Niagara Falls and Watkins Glen

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
About Niagara Falls : Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between Canada and the United States; more specifically, between the province of Ontario and the state of New York.
From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls lie mostly on the Canadian side and the American Falls entirely on the American side, separated by Goat Island. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also located on the American side, separated from the other waterfalls by Luna Island.
The volume of water passed through the three falls are 2,839,058 liter per second.
Well, this was the info anyone can get on the internet, but I am providing just to keep my framework intact. What I actually want to tell about Niagara is that this is the best place I have ever visited, the best experience I ever had and the most beautiful topography I have ever seen. Anyone who has been in the USA already or planning to visit the USA, Niagara should be 'THE MUST SEE' for all.

Duration of the Trip : For us, it was a 2 days 1 night trip from Parsippany, New Jersey. But making it a 3 days 2 nights trips might be a better idea. We visited only the American side. However, Niagara can be best seen from Canada.

Transportation : We booked our 2 day Niagara Falls package tours from Take Tours. They charged $108 per head which was inclusive of transportation cost (i.e., AC bus) and accommodation. For other entry fees, we had to pay extra to the guides. We started from Parsippany at 9:30 am and reached Parsippany by 6 pm next day.

Details of the Trip :
Day 1: As instructed by the travel agency, we gathered near the ‘Top Quality Food’ store in Parsippany Route 46 by 8:30 am. They informed us earlier about not having any breakfast stop, so we had breakfast at the nearby Dunkin Donuts. Finally, the bus arrived by 9:20 am and we started by 9:30 am.
The bus was comfortable and clean. The tour guides spoke English and Chinese and were very helpful and nice.
They collected $72 per head in the bus as entry fees and ticket cost for the different places we visited, Watkins Glen, Native American Show, Old Niagara Fort and Maid of The Mist.
We had our first stop at a gas station in Pennsylvania at around 10:45 am. We were informed to have lunch at the Burger King over there as they won’t have a further halt at lunch.
After taking a break for 30 mins, we started for Watkins Glen State Park and reached there by 2:00 pm. The park is a good location for hiking and picnics as well. The park has three trails, Souther Rim Trail, Indian Trail and George Trail. We walked through the George Trail for 1.5 miles, beguiling the mesmerising nature along with Glen Creek.
Rainbow Bridge in Watkins Glen
Canyon

The backdrop is a fall. There is a way to pass in between falls
Though there was no entry fee to the park, however, there are parking fees for the vehicle. In the end, outside the park, there is a gift shop also. In a 2-3 minutes of walking distance, there are a subway and other food joints.
After visiting Watkins Glen State Park, we started for Niagara by 3:30. On the way, we crossed some of the beautiful vineyards and picture perfect locations. As we were on a package trip, we had no option to stop in those places, however, if someone is traveling by car, they should definitely take a break to photograph those places. Some of them I captured from the bus.


We crossed a bridge, just before entering the Buffalo city we could see the view of Niagara just as mist and the skyline of Ontario.


We finally reached Niagara by 6:00 pm and checked in to Quality Hotels and Suits at the Falls. As I told earlier, the hotel was inclusive in the package. The hotel room was comfortable, clean and with all necessary amenities for a day. The best part was it was at a walking distance from the falls.
After settling down at the hotel, we went to the nearby Niagara Falls Visitor Center. Every day they organize “Native American Indian Cultural Show” on the first floor of this visitor center at 7:15 PM. Our travel guide took us to the visitor center by 6:30 pm and handed over the tickets for the native show. They suggested us to have dinner before going for the show.
It was 6:30 pm and bright sunny early evening, and we were supposed to have dinner by then! Though after shifting to the USA, I tried to get accustomed to early lunch and early dinner, but dinner at 6:30 of evening was hilarious!!! :) However, we had dinner at that time. But my suggestion would be, if you are not comfortable, avoid that as all the shops remain open even after the show. The food was awful, especially the Chinese Restaurant and the India one. There was a pizza corner, which was better.
During the 35 minutes Native American Show, the dancers took us on an ancient journey through exceptional dance, traditional music and engaging stories. They show us a cross-tribal representation of the Native American culture in the Western New York Region. It was an awe-struck moment for us to watch the history of Niagara Falls came to life as the show proceeded. There were various dances, performed during the show, Jingle dance, Men & Women fancy dance, Eagle dance and Hoop dance.
Eagle dance

