trips start. There are several other entry points, but Port Canning is most popular.

The other route is through Basanti that is connected by bus service to Kolkata. From here, one can take boats to Sajnekhali. One can also come via Port Canning and Gosaba or from Sonakhali to Sajnekhali. From Kolkata, there are Sunderban trains to Canning and buses to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali, and Najat, from where motor launch services are available for Sunderbans.

Monsoon in Kerala - It Is A Heady Concoction Of Emotions

Monsoon in Kerala

Rain is a heady concoction of emotions which has to be witnessed in all its grandeur. 

For those who enjoy downpours what better time to be in Kerala than the Monsoon season.  The Monsoon season in Kerala is indeed a heavenly spectacle as the whole of earth rejoices after being revived from the harsh summer spell.

As soon as billows of dark clouds start bearing down and the lighting and sound of thunder rips through the sky, the whole region bursts out in a carnival of sorts in the anticipation of the rain. And finally, as the rains come crashing down to the scorching earth with a hiss, it is pure magic, a delight to all the senses. 

The monsoons in Kerala follow a distinct pattern. The rains don’t stretch on for weeks but is punctuated by splashes of sunshine. These mild sunny spells strike the right balance and bathe the drenched landscapes in golden glory.  

Kerala bears witness to two rainy seasons- The Southwest Monsoons and the Northeast Monsoons.  The Southwest Monsoons, also called Edavappathy, arrives in the month of June. As the rains arrive in the middle of the month of Edavam in the Malayalam Calendar, it is called Edavappathy. The Northeast Monsoons make its presence felt mid-October, in the month of Thulam according to the Malayalam calendar and is hence called the Thulavarsham. 

The charm of the Monsoon is pronounced in hill stations and they offer the best vantage points to enjoy the showers. 

The Monsoon season is also the time for rejuvenation when Ayurvedic therapies are carried out. The ancient science of Ayurveda stipulates the Monsoon season as the right time to indulge in herbal therapies and the body is treated to special herbal oils and medications.

Each monsoon season in Kerala is as fresh as the first dew on a blade of grass and once experienced, it gets lodged in the memory forever.  

Champakkulam Boat Race - Snake Boats Ripping The Calm Water For A Grand Visual Spectacle

CHAMPAKKULAM BOAT RACE

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ALAPPUZHA

The Champakkulam Boat Race starts off the season of boat races and unleashes a visual splendour as the snake boats slice through the calm waters accompanied by the rhythmic chant of boat songs in the Alappuzha District Of Kerala State of India.

Kerala is one of the best kept secrets of India. A culture in which the heritage of the land is proudly preserved in the hearths and hearts of all the people of the land, a study into the culture of Kerala is a fascinating tale of natural beauty coupled with an ancient heritage. Perhaps no other aspect of the heritage of Kerala exhibits it as much as do the various festivals in Kerala, notable among which is the Champakkulam Boat Race.

The Champakkulam Boat Race is all set to begin on June 26, this year. The festival, which is one of the most-awaited events in the calendar of Kerala, has an origin which dates back to centuries in time. This spectacular snake boat race is held on the River Pampa on the day of the 'moolam', which is followed in accordance to the Malayalam month of Midhunam. The day is considered to be especially sacred as it is the day when the Deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple was installed.

The Champakulam Boat Race is held in accordance to a legend which is strongly adhered to by the people of Kerala. According to the legend, the king of Chempakasseri in Devanarayana, under the influence of instructions, provided to him by the royal priest erected a temple in his kingdom. However, just before the installation, he was informed that the idol was not auspicious. 

To make amends, the king brought the idol of Sree Krishna from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi, which legend claimed was handed over to Arjuna by Lord Krishna himself. It was during this journey that the king made a stop over at Champakulam. The next morning saw thousands of boats assembled at the site in a riot of colors in order to honor the sacred event and to escort the idol home

The banks of the Pampa River gets swarmed by people from far and near, cheering and egging on the oarsmen to a resounding finish. These snake boats ripping through the serene waters and propelled by hundreds of oarsmen splashing and beating their oars about in the waters in unison makes for a grand visual spectacle. Boats such as chundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan and others from nearby regions line up to participate in this spectacular water sport. 

It is this scene which is enacted in this part of the world every year and which is known as the Champakkulam Boat Race.

Nearest Railway Station is Thrissur and it is about 25km.

Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport and it is about 78km.

Amarkantak - It Is An Important Pilgrimage Destination In Madhya Pradesh

AMARKANTAK

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ANUPPUR

Amarkantak is the small city situated in the middle area of superb ranges Satpura and Vindhya. The average elevation of this city is 1065 meters. The charming weather and best valleys with amazing view makes this place first choice for nature lovers. Amarkantak wraps up the splendor of typical sylvan atmosphere. The 2 best rivers of India known as Narmada and Sone are flowing from this area. 

