I get more fascinated to travel around the world when I got engaged in an airline Industry. I am a woman who finds happiness in collecting experiences than stuff. I am adventurous. Im not fun of going to the pub or in the mall but I love going to places i’ve never been to see the wonders of God’s beautiful creation anywhere in the world.
A close friend of mine asked me if i’d like to come & visit His Country, India. He knows Traveling is my passion. At first, I think of it not a good idea for I thought it’s so hassle to comply the visa requirements and I was not interested though. But when I checked just for curiosity and learned that Philippine passport holder traveling as a Tourist or visiting family or friends in India can obtain “Visa On Arrival -(VOA)” for maximum stay of 30 days. It is a great advantage for me working as a Passenger Check-in Agent for I can check all these things easily. I love my job!
I decided to go. I had spoken to his sister to make sure his family are aware of my visit. I managed to settle everything. My passport was with me so I don’t need to borrow from my company unlike to my previous companies retaining my passport until I finish my contract with them. I had no choice co’z if I don’t give up my passport, I will be let go. It’s quite troublesome since basically I need to have a valid reason so that they will let me borrow my passport for a certain period of time. My leave is approved and Airfare & Hotel were booked at Dailyn’s Travel and Tours.
Welome to New Dehli Airport!!!
I flew with Air India flight. Base on my own observation the plane was quite old as well as the cabin crew. Service was just normal nothing special. Foods was good. We landed on time but we stayed inside the aircraft for an hour before we disembarked the plane due to no available of aerobridge. Thanks God we arrived safe and sound. My friend and one of His friend fetched me up in the airport and sent me to the Hotel which is an hour drive away from the airport. Right the next morning, me, my friend and his two friends started our journey.
First Day: TAJ MAHAL
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Never in my life I thought I could visit one of the seven wonders of the world “the Taj Mahal” not even in my wildest imagination. Indeed, it’s a wonderful and a very historical building. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. The approximate distance from New Delhi to Agra is 231 kms and it takes approximately 3-4 hours drive. It was built in between 1631 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife- his favourite wife, Taj Mahal. It took 22 years to build the entire monument with 20,000 workers. The hands of workers were cut off under the order of Shah Jahan after the completion of the structure, so that no other monument so majestic could ever be made. It is one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. On our way back to new Delhi we stopped by to
India Gate
It is situated in the heart of New Delhi. The gate originally called the All India War Memorial. It was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I. The names of all the soldiers who died during the World War I are inscribed on the walls of the Gate.
Day two: Punjab, Chandigarh
Chandigarh is 253 kilometers and it takes 4 hours drive from New Dehli. It is the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana, and a union territory of India. The name translates in Hindi as “The fort of Chandi”, Chandi meaning being a Hindu Goddess. The City also known as “The City Beautiful” hence it is more neat, clean and organized place unlike any other City in the country. It has unique and planned architectures and the weather is cool. And most of all what makes the City beautiful is the “women” of the City which are really beautiful.
There’s a lot of beautiful tourist spot in the place to visit with like
Chattbir Zoo a zoological park. A famous zoo in Punjab. It has about 950 animals and birds belonging to about 85 species. One of the major attractions in the zoo is the Lion zafari and the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Rock Garden
The garden is created by Nek Chand in 1960, whose a transport official and a self thought artist. Rock garden is a combination of scultptures, huge buildings with a series of interlinking wall path and waterfalls. The garden is famous with it’s sculpted figures which are made of stone and recycled materials mostly came from broken pieces of glass, ceramics and tiles. The area is over twenty five acres big.
Sukhna Lake
One of the best features of planned City of Chandigarh. It is an artificial lake that lies in the foothills of Himalayas created by damming the seasonal stream that came down from Shivalik hills. The lake is best place for picnic or hang-out for family, couple, friends or individuals. It offers water sports activity such as boating, yatching, water skiing & etc. The kids will enjoy the playground and joyride around. Enjoy the beauty of the nature and feel the cool breeze while feeding the duck and watching sea birds flying. The place also surrounded with restaurants and shops. At night a reflection of Kasauli hills gives a very peaceful and relaxing feeling. Indeed, a place must to visit.
