The Silken Route

Sikkim is famous for its breathtaking views of mount Kanchendzonga and Sunrises. But there are some places which are famous for its own beauty. The old Silk Route includes jaw dropping sceneries along with numerous unknown wildlife under its belt. The picturesque zig zag roads, adventurous jungles, unknown singing birds, Red Pandas, glittering lakes at Gnathang and above all the refreshing view of Kanchendzonga will be a ride of a lifetime.

If one has the nerves for high altitude adventure, and drive through this heart pounding roads this place will surely amaze you with all sort of beauty. This has been recently one of the most talked about weekend destinations and summer vacation place in Sikkim. I hope these photos will help you take your call.

Kupup Lake

Glimpses of Kanchendzonga from Zuluk

Caterpillar on Flower, Aritar 

Fabulous Landscape at Gnathang

Tree Silhouette at Sillery Gaon 

Six Legged Arachno, Reshikhola

Snow Capped Gnathang

Famous Zig Zag Silk Route

What's your call?

Read More

10 Famous Harry Potter Shooting Locations

Who's your favorite teen wizard? This question is worthless as 99% of people will say it Harry Potter before question is finished. Yes this teen wizard rocked our worlds with his imaginary world & magic spells. Not only the book readers, movie goers also were spell bound by the beautiful scenery of the movies & obviously the acting of those young talents. Here is some of the popular places where the famous movies were shot which could be your next weekend getaways from London

1. King's Cross Station : The famous Hogwarts Express departed from Platform  9¾ and made it to history of world cinema. Special room is still left at King's Cross Station for this platform & there is huge rush everyday to see it.

Famous Platform at Kings Cross Station

2. London Zoo - Reptiles House : Remember the scene Harry talking with a giant snake? This iconic scene was shot in London Zoo reptile house. You can catch a glimpse of the place while visiting London.

London Zoo - Reptiles House

3. Glenfinnan Viaduct : After leaving from platform 9¾ Hogwarts Express steams through this beautiful landscape of Scotland  This train route has been so popular these days that many people rides this west highland railway and live their fantasies.

Glenfinnan Viaduct Scotland

4. Glencoe : The scenic landscapes of Glencoe, Scotland was used exclusively in several Harry Potter films. You'll recognise it in Tri Wizard tournament in Goblet of Fire. It's also used to film Quidditch matches in two other Harry Potter Movies. This place is also famous for the recent James Bond movie Skyfall.

Glencoe, Scotland 

5. Durham Cathedral: This beautiful example of Norman architecture was used as Hogwarts school quadrangle where Harry sets his owl flying in the very first movie. This is also used in the second movie Chamber of Secrets.

Durham Cathedral

6. Bodleian Library : Oxford University's Bodleian Library was the place where Harry, Hermione & Ron were seen multiple times. This Duke Humphrey's library was used as Hogwarts Library in multiple movies.

Bodleian Library - interior

Bodleian Library - Exterior

7. Cathedral of Gloucester : A place having a history of long 1300 years was used to depict the place where headless Nick or Moaning Myrtle roams freely. Harry & Ron was seen in some movies in this cathedral hall hiding from the troll.

Cathedral of Gloucester

8. Millennium Bridge : In the sixth installment of the franchise, the movie shows this famous bridge collapsing into Thames when attacked by death eaters. The is a very famous bridge which connects London with Bankside. This architectural beauty was also seen in another popular movie Guardian of Galaxy.

Millennium Bridge

9. Alnwick Castle : This place was seen in Chamber of Secrets movie where Harry's flying car crashes. Located at 30 miles from Newcastle this place was also the Quidditch play ground in Harry Potter movies.

Alnwick Castle

10. Piccadilly Circus : The epic scene where Harry & his team fighting the death eaters in a cafe in the Deathly Hallows movie was shot in this hugely popular area.

Piccadilly Circus

Read More

10 off-beat Honeymoon Destinations in India

Planning a honeymoon amidst the hurriedness of a mega event like marriage is real tough. Again none wants to miss the fantasies & the charms symbolized with Honeymoon. Busy corporate schedules also have taken its toll in our daily life. Many want to avoid the hue and cry of popular destinations. So this is for them who does not have time to plan it accordingly but want to explore new places. Here is a list of best offbeat honeymoon destinations -

1. Kalimpong : This place is a real beauty in the lap of Himalayas. One can get beautiful views of Kanchendzonga from this place. Stunning natural beauty accompanied with gorgeous views of the valleys makes it a much coveted honeymoon destination in India. You can also visit Lava, Rishyap, Deolo Hill which are close.

