This hill station fell off Colonial India's map

From vibrant foliage to scenic lakes and a thriving tribal culture, Saputara isn't your typical hill station with a British Raj hangover. Drop by for a slice of serenity, oodles of traditional warmth and artsy handmade souvenirs

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the British scanned India's topography, they didn't miss an inch. To escape the unforgiving Indian summer, they converted scenic locations, atop majestic mountains, into hill stations.

Saputara is perfect for a weekend escape with its lush foliage, less crowds and a rustic vibe. Pics/C Gangadharan Menon

They named vantage points in these hill stations after British aristocracy, its officers and surveyors of senior rank: Lodwick Point, Wilson Point, Arthur's Seat, Babington Point, Kate's Point are a few that come to mind.

During their surveys, they seem to have missed out on Saputara. Little wonder then, Saputara comes across as a hill-station sans the signature Raj-inspired touch no colonial mansions and tiled bungalows with patio furniture and huge verandahs, and no points and alleys that carry an English flavour.

Small and loving it

Though it's the only hill-station in Gujarat, it's less hyped when compared to Lonavala, Matheran and Mahabaleshwar. It covers such a small area that you can walk into yourself at the next turn!

Waterfalls are a common sight

At 3,000 feet above sea level, it's the second highest plateau in the Sahydari stretch of the Western Ghats. It has many points that have simple names: Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Echo Point and Town-view Point. In fact, one of the points has a patriotic feel too, Gandhi Shikhar!

In Saputara, most attractions centre on the lake. It offers an innocuous pleasure: boating. But the ripples of excitement that your paddle creates spread around the lake and engulf the entire plateau.

Nearby, there are vast forests to explore. It's rumoured that Ram spent 11 out of his 14 years of exile in these parts. As you scour these roads and forests, you will agree that it might not be such a bad place to be exiled to!

Flower beds like these add to Saputara's visual appeal

After your fill of the wild, one's attention veers to places where nature has been tamed. Flora that would have grown wild has been pruned and shaped into submission.

Honestly, we are of the belief that manicuring a garden is in fact a kind of cruelty to plants. On a brighter note, birds and butterflies, unaware of the tragedy befallen their green brethren, abound in large numbers here: Lake Garden, Step Garden, Rose Garden and the Millennium Garden.

The Snake Connect
Saputara earned its name from the tribals who live nearby: Warlis, Bhils and Gamits.

Every year on Nagpanchami, they make their way towards the Sarpaganga River to worship the snakes here; hence the name 'Saputara'.

Till this story was revealed, I believed that Saputara earned its name for the serpentine roads one had to negotiate to reach this paradise!

The Tribal Museum offers a glimpse into their lives and showcases their amazing artistry: ornaments, paintings, masks, wood carvings, musical instruments and exquisite bamboo handicrafts.

Winter Bliss

In winter, Saputara looks like a secret wrapped in mystery. Curtains of mist reveal and hide lakes, streams, mountains, woodlands and waterfalls.

The most beautiful of these waterfalls is the one on the Gira River. As you near this cascading waterfall you realise that no two moments appear the same.

The water that falls every moment, like time, will never come back. It flows forward to meet the sea, eventually. Reason enough for that much-needed weekend retreat?

3,000
The height in feet above sea level at which Saputara is located. It
is the second highest plateau in the Sahyadris, the northern section of the Western Ghats.

How to get there

If you are coming from the Western side, take the Western Express Highway up to Chikhli that's a little beyond Valsad.

Turn right and drive to Saputara via Vansda and Waghai.

If you are driving from the Central Suburbs, take the road to Nashik; just before you hit Nashik, turn left and take the road to Saputara via Vani.

Cold wave intensifies, heavy snowfall in Himachal, Jammu

New Delhi: Heavy snowfall paralysed normal life in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The Kashmir Valley remained cut off from the rest of the country as snowfall blocked the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and delayed all scheduled flights to the Valley.

In Himachal Pradesh, the key tourist resort of Manali and other higher mountains in Kullu are experiencing the heaviest snowfall of the season while mid and high hills of Himachal Pradesh were hit by intermittent moderate snowfall.

