India – VAGABOND IMAGES

The Pied Kingfisher story

Upendra SwamiFebruary 26, 20245715 Views2

Have seen pied kingfisher a few times in all these years, although not as frequent as I have seen our most common, white-breasted kingfisher. White-breasted kingfisher can be easily seen in green areas around water bodies in and around Delhi. But first time, I saw the pied kingfisher was when I was part of an international river expedition on the Ganges from Gangotri to Gangasagar as a media person. There were a few distant sightings along the riverside. Well, that was way back in 2009. Watchful eyes! Then, some years later, I went to Bharatpur bird sanctuary. We had a guide with us on our bicycle safari. Going deep inside the sanctuary to get a close view of sarus cranes, we got a distant sighting again of a pied kingfisher. It was so far that, we needed a binocular to see it...

AdventureIndia

How to prepare yourself for the Kedarkantha winter trek

Pratyush SoganiDecember 12, 20234344 Views1

The Kedarkantha trek offers stunning Himalayan views and an adventurous climb to 12,500 ft but it’s vital you carry appropriate gear, clothing and supplies. Temperatures can plummet to -15°C, high altitudes may cause breathlessness while gusty winds exacerbate the cold even more. Packing right ensures your health, safety and comfort amidst harsh conditions. This comprehensive packing checklist covers all essentials you’ll need for this winter trek. CLOTHING Base Layers - Thermal inners like woolens or fleece protect you from the cold when wet or dry. Carry 2-3 full sleeve base layer tee and legging sets. Opt for merino wool or polyester instead of cotton which retains moisture. Mid Layers – Insulated tops like thick fleece jackets, down or fiberfill padde...

AdventureIndia

Kuari Pass trek: A scenic winter sojourn in the Garhwal Himalayas

Pratyush SoganiNovember 29, 20234076 Views2

Nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass trek is a mesmerizing journey that offers a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity of this region. Unlike many treks that cater to adventure seekers, the Kuari Pass trek is a human way to connect with nature and immerse oneself in the tranquility and grandeur of the mountains. The gentle beginning The Kuari Pass trek starts gently from Joshimath, a small town in Uttarakhand, India. This region is renowned for its spiritual significance, serving as a gateway to some of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. As you embark on this journey, you'll be welcomed by the warmth of the locals who are always ready to share stories of their land. This human touch is what sets the Kuari Pass trek apart. A trek for a...

AdventureIndia

When the blood is spilled and goddess becomes happy!

Upendra SwamiAugust 29, 20234086 Views0

Held every year on Raksha Bandhan, Devidhura Bagwal is a unique festival India is a land of myriad cultures. The different cultures and societies have their own festivals. And, even the festivals common across cultures have different ways to celebrate. Most of these festivals find their roots in mythological stories and legends, therefore don’t feel surprised when I say that even today a festival is celebrated where people throw stones on each other with intent to hurt so that blood is spilled which would eventually make the goddess happy and she will shower her blessings. Barahi Devi temple at Devidhura Festival happens at Devidhura in Champawat district of Himalayan state Uttarakhand every year on the day of Raksha Bandhan, which falls on full moon day of the Shravan (or sawan...

AdventureIndia

Sight of the unexpected! A tiger out of nowhere at Sattal

Upendra SwamiDecember 25, 20227382 Views6

4.33 PM; Nov 7, 2022. Studio region Sattal, Uttarakhand. No one... no one ever told me about presence of any tiger in and around Sattal region. No birder, no friends, no fellow travellers, no officials have in recent memory recorded the presence of any tiger here. And, if they have, then no one probably reported it. Leopards are many, that we know, but tigers? But, this is what I saw and captured on that day, when I was strolling in forest of the studio region for a quick birding trip! Am I the only one to capture a tiger in the region! More than a month and half has passed since the incident, but I still don’t have concrete answers, no responses from any official, district administration, wildlife authorities or even tiger conservation authorities! What everyone—who has seen the ph...