Men & Women fancy dance


My personal favourite was the Hoop dance where dancers focus on rapid movement and construction of hoop formation to depict stories.
Hoop Dance
Hoop Dance
All of us definitely have experienced multiple kinds of performances, however, this one was one of its own kinds. The attires, expressions, connect with the audience and above all the storytelling will definitely take you to an ancient period and will definitely leave you amused for a long time. I loved the way they dressed up.
There were some gift shops on the first floor as well as on the ground floor, there you can collect souvenirs to take your memory back to home. The collections of magnets were beautiful and of course it reminded me, what is the Hindi meaning of cashier :)

After the show, we went to Niagara Falls State Park for the night view of falls. Niagara Illumination Board colours up the falls in rainbow colour every evening throughout the year. The timing differs depending on the daylight. We reached at the park by 9:45 pm. The spectacular night view will definitely make your travel worth.
The view was iconic; we were at the most beautiful place of the world, but the International Border between USA and Canada was more thrilling to us. The feeling to see another country at a distance gave us goose bumps. As I belong to India, experience with neighbouring countries are definitely not something to cherish about for me. But still, I don’t think we have any such border, where you can actually see the running cars on the street, the moving elevators inside the building, CN Tower, changing colours of the skyline of the neighbouring country or can read the hoardings of Hotels and Casinos from. It really was an out of the world experience for us.

Night View of Niagara Falls
Night View of Niagara Falls 
Night View of Niagara Falls
That was not the end; the cherry on the cake was the fireworks on the skyline of Niagara Falls. When we plan for the trip, we definitely do our part of homework about visiting the places but that firework was a pleasant surprise. That was my first experience of fireworks in the USA and that was the best so far, I have ever experienced in terms of fireworks. Those 10 minutes of fireworks was a real treat to eyes and I definitely felt all our trips to Hosur for buying the best fireworks in Bangalore, were a waste. They don't have anything near to this. (I still love Bangalore above all the places, fireworks is not only important thing in life. :) )



Later we came to know Canada host those firework shows at 10 p.m. on every Friday, Sunday and other holidays during summer.
We came back to our hotel by 10:30 and dozed off with the wonderful experience of the day.
Day 2 : The day started as early as 7:30 am. Actually we left the hotel after checking in by 7:30 am. There was no breakfast included in the package and also there was no separate time allotted for the same. The first place we visited was, Whirlpool State Park provides a view of Niagara Whirlpool, a natural whirlpool along the Niagara River located along the U.S.-Canadian border between New York and Ontario. It is estimated that the whirlpool formed approximately 4,200 years ago by the upstream erosion of the Niagara Escarpment by the Niagara River.

Niagara River Whirlpool
Now only 25%-50% of the river flows through this place due to which there was not much water in the whirlpool, however, that park was a good place for picnic or hiking.
We caught a glimpse of Power Vista power plant, a hydroelectric power plant on River Niagara, on the way to our next destination.

Power Vista Power Plant as Captured from Bus
The next place we visited was Old Fort Niagara. This fort was originally built during 1678 by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle at the bank of Niagara river, at its mouth on Lake Ontario mainly to the server the purpose of import-export. Later this place was captured by British and America several time. This place had witnessed the colonial rule and many significant wars of American History.
French Gate of The Old Fort Niagara(There are two more gates, 
British and American
The Old Fort Niagara

Dormitory of Old Fort Niagara 
Millet Corss, Erected by the Knights of Columbus in 1926, this copper cross commemorates the French soldiers of Fort Denonville, the precursor to Fort Niagara. The ill-fated winter of 1687-88 brought disease and starvation to this harsh frontier post. Only 12 of the 100 garrisoned men survived
The fort is a simple place, with very minimal maintenance, or should I say no maintenance at all. Yes, trust me there is not much to see inside the fort and we have way better forts in back home.
The main attraction of the fort to me was the costumed interpreters. They really will take you to the history and you will feel being part of the same. We met a lady and her husband, she introduced herself as “I am the musician in the army and my husband is a soldier” as if that was her real life.


