Aug 13 2010

Chandra Taal : Lake of the Moon

For a nature lover, it is almost impossible to miss the natural splendor of Himachal Pradesh. Every year, this state of India attracts a lot of visitors to its scenic locales. Tourists coming here never have a dull moment. You would love to pay visit to the monasteries, shrines and forts bearing an imprint of the historical and cultural heritage of the state. The gorgeous valleys, springs, wildlife destinations, mountains, lakes and waterfalls will also mesmerize you for sure. A much cherished target for tourists coming here are the fabulous lakes. Out of the numerous lakes of Himachal Pradesh, Chandra Tal Lake is one which has caught the attention of many tourists.

The trek to Chandratal the ” Moon Lake” is almost like going to the moon. You almost feel like the first explorers going to a new place for the first time. The landscape and the scenery change ever so quickly with each sighting bettering the one before. This is till you reach the lake! The world comes to a stand still here. Staring at you is this turquoise crescent of water surrounded by the Chandrabhaga & Mulkila Massifs. The lake seems to hypnotise you with its various hues and is like a nymph left alone in this great Himalayan setting of towering mountains.


Chandra Tal Lake is situated at a height of 4300 m and 6 km away from the Kunzum Pass in Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Boasting of a circumference of about 2.5 km, the deep blue-water of Chandra Tal Lake is the source of the Chandra river.

According to legend, this lake is the location from where god Indra’s chariot picked up Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers. In other words, Yudhishthira’s journey to heaven in his mortal appearance began from Chandra Tal Lake. As a result, this lake is a revered one and draws a large number of devotees. Many domestic and international travelers also come to this place.

The lake is accessible on foot only for few months in a year, from May to August. A vast meadows, is the camping site on the banks of the enchanting lake. During springtime, it is carpeted with hundreds of kinds of wild flowers.

A clear stream of water flows out of the lake. During the day, the lake appears prussian blue  in color, and a greenish tinge appears towards the evening. The lake is situated on a plateau (Samudra Tapu) overlooking the Chandra River which originates from a glacier near Bara-lacha-la.

So, book yourself for a tour to Himachal Pradesh as soon as possible. Ensure to drop by Chandra Tal Lake. You would definitely be in love with the experience of coming here

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www.jagattravels.com


Aug 11 2010

Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh

The Oldest and the Boldest is true for Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh

When you will travel to Himachal Pradesh to see the most important monument of the state – Kangra Fort. Built at the confluence of Banganga and Manjhi streams, this fort has confronted various plunders as well as natural onslaughts. Kangra fort is located at a convenient distance of 17 kms from Dharamshala. Yoy will enjoy a vacation in Himachal Pradesh and take an exclusive tour to the Kangra fort that is the oldest and the largest historical remains in Himachal Pradesh as well as India.
This fort was built by the royal family of Kangra. The fort is pedestaled on a steep rock in Old Kangra, which dominating the surrounding valley. The Kangra fort has seen several invasions over a vast period of time. It saw its rulers in the Kashmiris as well as the British.

The Architecture of the Magnanimous Fort

Take a holiday trip to Himachal Pradesh in India to see the famous Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh, which is a fusion of ancient and medieval form of architecture. Spreading over a large area, this fort is conspicuous because of its huge walls and black stones that were incorporated to build the outer walls. You should see the huge gate that bears the name of all the kings that had ruled this fort at any point in history.

Components That Add to the Audacity of the Kangra Fort

Come and enjoy a vacation in Himachal Pradesh and see the famous Kangra fort attractions that draws huge tourist participation every year. Go inside the fort complex to see various monuments like temples, museums and palaces, that serve as the major attractions of the Kangra fort.

The Welcoming Gateways

The huge ‘Darwazas’of the famous Kangra fort are perhaps the most eye catching feature of the fort, thus making them the famous fort attractions of Himachal Pradesh India. A walk through the various gateways is like a transition form one period to the other. Begin your fort journey from the Ranjit Singh Darwaza, which is winged from both sides by a 4 kms long outer circuit. Get on the steps that will take you through the halfway Ahni and Amiri gates. Then comes the Jahangiri gate from where you have to travel a path of rocky ground to reach the Andheri Darwaza. Notice a camouflaged mosque that was built by Jehangir. Further you will find ramparts of a step well and other dilapidated remains. The best gate among all is the Darshani Darwaza, which is the oldest standing structure and opens up to a spacious stone – paved courtyard.

Temples Depicting Holiness in Kangra Fort

A little distant from the Darshini gate is the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Shaitala Mandir. These temple are architecturally famous and you cannot miss seeing them. Another temple that you should not miss is the Ambika Devi Temple.

The temple attractions of Kangra fort is not confined only to Hindu temples. One can also find the presence of Jain temples. While on a tour to Kangra fort, go south of the Ambika Devi temple to find two Jain shrines, that today are in desperate need of reparation. You should visit this Jain temple to see the stone image of Adinath.

The Exotic Palaces and Mahals

On your vacation to Himachal Pradesh, visit the famous Kangra fort in Himachal Pradesh to see the mirror palace. This palace lies in the upper level front of the fort where you can also find a watch tower. This watch tower too has historical significance. Get on top an enjoy the view of the area from this tower is amazing and one should definitely take a chance to bask it.

Reaching the Ramparts of Kangra Fort

Lying in the heart of the Kangra valley, Kangra fort is easily accessible from the main town of Kangra which is 6 kms away, Dharamshala (17 kms) and McLeodganj ( 27 km). Take up tours of Himachal Pradesh to visit the Kangra fort which is well connected by private taxis and state transport buses.