This time we were however not traveling alone. Tanmoy my cousin who was staying with us accompanied us and my brother was to join us in Nahan from Dehradun. Since it was just five hours journey we started a little late. It was pretty warm in Delhi and we just hoped that the weather would be better in Nahan. As we always do, we made our first halt at Gulshan ka Dhaba in Murthal for tea. Since we had brought sandwiches and snacks along, we just filled our flask with tea and proceeded. My hyper cousin did much of the driving from the back-seat giving instructions to Deepa in the driver’s seat.

With the radio going off signal we stopped at Oasis, a Haryana Govt. resort with shops and restaurants, in Karnal. I bought a couple of music CDs and we had our breakfast in the car itself. From Ambala we had to turn right from Shahzadpur and take the state highway towards Kala Aam. The highway was OK, although not like NH1, and after missing a couple of turns due to lack of any signage, we ultimately reached Nahan town, where we had to wait for my brother at the bus terminus as he had his lunch in a dhaba nearby. The resort was about an hour’s drive from the town in Jamta and after a couple of phone calls to the reception we ultimately reached our destination.

Considering the size of the town, I was quite surprised to see a lot of guests, mostly from Chandigarh and Delhi in the reception area. The rooms were clean and overlooking the mountains far off and the swimming pool below. Since we didn’t have lunch, we decided to try out the restaurant of the resort for a simple meal of daal, rice and roti, to which we added butter chicken later on when we found it was readily available.

The weather was little cooler than Delhi and after a stroll in the lawn we decided to give our busy Delhi bones a rest and go on an afternoon nap…which was however never to be. We found out that they had a recreation room fitted with a TT board and pool table amongst other indoor games and a gym. So I along with Pranjal, my brother and Tanmoy, my cousin decided to play a couple of rounds, while Deepa decided to sleep.

After exhausting ourselves with table tennis we decided to settle down in our rooms and prepare for the evening. Deepa found out that the spa (a basic one) was open and after half-an-hour’s wait for the masseurs to arrive, we both had a good body massage, steam bath and some time in the jacuzzi. The entire thing was wonderful…my every aching bone and muscle were relaxed and I felt as if I was ready to take on the entire world head-on again.

Since there was nothing much to do, the management of the resort made sure that the guests are entertained well in the evening. So there would be tambola in the conference hall at 7 and movie at the lawns at 8.30.

The game of tambola was fun and I won a couple of bucks only to share with another lady who was also declared joint winner of the round. At the lawns the movie had already started, but at the request of a majority of the guests, it was played from the beginning again. The movie was ’3 Idiots,’ which I had not seen. Deepa insisted that I should watch it and assured me that I would love it. It indeed was a good movie. Between the movie we went for drinks and dinner which was also served in the lawns. Since it was getting chilly now, we decided to call it a day.

After our breakfast we decided to go to the Renukaji lake and a much-talked-about lion safari (!!) It was about 22 kms from the resort. The water of the lake was crystal clear and one could see fishes swimming around. There were tourists taking boat rides in the lake but we decided not to. Instead we wanted to see what the lion safari was. Besides the lake is a mini zoo where one can see the spotted deer, lion tailed macaques, ‘Nilgai’ Methuen, barking deer and the Himalayan black bears. Nothing much to excite an wildlife enthusiast, the only best part of the zoo is that you can take your car along paying a nominal entry fee. We saw a small canteen within the zoo where we had tea and biscuits. As for the lion safari, there were two enclosures one for the lion and another for the lionesses. We had heard that an armored van enters the large enclosure allowing for a close glimpse of the lions and lionesses within, but we were told that the vehicle for the safari was not available. We clicked a couple of photographs of the cats feeding on skinned chickens and left the place much to the disappointment of Tanmoy who wanted to stay on. His volley of questions already had us all running for cover.

In Nahan, we felt we had nothing to do so we thought of having a cup of tea in a tea-stall near the resort. Since we didn’t have lunch, we had maggi which was really tasty, probably because we were famished. Back in the the resort we lazed around, played TT or pool. After dinner Deepa and I went for a walk outside the resort and the cool fresh breeze took away with it all our fatigue (whatsoever was left). We sat on the concrete bench and watched and admired the flickering lights of the town below. We sat there for quite some time enjoying the moment before we hit the shack. Well, our motive of going to Nahan to relax and take our minds off our daily chores back home was complete.

Next day, after a good breakfast we were again on our way back. After two days of perfect relaxation, we were ready to face the consequences of a city life yet again!

