Photogallery – Page 3 – VAGABOND IMAGES

Kashmir, we know less about: Charar-e-Sharief

Upendra SwamiJune 15, 2019821 Views0

In the previous post on Kashmir, we travelled to Aishmuqam Dargah of Hazrat Zain-ud-Din Wali, who was principal disciple of Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. Now we are talking about the shrine of the saint himself at Charar-e-Sharief. Well, name Charar-e-Sharief might not be as unknown as the Aismuqam, but its importance might be. Charar-e-Sharief shrine Also read: Kashmir we know less about: Aishmuqam Dargah Recent past Actually, being a journalist, the first time I heard about Charar-e-Sharief was all because of negative reasons, way back in 1995. It was then, when the shrine as well as the town was in siege for 66 days because of a stand-off between army and terrorists lead by Mast Gul. It all ended even badly when the whole town as well as the shrine were put to fl...

IndiaPhotogallery

Kashmir we know less about : Aishmuqam Dargah

Upendra SwamiJune 3, 20193044 Views3

I visited Aishmuqam Shrine near Anantnag in Kashmir valley for the first time years before the Salman Khan starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan was shot in 2015. This Bollywood superhit film did lot on its part to make people aware of this place. A very beautiful song sung by Adnan Sami was filmed here. The song was inspired from a very old traditional qawwali and it is said that it was for the first time that a film was granted the permission to shoot inside the premises of the shrine. Aishmuqam shrine Mosque and shrine of commonly known as Saint Sheikh Zain-Ud-Din Wali at Aishmuqam is considered to be one of the most famous dargahs of Kashmir. One needs to climb 560 steps before you can enter the shrine which is located about 40 minutes away from Pahalgam. We came from the Pahalgam s...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Nature, myth and history of Syahi Devi Temple

Upendra SwamiMay 26, 20191523 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...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Waterfalls are the best pit stops on way to North Sikkim

Upendra SwamiMay 18, 2019795 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...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Namprikdang in mystical land of the Lepchas

Upendra SwamiMay 13, 2019920 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...

IndiaPhotogallery

Glimpses from the International Dance Day

Upendra SwamiApril 30, 2019625 Views2

It was International Dance Day yesterday and from various events organised to mark the day, I had chance to witness one at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. It was a wonderful event to mark the landmark day. This day not just makes you celebrate the spirit of dance but also helps you learn new developments in performing arts and know about new artists. I had tried to be regular at such events for some years now. Artists from different dance forms together for a performance on International Dance Day In 1982 the Dance Committee of International Theatre Institute (ITI) founded International Dance Day to be celebrated every year on the 29th April. This was the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet. The intention of the International Dance Day Mes...

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Ten things not to be missed while in Munnar

Upendra SwamiApril 24, 2019697 Views1

It’s getting hotter day by day. No, I am certainly not talking about the election heat, but I am literally talking about the weather. A few days earlier, I was talking to a friend in Thiruvanathapuram, and he said that it is getting difficult to venture out during the day. So, while rest of the Kerala might be reeling under heat and it would not be wise to advice going there, until the monsoon touches the state late next month; but a part of Kerala is still enjoyable and worth going. With polling for general elections over in the state and it will now be waiting anxiously for the counting day exactly a month later, in the meanwhile, you can certainly plan a trip to Munnar. Elephant peak as seen from Munnar town Munnar is one of the favourite destinations in Kerala for tourists from ...

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Aren’t you preparing for a trip to Leh already!

Upendra SwamiApril 7, 2019272 Views4

Beauty of trip to Ladakh is that each time you go, you have entirely a new experience waiting for you, even if you are going to same place in same weather or a different one in different weather. You can always expect something unexplored, Its also because, you just can't experience the whole diversity of this amazing place in one trip. You need many-many trips for this. The desert with white snow, green poplars and Indus river! View on outskirts of Leh. Window to the peace... nature! Saucer at the roof top! View of Leh valley surrounded by Himalayan ranges. Way to leh! Read: Reaching climax- On the top of the Manali-Leh route So, this is the time when you need to put your plans for this years Ladakh trip in place and start preparations. An extraordinary place like Ladakh c...

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Its spring time and lower Himalayas are laden with beauty!

Upendra SwamiMarch 31, 20191110 Views6

I have always felt that spring is the best time to go to hills, specially in the lower Himalayan region. And, that's not just for adventure trips, but also for the leisure trips to hill stations. It's about weather, it's about brightness, it's about colours, it's about nature and its about views. Everything in abundance. It gives such a jovial feeling when you are here during this time. As soon as the winter freeze gives way to the some warmth, the new life comes out of the earth. The whiteness of winter turns colourful with all types of flowers. Peach blossoms are this region's answer to Cherry Blossoms in East Asia during most this time. Peach blossoms turn the surroundings pink in the spring time. Although it's not so as of now, I think that it won't be too long when pe...

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Guns and colours at Holi of valour in Menar

Upendra SwamiMarch 22, 20191029 Views3

So, you would have enjoyed the Holi of colours the previous day, but another part of India is today celebrating Holi in its unique way. I have often referred to Menar near Udaipur as a Bird’s village. But I have also always mentioned that this particular village has a very unique history. So, when rest of the north India, celebrates Holi with colours, this tiny village celebrates Holi with its gunshots. Its Holi not of myth but a history of courage, a daring win. Also read: Morning lights at Menar - The birds village Going by the Indian caste structure, Menar is known as a village of Brahmins. But interestingly in Mewar region brahmins of Menar (surnamed as Menarias) are also referred to as Brahma Kshatriyas, and history has big role in naming them so. On the third day of Holi...