The Travel Pundit: 2012

Monday, March 19, 2012

Asola-The Land of Lakes

In a city like New Delhi scarcity of water prevails.In such a hot and humid climate where even a single single drop of water dries up in a flash,the idea of finding a lake or for that instance a group of lakes seems to be too wild.But as Gail Tsukiyama once said “Beauty exists where you least expect to find it.”

On a day like any other,I received a call from my friend Himanshu and he asked me if I would like to go for a trek and discover some lakes located on the outskirts of Delhi.The question itself was bewildering but my curiosity left me with no scope of refusal,so we finally planned to go there along with some of our other friends.

So on the decided day we met at our respective metro stations and from there went straight to Badarpur Metro Station.We knew that it was going to be a long journey so we bought some refreshments and water from a local shop on our way to Suraj Kund Road.We continued walking on Suraj Kund Road and soon we reached the spot Surajkund is famous for,the Surajkund Crafts Mela, held during spring every year from February 1-15.Further,we crossed the 'Haryana Silver Jubilee Gate' and 'Jungle Fowl Camp'.

Thereon,we were supposed to go straight but instead we took a left and ended up in the middle of the jungle.You can easily get lost there if you don't have GPS enabled device because the area is huge and it's impossible to find people who could help you out.But as soon as we realized our mistake,Himanshu took no time to connect to GPS on his mobile and we continued in the right direction.Some say gadgets are indispensable,and true it is we figured.

We had walked about a kilometer or so to reach small village dwellings and farmland,and stopped at one of the huts to ask for the way but we changed our mind as soon as we saw four drunk men as they could attack or mug us,the place was desolate and we couldn't take any chances.We quickly fled the place to find ourselves standing in front of a village lady who advised us not to go ahead as a gunshot was fired there a while ago.The four of us trembled in fear,we couldn't go back because we didn't want to bump into those drunkards again and there was no point going back unless we had reached the lakes.Frightened as we were,we hastily ran the next few miles to suddenly stop and see a beautiful animal which we believe was a 'nilgai',running down the hill and disappearing into the forest.At that moment we let go of our worries and continued walking tirelessly through the forest.

At last all that trekking had paid off,we finally reached one of those numerous lakes.Somehow,we got to the bottom of the hill to get to the shore,getting scratched and pricked by thorns in the process,but it was worth it-we were finally there.The water was crystal clear,suitable for swimming or just to put your feet in and relax.There it was,the lake,surrounded by mineral-rich hills,in a dry and rocky forest,a place where you least expect it to be.We stayed there for a while and finally had something to eat,it was time to go but we didn't want to-you never get to see such a place in a city like Delhi.We continued walking towards 'Manav Rachna College of Engineering' on Surajkund road to get out of the forest and on the way discovered about 4-5 lakes which were similar to the first lake we saw.It was about a 15 kilometer trek but was worth every penny.

Facts: The lakes are located near Asola Wildlife Sanctuary and Surajkund famous for the Surajkund Crafts Mela held every year from February 1-15.

Best Time: November-February

Where: Near Manav Rachna College of Engineering,Sector 43,Surajkund Road

Travel Route: If travelling from Delhi-Get to Badarpur Metro Station.From there reach Manav Rachna College of Engineering.On Surajkund road take the trail on the left leading to the forest.(This is the shortest route to get to the lakes.Me and my friends took the long one for the sake of adventure and trekking.You may prefer it if you're adventurous and don't mind walking long distances.)

Google Maps Link:Asola-Land of Lakes

Travel Advice: Preferably travel in groups as the area is deserted and is not that safe.Carry plenty of water and food because you'll definitely need it and most importantly don't forget to carry a GPS device because chances of getting lost are high.

Run Rudolph Run!

Together we're stronger

Mooing along

View from the top

A step closer to paradise

Moment of zen

The second lake...

The third one...

The fourth one...

The road less trodden

And finally the last one

Goodbye Eleanor!

All will go but I will stay.I'm as old as old can be.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Bhondsi-Epitome of Serenity

Bhondsi,an emerging Eco-tourism hub is located in the hilly region of Haryana surrounded by what we can call the remains of a forest,it is a place to escape the chaos of the city and breathe in some fresh air and relax during the weekend.

Bhondsi was actually designed as a getaway resort and was the farmhouse of the former Prime Minister & MP,Chandra Shekhar.The area spread over more than 500 acres was handed over to the village Panchayat some time ago.It is home to several temples,the most popular of which is the temple of Goddess Bhuvneshwari and statues of various gods from the Hindu mythology,yet the most entrancing is the statue of Lord Shiva at the top of the hill which you would surely fall in love with.

So,as we finally traveled all the way to Bhondsi from Delhi by metro rail and a couple of auto-rickshaws,we finally got to the road leading to Chandra Shekhar's property,our destination.As you enter the road you can find many BSF Camps which makes the place safe for an outing.As you continue walking down the road you'll also find a couple of farm houses and two BSF check posts.After crossing the second one avoid the steep trail which leads nowhere on the left but instead walk straight towards 'Buddhay Baba's Ashram'.Don't be surprised if you find yourself delighted by the sight of a peacock because there not just a few but tens of them frolicking around the place.Keep walking straight and you'll end up at the trail that leads to the temple.Take the trail on the left if you intend to walk or the one on the right if you're driving,it's clearly indicated at the entrance,though in Hindi.Straight ahead you'll find many small cottages and a lake set in picturesque location surrounded by hills,a place in Haryana but far away from it.The lake though dry these days is a great example of the beauty of rain water harvesting.The place is surrounded by tens of statues of gods scattered around the place.Keep traveling up towards the temple and you'll find a couple of guys sitting in a near a pond,they're probably priests and will offer you 'prasad' don't refuse to take some.Stop by at Goddess Bhuvneshwari's temple,then cross the bridge that leads you towards Lord Shiva's gigantic statue.When you reach it,I'm sure you won't be dissapointed and will be enthralled by the beauty of it.

Facts

Bhondsi is all set to become the next eco-tourism hub and is to be massively renovated.It was to be develpoed as an eco-tourism site for the Commonwealth Games but failed due to lack of funds.Once completely renovated,would attract a lot of foreign tourists,generate employment and protect the local wildlife and environment.Though any income generated from the area would go to the Panchayat fund as the site is owned by the Bhondsi Gram Panchayat.

Best Time: October-February

Where: Bhondsi,Haryana

Travel Route: If traveling from Delhi-Get to HUDA City Centre metro station,from there take a shared autorickshaw (avoid individual autorickshaws as they would charge more) to Badshapur and from there towards Bhondsi but tell the driver in advance to drop you at Chandrashekhar.Take the street across the road.Autorickshaw fare-Rs.10/person.

Travel Advice: Take some water and food along as there isn't any decent restaurant around.Don't hesitate to ask BSF soldiers or the temple caretakers for any help.