Solo Travel – YOTRIPP TRAVEL https://yotripp.com Travel and Travel Marketing Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:50:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 LADAKH SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE https://yotripp.com/ladakh-solo-travel-guide/ https://yotripp.com/ladakh-solo-travel-guide/#respond Sun, 23 Jul 2023 14:07:06 +0000 https://yotripp.com/?p=2047

LADAKH SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE

If you are wondering what it is like to enjoy Ladakh alone, we have one word for you, and that word is ‘paradise’. In Ladakh, being alone can be addictive too. For it is a different kind of solo travel experience to breathe in the freshness of Ladakh. So if you like exploring things solo, Ladakh is a highly recommended solo travel destination. It is where your thirst for a solo travel experience is served fresh every single time you visit, no matter who many times you go.

If you’re an adventure-lover even when you approach life, then a solo trip to Ladakh is filled with infinite possibilities.

Ladakh is also the place to get lost in. For there are places here that take you far away from human civilization. At these uninhabited places, you’ll be far from phones and screens too. If you find this to be another interesting prospect the Ladakh is the place for you (especially if you aren’t prone to AMS or acute mountain sickness.

So assuming that you’ve now shortlisted Lakdakh as your next solo travel destination, here is a guide for solo travelers in Ladakh.

01.

A Basic ‘Ladakh Solo Trip’ Plan

Before you pack your bags and head off to Leh, prepare a rough itinerary that guides you in that flow. It’s not about the destination, but about the flow. Following a schedule can be stressful for a solo traveler but not following one can be chaotic and could lead to unexpected problems in the more remote places of Ladakh. Hence, taking your time to plan the trip in rough detail is important. Having such a plan also helps you to calculate the approximate costs of the trip.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

02.

Ladakh: Best Time to Travel Solo

Take up your solo journey during tourist season time which is between June to September. One reason why traveling in season time is best is that you’ll save quite a bit because private taxis are way too expensive during the off-season.

The second reason is the frequency of public transport. During peak season time you’ll have more transportation facilities to support your trip, while during the less touristy and dry off-season, public transportation is infrequent. Another reason why transport options are limited during the off-season is because of roadblocks and snowfalls.

You’ll especially have to worry about this if you are planning for a beautiful Indian road trip, solo or otherwise because snow is heavy here. If at all you need any help or roadside assistance, the probability of getting help on time is much higher during tourist season time, rather than during the off-season.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

03.

What Should You Pack for Your Solo Trip to Ladakh?

Being a solo traveller, you need to pack everything you need to support yourself as there are no backup people. You need to be solely dependent on yourself and so here is a list of things that you should add to your back bag.

– Make sure you have your thermal wear. It gets pretty cold in Ladakh.

– Have a fleece jacket and windproof jacket, in case you get caught in rain or snow.

– Make sure you have woollen clothes to manage the climate conditions there, especially if you intend to climb to high altitudes or experience treks such as the epic Chadar Trek in Ladakh.

– A pair of warm shoes, comfortable jeans, sunglasses, caps etc. are a given when you are travelling of course.

– Your personal medication is a must. Never compromise on carrying a small medical kit in case you need supplies and they are not readily available.

– If you are a solo biker, ensure that you are tripping with proper riding gear, helmets and basic bike parts to self-service your bike in case it is needed.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

04.

Mandatory Documents for Ladakh Solo Travel

– Always have your ID proofs ready, make sure you carry your aadhar card or license. Remember that PAN cards will not be accepted as proof of identity at most places here.

– If you are road-tripping on your bike, remember to carry all vehicle documents. Don’t miss out on any and ensure that they are all updated.

Emergency Contact Guidelines for Solo Travelers to Leh Ladakh

This is very important, and it is almost a necessary thing. Keep an emergency contact listed both on your phone and written on paper.

Write the name of the person and the number of the person on a couple of papers. Keep one in your bag and the other one, either your wallet or in your pocket.

In case of an emergency, this will guide the person trying to help you. In case if your phone can’t be used, at least the contact details on the paper will help.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

05.

