A Mesmerizing Journey of Spirituality and Serenity..

It was Vibhuti Express on 25th March from Howrah to Varanasi. Much needed, much awaited, much anticipated - One of us was sick and we were not sure if we could make it. We did.

My two friends and I embarked on a soul-stirring journey to the mystical city of Varanasi. A city rich in history, culture, and spirituality, Varanasi beckoned us with promises of an unforgettable experience and we knew even if stepped into the city, we would feel blessed - I had devoured a dozen videos by the time I boarded my train and had my notes ready. With our bags packed and hearts filled with anticipation, we set out from Kolkata to explore the vibrant hues of this ancient city.

Varanasi, Varanasi Division

Upon arriving in Varanasi, we opted for an authentic home stay near Manduadih Police station, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the city's rich local flavor. We felt at home, immediately after we reached there. Our host was awesome, helpful, and served us great food. We had to pay extra for the food. It was not complimentary.

The home stay was roughly six kilo meters away from Varanasi station. The warmth of the hosts and the homely ambience made us feel not just, at home but secured and safe. We knew that we were in for an extraordinary stay and will be back soon. So I began giving my tips to the young entrepreneur how he can better the place. He had some of his beautiful paintings on the wall at reception. I asked him to frame it well, asked for extra mirror in our room. He agreed to fix one right away. I asked him to keep it ready for our next visit. He did and shared us a photograph

Eager to begin our exploration, we hopped into an auto-rickshaw that took us to Gawdolia Chowk, the bustling heart of Varanasi. The city tour had officially commenced, and every nook and cranny seemed to tell a story of its own. The labyrinthine streets, adorned with colorful shops and ancient temples, enchanted us at every turn. I had to pick Banarasi dupatta at least.

After a brief but sumptuous lunch at the revered Anna Purna Mandir, we set out on the enchanting ghat walk. The ghats of Varanasi hold an ethereal charm that transcends time and space. As we walked along the sacred river Ganga, the historical significance and spiritual sanctity of the place left us in awe.

Our journey led us to the Manikarnika Ghat, a place that made us pause and reflect on the impermanence of life. The ritualistic cremations on the banks of the Ganga served as a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and death, leaving us humbled by the divine mysteries that Varanasi holds.

As dusk approached, we made our way to the iconic Dashashwamedha Ghat to witness the grand spectacle of the Ganga Aarti. The rhythmic chants, the flickering oil lamps, and the devotion of the devotees created an ethereal ambiance that etched itself into our hearts forever. When I returned home to Kolkata, we three went feel the same vibe in our very own Kolkata Princep ghat - That story is for another day.

Varanasi, however, had more delights in store for us. The next morning, we embarked on a serene boat tour along the river Ganga. The gentle lapping of the water against the boat, the golden hues of the rising sun, and the panoramic view of the ghats left us in a state of sheer tranquility.

Before bidding adieu to this enchanting city, we couldn't resist indulging in some retail therapy. We ventured into the bustling markets and found ourselves drawn to the allure of Banarasi Dupattas, a testament to the city's artistic finesse and cultural heritage. And I forgot to mention the tasty Malai we had the day we landed there.

With our bags filled with treasured memories and souvenirs, we left Varanasi with hearts brimming with gratitude and happiness. The city had gifted us an experience that was beyond words—a journey that had touched our souls and left an indelible mark on our beings.

Varanasi, with its enigmatic charm and spiritual allure, had offered us an opportunity to transcend the ordinary and connect with something profound and timeless. As we bid farewell to the city of light, we carried with us the essence of Varanasi—a magical blend of spirituality, serenity, and superlative joy.

And Varanasi, I promise to visit you every single year, with friends or solo because you had that impact on us, that we seek a part of you in our own cities too - the Arati!

I cannot end this without mentioning about the tea hawker who served us tea in the ghats and stood there for some time just to tell us where the dust bins were so that we dropped the cups there. How responsible was that!! As eco travelers ourselves, that really soared our spirits to rave about this place.

