Third and the last day of my trip.Next day we had to leave in the evening. Nothing was scheduled for today, After some suggestions from Hotel staff it was decided to go to Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. It was 3hr drive from our hotel to the gurudwara which was known for his natural geysers.

At 10 am we left from our hotel. Trip was not like rohtang pass trip, Gurudwara is located way down than the place we were staying. So all the time it was going to be downward journey almost.

But something else was destined to happen , Like my Paragliding was not scheduled so was this. After some 30min Drive our driver stopped the car on the banks of river Byas. River Rafting was the next thing to be added in bucket list though i had never thought of it in Manali.

Head gears and equipments were standing , like they were waiting for me only. It was drizzling and to do Rafting in this condition was quite a daring thing. It has been raining in Manali from last 3 days , fresh snow had fallen. I wanted to do it and at same time was scared. It was not because of the heavy flow of water or rain or the big giant ripples of the water. It was just a thought of that CHILLED WATER which was coming right from the mountains and was much freezing than the previous days.

But i had decided to do it. I paid Rs 2000 for a couple and Rs 100 extra per person for the water proof clothes. Head gear and jacket was included in the price. Me and my wife were going alone in a boat with the trainer. Though more people could be added but we were short of time and had to leave for Manikaran.

Trainer was sitting on the chair in the end of the boat. He told us to hold the ropes going from the side and middle of the boat. I was still scared of the freezing cold water. And the journey started. I had opted for a 7 Km ride.

 

Atleast i was lucky enough in one thing. Trainer and other staff had already told us that you wont be thrown or allowed to jump in the water like it is done in Rishikesh which is also considered as best of places for River rafting. One big reason for this were big stones present in the river. My simple line to them “Boss, Neither i want to do it so dont worry ” .

That day i realised how to kill your fear. Transfer your attention and help somebody to kill his fear. And here that somebody was my wife. She was also scared of the whole adventure.

 

In the whole trip i kept on guiding her. Bend yourself a forward for a little bit , it will help you when ripple would come and you wont fall in water. Whenever the high tides coming one word was coming loud “Bend”. I was also doing the same and saving myself also.

We had saved ourself from falling into water. But water was in different mood. That high tides had taken the vengeance and they have entered in my clothes from wherever possible.

Though its a natural phenomenon, freezing water is felt for only once after that it numbs the part it touches and that cooling sensation is dead. Same happened with us. 1st km of our 7 km had done its job and now we could enjoy to fullest.

After 7 Km we stopped and we had lived the 2nd best moment of our trip. Driver was waiting for us there.

Time to move to onward journey “Manikaran Gurudwara”

First thing done, Facebook status updated #Bucketlist #Rafting #AddedandUnchecked

Want to to do it again.

It was the time to visit the most famous of destinations in Manali, Hidimba Temple Manali. My hotel was very near to it just 1km away. So it was a backpack ride towards it.

That day i realised how different it is to walk 1km in delhi and 1km in manali. It seemed like i had walked atleast 5km. Had to stop after every 5min to regain my breath. Yes it took me more than 15min atleast to reach there while same distance in delhi i would have covered in less than 15min. All in all only one reason was the slopes and inclined roads of Manali.

After some time when i reached there. My first encounter was with same ladies who were carrying Rabbits in their lap. Though these ladies were not the same i had met in van vihar,but job and maybe reasons were same. I skipped them and moved forward.

 

This was the First view of Hidimba Temple to me. Long que to enter into the temple. I told my wife to stand in the Que and i will have a look of whole complex. Me and My camera were ready to shoot.

 

Hidden beneath Deodar tree. All standing like a guard to Hidimba Devi. Who is considered as the sacred deity for Manali people.

All wood temple, wood carvings give it an aesthetic look. terrace or call it a roof made in pagoda Style like of Nepal temples.Sanctum covered with three tiered roof constructed of  narrow wooden planks placed one over the other. Lower one forming a shape of canopy and on the top a metal finial forming the fourth roof standing like an umbrella. The facade and windows of three sides of temple were richely carved with figures of Deities and animal figures.

 

My wife was nearing the gate to enter into the temple. I joined her there.

Something very unusual was there in the construction of this temple. I had seen wooden carvings but what i missed was in the front of the temple.