What is Optical Zoom:
Optical zoom is what I like to call true zoom. This function of a camera uses the lens within the camera to draw the image closer. Using the optics of the camera the image is bought forward much the same way as binoculars and other such instruments. When using optical zoom quality remains the same and the full resolution of the camera can be used on the zoomed image. Different levels of optical zoom can be achieved by changing the distances between the lens’. The motion of the front lens moving outwards on a camera is the lens achieving a greater level of zoom. The rating of optical zoom on a camera is measured like 2x 4x 8x etc bringing the image 2x 4x and 8x closer respectively. The best cameras have a high level of optical zoom.

What is Digital Zoom:
Digital zoom on the other hand is not a true form of a zoom function. The image itself doesn’t actually come any closer as the optics in the camera stay the same. The way the digital zoom works is much the same way as it does on your PC at home. The idea behind digital zoom is that it takes a portion of the image and expand that image to the full size of the image. What happens here is that the section of image that you are looking at becomes bigger, not closer. The image does look closer because it has been expanded however all that has happened is that the image quality has been reduced.

There is nothing a digital camera can do that you can’t do on any standard art package at home. You may as well take the picture like you would a normal camera and then alter the zoom to exactly the way you want it at home. It will be no better or worse doing it this way that it would using a digital zoom function.

Why use Digital Zoom:
So why would you ever want a digital zoom? Well there are some occasions when this may be useful. Firstly for those of you who don’t like computers or are unsure about using photo editing software then the digital zoom function will enable you to get an accurate shot of the specific area you wish to photograph.

The second reason may be that you don’t wish to print the pictures out. If this is the case then the digital zoom may not affect your image quality as much as a it would on a printed image. One final reason for digital zoom is that you may be able to see what the subject is doing through the camera a little easier while looking at the screen through digital zoom. Unfortunately with digital zoom, what you see on the screen is usually a little better quality than the final image.

What is Smart Zoom:
Smart Zoom is a concept designed by Sony. Smart zoom is an intelligent version of digital zoom, the basic principal behind it is that it actively reduces the size (megapixels) of the picture to make more zoom available on the camera without degrading the picture quality. For example if you have a 10 megapixel camera with smart zoom you would be given the option to reduce it to anything below 10 megapixels, smart zoom would then allow the camera to digitally zoom in. Because you set the smart zoom level you control the size of the picture. Smart zoom unlike standard digital zoom will not degrade the quality of the picture. It should be noted that while smart zoom is a useful feature it in no way compensates for having a camera with good optical zoom.

How would you compare digital cameras:
If you are comparing digital camera’s in the shop or on the internet ready to make a purchase then in terms of the zoom function its only really worth looking at the optical zoom. Comparing digital zoom is a little bit of a waste of time as like I stated before you can alter the amount of digital zoom in any major art package after the photo has been taken very easily.

The only zoom to compare is optical zoom of one camera to the optical zoom of another. You will probably find a price bracket difference between the camera’s with the different levels of optical zoom.

You should also watch out for the manufacturers who advertise the total zoom. Although these camera’s have an optical zoom function its only part of the total and you should research the camera more thoroughly to get the optical zoom value. Total zoom is calculated by multiplying the cameras optical zoom by its digital zoom. For example a camera that has a total zoom of 30x may have 5x optical zoom and 6x digital zoom, It may also be rated with 2x optical zoom and 15x digital zoom. More research into the camera should be taken when buying one advertised as total zoom. (Content courtesy: Panther Products website)

Ideally they say it’s not safe to take the highways in north India during winters. The fog is thick and stays almost throughout the day. But then when you have to go, you have to go. So in November-December we had to go…and the reasons for this trip to Lansdowne in Uttaranchal were manifold. Firstly we were getting restless to hit the highway and secondly, our God daughter was in town so we decided to take her on a vacation.

The time was 3.30 am and we reluctantly got out of our warm beds into the car. Naki our God child, along with her blanket and pillow, transferred her bed to the rear seat. Though still dark, Delhi was okay – the fog was thin and there was not much problems driving. It was only when we crossed Meerut Cantonment area that things got really bad. Visibility was almost a couple of feet (I could barely see the bonnet of my car) and my windshield kept fogging from inside. I tried all and finally discovered that with the AC on and directed towards the windshield things got better. But outside it was still dark and the fog was getting thicker by very passing minute. Driving at around 30 kmph we proceeded…eyes straining to see what’s before us when suddenly Deepa screamed, “lookout!” It was a buffalo-cart loaded with protruding sugarcane. Something hit the car really hard somewhere near the windshield, but I was sure was not the cart. Feeling the windshield with my hand for cracks, I carried on. Naki slept through the entire episode. After several minutes (that seemed hours) at the crack of dawn things started to get a little better. Surprisingly even in the cold and fog, there were quite a number people going on morning walks and exercising besides the highway.