Ladakh Solo Travel Do’s & Don’ts

Since you are on a solo Lakadh trip, you should know of a few do’s and don’ts.

Do’s on the Trip

  • – Don’t forget to carry a water bottle, make sure you keep yourself hydrated all the time. Make sure you don’t run out of drinking water and fill your water bottle frequently. Staying hydrated is important when you travel to high altitudes.
  • – Be aware of the weather conditions there and plan your daily itinerary accordingly.
  • – Try to carry dry snacks so you have something to nibble on even when shops are scarce.
  • – First aid is a must, keep a kit handy.
  • – If you are prone to altitude sickness, take your medicines beforehand.
  • – Be an early bird. Go early to the places you wish to visit to avoid crowds and traffic jams.
  • – Although you are on a solo trip, hang out with a group when you visit Ladakh’s attractions because you might get a chance to discover something different with a group.

Don’ts on the trip

  • – Make sure you are not wearing revealing dresses when you are visiting monasteries or gompas. Be mindful of local sentiments.
  • – Don’t carry or enjoy intoxicating substances while you are on the trip, especially since you are traveling alone.
  • – Don’t forget that there is a ban on plastics in Ladakh. Don’t carry plastic bags, rather carry reusable bags of some other material.
  • – Finally, don’t litter on your trail. Ensure that you leave the place you’ve visited, just as clean as your found it.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

06.

Plan Your Solo Stay in Ladakh

Ladakh provides enough accommodation options such as hotels and homestays, but you still have to decide where you want to rest.

Staying in hotels in Ladakh can be exciting as most hotels here have alluring views from the windows and balconies. But if you are concerned about the cost of your hotel room here, then opting for a hostel will also do.

A PG or a hostel setup will reduce your lodging cost and at the same time, you get to meet new people with similar travel tastes as yours.

Click here to find hotels and homestays in Leh.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

07.

Your Food in Ladakh

You can try and savour the local food of Ladak in the restaurants near you or you can walk down your local street to taste the street snacks.

If you are a chai lover, do not miss the opportunity to taste the Tibetan tea served on the way to Pangong Lake.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

08.

Your Shopping Experience in Ladakh

If you wish to take something home, then you have shops selling shawls that are a speciality in Ladakh. Apart from that you also have some Tibetan curio shops.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

Exploring the Beauty of Ladakh’s Attractions as a Solo Traveler

Your Ladakh solo trip is not just about the adventure but also about exploring the natural beauty of the place.

Nature seems to have handcrafted Ladalh with incredible natural beauty that makes for stunning visuals in your solo travel photos. As a solo traveler, plan a Ladakh itinerary in a manner that you have ample time to explore the following:

01A.

Pangong Lake

This heavenly beauty requires some effort to get to but the view when you finally get there is worth every bit of your effort. The pristine lake that features in almost every Ladakh tourism photo, can be reached by following a trail that runs about 20km from Nubra valley. Though it is quite a hike, you’re immediately arrested by the beauty of your surroundings once you do get there.

On the other side of this gorgeous lake lies China and the volatile border is not too far from here.

Though it has such problems, the view is great and the experience is bliss. As you hike to Pangong Lake, you can take a breather at Merak Village which thankfully enjoys an uninterrupted power supply. In fact, you can also choose to stay here overnight and you’ll have a great staying experience for a phenomenal Ladakh experience.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

02b.

Diskit Monastery 

Dominated by its spiritual aura, Ladakh is definitely a place to explore Buddhist monasteries.

Diskit monastery is one of the oldest and most famous of Ladakh monasteries located in the Nubra valley. This monastery belongs to the yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism and was established by Changzeb Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. There are also other temples and monasteries around this place, which you can also explore if you have the time.

