Witnessing the movements of a neighbouring nation while treading your own soil is altogether an incredible experience. Yeah, I'm talking about exploring the international borders.
Targeted with cross-hairs of weapons and surrounded by armed bunkers is a common sight of most of the Indian International borders. Be it the Loc, the LAC, or the International boundary, most of their parts are overshadowed by negligence of terrorism and militancy.
But there are actually some outline areas in India which are breathtakingly beautiful and secluded.
So lets just flow with the article and set some incredible travel goals.
{-} Chitkul Village
More than its actual name, people recognize this location as the Last Indian village contiguous with the Indo-China border. Geographically positioned as a village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
-Snow covered peaks of Chitkul village.
Settled peacefully on the banks of Baspa river, the Chitkul soil is famous for yielding potatoes.
This very village of the Indian land is the last point where one can stroll without a permit. So, if you are planning to take home some fresh potatoes and of course the border memories, be ready for some rigorous surprises too.
A metalled road will never pave your way to the border. Surprisingly, the HRTC bus stops 90 kms before it. So it is anytime advisable to stay at Sangla so as to unwrap another surprise.
-Trekking here is definitely a matchless experience.
The Sangla-Chitkul trek beside Baspa river is one of the best experiences you can ever record in your travel diary. Thanks to HRTC.
People are often seen itching their heads with credit cards. Carry enough cash, No ATMs.
These small and sweet challenges let one escape from the world of materialistic luxuries thus making Chitkul village as one of the best places to experience a sight of the Indian fences.
{-} Jaigaon Town
Located at the feet of low lying Himalayas, Jaigaon is a small valley town in the state of West Bengal. This town is in close shave with the peaceful Indo-Bhutan border.
-The grilled wall running between the two villages is the Indo-Bhutan border.
The friendship of the two countries is directly exhibited by the smooth traffic flow through the Bhutan Gate near Jaigaon. The Royal Kingdom Of Bhutan welcomes the Non- Bhutanese visitors with a stamp on their passports.
-Bhutan uses Indian roads to commute on various domestic routes.
-Due to abundant precipitation throughout the year, the visible hills are decorated with the alluring greenery of tea gardens.
The low security deployed at the Indo-Bhutan friendship Gate has let the commercialization sneak in the adjoining areas which has overpowered the significance of this patch of the Indian Outline.
However the pleasant weather and scenic beauty of this place holds it proudly as a wonderful destination to visit.
{-} Adam’s Bridge or Ram Setu
Being associated with a lot of religious beliefs, this border destination is too interesting in its own.
A chain of limestone shoals leads a path from within the sea to the far off Sri Lankan coast. This wonder of nature and history is known as Adam’s Bridge. As per the evidences, this land connection between the two countries is 30 miles long, starting from the Rameshwaram island.
-An aerial view of the Ram Setu.
Hindu scripture Ramayana elaborates this as a creation of Ape men for reaching Lanka in order to rescue Sita. Not being superstitious, the evidences and the ancient maps support its existence even before the pre- ancient period.
-The historic interpretation of the bridge’s construction.
Some maps of the ancient era have labelled this bridge as Ramancoil, while some have labelled it as Sethubandh.
The mysterious bridge separates Gulf of Mannar from Palk Strait. Sea in this area is shallow with the maximum depth of 10 meters. This bridge was completely above the salty waters until it was hit broken by a cyclone.
-The nearby Pamban bridge loading a unit of the Indian Railways.
Travellers interested in the history pages have Adam’s Bridge at the top of their itinerary.
{-} Mana Village
Bordering both China and Tibet, this patch of Indian land is called Mana Village. As a village of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Mana is situated at a height of 3,200 meters from the sea level.
-Clouds kissing the peaks is a common sight here.
Lying very close to the “Badrinath Temple”, this village is a hub of pilgrims during the season.
-Extreme winters in Mana force the entire population of 600 (approx.) to transit to lower areas.
Apart from the Eternal peace at Badrinath Temple, there is a lot more to explore and experience.
-The last Indian Tea shop in Mana Village
Vasudhara falls trek is a lifetime experience but a life challenging too. This trek feels like walking over movable round pebbles. The rocky trails near Saraswati Mandir are very steep for walking.
-The amazing view of Vasudhara falls.
If you are going ahead for this trek adventure, do carry light foodstuff and water bottle as an assistance. Wear proper footwear and avoid heavy bag-packs.
Other places of Interest:* Ganesha Guha* Laxmi Van forest* Satopanth Glacier
Though being tiny in geography, this bi-bordered Indian village has a lot to tell.
{-} Tanakpur town
Calmly settled Tanakpur is a beautiful town in the arms of river Sarda. Acting as the first point in the famous Hindu pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar, this town is a favourite place for saints and pilgrims.
- Though being tiny in size, this town offers a bucket of natural wonders.
Positioned upon another friendly Indo-Nepal border, Tanakpur is developing into a booming urbanized town.
Besides the increasing development rate, there are some corners of this near border town which are still untouched and exhibit the marvellous beauty of their location.
Snowfall in winters colours this entire town with a shining shade of white which makes it even a high rated hill station.
-Winter view of the bordered town.
Places like Boom Temple, Barrage Road, Shyamtal are a worth visit if you are preparing an itinerary for this area.
“The things which separate two livelihoods are sometimes beautiful” —Bhaavan Goswami