Travel Joven

Archive for October, 2010

Himachal Pradesh tour is one that showcases the serenity of some of the most picturesque hill stations of north India, the traditional ways of life of the people, splendid temples and gorgeous landscapes. The state of Himachal Pradesh is laced with numerous beauteous hill stations such as Kullu Manali, Shimla, Kausali, Chamba, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and more. These hill stations were once the summer capital of British colonizers and thus offer not just pristine environs, but also awe inspiring Victorian style architecture on display to its visitors. Moreover the state is an exciting site for those on adventure tour. The region flanked with some of the highest peaks in the country provides ample opportunities to experience the zenith of adventure sports. In a nutshell tour to Himachal Pradesh are one to enchant, excite and to enliven your soul.

Highlights of Himachal Pradesh tours are:

Shimla

On your Himachal tour the city of Shimla is a must visit place. The town popularly known as the “Queen of Hills” is situated in the north-west Himalayan ranges. The region is covered with lush foliage of pine, rhododendron and oak trees providing it cool and pleasant atmosphere round the year. Its snow clad mountains and emerald valleys are a captivating sight which provide ideal backdrop for the colonial time architecture built by erstwhile British colonizers. The places of interest in the region are the main shopping street- The Mall, one of the oldest churches in India- Christ Church, Tara Devi Temple and more.

Manali

Situated in the pristine Beas River Valley, the quaint town of Manali is a beauteous hill station. Its snow clad mountains are great attractions and enchant all. This part of Himachal Pradesh is also considered as a site of cultural heritage for it is said to be home of Saptarashi (Seven revered sages). Your Himachal tour packages must include visit to Manali for its beauteous vistas and awe inspiring sights such as ruins of Naggar Fort, holy shrine of local deity- Hidimba Devi Temple, gorgeous Rahla waterfalls and a famous snow point- Solang Valley.

Skiing and Ice Skating in Rohtang Pass

The adventure sports lovers find their perfect destination at Rohtang Pass. Situated in the high mountains on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas, Rohtang Pass connects Kullu Valley with the Lahul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The pass is open from May to November and the region often witnesses unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards making the visit more challenging. The region is considered one of the best places to enjoy skiing and ice skating in Himachal Pradesh. Snow Point in Rohatang Pass is a popular place offering various adventure sports options which also includes trekking and mountaineering. During this time Rohtang Pass is completely covered with snow and is a beauteous sight. The ideal way to explore the region is via bike ride and hence groups of bikers visit the pass every year to travel around this spectacular scenery.

Replete with nature’s bounty, spirituality and adrenaline rush the Himachal tours offer something for all.

The route along the A4086, particularly between the two villages of Capel Curig and Llanberis has an abundance of opportunities for the landscape photographer, it is also the route most first time visitors to Snowdonia take as it passes through some stunning scenery. Capel Curig, surrounded on all sides by impressive scenery, is a popular place from which to climb the many mountains in the area and provides an excellent base if wishing to spend some time discovering the mountain summits. The Afon Llugwy river also runs through the centre, providing the spectacle of the Pont Cyfyng falls, particularly photogenic after a period of rainfall.

On leaving Capel Curing via the A4086 towards Llanberis, the valley widens and the lakes of “Llynnau Mymbyr” appear in view surrounded on one side by the solitary Moel Siabod and the Glyderau mountains on the other. More distant can be seen the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon. These lakes provide a good subject, particularly with the surrounding mountain backdrop and a short walk will produce several vantage points. Moel Siabod too provides the perfect vantage point, either for an aerial shot of the impressive valley or more likely the unbroken view across to Snowdon. It’s also a relatively gentle mountain to climb so requires a little less energy than most in the area.

Continuing along the A4080, passing the lakes of Llynnau Mymbyr, several abandoned barns are easily located and with a little effort can create a very effective foreground to the distant Snowdon. The Glyderau mountain range towers above the road all the way to the junction of the A498 and the A4086, the start of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ Llanberis Pass. Parking near the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, allows access to several hiking routes which climb the Glyderau – in my view the most distinct and feature rich mountains around Snowdonia – don’t miss the rock formations of Yr Wyddfa and Castell y Gwynt on Glyder Fach, essential photography subjects. One word of warning though, this area is extremely busy during peak holidays so to capture a landscape shot devoid of people requires a very early start, alternatively winter is much quieter and the weather often more conducive to photography.

Immediately after the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel turn right onto the Llanberis pass. This climbs steeply and reaches the carpark & Youth Hostel at Pen-y-Pass, the most popular starting place for those climbing Snowdon. For the photographer looking for some impressive aerial photographs, Snowdon will certainly not disappoint. From Pen-Y-Pass the “Pyg Track”, is the route to take, after a short distance the view to Llanberis and its lakes appears, an impressive sight and worthy of a photograph. Also from here mountain streams start to tumble down the mountain side, great foreground interest. The routes here provide many photographic opportunties, too many to describe tham all. Most notable however, are Grib Coch, an ominous looking ridge only to be crossed by experienced hikers. There are two particularly photogenic lakes well below the mountain path, Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn – a wide angle lens is essential to do them justice. The mountain views to Lliwedd, Crib Y Ddysgl and Snowdon itself are all impressive. For the energetic photographer who continues to the summit, whilst the view is impressive, personally I don’t believe it’s nearly as photogenic as those available during the climb. One notable summit feature is the unique train that, except for the winter months, brings hundreds of tourists to the top of Snowdon – forget any thought of mountain isolation, this is a difficult summit from which to capture a “person free” shot. The train itself makes an interesting photographic subject as it winds its way up the steep track from llanberis. It also provides another option for those photographers not too keen on hiking to the top of a mountain.

