Posted on

FILTER : THE MIST BY YOURS TRULY, VAGAMON

20°C. Drizzling. Surroundings covered up in the mist. No, no, it wasn’t a winter weather report – in fact it was hot dead summer in the month of May. I can only remember hills topped with gigantic mist when I say or hear ‘Vagamon’.  Now I want you to go back and read those two words again – GIGANTIC MIST. Now I want you to picturize it as a constant backdrop image throughout. Ready? Good, let’s hike up now. C’mon, we’re talking about Vagamon here so I want you to keep hiking mentally! Ohhk..now we’re good to go.
In general if you’re going anywhere around the region, you NEED to be ever-ready for long walks or short hikes, but fresh and unpolluted air sorts everything out. Roam around the nature, stumble upon any hilltop and you’ll encounter infinite velvelty green malas (it’s what they call here for mountain range) getting rain showered through the mist. At this point, it’s really difficult to distinguish between an enormous cloud or the gigantic mist ; as the mist we generally come across easily gets dissolved in the air. But the mist here, is a thick creamy layer aspiring to become a cloud. Moon Mala treated me with such cloudy views that I simply can’t forget. With a short 30-minutes hike accompanied by mist and drizzle, made me drop my jaw once I reached atop – at least 30 km of panoramic views. It’s windy, rainy, gigantically misty – all at once.
Strolling through the slopes of this moist earth, many tea terraces greet you (tea terraces seemed more like mint gardens to me, adding the sharp refreshing outlook). Oh and before I forget, let me tell you that Vagamon is an insects’ land. No kidding, they rule here. They’ll never show up, but you know that they’re lurking very near you, especially when the climate change begins ; and you are an audience of a naturally live orchestra – let’s call it “The Insects’ Symphony”. Once you know that it’s divinely melodious, you don’t mind them lurking. 
I would much rather come here often for the waterpools created by the waterfalls than just the falls. It unravels much more things ; like the dusky, porous and hollow structure of the huge carved rock at the base which is unwalkable during the heavy rains. This makes it really easier to understand the falls when you through them. But it ain’t no easy game! You gotta travel miles followed by a sweaty hike and reach out to them where they’re hidden. And then there might be a chance of a few insects’ show. But you might as well take your chances.

It would be worthless if I had come home without meeting the mesmerizing pines. And what’s more – there’s a valley full of them. They’re famous, hence I couldn’t expect much privacy but I didn’t give up either. I found my own spot of solitude away from the crowd and there were just a few pine trees and me. I must say, the BEST date I’ve ever had. There’s a reason I call them mesmerizing – just keep looking up while you walk down the valley and they’re already looking right at you. Straight up in the eye. All, all of them. And you’re already mesmerized. After that, crowd or not, didn’t matter.
Larger than life isn’t the term used only for movies, after all. I even remember the earthy taste of the air – pinch of soil and lots of gigantic mist. To cut the whole story short – Vagamon is the cozy, velvety green blanket I curl up into every night. Can’t take that backdrop image off of your mind, can you?! I tell you what, don’t even thank me later, just go visit the enchanting beauty. Oh, you’re there only.
Posted on

KHAJURAHO : WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE TOWN FOR MORE ATTRACTIONS!!

Khajuraho is one of the glorious towns in India, being famous for its Hindu temples which are also listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These temples are immediately taken into notice for having graceful erotic sculptures. The town is, hence, visited due having a group of extravagant-figured temples and and ancient carvings. Except for the incredible temples, I find more reasons that you should be visiting the town, as for me, it’s not only the mainstream attractions that are important, but the overall vibe is too. Let me introduce you to the other equally important attractions in the town for you should visit it!!
  1. Khajuraho Dance Festival :

    I recommend if you plan your trip in February, this activity HAS to be included in the list! Set and enlightened at the backdrop of the magnificent temples, the festival is a live example of richness of Indian culture. Renowned dancers and music artists across India are invited here to perform. Moreover, the festival is FREE OF COST!
  2. Raneh Falls : 
    Formed by the river Ken, these stunning series of falls are flown during the monsoon. Yet, I recommend it to visit this place even if it’s not a monsoon obviously because of the stunning deep canyons!  Panoramic views, windy atmosphere, outstretched ghost-trees and clear blue sky – the pact is enough to make your day.
  3. The Ruined Rajnagar Palace :

    Completely untouched and probably unknown to the tourists, this ruined structured was formerly a palace built by the Chandelas (former rulers of the town). Approximately 15 kilometers away from the town, the palace was said to be the resting place for the rulers. The premises includes an old library, an old school and a few resting rooms for the royalties – all of which is ruined now. Though the neighborhood surrounding the town is quite active with the local residents. A roof – top view gives panoramic vistas of the town, bit of a deserted land and hills. I suggest you visit this place not just because of the vistas but the very authentic and close encounter with the ancient culture. A guide would be preferable to visit this place.
  4. ‘Karela’ – a Must Try! :
    As lip-smacking as it looks, tastes even better! The local dish is made up of spicy potato patties, sweet and spicy chutney and topped with the crispy ‘karela’ – a deep fried chips-like snack. Foodies – come along, this is to go-go food for you in the town! What’s more – it fits your pocket. (P.S. your trip remains incomplete without tasting this one!)
  5. Stunning Sunset :

    As this small town includes deserted land patches and tiny houses, the eye sight reaches upto minimum 10 km reach. This helps during the evening while the town leaves you in awe with the most mesmerizing sunset. Be it the open spaces or the temples, the sunset makes sure make you fall for it.
  • Points To Remember :
    –  Panna National Park is located nearby the town, hence, the trip can be clubbed with it.
    –  The town is well-connected from other important cities such as Varanasi, Agra, etc. yet, the nearest city is Satna (approximately 4 hrs drive away) and the town Khajuraho itself has a domestic airport.
    –  For places that I mentioned above, especially for the Rajnagar Palace and Raneh Falls, do get a guide / host to as these places are off-town limits.
    –  October to March is the best season to cover everything ; yet July and August are recommended too if you want to witness the spectacular series of Raneh Falls.

    These are my #notesontravel to Khajuraho – the first one on my solo list and motivated me to keep going with my internal journey too!