It's Raining in Cherrapunji

"Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby".... If you want to sing these 3 lines for your sweetheart with the perfect ambiance of romantic weather and with lovely tingle sound of rain, be in Cherrapunji.
High above misty valleys and foaming rivers, ensconced in swirling clouds and perched on an escarpment, lies Cherrapunji (4,500 feet). This is a stunning location and the year-round rain earned Cherrapunji coveted entry long ago into the Guinness Book of World Records as the wettest place on earth, the place where the rainfall can be recorded in feet rather than in millimeters. 

It is a subdivisional town in East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya.

History:

As in days gone by, the faces of Cherrapunji change not with the seasons, but with the pattern of rainfall. The heaviest downpours span approximately five long months-from May until September. The clouds then are dark and menacing, full blown with rain, which descends earthwards with the stinging force of a whiplash.

Tour to Cherrapunji Throughout these months, Cherrapunji is transformed into a sea of tiny, gushing rivulets. The raindrops beat incessantly on rooftops and treetops creating a compelling tattoo of awesome sounds, which cannot be savored anywhere else but in the Northeastern states. These are also the 'record-making' months, which contribute to records such as the stunning 22,987 mm of rainfall in 1861. The annual average rainfall of Cherrapunji stands today at 10,871 millimeters. Barely 10 km from Cherrapunji stands the village of Mawsynram, which has snatched away the heaviest rainfall record, with 12,163 millimeters of rainfall.

With the passage of September, the rhythm of the rain-its main force spent-changes to a gentle patter. And the Khasis and other residents of Cherrapunji, the flora, and the fauna respond to the change in the Rain God's mood. Soft pastel shades begin to appear in skies that were gray all day and rainbows that are a photographer's delight begin to make unexpected guest appearances.

What to See:

Khasi monoliths :- It is located near Mawsmai Falls which is a beautiful labyrinth of underground passages beneath age-old caves. The must visit place for amateur and experienced explorers. Elsewhere around Cherrapunji, Khasi monoliths (stones in memory of their ancestors) lie scattered around.
Noh Kalikai Falls :- Noh Kalikai Falls is located few kilometers to the west of Sohra (Cherrapunji).It is a clear bubbling stream emerges from its steep mountain bed to hurl down a rocky precipice into a deep gorge creating a captivating view of breathtaking beauty. The cascading waterfall compares favourably with the well known Job Falls of South India.
Krem Mawmluh :- The krem mawmluh cave is located about half a km west of Cherrapunji adjacent to the small hamlet of Mawmluh. The cave interestingly has a five-river way with impressive proportions. With a length of 4503 m, this cave is at present and it is the 4th longest cave in the Indian sub continent.
Krem Phyllut :- It is Situated in village Mawsmai to the south of Cherrapunjee.This cave has a large section of fossil passage, two stream ways and three entrances. The length of the cave is 1003 m.

Source: http://www.travelmadeeasy.in/cherrapunji.htm

River Rafting in Uttarakhand

In Garhwal, the sacred river Ganga offers the professional as well as the amateur the exhilaration of whitewater river rafting. The rivers Alakananda & Bhagirathi are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are grade IV to V, challenging the expert to survive the thrill. Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river.

This stretch of almost 70-kms is a perfect for the amateur and the novice, for here the river offers some fine grade III rapids and two grade IV rapids, the 'WALL' at Bysi and the 'Golf Course' 4-kms. Below Shivpuri village; each followed by deep and placid pools. Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing river rafters to pull up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce and fir, with the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife can be sighted at a distance, especially spotted Deer, Monkeys, Leopard, while multi hued butterflies flit among flowering.

Ganges River has always remains a mystery for explorers and full of surprises for the rafters. Ganga near Rishikesh in Uttaranchal is a popular spot for white water river rafting. The whitewater river rafting stretch of the Ganges is from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh where the river has 12 major rapids over 36-kms long, most of which are easily negotiable and some require our expertise

Camel Safari in Thar desert, Jaisalmer

The name Jaisalmer is an addiction in itself. You can see the long stretches of sand dunes as far as your eyes can go. The golden crests and troughs provide you with the sense of limitlessness. It is said while in Rome do as the Romans do. So, why opt for SUV when you have a camel. Take a camel safari to experience the limitless Thar Desert.

