Char Dham

We escaped our everyday humdrum to clear the mind, exercise the body and expand the horizons. Although we decided to tag many temples along the way in different cities of India, this trip was dedicated especially for Char Dham Yatra. It turned out to be a spiritual quest seeking our own selves and I will kid you not despite of enduring challenges and discomfort we had the best time on this "Char Dham Yatra".

It had long been Ajay's dream to embark on this journey, but his greatest wish was always to share this 'yatra' with me. Although he had traveled extensively through this part of India for business over the years, he waited for the right moment—or perhaps, as fate would have it, the right time chosen by God—for us to visit together. And finally, in May 2023, that dream came true. 

We opted for the helicopter tour with the company called Heli Yatra, completing the entire Yatra in just 5 days and 4 nights. We were incredibly fortunate to experience the journey without any major hassle. The highlight of the trip, without a doubt, was the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the helicopter, especially during our flight to Kedarnath Ji Dham. It felt as though we were in the presence of the divine, the "साक्षात्कार" of God. 

The purity of the holy rivers, the towering ice-covered peaks of the Himalayas, and the ever-changing skyline made us feel the presence of the Almighty at every turn. It was truly a journey that touched our hearts and souls. However the yatra encompasses the pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath holds immense spiritual significance and has to be completed in the same circuit. 

(All the heading of the dham will take you to the visual reel of the dham that I created on the Instagram)

Day-1 Yamunotri

Our Day 1 began with a scenic flight from Dehradun Airport to the town of Kharsali, a mere 20-minute helicopter ride. After freshening up at the hotel, we set off for the Yamunotri Temple, which is about 6 kilometers from the town. While the tour offered the option of traveling by ponies or palkhis, we decided to take the more adventurous route and walk the entire distance. The guide and porters were amazing. They put in tremendous effort and hard work every day, yet their spirit remained truly remarkable.

The walk from Kharsali to Yamunotri Temple typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and the condition of the terrain. The distance is about 6 kilometers and while the path is well-maintained, it does include some steep inclines and uneven sections that can slow your progress. However, the scenic beauty of the lush valleys, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks makes the journey both enjoyable and rewarding. The darshan at the temple was overcrowded, but we managed to get through. The only downside was the pressure from the 'so-called' pundits, who offered their services and then demanded exorbitant "dakshina" for performing pujas with them.

As anticipated and as we were informed, the accommodations were quite basic at the lodge, with limited electricity and a small dining area. We had mentally prepared ourselves for whatever challenges the yatra might present, so these minor inconveniences didn't bother us. After resting for a few hours, we took a tour of the town with our local guide. The Shani Temple and Yamuna Temple were definitely worth the visit. Meeting and greeting the locals is always enjoyable, and it's something we look forward to on every trip to a new place. The beauty of the mountains is truly awe-inspiring and leaves you speechless.

Day- 2 Gangotri Dham

Day 2 began with a short and pleasant helicopter ride to Gangotri Dham. While the journey to and from the lodge to the helipad isn’t particularly difficult, it does require extra time due to the uneven roads and terrain. It's also a good idea to bring a snack with you while waiting for the helicopter, as the timing can be unpredictable in the mountains, and you may end up waiting longer than expected without access to food.

The cottages at Gangotri Dham were absolutely beautiful. After breakfast, we had a scenic drive of about an hour to the Gangotri Temple. The temple is within walking distance from where the cars drop you, though seniors may prefer to take a pithoo or other available transport to reach the temple.

              

           

As expected, the temple was crowded with people, but the darshan was quick and smooth. The sight of the River Ganges flowing nearby adds a deeply sacred and pious atmosphere to the experience here. We got to see many performing many pujas at the banks of holy river Gange here.

The day ended with visits to a few other temples in the town, followed by a cozy bonfire evening, where we had the chance to chat with other devotees staying at the same place. The evening stroll through the town was also very pleasant and calming, offering a peaceful end to the day.

Day-3 Kedarnath Dham

Day 3 was uncertain, with reports of bad weather around Kedarnath Dham. Until we actually boarded the helicopter, we weren’t sure if Lord Bholenath would call us to visit or not. But what a day it turned out to be, and what a divine experience it was. 

Words may fall short of capturing the emotions we felt upon reaching the temple and seeing Him in person. We took two helicopter rides to get to the top of Kedarnath Temple. The view en route to Kedarnath was absolutely breathtaking, with stunning landscapes and snow-laden mountains at every turn. The atmosphere there was truly beyond words. We were overwhelmed with emotion—crying, filled with gratitude, and deeply moved by the sacred presence.

You feel tears well up, not out of sadness but out of awe and surrender. You might feel like screaming, not in despair, but in a desperate yearning to be heard and to connect. There is an inexplicable pull, as though the presence of the divine wraps around you, filling every corner of your being with light and peace. The kind of an emotion that leaves you utterly exposed yet deeply rooted. Writing this still makes me feel that feeling I had there....unbelievable!