And something that bothered me was not seeing any life guards around. I have tweeted about this and hope to see some action, before my next visit.

Photographs will be uploaded soon

A Shakti Peeth in Assam

 

The trip was planned for Meghalaya, three hours from Guwahati.

The train number was easy to remember Saraighat Express 12345 departing from Howrah at 15:55 Hours and reaching Guwahati the next day at 09:30 Hours. Why did we choose this?

The idea was to cover two states in parts, not in totality - Assam and Meghalaya, and therefore reaching Guwahati in the morning was important.

There are other trains too like Northeast Express, Brahmaputra mail

Guwahati, Kamrup

The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas of India. As for the experience at Kamakhya, it is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. The temple complex is situated on top of the Nilachal Hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

It is also recommended to visit the temple early in the morning to avoid the crowds and long queues. The temple is especially crowded during the annual Ambubachi Mela, which takes place in June and attracts thousands of devotees from all over India.

As a traveler and a spiritual seeker, we decided to begin my trip with a visit to this sacred place and explore the beauty of its culture, history, and spirituality. However the crowd diffused our enthusiasm. We were told, if we had to pray, it can be concluded by 3 or 4 PM. Another three hour journey to Meghalaya was due and we knew, things in the hilly areas sort of slow down by that time.

We managed to talk to a Purohit who arranged sacred water for us and helped us see other idols, which was immensely satisfying. Next time, we had to stay in Guwahati for a day to offer our prayers in that day long queue

The journey to Kamakhya Temple starts from Guwahati Railway Station, which is the nearest station to the temple. After reaching the railway station, we hired an auto to take us to the temple, which is situated on a hill about 8 kilometers from the station. We paused to click photographs

The Kamakhya Temple is one of the busiest pilgrimage destinations in India and draws visitors from all over the country. The temple complex is open from early morning till late evening, and it is best to visit during the early morning hours to avoid the crowds. The temple is an architectural marvel and is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles.

The temple complex is spread over several levels and has numerous shrines, each dedicated to different deities. The main temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, and the architecture of the temple is fascinating, with intricate carvings and designs.

Apart from the main temple, there are several other smaller temples and shrines within the temple complex. The temple complex also has several shops and eateries that offer local delicacies and souvenirs. The awesome architecture and the spirituality of the temple are sure to leave you mesmerized.

There is a direct bus from Kamakhya Temple to Guwahati. We boarded a Tata Sumo heading to Meghalaya. So we saved the auto fare of INR 250 roughly just to reach the Guwahati bus stop from Kamakhya temple

Things to remember

Early morning visit to temple will be less crowded otherwise you will need an entire day. We reached the temple around 11 am and when we got near the queue keeping our luggage at a nearby sweet shop from where we bought our offerings, we were told, we can complete praying only by evening. So staying in Guwahati for a day is better and you can explore in and around the place that day

Ask the Tata Sumo driver where he will drop you in Meghalaya, Police Bazar or else where because even for 2 kms, you will have to pay huge cab fare.

For Meghalaya bus tour next day, book the trip and pay advance before you get into the lodge so that the operator knows how many confirmed bookings they have for a particular route and the daily trip does not get canceled.

Why pollute that beautiful place with cabs when there are well structured, guided tours conducted by Meghalaya Tourism. More on this in my next blog. Leave the place, as you find it - Beautiful and serene!

Even a half visit to Kamakhya left us blessed and we got the Purohit's card for our next trip, if God wills!!

Proceed to watch the photoblog here!!

Taki, O Taki, O Taki Taki Taki Re is not just a Bollywood song.

 

Taki, O Taki, O Taki Taki Taki Re is not just a famous Bollywood song.

Taki is a place too, a beautiful tourist spot in West Bengal.

Hasnabad local from Sealdah takes you there in just a couple of hours.