AdventureIndia

Mighty and beautiful: Birthi Falls

Upendra SwamiDecember 9, 20224569 Views2

India is a land of mountains and rivers, no doubt that there are many waterfalls and many of them compete with each other in their sheer beauty. Also, we have majestic waterfalls in almost every corner of country. There is no way that you can compare beauty of Chitrakote with beauty of Dudhsagar or of Jog falls with Nohkalikai or of Athirappilly with Hogenakkal. Its pointless to do so. Birthi Falls near Munsiyari Each one has its own magic irrespective of its height or width or volume. Since, a large part of India’s natural treasure lies in inaccessible regions, waterfalls also are among them. So even a waterfall with a small height can cheer you up when it comes right in front of you all of sudden while trekking in a remote region or biking in Himalayas. Birthi is one such falls...

AdventureIndia

A big shout-out to all those who help strangers on road

Upendra SwamiApril 5, 20223906 Views2

My bike has always been a trustworthy partner on my road trips. It has taken me to numerous solo trips including trips to Leh and Kaza. There had been challenges from weather, roads and other things, but my Royal Enfield Thunderbird always carried me through on tough roads. Solo rides are always risky, there can’t be any doubt about it. However one might prepare oneself for everything, you never know the unseen. Worst things is, if you are struck in middle of road, you have to look for some help, when the problem is beyond your capacity. My bike has always been trustworthy travel partner for a decade now! I have had my shares of mishaps, falls et al but never the serious ones. On the other side, I have met many others stranded on the way for one reason or another. I rememb...

AdventureIndia

When nature has the last laugh

Upendra SwamiDecember 7, 20215267 Views2

I had wished for long to travel to Darma Valley in Uttarakhand, ever since one of our senior photographer friend Jaimitra Singh Bisht from Almora had written about it in my travel magazine Awara Musafir. (You can read the article here.) Planned it a few times earlier, but couldn’t materialise. Two years of COVID only complicated the travel plans. But this year, I finally managed to put together an itinerary. And yes, on my favourite way to travel- my Royal Enfield Thunderbird bike! Majestic view of Darma valley with Panchachuli peaks in background. Photo: Jaimitra Singh Bisht Total trip was going to be long, almost 12 to 13 days, almost same as my bike trip to Ladakh. Well, I am not writing about the different destinations or the route or the biking here, as I will be doing so in co...

AdventureIndia

Corbett beyond Tigers and safaris

Upendra SwamiOctober 6, 20214074 Views3

A butterfly trail inside the forest can be equally interesting It wasn’t quite far inside from the main road leading to Haldwani from Ramnagar. We had taken the jungle road from the Chunakhan Forest Rest House. Forest check post is just about a kilometre from here. From the check post you start a 20-25 minutes trek to Barati Rau Waterfall. The forest personnel in-charge of the beat post was initially reluctant to let our group go towards the fall, citing the COVID restrictions. He relented, only after charging the tourist fees, for which I never got the receipt. He insisted on taking a local guide along with us, his argument being that there were bear cubs in a cave close to waterfalls. A local guide will help us in knowing the direction as well as save us from any untoward incident...

IndiaNews

Kerala goes big on Caravan Tourism

Upendra SwamiSeptember 16, 20218349 Views2

Next big thing for Kerala Tourism in three decades since houseboats After Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, now it is Kerala’s turn to promote Caravan Tourism in state. But it does this in a bigger and proper way, by bringing out a dedicated comprehensive policy, thus becoming the only state to have a comprehensive Caravan Tourism policy. This policy encompasses everything from approvals to vehicles and parks.With its diverse but accessible landscape, Kerala is one of the best places worth exploring in a caravan. Last two years have changed the way we perceive leisure travel, Now, rising to the demands and preferences of tourists in the post-pandemic world, Kerala has announced a comprehensive, stakeholder-friendly Caravan Tourism Policy, promising the visitors safe, customized ...