Baga Sarahan Kullu

 Not just the handlooms but the natural picturesque scenries are also credible to attract the folks from far flunge to Kullu. Baga Sarahan is among those heavenly abode of kullu . The lush green meadow with the view of snow capped hills and sorrounded by deodar trees is meant for tourists who sought for a fabbergasting trip. Consider it as one day trip or a night out stay, in either way the place is going to astonish you with its synchronisation of green land, hills, dense forest and water stream

How to reach :

Whole journey is a natureholic trip. The road proceed amid apple orchids like roller-costar ride and as a bonus you will be amused by eye-soothing picturesque views throughout the we will journey. Baga sarahan is 170km away from Shimla. Once you reach Rampur bhushar the distance remain only 50km. The roads are narrow so a skillful driver is a must. Public transport is not so preferable because of timing issues.  At bagipull there happens to be a diversion of road and the destination is just 10km far away.

  About destination:

The green meadow resembles with khajiar of chamba distric.On the one side of road there is wooden crafted temple of a local diety and other side is a govt school both complements each other beautifully. This place is ideal for family picnic and few people often come here to have gala time with friends and acquaintances. Localities are often seen with taking care of their grazing cattle.Herds of sheep and goats also come here to satisfy their appetite. 

   The water fall :

   Beside the grassland the a steep ascent heads to a waterfall. It take a short hike of half an hour to unveil the chilled water of stream flowing downward. The trail is enriched in fauna-flora and tall enchanting pine trees. This hidden waterfall of Baga Sarahan will refresh you with its chilled splash.

   Accomodations:

   As this nature crafted gem lies in a quaint village, so you are strictly prohibited from any expectations of luxury suite hotel. Where as you may find homestays offering good staying facilities. It is also adviced to take your eatries along with so that you enjoy the trip without any annoyance.

                 

Sangla valley Kinnour

 Nowadays people prefer to live in luxury appartment of cities and choose barren terrain of hilly subtle to satisfy their wander-to-explore urge. This is the reason that even most dangerous and curvy hilly roads usually remain jamed with fancy bullet bikes. One of such kinds of place is Sangla valley, the much loved valley by all kinds of tourists.

      Only a 8 hour drive from Shimla and you are at this myjestic place called Sangla valley located in Kinnour distric of Himachal pradesh. Due to its proximity to tibet border this valley gives essence of tibet in its culture and heritage.Rich in founa and flora  this quaint village offers solace in very affordable charges. 

      What you can expect from Sangla:

  Being nestled on the bank of Baspa river, the village is rich in fauna and flora. It facilitates the best tourists accomodations and camping sights.

     Sangla is a paradise for snow lovers. Wheather remain chilled and snowfall often happens in winter. Even in summers you need to keep your cozy clothes with you.

   - Apples, apricot, walnuts you can buy in cheaper rates.

- Mouth watering rajma chawal will satisfy your appetite after a long journey.

- A festivals of flowers also held in the month August and September called as Fulaich Fair.

- For the sight seeing you can visit trout farm, Kamru Fort , Tibetan wood carving centre, saffron farm etc.

- Tourists are adviced not to plan a trip especially in monsoons. As the roads of  district kinnour are not rain friendly. The place often witness landslides and closure of roads during rainy season.

               On the whole Sangla valley is a quintessental for nature freaks and wanderers.

    

MATA ASHAPURI TEMPLE : Pleasure to eyes and peace to heart

                                       

                                                                       Ashapuri Mata commonly known as the 'wish-fulfilling goddess' is the famous deity of the Palampur region. Away from the hustle-bustle, this hilltop temple premises amaze the eyes with picturesque natural views and the divine environment tranquil the soul. The temple remains pilgrim laden throughout the year. Its religious significance and impeccable beauty makes devotees visit this temple again and again.

A glance at the history

According to mythology, the temple was built in the dwapra era.  Pandavas found Mata Ashapuri here in Pindi form during their incognito exile and built this temple. While some locals tell that this temple was built by the Katoch dynasty.                  

                                                                                                               

How to reach Mata Ashapuri temple

One can reach there by cab, bike and even by bus. The buses are limited and one needs to confirm the bus timings. Ashapuri temple is 31 km away from Palampur and 51 km from Sujanpur bus station. A train trip can also be preferred up to the Panchrukhi railway station.

                                                                                        People who hail from the Panchrukhi region must remembered many walking routes to reach the temple.  Up to 90's, it was very common to visit the temple on foot. Once the road facility to Ashapuri temple came into existence then the trend of on foot traveling to the temple become the neglected one. For now, there is well-established roads from Panchrukhi as well as from Sujanpur.

Fair and festivals

Navratri is celebrated with great pomp and show in this place. A festival is being organized and devotees from all across the region come here to be a part of fair and take blessings.

The heartwarming people of Ashapuri temple:

The people of Ashapuri village are very simple, happy, talkative and helpful. Water is always available in the small distance in the stairs. I must say it’s a neat and tidy village, the homes and lifestyles are old but completely traditional. Women can be seen knitting and gossiping at the same time.

About my experience

I visited this holy shrine in October 2019. It took almost one hour from Panchrukhi to the Ashapuri temple. The road condition was good except for a few patches. The whole way from Panchrukhi to Ashapuri temple is a complete nature getaway. The view of farthest hilltops, lush valleys, dense forest of Pinus and synchronization of villages in the middle of forest soothes the eyes.

I divided my journey into two parts one is safely reaching the base of the Ashapuri temple without getting nostalgic about the view. And the other is a small track of almost half an hour to reach the temple premises. So, Jor se bolo Jai Mata Di is necessary to chant out loudly. There are stairs which lead from shops to someone's home and even fields. Whole travel remained cheerful by walking, resting and even talking with fellow devotees.

Some travel tips:

- Keep your spirit high to climb steep accent stairs. It may take half an hour if you don't take rest ( chanting Jai Mata Di always help here).

- Keep cash with you.  I haven't seen any ATM service available here.

- Water, snacks and Indian food is available throughout the stairs. Toys, temple pics, and other small items are easily available and that too in cost-effective prices.

- Roads are worn and torn in some places otherwise they are good enough to drive { be caution during the rainy season). The maximum distance covered is through the dense forest so you may not get a car service station if stuck in a middle way.

- There is one pwd guest house near the temple. Locals also provide rooms for night stay just in minimal charges.

Picture sources: Internet