           

The darshan was quick and chaotic, but we still managed to catch a glimpse of His divine presence. While we would have loved to stay a little longer, to gaze a bit more and absorb the sacredness of the moment, we left feeling content. Just being there, having the privilege to witness His glory, was enough to fill our hearts with peace and gratitude.

The highlight of our time at Kedarnath was interacting with the "Sadhu Bawas" who have been living at the top, in the divine company of Bholenath, near Mandakini river for many years. It is believed that the temple was originally constructed by the Pandavas and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. However, it was Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya who rebuilt the temple in the 8th century, and today, a new site is being developed in his honor, dedicated to his legacy and spiritual contributions.There are also lots of accommodations and facilities for those who want to spend a day or night here near the temple. Everything, however, was crowded and chaotic.....overflowing with tons and tons of people.                          

The Bheem Shila and other temples are also major attractions here, but for us, the only thing that mattered was seeing Him and being able to meet Him without any obstacles or trouble. It truly felt as though He wanted to see us, too, and the experience was nothing short of divine. The rest of the day was wonderfully spent at our hotel, where we had a serene view of the clouds drifting past the towering mountains—the very same ones we had journeyed through to return after the darshan. It was a peaceful and reflective moment, taking in the beauty of the surroundings.

Day-4 Badrinath Dham

The final stop of our journey was Badrinath Dham. After the darshan of Bholenath at Kedarnath, we felt a sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing that we could now complete our yatra at this last Dham with a calm and contented heart.

With our VIP darshan packages, we were able to enjoy an incredible close-up experience at every temple. As you can see from the pictures, the place was extremely crowded, but we were fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the Sandhya Aarti inside the temple in the evening, which we had pre-booked through our tour company. Although it was late in the evening, dark, and cold, our tour guide made sure we reached the temple in time for the scheduled Sandhya Aarti. Despite the challenges, he was committed to ensuring we didn’t miss this special experience.

The night view of the temple was truly breathtaking. Despite the ongoing construction and large crowds, the atmosphere remained special, though the sheer number of people was overwhelming at times.

The last day was a beautiful experience, spent exploring the village of Mana and the India-China border. The tour truly made the visit worthwhile, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s culture and history.

The highlight of our trip has to be our group. We started the trip as strangers—just three couples getting to know each other—but by the end of those four days, we had forged a bond and friendship that will last a lifetime. The four days spent together will forever be etched in our lifetime memories. 

As I conclude the post, wanted to share few pointers for the trip. Taking a helicopter yatra to the Cahrdahm in Uttarakhand can make your pilgrimage more convenient and time-efficient. However to ensure a smoother and fulfilling experience, consider the following points:

1. 1. Book with a government-approved helicopter services to ensure your safety and reliability.
2.  Make sure to plan your trip during the ideal yatra season (May to June or September to October) to voice weather issues. We planed it during the first week of May. Weather was very pleasant.
3. The helicopter services are highly dependent on weather conditions. Be prepared for delays and rescheduling. We got lucky to complete our yatra as decided but we met many along who have been stuck for days for darshan or even to reach Dham.
4. Some operators include VIP darshan passes, we got VIP darshan in every Dham so verify this in advance. 
5. Pack light. Helicopters have strict weight limits. We were allowed only 5 kg per person. Also confirm the specific weight policies for your helicopter ride with your chosen service provider. Our weight limit for a person on a helicopter typically ranges between 75-80 Kgs.
6. Char Dham involves high altitudes. We, however, did not face any major issues but carry altitude sickness medication and be prepared for walks or treks from the helipad to hotels to the temples. 
7. The accommodations are very basic so be prepare to accept what comes your way. However the food was amazing. The tour company we went with provided 4 meals. (Breakfast +Lunch+Afternoon Tea-snacks + Dinner)

Overall, the experience of helicopter yatra for Char Dham was incredible and convenient, especially when you are looking to save time and avoid climbing treks. Will see you again with another adventure pretty soon. Until we meet again stay connected on the social feeds of Pinkz Passion for your daily decor dose of DIY and home decor inspiration, toodles!

    

The wonder of the World - Niagara Falls!

The held thought of writing about Niagara Falls was been rearing its head with some wondrous thinking in mind. Being truly Canadian I have already shared my portion of journey in part 1 & part 2 blogs of the west coast places that have left their spellbound impact on us here in Canada. Today's feature story of Niagara Falls speaks my heart out as it's our most loved holiday spot being an easy reach to us.

 

“WE” get the itch to visit the place be it for an occasional weekend getaway, or a compulsive trip for any ambitious visitor’s request. From Toronto it’s about 1.5/2 hour drive and an excellent excuse for some “us” time on that long drive .

