a stupid's journal

Explore the Best Summer Vacation Destinations in India

8:05 PM

India is a country that offers a wide range of travel options to tourists looking to explore its cultural and natural treasures. From summer holidays to vacations, India has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best travel destinations in India that are perfect for your next holiday or summer vacation.

Goa is one of the most popular travel destinations in India, located on the western coast. Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you want to relax on the beach, party all night or try some authentic Goan food, Goa is the perfect destination for a summer holiday.

Shimla is a hill station located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, which is an ideal summer vacation spot. Shimla is known for its cool climate, scenic beauty, and colonial architecture. You can take a leisurely stroll on the famous Mall Road, visit the Jakhu temple, or enjoy a picnic at the beautiful Chadwick Falls. Shimla is the perfect place to escape the scorching heat of summer and enjoy a peaceful vacation amidst nature.

If you are an adventure lover, then Uttarakhand is the perfect destination for you. Uttarakhand is known for its rugged mountains, lush green valleys, and pristine rivers, offering a wide range of adventure activities such as trekking, white water rafting, and bungee jumping. You can also visit some of the famous pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri. Uttarakhand is the perfect destination for a summer vacation that combines adventure with spirituality.

For those looking for a cultural experience, Rajasthan is the perfect destination for a holiday. Rajasthan is known for its rich heritage, royal palaces, and colorful festivals, making it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the true essence of India. You can visit the magnificent forts and palaces of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, take a camel ride in the Thar Desert, or witness the colorful festivities of the Pushkar fair. Rajasthan is the perfect destination for a cultural holiday that will leave you mesmerized.

In conclusion, India offers a wide range of travel destinations that are perfect for a holiday or summer vacation. Whether you want to relax on the beach, enjoy a peaceful vacation amidst nature, indulge in adventure activities, or experience the rich culture and heritage of India, there is something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of India.

Bonus 4 hours everyday

10:03 AM

Generally speaking, all of us are not made of same things. Some people have cracked the code of becoming big and I have read several books and watched numerous interviews of such successfull people. If you filter down on what all (or most) of them says is their secret, you would reach to a very specific list of skills one should possess.

One such thing that caught my attention was "Have a side project".

People who work for big things are not working to get their time to be converted into money. They just keep working without thinking of money. And you don't have to be in business in order to replicate such behaviours in your life.

For a working professional, it's a 9 hour job and he/she is left with 15 hours of pure self time. Out of these 15 hours, let's assume you like a good deep sleep of 8 hours, you still are left with a chunk of 7 hours.

What do you do in those 7 hours?

Some would say we need to have a work life balance, so they try to fit in the 'balance' part in these 7 hours. Do you seriously need that much 'me time'?

Well, you can have all of that as me time but if you can just use around 50 percent of it, you have 3.5 hours where you can do multiple things that will make you the better version of your yesterday's self.

For me, I like to allocate that time to my learnings. These learnings generally vary from my technical skill enhancements to soft skills like communication or maybe negatiation.

There are few things I do to utilise these extra bonus hours everyday.

I try to declutter my digital data. This includes sorting out emails and deleting the ones that are useless. Update resume based on skills I had learned recently and upload the same on LinkedIn and Naukri. I arrange my files and documents in laptop and tablet in order to be effective when I next need them. Check for subscriptions that are no longer needed and saving money on that.
Other times I register for online seminars or instructor let trainings that would help me in my job. Which eventually increases my chances of doing better at work and hence possibly increasing my active income over time.
I connect with friends and family people that are working in my same domain of work or maybe different one. Same domain people help you realise new things that are directly relevant to you and different line of work gives you awareness of things happening around.
I make my travel bookings or atleast spare some time to check on offers or discounts that can save me some money. If booking is already made, I would go ahead and check of free upgrades that I can get. If travel date is approaching, I would book airport transfers.

There are many other things that I keep doing, and this makes me effective in multitasking.

My funda of multitasking is simple, I don't pick up multiple things at same time. Rather I try to pick multiple time slots during which I can do one single task.

I have been implemting this "consuming extra" 3-4 hours since last few months and I have got so much done. On daily basis, this time seems very little, but little efforts daily would give you over 100 hours of extra work done in a month. That's whole 4 days!

