December 12, 2014 BolteRaho India, Travel

7 Tunnels In India You Must Travel Through Once In A Lifetime

Railway tunnel enroute Shimla.

1. Jawahar Tunnel, J&K – One Of The Longest Road Tunnels In India

Source: thehindu.com

HolidayIQ Traveller Jitendra Yadav says, “The road to Pahalgam can be taken to Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from National Highway NH1A. Every sort of transport to suit every budget, right from buses to taxis. It takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road, which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India.”

Route Tips: Srinagar to Jammu

2. Katraj Tunnel

Source: team-bhp.com

HolidayIQ Traveller Anil says, “Pune to Mahabaleshwar via new Katraj tunnel is the best way to go and it’s easy as you avoid all traffic of Swar Gate and can reach fast to Mahabaleshwar. The best time to start the journey is early in the morning so that you can avoid all the Pune-route traffic.”

Route Tips: Pune to Mahabaleshwar

3. Maliguda Tunnel – Second Highest Railway Tunnel In The World

Source: panoramio.com

Maliguda Tunnel is the highest broad-gauge railway tunnel in India and the second highest in the world. The tunnel is situated close to the picturesque Maliguda village in Orissa.

4. Tunnel 33 – Believed To Be Haunted

Source: hauntedindia.blogspot.com

HolidayIQ Traveller Mihir Naik says, “The Kalka-Shimla train is a great transport option for Shimla. We reached Kalka from Delhi by Howra-Kalka Mail at 5 am. The Kalka-Shimla train is connected to Delhi-Kalka Mail. During its narrow gauge journey, you can enjoy the scenery – approx 102 tunnels and 150 bridges.”

The Barog Tunnel, also the longest on the Kalka-Shimla route, is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Colonel Barog.

Route Tips: Kalka to Shimla

5. Rohtang Tunnel – World’s Highest Road Tunnel

Source: lehairport.com

Cutting through the Himalayas, the Rohtang tunnel reduced the distance between Leh and Manali by more than 45 km. The 8.8 km-long two lane road tunnel is the second longest road tunnel of the country and situated at elevation of 3,978 meters. It is the world’s highest road tunnel.

Route Tips: Manali and Leh

6. Bhatan Tunnel – Longest Tunnel On The Mumbai–Pune Expressway

Source: skyscrapercity.com

The kilometre-long tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune expressway is the longest tunnel on the route.

Route Tips: Mumbai – Pune

7. Pir Panjal Tunnel – Longest Railway Tunnel In India

Source: thehindu.com

The 1 km-long Pir Panjal railway tunnel is India’s longest railway tunnel and Asia’s second longest railway tunnel. This tunnel is located on the highest mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal range nested in the middle of the Himalayas.

Route Tips: Jammu to Srinagar

The views above are collated from opinions expressed by travellers on www.holidayiq.com

December 1, 2014 BolteRaho India, Travel

10 Lesser Known Fascinating Places In India That Will Astound You

India has a length and breadth that covers enough area to be considered the seventh largest country in the world. In this expansive nation, we will probably never visit all the places in all their uniqueness in our lifetime. However, what we can do is know about these places – especially these 10, which will haunt us, shock us, intrigue us, warm our hearts and even make us proud.

1. Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra

Lesser Known Fascinating Places In India That Will Astound You

This little village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is known for two things – the famous Shani temple and the fact that none of the houses in this village have doors. Except two incidents a few years ago, no theft has ever been recorded in this place. In fact, United Commercial (UCO) Bank even opened a ‘lockless’ branch here, given its near-zero crime rate!

2. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand

The locals call it the Mystery Lake or Skeleton Lake – because of the hundreds of human skeletons that are found at the edge of this otherwise picturesque lake, which date back to the 9th century. Because of the cold climes in the high altitude, some hair, flesh and leather clothes of the dead were still preserved. The reasons for the mass death have been given by many – ranging from spiritual to scientific, but those still does not make it any less creepy. When the icy lake thaws, one can still see some of the skeletons under the water.

3. Kuldhara, Rajasthan

Enough has been said about the haunted fort of Bhangarh, but most people do not know about Kuldhara – a ghost village in Rajasthan that has been lying deserted for the last 300 years. Legend has it that the villagers left the place under a curse so that no one could stay there. Those who tried to were apparently driven away by strange paranormal occurrences. The houses and streets are just like they used to be centuries ago – only completely bereft of any human presence.

4. Stambheshwar Mahadev, Gujarat

For the religious Hindus, this is a fascinating place to visit. Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea 40 miles from Vadodara, this Shiva temple can only be visited during low tide. When the tide is high, it completely submerges the Shiv Linga. How cool is that?

