My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
While on a vacation, I usually don't like to stay in a resort, preferring instead to wander and discover the area I am visiting. On my recent visit to Corbett, there were so many things planned that we spent very little time in our rooms, which is just the way I liked it! However, there are some things about the Club Mahindra Safari Resort which I shall always remember.... such as the towel art.....
And my first sighting of a Pied Kingfisher, and that too just outside our room!
Oh, and there were lots of other birds, too. But the only ones I managed to capture on camera were the Pond Heron and the White Browed Wagtail...
We were treated to a Kumaoni dinner one night, accompanied by folk songs and dances... and can you believe that the item I liked the most was one similar to the Khichdi???
On our last evening there, we had some spare time, which the others used to try and photograph the birds, while I simply wandered away (as usual) trying to see the parts of the resort I hadn't seen as yet!
And my first sighting of a Pied Kingfisher, and that too just outside our room!
Oh, and there were lots of other birds, too. But the only ones I managed to capture on camera were the Pond Heron and the White Browed Wagtail...
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| Yes, that does look like a bagpiper... apparently, the Kumaonis play a similar instrument!!! |
On our last evening there, we had some spare time, which the others used to try and photograph the birds, while I simply wandered away (as usual) trying to see the parts of the resort I hadn't seen as yet!
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| This is how our rooms looked like from the front... |
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| And here is the back- view.... facing the river... |
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| This wide expanse of green with a path for walking was so so inviting... |
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| And the gazebo-like structure was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the cool breeze from the river... |
What I shall always remember about the place, however, is the river... the Kosi, and the mountains on the other side...
I could just sit and look at the water for hours on end......
While I have this burning desire to visit Corbett again, I have been wondering what has been pulling me more - the jungle, the tigers, or the river? and I have begun to think that maybe it is the river which calls out to me....
Related Posts:
- A Welcome Break- Bloggers Trip to Corbett
- On the Kosi at Corbett
- Corbett Falls
- Sunset at Nainital
- In search of the elusive tiger at Corbett
- Jim Corbett Museum
Nice captures Anu.
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Lovely pictures Anu. For me sea has the same charm that you say about the river. Do you take sea for granted?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Raj Niranjan!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mridula! I am actually rather afraid of the sea.. cant swim at all, and cant venture inside without holding on to someone! the max i usually do is stand near the beach with my feet in the water.... dont go much into the river either, but love to sit by it and watch the water flowing past, again, with my feet dangling in the water!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pics.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chitra!
ReplyDeleteI can so empthasise with your . Loattraction to the river. I feel the same for it too and like you I am intimidated by the sea and its vastness. Loved the pictures, especially the towel art. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Looking at the river, I think even honeymooners won't mind a place famous for tigers. :)And towel art is Club Mahindra's specialty. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Zephyr! more similarities cropping up!!!! and apparently, their towel art is one of their specialties!!!
ReplyDeleteright, Nisha!! I really wanted to go and sit by the river, but they dont allow anyone near :( and i always enjoy Club Mahindra's towel art! first saw it at Binsar!
ReplyDelete