Covid-19 and our journey through it

11:20 AM

We humans are fast learners; at least most of us are. We learnt to live life in a completely different way that we never experienced but surely did imagine as a sci-fi concept. We could see ourselves surrounded by screens, thinking in a continuous flux of internet signals, not leaving our home, and most important of all, staying connected with friends without meeting them physically.

Sure, humans are social animals. We did not let go of our social behavior. While we started avoiding gyms, we started yoga as a mundane task. While we avoided going to office and work late hours, we learnt the importance of work-life-balance. While we avoided smoking, we learnt healthier ways of eating and almost detoxed our body.

Likewise, most of us entered in a very volatile natured market, called Stock Market. The stock market saw a short, uncertain yet intense shock as a result of worldwide lockdown. Many saw this as an opportunity and bought shares at “discounted” rated. Other rushed towards getting their accounts set up so that they can benefit from the loss which market saw.

The above said might seem to be generic but the beauty is, it is specific to everybody. We learnt many other things and completed many certifications to cope up with the trend so that we can publish the achievement on LinkedIn.

Most of us aren’t critical resources and weren’t called to offices. It saved a few thousand bucks that you would otherwise spend over the fuel of the car or bike or maybe for the public transport. We did not eat outside food and cooked at home for most part of the lockdown months and that, my friend, saved all of us a fortune. Believe me on this!

Other thing, which I would consider the most important of all, we did not smoke during this time. For many, they were fearful of the virus and others, the prices had gone too high. This again saved us a great deal and added years to our lives. In fact, this did not take years from our life any further.

Are you wondering where did all this money go? If yes, then I was talking about this skill to have learnt. It is not all about money that we saved during the lockdown. We talked on several important issues that are generally ignored. We learnt how we were skipping the importance of hygiene. We dealt with mental health issues and heard leaders talking over it. We indulged ourselves in things that we would love to do as a child but forgotten over time and its pace.

We did mop the home; we did the dishes. We did clean our toilets; we did wash our cars. And imagined how we can go on rides and drives when there is no pandemic whatsoever.

Now, as I write, the world is opening again. We can go out but being careful. Masks are the new facial accessory and sanitiser is the new lotion that we apply frequently as we touch things. The pandemic caused many painful deaths but for many, it taught us good lessons. The lessons that are worth remembering for rest of our life, or maybe till some other pandemic breaks out.

We should remember this time and continue to focus on what’s important, like we did during the lockdown. We can go on the rides and drives that we craved for months, but Covid-19 is not yet over. It took us almost a year and even now, it’s not normal. It is “the new normal” as they say.

What we could have done in Lockdown?

11:25 AM

Hey guys!

Everyday we wake up, the news channels keep rolling news like "this is the new normal", "most part of the IT professionals will have to work from home even after the lockdown ends", etc etc etc.

But have we given enough thoughts on how to deal with this "new normal"?

Well, I hadn't until lately. But I have some things that we all can do apart from making picture perfect Dalgona Coffee, cooking Pani Puri at home and working out to keep up with good health.

So here are few couple of things that we can try to acquire a better personality when we come out of the lockdown cocoon. I say cocoon because alike cocoon, we will be better when we come out of it.

Here we go:

1. Vocabulary

How can we improve our vocabulary? The simple answer that most of us is Read. Be it a good novel or the tough to understand Editorial articles of a newspaper. Then there's another way, read "Word Power Made Easy". The book costs only a few over hundred bucks and it has been a great way to learn new words even when you have passed your schooling age.

Another goo d source that I feel is mobile application of Dictionary.com. It has a word of the day thing and you can get more than 350 words a year just for free. Just imagine what could you do in 2 year with more that 700 words.

2. Learn to dance

Often ignored and kept reserved for Sangeet performances, Dancing is another form of exercise to keep you in shape. Come on, you know that your body doesn't move like it should be when it comes to flaunt it. So better start rehearsing while you walk around the house of take break from your productive session of Work From Home thing.

3. Watch Documentaries

Documentaries are a great way to learn history and inspire yourself to stay boosted in your motivation. I have always liked documentaries as they are the easiest way to learn about something. Some of the best documentaries that you can watch right away are here (Top Documentaries).