 

These thorns glued to my attention. A temple ornamented with thorns. What type of beautification is this. Though its very common in india to witness this type of Decorations. But is it that necessary?

All around the Hidimba Devi Temple, These thorns were placed like Medal of Honour by the king Raja Bahadur SIngh who Built this temple in 1553.

This scene had forced me to think, Now we are making laws to save the endangered species. But what to do of them who had started this culture to decorate a sacred place by Killing the Animals. It was sad picture and for me now suddenly all the beauty faded. Why they killed them, what type of decoration is it.Is it the only way to show your Sacredness.

 

I was about to reach the entry gate. I had a glimpse of the gate and it was a surprise. A window at my home is bigger than the gate of Hidimba Devi temple entry gate. Couldnt understand the concept behind such a miniature size door.

It is said Hidimba Devi had the power to increase and decrease the size of her. May be this reason had made the king to shorten the door to the minimum of level.May be they wanted to put her there forever forcibly. But it was just what me and my wife were whispering. Nothing like that it is a fact. We were just enjoying the moment.

Camera was not allowed inside the main premises. So no pictures of inside. But yes something could tell is.

Two priest were sitting, small statue or can say miniatured size again. But yes there was inverter facility for the priest if light went off. Though only a single bulb was lightning the premises.

In the end i had mixed feelings towards the visit. Was happy to visit Hidimba Devi Temple, but at the same time a bit of anger towards Raja Bahardur Singh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My driver had told me about this restaurant. They serve Rajma(kidney beans) and rice which is my favourite.

I was dying to go there. And my wish came to reality when i visited Hidimba devi Temple, Manali. Green forest cafe manali is just some 30-40 stairs down from Hidimba Devi temple. I asked some people again about its location. They do guided me but asked me also “if i wanted to have Momo of them” I said No i want to eat Rajma Rice.

Its a restaurant run by a Himachali Family. Maintaining in their home only run by family members.

But disappointment was waiting of me, as i reached there. They do cook Rajma rice but they have not started it yet as its not a full season time and they cook Rajma rice only in season time. Disappointment had struck me at many parts specially my stomach.

My wife suggested me lets try MOMO. Everybody was saying of their Momo. So i decided lets have it and ordered one full plate veg momo and cold coffee.

 

” We Prepare And Serve Food By Heart, We Respect Your Hurry But For That Also We Need Time ”

This board of them was upto the mark. As they knew there preparation they knew how much time they are going to take , but i dint knew. But soon i realised when it has already taken 10min and i was sitting with just a glass of water in my hand. I am used to Delhi, Where you order Momo and they are on your table in less than 5min.

 

first thing to come on my table was this bowl full of Red chilli sauce prepared in Tomato gravy.

Trust me this was the most challenging thing i have ever eaten. Just for a try i tried a little bit. I was speechless as it was so chilli that i couldnt speak a word. I just needed something sweet in mouth. My first word to my wife were “Challenge somebody to taste one spoon full of this sauce” you will have to run otherwise your are murdered.

May be Green forest cafe staff were aware of this situation before also. so the next thing to come was my Cold coffee. My all time favourite in Cold coffe had been Barista’s Frappe. But this coffee was far more better and in a single sip it had topped my charts. Seems like there was hardly any drop of water except the drops outside the glass.

Then after some 20mins, Momo came. It was the best of momo’s i had ever tasted. Freshly prepared soft like foam, too soft to hold and too hot. But i was tasting something very different. All those to whom we have asked of location have told us about there Momo and now i was getting their point.

It was not over. I ordered one Pizza Toast as well then. It also took same time but now i had accustomed myself to the situation. In the mean time me and my wife saw something very lovely and clicked something very freshening, which added some amazing memories

 

These two kids added some more liveliness to the environment. These pics were clicked by my wife , as she was running to ask there name and they were too shy to speak anything.

Then the best thing of the day arrived. Pizza toast (Sorry no pics clicked as i was busy in eating and forgot to click). Just like their other dishes it was also something whose taste i can still feel.

Truely a place not to be missed by anybody who visit Manali.

And If you want to have fun , “Challenge somebody to taste one spoon full of this sauce” but do prepare yourself, have faith on your legs and Run.

 

 

My this blog is about a place which is known as a Film shooting destination in Manali and because of that reason is now considered as tourist spot.

