INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR

Tripoto
17th Oct 2024
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Day 1

🏂"Traversing the Trails of Tranquility ❄️
☃️Where Mountains Meet Spirituality"🙇
"Rohtang's Rush,
Amritsar's Aura,
Magical Manali"
#MANALI #ROHTANG #AMRITSAR #PUNJASAHIB #EXPLORER #TRAVEL #TEENPATTI #SCHOOLTRIP

"Hello, I'm Vipin Baid, an educator at Abhyuday School, one of Kawardha's most renowned institutions. I'm thrilled to share my exciting school trip experience with our  students of class 12th & 11th (commerce) & my fellow colleague teachers Ashish Tiwari sir & Rahul Pandey sir to Manali and Amritsar. So let's begin ..

Day 1:

Our adventure began at 1 pm from Kawardha, traveling by road to Durg, where we would board the Chattisgarh Express. We arrived at Durg station by 4:30 pm, just in time to grab a bite before our train's scheduled departure. The students indulged in delicious pizzas from Domino's, setting the tone for a fantastic trip.

With the train delayed by 40 minutes, we finally boarded at 6 pm, eager to embark on our journey. The excitement was palpable as we settled in for the long ride ahead.

As we boarded the train, my fellow colleague teachers and I ensured our students settled comfortably into their seats. With a 36-hour journey ahead, we were eager to make the most of our time. Our destination, Amritsar station, seemed distant, but the excitement was palpable.

DURG STATION

Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Day 2

NEXT MORNING IN TRAIN

To keep spirits high, we organized activities to break the monotony of the long train ride. We played cards, sang songs, and even had impromptu gatherings. These moments not only brought us closer but also made the journey unforgettable.

Food was a mixed bag, courtesy of various restaurants and the IRCTC pantry. Some meals delighted our taste buds, while others were less impressive. Nonetheless, we made do, savoring the experience.

As Day 1 & 2 drew to a close, our train transformed into a vibrant hub of laughter and camaraderie.
Cards, songs, and stories filled the air, making the journey an adventure in itself.

Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Photo of INCREDIBLE MANALI AMRITSAR by Vipin Baid
Day 3

Day 3: Amritsar Arrival and Sightseeing

We arrived at Amritsar station at 7 am, eager to begin our exploration. Boarding our bus, Punja Sahib, we headed to Hotel Aura Bliss. After settling in and allocating rooms, we were ready by 11 am.

Our first destinations were Jallianwala Bagh and the iconic Golden Temple, approximately 15 km from our hotel. By 12:30 pm, we arrived at Jallianwala Bagh

MORNING AT AMRITSAR STATION

Photo of Amritsar railway station by Vipin Baid

NEARBY HOTEL AREA

Photo of Amritsar railway station by Vipin Baid

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Memorial*

This historic garden and memorial honor the victims of the 1919 massacre. Our students visited the museum, providing a poignant reminder of India's struggle for independence. Their review was mixed, reflecting the complexity of emotions evoked.

Somewhere in Jallianwala bagh

Photo of Jallianwala Bagh by Vipin Baid
Photo of Jallianwala Bagh by Vipin Baid

Jallianwala bagh

Photo of Jallianwala Bagh by Vipin Baid
Photo of Jallianwala Bagh by Vipin Baid

The Golden Temple*

At 3 pm, we reached the majestic Golden Temple, coinciding with Prakash Parv celebrations. Although lakhs of devotees thronged the temple, we couldn't enter due to the crowds. However, we savored the serene atmosphere, delightful langar, and stunning architecture.

The Golden Temple embodies spirituality and architectural excellence. Its tranquil ambiance, reflected in the holy water, creates an unforgettable experience. The sounds of hymns, kindness of volunteers, and beauty of the golden structure left us in awe.

After an enriching day of sightseeing, we returned to Hotel Aura Bliss by 7 pm, exhausted but fulfilled. The students were eager to unwind and recharge for the next day's adventures.

Photo of Golden Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Golden Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Golden Temple by Vipin Baid

_Dinner Delight_ Late night, we indulged in the legendary flavors of Amritsar, courtesy of Brothers Dhaba, delivered conveniently to our hotel via Zomato. Savoring the local cuisine was the perfect ending to our eventful day.

Day 4

Exploring Amritsar's History and Patriotism

We began the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, preparing us for an exciting day ahead. Our first destination was the famous Partition Museum, a history museum showcasing the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan through photographs, documents, and artifacts.

After visiting the museum, we took some memorable photographs and relaxed for a while. Next, we indulged in a mouth-watering Amritsari lunch at Brothers Dhaba, savoring the local flavors of chole kulche and lassi.

