Backpacking in India – what to pack
The best way to see India is by backpacking across it. There is no one destination lesser than the other, there are just too many places and none can be missed. But covering the entire nation this big could be difficult , then what is the best way to see it for what it is, to sense the vibrations of the country to take in the minutest details? It is by backpacking.
Backpacking in India can be both awesome and invigorating, it will provide you with a superb way to interact with the locals try local cuisines and take in the place.
Hence when you plan your trip make sure you packed the right things. India being a country with tropical climate, cotton is the best thing to carry, so Cotton pants, cotton Shirts, cotton T-Shirts, Kurtis whatever will do.
With this always add some rain gear, for most parts of India a good Poncho and water proof shoes should do the trick. Carry a foldable umbrella if you feel the need. For cold, one sweater/jacket or shawl will do the trick. Most places in India are well connected with buses and trains, [for trains read our previous blog too].
Carry one cotton dupatta or long length of cloth, it will help you prevent the sun, or cold or you can even put it on the pillow while dozing off in the train, roll it and use it like a pillow while waiting for a bus. Always carry sun shades with UV protection and sun screen lotion with +15 SPF.
Carry loose change, auto rickshaws, local buses and small shops do not accept cards, they will also not have change for bigger denominations, so make it easier and carry change. Carry polythene bags and cover all your clothes with polythene bags, in the monsoons the rains can hit even the driest regions, if not for the rains at least for the buses and trains wrap all your stuff in polythene bags, as there might be slush on the roads or water leakage in trains or even against dirt it will help.
Carry a torch, a multiple sided adapter to charge your phones, camera batteries or ipods as most low budget hotels, hostels and rooms will have only one plug point. Carry thin cotton towels, don’t bother to carry big shampoos and soaps, most things are available everywhere. Put in a pair of Hawai chappals or floaters. Carry one or two books or magazines, that you can flip through while awaiting your train or bus, dump some chocolates and biscuits into the bag and you are ready to go.
Don’t carry too much clothing, keep your bag light and easy to carry.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Coorg - A land of coffee, culture and many trails
Coorg – has always fascinated me, with its endearing trails, with its unique culture, its amazing food, the green that covers every inch of this land, the rain and of course the coffee estates in abound.
The first time I entered this land was with a friend of mine, whose grandparents lived in a secluded village very close to Nagarhole. I was unaware as to what to expect. We went in a rickety bus and were picked up by her uncle in a jeep, to their house. The houses were at a distance of 3kms of each other or more. The backyard leads to a trench to Nagarhole, the front extended in rows of coffee plantations. Thus I had reached a place I loved and would visit ever so often.
This experience stayed in my mind and I decided to head there again and have visited this fascinating land many a times after.
The main touristy places have their own stand in the quest to see the real Coorg – or Kodagunadu, but the ones that will let you observe this brilliant place and take in every bit of its gorgeousness is when you do many trips to this land, for treks, for backpacking trips, for visiting the Golden temple at Kushalnagar and many more such attempts. As the place is very close to Bangalore a straight 6 hours can get you there, the opportunities increase in folds.
There is a particular scent, that hits you every time you enter Coorg, the smell of the coffee plantation, for the ones who have never been near a coffee plantation, it doesn’t smell anything like coffee, its more like jasmine, when the coffee flowers are in bloom, its an intoxicating flavor, even addictive. So in whatever transport you are heading there as long as there is an open window you will know you have reached Kodagu.
There is an ample amount of options from amazing kakkabe that will let you start your trek to Thadiyendamol Peak , or even ‘relaxing in the expanse of green’ - lounging under the million stars that you can witness on a cloudless night. You can visit the Nalknad palace or have serene moments at the stream.
The Golden Temple at Kushalnagar is one of the best weekend trips you can make. The Tibetan colony, the temple in itself is an astonishing sight, the Tibetan Buddhist paintings on the walls, the super hip hipish monks a contrast, the beauty surrounding it, the shopping complexes where you will find some awesome Tibetan trinkets, mantle pieces or even get a Kimono stitched in your fav pattern and colour.
For the adventure seeker the White water Rafting and treks will keep your adrenaline high, for the traveler who loves food, drink and a relaxing view the home stays provide this with gusto. There are many waterfalls, all of which are gorgeous and worth a visit.
Modes of Transport – Many Buses are available from Bangalore to Virajpet, Madikeri, kushalnagar and other major stops. There are ample of local buses you can take to reach your particular destination from the main bus stands.
Car – Its an easy 6 hours drive an easy 260km in the southwest direction from Bangalore.
Bike – The roads are sometimes under construction but Bike trips can be made with ease. The green of the place adds beautifully to a bike ride.
Parinitha Konanur
The first time I entered this land was with a friend of mine, whose grandparents lived in a secluded village very close to Nagarhole. I was unaware as to what to expect. We went in a rickety bus and were picked up by her uncle in a jeep, to their house. The houses were at a distance of 3kms of each other or more. The backyard leads to a trench to Nagarhole, the front extended in rows of coffee plantations. Thus I had reached a place I loved and would visit ever so often.
This experience stayed in my mind and I decided to head there again and have visited this fascinating land many a times after.
The main touristy places have their own stand in the quest to see the real Coorg – or Kodagunadu, but the ones that will let you observe this brilliant place and take in every bit of its gorgeousness is when you do many trips to this land, for treks, for backpacking trips, for visiting the Golden temple at Kushalnagar and many more such attempts. As the place is very close to Bangalore a straight 6 hours can get you there, the opportunities increase in folds.
There is a particular scent, that hits you every time you enter Coorg, the smell of the coffee plantation, for the ones who have never been near a coffee plantation, it doesn’t smell anything like coffee, its more like jasmine, when the coffee flowers are in bloom, its an intoxicating flavor, even addictive. So in whatever transport you are heading there as long as there is an open window you will know you have reached Kodagu.
There is an ample amount of options from amazing kakkabe that will let you start your trek to Thadiyendamol Peak , or even ‘relaxing in the expanse of green’ - lounging under the million stars that you can witness on a cloudless night. You can visit the Nalknad palace or have serene moments at the stream.
The Golden Temple at Kushalnagar is one of the best weekend trips you can make. The Tibetan colony, the temple in itself is an astonishing sight, the Tibetan Buddhist paintings on the walls, the super hip hipish monks a contrast, the beauty surrounding it, the shopping complexes where you will find some awesome Tibetan trinkets, mantle pieces or even get a Kimono stitched in your fav pattern and colour.
For the adventure seeker the White water Rafting and treks will keep your adrenaline high, for the traveler who loves food, drink and a relaxing view the home stays provide this with gusto. There are many waterfalls, all of which are gorgeous and worth a visit.
Modes of Transport – Many Buses are available from Bangalore to Virajpet, Madikeri, kushalnagar and other major stops. There are ample of local buses you can take to reach your particular destination from the main bus stands.
Car – Its an easy 6 hours drive an easy 260km in the southwest direction from Bangalore.
Bike – The roads are sometimes under construction but Bike trips can be made with ease. The green of the place adds beautifully to a bike ride.
Parinitha Konanur
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