5. Bengal Swamps, West Bengal

If you visit the Bengal swamps and witness this strange phenomenon, it will either fascinate you or creep you out – depending on whether you believe in spirits or science. Locally known as Aleya or the ghost lights, the swamps at night come alive with shimmering colorful lights way ahead in the distance that disappear as you approach. There are modern scientific explanations to it, but the inhabitants there believe that they are the souls of the stranded fishermen who died there.

6. Kallanai Dam, Tamil Nadu

Okay, enough with the creepy places! Let’s look at something brighter – down south, the Kallanai Dam or the Grand Anicut is the oldest dam in the world that is still in use. Imagine that! Constructed by the Chola king Karikala in the 2nd century, this dam is the fourth oldest dam – but the other three have long fallen into disrepair. How proud does that make you?

7. Kodinhi, Kerala

This little village in the Malappuram district of the southern state is just like any other – except that the occurrence of twin births here will make you go WTF! With about 2000 families living here, there are over 200 twins. The cause of this phenomenon is unknown, but it seems that the instances of twin births are increasing over the years – and surveys show that over 79 of them are within the age group of 0-10 years. Wow!

8. Keibul Lamjao, Manipur

It is a National Park that is actually a swamp near the south-eastern side of the Loktak Lake in Manipur – and what makes it unique is that it is the only floating park in the world. Yes, you read it right. With the decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis responsible for the floating nature of the park, it is home to many endangered flora and fauna. Any trip to theNortheast definitely deserves a visit to this enchanting place.

9. Magnetic Hill, Jammu And Kashmir

Also called ‘Gravity Hill’, it is located on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar national highway and is known to have gravity-defying powers. In reality, what happens is an optical illusion caused by the alignment of the road with the slope of the background that makes people feel as if their cars are drifting upwards. A place definitely to visit under the influence. Or not. Your call.

10. Nghah Lou Dawr, Mizoram

These little shops are no great wonder to include in your travel bucket list – but will certainly warm your hearts. The name of literally translates to ‘shops without attendants’. The blind faith of the shop owners on random strangers is almost baffling in today’s world. They leave the goods out in the open for the customers, with the price of each displayed and little jars to put their money in. About 65 kms from the capital of Aizawl, passersby on the highway do their transaction without the presence of any shopkeepers.

November 16, 2014November 16, 2014 BolteRaho Travel

15 “Nope” Places People Will Actually Risk Their Lives To Travel To

1. Mount Huashan

Considered simultaneously one of the most dangerous and one of the most popular ascents in China, the trek up Mount Huashan is nerve-wracking from start to finish. You’d think that near-vertical staircases and narrow rickety wooden footbridges would be great reasons not to go, but that doesn’t stop hundreds of tourists and locals alike from attempting the hazardous trip all the time.

2. Hussaini Hanging Bridge

One of the most dangerous bridges in the world, the poorly maintained but heavily used Hussaini Bridge was one of the only ways to cross Borit Lake in Northern Pakistan. I say was, because it seems the bridge succumbed to the elements in 2011, but has probably been rebuilt (and we can only hope the new one can inspire more confidence in its stability than the one seen here).

3. Aukland Sky Tower

It takes a special kind of person to go 630 feet up to the observation deck of the tallest manmade structure below the Equator, and think: “Gee, I’d really like to jump off this right now.” Yet, the tower hosts bungee jumps daily for scores of thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies. And while I’m sure it’s perfectly safe (since Grandma and Beyoncé have both done it), personally I’ll just stay on the ground rather than being the one to meet it the hard way.

4. Trolltunga

One of Norway’s most popular outlooks spots, Trolltunga (Troll Tongue) is one of those outcroppings that’s just asking to give way. I mean, think about it– it was formed by glaciers chipping away the rock tens of thousands of years ago. How many years does it really have left?

5. Mont Blanc Box

Ever wanted to stand on a piece of glass 12,604 feet above lots of sharp and pointy rocks, near the peak of Europe’s tallest mountain? Yeah, me neither. But hey, at least glass is known for its structural integrity and resistance to breaking, right?

6. Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls

How far would you go for a picture? Would you go all the way to Victoria Falls, the stunning 355 foot cascade in South Africa, and risk your and your tour guide’s life, for a shot that looks like you’re about to die? Because despite the fact that people actually do die occasionally for the famous shot, that doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone.

