Sharayu Jakhotiya

I had never heard of Kheerganga and its hot water springs before I decided to go on a trip to Parvati Valley. Little did I know that it was going to be one of the most unique trekking destinations I would be going to. As soon as I booked my travel, I searched for Kheerganga on Instagram and some photos did turn up. Though there weren't many and those which were there were kind of misleading for women (I will come to why in a little bit). I had visited the hot springs of Manikaran (a little ahead of Kasol) and though I was impressed as a child by looking at the hot boiling water coming from nowhere, I couldn't fathom going there as an adult. The throng of travellers or revellers dissuaded me from taking a halt at the holy place. But Kheerganga was a whole different story. One has to trek 15 kms through Parvati valley to reach the place which guaranteed that the place wouldn't be buzzing with weekend travellers who travel only for relaxation. We were put up in P...

I follow this amazing photographer, Chris Burkard on Instagram and he posted a photo of his campfire with a simple yet extremely thought provoking message. This is what it read: 'The thing about campfires is that you always remember the conversation, tend to be more agreeable and often leave as friends. Imagine if some of the world issues and politics were discussed this way. Just a thought.' Yes, just imagine. Everyday as we go about our daily routines we are faced with discrimination, violence, prejudice, greed and all those things which are wrong with this world.  We have deep rooted prejudices against those who are different from us and this is being used against us; to divide us and to turn us against each other.  But there is a cure! Go out and travel. Meet people who are poles apart from you. Experience cultures and traditions which you didn't know existed. Follow the mountains and reach places which make you feel like you are on the edge of the w...

Being a Woman Traveller! We can literally never pack light! I need one extra t-shirt and shorts is the biggest lie we tell ourselves. And that scarf will be handy when the sun comes out; that too on top of the cap that I already have on my head. All lies! ‘Girl, are you shifting to another city?’ is a very normal question girls get asked when they plan to travel. Travel light, they say. 2 suitcases, one backpack and one handbag is light enough! We have everyone covered when it comes to any kind of creams and lotions! ‘You have body lotion, right?’ ‘Of course! Take the body lotion and the lip guard for your cracked lips. I have some soframycin for the cut on your arm.’ We are literally prepared for doomsday! Periods! The monthly demon in our lives. ‘So, you are going on a long holiday? Hmm. There is swimming and trekking you say?' said Uterus. ‘Why? Why are you asking me all these questions?’ I asked. ‘Because it’s time t...

Everyone wants to be a traveler today. Living in the wild, trekking and camping. Its cool. It’s the ‘in-thing’. While all this is great, instead of just being travelers, why not be responsible travelers? I think that’s way cooler than just being an ordinary traveler. Tips to be a responsible traveler: Use Public Transport Ditch those cars and bikes and take the local train or the bus to reach your destination. This will not only help you reduce your carbon footprint but will also give you a taste of the local culture and people. And not to forget, it’s so much cheaper! P.S. - Full body massages and live music free! Use your traditional stainless steel plate and glass Thermocol plates and plastic plates are harmful to the environment. Let’s use our ‘gharwala plate’ and quickly wash it after using it and put it back in our bags. It’s that easy! This will also make your mom happy, seeing you wash your own plate will bring tears of joy. He...

Aatankwadi – A Tiger Story Jungle: Kanha National Park Zone: Kisli Area: Karai Ghati Waqt: 8.30 A.M. Date: 1/11/2016 Jeep Number: 193 Driver: Sajid Guides: Ramkumar Yadav and Jhaduram Sighting: Aatankwadi – Male Tiger On the morning of 1 st November, 2016 we waited impatiently in our Jeep at the Khatia gate of the Kanha National Park. We felt like veterans after our first safari the day before. We were some of the luckiest people to have seen the Umarpani female on 31 st October in the Kanha Zone, Link 8. But the sighting was very brief. The female walked on to the road for two minutes and made her way back inside. The heat being too much for her (Though it was only 15 degrees Celsius!). The forest guard stood at the Khatia gate and looked at the line of jeeps waiting to get inside. Today again our jeep was the first one in the line and the excitement and anxiety were palpable. The guard stared at his wristwatch and looked at us and...