Have on your agenda to visit these places before you bid good bye to this world. For next few days I would showcase these breathtakingly beautiful places, enchanting abodes and intriguingly captivating places all across the world.
First Round
I visited Jim Corbett National Park many years ago while in school and was really petrified to see the place. Jungle hi Jungle all over, I asked my friend, “Why are we here”? She replied, “To spot tigers”? I gave vague expression, Tigers? But why Tigers? What if they attack us? Or even eat us raw? Poor friend, no answers. Today I don’t recollect whether we spotted the Tiger or no but I certainly remember that muddy, dusty terrain, hills, marsh lands, lakes …ideal for Big Cats and not for Small Fries like us. Reluctantly I spent the day…bickering all day long…we could have done boating in Malli Taal instead of being here. Camera was just out of reach for us, moreover I being the child of that era did not even have the guts to for ask for one from my parents. Somehow trip to Jim Corbett got over…me highly scared and completely drained though relaxed, thinking thank GOD Tiger did not spot me!!
Times certainly changed when my daughter Tanya visited Jim Corbett National Park from her school trip few years ago, who was super excited to be amidst Big Cats and not scared out of her wits like me. They took jungle safari tour in the morning which started at 5 AM in the morning, for which she got up at 4 AM in the morning. I sighed, sacrificing sleep for Safari and never for Studies! Any way group of children in Jeep ventured out and probably they could catch the glimpse of tigress. She was delighted. Tanya still has fond memories of that trip…and me too, I was scared all through, till the time all children were out of Jim Corbett. I was relaxed, thinking that Thank GOD they could spot Tiger!!!
Recently, my niece Dr. Tanvi and her husband Dr. Siddhant Taneja along with Arushi & Sankalp were in Jim Corbett National Park at Club Mahindra Resort there. The expressions on their faces are quite chilled and relaxed unlike me who was shit scared throughout. Looks like they had great time there! Adventure loving Medicos Dr. Tanvi & Dr. Siddhant share same passion for outings and particularly adventure trails. As mentioned by Tanvi, they too had some scary moments when a wild Tusker blocked their way or scary sight of a wild bear. But over all they enjoyed being there and clicked some really nice pictures which I am sharing for my readers in the form of a Photo – Essay. This time Jim Corbett looked wonderful, serene, scenic and certainly a place to be amidst Tigers!!! Relaxed, thinking that thank GOD, they could enjoy so much!!!
Jim Corbett National Park, which is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and fabled for its tiger richness. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett has the glory of being India’s oldest and most prestigious National Park. It is also being honoured as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973. This unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth of the Project Tiger in India to protect the most endangered species and the Royal of India called Tigers.
Spans over an extent of 520 square kilometers, its whole area comprises of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, grasslands and large lake. It is among the few tiger reserves in India that allows overnight stays in the lap of the National Park. Nature watch and wildlife viewing in the park is done in an open four wheeler Jeep and on elephant back. Sheltering a healthy population of tigers and rare species like Otters and the endemic fish eating crocodile, the national park is one of the most sought after destinations for the wildlife buffs. Dhikala, situated at the border of the extensive Patil Dun valley, is the most popular destination in Corbett because of its superb location and sheer abundance of wildlife present.
How to Reach Corbett
Ramnagar is perhaps the best approach to the Corbett National Park which forms the headquarters of CTR. This small city is well connected by road and rail network with major cities of India like Delhi, Moradabad, Nainital and Bareilly. Once you reach Ramnagar, then it takes only half an hour to reach Corbett National Park. The park is around 15 Kms from Ramnagar railway station.
By Road: Ramnagar has a very good network of road that connects the different cities. The Corbett National Park is situated at an approximate surface distance of 260 Kilometer from India’s national capital Delhi. The state government of Uttarakhand plies buses at a short interval of time from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Nainital that reaches Corbett directly.
By Rail: The railway station in Ramnagar receives trains from different major cities of India like Delhi, Moradabad and Bareilly. A direct train to Ramnagar runs from Delhi. You can check out for Ranikhet Express, Corbett Link Express and Kathgodam Express that takes you directly to Ramnagar.
Distance from Major Cities:
Corbett Tiger Reserve provides Accommodation and Day Visit facility to visitors. Online booking for Accommodation and Day Visit can be booked in advance through their website: www.jimcorbettnationalpark.co.in
Information courtesy: jimcorbettnationalpark
Pictures Courtesy: Dr. Siddhant & Tanvi Taneja
Read on to know how?