7. Kjeragbolten

Gravity is a harsh mistress, and when she finally brings down this famous rock perched 3,245 ft in the air between two other rocks in Rogaland, Norway, I’ll likely be far, far away.

8. Villarrica Volcano

Active volcanoes sure are pretty, but I have never had the urge to get up-close-and-personal with one. Let alone jumping out of a helicopter into one, while placing my life in the hands of a bungee cord tied to said helicopter. But apparently people are really into the idea, their fears assuaged by this gem in the company’s FAQ: “Could I die? Yes. You could. You’ll be signing a waiver, so we’re cool.”

Source: bungee.com

9. Yungas Road

Perfectly unassuming, this Bolivian road is nicknamed “The Road of Death,” largely due to the hundreds of lives lost there annually (mostly from heavy traffic on the extremely narrow and poorly maintained roads). Since it’s been dubbed “the most dangerous road,” traffic has only increased thanks to and influx of tourists more daring than I.

10. Stolen Chimney, Fisher Towers

Possibly one of the most precarious peaks in the world, this summit in Moab National Park in Utah is a prime example of people climbing stuff just because we can (in spite of the fact that the tower looks like it might fall over if just you look at it funny).

11. Arctic Cliff Face

12. Cliffs of Moher

This terrifying unofficial bike trail in Ireland showcases the “Cliffs of Insanity” as seen in The Princess Bride. Personally, I think the insanity is mostly apparent in those who choose to ride the path that rarely gets any wider than 4 feet, on a cliff that is continuously crumbling.

13. Trift Suspension Bridge

330 feet in the air, 560 feet long, and about 3 feet wide are the dimensions of the Trift Suspension Bridge in the Swiss Alps. The views are supposed to be incredible… just as long as you don’t look down.

14. Huayna Picchu

The view of Machu Picchu from the summit of Huayna Picchu is a vantage most will never see, but getting there can be quite treacherous. Between perils like unkempt trails, near-vertical staircases, and altitude sickness, even the guides proceed with caution (as many have died tragically over the years).

15. El Caminito Del Rey

The “Little Pathway of the King” was built in 1905, and had very little repair work done until just this year. As a result, many a bold traveler had braved everything from sections where the path is reduced to just the support structure, to swaths of path that have completely disintegrated altogether.

Source: Distractify

September 29, 2014 BolteRaho India, North East, Travel

13 Reasons Why You Should Make Sikkim (INDIA ) Your Next Travel Destination

13 Reasons Why You Should Make Sikkim Your Next Travel Destination

Sikkim- the land of mystique. One of the smallest states in India, Sikkim is a personification of the phrase ‘good things come in small packages’. Enveloped by the Himalayas, this state happens to be the ideal spot for all kinds of people. Nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, spiritual buffs, everyone.

Here are the reasons why Sikkim should be your next vacation destination.

1. Sikkim is a land of mountains that touch the heavens

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These mountains form a part of the long range – the mighty Himalayas. the Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world, is situated in the state.

2. It is the least populous state in India

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Hence, small families, happy families.

3. It is considered to be one of the best places for meditation

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The most popular monastery visited by the tourists is Rumtek Monastery. This monastery incorporates a proper school to communicate knowledge and teachings if Tibetan Buddhist culture. The most unusual birds are also present inside the monastery complex. It also organizes various festivals, predominantly in the month of July.

4. The state has an enormous variety of flora and fauna

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From tropical to the alpines. Sikkim’s botanical and zoological richness is awe- inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. The state animal is the Red Panda. 81% of the state comes under the administration of the forest department.

5. Sikkimese cuisine is popular all over India

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Momos, Thukpa, and Wontons, anyone? They make up a part of the Sikkimese cuisine, and is enjoyed by everyone in the country.

6. It has been named India’s cleanest state

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7. The state celebrates the International Flower Festival every year (March to May)

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Sikkim has around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other foliage plants. The main displays in the flower show are orchids, gladioli, roses, cacti, alpine plants, creepers, climbers, ferns, herbs, etc. There are also seminars and lectures held. Sikkimese cuisine and Yaks are also major attractions during the time.

8. It is a land of adventure

Activities like trekking, river rafting, yak safaris and mountaineering always attract tourists.

9. It is the perfect place for admirers of nature

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Water bodies like the Gurudongmar Lake and the Chhangu Lake are breathtaking. The Gurudongmar lake has a wonderful history attached to it, too.

10. The Tendong Lho Rum Faat Festival is celebrated with grandeur

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Specific to Lepchas, this festival marks the celebration of Tendong Hill. As per Legend, the hill had risen like a horn during a great flood to save the Lepchas. Read more here.