Deoria Tal Trek, Uttarakhand

Deoria Tal was a part of my trip to Garhwal: Delhi-Haridwar-Rudraprayag -Chopta-Tungnath Temple-Chopta –Sari- Ukimath -Haridwar-Delhi. But without a separate narration of my trek for Deoria Tal, it would be sheer injustice to the beauty of the place and sheer fatigue it caused us to reach there – remember I had already conquered Tungnath temple trek and was defeated by Chandrashila peak the same day.

Children at Sari village which is the beginning point of Deoria Tal trek

The Garhwal ranges of Himalayas posses many treasures of nature which are bestowed with unparallel beauty. Deoria Tal is one among such vista's which captivates you with its irresistible allure. I had read before going there that at a height of 3200 meters, Deoria Tal's crystalline water offers a spell bound images of its beautiful surroundings. But then; let me assure you there was nothing like that…well it’s not that people lie…it was just that it got overcast the day we went there.

View of Deoria Tal, if not for overcast weather Chaukhamba and Kedarnath peak of Himalayas are visible from this angle

The pond was a small one since the water level had receded (probably due to the fact that it was pre monsoon). There was no reflection of the Chaukhamba peak in its azure water – remember it was cloudy that day :-) Still there was something magical and transforming about the place. It was just like you open the wardrobe and step outside into a world full of snow and beauty and an array of enchanting aspects of nature (remember Narnia). The surroundings were suddenly transformed; as if a Rand al Thor by opening a gateway has transferred us to a distant place (Not really Seanchan though).

Although the trail is well paved, gradient is quite steep when you climb to Deoria Tal

After walking a climb of such tough gradient and exhausting all the spirit that we had (literally and metaphorically), reaching Deoria Tal was as if Hermione had by a sweep of a magic wand has brought into effect her spell ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ lifting our spirit (literally). What eternity (yes each moment passed like that while I was toiling) of rest en route couldn’t do to our spirit, saturated our being as the sight of emerald landscape greeted us as we reached Deoria Tal.

It’s a serene place in the true sense of the word. Not much to distract your sight or senses except captivating sights and literally no sound. A journey which lets you drift afloat except that you could hear your own footstep and for that matter even your heartbeats and the wonder of it all is that the pace is just normal even though you have undertook one of the most arduous journeys of your life. I guess this is they say life is lived in moments. More than that, I believe it is the fleeting moments which arrive every once in a while in the journey that each of us has to undertake – a journey called life – which makes us feel…to steal a phrase again…’an unbearable lightness of being’. It release us…it’s so good …and yes traveling is good coz in the first place we are all travelers and each journey that we undertake is invariably a personal quest.

Nowadays arrangements are quite good in terms of camping and dining at Deoria Tal

As for the legends, it is believed that the Devas bathed in this lake hence the name, the lake is also sometimes believed to be the "Indra Sarovar" referred to in the Puranas by wandering, Hindu mendicants Sadhus. It is also believed that it was the place from where the Pandavas (remember Mahabharata they were the set of most pathetic character but that’s a philosophical and ideo-logical debate which is best avoided here) were asked queries by Yaksha. The lake is surrounded in a soothingly inclined field bounded by a deep wood cover. Set majestically in the lap of the magnificent mountain peaks, Deoria Tal is a popular destination among the challenging lots.

And as for the facts, the accommodation in Sari – from where the trek to Deoria Tal begins – is very cheap and also plentiful considering the very small inflow of tourists. There are quite a few cozy guest houses. Food served is mostly traditional but eggs and omelette are also available. As for the transportation it took around an hour to reach Sari from Chopta (private taxi)…not long but winding road. On our return journey we took state bus for Rishikesh which is not at all recommended as the journey consumes your entire day.

This post was contributed by Chandra81. If you want to contribute your travel story and tips, please feel free to contact me.

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Top 5 Summer Holiday Destinations in India

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” ~ Bill Bryson

Whether you are the intrepid back-packer variant seduced by the serene white expanse of the mighty Himalayas, or just a wanderlust-stricken traveler wishing to lose yourself in the “otherworldly” wonders of Mother Nature, hill stations in India during summer holidays offer perfect retreats to experience heaven on earth.

