May 2019 – VAGABOND IMAGES

Nature, myth and history of Syahi Devi Temple

Upendra SwamiMay 26, 20197144 Views7

Last year, when we went to Shitlakhet, we headed for an early morning trek to Syahi Devi temple. But we started a bit late, and then we had a packed schedule in the day ahead. And, with some clear view of Nanda Devi range consuming lot of our time, we dropped the idea of going till the top and returned mid-way. I had then decided that, I won’t let that happen next time. Hence, when I visited Shitlakhet again this year, I kept the very next morning after my arrival for the trek to temple. What a beautiful day it was, calm and clear. Now, in the hindsight when I look back at that decision, how remarkable it turned out to be, as the second morning onwards, the weather went for a toss. Sun rises while on trek to Syahi Devi temple Morning colours on the snow peaks It gets brighter a...

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Waterfalls are the best pit stops on way to North Sikkim

Upendra SwamiMay 18, 20192825 Views5

Journey from Gangtok to Yumthang in the North Sikkim is indeed very scenic, but it might not be best of the roads. Road goes along the Teesta river for most of the journey. Because of tough terrain, landslides, road widening and work on various power projects, the road condition, although not very bad, but is mostly not the desirable one. That is the reason, that although distance between Gangtok and Yumthang is just around 140 kilometres, but you can’t measure the travel time through that. It’s certainly a day long journey. Road journeys in Sikkim are always fascinating Journey on such routes can be definitely tiring. But as I said, this route is quite scenic as we pass through valley of Teesta river with overlooking Himalayan ranges. You can occasionally have a view of Pandim an...

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Namprikdang in mystical land of the Lepchas

Upendra SwamiMay 13, 20193224 Views5

I had not heard about the Namprikdang in my earlier visits to Sikkim, until a trip exactly ten years back. Then, one of the senior most tourism officers of the state himself suggested us to go there. We were then already on way to North Sikkim. Hence we decided to stay there on our way return to Gangtok. It was a surprise for us, the beauty and serenity of the place. Its located at the confluence of Teesta and Tholung Chu (Rangeet) rivers. Whole place is surrounded by thick forests and majestic mountains with a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga. When its clear, then you can have clear view of Kanchenjunga and Pandim peaks from Dzongu Namprikdang is in Dzongu area. Bordering Kanchenjunga (Konchendzonga) Biosphere, Dzongu region of North Sikkim is considered to be the first Lepcha se...

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Qatar’s Angry Birds entertainment park gets outdoor section as well

Upendra SwamiMay 9, 20191606 Views0

Middle East has always been a favourite hunting place for travellers from India. But Dubai, for all lot of reasons, always had a larger share in the pie. However in recent years, other places have been trying hard to match up the pace with Dubai. So, while in UAE itself places like Abu Dhabi have grown popular, elsewhere in Gulf- countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar are coming up with new ideas and new developments to attract the travellers. And they have been indeed quite successful. Look at Qatar, which has got a newest addition to its unmatched tourism attractions. Angry Birds World Entertainment Park With the completion of outdoor park in the second phase, world’s first ANGRY BIRDS WORLD entertainment park is now complete and running. Park marked its Grand Opening at D...

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NEOM is all about the unusual and the unexpected

Upendra SwamiMay 3, 20191466 Views2

Imagine being given a blank canvas upon which to redefine modern living: an empty quarter within which to build a 21st century destination driven by a desire for sustainability, powered by the wind and the sun, shaped by innovation and technology, and striving to be among the top places for living and work internationally. Beauty of NEOM The canvas exists. It lies on the Red Sea, in the Northwest of Saudi Arabia, straddling the borders of Egypt and Jordan. NEOM is a new destination being created at the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa and along one of the world’s busiest economic arteries. It is strategically placed at the crossroads of the world with an area of 26,500 km2, and it is just an 8-hour flight from 70% of the global population. Its another effort from Saudi Arabia...