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The Vaishnodevi Experience 2023

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.
3 comments

Wild Encounters in Gir

Ever since I returned from a short and unexpected trip to Gir, I have been asked the same question - "Did you see a lion?" Our main interest in visiting sanctuaries seems to be the sightings of the big cats... and no wonder. They are so rare these days! Our Gir trip was eventful and full of adventure. But did we see a lion? Read my post on the Club Mahindra Blog to find out!!!


Click here to read the post. 
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Location: Sasan Gir, Gujarat, India

Comments

  1. Samaresh BiswalMay 29, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    during the monsoon time will there be safari taking place ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:53 PM

      There are safaris during monsoon, Samaresh, but it depends on the state of the weather and the roads. they dont take advance bookings for that period, so it is simply your luck. in any case, chances of sightings during the monsoon are low. but on the other hand, the forest will look beautiful and you will have it to yourself since there will not be any crowds!

      Delete
  2. SmitaMay 31, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Hey, have left a comment in the club mahindra blog but wanted to say nice blog you have here :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:55 PM

      Thanks so much, Smita!! But i wasnt able to see your comment over at the club mahindra blog :(

      Delete
  3. Ritu DuaJune 1, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    So finally you could get a glimpse of the lion! i can well relate to your excitement mixed with nervousness as I had a similar experience while on a wild safari in
    Tanzania. Well it is a wonderful experience indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anuradha ShankarJune 3, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    Thanks Roopa!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shilpi GemawatNovember 8, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Lucky you!!! Great that you were able to view the lion after all! Gir is one of my most memorable and the first wildlife safari too. You can read my Gir experience and the see the pics at http://lovethewild.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/my-first-jungle-safari-gir/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shilpi GemawatNovember 8, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Lucky you!!! Great that you were able to view the lion after all! Gir is one of my most memorable and the first wildlife safari too. You can read my Gir experience and the see the pics at http://lovethewild.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/my-first-jungle-safari-gir/

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 27, 2018 at 11:44 AM

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

    ReplyDelete

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