Summer vacations offer one of the best opportunities to spend some quality time with your family members, friends or colleagues. Owing to the amazing geographical diversity, India is blessed with an array of hill stations which are renowned for their spectacular summer vacation packages. Hill stations in India provide heavenly retreat far from the heat, sun and din of the hustle and bustle of life in cities. Here’s a compilation of the top 5 summer holiday destinations in India making up for a blissful travel experience.

Ladakh

Considered to be the final frontier for adventure tourist, Ladakh literally meaning land of high passes is the highest plateau in the state of Kashmir in India with most of its region above the height of 3000 meters above sea level. Isolation due to its extreme location and toils of climate and altitude has ensured an almost medieval way of life in Ladakh.

The sparsely populated valley of Ladakh is known for its snow covered mountain peaks, high altitude desert landscape, medieval culture and Buddhist monasteries. Snuggled between two sprawling mountains ranges, Ladakh offers an array of adventure tourism activities. Among the popular places of tourist interest include Leh, Drass valley, Suru valley, Kargil, Zangskar, Zangla, Rangdum, Padum, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Changthang and Nubra Valley.

Ladakh is a picture perfect place with its high altitude desert-esque landscapes and one of the best places for landscape photography in India

Shimla

Situated amidst the verdant hills and valleys in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is fondly referred to as ‘the Queen of Hill Stations’. It was when during colonial era British made Shimla their favored retreat and winter capital that Shimla shot into global fame. The distinct colonial flavor is still redolent in the ambiance of this sleepy hill station in India located in Himachal, a popular trekking destination in India. 

Shimla is one of the favored honeymoon destinations in India owing to tranquil environs and picturesque landscapes surrounding this hill down. Sweeping view of the undulating mountains and rolling valleys add to the romance of the urban oasis. Major attractions in the city include State Museum, Summer Temple, the Ridge and the Mall, Christ Church and Tara Devi temple. As you embark of local sightseeing, you could not but witness the seamless amalgamation of British influence and Indian culture and traditions making up for the irresistible allure of the city.

Frozen in Time: Streets of Shimla after Snowfall

Manali

Popularly known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Manali’s picturesque location amidst the scenic Himalayan Mountain Range by the Beas River and an array of trekking trails makes it a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The landscape at Manali is breathtaking with Beas River meandering through the town and panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks dotted with pine and deodar trees and lush fruit orchards.

Surrounded by incredible scenery of mountains, rivers and waterfalls, this hill station in India attracts all sorts of people like nature lovers, vacationers, honeymooners and adventure lovers. One can also enjoy different adventure sports here like trekking, skiing, river rafting, mountaineering, etc. The climate of Manali is predominantly cold during winters and moderately cool during summers.

Snow Capped Mountains near Rohtang Pass in Manali which is one of the post popular attractions

Darjeeling

“Flowers are everywhere. The days are cold and the sun almost seems to play hide and seek with us” ~ Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore

Nestled in the rolling mountains where the towering Kanchenjunga paints the canvas of azure sky, Darjeeling located in West Bengal is renowned for its tea gardens and tea industry which are revered by connoisseurs of tea around the world. Darjeeling rose into prominence after British annexed it and transformed it into sleepy Victorian Township during mid 1800s. The remnant of the colonial charm which suffuses this mesmerizing hill station in India is still instantly recognizable.

The major attraction of Darjeeling is the World Heritage Himalayan Mountain Railways, fondly referred to as the toy train of Darjeeling along with the soaring Mt Kanchenjunga. Other attractions of note which qualifies as must visit are the Tiger Hill, Himalayan Zoo and Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Steam Hauled Vintage Engine of the Darjeeling's Famous Toy Train or the Himalayan Mountain  Railways

Munnar

Situated in ‘God’s Own Country’ Kerala, Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in India and is well known for its responsible tourism endeavors. Characterized by undulating hills with dense vegetation and plateaus and hillocks sprinkled with tea gardens, Munnar attracts tourists from around the world owing to its salubrious climate and picturesque landscape. Munnar’s salubrious weather, unruffled serenity, scenic countryside and bounty of nature make it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India. Major attractions of Munnar include tea plantations, bird sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Walk in the Clouds, several lakes and waterfalls.

Verdant Tea Gardens and Rolling Hills: Munnar, Kerala

Author Bio: Contributed by Nikhil Chandra

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