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May 02, 2014

The North-Indian Summer Madness: Vacations Part 1

A Big Hello from Jaunts 'n' Hops and Me!! 
**I've been occupied and which is why you're hearing from me a little late.**
**And so, my friends..this is going to be a llllllooonnnnggg post, but totally worth it. Hold On!!**

With all the *travel* on my mind, eversince I published this blog the only thing that I've been thinking about is what kind of post would you guys want to read at first. And just amidst all the thinking, I realized, Hell...What could more than 'The Vacations' would someone want to read about. *Taking the 'May-June' into consideration*!!


A few more weeks and India will officially enter its 'Vacation' phase. Everybody (and literally everybody) would be planning their vacations by this time. Be it a family trip, a sabbatical or a holiday with friends, Summer Vacations form an integral part of the year in India. These holidays actually keep you going for the rest of the year.

Before you actually plan a Summer holiday and throw your darts on the Map of India, here are a few places that you should consider. If you're from Northern nook of the country i.e. Delhi or Chandigarh, I'm sure you'd be thinking about Manali and Ladakh. We know how Delhities nd Punjabis can think about no other places expect for these two. Let's do something different this year!! We, North Indians can do a lot more than just tuning our 'Take-a-Road-Trip' madness on the social channels.

**(Hell..NO, don't worry I'm not telling you to take a trip to the sun-blazing beaches of the south. Stick to the hills, but do something different!)**
***(...And Ohh, No I don't mean Manali and Ladakh are not so-cool places to visit. They are of course the COOLEST. But please, every year thinking about the same two or three places...Ahh, MONOTONOUS. And for once spare the Hills of all those noises that your bikes are going to make. Plus, Traveling is about exploring new places..Get going already.)***


Look out for some offbeat vacation spots.Of course, Himachal Pradesh will take the top seat. Some would also like to visit places like Uttrakhand. **Okay..Okay, You're clueless!! To keep you from going insane with your summer-vacay planning, I got a few places listed for you.**

Let's cover Himachal Pradesh today! We'll come back with a part 2 soon.

Number 1: **I'm totally crazy about this place; reasons being: It's Ah-May-Zing and plus, I've only visited this place from our list here.** BAROT, Himachal Pradesh: This small village is a hidden jewel of Himachal. I took a trip to this place last year after I was done with my graduation exams. It's a peaceful getaway!! Barot is located in the Jogindernagar district of Mandi. To reach this place you have to take the same via-Mandi Manali route. Before, I was planning to visit this village *Yes, it is actually a village*, I went crazy looking for details on the Internet and everything that I found clearly pointed at the 'then-fact' that it's a boring and small place to be. I wasn't thrilled at once, but it's only when you actually see this place you understand it's panache.

Journey to this place begins with a 'truck-loaded-snooting-dusty' highway. But just when you get used to all the honking, you'll get surprised as soon as you enter the Jogindernagar, you'll find the roads getting narrow and the cliffs getting higher. The sky-scrapping trees with sunlight playing its song on them, you'll witness the beauty of nature closely.

The roads are really,really..REALLY narrow!! I suggest you to take a good-driver with you. Or, traveling by the regular bus is also a good thing to do. The journey itself is thrilling and exciting; a little rickety as well but that's the fun part!



Once you reach the village you'll find a few houses built alongside a road which will take you to villages even deeper into the valley. The serene River Uhl and its colossal dam make a part of this village. If you're looking for a place all to yourself, Barot it is. Also for people who don't want to leave there bikes aside, Barot and villages around it will turn out to be a new experience. You can also set up a camp on the riverside.

Things to do: Camping, Trekking and Fishing.
*Ohh, did I forget to tell you, this place is famous for its Trout Fish?*
I feel like visiting the place all over again. You can find an details about my trip to Barot by clicking here. It'll give you a complete idea of what this place is actually like.

Number 2: **I've really heard a lot about this uber-cool vacay spot. I have friends who've visited this place. They love it so much that some of them have already visited this place thrice in year!! Crazy, right?** SANGLA, Himachal Pradesh: This beautiful town in located in Kinnaur district of our lovely Himachal Pradesh. Also, known as the Baspa valley, this town lies at a close proximity to the Tibetan border. Not that people haven't heard about this place but it's one of the lesser-visited-summer-spots.



You'll find yourself looking at the snow-lined sky-high mountains while in Sangla. The scenic beauty of this place will enrich you with memories that'll last for a lifetime.The road that takes you to Sangla are said to offer a tough time to most drivers. *Bikers, Go Vroomm Vroomm.* It's an adventurous offbeat spot that you can visit with your family or friends in the months of May and June.

Things to do: Camping, Sight-Seeing, Visit to the Kamru Fort, Fishing and Trekking.

Number 3: *This place is said to Himchal's remotest town. Adventure junkies love spending their days here* DARANGHATI, Himachal Pradesh: This village is an unexplored one. Tourism is really bleak here. It's mesmerizing scenic beauty will make you go weak in the knees. The thing that this spectacular place is famous for is its Wildlife Sanctuary.



If you're looking for nothing more than a peaceful vacation in the wilderness of the mountains, Daranghati is your place to hit. Remember, if you're planning to travel to this remote place, a hatchback with a good driver is what you'll need the most.

Things to do: Camping, Off-roading and Trekking.

Number 4: *The next place on our list is one of the most exciting places to be in Himachal Pradesh. This will set you on a new experience.* CHANSHAL VALLEY, Himachal Pradesh: Chanshal Pass, also know as Chanshal Valley is the highest point that comes under the bounds of Shimla. It is located at a distance of 180 kilometers from Shimla and can be visited from May to October. Mostly hitch-hikers visit this place for its panoramic beauty. Atop the peak, is a natural lake which adds an amazing amount of charm to the scenic value of this place.




In the coming years, Chanshal Valley will be turning into one of the most exciting ski-slopes of Himachal Pradesh. If you're from Punjab and don't want to go on a vacation for a fortnight, Chanshal is the right place for you. It's proximity to Shimla and accessibility via road makes it a very cool off-beat family holiday spot.

Things to do: Camping and Trekking.

Number 5: *I know, you're probably confused by now. I promise this will be the last one on the list.* TIRTHAN VALLEY, Himachal Pradesh: This valley is more of a spring-holiday place. Tirthan Valley is one of the most enchanting valleys of the state.


People who've visited this place say that during the spring season this valley turns into a blooming fresh bowl of flowers. Nurtured by the Tirthan River, this valley is a good spot to hit in order to give oneself a peaceful yet exciting vacation.

Things to do: Fishing and Trekking.

**Phewwww, Okay...we're done here!! I feel like I've traveled these five places within minutes. I'm going to rush to anyone of these for sure this summer. How about you?? Leave Manali, Ladakh, Mcleodganj and Shimla to themselves for a while. Tap into the natural bounties of this state and you'll see for yourself how traveling to these places will enrich you with experiences and memories for life**

Enjoy Reading 'n' Keep Traveling!!

Love,

Jaunts 'n' Hops

April 25, 2014

Welcome to Jaunts 'n' Hops

Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

"While you travel, always make it a point to pick a road that no one else would. With this you'll create a new definition of traveling for yourself and for the world" 

-Jaunts 'n' Hops

*A picture from Mcleodganj Trip: July 2013*