I received the Invite to experience Venus Concepts from a very sweet PR person Sonia Vohra who extended a personal invitation to me for this event. Reluctantly, I accepted her Invite though beauty products, concepts and subject don’t appeal to me either personally or professionally. Moreover, the event/ product were not even remotely related to my blog. Still on Sonia’s invite, I thought of making it on March 22 at St. Regis, Lower Parel. Braving out humongous traffic on Curry Road, in a foul mood I reached the venue. My mood immediately got a lift when very hospitable team of Cutis Skin Studio guided me to Treatment Bar for skin tightening treatment which was very relaxing and smoothening to my skin. I was treated with an electric massage on my face by Venus Concepts after which I felt quite rejuvenated. Then I was taken for a makeover session followed by the hair – makeover session. I thoroughly enjoyed this unexpected pampering!
I received goodies also for turning up in partially black outfit, & that completed my day.
So coming back to my aversion to beauty treatments, I always believed that whatever God has given you cannot be changed, altered or improved, forget 180 degree turnaround. But after visiting the event and experiencing the treatments by Cutis Skin Studio and Venus Concepts, my thinking took a beating. Interaction with Dr. Apratim Goel, who is Apratim (peerless) like her name, proved that beauty is not really skin deep, your glowing skin is a possibility with some magical skin treatments. And Cutis Skin Studio is a place for that. You too can flaunt glowing skin and lustrous hair with some specialised treatments by Cutis Skin Studio in consultation with Dr. Apratim Goel, renowned Senior Cosmetic Dermatologist, Owner and Medical Director of Cutis Skin Studio.
The event was to raise a toast on the successful completion of 1,00,000 Beauty Treatments at the Cutis Skin Studio.
Dr. Apratim Goel shared, “Cutis Skin Studio is an amalgamation of exceptional clinical knowledge, extensive experience, magical science and highest level of technology. We’ve introduced two devices at our clinics – Venus Viva and Venus Legacy through which we are providing treatments.”
The event featured a Treatment Bar where the guests experienced express treatments through revolutionary and advanced aesthetic treatment device from Venus Concept – Venus Viva and Venus Legacy, on their problem areas such as dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, arm cellulite etc.
Venus Viva is the next generation in Skin Resurfacing and Facial Remodelling, combining NanoFractional Radio Frequency and SmartScan technology to effectively treat textural irregularities, scarring, wrinkles and stretch marks. On the other hand, Venus Legacy for face, neck and body is a non-invasive treatment that uses Multi-Polar Radio Frequency, VariPulse Technology and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields to soften deep wrinkles, contour fat pockets, reduce volume, tighten skin and dramatically reduce cellulite to give a firm and enhanced body shape.
Talking about Venus Concept, the featured guest of the event, Dr. Tal Nachlieli MD, Israel’s leading Plastic Surgeon and VP – Medical Affairs, Venus Concept said, “Venus Concept is a trusted name in the medical aesthetics industry. The company is pushing conventional boundaries and revolutionizing clinics worldwide by creating latest aesthetic medical devices that are safe, effective and go well with all skin types.”
Dr. Joy Shah, Partner & Strategic Consultant – Venus Aesthetics LLP added in, “Venus Concept, with over 15 years of experience in the field of dermatology and medical aesthetics has grown as an industry leader who through its own Research & Development is creating cutting-edge technologies to provide innovative, painless and affordable treatments. We are proud of being associated with Mumbai’s renowned and widely acclaimed Dermatologist Dr. Apratim Goel who is using Venus Legacy and Venus Viva to provide non-invasive treatments at her clinics.”
Venus Concept is present in over 50+ countries with over 3,000,000+ treatments performed in a year globally. Venus offers an extensive range of aesthetics treatments through their diverse portfolio of devices namely Venus Legacy, Venus Freeze, Venus Viva and Venus Versa.
Venus treatments are popular among Doctors and Patients alike because of advanced and effective technology, pain-free and comfortable treatment experience, no downtime post treatment, safe for all skin types and optimal outcomes.
All Venus treatment devices used in India are US FDA, Health Canada and European CE Approved.
After reaching office, my colleague Fatima commented, “ Maam’ you are looking very nice today.” Honestly she did not know where I had been to.
Do I need to say more?
I am heading for a facial at Cutis Skin Studio, you too book an appointment!
The links below will tell you how reality fares vis-a-vis travel expectations. Really Interesting!
http://www.boredpanda.com/travel-expectations-vs-reality/
Source:boredpanda.com
Today is one of the most important and biggest festivals of India – Mahashivratri. This is an auspicious day to celebrate the Lord of the lords, the mightiest of all Gods – Shiva. The day is celebrated amidst much fanfare with utmost bhakti, shraddha and aastha. This day is of great significance as it marks the union of Shiva and Shakti.