Filled with spirituality, the mystic ambience you feel when you visit this monastery lets you revive your soul and feel the peace deep to the depth of your soul.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

03c.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is another breathtaking piece of beauty that nature has blessed Ladakh with. The pass to Nubra valley passes through the Khardung La Pass, a mountain pass at an elevation of 18,000ft. The snow-filled mountains nearby make it a spectacular experience with a variety of rides. Also, there are contrasting sand dunes that contribute and add to the beauty of this stunning landscape.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

04d.

Leh

Leh, a not-so-crowded town in Ladakh, is where you can roam around and explore every corner. Walking through the streets is a totally different experience here. The local markets here do offer bikes that you can rent for a day, and the cost ranges from 1000 to 1500 INR per day. Leh, Ladakh is especially colourful during festivals like Diksit Gustor or Thiksey Gustor and if you get the chance to visit it during one such festival, do not miss the opportunity.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

05e.

Khardungla Pass

The Khardung La pass is the highest mountain pass in Ladakh and it is located at an elevation of 18000 ft above sea level. As you drive through the pass, you get restriction-free views of snow-capped mountains and breathtaking valleys.

The beauty of Ladakh can’t be explained away by mentioning a few tourist spots though, for it’s beyond that; much beyond that. Exploring Ladakh by yourself, as a solo traveler, is the only real way to know the experience first-hand.

Take your time exploring Ladakh. Don’t rush it. You wouldn’t regret it even if you spent some more time here than you originally planned. Because every experience here becomes a lifelong memory. In the years to come, you’ll sit back and cherish the memories that Ladakh gave you while you were there. Because once you’re here, a little bit of Ladakh always leaves with you in your backpack.

Picture Courtesy:YOTRIPP Canva Pro

  • Ladakh Solo Travel Guide
  • Ladakh solo travel do's and don'ts

TAGS

,
]]> https://yotripp.com/ladakh-solo-travel-guide/feed/ 0 MUMBAI’S ELEPHANTA CAVES https://yotripp.com/mumbais-elephanta-caves/ https://yotripp.com/mumbais-elephanta-caves/#respond Sat, 22 Jul 2023 22:19:37 +0000 https://yotripp.com/?p=1762

MUMBAI’S ELEPHANTA CAVES

Elephanta Caves, a collection of 7 ornately-sculpted caves on Elephanta Island (Gharapuri) near Mumbai, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that anyone in and around Mumbai can visit on a whim. But it is a crowd-puller for foreigners and Indians from other regions alike. The 5 Hindu and 2 Buddhist Caves of Elephanta Island were once active religious sites for people of both religions before they were damaged and destroyed during the colonial era.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Ashwin Kumarxz

As is the case with a lot of our heritage monuments and religious sites we have lost to outside invaders, the Elephanta Caves too is a heritage we have lost to the colonial era. Yet, the relics are completely worth visiting. You can visit the caves with your friends or with family, but if you are planning a visit to Elephanta Caves as a solo traveller, there are some very specific things that you need to know.

But first and foremost:

01.

Where are The Elephanta Caves? How to Reach the Caves?

Elephanta Island or Gharapuri is located approximately 11kms east of Mumbai and you must take a ferry that departs from the Gateway of India jetty to get there. For an approximately four-hour trip that includes the ferry carriage to and from the island, you will be asked to shell out something just under Rs 150 per ticket inclusive of a guide and Rs 130 per ticket minus one. 

You can purchase your tickets for the ferry at the MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corp) booth at the Gateway of India. Once you board the ferry, you can pay and additional Rs10 per person to sit on the upper deck and enjoy some great views of the Mumbai sea-face including the views of the majestic Taj Hotel, marine drive and The Gateway of India.


Now here’s the catch for solo travellers. I am not sure whether it is so to discourage solo travellers making a trip to the Elephanta Caves are a simple case of economic profitability, you cannot but a single ticket to get there. So, you need to look for another solo traveller to team up with you for the duration of the trip and thankfully, it is usually easy to find someone to team up with if you keep a lookout by the ticketing area. 

The ferry ride takes just under an hour to reach the island. The first boat leaves Mumbai at 9PM and there is one ferry out every 30 minutes thereafter till the last one at 2PM. The first return ferry from Elephanta Island leaves at 12 noon and the last ferry back leaves at 5:30PM.