 

 To justify the beauty and navigate you to the place more accurately, I have snatched first 5 clicks (American side) from the personal album of a very creative photography duo, Jo and Dhruv of Strokes Photography. They are primarily wedding photographers but also specialize in lifestyle and event photography. Do take a peek in their mesmerizing clicks on their website. Their outstanding harmony truly understands how to seize “the moment” of their clients. The enthralling pictures will accurately drench you to yield your way to the Falls.   



3 famous falls of Niagara

Chiefly three falls - American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe (Canadian side) you have to explore. American falls transports much less water than Horseshoe Falls but you can get real close to the fall on American side, and truly feel the water hurtling down the falls.  



The very first glance of the powerful falls guarantees goose bumps. As you drive by the naturally beautiful Canadian side falls, the swooshing of windshields,  prove the presence of mystical droplets greeting you. As you justly stand in front to meet the thundering and loud falls, the whizzing wind, the powerful rumble of water, and few facial mist of h2o is likely to work as a bliss factor to pull away all your fatigue and revive yourself. Absolutely wonderful thing to hear, see and feel!  




The Observation Tower

The observation tower is the best bet to view all 3 falls from American side. Though the Canadian side is not purely visible from the tower.


American & Bridal Veil Falls

Cave of the Wind is simply a thrilling adventure to enjoy the majestic view by literally taking shower in the water of Falls. Rain ponchos and Sandals will try to keep you dry, but don't bother, just get soaked up completely in the beauty of the nature without having a second thought of being wet or cold (be careful with your camera, though). The most spectacular scenario and rainbows you ever come close to, (trust me on this one, it's worth every bit) you will have once in a life time mighty powerful experience. 

 



Canadian Skyline



Though, unlike American falls,  you have to appreciate the beauty of the falls from far-off on Canadian side. "Journey behind the falls" is also a part of major tourist attraction on Canadian side where series of tunnels lead you to go behind the falls. Skylon Tower on Canadian side is quite popular for formal, classy and an expensive dining experience with a great view of Falls in a revolving 360 degrees. 





Maid of the Mist at the basin of the Horseshoe Falls

This one impressive cheesy touristy ride I wouldn't ask you to give up at the cost of anything. I have jumped on the board countless times but "once you have seen it, you've seen it all" phrase is far eluded for this ride. The crashing down on the fall on your face, when the boat deliberately travels right in to the lip of the Horseshoe Falls, will leave you speechless. Feel the rocking of the boat and plopping on your face, let this natural wonder of the world leave you a lifelong personal reminiscence.  

Cheesy Maid of the Mist

This breathtaking Maid of the Mist ride is operated at both American and Canadian falls. They do provide their iconic blue poncho but when you soak up at the brink of millions of litre water, you don't expect to be dry and hey, it's just purest water of Niagara River.



Rainbow Bridge connecting USA & Canada

The Fall falls as Canada's major tourist charm. Covering most of the sites by foot will be much easier on warm days specially. Strolling over the Rainbow Bridge to US side or vice versa is much quicker and incredible. The idea of walking just few steps and you change the country is quite fascinating for many like me. You don’t want to miss out the phenomenal backdrop of Niagara Fall from the bridge and the feeling of being close to the splendid beauty of Mother Nature.  Ensure to carry your passport or visa as you have to go through the customs for crossing the international border.



A view from our 42nd Floor of Embassy suite 

And on one of those days/evenings we just go to literally chill and don’t bother going by the falls, instead stay in our room and revel in the view from the window. Pretty fancy accommodations are available around the falls, but I highly recommend to reserve your place with the sight of all 3 falls.

Those special fun and elegant nights certainly are incomplete if you don’t crack your hands at one of the 2 strikingly grand casinos at the falls.



The most recent click from 9th floor of Embassy Suite

In winter, its beauty touches at the peak and looks truly majestic but mind you it gets unforgivably cold. You will unquestionably have a remarkable camerawork in winter months; moreover, the pedestrianized streets will be less crowded for the period of winter months. In summer months being a tourist season in full swing you get the feel of herded like cattle at times.



Night lights & fancy fireworks

The Falls enhances its exquisiteness when you captivate the lighting effects of the falls when water is dipped in the color. A remarkable spectacle of stylish fireworks above the falls on those special nights will hold your breath in awe.





Clifton Hill



You won't have trouble filling up days around the falls as beside this major attraction the place is covered with tons of other beautiful places such as Aquariums, Winery, Helicopter rides. Marine Land and the Great Wolf Lodge are a compulsive places for those young visitors in Canada.  Clifton Hill is another tourist trap and a happening fun street on Canadian side. Mini Vegas would be just the right term to describe the hill with lots of fancy food chains to please every taste, museums awaiting to impress/horrify and an arcade to perplex any age group.

