Author Archives: Shilpa Mandara

Enchanted Escapes: Romancing the Hills of Mahabaleshwar

I’ve been hanging around Pune for the past few years, and let me tell you, I’ve made my way to Mahabaleshwar 3 times. And you know what? Not a single time have I thought, “Oh, maybe I’ve had enough of this place.” Nope, it’s just that kind of spot. Folks from Pune and Mumbai often see it as a quick day getaway, and some even turn it into a yearly tradition. And guess what? I think I’m slipping into that rhythm too. Can’t blame them – Mahabaleshwar’s got that magic.

An Unforgettable Trip To Spiti Valley

Spiti is an absolute wonder, enchanting and otherworldly in its splendor. The name itself denotes its exceptional location, serving as a link between two distinct worlds, Tibet and India. Tucked away amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kinnaur and Kunzum Pass, Spiti is situated in the magnificent terrain of Himachal Pradesh, serving as an essential link between the mesmerizing valleys of Lahaul and Spiti.

The Cold Desert of India, Nubra Valley

The weather gods gave us a hint that they were not favoring us by sending wild winds in Turtuk. Driver bhaiya said Hurry up as we bid goodbye to Turtuk at 1:45 PM with an aim to reach Hunder before sunset( because that’s the right time to see camels).

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration In The Mountains

I had taken an early shower and cleaned the kitchen to prepare prasad. Ranjan had no idea what I was doing, he tasted prasad and my efforts went in vain. He felt so bad upon realizing it. Without wasting any time, we prepared another round of prasad with the same dedication and purity

A few hours in and around Kota during Monsoon

We parked the car 200 meters away from the bridge and rain showers added a thrill to the experience. Walking to the bridge in a shared umbrella, I ran out of words on getting the first glimpse of the Kota barrage. The waves in the water were monstrous and gigantic.

Flowers As It Is

The clouds are back in the Kullu valley of Himachal, the trails are filled with vibrant flowers and I couldn’t resist seizing them in photos. Here are some of my favorites.

Picnic day at Sajla Waterfall | Offbeat Destination Near Manali

In the past 2 years, it was one of the rare times when we slept at 1:15 AM IST on Saturday. However, the body clock was set to wake up at 6:30 AM, and there was a slight discomfort in our body due to insufficient sleep. Both of us had completed the routine morning tasks. I have prepared vegetable pulao and my partner packed it in a steel box.

Guide to Explore Pangong Lake | Where Heaven kisses earth

Part 1: Packing for an epic Leh and, Ladakh trip (opens in a new tab)Part 2: Manali to Leh Roadtrip (opens in a new tab)Part 3: Exploring Leh, the touristy way (opens in a new tab)Part 4: Land of Baltic People, Turtuk (opens in a new tab)Part 5: Nubra – The Cold Desert of IndiaContinue reading “Guide to Explore Pangong Lake | Where Heaven kisses earth”