Two States ….

In continuation to where I stopped yesterday ……..this blog is about Two States …..no ….not the famous Alia Bhatt movie ….but my further journey from Leh ( Jammu Kashmir) to the descending states ( geographically). But before I start about that …I would like to specifically mention about the Leh Manali highway. Though it has some rough patches ….it is an absolute wonder ….Infact I was surprised to see SULPHUR EMISSIONS and the Beautiful Black Necked Crane ( pair of it ) in our path .This added to the surprise element .Leh indeed has rich flora and fauna .A must visit place for every nature lover .

The roads leading to Manali were messy.. and uncertain so to say .. due to the abundant love of rain gods …During the course, we were stranded at Bharatpur… But then God sent an angel in the form of a JCB to clear the over flooding roads. With a lot of stress and fear ( cause of night driving ) we managed to reach Manali , only to learn that there was power cut .But all these experiences just made our trip more memorable.

Manali comes with its own beauty and charm . Though I am visiting the second time ,this time it was over crowded ,over developed and more commercial. The by-lanes leading to The Hidamba Temple are filled with tall trees and greenery – soothing the eyes .

One can also try some traditional Kulu dresses and get snapped ( which you find just outside the temple premise) …just for memory .

Next I visited the Vashisht Temple ….No wonder Himachal Pradesh is called “Dev Bhoomi” . The Natural Sulphur Hot water Springs is an attraction in it self and is well organised for people to rejuvenate and get relief from physical pains.

Then we visited to a mini Tibet in Manali. I was flooded with my Leh memories( predominantly Buddhists)The place is a stunner .Though the premise is small ..it brings in harmonious feelings of how people co-exist ..

Well at this my Manali trip ends and I head to Punjab ( Amritsar) to be precise .The roads were washed away but manageable. We had a pit stop at Mandi (a village in Himachal ) Then continued on the wheels enroute Amritsar.

What do I say about THE GOLDEN TEMPLE .I am sure many have visited this place .This place only depicts divinity,flawless dedication and Purity . One can only loose oneself to find a true self here . Words fail me to describe the aura of this place . Its just like feeling of ZEN …. ( Not worrying about things you can’t change) .

Next we headed to Attari Border better known as Wagah Border. Flocks and Flocks of people turned up to celebrate India independent . We were also part of the chaotic but happy crowd . We witnessed independence in its best form…right from independence of speech to dance to sing . It was indeed zealous .The parade show was flawless and everyone in the crowd felt the feeling of unity and belonging after witnessing the show .It was indeed a pleasure to be among the strong and fearless heroes representing a proud nation Salute to these unsung heroes ,the silent soldiers of solidarity ( including both women and men ) They make us feel protected ……

This ends my trip !!! Back to our small world of happiness more defined as home.

Will keep sharing my experiences in coming time . As I sign off … JULLAY !!!!