Soon the sun was faintly visible much to the relief of both Deepa and me. Although headlights in full blast, I thought of picking up speed to make up for the lost time in the fog. As we proceeded suddenly there was a broken patch of road and I screeched to a halt. Naki thinking we were hit, got up dazed…my stupidity. Now with three pairs of watchful eyes on the road, we carried on till we decided to stop at a roadside dhaba for our early morning cup of tea.

We got down and I inspected the car of any damage and to my surprise found a long sugarcane stuck in the carrier on the roof of the car. we were carrying sandwiches which we had with the tea, which rejuvenated my senses for the road ahead. On many occasions the fog stays lingering throughout the day, but today was different. The sun was up and a bright day soon welcomed us and brightened our minds.

In Kotdwara we stopped at Ambience Garden Resort for breakfast only to find that we were too early, so we had tea, biscuits and sandwiches. We clicked a couple of photographs of the menu and signage within the resort with horrendous spellings (some really funny).

As we neared Lansdowne, the vegetation gradually transformed into tall pine trees. At the sight of snow-capped mountains, we got down at one turn to click a couple of photographs. The place was nothing less than the quintessential ‘pin-drop-silence’ and one could hear one’s breath. The silence of place was broken by the occasional vehicles that plied on the road. The air was so clean that the fumes of the passing vehicles hit one very hard. We were ascending with every turn and Deepa and Naki at one point decided to track a small mountain and catch me above.

Soon we reached an entry gate. After paying the toll, we asked for directions to our resort which was actually just across the road and we didn’t notice. Since the resort had said that there was no need to book rooms in advance because it was off-season, we decided to go further up in search of any better options. After asking pedestrians, we reached Tiffin-Top where we inquired about rooms in the GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) Tourist Rest House (TRH). But unable to find accommodation we decided to go back to Blue Pine resorts, where we had earlier thought of staying.

We had taken a cottage and since the resort was relatively new, the rooms were clean. The rooms were in different levels and ours was at the top level. The climbing of stairs made us hungry and after dumping everything in our room we went to the restaurant. The food was okay for our hungry souls, although nothing much to discuss about.

Since there was nothing much to do, we decided to take an afternoon nap and rejuvenate ourselves for the evening to explore Lansdowne. Excited as I was, I could not sleep and I took it to task not to let both Deepa and Naki sleep either, though unsuccessfully. So amidst the ensuing snoring, I tuned in the television. By evening, we were gearing up to explore Lansdowne…that was till we discovered that there was a snooker and a table-tennis table. So we went for a game or two. Being total novices, by the time we finished a round it was dusk. In the lawn near the recreation room, the DJ had already started playing Bollywood songs and the other guests too had gathered around the bonfire. We ordered for some snacks and took a table near the fire…it felt good.

The next morning we got up early and decided to explore the sunrise point marked near a winding lane behind our room and inside the resort premises. After minutes of tracking we reached the place huffing and puffing only to find that the spot had nothing much to offer our exploring souls. We decided to carry on and track the hill which had a shed on top. From below it seemed easy, but when we started it became more and more difficult – at least for me. I occasionally stopped for breath. But our spirits were high and we had to carry on. After about half an hour of tracking amidst grass, trees and stones we reached the shed atop. It was a gratifying moment and we christened the hill we had just scaled as ‘Victory Peak K312.’ My lungs asked for more air so we decided to rest for a while Deepa and Naki clicked photographs of the beautiful surroundings and the snow-peaked mountains shinning in the morning sun rays. Though climbing down was much easier, the tracking had made us hungry. After we reached our room we ordered for breakfast to be served in the porch in front of the room which was now flooded with warm sunshine. While the restaurant prepared our breakfast of puri sabzi, toasts, omelets, boiled eggs, tea and juices, we got ready to explore Lansdowne.

After such a heavy breakfast we had to rest for a while. Only by afternoon we were at Bhulla Lake our first stop. This man-made lake surrounded by well manicured trees, hedges and flowering plants made it a perfect place for tourists wanting for some fun in this small hill-station. There were quite a number of tourists enjoying a game of soccer, sipping tea, coffee and aerated drinks along with chips and other snacks or taking boat rides in the lake. There were a horde of swans all around the lake, which was a small one compared to Sattaal or Nainitaal. The boat ride nevertheless was fun. A small eatery near the lake served tea, juices and chips which of course we had to munch on. Naki, being an animal love found the best way to kill time playing with dozen of caged rabbits. There was a small gift shop adjacent to the eatery and Deepa picked some local hand-crafted items and candles for friends.