She is the Singer
There were also a couple of demonstrations to show how British Soldiers used to refill a gun with gun powder and fire it. However, in current days, the war will be over and the opposition will win within the time to refill those guns :)

Gun Show
Though the fort, the surrounding impressed me. The beautiful Ontario lake kept me amazed. The blues of sky, lake and river, the peaceful nature contradicted the fact, that place had ever witnessed any war. One can spend an entire day by gazing at the lake.
Niagara River and the land part is in Cananda

Lake Ontario
Any Rupam fan would definitely hum at least once, “neel rong chilo bhishon priyo, tai shobkichu neeliye diyo” and citizen of a nation that loves to #BleedBlue, can really bleed blue here.
There is a entry fee of $12 for adults and $8 for children between age 6 to 12 years. No entry fee for kids below 6 years.
Next place on our travel list were ‘Day View of Niagara and Maid of The Mist’ as our guides said. Excited, happy, thrilled, a bit hungry, we had no idea what was coming in our way. We went to Niagara Falls State Park by 9:45 am and queued up for Maid of The Mist. Normally this queue is for booking tickets for Maid of The Mist, ticket cost is $17 for adults and $9.90 for children between age 6 to 12 years. No entry fee for kids below 6 years but since went through a travel agency, they took the hassle of booking tickets and we just queued up for entering. From there a lift took us to lower part at the river bank where we had to board the boat. They gave us blue raincoats before boarding the boat.


We boarded and headed towards the journey of life time. The boat took us near to American Falls and Bridal Vail falls respectively. It was Awesome!!!!
American Falls
American Falls and the smaller on in left is Bridal Vail Falls
Then we went to the Horseshoe falls, also called Canadian Falls as it is more on the Canada side. Monumental, majestic, huge, mammoth, spectacular, gorgeous and what not. I, being a person who takes out the camera before watching the place, forgot to bring out the camera for a while. It was so beautiful that nothing can be compared, no words can describe that place. I believe anyone will run out of adjectives to describe. It was an experience worth for lifetime.
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls
After spending some time in front of Horseshoe falls, the boat turned back for the point it started from. One can have a clearer view of Canada, may be more thrilling that previous night of being so close to the international border, if one can refrain of gazing at Horseshoe falls.
Maid of The Mist from Canada 
Canada side day view
We got down from the boat and walked towards the stairs which took us to the lap of American falls and had another experience of a lifetime. Rainbows!!! Not the one which I have seen multiple times in my life but one which actually originated at the place I was standing, not just one but multiple.
Me and My Rainbow Fantasy 
A personal Favorite Pic
We walked up till the American Falls and took some failed attempt to photograph. Finally, we took the lift and came back to the top at ground level. The platform near the lift lobby also had a good photographic view of the falls and trust me, any number of camera clicks would not satisfy you.
This bridge is called rainbow bridge, the roadway between USA and Cananda

Some more neighbouring country fascination
It was the last view of Niagara through my non living lenses
We left the park by 11 am and had lunch from the pizza corner in the Visitors centre and started back for New Jersey by 11:30. The travel agency collected $8 per head as per day as per service charge of the trip. On the way, there were two stops just for a toilet break each of fifteen minutes and we reached back to Parsippany by 6:00 pm in the evening.