Kothi Village Manali , considered as the favourite destination for the Bollywood movie makers in the Manali region. All the time my driver was boasting of this place. I just asked why a village is in the list of tourist destinations. He said nothing sir you wont find anything special there but due to being a Bollywood movie paradise it has gained status of tourist destination.

 

Though a beautiful place to be. I had my stopover there for some minutes , as my parachute landed there. And it was must for me to regain myself.

There was nothing much to see or something which i could write. So i decided to click some pics and have a blog from a photographers eye. But i would accept that place has got some aura in it. A small village, placed like a cup in between some mountains which adds the exceptions to it from the rest of places.

I asked my driver if any shooting is going on – “presently No”. I had a sigh of relief because i have seen film shootings before also and i know what chaos they generate and how boring it is. I was finding myself to be lucky to have not seen a film shooting. Just loving it.

 

Some 3 bused passed , it was getting tough to capture this pic. But luck favours the brave and who is patient enough to wait for the right moment. Thankfully no other vehicle came in between which were stopping me in my previous efforts.

Now what to say of this pic. This is the real beauty of Kothi village.

 

This Piece of Rock attracted me most. Was lying just under the tyre of my car, shining like gold.

I realised that day, How easy it is for me to regain myself from any situation. I had flown in air for some 7-8min travelled around 2000fts in air. Needed to regain myself, and the medicine was my Nikon D5100 camera.

Just a 20min of halt at Kothi. Day was getting over and now it was the time to explore some new food joints.

One was suggested by my driver and i was dying to be there as it was going to serve my Favourite Rajma (kidney beans) an Rice , consiered as National food of Manali.

 

I was returning from Rohtang pass. While going there i had seen it and had told my driver to stop when coming back. Butterflies were there in my stomach , i was making my mind and making myself strong to say YES for a life time moment. It was paragliding.

Before that we stopped for a very beautiful Fall “Rahla Fall”. Dont know from where it was coming. Half of fall was frozen and water was coming beneath the ice.

 

An awesome scene. Chilled and clean water. Tried to stand barefoot but was possible for a second or so. But i satisfied my curiosity.

 

 

I was in a hurry to test myself for Paragliding. So dint stopped much at Rahla fall and moved forward. After some 15min i reached the spot where paragliders were gathered. Trainers were stopping everbody.

My driver told me that its the place where you can be in air for the maximum of minutes. Ya it is for minutes only an they were charging Rs 2000 for a person.

My wife was going adamant, not to do that but i wanted to do it. Trainer told us everything how they are going to take us into air. They were very helpfull. We took our time and stopped there for a while and saw other people going for it an how trainer was.

Trainer just gave me one straight suggestion ” Sir this is a lifetime experience and dont know when you are going to come back , you will be scared for only that much of seconds till the time your legs are touching earth an once you are in air you will have no option just to enjoy the moment ” an i loved his suggestion.

And suddenly one voice came “LETS DO IT”…. It was my wife who gave the Nod and now we were ready to go.

 

I decided to send my wife first , as she would get scared if i went first and if she denied to do afterwards i wouldnt be able to help as i would be in Air.

It was simple , we sat in a seat. Trainer was string attached to us and he was standing.He opened the parachute and just said one thing ” Mam Raise your Legs a bit” .

In a second my wife was in air and i could see her smiling and waving. I was just clicking pics of her and in some seconds she was far off.

 

Now it was my turn. Same was going to happen to me. Life in Air in the Hands of a stranger. And my life was suddenly worth of only Rs 2000 , that is what i paid to them for one person.

This guy said same lines and i was in the air. And his suggestion was true to every word. Now i had no option just to enjoy. Once i was in air that seat gripped me hard with pressure and i was comfortable like sitting on a small couch just without a back.

 

paragliding – over the top

 

His same lines came again. Sir Raise your legs. I just raised a bit and slowly he touched the ground and made me sit on the ground. Not a single hitch.

Just before i was landing i was thinking what will happen when i will touch the ground. But it was smooth like anything i could have imagined.

For some 7-8 min i was in Air .

It was that moment of my life when i had reached to the extremes of my life. Being scared, Enjoyed to the utmost , happiness and something which i had never thought that i would be able to do “paragliding”.

But i did it. Me and My wife were on cloud 9.

This was something which was not in my bucketlist but it topped my list of experiences.

Trust me ” Now i want to do it Again ”