DRIVING HOLIDAY IN LADAKH - 2010 By ROOPA SREEDHAR

© TAG INDIA www.tagindia.net

DRIVING HOLIDAY IN LADAKH - 2010 By Roopa Sreedhar (9886162404)

Participant Interest Form @ http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEVXQjRFZ1ZRV3lwLU9SYVVMajkwb2c6MA#gid=0

28 August 2010: 5:30 pm @ Janpath, Delhi. The night journey to Manali in a semi sleeper. Simple Dinner awaits at Karnal. We hope to reach Manali by 10 am the next day. Here begins one of the most exotic journeys of India.




29-August-2010: We arrive at Manali by 10 am if there are no delays. After a sumptuous breakfast, we check in into the hotel booked for the day. A day tour of Manali takes us to the famous HADIMBA temple; allow us to stroll in the local markets and lose ourselves in the magic of this small hill town. We can capture in our memory the experience of eating local dish Shidu.


30-August-2010: After a much needed break at Manali, we leave very early in the morning towards Keylong/Sarchu. We cross the Rohtang Pass, visit Beas Kund, the origin of mighty river Beas. Driving on the edge of the cliffs that overlook the fierce Chandra river, we reach Keylong. Breathtaking views of snow caped mountains embrace us into the Baralacha La territory. We end the day in stark wilderness at Sarchu. WELCOME TO HIMALAYAS!


31-August-2010:
Our journey beckons a horde of lakes
reflecting millions of hues,
of greens and blues..... :)
Castles of Sands in Mystical Lands
22 bends take us up, take us down
from baralacha La to Nakee La
By evening we reach Leh.

1-Sep-2010: Leh festival introduces the history & culture of Ladakh. A day to rest and acclimatize, and make us fit for the drives ahead. Stroll in Leh, walk up the hill to the old palace, see the sunset, taste the YAK Cheese & Salt Tea. End the day with a sigh of contentment that only being in Himalayas can bring.

2-Sep-2010: Enthralling sights & view points around Leh, magnetic hill, Gurdwara PatharSahib, Zanskar Indus confluence, Monasteries perched on high cliffs. Barren mountains & desert like ambiance yet cold and comfortable, not to be found in any other part of the world.

3-Sep-2010: Tso Morriri or Chomo Riri is a lake named after Chomo & her buffalo. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himalayan Region. Route that traverses to this lake is equally exotic with meandering Indus keeping us company all the way. The ice cold Indus turns into a piping hot Jacuzzi at Chuma Thang, where the Hot Springs sprout from the earth.

4-Sep-2010: Back to Leh via the colorful Upshi route. Rivulets Transparent, Milky white, Azure Blue, Pink and Green; mountains standing tall in Magenta and Teal. Where did they come from? Never seen more color in nature than here. A sight not to miss!

5-Sep-2010: Give the bones a break and stay back in Leh. Experience the potpourri culture in the city. Visit a monastery, a palace or a museum & be a part of the culture 2500 years old..

6-Sep-2010: Imagine a lake 150 kms in length and 85 kms in breadth at its widest points. Bangalore to Mysore is only 136 kms :). Brackish waters and her own shoreline, Pangong is almost a sea in the hills. Camping next to this lake is one of the most beautiful experiences of the holiday. The sky is so clear that we can see the Milky way galaxy and zillions of stars shining down upon us.

7-Sep-2010: Back to Leh by Lunch gives us the whole evening to rest and get ready for the long journey ahead the next day.

8-Sep-2010: How does it feel to be on top most point that any normal human being can reach in India. That's Khardung La pass, the highest motor-able road in India at an altitude 17582 feet. On the other side of this pass are the sand dunes of Nubra Valley. Beyond a certain distance the area is forbidden to tourists. Double backed Bactrian camels native of Central Asian deserts (north of the Himalayas) are found in this valley.

9-Sep-2010: Its a hard drive back to Leh. The eve of the day we are to leave the embrace of Himalayas. Time to reflect upon the nature and our connection to our surroundings. We pass Khardung La again. The last supper at Leh awaits.

10-Sep-2010: Adios to all amigos! We get the best views of Himalayas from our flight window. A sigh of contentment of having been in paradise once. When Buddha beckons & Himalayas call, how can one resist? Am sure we will come back again & again & again.........

If you are interested in joining us do fill up the Participant Interest Form @ http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEVXQjRFZ1ZRV3lwLU9SYVVMajkwb2c6MA#gid=0

Best Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
roopa.sreedhar@tagindia.net

9886162404

© TAG INDIA www.tagindia.net

ANNOUNCING 2010 SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS from 12 MAY TO 16 MAY in COORG

JUNGLE ADVENTURE CAMP 2010 for KIDS
DESTINATION: COORG

Kids Camp: 5 Days – 4 Nights

Dates: 12 May 2010 to 16 May 2010
AGE Group 9years to 14years
Rs. 6950/- Per Child (5Days / 4Nights )

Includes
Travel from Bangalore to Coorg & Return
All meals from Wed through Sunday Breakfast/Brunch.
Jungle Gym: obstacle courses for kids and competitions
Water Sport: Swimming, Still water rafting
Visit to Nisargadhama, Hanging Bridge walk, boating, Deer park & Orchidarium
Trekking
Outdoor Camping & equipment rental
First-Aid Medical Kit

Parent Camp

Dates: 15 & 16 May 2010

Rs 2200/- per head (2days /night)

One sibling under 5 travels free with parents

Additional/Older Siblings: Rd 1200/- per child

Bank Account Details:

Transfer the Fee for Summer Camp/Parent Camp to

Axis Bank (Branch Banashankari)

Account Name: TAG India

Account Number: 102010200008617

Send an email to info@tagindia.net with your bank Transaction number!