11thies

Photo of Partition Museum by Vipin Baid

Partition museum

Photo of Partition Museum by Vipin Baid
Photo of Partition Museum by Vipin Baid
Photo of Partition Museum by Vipin Baid
Photo of Partition Museum by Vipin Baid
Photo of Partition Museum by Vipin Baid
Photo of Partition Museum by Vipin Baid

In the afternoon, we departed for the iconic Wagah Border, approximately 40 km from our hotel. The border is renowned for its daily military ceremony, the Beating Retreat. Witnessing the soldiers from both India and Pakistan marching in formation and lowering their national flags was a deeply patriotic experience, leaving us with goosebumps.

The 40-minute ceremony, conducted by the Border Security Forces, was an unforgettable experience. The energetic songs and parade added to the excitement, making it an unmissable opportunity.

By 6 pm, we departed for our hotel, arriving an hour later. After dinner and freshening up, we prepared for our overnight journey to Manali-Rohtang, boarding our trusty bus, "Punja Sahib," at 9 pm.

Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid
Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid
Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid
Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid

Entry gate

Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid
Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid
Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid
Photo of wagah border by Vipin Baid
Day 5

Day 5: Arrival in Manali

As we journeyed to Manali, the breathtaking scenery unfolded before us, with lush greenery and a pleasant temperature of around 15-16 degrees. We couldn't wait to experience the unique vibes of Manali.

Upon arrival at our hotel, Himalayan Paradise, around 10 am, we settled into our rooms. After a two-hour break, we set out to explore the sacred Hidimba Devi Temple, Club House, and the famous Mall Road

Photo of Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Manali by Vipin Baid

Hidimba Devi Temple

We visited the ancient cave temple, dedicated to Hidimba Devi, nestled amidst a forest. The serene atmosphere and intricate wooden architecture left us in awe.

Photo of Hidimba Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Hidimba Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Hidimba Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Hidimba Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Hidimba Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Hidimba Temple by Vipin Baid
Photo of Hidimba Temple by Vipin Baid

Club House

Next, we headed to the Club House, an amusement and adventure retreat situated on the banks of the Manalsu Nalla. We enjoyed water sports, recreational activities, and indoor games, making it an unforgettable experience.

Photo of Club house - Craft Gallery Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Club house - Craft Gallery Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Club house - Craft Gallery Manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Club house - Craft Gallery Manali by Vipin Baid

Mall Road

As the sun began to set, we strolled along the famous Mall Road, lined with showrooms, department stores, shops, restaurants, and cafes. We indulged in shopping and savored local delicacies.

Photo of Mall road manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Mall road manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Mall road manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Mall road manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Mall road manali by Vipin Baid
Photo of Mall road manali by Vipin Baid

EVENING DELIGHT IN HOTEL YARD
Evening Delight As the night drew to a close, we gathered around a roaring bonfire, accompanied by mesmerizing music. The warm ambiance and enchanting melodies created a magical atmosphere, etching an unforgettable memory in our minds.

Day 6

Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel

Our final day in Manali was reserved for the pièce de résistance – Rohtang Pass. As we gazed out at the snow-capped mountains from our hotel room balcony, we knew we had to experience it up close. At 13,051 feet above sea level, Rohtang Pass is one of India's 13 high-altitude mountain passes, and we were thrilled to explore it.

We departed for Rohtang at 9 am, fueled by a delicious breakfast at the hotel. As we reached the top, we were greeted by a cool temperature of 6-7 degrees and breathtaking views of the mountains with chilling ice.

Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid
Photo of Rohtang Pass by Vipin Baid

Next, we visited the Atal Tunnel (also known as Rohtang Tunnel), a remarkable feat of engineering that connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti. At 9.02 km long, it's the longest highway single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world. We captured memorable photos and enjoyed the stunning views, savoring the experience with our companions.

Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid
Photo of Atal Tunnel by Vipin Baid

As our journey drew to a close, we departed for our hotel at 4 pm. By 6 pm, we bid farewell to Manali and boarded our bus to Delhi, where we would catch our train to Bilaspur the next morning.

Day 7

Return Journey

Our journey came full circle as we arrived in Delhi around 9 am. We began the day with a hearty breakfast at the Delhi station, preparing ourselves for the return journey. With our train, Humsafar Express, scheduled to depart at 11 am, we boarded with a mix of emotions - excitement to return home, yet nostalgia for the incredible experiences we had shared.

As the train chugged out of the station, our memorable trip slowly faded into the distance, leaving behind a treasure trove of unforgettable moments, lifelong friendships, and cherished memories.

Day 8

Homeward Bound

Our journey came to a close as we arrived at Bilaspur Bus Stand by 7 am. With a mix of sadness and gratitude, we bid farewell to our incredible adventure. As we boarded our bus to return to Kawardha, we shared stories and memories of our experiences, reliving the highlights of our trip.

The emotions were palpable as we reflected on the bonds we had formed and the unforgettable moments we had shared. As the bus pulled out of the station, we knew that our journey may have ended, but the memories and friendships forged would stay with us forever.