Barasat, Kolkata

Since we boarded the local train from Barasat station which comes after a few stations from Sealdah, we reached Taki in just over an hour. Taki is actually, just one station before the destination of that local train, Hasnabad.

Taki Road, Kolkata

We took a Toto from Taki Station. Toto drivers charge anywhere between INR 900 to INR 1200 to show all important tourist spots. In the Toto stand itself, visitors can see a huge poster showing the places around that will be covered within a few hours.

Tourist Spots - Poster in Taki Station

What is written here loosely translates to this - Lets take a toto ride from Taki Station to travel around! Toto is the best option there. I am not sure, if one comes here by car, if it will be easy for them to navigate around, on their own. Almost every toto driver is a bit of guide too.

In fact, our driver not only had insights about the places we visited, he also guided us to keep photocopies of our IDs ready to visit certain spots, shops from where we could purchase sweets that Taki is famous for, homes that prepared and sold jaggery. We could literally watch the process of how the jaggery gets prepared.

Our first spot was Ramakrishna Mission

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Office, Taki, Taki

Ramkrishna Mission

We spent a few minutes here. Frankly I was not aware of this spot. We met a teacher in the local train who was doing a solo trip just before her school opens after winter holidays. She joined us and we both were very clear, we do not have the time to cover all spots because we had to return back to our respective homes the same day. Many choose to book lodges and cover all spots leisurely in two days. We both, however did not find it necessary to stay.

Many come to Taki around this time - winters - for picnic as there are quite of few spots for such family or friends gatherings

One of my favorite spots was Jora Shib Mandir just beside a natural water body.

Jora Shib Mandir

The atmosphere around was so peaceful. We then headed towards a few shooting spots

The film Bishorjon, that won the best Bengali film at the 64th National Film award, was one of the most aesthetically done films, almost like poetry in motion with subtlety, layers much like the waters of the Icchamati River that separates the two Bengals – Bangladesh and WestBengal!

A significant part of the film was shot here which was actually just a mud house before Amphan hit.

Bengali Film Bisorjon was shot here!

Watching the Icchamati River and this house so close felt like being part of history and part of future! Kaushik Ganguly could imagine a story line around communal faith, political agenda, geography, one big festival – a mud home and a river!

A neat creative collaboration between Kaushik’s imagination and actress from Bangladesh JayaAhsan’s subdued performance portraying the lives of people in a border village! And that is how an ordinary mud house becomes the most sought after tourist spot. Frankly I want to Taki just to see this house, the Ichamati River and what I could see of Bangladesh from here! In short for the film.

Taki Golpata Forest, Taki

Just before entering #MiniSundarbans in #Taki we have to submit our ID to the authorities.

After concluding the formalities, we walked a few metres to get into a vehicle when the security officer came running holding my phone which I had dropped at the counter. I sincerely thanked her for being so alert even with constant inflow of people.

2022 has been full of such beautiful moments that restores faith in people, in humanity and I have hell lot of gratitude for each of those experiences.

Cost, timings, details of Mini Sundarbans, also called Golpata Forest will be shared soon.

We left home around six in the morning and were back home before tea time, around three in the afternoon.

Bengal to Meghalaya - Is two day tour possible within INR 3500?

 That is a big yes!

Kolkata, West Bengal

It all began when I saw an offer on Tripoto to use my credits for Meghalaya trip. After I received quotes from a couple of operators, I began to research alternatives and options as the quote did not suit my budget at all. All permutation and combination to do solo, tag a friend or two still did not drop the quote to my comfort zone.

The discount I was offered against my credits was negligible - to the tune of a couple of hundreds for a ten thousand package. I hope some day this will change!

I am an eco traveler and believe in conscious and responsible tourism. So the idea of using only car and be solely responsible for emissions was not my kind of travel. Meghalaya Tourism Corporation with their conducted bus tours came to my rescue. With that in mind I booked my train tickets.

Guwahati, Kamrup

If I am stepping to Assam, visiting Shakti Peeth Kamakhya was my top most priority. I will describe this trip in another story.