The majority of camel safaris start from the desert fort town of Jaisalmer. In most cases, one camel is provided per person and a camel cart accompanies the entourage, laden with food, utensils and other supplies; it's also an option for anyone who gets sick of sitting on a lurching camel. Tents, food, mineral water, mattresses and an escort are invariably provided, and most operators will also make sure that you get a full dose of local entertainment in the evenings. For longer camel safaris, which are spread over a few days, camps are usually set up at night in the vicinity of villages.

The ship of the desert, the camel, was domesticated thousands of years ago primarily for the purpose of making tedious journeys through the unrelenting Thar Desert. You may go for a short safari through a typical Rajasthani village or a long-distance expedition lasting a few days. The best times for travelling are the cooler parts of the day, the mornings and evenings.

The sights en route will captivate you and become a part of your most treasured memories. There may be barren land for as far as the eyes can see. The sea of yellow shimmering sand looks extraordinary. Closer to the village you can see herds of cattle and sheep roaming around purposelessly. Watch the children trotting off to school, while their mothers prepare their afternoon meal on a dung-fire. Stop over for a taste of the authentic Rajasthani food. The hospitable men and women will be at your service, eager to fulfill your every request.

On the Camel Safari, the tourists are required to gear up for the harsh weather of the desert. The safari is designed to suit travelers all across the globe. The tourists may enjoy the traditional cuisine of Rajasthan and listen to the traditional music. Tourists may also participate in the cultural programs hosted in the deserts of Rajasthan. 

Skating at Rohtang Pass

Have you seen the movie, 'Jab We Met'? if yes, you have definitely seen the song 'ye ishq hai..' and the picturesque backdrop of snow and hills. That's Rohtang Pass. if you are in Himachal Pradesh, you can't miss this place. It is the snow point of HP. Manali is the gateway to Rohtang pass beyond which lie the twin valley of Lahaul and Spiti. In winter the mountain slopes are snow clad and they turn into perfect skiing slopes. This point is one of the main attraction for tourists coming to Manali.

About Rohtang Pass:
The Rohtang pass is 51 KM north of Manali and it is located on Manali Keylong Highway at an altitude of 4111 meters ( 13,400 ft ). This pass opens for tourist from April end to October end of the year. The permission to travel on this highway is given by Indian army after they clear the snow and inspect the road for it's fitness and safety for movement of person and the vehicles. The same road connects to Leh Ladakh ( State of Jammu & Kashmir ) from Manali ( state of Himachal Pradesh). Sonepani Glacier and a small lake (Dashahr) are located opposite and left to Rohtang respectively.

Trekking, Skiing and Skating:

 Every one has a way and facility to enjoy with fun - Skating, Bike Skating, Horse skating, Push cart, Tube sliding. some of Our team members tried skating. There are many tibetian to help to learn basic skills of Each game.

Skiing in Himachal Pradesh is best enjoyed in the Rohtang pass which is covered by snow for nine months of the year. In fact, Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh is the only site in India, where one can indulge in skiing in the winters as well as autumn. The most important site for skiing in Rohtang pass is Sonapani glacier. Enjoy a holiday in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy the famous Rohtang pass attractions in Himachal Pradesh that involves the popular adventures in Rohtang pass.

So, unwind yourself and enjoy chill breeze and feel the romance of snow at Rohtang Pass valley this summer.

Ganga Aarti at Haridwar

The Ganga Aarti in Hardwar’s Har-ki-Pauri is one of the famous rituals in India. It starts at around 6.30pm after sunset, with large crowds gathered around both the banks of a canal that carries the waters of Ganges. Loud speakers blare songs in praise of Ganga Maiya and Shiva.
The time of Aarti sees a bustle of activity on the ghats. Many babas are seen sitting in corners, hoping to get some donations from the devotees. Men in blue uniform move around with a receipt book, collecting donations that will be used for conducting the Aarti. People keep walking in all direction trying to find a good place to sit or stand. Hawkers sell wick lamps or diyas to float in the Ganges.