Notes : Few points I want to highlight from my experience are 1. Travel Agencies are better way to make trip to Niagara as you don't have to stand in long queues, however, travelling by own car has its own benefit. You can spend how long you want to in a place.
2. Even if you are visiting trough travel agencies, you can drop the places like Fort and whirlpool park and take trip to Cave of the Winds (http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/cave-of-the-winds.aspx) by your own if that is not inclusive in package.
3. Make sure to carry jackets as falls side will be cold always.
4. Maid of The Mist runs only during May to November. Check the timing before planning.

Disclaimer : We went on this trip in May’ 2015. There are chances that price and timing have got changed. Please check with Travel Agencies and Hotel about current timing and rates. I have tried to provide as much as details is possible for the trip. For any further clarification, feel free to post comments in the blog or contact me @ dutshilpi@gmail.com.

SOAR - Success over Adversity Reigns


About
'SOAR - Success over Adversity Reigns' is a commercial fiction, targeted for young audience by Abir Mukherjee.
Publisher: Frog Books, An imprint of Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd.

Biography
Hi friends, I am Abir, an IT professional, working in an MNC as tech lead, co-founder of 'MyRecentTrips'. I love to sketch and write in spare time and forced to accompany Shilpi in all her 'Recenttrips' :) SOAR - Success over Adversity Reigns is my second novel. I am a movie freak too. I hope my work will entertain you; happy reading. :)

Description : Frustrated with their current jobs, Uday, Adhyayan, and Rajasekaran team up to start an innovative business, non-existent in India until then.
Ignoring all pragmatic aspects of life, they chase their dreams with immense pleasure. However, their journey is no cakewalk, as they confront financial crisis and rejections soon. Uday plays a business trick to triumph over that uninfluenced market; it works initially, but soon boomerangs, blowing the team apart. The police arrests Uday accusing him of illegal activity by his organization.

Were there any blemishes in their plan or was it just a typical Indian market, reluctant to accept an un-experimented concept? Will they be successful in implementing their innovation, staking their hard-earned money, stable jobs, relationships, and life?
‘S.O.A.R’ is the story of chasing a dream, quandary between desire and responsibility, friendship and love. Join the gutsy journey of three young entrepreneurs.

Follow My page for Updates: www.facebook.com/soarbyabir

Nepal


About Nepal: Nepal is the country which has been attracted travellers as an exotic destinations of the world for it's adventure, cultural, pilgrimage and wildlife travel packages. Mostly known as the Land of Everest, or the Birthplace of Lord Buddha. It has a variety of attractions to keep tourists coming back for more with its lofty mountains, deep valleys, lush green jungles, exotic wildlife and diverse peoples.
Pilgrimage in Nepal Situated in the lap of Himalayas. Nepal has been renowned for centuries as a pristine place for religion, peace and salvation. Nepal has been enjoying the honor of being the place of penance and spiritual gratification for sages, saints and rishis for the time immemorial. It is the place where centuries old temples of several Hindu gods and goddesses, sitting on the banks of holy rivers: Bagmati, Koshi and Gandaki, continue to attract devotees from far and wide; where many tributaries of holy Ganga originate from snow-capped Himalayas flowing down to Indian plains; where bountiful Nature shelters sages meditating at the foot hills of Luminous mountains or by side of tranquil holy waters; where the apostle of peace Lord Buddha, was born 2,500 years ago; where Puranas (Hindu Holy Scriptures) praise each of the hundreds of temples and monasteries spread across the country; and where diversity thrives in harmony.
The Himalaya is the youngest yet highest mountain range in the world and forms a natural border for Nepal in the northern front. For Nepalese these mountains are the sacred abode of the gods but they also continue to captivate millions around the world due to their sheer majesty and beauty; tempting thousands to attempt at conquering its peaks. Those who actually reach the Himalaya will tell you that the experience can indeed be very humbling.
Total of the fourteen peaks higher than 8000 meters, eight are in Nepal. Although there is no denying that walking up and down the hills for a close up view of the Himalaya is very much worth the effort, this we have to confess is not for everyone, due to the physical and time requirements. The Everest Experience is meant especially for those who don’t want to leave Nepal without touching the sacred and majestic Himalaya.