In Uttarakhand, more than 100 villages have been covered with snow in Garhwal region. In remote areas many link roads have been blocked following the snowfall and rain. Supply of essential commodities has also been affected in far-flung areas of the state. Power supply has been also affected in many parts of the state.

Source: http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/NAT-TOP-cold-wave-intensifies-as-heavy-snowfall-in-himachal-jammu-2758985.html?HT1a=

Saputara - Hill Station Pictures

Heavy snowfall cuts off Jammu and Kashmir from rest of India

Children throw snowballs at each other in Kashmir.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/heavy-snowfall-cuts-off-valley-from-rest-of-india/1/168998.html

Heavy snowfall across Kashmir on Sunday morning led to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway - the only road link that connects the Valley to the rest of India.

The government, however, seemed prepared for the situation. Kashmir divisional commissioner Asgar Samoon said the closure of the road will not affect the supply of essential commodities to the region.

He said rice, wheat and sugar had already been lifted by the J&K government from Food Corporation of India godowns. Also, the mechanical engineering department had started clearing the snow from the roads.

Srinagar has received eight inches of snow so far, and more is falling. But it did not trip the electricity supply this time.

At places, children could be seen throwing snowballs at each other even though the minimum temperature dipped to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius in the city.

The army's snow and avalanche study establishment issued a medium-danger avalanche warning for the higher reaches of Khilanmarg, Uri, Chowkibal, Tangdar, Keran, Macchil and Gurez sectors.


Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/heavy-snowfall-cuts-off-valley-from-rest-of-india/1/168998.html

Himachal hill resorts pounded by heavy snow

Shimla: The gathering western disturbance lashed much of North India, tightening its grip on the cold wave prevailing in the region as most hill stations today reported a heavy bout of snowfall through the day that intensified as night approached.

Manali in a snow jam

While it has been snowing at Jakhoo Hill in Shimla for most of the day, the fall began to accumulate snow at lower elevations as the day progressed, paralyzing normal life for besides some adventurous tourists others preferred to stay by the fireside indoors.

Vehicular traffic that had barely began to limp back to normalcy as the district administration pressed in heavy machinery to open up snow bound roads have come to a grinding halt.

The weatherman while sounding an alert for higher hills has issued an advisory of not venturing out as the intensity of the western disturbance was only likely to weaken only by Monday evening.

Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Narkanda, Kufri and the tribal regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti were being pounded by tons of snowflakes, driving all life indoors.

With the snowfall continuing, the met office by afternoon had recorded 11 cm at Shimla, 15 cm at Manali, 21 cm at Kalpa and 20 cm at Keylong.

Shimla recorded a days’ high temperature at 4 degree Celsius while the low was 2.6 degree Celsius.

At Keylong, the district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti it was freezing conditions as the temperatures dipped to minus 8.1 degree Celsius and the days high touched a bare 1 degree Celsius.

The days low temperature at Kalpa was minus 3 degree Celsius and at Manali it was minus 1.4 degree Celsius.

The lower hills were lashed by heavy to moderate rains through the day as the weatherman forecast more rain over the next 24 hours.

North India remains under the grip of severe cold

North India continued to reel under the bitter chill today as Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir recorded its coldest night of this winter and icy winds swept several parts of the region.

The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar last night was minus 7.8 deg C, which was the coldest night this winter.

The previous low was recorded at minus 5.5 deg C, a MeT official said.

Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, was freezing at minus 13.6 deg C, making it the second coldest place in the Valley after Gulmarg, the official said.

While Gulmarg, famous as a skiing resort, recorded a low of minus 15.2 deg C, Kokernag resort in south Kashmir recorded minus 13.0 deg C followed by Pahalgam at minus 12.2 deg C.

Kargil town in Ladakh region was the coldest place in Kashmir division with a minimum temperature of minus 17.2 deg C. Kargil had yesterday recorded its coldest night of this winter at minus 19.6 deg C.

Leh town, also in Ladakh region, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 13.6 deg C, the official said.

The plains of Punjab and Haryana also remained the grip of the cold wave where Narnaul was the coldest at 2 deg C.

Hisar, too, experienced a cold night at 4 deg C, down four notches, while Karnal shivered at 4.4 deg C, three below normal. The minimum temperature at Ambala and Bhiwani was recorded at 6.7 deg C and 5.6 deg C, respectively.

