Friday, 29 June 2012

Monsoon: India during rains

India goes through a round robin of climatic conditions. It snows in the Himalayas most of the time with weak showers here and there. This region is enshrouded on perpetual cold, and experiences very little heat.

Most of India has a uniform climatic cycle but the intensity varies. The winters are cold up till Central India, down South the cold diminishes. Im summers extreme heat prevails almost all over India accompanied by discomforting humidity. This is at the beginning of the rainy season or the Monsoon. 

The Monsoon arrives after a peak of blistering heat. But the relief is short lived as humidity rises. Most of the country's road transportation is in a bad state but not as paralyzed as people believe. The slush hits the movement at the local level and people are not able to move freely which discourages tourism as well.

Paradoxically heavy rains augur romance. At  many hill resorts holiday destinations become lively afterwards. Some destinations like Pachmarhi, Mandu and Orccha in Madhya Pradesh and Kerala become fascinating with carpet of greenery all around. Rains initiate breeding and bring forth new life forms creating a continuous cycle of life and death.

Countryside becomes pleasantly green and tranquil. There is life all around with the end of inertia created by long spell of extreme heat. As the Monsoon ends the season becomes uplifting as heat and humidity disappear and mild but pleasant cold sets in during October.

This is the best period for sunbathing and enjoying the outdoors. Extreme cold sets in many parts of Northern and Central India during the X mas time and goes on till mid February. The mild weather sets in and lasts till mid March whence the heat begins to rise albeit gradually.  The cycle continues on its course giving rise to vivid and colorful characteristic flavor to India with every emerging cycle.    

Thursday, 28 June 2012

Matheran Summer Retreat Near Mumbai

About hundred km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune this quaint little paradise on the Western Ghats is far removed from the chaos of the industrial towns.  Matheran ecosystem is well conserved unit - non polluted and completely at peace.

Situated at the height of 2600 plus feet above the sea level, the region is less humid and hot than the plains below. The salubrious climate makes this as the best place for relaxation and recuperation in the State of Maharashtra.  

The destination boasts of many panoramic splendors amidst picturesque Sahyadri Forests of the Western Ghats.The hill resorts is also a good birding and wildlife watching destination. Hence large number of birders and nature lovers visit these forests.   

No vehicles are allowed within the confines of this summer retreat hence it is ideal for trekking.  The only vehicle that is allowed to ply on its laterite roads is the ambulance belonging to the local sanatorium. The Eco-friendly mode of transportation available are the peddle rickshaws, horses and ponies.

Matheran was discovered during the British Era by  Hugh Malet in eighteen hundred and fifty. Ever since then its popularity as a hill station has grown tremendously. The Matheran Hill Railway covers a distance of eleven km from Neral. This is a unique experience, and offers a wide view of the magnificent mountains as the journey proceeds.

Reaching Matheran:

The starting point is a the small township of Neral. From here one can hire a taxi till Dasturi Gate, avail bus service or simply trek along. The township of Neral is connected with Mumbai - Pune rail link.     

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Welcome to India Travel

Hello

Welcome to my blog. I will add many travel experiences here in India for your reading pleasure.

Ronal Dotson