4. Learn a skill

All good online tutoring websites are providing some of their courses for free. So you can add up skills and add weightage to your resume which would ultimately be one of your greatest investments of all time.

Some of the such good websites are udemy.com, coursera.com, unacademy.com.

I know you knew all of them. But have you started even one? Start today and this is the right time if you could not get enough motivation so far.

Full Dress Rehearsal on 23rd January for Republic Day

11:05 PM

Republic day is about to come and groups performing at the day are giving a full swing to the rehearsals for the final performance. 23rd of January is officially the final rehearsal day. Many of your friends might know it as 'full dress rehearsal'.

In this post, I'll be sharing a very little of the information and much of my experience. So, bear with me, the post would grow on you as you read ahead!

What should I have done before randomly appearing at the place?

I should have done a little of internet research before randomly appearing at the place.
I should have arranged the gate pass a couple of days prior to the event.
I should NOT have carried my bag along with me.
I should have packed something to eat as the rehearsal was scheduled to be around 3 hours.
I should not have forgot my shades as it was bright and sunny today.

How things fell right into place to make the visit a memorable one?

Right after I exited the metro station, I started noticing a 'gate pass' kind of paper in everybody's hand. I asked many of the police officers there if I could get one such pass while making entry. Everyone said "You better return back"! I thought to walk the distance in a hope to get a few clicks for this post. On my way, I had a cup of tea and I asked that "chaiwala' about the pass. Luckily, he had one extra pass and gave me one as I was his first customer for the day!
Now that I got an entry pass, next problem was the backpack. Due to security thing, bags were not at all allowed as per the instructions. I looked for the options for submitting the bag but there weren't any. I entered with my bag and the security guy warned me not to carry bag on 26th [The final day]. I innocently nodded like I were the most decent person there!
To control the crowd, they closed many of the roads and defined paths to reach out seat to avoid any rush on the road and at entry gates. To cope up with that, I had to walk all the way from Central Secretariat Metro to India Gate [ that too in hurry]. After 20 minutes of spectacular performances, I needed something to eat. [ crumbling stomach]. But there wasn't anything and I had to stay hungry for rest of the time.

So these were some basic things that keep happening with us all. Now comes the experience.

All in all, it was one good day with something that I attended for the first time. I haven't seen a working canon so close in my entire life. I had never seen such a terrific synchronisation in a group of more than fifty or so men.

The colours of their dresses, the way they had put on their uniforms and the energy they put in even their simple gestures like walking, is tremendous and unmatchable for a civilian.

And then began the air show. One after another, the planes started to rush into the sky. Some over the speed of 700 kmph and some even beyond 900 kmph did some mind jolting stunts in the mid air. I wish I could show you the photos but I was enjoying them more than taking their pictures [neither could I as they were really, really fast].

Here are some pictures from the rehearsal and I hope you like either of my writing or photographs. And at least one of the both deserves a share!

I know the photographs are not very great but this is what you get when you go unplanned, late and without any pre-research!

Last year also, I went to see these heroes marching in a cold evening. Just in case you want to read that story too, here it is : Republic Day Parade Rehearsal

Triund Trek and Camping Adventures, Mcleod Ganj (Dharamshala)

7:47 PM

Hey there, I hope you guys are doing great!

This particular post is about one of the most Googled destination, Triund. So this is going to be a long one but it'll definitely end most of your queries about Triund. So I'll be starting with a brief about Mcleodganj, Dharamshala.

The place is home to many of the Tibetan refugees and His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. Few years back it used to be one secluded place where peace seekers would visit generally. But as the popularity of the place kept spreading among the youth, now it has became one tourist attraction that attracts all kind of tourists, Indian and Foreigners.

Adventures being one of the main reason of its popularity among youth, it offers adventures like Paragliding, Rock climbing, River Crossing and the Triund Trek. So here are the tips, do's and don'ts about the Triund Trek.

Trek Duration: 2 days & 1 night (Camp Night)
Trek distance: Around 9 KM
Trek starts from: Mcleodganj
Trek ends at: Mcleodganj
Triund Altitude: 10600ft.
Triund trek grade: Easy ( also known as Beginner's Trek)
Accommodation: Good Quality tents (with sleeping bags)

Price: 1500/- (If 4 people or more), in case of less than 4 people extra charge may be applicable.