It is important to note that the caves are quite a distance away from the where you disembark the ferry. Though there is a short, fun, toy train ride (Rs 10 per ticket) from the jetty area to the foot of the mountain, reaching the Elephanta Caves quite a bit up the mountain is not an easy task, especially for kids and the elderly. There are about 120+ steps at quite a steep gradient at times and hence this trip is not recommended for solo travellers with walking disabilities or knee issues unless you are sure of your fitness level and health parameters.

Here’s a Youtube Video that takes you through the full journey to Elephanta Caves in an entertaining manner. You can follow Youtuber Indianama for more such videos.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Methenayak

02.

Why are Elephanta Caves Famous? What is the History Behind Them?

Unlike some of the other heritage monument testimony to the cultures of ancient India, very little is known as bout the historical origins of the Elephanta Caves. Excavations and restorations at the caves on the island have put some pieces of its history before us but these too are too widely debated by historical and archaeologists to be considered a commonly believed opinion. And that is part of the charm that lends itself to the caves’ mysteries.


The theories that have the most widespread acceptance are ones that attribute a significant portion of the caves to the Chalukyas of the Badami Dynasty between 450 and 750 AD. Thereafter, the caves have silently watched the changes of the regional power baton between the Mayryas of Konkan, the Trikutakas, the Silaharas, the Rashtrakutas, the Kalyani Chalukyas, The Deogiri Yadavas, the Shahis of Gujarat and even the Marathas. The caves witnessed their degradation and desecration under the rules of the Portuguese and the British.


The Elephanta caves are believed to have been active places of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists till the 1500s, but the Portuguese that came thereafter ill-treated them to no end. It is believed that its beautifully hand-carved stone deities were used as target practice by Portuguese soldiers with little respect and regard for local customs and culture.


Today, despite the wear and tear of the years gone by, and the ill-treatment received at the hands of the colonial invaders, Elephanta Caves is still a famous attraction in Mumbai. Though dilapidated, the caves, with their large wall carvings, sculptures and architectural designs, still draw great interest from locals and foreigners alike.

Here’s a video that showcases the interiors at the Elephanta Caves in a beautiful manner. You can follow Swaha Vlogs for more travel videos like this one.

https://youtu.be/hCEo1BKbRYQ

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Isabell Schulz

03.

What Are the Main Things to Do & See at Elephanta Caves?

Here’s a list of things to do and see at Elephanta Caves; but of course, one of the main things to do here is to explore the caves and their vicinity either by yourself or as a guided tour. As you finish your expedition the stairs and enter the main area to purchase your tickets, you will be approached by several informal guides, who though informal, are completely equipped with local knowledge and knowledge of the caves for a fraction of the cost as the licensed guides. I recommend that you take a guide, whether informal or official because a guided tour is the best way to get the most of your Elephanta Cave experience.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Sahil Ahuja

a1.

The main thing to do at the Elephanta Caves if of course to check out the 7 caves and two Buddhist water tanks in the vicinity. Cave 1 is the largest of the caves here and with such high ceiling standing on gigantic pillars, it feels less like a cave and more like a Roman monument.

The main cave contains several shrines, pillars, a carved-out meditation space, several large and small statues of Hindu gods and goddesses, and an open porch. The main attractions at this cave are an iconic three-headed Shiva statue in the cave’s interior temple, and the Mahayogi Shiva and the Nataraja Shiva on the left and right sides respectively just as you enter the cave. Wikipedia has the best details on all the deities that are found in this cave.

Caves 2 to 5 are right along a paved pathway once you or out of Cave 1 and take a right. Each of the caves has its own set of stone residents and of course, the folklore stories that go with them and this makes guided tours here a matter of necessity. 


Cave 2 is smallish and is yet to be completely restored. Cave 3 is similar to the main cave with its similar entrance pillars and is equally large in size. Cave 4 is largely damaged but still holds an ancient Shiv Linga in its inner sanctum. Cave 5 is the only one with no known artistic remains but is still a good visit for those who like to explore.


