Nal Sarovar Birds Sanctuary

Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary is famous for different migratory birds which you can see in the winter. So best time to visit is December to February.  The water level in this lake is around 3 to 5 feet.

We went there by car from Ahmedabad. It is better to reach early in the morning around 5:30 AM. So you can get the ticket and boat early to see the birds. Boatmen costs between 2000/- to 3000/- for 8 seat boat for around 5 hours. The lake is really beautiful. We could see many birds but unfortunately big birds like Flamingos were less. There are 4-5 points to see inside the lake by boat. 

Carry enough food as there is not much things available in the lake to eat. There is an island in the lake, where you can have some local food like Rotlas with tea. You can also buy food from local people for birds, so that you can see them closely.

Mount Abu - A refreshing weekend destination!!

It was a weekend trip and it was absolutely refreshing. It was a good season as after the rains Mount Abu was beautifully green.

Mount Abu

On a Friday night we booked ticket in sleeper luxury by Gujarat Travels. It is a good service from Ahmedabad to Mount Abu. On early Saturday morning we reached on the mount and found a nice hotel. It is good to have the hotel near market or Nakki lake area. To roam around the hills we hired a bike. I think it is a best option for couples and friends visiting Abu. Bike rent is very nominal excluding fuel charge. There is only one petrol pump here, so before starting your "Abu Darshan", ensure that the fuel tank is full.

Nakki lake: It's simply beautiful surrounded by the hills, looks more beautiful at evening. Pedal boats, Shikara boats and Group boats are available. Don't miss the amazing boating experience.

Nakki Lake, Mount Abu

Toad Rock: It is a Toad shpaed rock on the hill near nakki lake. It takes around half an hour to climb this hill. The way is little slippery. It's good for people who likes adventures. The view of the lake and the surrounding hills is awesome from here.

Toad Rock, Mount Abu

View of Nakki Lake from Toad Rock, Mount Abu

Wildlife sanctuary: The mount is protected home for many wild animals and birds. A part of it is open for tourists. This jungle is full of tall trees and hills. There is a small lake in which we saw crocodiles. It feels really amazing to be here.

View at wild life sanctuary, Mount Abu

Guru Shikhar: It is the highest point of the Mount Abu. The view is fabulous from here.

View from Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu

Delwara's Jain temples: The very famous Jain temples known for the beautiful marble carvings. Luggage, camera, mobiles, footwear are not allowed inside. Keep them in the cabin near entrance and get the token.

Road-side view, Mount Abu

Road-side view, Mount Abu

Sunset Point: A good point, but you need to walk and climb too much. And the chances are rare that you will see the actual sunset due to cloudy weather. In any case you will enjoy this point.
  
Mount Abu Market: The mount Abu market is very well developed and you get really nice things to buy. Rajasthani Handicrafts, Home decorative articles, Hand-loom clothes, Rajasthani marble articles, Rajasthani traditional cloths and footwear, etc. you see in good collection and wide range. You should have good bargaining skills to get the your things at cheaper rate.

Food: There are so many Fast-food stalls, Chaat stalls, Dining halls, small and big Restaurants in market and Nakki lake area. The softy ice-cream available on many shops near Nakki lake is utterly delicious. So don't miss it. :-)

Solang Valley - Sports and Adventures in Himachal Pradesh

Paragliding in Solang valley

Solang valley is situated around 15 KMs from Manali, well-known for the adventurous paragliding and Skiing activities. Skiing is only possible in winters. 

You can enjoy Paragliding in any time of the year except Monsoon. There are two types of paragliding here. One is at lower height and the other is from the top of the hill. For the second option you need to go up on the hill through rope-way. According to the option, they charge you from 500 to 1500 per person. There are so many parachutes, so usually you don't have to wait for your turn. 

A guide comes with you to drive the parachute. If feels really amazing, as you can see the birds flying along with you. You can see the beautiful green mountains below you. If you visit this place in winter or just after winter, these mountains are almost covered by the snow.  

Here there are so many professional photographers and videographers, taking photos and videos for the Para gliders. You can ask them to get your photo for 100 INR or video for 200 INR. 

Paragliding at Solang valley

Zorbing Ball

Zorbing is a giant semitransparent ball with room for 2 people which is rolled down about 200 meter height. You have to pay around 100 to 200 INR per person, but it all depends on your bargaining skills. They tie you with the inner wall of the ball, and then leave the ball for rolling it down. You get so much fun in this one, as you would like to go for it again and again. 

Zorbing Ball Ride

More photos of Solang Valley are at Solang Valley - Picasaweb

Rohtang pass - Sports and Adventures in Himachal Pradesh

Skiing

Skiing is a very exciting sport, once you learn how to do it. You can get the skiing kit on rent, which includes ski poles, and ski skates. You can also hire a guide to teach you skiing. You can get a good bargain if you take the ski kit and guide from the same shop you buy the snow jackets on rent. 

At the beginning, you find little uncomfortable with ski skates, because they tend get crossed in one other. But gradually you start getting fun out of it. It is also kind of fun when you fall down in the snow. You would love to climb the snowy hill and come down dragging yourself on your ski skates.

Snow Tube ride 

You can enjoy this ride with your partner or alone. There is a rubber tube in which you need to seat. And then they push you from the top of the snow-capped hill. It is amazingly funny, and you would love to do it again. Try to stop screaming, I am sure you cannot.

More photos of Rohtang pass are at Rohtang pass - Picasaweb

Kullu, Manali, Shimla - Sports and Adventures in Himachal Pradesh

River crossing in Manali

          The beautiful river Beas flows through Manali. Hence at many places you can enjoy river crossing sport. The task is to reach from one end to the other end over the flowing river. They tie you with a safety hook, and you have to start holding the roap. While crossing you get wet by the chilled river water, which adds more thrill and fun to this adventure.

River crossing in Manali

River rafting in Kullu

          The river rafting experience in Kullu valley is mind blowing. The water of river Beas is icy cool and clean. It was cloudy evening and raining slowly adding more trill to our ride. You can seat 6-8 people in a rafting boat. You get 1-2 guides along with you. They charge you around 300 to 600 per person for the whole package which includes safety jackets. It also depends on the distance in KMs you want to travel. We had the ride for 14 KMs. The flow of the river is very fast, and due to small and big rocks in the way it turns out to be a real adventures experience.

River rafting in Kullu

River rafting in Kullu

There are some points where the river flow is little slow, here you get the chance to get some pictures and enjoy the view of surrounding hills. After the ride is completed they bring you back to the starting point by road. 

Horse riding in Koofri

Koofri is a small village on hill near Shimla. If you are visiting Shimla, you must visit this beautiful place. There is big hilly garden, fun world, apple trees, etc. to enjoy here. It is a memorable experience to be here.

Down the hill you see so many horses, as the tourists must have to go up by Horse ride. You have to pay the fix amount per person. I would like to call this experience as an adventure because the way is very muddy and curvy. Many times you get the feeling of falling down from the horse, but you never! There is a narrow point on the way on the top of the deep valley. You would miss a heartbeat if you are afraid of being at height.

Finally, you reach up on the hill. Don't forget to get cell number of the man guiding your horse, to call him back for the return journey.

More photos of Kullu, Manali, Shimla are at Kullu Manali Shimla - Picasaweb