Triund Temperature: Temperature is mostly pleasant during Spring and Summer (It varies between 5 degree to 25 degree Celsius. During winter (December- February) night temperature can go as down as to -9 degree.

Distance from Delhi: 500 km by Road. Regular overnight volvo buses are available from Delhi. For economic travellers, ordinary bus service is also available.

Weather: Generally sunny in day. The weather here is very enjoyable throughout the year. In winter due to plunging temperature it feels really chilly during night. Go prepared with heavy woolen during winter. In summer light woolens will do in daytime. Sleeping bags are required anytime and provided by us.

Triund Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Mcleodganj to Triund Hill (4-5 hours of trekking)
It is an easy trek and all you need is the will to be at top. Start Trek to Triund a famous campsite situated at an altitude of (2875m), on the way have lunch at midway. After Lunch continue trek and finally reach Triund for night stay. In evening enjoy with bonfires & music, finally sleep in tents provide by us. Don’t forget to see the spectacular view of the Dharamshala from the top in the night.

Day 2: Triund Hill to Snowline and back to Mcleodganj (3-4 hours of trekking)
In the morning have tea & breakfast at the campsite and take short walks to acclimatize. The finest thing is to be with your own. If you want to visit Snow Line (5Kms), then leave early in the morning from Triund. In the afternoon return journey to Mcleodganj.

Inclusion

Basic vegetarian meals (Lunch and dinner on day-1 & Breakfast and on day-2)
Accommodation at trekking tents on twin/triple-sharing basis at hilltop
Sleeping bags and all camping arrangements

Exclusion

Items like soft drinks, drinking water and personal items.

Frequently asked Question about Triund Trek

When does the Triund trek starts?
The trek start timing is generally 10 AM. So you have to reach to the reporting site (Near Mcleodganj Bus stand) by 10 AM

Will we cover Bhagusu Nag and Snowline while trek to Triund?
Yes. Bhagusunag and snowline will be covered.

How much time does it take to trek to Triund hilltop from Mcleodganj?
It will take approx. 4-5 hours to complete the trek. Total distaance of triund trek is approx. 9 km. one way

Where do I need to report before the trek starts?
Reporting place will be near to Mcleodganj bus stand. All the details will be shared with you once you book the trek.

What about safety?
Each trekkers is responsible for his/her own safety. Trek organizers, guide, porters will not be responsible for any damage, theft or loss of goods.

What all facilities are provided during the trek?
You will be provided with sleeping bag, tent accommodation, food, guidance and dry pit toilet as per the plan. Therefore, remember to carry toiletries like Toilet Paper. No other facilities will be provided.

How much time does it take to reach Mcleodganj from Delhi?
It will take approx. 10-12 hours to reach Mcleodganj from Delhi by overnight volvo.

How difficult is the trek?
Triund trek difficulty level is easy though in a n area or two some steep uphill trekking is involved. For an example from Bhagusu Nag it is a steep climb to reach Galu devi temple. Other than those steep climb the entire trail is quite easy and can be covered within 5 hours in a leisurely manner.

What to carry for Triund trek

Day Sack to carry water bottle, camera, packed Lunch, personal clothing.
Trekking shoe / sports shoe. Any running shoe that you are comfortable to walk with.
Sun Protection: Sun Screen lotion, sun glasses, cap,
T-Shirts (1-2), loose trouser for walking
Heavy Jacket (1), Light Jacket / Light woolen (1-2)
Skull cap to protect ear, neck from cold in Night
Good quality socks (1-2 pairs), Flip Flops
Small torch.
Toiletries.
Personal medicines if any.
A plastic bag for carrying the wrappers and other wastes back.

Why Trek to to Triund and Snowline:

Reason 1: One of the best view of Dhauladhar Himalayan range
For a group of adventurous friends, Himalayan sojourn is always irresistible due to its tranquility, magnanimity and vastness. And all these start with the panoramic of different ridges, meadows, valleys and snow covered towering peaks. Trek to Triund (altitude of 2825 meter), provides best view of Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. Probably you won’t get a better view from anywhere else with same altitude.