While creating this post I highly needed sound of “mantra” than those expressive adjectives to make you fall in love with stupendous beauty. So, what are we waiting for, put that additional tick mark for the Niagara Falls on your bucket list. Let that traveller bug in you plot a little jaunt to splash in full splendour of Niagara Falls. A Canadian charisma has gorgeousness in every season. Stroking of these wonderful words have craved me another trip soon ;) with warm days ahead, if we get bumped up at the falls, do wave me a hand!

Until we meet again, toodles!

Image: 1-5 (strokes photography) 6-10 - (Pinkz)

Image: 7 (via) Image: 8 (via)

JOURNEY TO CANADA - 2

"Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast." -  These are the words for beautiful Kashmir in India - meaning if there is a heaven on the earth, it is here, it is here, it is here. Kashmir is and will be truly a paradise. But today I want to resemble the same words for my part of the world.

Sit back, relax, read and catch up some eye candy pictures of beautiful villages Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta with me.

No words, no pictures, no reviews will ever describe the beauty in these places. This is mere an attempt for you to visualise and visit the place in near future for once in a life time.

Snow covered mountains and sparkly water lakes have immense natural beauty, own unique appeal that you can't capture enough in the clicks of your camera.


In addition to our journey, we took Via Rail to reach Jasper from Vancouver.

It was an over night journey but we enjoyed every bit of it.The vegetarian food, the small yet efficient sleeping cabins and above all the breath taking views of passing by lush green trees, rain forests, cloud covered peaks and crystal clear view of the water.  I could not agree enough that it was the best way to glance rockies without the strain of driving.

The view from our Panoramic dome.
  We witnessed one of the most beautiful sun rise through this glass dome. 

On a two weeks summer vacation we covered all 4 provinces.

If you have a mind set for a relaxed and unhurried journey, be the guest of Via Rail, you will be happy with the Canadian hospitality on the tracks.

We ended our epic rail journey at another beautiful destination - Jasper.

Unfortunately for us, Jasper wasn't a happy stay due to their special visitors  "mosquitos". Probably our stay in woods made it more intense. We heard that they are pretty vicious in few summer months in Jasper.

Well, we had a good company of old friends so, we kept our day busy in Jasper viewing the hot spring lakes and beautiful Maligne lake.

This area is a habitat of animals, so you have chance to see them frequently on roads. We bumped into moose, deer and bears couple of times

 

Wherever you go,  mountains reveal their beauty at every angle and you will be only left with "ooohs" and "aaahs".

One of the most photographed location in Jasper thorough my lens -  Maligne Lake

The best ride was from Jasper to Banff. The impressive scenery will force you by all means to stop by and pose for them. It was like a portrait drawn by god.

If you are behind the wheels you can explore easily, take detours and dawdle yourself for as long as you like.

The dramatic scenic drive lead us to Columbia Ice Field. A must do adventure for thrills. The gigantic vehicle drove us to Athabasca Glacier.

  

The drive on top of the glacier was the most fascinating experience. The bus took us all the way driving on glacier with its big giant rubber wheels. It was a terrifying but amazing ride to crystal clear rivers and mountains.

A special 6 rubber wheel drive bus. 

Our bumpy ice ride to the glacier.

Yep, we did taste the rivulet water from the ice field. This is the purest water you can drink.

The glacier colour was a real turquoise blue

 Our next destination was "Banff" - an enchanting town! Probably Mr. Yash Chopra wasn't aware about this city otherwise he would have ended making few lovely duet songs here for sure. Cloudy hills, fog forests and mild cool breeze wanting me to stay back in the town forever. 

One day stay was good enough for me to fall in love with the place.

Moving forward to the most incredible point of our travel.- Lake Louise. The only word you will come up with is - WOW! I think I have used all the super, magnificent, amazing, spectacular words for this post. But Lake Louise was above all these and more. I am short of all adjectives to describe the beauty.  It truly is a piece of heaven on earth. I was totally hypnotized by the beauty.

Lake Louise is named after the Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria

Fairmont Lake Louise will be the best bet to stay near the lake. A beautiful venue for a wedding also. They were dressing up a part of the property for an evening reception for a wedding.

The highlight of the journey: the most fascinating and beautiful Lake Louise. 

All the cities we visited were in summer months, but if you are a winter player, you may visit these places as they all offer plenty of winter sports and I bet the Canadian Rockies will be more gorgeously beautiful in winter times.

For now, I am just drooling over the wonderful vacation memories. Signing off and leaving you to plan an adventure and excitement for yourself in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. I guarantee you’ll find one of the most beautiful, unspoiled vacation place with spectacular scenery that will take your breath away.  Till we meet again, toodles!