Cold winds swept Chandigarh where the low settled at 5.4 deg C. In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a low of 4.8 deg C followed by Patiala at 5.3 deg C and Ludhiana at 6.2 deg C.

The weather office, meanwhile, warned of heavy rainfall, snowfall and hail storms in various parts of Himachal Pradesh during the next 48 hours.

Cold wave prevailed in the hill state despite marginal rise in mercury as strong icy winds continued to sweep the region.

The high altitude tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh reeled under biting cold wave with the minimum temperatures ranging between minus 17 and minus 28 deg C.

Natural sources of water like lakes, springs, rivulets and tributaries of small rivers remained frozen in these areas.

The cold wave also maintained its grip over Rajasthan.

While Churui Churu recorded 1.5 deg C, Dabok recorded 3.2 deg C, Vanasthali 3.4 deg C, Sawaimadhopur 4.8 deg C, Pilani 5.5 deg C and Bundi 5.8 deg C respectively.

In the eastern front, Belghar at Odisha’s Kandhamal district shivered at minus three deg C as cold wave affected the entire district.

The famous tourist destination of Daringbadi recorded a minimum temperature of minus two deg C followed by minus one deg each at Simanbadi and Greenbadi, official sources said.

Layers of ice were seen at many places in Belaghar, Daringbadi and other places causing immense hardship to the common people particularly the poor and homeless.

Kotagarh, Tumudibandh, Raikia, Baliguda, Tikabali and Sarangagada also in Kandhamal district recorded temperature between two to three deg C.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2801351.ece

Season of whiteouts and blackouts

Despite the calm in the Valley and spurt of life, hardship continues to colour a Kashmiri’s fate, says Riyaz Wani

Snow has swamped the Valley with fury this winter. It is back to the days of endless white vistas, frozen streets and deep, leaden skies that add to the teeth-chattering chill. However, what made headlines this winter was not the scenic beauty or the harsh weather conditions but the power blackout, which engulfed Jammu and Kashmir and its Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s desperate efforts to restore basic amenities while struggling with the fallout of the killing of a youth during a protest outside the NHPC hydel project in Uri against the lack of electricity.

The snow this year also symbolises the restoration of normality in Valley rather than as an add-on to the sufferings caused by the unremitting cycle of bloodshed. Director General of Police Kuldip Khoda is already on record saying that violence in J&K had declined to an all-time low in 2011.

In the last two decades of relentless turbulence, snow and the consequent dip in temperature piled on the state’s miseries. Snowing pummeled Waltengo in south Kashmir toppling an entire village clinging up the hillside. The woes further compounded after the October 8, 2005 trembler, which shook Kashmir across the Line of Control—the state’s lingering political fault line—killing more then 80,000 people.

But this year, snow, its ferocity notwithstanding, is at the centre of recovery and revival of Kashmir after many a bleeding dry seasons. It has, for once, unfolded as a pure process of healing; a Chronicle of Narnia in inversion presided over by a benign ‘White Witch’ exorcising the demons of the past, but not necessarily. Like previous winters, snow can end up as little more than a physical whitewash again exposing the scars and wounds as it recedes.

At 8,960 feet, Gulmarg, Kashmir’s last frontier of snow, is teeming with tourists. According to the Department of Tourism, hotels in the famous hill resort enjoy high occupancy, a rarity over the last two decades. The place also has the world’s highest golf course making it a premier tourist and sporting destination even during summers. However, Gulmarg has an uneasy political pedigree as well. It was here in the yellowest of autumn on August 9, 1953, when J&K’s legendary leader Sheikh Abdullah was arrested, plunging the state in a lingering political uncertainty since. From here, the state headed straight into the deep chill of winter. The winters that followed were peaceful but edgy.

In the past 20 years, however, winters in the Valley have been the most cruel—grey and faraway landscape lingering in terrifying silence before being overtaken by the sweeping hush of snow. Those were the winters, many of them smotheringly snow-bound and some suffocatingly snowless, when violence was rampant. The siege of Hazratbal, one of Kashmir’s most revered shrines, virtually locked up the freezing Valley for six weeks. When Charar-i-Sharief, the sacred shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint was burnt in the two- month-long stand-off between militants and security forces, it triggered widespread mayhem. And when backwaters of Hajin, the stronghold of the dreaded counter-insurgency outfit Ikhwanul Muslimoon, sizzled with the horror of revenge.

