Banjara Retreat & Cottage Kullu

... happens daily.<br><br><br>It began with a blood curdling scream from the deep fog from my right.<br><br> <br><br>Before I knew what was happening the only other person on the road, a woman who up until that moment had been quietly sweeping her stoop, was shutting and bolting the door of her house behind her.<br><br> <br><br>The next thing I knew a ball of fighting monkeys was rolling down the center of the path directly at me. In a flash ...

... conditions the ride was magic as we were ascending into the clouds that were sweeping across the top of the mountains. With big eagles soaring above and below, and the snow covered mountain tops peeking out above the clouds. <br><br> The rest of the downward journey once we got below the clouds was in a light drizzle, it dried almost a quick as it wet you. This continued until we go to Manali, when the rain started in earnest and the last 40 km to Kulu was completed in the rain<br><br><br><br>

M*g*me sisse. St õhtul s*i kokku lepitud kell* viiene st*rt templisse. Kui silm*d l*hti teen, on kell jub* kuus. Sed*puhku p*l*vus m*g*mist ei seg*nud j* selle p*g*n* är*tuskell* toimimisest ei ole sii*ni sotti s**nud. Põrk*me K**rleg* ülejäänud seltskonn*g* hotelli trepil kokku, templis tseremooni*t ei olev*t toimunud. S**me tee kirjelduse j* suundume siiski k* objektile. Orienteerume lõpuks siiski siltide järgi j* v*ntsime pik*lt ...

... is like 2 or 3km away from the main part of the city where all the other hotels are... and we were not sure what to do. We walked around to nearby hotels and most of them were full. Our backs were killing us, it was really dark, and we had no choice but to take the 1000 rs a night room. We left as soon as we woke up the next morning and took a bus back to Rewalsar Lake. <br> The bus ride was ridiculous! First we waited for about 30 minutes at the bus ...

... here's how. <br><br>We made it to Dharamkot just as the sun began to set and it could not have been a more fabulous time: peeking up from behind the hills we saw a snow capped mountain-- a constant source of inspiration because that's the direction we're heading in. Interestingly enough, it's easier to see these mountains from the lowlands-- when you're in the hills all you see are the peaks from behind the hilltops, but we got a magnificent view from the path to Dharamkot ...

... is nice, the food is great.... you know I've actually lost a few pounds? And it's not because I'm not eating, I'm actually eating healthier here than I have in my entire life. <br><br><br><br>We went to see the Dalai Lama's residence which wasn't as impressive as I thought but still lovely. It has a couple of temples inside where he does his meet and greets. Of course monks are everywhere and I really love being around them. They have such a ...

... live of their animals, sheep, goats, etc. He had moved to Lhasa to make money, but had to flee because of prosecution. He fled by foot over through Nepal and made his way to McLeod Ganj. Here he has been studying Buddhist philosophy and teaching, while working at the coffee shop. He told me all about his family, his friends who are now in prison, his beliefs, and his views on the world. It was very interesting! Yesterday, I spend more time at the temple ...

... The 1.5 hour drive from Kullu to Manali proved to be another intense road experience. The winding one-lane road was crowded with buses, jeeps, tuk-tuks and people (many of which were small school-children walking miles to get to school) we discovered is typical of this area. Cars honk constantly to warn people and other cars that they are passing. Miraculously we have not witnessed any accidents, and traffic moves at a rapid pace (although ...

... sked him if he would t*ke us up to the locl* vill*ge up the hill, the boys were keen *nd he w*s loving the opportunity to be * guide.We then climbed this m*ssive hill then followed * ro*d th*t wound up the hill p*ssing monkeys *nd loc*ls until we got to * vill*ge. Incredible! we w*lked though *nd it w*s if no one h*d seen europe*ns before so it w*s m*ssive smiles *ll round, Multiple N*m*ste's (Hindi word for hello/goodbye/respect) to ...

... at 7.30pm the same day. The journey was long, cold (at night) and very bumpy but amazing. The views were always spectacular - snow capped mountains, golden 'hoo-doos', purple, red, orange and brown rocks and mountains, and further towards Manali the landscape becomes greener with lots of trees and as the snow is melting - waterfalls and rushing rivers. Manali is a very touristy (and for good reason as it is very picturesque - snow ...