Meghalaya, India

Shared cabs will cost you INR 300 if you choose Tata Sumo and INR 500 if you hop into one of those small cars. If you are wondering if there is any difference? Just the wait time for Tata Sumo will be 10/15 minutes more to fill the seats. That is it.

Police Bazar, Shillong

The cabs will drop you near Police Bazaar or Civil. If you are dropped at Civil, it will cost you INR 20 by yellow taxi to reach Police Bazaar. Now if you avail accommodation here in Police Bazaar, the cost will be slightly higher.

Polo Bazaar, Shillong

Many choose to stay near Police Bazar for the convenience of connectivity and accessibility. Just a kilometer away is Polo Bazar, followed by Polo Tower where you find the hub of MTC near Majestic Hotel, in Orchid Hotel. This is where the bus booking takes place and the daily sight seeing tours begin.

Langkyrding, East Khasi Hills

You get home stays at reasonable price in the range of INR 1500 to INR 1800 for standard room shared by two with complimentary breakfast around this place which is couple of kilometers away from Police Bazar.

Reserved taxi will cost you INR 150 from Polo Bazar and shared taxi will be INR 30/- per person

Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills

The bus tours will cost you INR 400/- to cover key spots like WahKaba, Ram Krishna Mission Museum, Nohkalikail Falls, Seven Sisters etc. and INR 350/- to cover Shillong view point, Cathedral Church, Wards Lake, Umiam Lake etc.

So the final cost will be

Train to Guwahati Sleeper Class (To and Fro) INR 1100/- (Rounded off)

Shared Cab to Shillong (To and From) INR 0600/-

Shillong and Sohra Bus Tours INR 0750/-

Accommodation for two nights INR 1500/-

Meals, local taxis and Entry Fees INR 0650/-

Our trip cost a little more because, we covered Kamakhya Temple by auto, visited SMIT festival by taxi and picked mementoes, gifts like Mekhla, Assam Sarees, Shawls etc.

If you can spend another day or two, then Kaziranga, Dawki can be covered too.

I am sure the curiosity is killing you how much did the tour operators quote - INR 20000 for 6/7 spots!!

How Many Of Us Travel Responsibly?

How many of you agree that there is something more important than finalizing the destination, managing leaves, getting bookings done – It is who you want to travel with.

I have one or two friends with whom I am comfortable doing local city tours and another one from a different has always been perfect for short trips (We did Goa, Madikere and Kerala together). However I have many more trips in mind for which these do not quite fit the bill – because I want to stay in a place for 2/3 weeks exploring a social cause or absorbing local culture and not just covering saturated tourist spots. To be able to do that, none of my previous travel partners can commit as they have jobs, family and other priorities to cater to

So on 23^rd November 2019, when there was a travel group meeting happening, I joined with some anticipation to find like minded travelers who might be keen to do local-culture feel trips. I was also keen to see the venue Mohur Kunj, just opposite Rabindra Sadan

A local train to Sealdah (INR 10) and then a bus (INR 7) to a friend's office in Park Street for a quick chat and then I boarded a bus to the travel meet menu  (INR 7) . Their agenda was to fix future tours based on everyone's interest, leave availability, budget and will. I had my own agenda - find like minded travelers and connect post travel meet.

Within the first five minutes I could figure, I cannot possibly travel with anyone there because their inclination was mostly to plan tours based on how many days leave, one can manage. 

I am a budget traveler, environmentalist, love to blog, write travel stories, capture moments not just as images but in words - I did not hear anyone mention any of these even once. The number of photographs that were clicked in the travel meet itself in a dozen cameras, hugely hinted at what I am supposed to expect in trips - A sharp streak of self obsession.

I am inclined towards responsible tourism, not travel by car in the night to save accommodation costs - That is seriously not my kind of travel. 