Trekking in Kedarnath

Trekking in India can turn out to be one of the most wonderful and adventurous experiences for you if you know the exact place to trek in. If you are in India, you can trek through the beautiful range of Himalayas, Sikkim, Garhwal, Ladakh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, etc. We all look for an exciting and memorizing vacation but, either due to lack of time or money we tend to cancel or post pond it further. Trekking and related activities not only relaxes our mind and body but, also enables us to discover the thrill of Mother Nature.

Trekking Tour in Kedarnath:
Celebrated in Hindu mythology and religion, the Garhwal Himalayas are said to be the "Abode of the Gods". The river Ganges takes its source in this remote massif, at the sacred shrine of Gangotri, and rushes down to the plains in a torrential fury. Very few trekkers follow this itinerary which will lead to one of the most important spots of Hindu spirituality, where you will experience a strange atmosphere of religious fervour.

From Kedarnath, where hundreds of pilgrims arrive from all regions of India, the path proceeds at first along the sacred Bhagirathi river, then through dense forests and grassy areas as far as Lata. From there it is a 5-hour drive to Gangotri, where the second part of the trek starts. Near Gaumukh, close to the Source of the Ganges, you will experience the strange view of half-naked saddhus in the lotus position, meditating on the bank of the bubbling stream pouring out the glacier. Further up, Tapovan is a grassy area with numerous brooks, surrounded by snowy peaks.

Kedarnath Temple

It is a round-trip itinerary starting in Kedarnath, along the sacred Baghirathi river, then heading west, through dense forests and grassy areas. The northern part of the itinerary will offer magnificent views of several high altitude lakes. Location: Garhwal Himalayas Base: Rishikesh Duration: 10 Days Day 01: Arrive Delhi Arrive Delhi where you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Hotel B&B)

Day 02: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh by bus (5h).
We will go on a sightseeing tour of Haridwar, which is an important pilgrimage place.

Day 03: Haridwar – Gaurikund (2000m) by bus (9h).

Day 04: Gaurikund – Kedarnath (3600m) in 6h.
This is a steep climb where we will walk with hundreds of pilgrims from all over India. The forest slowly gives way to splendid views of Mount Kedarnath (6940m).

Day 05: Seightseeing in Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the most important Indian pilgrimage places. The temple, built in the 8th century and dedicated to the goddess Shiva, is magnificently surrounded with snow-capped peaks.

Day 06: Kedarnath & Gaurikund in 4h.

Day 07: Gaurikund – Maggu(3050m) in 6h.
After a 4-km drive to Sonprayag, we trek upwards through dense forest.

Day 08: Maggu – Panwali Khanta(3150m) in 5h.
After a short climb, we follow a pleasant trail over a flat area, and descend towards the meadows of Panwali Khanta.

Day 09: Panwali Khanta – Ghuttu (1600m) in 6h. We climb up to Khinko La (3500m), then descend through a magnificent tropical forest and rice-fields. Day 10: Ghuttu – Baghi Chatti (2600m) in 5h. We continue our way through forest and rice-fields to a ridge trail. From the top, the view towards Mount Garhwal is quite impressive. Day 11: Baghi Chatti – Budakedar (1530m) in 4h. An easy day, all-downward, through fields and forests. Day 12: Budakedar – Belak Khal (2750m) in 6h. The trail passes through a succession of tiny villages: Agund, Jhala and Pangrana. Magnificent high-alpine panorama.

Day 13: Belak Khal – Lata (1700m) in 3h – 22 Kms Drive to Uttarkashi.

Day 14: Uttarkashi - Rishikesh-155 Kms Drive to Rihikesh. In the Afternoon arrive Rishikesh.

Source: http://www.trekkinginindia.com/trekking-in-garhwal/trekking-in-kedarnath.html