Duration of the Trip: It was a 6 days and 7 nights’ trip from Asansol, West Bengal. We started by 8 pm on Saturday and reached back to Asansol by next Sunday morning.

Transportation: We boarded Mithila Express (13021) from Asansol station at 8:08 PM on Saturday and reached Raxual at 8:30 AM next morning.
For returning back to Asansol we had boarded RXL-HWH Bi-Weekly Express (13044), at 7:45 PM from Raxual and reached Asansol at 8:05 AM.
Ticket cost Rs. 367/- for Sleeper classes, Rs. 977/- for 3 tiers AC and INR 1332 for 2 tiers AC for each.

Details of the Trip:
Day 1: After getting down at Raxul Railway Station, we hired a Tanga(Horse pulled cart) from outside of the station to reach Birgaunj(Nepal Boarder), 3 km from Raxul Station for Rs.70 per person.
We had our breakfast at Birgaunj and started for Kathmandu by 12’O clock noon. We hired a Tata Sumo for the journey which normally charges 750 NPR or Rs. 500/- (INR) per person to drop at Kathmandu bus stop. It’s a five hours journey and we reached Kathmandu bus stop by 5 pm. There was no good accommodation near the bus stop and we had to hire a car to reach Sundhara where hotels were available. That place was at a distance of 4 kilometers from bus stand. Initially the driver agreed for 300 NPR but as he had to wait for 10-15 minutes as we were checking out for a decent hotel. He demanded another 200 NPR. However, finally we opted for a hotel called
Hotel Siddhartha
Baghdurbar, Sundhara, Kathmandu
Phone Number: +97714267226, +97714216240 Near Dharahara Tower
As it was a long and tiring day for us. We didn’t plan anything for the evening and decided to stay at hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub and the capital of Nepal is also famous for its natural beauty and historic, holistic places. The valley is rich in harmony for pilgrimage of both Hindus and Buddhists. Both of their deities well side by side by tantric symbolism and ancient animistic beliefs. On the second day of our trip, we decided to visit heart of Nepal and booked a package at a cost of 1280 NPR per head (or INR 800).
We had our breakfast and started for full day sightseeing at around 11 am. The places we visited -
Pashupatinath Temple, an UNESCO World heritage site, oldest Hindu temple of Pashupatinath or Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is the other popular name of Shiva. Nepal is constitutionally a Hindu kingdom so non- Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple, though Buddhists are allowed. But no one is allowed to enter the inner sanctum except the Bhatts(priests of the temple), the main priests who come from the South of India. The temple starts swarming with devotees around 4 am every morning. There is evening art, scheduled every day at 6:00 pm.
There are many temples inside the Temple complex as
• Vasuki nath temple
• Unmatta Bhairav temple
• Suryanarayan temple
• Kirti mukh bhairav shrine
• Budanil kantha shrine
• Hanuman Shrine
• 184 shivaling Shrine
Bharabi Temple@Pashupatinath Mandir
Pashupathinath Temple
Bagmati River@Pashupatinath Temple
For many temples and idols in this premises photography is not allowed.
Top of the hill to the east of the temple is the ideal place for the non Hindu visitor to view the temple, its rich surroundings, and below on the edge of the Bagmati river ghats where the dead bodies are brought to be cremated.
Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. Bodnath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; after the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular tourist site.
Bouddhanath, the holiest shrine for the Buddhist culture in Nepal, From above, Bodnath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. And as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa). The five Buddhas also personify the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether), which are represented in the stupa's architecture.
There are other symbolic numbers as well: the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa represent the mythical Mt. Meru, center of the cosmos; and the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment, or "Bodhi" — hence the stupa's name.
At the bottom, the stupa is surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. In addition to the Five Dhyani Buddhas, Boudhanath Stupa is closely associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), whose 108 forms are depicted in sculptures around the base. The mantra of Avalokiteshvara - Om Mani Padme Hum - is carved on the prayer wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of the stupa.
The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. These platforms symbolize Earth, and here you can look out at the mountains while listening to the chants of the devout doing kora, walking around the stupa praying, next two circular plinths supporting the hemisphere of the stupa, symbolizing water.