Kaimbwala Village
Somewhere in Kaimbwala, a rural place in Chandigarh, I found a beautiful resort and meet old man & woman. I was so amazed as the resort is located in the middle of a huge yellow mustard farm and you have to drive onto the dike road to get there. While on the way to the resort you will pass by a small pretty village where you can discover a unique culture and witness traditional life. I can see the kids enjoying the village life. I remember my childhood living in a village. It’s so simple but yet so much fun. Sometimes the simplest things can bring so much happiness.
Third Day: Kufri Mountain
After a day of stopover in Punjab, Chandigarh, my friends drove me through all the way to Kufri Mountain. Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla District. It was once a part of Kingdom of Nepal. It has an average elevation of 9,000 feet. There are no direct flights or trains or buses between Chandigarh to Kufri. The convenient and fastest way is to drive a car or take a taxi. Distance between Chandigarh to Kufri is 134 km by Road, for about 3 hours and 1/2 drive.
You will get relax as you take in the amazing valley and panoramic view of the mountains while driving. It was such an unforgettable experience for me as this was the first time I saw and touched a snow. I didn’t know that there are some places in India that snow.
An hour of trail to drive, walk and horse back riding to climb up to the mountain’s peak. The view of the spectacular art of nature on top is breath-taking. It’s unbelievable that you will find an amusement park to enjoy on top of the snow mountain. The park is equipped with various rides, pools, world’s highest go-kart track. Aside there are also some tourist attractions and fun activities for both young and adult to enjoy with the whole day, such as, snow slides, snow skiing, yak riding and so much more. There are also souvenir’s shops and restaurant in the place.
Fourth Day: Shimla
Shimla was declared as the summer capital of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh on 1864. It’s name derived from the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Kali. The resident houses crowned the rugged hills. It looks so beautiful and impressive with it’s Victorian style design.
I’ve been to Shimla main market located on top of the hill. I was amazed with the spectacular cool hill which I thought far from civilization and away from technology, have a “lift” to use to go up on top. The place is blessed with natural beauty. The view is stunning as it is surrounded by green mountains with snow-capped peaks. The old structure buildings, churches, shops, bars and restaurants inside the place makes you forget you are on the hill top. It feels like you are in the City.
Day Five: Kasauli Mountain
On our way back to Chandigarh, another mountain we stopped over to. Kasauli is still part of indian state of Himachal Pradesh. One of the landmarks of Kasauli are the Churches and Temples.
It was a very nice stop after few days of tour, I have spent time with God. We have visited Christ Church Kasauli and took time to pray. The church is also known as Angelican Church as old name. It contains Spanish and Italian imported stained glass windows. The church is pretty stunning, with a beautiful clocktower. We also visited kasauli Baptist Church which is “considered a unique example of colonial architecture of the British era”. I felt very near and close to God with the place. It’s so peaceful and quite, as you walk around you will feel the cold fresh air blow into your face while hearing the sweet and soothing voices of the birds along with the gentle rustling of leaves. Also you will find a friendly monkeys guarding the area. The place is what they believe the best place to pray for prayers will really be answered. Indeed, God saw and heard my cry, my prayer has been answered. God is great.
Timber Trail
Our last side trip before going back to New Delhi. Timber trail is a good respite from a long journey. It is located along the national Highway22, as you cross the state border from Haryana into Himachal, Parwanoo. Situated at an altitude of 5000 feet atop the Shivalik Range. Timber trail cable car brings you to the resort over the mountain, there you will enjoy the scenery, the picturesque beauty of the green high hills, while eating and relaxing.
In my India tour, few things I experienced “first time” in life and one of them was the cable car riding. It was a thrilling and awesome experience.
Day Six: Homeward Bound
Right after our short stopped at Timber trail, we immediately drove back to New Delhi. We reached at New Delhi in the evening and shopped very quick as my flight back to Singapore was the next morning.
India is really blessed with natural beauty and resources. I’d still like to stay and explore other places of their country but my tour was over. It’s time to go back to reality and work. I really appreciate the time and effort of my bestfriend and his friends who’s been my drivers and tour guides for free. I’m so thankful to my bestfriend for making my India tour a very enjoyable and unforgettable one. I would have not experienced all those things and would have not reached and seen those God’s wonderful creations in their place if not because of my him. I had really so much fun. I look forward to returning to India in the future. How great thou art!
Live, loe and enjoy. Life is Beautiful.
Innergybeauty 