Perhaps, more than any other season winters have a way of imprinting themselves on the mind and on the collective psyche too—in Kashmir’s case. Memories drift along the frosty air, of the hills fraught with trouble, of the roads ruled by dread, and of the earth held fast by the prickly concertina rolls, lest it cut loose.

The memory goes further back, to peaceful times when snow came drifting in discreet masses of dark flakes before filling up the courtyard with a white fluff and changing the topography further afield.

A typical winter tale, told by the elders to a young audience snuggled in the quilt, would be about Heemal and Nagrai, Kashmir’s own mythical star-crossed lovers; Gul Raze, a Kashmiri epic of love, or about the Valley’s own versions of witches and ghosts lurking in the dark, snow-covered streets. Kashmir has a tradition of folktales going back 900 years when Kathasaritsagara (ocean of tales) was composed by Somadev. The stories created a supernatural aura about the environment and turned foggy white expanses into a fairytale world. In fact, Kashmiris of pre-89 stock have their individual recollections of the defining archetypal images of snow that bind Kashmiris.

It is while reminiscing about these days that the Kashmiri poet and Jnanpith Award winner Rehman Rahi writes: “Snows melt, winds blew, orchards blossomed; O, spring do affirm that this land too is witness to better days.” The octogenarian Rahi talks about the tradition of Kitabkhanas (raconteurs) in his youthful days. “People invited Kitabkhanas on snowy nights. He read and sang Kashmiri folktales from the books till dawn. Neighbours and extended family were invited and winter delicacies served,” he says.

In Kashmir, winters start with bonfires made out of flaming Chinar leaves. The smoke that virtually hangs from the twining branches like an endearing spell. The smoke is also the final signal that it is only a few days before the remaining Chinar leaves are shed and soon dark clouds will hover over the now barren lands and impregnate them with snow.

However, all this was before Kashmir’s winters exploded in piercing wails followed sounds of gunfire through the frigid villages and cities, and in bodies floating down the river Jhelum. Living behind slammed doors, Kashmiris forgot to look up the snow falling out the window, appreciate the pointed rows of icicles under the eaves or the glaze of frost on bare branches. That was before snow fell again this year.

This year the Valley seemed redeemed—it’s been the calmest in years, which is reflected in the calm in the air and fresh inflow of the tourists. “This winter there has been a substantive increase in the tourist arrivals to Kashmir. Snow in Kashmir is certainly a story in its own right now,” says Director Tourism Farooq Shah. “We are getting well-paying tourists, both domestic and foreign, who can fly to Kashmir and have the means to brave the Valley’s harsh winter.”

Snow in Kashmir is also important for its novelty for almost 99 per cent of Indians. And with increasing rail and air link to the mainland, the state hopes to become a winter tourism hub. “This winter has been a good beginning. We look forward to the future with hope,” adds Shah.

However, for all its metaphorical dimensions and its conspicuous boost in tourism, snow is a hard fact of life for an average Kashmiri. More so when it falls in the period of Chillai-Kalan, the Valley’s own presiding winter deity—pursuit of the means to keep homes warm takes precedence over everything else. Sale of Kangris—traditional Kashmiri fire-stove—gas and electric heaters shoots up.

Despite the mad rush to seek shelter from the cold, problems persist. For, no matter what one does, the merciless chill finds its way in through the thick curtains on the doors and polythene-sealed windows. The effect is accentuated by the frozen water pipes, unreliable electric supply and, of course, the shortage of essential commodities such as cooking gas and kerosene oil.

“Snow fell in the Valley on 4 January. It is eight days since but our village is still without power,” says Khurshid Ahmad Ganai from North Kashmir village of Dangiwacha. “Our taps don’t run. The women have to go back to the village spring to fetch water. We face severe hardships.”