Reason 2: Because your friends need not to be a seasoned Trekker
Triund trek is not at all grueling and demanding in nature. It takes approx. 4 hours for an inexperienced trekker to complete the Trek, which starts from Bhagusu. You can stop over at different places of the trail and take snapshots in this Himalayan heaven. Basically the Triund trek starts from Mcleodganj and it takes 4-6 hours of uphill hiking to trek to Triund hill.

Reason 3: Stargazing with your pal at a height of 8400 feet
The night sky of Triund is simply stunning and awesome. A star-studded sky will make you spellbound.

Note: Stupid On Sunday does not encourage any activities like Smoking and Consuming Alcohol, whatever be the place. As per the Govt. Guidelines, Smoking in public is a criminal offence and company holds no resposiblity of any such indulgance. We request you to be respective for the place and its people. Leave the place without littering openly.

See you aboard!

What all happened in last two years of blogging

3:14 AM

Almost two years ago I started this very amazing journey that has always given me enough confidence to go out and interact with people. I am talking about my blog which I started two years back. The purpose was to go out somewhere on every weekend because I was wasting my weekends staying at home and doing nothing. It did work quite well in the beginning as there was abundance of places of my interest but with the time, my interest and the places both fell drastically.

I stopped writing and more importantly, I stopped going out. The beginning was very smooth and cheerful as I got the initial travel plans very well and made so many friends on those trips. But then I started travelling for the blog. And the blogging was no more a hobby!

Forced by the human nature of pushing ourselves till the end and not giving up is what took another year to finally stop writing blogs. I dragged my darling blog for a couple of months and then it was all again the same old introversion that hit back. Procrastinating was another issue as it made me postpone many plans.

I used to be obsessed with my coffee love and love for writing but eventually it all vanished as I did not went to any place whatsoever. Recently I came across a quote while I was in Mcleod Ganj last month and it says "Writing has unlimited power". It took me some time realizing it by myself.

For the time being, I thought of ways of travelling cheaper and more. And I am all good to go and experimenting my theories of travelling. I will share all my theories and way with you right after a while (Stay tuned!). I do not know how long will these experiments last but I do know that writing has unlimited power and I am going to go with that boost for the few months ahead.

It was all about my time since I started the blog. There wasn't much to be told as I had been a terrible blogger. ButI assure you there are many stories that are coming for you guys to read, love and get inspired to go out, unlike some lethargic introvert who stays home!

Note: It's been a long time since I last wrote something, my friend! Pardon the grammatical errors that I might have committed. It's a boring story and do not waste anyone's time by sharing it. But the for-coming ones would be fun. Do share them.

If you too are writing enthusiast, here are some quotes that might hit you hard and motivate you. (Source Google)

Following heart is Expensive!

12:39 AM

Following the heart is an expensive habit. In the last few years we have came across countless stories which concludes to the one simple thought, "Follow your Heart". Talking under the umbrella of travel blogging, it is an expensive interest to pursue.

I too, am a believer of the fact that travelling might be inexpensive. A good trip might end up costing you less than few hundred rupees (Indian). But the question is how to manage things to ensure the least possible expenditure.

With me, it is generally the case that I save for a couple of months and then leave for a trip around the country. (My preference is, generally, mountains in summers and any other place in winters). Both summers and winters can be equally challenging to the will of travelling and to the budget as both demand air conditioned trains ( trains are cheapest).

So it is all about the balance that you make. Sometimes you might want to travel light (which is always the case with me) and you don't want to carry extra warmers for the train journey. Other times, you might get ready to carry extra weight but again you will end up getting frustrated about it.

Other main area where we spend a lot while travelling remains hidden. This area is phone bills. Obviously you are going in a remote destination and you don't want to get lost. So an Internet Pack! The family is important and they have to be informed with all whereabouts. But roaming out of your home state would suck your money. The best way is to only get the Internet Pack. Text your beloved ones and you'd also get to post your photos and check-ins on social medias.

After the two huge pillars in travelling expenditure, now comes the accommodation. Always try to find out a friend who has home in the area. If not possible, try finding a Hostel rather than a hotel. Or the most exciting way to get a place to sleep is to carry your tent. I have, personally, no experience in living in self pegged tent. But I think that would be the most awesome stay at a billion star hotel!