An important pilgrimage site, Amarkantak also happens to be one of the finest hill stations in Madhya Pradesh. This sylvan hill town is dotted with forests and ponds. The picturesque setting and air of quietude is one of the reasons why you should visit Amarkantak. Amarkantak also happens to be the meeting point of Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges as well as source of Sone and Narmada river. One of the main attractions in Amarkantak is Kabir Chabutra where the poet saint Kabir is said to have meditated.

Word Amarkantak comes from Sanskrit language that is related to mythological meaning. Because of religious values this place is also known as Theertha Raja (King of Holy destinations). The Narmada River is having holy values for Indians.  It’s a land of great history holding story of diverse empires. Pandavas also ruled this place for short period. 

Located as it is in central India, Amarkantak weather gets hot in summer months despite being a hill station. April till June experiences dry heat followed by humid but cooler monsoon from July till September. Temperature of Amarkantak could vary from a high of 45 degrees to low of 30 degrees during summer months.

The best time to visit Amarkantak is from September till March as cool weather makes it ideal for visits to local attractions as well as to enjoy the scenic surroundings of this hill town.

Narmada Udgam, Sonmuda, Dhuni Pani, Dudhdhara are the attraction in Amarkantak

By Air

Nearest airports are Jabalpur (228 km.) and Raipur (230 km)

By Rail

The nearest rail head is Pendra Road (42 km) on the Katni - Bilaspur section of the South-Eastern Railway. The major rail head is Anuppur Railway Station

By Road

Amarkantak is connected by regular bus service with Shahdol, Umaria, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bilaspur, Anuppur and Pendra Road.

Aru Valley - It Is Small And Self - Sufficient Scenic Spot

ARU VALLEY

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KASHMIR

Located at an elevation of 2,424 meters, Aru Valley in Kashmir is best visited for its tranquil and verdant surroundings. Nearby lakes, view of towering Himalayas and lush meadows adds to the romance of Aru Valley. The Aru valley is located at a distance of around 117 km from the city Srinagar in the state of Kashmir.

It is a forlorn destination which has no more than 100 inhabitants who live in this valley, most of whom are horsemen. The Aru valley is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is famous for trout fishing. One can often see animals like the snow leopards, Himalayan wolf and black bear while travelling through this uninhibited place on earth.

In fact, Aru Valley together with Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam is one of the popular honeymoon destinations in Kashmir. It is also a favored destinations of trekkers and adventure enthusiasts as it serves as the base for Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Marsar lake. Popular Attractions in Aru Valley Trout fishing in Lidder River, trekking, hiking, horse riding, sightseeing and photography. 

Aru Valley is a small yet self-sufficient scenic village located 12 km from Pahalgam. The drive up to the village is alluring too. The location of the village among the grasslands, make this place a tourist delight. It is reachable by walking along a mountain path. 

The village also serves as the start point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier. Another long trek for the serious trekker is to Sonmarg, which can be covered in 3 days! Besides, the valley is also known to be a good site for camping.

Here, you can have a glimpse of Kolohoi Peak, 5370 mtrs. Another trek from Lidderwat leads to the most desired twin Lakes, Tarsar 3794mtrs & Marsar 3788 mtrs (2-3 days trek).

Best Time/ Season  to Aru Valley

Aru Valley has a cool and pleasant climate in summers and very cold climate in winters and the best season for tourism is from March to November.

Winters (October to February) are chilly and snow bound. The minimum mercury level goes below sub zero levels and the region mostly covers receives fresh snowfall. The views of the landscape are excellent with snow covered hilly terrains.

Summers (March to June) are warm and pleasant. The temperature in this hilly region ranges between 11°C and 25°C. Intermittent showers are seen during this period. There is no snowfall but snow can be found on high altitudes. Best for Amarnath Yatra

Monsoons (July to September) are very scanty. The region becomes highly humid during this period.

The summer months in Pahalgam are cool but not chilly with warmth in the atmosphere. The hill resort is best for vacations in this period. It is good for all tourist activities, adventurous activities and pilgrimage related to Amarnath Yatra. Winters in Pahalgam offer snowfall with subzero climate. It is not good for sightseeing, but is good for honeymoon and winter sports.

How is Aru Valley in Summer Summer in Aru Valley is pleasantly warm making it one of the fine places for summer holidays. The temperature in summer varies from 11°C to 25°C and it is also considered the best time to visit Aru Valley. 

How to reach Aru Valley Aru is located 12 kilometers from Pahalgam which is a major tourist center connected only by road as rail lines are not operational in Kashmir yet. Nearest airport is Srinagar.