Boudhanath Stupa 
Bell@Boudhanath Stupa

Entry fee for this place is 40 NPR per person.
Budhanilkantha is sleeping Narayana and is a pilgrimage for all Hindus. The colossal statue of lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes on Water pond and is also called Jal Narayan. This located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu at the base of the Shivapuri Hill, is the largest and most beautiful, enigmatic stone carving in all of Nepal.

Budhanilkantha
On the way to The Driver stop @at roadside where we had our lunch.

Swayambhunath is a famous world heritage site with magnificent views of the Kathmandu valley and tribute to Buddhism. It also known as Monkey Temple. It is an antique Buddhist stupa, situated at top of a green shrouded hillock at the west of Kathmandu, it's famous among both Hindus and Buddhists. Swoyambhu literally means ‘Self-Existent One.’ It is the center of Lamaism where Buddhist texts are taught to young monks. Amazing to look at, the lofty white dome and a glittering golden spire that are visible from all sides of the valley. Swayambunath Temple gives way to the feelings of reverence and adoration. The stupa consists of a dome at the base and a cubical structure with eyes of Buddha looking in all the four directions. There are pentagonal Toran present above each of the four sides with statues engraved in them. Behind and above the torana there are thirteen tiers. Above all the tiers, there is a small space above which the Gajur is present. According to Swayambhu Puran, the entire Kathmandu valley was once filled with an enormous lake, out of which grew a mystical Lotus. The valley came to be known as Swayambhu, meaning 'Self-Created' or 'Self-Existent'. The Bodhistava Manjushri had a vision of the lotus at Swayambhu and traveled there to worship it.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath 
Swayambhunath

Entry fee for this place is 50 NPR per person.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka square, is an UNESCO world heritage site and one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley. The Durbar Square is made up of two sub-areas. The outer complex is renowned for numerous interesting temples as Kumari Ghar , Kasthamandap , Shiv-Parbati Temple, Jagannath Temple, Big Bell etc ,while the inner complex comprises the old palace area ,Hanuman-dhoka and its courtyards as Nasal Choke, Mul Choke, Sundari Choke, Basantapur Durbar etc. Besides the magnificent temples and shrines, various festivals, cultural activities and traditions people are following from centuries, which are presented in the Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Hanuman Chowk @ Kathmandu Durbar Square
We headed back to hotel by 5 pm. Later in the evening we paid a visit near by Sundhara market which is at a walking distance from our hotel and a good place for getting jackets, bags etc. We also visted
Dharahara Tower, a 203 ft tall, 9 storied tower at the center of Sundhara in Kathmandu. It was built in 1832 by Bhimsen Thapa(Mukhtiyar or Prime Minister) under the commission of Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari. The tower has a spiral staircase containing 213 steps. The eighth floor held a circular balcony to provide visitors a panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley. It also had a 5.2-metre (17ft) bronze mast on the roof.
On the way back to hotel, we booked a package tour for next three days from a nearest travel agency. The package cost 15000 NPR for three days. They travel agency provided us a Toyota Corolla for next three days sightseeing and accommodation was inclusive in the package.