Back at the Pen-Y-Pass Youth Hostel an excellent vantage point of both Snowdon and the Llanberis Pass itself can be captured with minimum effort. Take the path which climbs the mountain side directly at the side of the Youth Hostel, heading up the Glyderau mountains. Within a very short distance and minimal climbing the impressive views of Snowdon, Crib Goch, Crib y Ddysgl and down the Llanberis Pass itself are seen. This viewpoint is a much easier option than the “Pyg Track” and still provides some rewarding photography.

Back on the A4086, the road drops dramatically down the boulder strewn Llanberis Pass towards the village of Nant Peris, passing along the way a series of waterfalls and mountain streams, each increasing in drama and photogenic qualities following heavy rainfall. Nant Peris itself provides an opportunity for a walkabout with the camera, there are also hiking routes up either side of the pass, towards either Snowdon or the Glyderau mountains. Once again as the height increases so does the mountain panorama that can be capture.

Continuing from Nant Peris towards Llanberis be careful not to miss a hidden gem, Dolbadarn Castle. It’s perched imposingly alongside the entrance to Llanberis but is hidden from view on approach. Fortunately signposts uncover its hiding place. The small climb to the castle produces a surprisingly impressive panorama of the Llanberis Pass, Snowdon and the Glyderau. The castle itself, relatively unknown amongst Welsh castles, is a great subject – a “must visit” on my photography list. The lake of Llyn Padarn can be seen from the castle, together with the numerous slate quarry workings scattered around the Llanberis mountainsides. Llanberis itself was built around the Slate mining industry and retains many of the scars, however these actually add to the photogenic qualities of this interesting place, as does Llyn Padarn. Llanberis is also the base for the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a “must see” for train enthusiasts. It’s worthwhile having a stroll around the village, streams and waterfalls can be found within a short distance, Llyn Padarn is particularly photogenic. Another series of hiking routes onto the surrounding mountains leave from here too, the most popular being the Llanberis Path which follows the route of the railway to the top of Snowdon.

If I were only to have a short time in this area and had to choose my favourite places for the most productive photography I would select Pen-Y-Pass and walk a short distance along both the “Pyg Track” and the route opposite, alongside the Youth Hostel – both produce impressive viewpoints. The other highlight for me is Dolbadarn Castle, infrequently photographed, which comes as a great surprise to me considering its excellent location and appearance.

When it comes to booking a holiday, many people tend to wait for the “right” opportunity – that is, when they’re able to take a week or two off work, or when the kids are on a break from school during the winter or summer holidays. But who says you have to wait around for such opportunities, when you can make your own with weekend getaways?

Short breaks and weekend getaways are ideal for various reasons, one being that they can be enjoyed more easily throughout the year. We all need a break from time to time, and opportunities for extended getaways might not come around as often as we’d like. That’s where a short break can fit in perfectly, enabling you to go away for a few days and come back relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on everyday life once again.

Many people choose to take short weekend getaways because they enable and encourage them to see more. For instance, spending a few weeks in one destination might give a traveller a fairly good feel for that specific destination. But taking a handful of weekend breaks to various destinations will ultimately expose a traveller to more surroundings. While it’s ultimately an issue of preference, many travellers do enjoy seeing more destinations rather than spending extended amounts of time in one locale. In opting for weekend breaks, travellers also tend to explore regions closer to home – for instance, towns within the UK or Ireland – which they might not have considered visiting otherwise. And for many, these holidays can turn out to be among the best of their travel experiences.

Another great reason to take a short break is that it won’t cost you as much as an extended getaway. Countless people have been affected by the economic crisis, and many of them have cut holidays from their budget due to necessity. However, while a one or two-week holiday might not be financially realistic for many people during the economic slump, a two or three-day getaway might be manageable.  The same principle applies to luxury getaways. Many holidaymakers might have opted for extended luxury getaways when the economy was in a better state, but aren’t able to do so now. In such situations, it’s not necessary to give up the luxury. Instead, many holidaymakers are opting to take short luxury breaks. Similarly, some holidaymakers might have never even considered taking a luxury getaway due to the costs involved. But luxury short breaks give them the option to enjoy that little slice of high-end holiday fun.

Relish the holiday fun now!

Ultimately, there are many reasons to enjoy a short holiday break – ranging from affordability and convenience, to more travelling opportunities. So next time you feel the need to take a break, don’t look to the horizon for that one or two week holiday. Instead, embark on a weekend getaway and relish the holiday fun now.