Limited slots! Please fill up the Participant interest form to book your slot today!

Sign up for this year's camp @ the following link
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dEh0Y3NPbkV4UkY2TnZEbm5PejZtNVE6MA

Information in detail will be shared with the interested participants.

Last year's camp pictures at
http://picasaweb.google.com/tagindiateam/TAGYoungAdventureCamp16Apr09#




Best Regards,
TAG INDIA TEAM
9886162404

Rock Climbing at Ramanagara

Ramanagaram

Location: Ramanagaram, Karnataka, India
Nearest Towns: Ramanagaram, Bidadi, Mandya, Bangalore, Mysore,
Distances: 50 km from Bangalore
Route: Bangalore -> Bidadi -> Ramanagaram
Camping Sites: The temple atop the hill, Fields in the surrounding area
Trek Length: half a day,
Activities: Rock climbing, Bouldering, Rappelling, Trekking
Permission: Permission Required for Rock climbing & Rappelling (RFO- Ramnagaram Office) Rs25 Per Person and guide charges Rs150/-
Things To Look for: Legendary Temples,
Things To Be Aware Of: Monkeys, Slippery surfaces during rain
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Best Time To Visit: All around the year except monsoons
Worst Time To Visit: Avoid monsoons

Summary: Ramanagaram is situated in a valley surrounded by (48 km from Bangalore) rocky hillocks is sub-divisional headquarters from 1884. It became a taluk headquarters in 1928, and the place was named Ramanagaram in 1949 . It is the biggest cocoon marketing centre now.

Ramanagaram Rocks lie on the right side of the Bangalore Mysore main road beyond Ramanagaram town and are visible from the main road. To reach the rocks, one could ask directions to 'Rama Devara Betta'. Beyond Ramanagaram town, you will see a diversion on right hand side. There is an arch at the entrance of this road. This leads to the base of the 'Rama Devara Betta' Hillock. Cars can be parked here. Monkeys have made this place their abode. Beware of monkey attacks. Do not carry anything in plastic covers. Do not eat while climbing the steps.

There are a few hundred steps that lead to the top of the hillock. There is a resting place & platform on top and a few temples of Rama, Seetha, Hanumantha. Another huge hillock stands tall making the top of Rama Devara Betta as its base. This is most famous rock climbing wall in Karnataka. A natural pond leads the way to this hillock. One needs to be careful while crossing the dense pathway to reach the base of the climbing wall of the hillock. It is very dangerous to swim here and must be avoided. Many a villager has lost his life by diving into this pond. Avoid trekking on rocky surfaces if it is raining very heavily.

Ramanagaram is spread on the banks of the Arkavati and the old bridge connecting the town was built by Sir Barry Close, the Resident at the Royal Court of Mysore. Hence, the place was named Closepet, during the British period. Closepet Granites are formed during the Lower Proterozoic era . They form the rock belt stretching north south direction about 50kms. This belt has potassic granites, low grade granite greenstone belts with iron manganese ores, also younger gneiss's of granitic and granodioritic composition with gold bearing schist belts.

Ramanagara gets its name from Ramagiri Hills or Ramadevara Betta. Along with Ramadevara Betta there are other hills Rama Siddeshwara betta, Shivar-amagiri, Kaakasura Betta, Kapotagiri, this hill resembles a lingam when viewed from the east, Ganesha from the west, a serpent from the north and Lord Hanuman from the south. The village has a Agrahara, on the banks of the river Arkavati. Arkeshwara Temple built in Vijayanagara style was later renovated by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III.

The popular movie of 1970, Sholay, was shot in Ramanagaram area. Nature enthusiasts & bird watchers also haunt this site as many species of birds make their home here due to the vicinity to Ranganatittu Bird sanctuary. The hills are the home for endangered species like the Yellow throated Bulbul and Long billed Vultures. Many people have spotted the sloth bears, tigers were found in the region in 1900s. Stone Quarrying has been one of the long time works threatening the environment and the ecosystem.

For a Bangalorean, it is amazing to know that River Arkavati flows all the way to Bangalore through the Nandini Layout Area of Rajaji Nagar. During time of my grandparents who settled in Rajajinagar in 1950, my uncles & aunts used to trek, walk up to the stream and bathe & have have memorable picnics. Sadly, hazards of urbanization have eaten into this river and once a beautiful stream, today it is just another gutter.

I used to enjoy looking at the tall rocks on my drives to Mysore. My first trek/trip to these rocks happened only when we organized a rock climbing/rappelling camp on these hills.

This is an internationally recognized rock-climbing site. Grades here vary from 5.8 – 5.11 American with 1 to 2 pitches. There are the climbs called Wanakkal wall (“Gabbar ki asli pasand”, “labour pain”) on the Rainbow wall (“UIAA”, “Kalia”), on the Anna Thamma Rock (“Darkness at Dawn”, “Black Diamond”).

I have always felt that rock Climbing is one of the safest adventure sports. Every climber needs to be equipped with high quality safety gears. This is a sport which is an ultimate test for our inner strength, endurance, confidence and concentration powers. Though its more of physical activity, its mental game one should win. Here, there is no 'men can do it better'. We are competing with ourselves to know how much better we can do for ourselves, how much more we can stretch our limits. Every individual test his/her own capacity and comes out feeling mentally stronger with a sense of achievement! I hope to get back to my favorite sport again.


Best Regards,
Roopa Sreedhar
9886162404