Day 3: We had our breakfast and headed towards Nagarkot around 9 am, en-route we visited Bhaktapur Durbar square which is around 15 km away from Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the city is also known as a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated for different gods and goddesses which is 15 km far from Kathmandu. It is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five 'window palace' of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows-all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. The Major attraction of Bhaktapur Darbar Square
55 Window Palace is the main architectural structure dominating the entire Durbar Square. This magnificent monument was built in 15th century AD. Seated on a huge column top in a position of prayer to God is King Bhupatindra Malla.
Golden Gate is the main entrance to the palace. The artisan who worked on this wonderful gate must be from Heaven. It is an eternal beauty in itself.
Lion's Gate has two beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities installed on its either side. It is said that the hands of the artisans who produced this were cut off immediately after he gave a finishing touch to them. A jealous Bhadgaon King did this so that the artisan could not produce any more of such arts.
Mini Pashupati Temple is a royal dream temple as per localities. Folklore says - once a Bhadgaon King who was a great devotee to Lord Pashupati had a dream in which Lord told the king to build a temple for Pashupati right in front of this palace.
Vatsala Temple is dedicated to a mother goddess is full of intricate works on stone. This temple is known for its dog-barking bell. This bell is believed to produce a death knell when it is rung up.
Nyatapola Temple is the most famous pagoda of Nepal. Nyatapola in Newari language means fie tires - the symbolic of five basic elements. This is the highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty. This temple is dedicated to Sidhilaxmi, the tantric goddess of supreme power and success.
Bhairava Nath Temple is dedicated to Bhairava the God of terror and death
Entry fee for Bhaktapur Durbar Square is 100 NPR per person. It takes around 2 hours to visit the complete Durbar Square.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square 
Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar square - Main Building
Bhaktapur Durbar square - Peacock Window
We started from Durbar Square and reached Nagarkot by 1:30 pm and checked in to the hotel and had lunch there.
Nagarkot is popular tourist destination of Nepal. It is situated 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2200m. above the sea level. It is a fantastic as well Naturally beauty place which provides the panoramic viwe of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here others including Annapurna, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shanker, Ganesh Himala. From here one has a fascinating and mesmerizing view of the sunrise. Nagerkot is also known for the glorious views that it offers of the Himalayas. It has also served as a locale for the film makers of Bollywood and has seen many celebrity visitors who have found the place enchanting. When the sun reflects on these snowy peaks the view becomes absolutely spell binding.
We went to see sunset at a nearest view point by 4:30 - 5:00 pm. Though the same is visible from hotels also, but the view points give a better view.

Day 4: We woke up in the morning and went for sunrise by 5a.m. An awesome experience which is beyond any description. After sun rise , we came to hotel had out breakfast, checked out and headed for Pokhra. by 8a.m.
Sunrise @ Nagarkot
Sunrise @ Nagarkot
It takes 7 hours to reach Pokhra. We had our lunch in the roadside restaurant. This restaurant offers delicious and hygienic buffet at a cost of 350 NPR per person.
We visited Manokamna Temple enroute to Pokra. A cable car runs from the cable station of Cheres to reach Monokamna temple. The 2.8 km long cable car ride at a height of more than 1000m from Prithvi Highway to the Manakamana temple is an experience for lifetime.
Built in the tiered pagoda style, the Monokamana Temple dates back to the 17th century. It has a stunning Himalayan backdrop. Hindus believe that the goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati, has the power to grant wishes, and newlyweds flock here to pray for male children. But this good fortune comes at a price – pilgrims seal the deal by sacrificing a goat, chicken or pigeon in a gory pavilion behind the temple. On Saturdays and other feast days, Manakamana almost vanishes under a sea of pilgrims and the paving stones run red with sacrificial blood.

Ropeway to Monokamna Temple

Monokamna Temple
For Indian and Nepalese , the cable car ride cost 345.00 NPR per head for one way and 575.00 NPR for toway. There is a separate cart in the cable car to carry goat which cost 220.00 NPR one way. The cable car usually operates during the daytime from 9am to 5pm stopping during lunch break from noon to half past one.
We finally reached Pokhra by 9:00 pm. Ideally it doesn’t take such a long time however we got stuck for hours due to land slide. We checked in at Hotel.