Caves 6 and 7 are Buddhist caves located on Stupa Hill, on the eastern side of the island. Though these caves get fewer visitors than the main 5, they are worth visiting if you’d like to take a first-hand experience of what ancient Buddhist temple caves really looked like. Cave 6 or Sitabai’s temple cave as it is called, was converted and used as a Christian Church by the Portuguese. Cave 7 has large artificial boulders and a dry pond today, but it is evident that there was once a large stupa here.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

b2.

There are quite a few other things to enjoy at and around the Elephanta Caves. Whether you are a solo traveller or are visiting with friends or your kids, you will enjoy the short toy train ride that takes you from the jetty area along the coast to reach the foothills of the mountain.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: G Karunakar

c3.

Another must-do thing to do here is shop at the number of local shops that operate on both sides of the stairs as you climb up. Of course, we recommend that you shop on your way down to avoid carrying big packets and carry bags along your sightseeing tour. My favourite things to show here are local geodes (from Elephanta Island) and stone artefacts such as carved coasters, carved stone sculptures and painting, completely made-in-India.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Justin Morgan from Richmond, Virginia, USA

d4.

Photography is another important thing to do here. You can start with photographing the Mumbai skyline as your ferry across to and from the island. The saves themselves represent a wonderful opportunity to click stunning black and white or grayscale pictures. People also love to capture the locals, resident monkeys and an occasional rock monitor lizard on their cameras.

This video by Stephen Knapp offers the best stills of the actual caves and the sculptures within the caves.

e5.

Last but not the least, if time permits, take the 15-minute hike up a crude trail to get to the top of Cannon Hill. This hilltop, which was once a military lookout post, still gives unhindered views of the harbour. You can also see two large British-era cannons here.

What Are the Visiting Timings? How Much Time Do I Need There?

Picture Courtesy:Photo by Prado on Unsplash

The caves are open to visitors from 9AM to 5PM on all days except Mondays. The entrance tickets for Indians are just Rs 40 per person while the same is at Rs 600 per person for foreign nationals. If you are a history or art lover, you will want to take your time at the caves. This means that you can easily spend between 2 to 4 hours here. 

People disinterested in both can get disillusioned by the fact that most of the sculptures are badly damaged, in which case they prefer to return back in an hour or two. The beauty of the caves really is in the eyes of the beholder!

Here’s another good Youtube video on the experience at Elephanta Caves. You can follow Youtuber Garima’s Good Life for more such videos.

Other Vital Information for The Solo Traveller

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Adam Jones

As mentioned earlier, there are about 120 steep steps that you need to take to reach the caves. The caves are therefore not easily accessible to the disabled even though some locals do offer to take the elderly up in palanquins carried by four for charges that are negotiable on the spot.

I have been to Elephanta Caves on 3 different occasions and hence I can very safely say that you need to hit the very first ferry out to avoid large crowds at the top. The caves definitely get overcrowded later during the day.

Resist the temptation and do not feed the monkeys. Though they appear docile, they are at best naughty and at worst, bullying rogues that will follow you around and even snatch things from your hands or purses when the opportunity presents itself.

Staying overnight at the Elephanta Caves is prohibited, but there is a small hotel run by Maharashtra Tourism that allows you to take a short break or rest for an hour or so. There is a restaurant at the top that serves delicious snacks and meals too.

Shopping here requires a good eye and a knack for bargaining. Almost everything is charged at a slight premium so it pays to bargain for a better, fairer deal.

Video shooting inside the cave is said to be prohibited but I have seen several videographers taking footages inside the cave to make YouTube video. Compliance with that particular rule and enforcement of the same, both seem to be lax. On the other hand though, photography is welcome.

  • Elephanta Caves day trip from Mumbai
  • ]How to plan a solo day trip to Elephanta Caves near Mumbai

TAGS

]]> https://yotripp.com/mumbais-elephanta-caves/feed/ 0