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Need to go on a brief journey within the coming weeks however not sure of the place to journey to? We’ve received you lined with 5 distinctive and underrated locations in India! Head on for a solo journey or plan a trip together with your SO or buddies – we’re positive you’ll make some superb reminiscences.
Khandoba Temple, Jejuri, Maharashtra
Picture: Sneha Mothey
Let’s begin with one thing which is nearer to the place I stay at present, we could? Khandoba temple is located in Jejuri which is about 1.5 hours (about 60 km drive) southeast of Pune in Maharashtra. I visited the temple in 2019 and, coincidentally, made it proper in time for the Bhandara pageant. The pageant, which normally occurs two or thrice a yr, is well known by the devotees of Lord Khandoba (folks deity) with the same old dancing and singing programmes. However there’s one apply that caught me off guard, the devotees supply the people Lord haldi (turmeric) by throwing it within the air and even supply it as tika (marking in your brow). There’s a perception among the many devotees that turmeric signifies gold and that’s the reason it’s provided to Lord Khandoba.
Picture: Sneha Mothey
So, think about you begin your journey by climbing what appears like a trillion stairs, panting, halting solely to drink nimbu sharbat (lemonade) and, lastly, pay a charge of fifty rupees to enter the temple solely to discover a world actually painted yellow. The resonating enthusiasm throughout the pageant, the sensation of non secular oneness and the mini Holi celebration is one thing that I undoubtedly suggest you expertise as soon as in Jejuri.
Loktak Lake, Moirang, Manipur
Picture: Sneha Mothey
I visited the most important freshwater lake in North East India aka Loktak Lake within the yr 2018, however I bear in mind it prefer it was solely yesterday. The phrase ‘Lok’ means stream and ‘Tak’ interprets to the top. Whereas travelling through airplane, a small peak from the window will reveal the blue lake and a collection of floating islands known as ‘Phumdi’. Boating on this lake is superb however what’s so thoughts boggling about it is that there’s a small village proper on the centre and folks stay on the floating islands. They every have small boats tied outdoors their home which they use to commute! The world’s largest floating park, named Keibul Lamjao Nationwide Park, is one other attraction right here. The park was shaped to protect the endangered Eld’s deer. An thrilling journey will be deliberate to Loktak Lake – from boating to the distinctive nationwide park to exploring a floating island, this place must be skilled.
Picture: Sneha Mothey
Umgot River, Meghalaya
Picture: Sneha Mothey
Oh, to be on a ship floating silently on crystal clear waters of the Umgot River. *Sigh* The wind blowing in your hair slowly, the pink boat shaking a little bit as you attain out to dip your hand within the bluest and the cleanest water that you’ve got ever seen. Want I say extra?
Umgot River, popularly generally known as Dawki River, is located on the south-eastern border of Meghalaya, round 82 kms from Shillong, its capital. It takes 2 hours half-hour to achieve this breathtaking place. It makes for a extremely candy picnic spot, so in case you are travelling in a bunch, a small bus may very well be booked, in any other case a rental automotive works. A small heads up for folks liable to movement illness, take the tablets! However I assure you, when you attain there, the picturesque view will take away all of the discomfort. Apart from boating, you possibly can even swim within the waters, bask in genuine Khasi (a tribe present in Meghalaya) meals offered in small stalls close by, or go and go to the Bangladesh border which could be very shut by. Discover the wonders of the world beneath the deep blue waters of Umgot River and inform me should you ever remorse it!
Ima Keithel, Imphal
Picture: Sneha Mothey
After I entered the market the very first thing that I observed was that each store was run by a lady! Ima bazaar or Ima Keithel actually interprets to ‘Mom’s Market’. Essential gadgets discovered right here embody handloom and handicraft merchandise like earthen pots, conventional shawls (Meitei), puppets, and so on. Several types of greens and dry fish are additionally offered in small bamboo woven baskets. It is among the largest markets operated by ladies in our nation. Virtually 3,000 ladies welcome you sporting the normal apparel, white chandan (sandalwood) utilized on the brow, and a heat smile.
Nohkalikai Falls, Shillong
Picture: Sneha Mothey
It takes 1 hour 45 minutes to drive from Shillong to Nohkalikai Falls. The view of the tallest plunge waterfall in India, a cup of chai and a steaming scorching roasted corn on the cob feels like an ideal night, proper? Whereas the view is gorgeous, the falls are named after a really tragic legend. In response to native folks, a lady named Likai dedicated suicide after her husband fed her their youngster as he was jealous of the time she was spending with the kid. She dedicated suicide by leaping off the waterfall and therefore it was named Nohkalikai Falls as a grim reminder of the tragedy.
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