Two stringers of a local television channel approached us to give our feedback on tourism in Lansdowne. My couple of seconds to fame was however cut shot by one cameraman who found that my Hindi diction was not up to their standards and it was Deepa who complied them with answers to a couple of question as to what the administration could do to make Lansdowne a better tourist destination.

From here we went to Tip-in-Top (also called Tiffin-Top or Tip and Top) and Snow View Point. Both spots offer a startling view of the snow-clad peaks of Chaukhamba and Trishul. Tip-in-Top is on the ridge close to St. Mary’s Church, while the way to Snow View Point is from above the State Bank of India branch. We had heard that the view of the sunset from these two points are amazing, though we decided to try out another interesting place, the Lovers Point, which we had seen on the way. Perfect place with not another soul except the three of us. We climbed a huge rock and the view from there was amazing. There were tiny settlements far below and the last rays of the sun shone on their tin roofs. The golden rays of the sun coming through the huge pine trees created such a magical moment…we were all stunned by the beauty and I tried to soak in as much as I could of the surroundings to last a lifetime.

The next morning we left early since Naki had to catch a flight back to Mumbai from Delhi. On the way we made a detour towards Meerut Bypass to have a late lunch at Big Bite. How much we tried to reach Delhi on time, the traffic in Meerut and Delhi border took a lot of time and Naki missed her flight. Thankfully she was accommodated in the next flight home. We reached home and immediately got down to download the photographs and to relive the pleasant moments we had in Lansdowne — a second visit to the place is on the cards, no doubt about that!

1. Make sure your trip is planned well in advance. Check on general road conditions and confirm whether the high mountain passes are open.

2. Most of the picturesque destinations in Kinnaur, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti and Kullu districts are at high altitudes. During winter and monsoon, you must carry heavy woollens, jackets and some eatables as you may have to remain stranded at roadsides for days together.

3. If crossing high passes, good health is essential.

4. If driving in a four-wheeler, make sure you have an extra driver, especially if you plan to drive at night. Carrying extra fuel is must.

5. High mountains, though beautiful, are rugged, cold and inhospitable and no place for an inexperienced or ill-equipped trekker. In most of the cases, trekkers die from high-altitude sickness or on slipping off icy tracks or because they were marooned by blizzards. So prefer to trek in small groups with the help of local guides. (Content source: Sify Dotcom)

When traveling it is important to travel light in order to reduce hassle and stress. The biggest benefit of traveling light is that you can keep an eye on it. Of all the travel skills you might acquire, travelling light is the one most likely to result in enjoyable, productive, stress-free travel experiences. The following top ten tips for traveling light will help make your journey a smooth and enjoyable one:

1. Get the right bag/ suitcase. Look for durable, expandable, soft-sided bags and make sure they’ve got wheels. With new luggage quotas and weight restrictions it is also a good idea to get a traveler’s rucksack or a big hold-all sports bag.

2. Going to a new place with tour guide information and phrase books is always advisable. You may be tempted to pile your bags with tonnes of books , but don’t. The best option for this is to photocopy the pages you need so you don’t have to carry around heavy books all day. Photocopy sections of guide books so that at the end of the trip the copy goes in the trash. Or else carry one with route maps, accommodation listings, etc.

3. Write out a clothing plan and make a packing list. You may feel like throwing in your whole wardrobe just in case, but listing what you intend to wear each day is a lot more efficient. Just pack a few extras in case you spill food or get wet.

4. Don’t overdo the toiletries. You can easily buy them anywhere and most accommodation provide you with the basic toiletries.

5. Don’t be afraid to do laundry, if it means packing half as many clothes so be it.

6. Choose dark (black, dark blue, purple, green, dark red) or neutral (all browns and shades of gray) coloured clothing, so any dirt or stains acquired along the way won’t be too apparent. Try to stick to two or three colours, so that all your clothes mix and match.

7. Roll garments up into tight tubes to save packing space and avoid major wrinkling. Rolled clothes are easier to fit into odd spaces in your suitcase, and won’t crease nearly as much as if you fold them. Doing so allows you to find what you are looking for without taking everything out of your bag and stop all your tightly packed rolls of clothing from coming unrolled and ending up in a pile on the floor.

8. Don’t pack your towels. If you’re staying in hotels, there’s no need to take towels. Of course many hotels may not allow you to use their room towels at the pool or beach. Ask the hotel to provide you with pool or beach towels. However if you must carry your own towel, pack a microfibre travel towel instead.