Source: tehelka.com

Savor the Most Gratifying Munnar Tour with Its Superb Rated Hotels

Munnar is a well considered paradise like green hill station of Kerala. This charming popular hill resort is mostly enticed by the beauty of the vast tea plantations is one of the main unique attraction of this God’s own country. It is a beautiful town set on the confluence of the three mountain streams which add to the glory and charm in the region has captures the attention of every tourist travelers to take a breath in its scintillating haven of peace and tranquility. Accordingly it had attracted lots of tourist by its magnetizing spell bound and it is now the most wanted favorite hill stations of India to be found.

This stimulating hill station is honor for its outstanding remarkable charm and spell binding gratification given by it to every tourist visitors. Munnar travel guide can help you to relish some of the enticing interesting spots like Pothamedu, Devikulam, Mattupetty and Eravikulam National Park etc are the main sightseeing attractions of Munnar. Some other places like Attukal and Nyayamakad are also visited by most of the tourist. The resplendent beauty enthralled with the pleasant weather and pleasing atmosphere makes it the best holiday spot for relaxation and rejuvenate life.

Pothamedu

It is one of the rolling hills of Munnar well noted for its tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. This small village is located just about 6 km from Munnar and is one of the widely attracted ideal trekking and hiking site. It is quite tempting site and so without experience of its stay and long mountain walk one cannot fulfill its trip. There are also some of the best rated resorts available like the Resorts in Munnar are located in this particular sight. You can book them and enjoy dual satisfaction and delight both from its surrounding attractions as well as its hospitality of the hill top resorts.

Marayoor

This district is also a well sought out tourist interested site for accommodation and leisure spending. It is a natural enchanting beautified place with rich culture and heritage. Many special and delicious foods are also available in this place.

These are the two interesting places where you can look for accommodations besides Munnar city.  Hotels of this particular hill station are best noted for its ayurvedic treatment and massages that are facilitated almost in every hotels and resorts. They are also known for the best hospitality, comforts and quality exquisite hotels available in Kerala.

The place is loved by most of the tourist of different categories irrespective of the age. It is also well known as the honeymoon paradise by the honeymoon escapers for its intimacy with its site. The place has been a great help to every visitors by imprinting everlasting mesmerizing impressive memories to be cherished and relish of its lovely moments in future.

Shimla and Kerala Holiday

Holidays in Shimla and Kerala with your loved ones will give you an unforgettable experience for sure. Shimla in North and Kerala in South of India are the two popular holiday destinations in the country.

Shimla and Kerala are the most visited holiday destinations in India. These places are in fact the favorite destinations among the tourists and vacationers for spending holidays. Well, if you are planning to visit Shimla and Kerala during holidays then with the help of holiday packages you can make your trip enjoyable and memorable for lifetime.

Shimla is the picturesque hill station of Himachal Pradesh. This hill station is one of the best places to enjoy holidays with your near and dear ones. For nature lovers, it is a perfect place to spend vacations. In the lap of nature, people love to feel relaxed and get refreshed. The cool air of the mountains, snow covered mountain peaks and wonderful attractions of Shimla make this place popular. If you are spending your vacations in Shimla then you will find no other place better than this hill station to refresh your mind, body and soul.

Some of the tourist places in Shimla which are worth visiting are the Mall, Jakhu Temple, Summer Hill and Christ Church. Furthermore, to add fun and excitement to your holiday trip, you can indulge in number of adventure sports activities etc. Shimla tour packages will provide you with ample of opportunity to enjoy at this hill station with your loved ones.

Kerala is a glorious place in Southern part of India where one can get ultimate holiday experience. It attracts vacationers from all across the world. This place is truly a green paradise on earth with amazing attractions. In this God’s own country, one can enjoy everything that includes the beaches, hill stations; backwaters etc.The best way to enjoy holidays in Kerala is to get Kerala holiday packages.

Kerala is mainly famous for its backwaters which draw people to enjoy their vacations here. The houseboats are the best way to enjoy the charm of backwater cruise. Houseboats have become the popular attraction now in Kerala which are beautiful interior. Also, Kerala is famous for its hill stations. The most popular hill station of Kerala is Munnar.

Munnar is a splendid hill station to enjoy vacations. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty along with the fragrance of tea plantations. This hill station is rich in flora and fauna so you can see variety of them here.