Overseas Travelogue : Li Jiang

On one of my official trips, I happened to be part of a seminar which was held in a beautiful place called LiJiang, close to Tibet

It is said there is a fairyland beneath the colorful clouds of southern China. A place blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by a friendly group of people.

Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China - the OLD TOWN which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of Lijiang and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region. When wandering along Square Street or any other streets in the Old Town, you will be struck by the peaceful surroundings. From enjoying the sight of the setting sun from historic hotels to local farmsteads, there are many favorable things here for travelers. The place is also good for the real shoppers - every age group will find something interesting to take away from this place. I was surprised to find some Russian dolls and Indian handicraft items being displayed in some of the shops.

While at this place, please do not miss Mu's Palace and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. My most memorable experience was being on top of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is 4680 mts above sea level (almost same as the base camp of Mt. Everest)

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Mountain) is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest one with an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

One can reach LiJiang by air or road. I took a flight from Beijing to Kunming and from there took a connecting flight to LiJiang.

The pics that I took on top of the Jade Mountain is part of my favourite collections

Travelogue : Ashtamudi

Nothing like the "Gods own Country". Last week I had a short vacation at Ashtamudi Resorts which is now part of Club Mahindra. The resort is 40 mns from Kollam Railway Station.

Backwaters are unique to Kerala and Ashtamudi is the second largest. Ashtamudi means, ‘eight-armed’, after the eight arms of the lake. The resort is facing the backwaters and one can enjoy the enchanting natural beauty as well the rustic life in the village. It has been built in romantic and idyllic surroundings to provide rest, recovery, and peace.

Hope the pics I took would give you an idea of beauty and serenity of the place.

People who are touring Kerala can spend a day or two here and visit some of the places in and around Kollam. Half a day sight-seeing could be to Thangasseri Lighthouse, Kollam Beach, Ashramam Adventure Park and ofcourse Shopping !!

If any of you are interested in the Temples of Kerala, then I would suggest half a day tour of Thekkam Guruvayur Temple, Ochira Parabrahma, Chettikulangara Devi temple, the famous Chakkulathukavu, Mannarsala Naga Temple etc

If you have a day, then one could go to Thenmala. One could go to the Punalur Hanging bridge, Thenmala dam and Palaruvi waterfalls.

For those who are new to Kerala could go on a tour of the capital Thiruvanthapuram. You can visit the Kovalam beach, Padmanabhaswami temple, the Museum (Monday closed), Kanakakunnu Palace and Veli tourist village.

Travelogue : Shivanasamudram

While in Bangalore, I made a trip with family to the picturesque waterfalls, the ganganchukki and Bharachukki, cascade down 60-90 meters. These falls are source of Asia's first Hydro Electric Power Station called "Shimsa".

You will reach Ganganchukki in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Bangalore. For people who are adventureous and do not mind a bit of excitement in life should try the round boat rides to the falls at Bharachukki. The boatman will check with you if you want to get fully wet or half wet. For getting fully wet, they take the boat right under the falls !!

At Ganganchukki, one needs to be careful of our lovely ancestors - the monkey which are in plenty and they do not mind sharing things that you are carrying with you, especially the eatables.

If you have time, one can also make a quick tour of Talekkad which is situated on the banks of river Kaveri. The place is known for its sand dunes and the temples buried underneath. For lunch, I suggest that you come till Talekkad and look for Udipi Restaurant. Close to this restaurant, there is a family which also serves lunch to the travellers. It is extremely difficult to locate a decent place to eat anywhere near the falls or on the way to Talekkad.

Hope the pics would enthuse you to make a trip to the falls !