Food is another big entry in the expense chart while travelling. No doubt, people live for food and they want delicious meals. I would say go for it. But does your budget allow that? Once in a while go to some fine dinning restaurant but on other normal days, try the local street food. And don't worry about the extra calories you would be taking in. Because on a tight budget you will have to walk through the streets!

This is the concluding section where I am supposed to provide you with the final judgement of my wisdom. ( No I'am not going to do that) The thing is simple, follow your heart but not like an idiot.
Make decisions wisely and get the solutions. Get the hell out of your comfort zone!

See you out somewhere with your backpack!
#StupidOnSunday #BringPeace

Are we mistaken by the word "Travel"?

6:26 PM

We all love travelling to a new destination every time we go out of the home. Travelling has became the most popular interest of today's youth. I've been hearing the same from people when I asked them their interests. The main question is "why do you like to travel?"

Many would say that while travelling they get to explore the area, meet new people, make friendship with the locals, to know about their culture and traditions, et cetera.

Well, then I want to ask how often do you go out to distant destinations? I know many of us do not travel to different destinations because of many factors like work, studies and money!

But we can, for sure, learn new cultures and traditional practices while going along the daily routine. I, myself, am a kind of person who loves to know things about different clans or societies. And believe me over this, I do that while being in the same city I live in.

I know every city doesn't provide such events but guys this is Delhi. There are several number of events that take place daily. And most of them are for free.

As a travel blogger, I have confessed many a times that it's not easy and it's not always fun. (you can read the article on Confessions being a Travel Writer

The same problem made me asked people about how can we travel as well as study on a low budget. The answer was simple. One of the girl suggested that if you are a student, then try to visit places around you first. If money allows, go somewhere far away to meet your explorer end. You can go through the page to know how to "Travel while you are out of money".

Not judging anyone, I just want that those who can possibly attend such events, please do go. Go anywhere and whenever you want. But don't miss the chance to learning new cultures in your own city. And make new friends on the way.

Travelling is not only living into tents, riding motorcycles or going out to secluded destinations. It's much more than that.

By the way, the picture above is shot from the Dance Performance of Candoco Dance Company, a British Group. The event was also free followed by the interaction with the performing team and finally with a delicious reception.

Find your genre of interest and just pay a visit. You would love it. Believe me!

Note: Just in case you liked the efforts made by me and want to share it, please do it with hashtags #StupidOnSunday and #bringPeace.

Republic Day Parade Rehearsal

7:12 PM

Republic Day is around the corner and the very well known Parade is one of the most awaited events. People have started to gather at Vijay Chowk near Central Secretariat metro station. The crowd tells how excited the people are about the Republic Day. Well, you all know about it!

I also went there to see the Indian Army marching and to listen the highly patriotic melodies by the Army band. And as you are aware of the current Delhi's weather that it has turned awesomely cold, it added a slight twist to my experience. Few years back when I went to see the Parade Rehearsal, it was warm and bright but yesterday, it was pleasantly cold and little foggy.

One thing I like about the place is wide open roads and all around is a 'premium feel' offices of the capital. The greenery is at its peak with a lots of colorful flowers around every border of the parks. Everything is so damn maintained there. So it feels good to roam around the area on foot with your camera ready to click.

I did click some pictures but mainly I clicked people. I saw some kids who were apparently more patriot than me and were nonchalantly observing things unlike me, as I was busy clicking pictures. But I enjoyed that too!

It seemed like The Republic Day came early!

I think I leave it here and I suggest you guys to go and see the Rehearsals and the final one is going to held on 23rd of this month. Because I know it is quite tough to get a seat there on the Big day.

Before signing off, I assume that you all are aware about Republic Day. Here are some 'Fun Facts' for the readers regarding it. (Actually not quite funny but informative)

There are just two original copies of the Constitution in the country written in Hindi and English. They have been preserved in helium-filled cases in the Parliament of India. This constitution has been calligraphed and not printed. Such photo lithographic copies are in circulation and only 1000 copies have been written till date.
The President addresses the Republic Day whereas; the Prime Minister addresses the Independence Day.
The Constitution came into a legal circulation at 10:18 AM on the 26th of January, 1950.
During The Beating Retreat, ‘Abide by Me’ is the song that is played to mark the end of the ceremony.