The biggest abode of Shiva in Mumbai is Babul Nath temple in South Mumbai where devotees flock since early morning to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. I too celebrated Mahashivratri at home by lighting 11 diyas, dhoop, agarbatti, bel patra, dhatura, flowers and offering of Panchamrut & Jal on Shivlinga in the morning. It was an indeed a divine experience! Felt connected to Lord Shiva!! Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi, also known as the Golden temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
Today my memories took me to my visit to Varanasi in early 90s for some friend’s marriage. I very reluctantly boarded the train from Lucknow to Varanasi on a chilly winter night in December with my mother in tow. I really did not know what the trip to Varanasi would unfold for me except that I wanted to buy some Benarasi Dupattas and Sarees and a trip to BHU, nothing beyond this…
…but it turned out to be 180 degree reverse experience. I was never a highly religious person, and in early 90s not at all. As marriage was in the night, our host suggested that we visit holiest abode of Lord Shiva Kashi Vishwanath Temple via Vishwanath Galli and then visit Dashawadhmedh Ghat and other Ghats on river Ganges. They told us that Vishwanath Galli is so narrow that no Taxi would enter there and the best option is to walk it over. So our walk began in the morning, and believe me, the walk looked to me just unending, finally we reached temple after walking to nearly an hour. What an experience it turned out to be! There were hardly any devotees in the temple so we could peacefully do Puja with the Pujariji. It was indeed a divine experience. Pujariji said, “Bhole Baba se jo chaho maang lo”. & what did I ask for? Top secret!! Sorry I don’t have photos of that trip.
Kashi Vishwanath should be must visit for every Shiv Bhakt as the Jyotirlinga present in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as the 12th of all the Jyotirlingas. Lord Shiva is the main deity in Hinduism and also known as the Vishwanath or Vishweshwara (means the ruler of the universe). Kashi is the oldest city of the world in history and known as the city of Lord Shiva.
Jyotirlinga in the Kashi Vishwanath temple has an extraordinary and exclusive importance in the religious history of India. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. The Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.
It attracts devotees from all across the world. The management of the temple was taken under UP Government on 28th January, 1983. The current temple is constructed by Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780. A Naubatkhana (in front of the temple) is constructed by the Collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan in 1785. The two domes of the temple were covered by the gold (offered by the Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh) in 1839. And the third dome was gold plated by the Ministry of cultures and Religious affairs of Uttar Pradesh Government.
This makes Varanasi a tourists place because of great religious importance to the Hindus. The gold used to cover the two domes of the temple was donated by the Punjab Kesari, the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ruled the Punjab. Now, after 28 January 1983, this temple becomes the property of the government of Uttar Pradesh and it is managed by Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh, then by the Kashi Naresh.
Opening time of the temple is: 3:00 am
Aarti time:
Mangala Aarti : 3 AM- 4 AM (Morning)
Bhog Aarti : 11.15 AM to 12.20 PM (Day)
Sandhya Aarti : 7 PM to 8.15 PM (Evening)
Shringar Aarti : 9 PM to 10.15 PM (Night)
Shayan Aarti : 10.30 PM – 11 PM (Night)
Location of the Temple: Kashi Vishwanath temple is located almost 5 km away from the Varanasi railway station and almost 6 km from the BHU.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple located at the western bank of the holy river Ganges. According to the Shaiva philosophy, it is considered that Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the midpoint of the worship for a long time. There is a Gyanvapi Mosque located adjacent to the temple. During spiritual occasions such as Shivratri, the king of Kashi (Kashi Naresh) comes to the temple. At that time nobody is allowed to enter the temple. Other devotees are allowed to the temple only after Kashi Naresh has completed his worship.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple has most religious importance for the worship in the Hindu religion. Many great Hindu saints (like Adi Sankaracharya, Goswami Tulsidas, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, Gurunanak etc) had came to the Varanasi to take bath in the holy water of the Gange and for the Darshan of the Jyotirlinga. It is believed that the one who will take bath (at least once in the lifetime) in the Ganges in the holy city Varanasi will get Moksha. True devotees of the Lord Shiva get freedom from the cycle of the death and birth. After death they directly intermingled into the Mahadev. People beliefs that the one who decided to end their life at the temple, Lord Shiva himself drive a mantra of freedom in his ear.
Vishwanath Gali
Vishwanath Gali in Varanasi is the way to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the Vishwanath Gali and one who want to go to the temple he can go through the Vishwanath Gali. Vishwanath Gali is very popular gali of the Varanasi and famous for ladies corner, shops for the pooja goods and sweets. Devotees can make an affordable shopping in the Vishwanath Gali after completing the Darshan of Lord Shiva in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. & I did the same…picked up some lovely Benarasi Dupattas & Sarees.
I loved going down memory lane on this auspicious day!
Look forward to visiting Kashi Vishwanath temple next year!
Om Namah Shivay!
Travel-Knots 