The Travel Pundit: 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.