9. Get one of those bags that fold up into a small package to slip into your backpack. You can use this to collect your souvenirs when you are leaving. Alternatively, mail your purchases home as you go. This reduces what you must carry around with you.

10. Bring old clothes and undergarments and dispose them each day leaving more room for mementos to bring home if you choose. It also cuts down on items that need frequent washing while away.

On the road again -
Just can’t wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can’t wait to get on the road again.
On the road again

Goin’ places that I’ve never been.
Seein’ things that I may never see again

And I can’t wait to get on the road again.
On the road again -
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We’re the best of friends.
Insisting that the world keep turning our way

And our way
is on the road again.
Just can’t wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is makin’ music with my friends

And I can’t wait to get on the road again.
On the road again

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We’re the best of friends

Insisting that the world keep turning our way

And our way
is on the road again.
Just can’t wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is makin’ music with my friends

And I can’t wait to get on the road again.
And I can’t wait to get on the road again.

When you gotta go (you gotta go)!

Please note: These are the lyrics of the song On The Road Again by Willie Nelson

Saharan is the base for numerous treks and is the gateway to Kinnaur. It is a place of pilgrimage, a heaven for nature lovers and the temple complex attracts a variety of admirers. Here is a place that offers extraordinary travel experience.

HOW TO REACH: The nearest railway station (176 km) and airport (198 km) is at Shimla, where taxis and buses are available. By Car, Sarahan is 6 hours drive from Shimla. The route is on NH – 22 up to Jeori, from where the road bifurcates to Sarahan.

CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woollens are required. The summer temperature is warm but pleasant and light woollens/ cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
BHIMAKALI TEMPLE COMPLEX: This historical temple is a multi-storied structured building, a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. The tall tower like structure and unusual roof of the temple dominate the complex. The centuries old temple is now locked and in the newly built temple, the goddess Bhimakali is portrayed as a maiden and as a woman. This temple complex includes other temples such as Narsingh shrine of Bhairon and Lord Raghunath.

BIRD PARK: Near the temple complex is a pheasant breeding centre. It also houses the State bird Monal which is of a great attraction.

BHABA VALLEY: 50 km from Sarahan, a beautiful valley along Bhaba river. Link road to valley originates at Wangtu. It has a beautiful landscape, reservoir lake, alpine meadows and is best famous for trek route to Pin Valley in Spiti. (CONTENT COURTESY: HP Tourism Development Corporation Ltd)

On of the many shacks in Goa

Relieved that our work was done we decided to go for a beer or two and lunch before we come back to Vasco. I asked Santosh if he knew of any dhaba where we could try out some local fare. Hearing this both Santosh and Nisar swung into action rattling off names of various eateries and dishes rating them in order of popularity. Finally they zeroed in on a dhaba in Bambolim. Since it was a hot sultry day, by then, I had second thoughts and cursed myself of having come up with the idea – lunch now seemed better in an AC restaurant.

A narrow lane took us to a dhaba or rather, a shack in the middle of a field. There were several cars and two-wheelers parked near it. We stepped out of the car and a light breeze welcomed us. The dhaba was filled to capacity and waiters were dashing all around the place to keep pace with the demanding guests. I chose a table underneath the fan while Santosh disappeared behind the dhaba searching for something…beats me!

On the platter: What's your take?

The beer came promptly, perfectly chilled. I always tell my friends that my interpretation of heaven is a chilled beer in Goa – nothing comes close, nothing! Well, this was another such occasion. After a couple of minutes our toothless waiter hurriedly came with a plate of some gravy and placed stainless steel quarter plates and teaspoons in front of us. “Try,” Santosh said pushing the plate towards me. It was prawns with chopped ladies-finger and grated coconut—a combination I could never have thought of! The colour of the curry was fine, but the taste…nothing that one could have ever imagined! As an appetizer it jelled splendidly with the beer. Then came the fried pomfret with semolina coating…beer followed…more of the semolina coated fish fry. This time the piece of the fish got bigger, a single piece covering the entire plate.

The Nehru Bridge on the way to Panjim

The main course had a mountain of rice, more semolina coated pomfrets, and three bowls – fish curry, a dry vegetable with grated coconut and kokum juice. There were no spoons provided so we settled down to using our hands…even better. I’d thought that I wouldn’t be able to finish the rice, but the taste was such that I polished off every morsel in the plate beating my Goan friends at it. I asked Santosh why the kokum juice to which he said that it was to keep one cool in the summer and, most importantly, also good for digestion…I really needed it. The tangy cherry coloured liquid settled down everything in the by-now-overfull stomach.

View of the sea from Anjuna beach