Budhha Statue in Kalimpong

Valley View from Kalimpong

2. Coorg : Renowned as Scottland of India this place is one of the most scenic honeymoon destination in Southern India. This place offers panoramic view of the Western Ghats along with famous Abby Falls, Nagerhole WLS, Madekiri Fort. Serene valleys, cool winter adds charm to your honeymoon with your loved ones. Coorg is also known for its Coffee Plantation.

Coorg in the lap of western ghat

Coorg - Scottland of India

3. Neora Valley National Park: Far from the madding crowd Neora Valley NP provides relaxation from the hectic schedules of a big fat Indian wedding. This jungle is full of diverse flora & fauna, unknown species of birds and famous Red Panda. One can trek to most scenic spots like Rechila Danda through the forest which foods your adventure hunger.

Neora Valley National Park

Red Panda in Neora Valley

4.  Pelling : Majestic Himalayas, magnificent sunrise lush green valleys makes Pelling a very surreal honeymoon destination. The road, flowers, winding roads, lovely birds makes it attractive. Easy to reach & far from local hue & cry enchants the newly weds to know each other better.

 Kanchendzonga Waterfall Pelling

Sunrise at Kanchendzonga

5. Alleppey : Want to mesmerize your honey keeping him or her in a houseboat in a silent backwater? Alleppey will surely thrill you with its natural beauty. This is a lovely destination for the honeymoon goers who wants tranquility & more time for each other, after all you are not going to honeymoon everyday.

Houseboats at Alleppey Backwaters

Tranquil Alleppey Backwaters

6. Ranathambore : Some couples are more adventurous than the rest of us and this is only for them. Feel the thrill of seeing wildlife roaming freely nearby in this royal national park which belonged to Royal Kings as Game Trails. Right now it is the best place to view the majestic big cats within their natural habitat.

Big Cats at play- Ranathambore

Tiger Citing at Ranathambore

7. Auli : Love Skiing? This could be your ideal destination to Skii with your partner amidst the massive Himalayas. Auli is the official Skiing destination in India. Well of course you have to take some mandatory lessons prior to that. Apart from Skiing Auli offers fantastic view of the snow capped mountains & valleys. It remains covered in snow most of the time and gives enough room for your two to share a cozy warm space of togetherness.

Auli Uttarakhand

Skiing at Auli

8. Tajpur : Enough of Snow & Jungle. Lets move to pristine beaches. Who wants crowded beaches like Goa in a honeymoon. Let the romance brighten up in a virgin beach at Tajpur, West Bengal. Fish fry, Casurina beaches, long sandy beaches & lots of Red Crabs will surely make you feel engrossed.

Twin Shells at Tajpur

Golden Beach

9. Zulluk : The Old silk route has its own charm in making us addicted to its natural beauty. The zig zag roads, snow covered Gnathang Valley or the bright blue kupup lake, Zulluk in West Sikkim is full of mesmerizing places to offer. Are you two bird watchers? Well it is the place to cite maximum number of different birds. Adding icing on the cake? Red Sunrise on  Kanchendzonga.

Kupup Lake

Old Silk Route

10. Lakshadeep Islands: This smallest union territory is filled with numerous lovely uninhabited beaches. Cosy cottages on the side of a beach can relax your body on mid. You get a deep diving to view the corals, never seen before sea creatures or feel the white sand all day long. Immaculate beaches of Lakshadeep will surely make an impact on your romantic mood.

Scenic Lakshadeep

Lakshadeep Coral Reef

** some of the pictures are taken from Google/freely available images.

Read More

Birds in our backyard - Photolog

Bengal is a land of birds. There are several birds we can find in our backyard which are local as well as immigrants. Globally around 1300 species of birds are endangered or nearly extinct. There are several birds which our ancestors used to see frequently but we don't. Deforestation, Rise in environmental pollution, rise in temperature, increased mobile phone towers, high usage of pesticides has taken their toll. Scientist Rachel Carson's famous book Silent Spring magnificently used Keat's famous line "And no bird Sing" to describe the situation. This is an earnest try to find out some birds - local & immigrants - which are intertwined with our habitat. It's time we should take our stand and save their existence.

Chestnut tailed Starling

Red Whiskered Bulbul

Night Heron

Jungle Babbler

Cattle Egret

Great Coucal

Parrot - Indian Parakeet

Indian Shikra

Peacock

Swan

Spotted Dove

Painted Stork

Coppersmith Barbet

Read More