I like to explore places like a local person, leisurely, peacefully, simply without any urgency - make my travel notes (including costs, timings, anecdote, trivia of the place), find a story, capture an image that adds value to that story, weave moments - minute by minute. I have no tendency to cover every tourist spot. Why do I need to behave as if there is no tomorrow? We can always revisit. The anxiety of making the most of one visit is truly tiring. 

Mohur Kunj, Opposite Rabindra Sadan

Fortunately, there was an exhibition in progress organized by Jungle Bhavan and after some time there was a full fledged cultural program. I explore the stalls, picked a neck piece from a Terrakota shop and only after that joined the travel meet.

Handmade Jewelry

Now, why did I pick the accessory? That is how we appreciate craft, hand made jewelry, support one's livelihood, a home and create a moment for yourself, worth remembering wherever you go - My travels are mostly purpose driven.

Organized by Jungle Bhaban

Our team manages a travel page in Face Book and a twitter handle called Chalte Chalte India. The thought is basically to promote the idea of traveling responsibly in India, particularly Kolkata as if you belong here and want to see this city grow.

Why Do You Need To Know About This Station In Kolkata?

If you want to explore Kolkata and its suburbs as a budget traveler this station plays a major part in intercity connectivity in this part of India. Most people know only about Howrah station which is undoubtedly an important gateway to the city

How many trains ply here, how many train trips are handled here all day long, what kind of infrastructure this station has – Upper Class Waiting Room recently commissioned, Wifi, Executive lounge – You will find tons of information online regarding these.

To understand why Sealdah is the heart of Kolkata travel, you need insights from those who travel on a daily basis.

I was barely fifteen when I started traveling by local train to go to college in Dumdum (That’s right, there is a station too by that name, not just the Airport) in North Kolkata. After college for ten long years I used the local train to get to work to different parts of Kolkata – Park Street, Poddopukur, Gariahat, Salt Lake – That’s again a hint regarding how many times I switched jobs.

Most of my socializing then during the initial days of my career was in train. After 15 long years in Bangalore, I relocate back to Kolkata and I miss the daily travel journey. Now I mostly work from home and interact with stakeholders and team through mails, SKYPE and ZOOM calls 

I go to the city once a month and Sealdah still has that sweet charm of yester years. So a few days back I had some work in the city, had to buy some stuff, meet a friend to give her birthday gift and finally on my way back, catch up with another friend in Sealdah station – basically return together.

I waited for more than an hour and I enjoyed every bit of it. My mother had to attend a neighbor’s invite for a spiritual gathering, so I was in no rush to return home.

The stalls, the crowd, the busyness, the speed – nothing had changed in 17 years. It was good old Sealdah. My daily train travel routine had stopped in 2002 when I moved to Bangalore.

Why is Sealdah important for budget travelers?

Do you want to go to the weaver’s paradise? I bring this up in almost every blog of mine. I strongly encourage you to go straight to Sealdah and board a train to Shantipur

Do you want to see temple architecture? Then board Katwa local train and get down in Ambika Kalna

Do you want to see Bankim Chandra Chatterji's house - the writer who wrote some great novels and the national song Vande Mataram? Just look for Naihati local

If you want to visit ISKCON, again use the Shantipur local and get down in Habibpur

If you want to enjoy a nice ferry ride, board a Barrackpore local, take an auto from station to Dhobi ghat and the boat ride will take you to Serampore

If you want to visit Darjeeling, you have your train from Sealdah.

Kolkata October to February are the ideal months to visit Kolkata and rural Bengal One can actually plan a trip  any time of the year as it has something or the other to offer in every season - just to avoid summer heat, it is highly recommended to visit during winter months.

Apart from suburban trains for North and South Kolkata, you can get around Kolkata, using public transport like CSTC, CTC and WBSTC buses, yellow ambassador taxis, Kolkata Metro and not to forget good old tramway. For short distances, you can avail auto rickshaws.

By now you must be confident to come to Kolkata and be on your own. If you are, go right ahead and book your tickets.