Day 5: We planned for Pokhra sightseeing on this day and started the day with Sunrise at Sarankot. Nothing can make you feel as divine as sunrise. This place is situated in 1350 m from sea level, from and gives a picture perfect view of Fish-tail, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and other famous mountains of Himalaya Range.
The real white and orange during the sunrise will make you fall in love with Himalaya all over again.
We came back to our hotel, had our breakfast and again headed for visiting the famous places of Pokhra. Bindabasini Temple, known locally as Bindhyabasini Mandir. Standing proudly atop a hill, this striking temple looks calmly over the bustling city of Pokhara.
Brindabasini Temple 
The pagoda-styled building of the Hindu Bindabasini Temple quietly sits at some 3000 feet above sea level along the renowned Annapurna and Machhpuchhare mountain ranges. It is located near the busy Old Bazaar of Pokhara, a center of commerce in the Himalayas. Bindabasini temple or Bindhyabasini Mandir is of great religious importance to Hindus living in the Pokhara region. It is a vital hub of religious fervor. The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who is Pokhara's chosen guardian deity. Durga, also known as Shakti or Kali has numerous manifestations and at the Bindabasini temple she is seen as Bhagwati, a blood-thirsty aspect of the goddess. Durga appears in the form of a Saligram. A Saligram, according to Hindu mythology is an propitious stone. It is said that the temple was created after the goddess ordered king Khadag Bum Malla to set up a her statue here. The Bindabasini temple was then founded in BS 1845. Since its establishment, Bhagwati has been an object of worship here on a daily basis. Animal sacrifices are typically presented at the temple on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The Hindu festival of Dashain sees large numbers of believers coming to offer sacrifices at Binhyabasini Mandir. Indeed, there is little space for tourist during the festival of Dashain.
The ornate structure of Bindabasini temple is surrounded by a park-like landscape. Many come here to enjoy pleasant picnics whilst enjoying the amazing panorama. Spectacular views can be absorbed from this marvelous vantage point which looks out over the town of Pokhara and takes in some of the impressive Himalayas. Adding to the peaceful atmosphere is the fresh scent of “Dhup”.
Dhup-dai
A visit to Bindabasini temple can be combined with a stroll through the Old Bazaar.

Phewa Lake is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. This is the largest and most enchanting of three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, boting around lake and visit the island temple (Barahi) in the middle of the Phawa lake.
Phawa Lake
The Barahi Temple or "island temple" is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the Center of Fewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force of Shakti.
Barahi Temple
Devi Fall, locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s Falls) also known as Devins and Davids is a lovely Waterfall is about 2 km south West of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of Davy, was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Mahendra gufa or Mahendra Cave is a large limestone cave, locally known a s the House of Bats an apt name for it. A two- hours walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring our own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.

Apart from all of this falls, lakes and temples, the main beauty of Pokhra lies in the breath taking panoramic view of Annapurna Region, Dhaulagiri, Machapurche and other small peak.
Machapurche Range
While in Pokhra, one can also participate in river Rafting, Paragliding, Ultra- Light and Zip-flyer.

Day 6 : This was our last day at Nepal. We drove to Naudanda from Pokhra to witness our last sunrise at Nepal. We did all our packing on the prior night and checked out from our hotel at Pokhra before starting for sunrise.

After welcoming the sun, we directly went to Pokhra bus stand to take bus for Birgaunj. We had our breakfast at bus stop and took a bus at 7:30 am and reached Birgaunj around 1 pm.
It is very difficult to find any good and hygienic restaurant in Birgaunj, however a luckily we got one and had our lunch there. From Birgaunj to Raxual is just at a distance of half an hour and we had a train at 7:45 pm, but as we experienced tremendous jam while going to Nepal, we didn’t want to take any risk for Raxaul by tanga immediately after we finished our lunch at 3 pm and we reached station by 5 pm. What else, we took train and reached Asansol next day morning.

Disclaimer : This trip was made during March 2014, a long time prior to the massive Nepal Earthquake. This post might not be of any use anymore. All prices might have changed, many places have got destructed. However, I still wanted to write this as a small tribute to the beautiful place where I had a great time of my life. I tried to provide as much as details is possible for the trip. For any further clarification please feel free to contact, dutshilpi@gmail.com