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Old 25th April 2014, 22:15   #1
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Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

How strange but commonplace is it when two people committed to each other for the better part of 14 years, have the mother of all arguments that ends with an agreement to disagree.

And how nondescript is it when the same two people , are brought together by nature's mischievous designs thrust quite unsuspectingly, but in a very mysterious way - the hand of God?

Yet, dear friends that's exactly how it happened.

So let's rewind to the beginning.

A few months ago, I had been thinking about the pilgrimage to Ladakh, and the plans for this June. But come first week of April, and our daughter had to undergo a surgery. Recovery was quick, and my hopes were up, when suddenly my better half slammed on the brakes with no benefit of ABS

A series of vociferous duels ensued, that would put any soap opera to shame. And that's when the discussions started and the disagreements heated up.

When all of a sudden the long weekend of April 18th was almost upon us. Not wishing to have to endure yet another sullen weekend, and considering the last road trip of any significance was in Dec'13-Jan'14, the legs were aching to leave.
A quick browse through travel sites proved favoured destinations such as the jungles of Ranthambore and Jim Corbett were over-running with tourists. A little up in the hills, Nainital was infact anything but attractive, hotels were already quoting in-season rates.
And so the search veered to Kausani - a little hamlet up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. And wonder of wonders , a very nice offer of 2 nights and 3 days was on the cards.
Without a thought about the weather, I committed my plans for April 18th-April 20th. And then checked the weather. And I cried!

The weathermen had forecast rain. Rain in the plains, rain in the hills, rain in the mountains, and everywhere in-between.


What follows are simply some glimpses. Glimpses of heaven, here on Earth. With no premonition of what was to come. Nothing , absolutely nothing could have prepared us for Heaven's Tides!


Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-22heavenstides.jpg

Last edited by joybhowmik : 27th April 2014 at 23:07.
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Old 26th April 2014, 16:51   #2
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Sometimes the destination is more than the journey

Road-trips have always fascinated me.

A journey into the unknown, whizzing past unremarkable places and occasionally discovering something new, something unanticipated. There is the sense of adventures to be had, the sense of accomplishment when finished, which makes one think of one self as a slightly better person, than what one set out as.

And yet the journey to Kausani, did not excite. The route was well known. We knew that we had to jostle with tourist traffic, making a mad beeline - out for the hills or the jungles - and we did. We knew we had to joust with farmers and local populace for each inch of road space at Rampur and beyond - and we did.

We knew we had to stop for breakfast just after Gajraula, and that Bikanerwalla (28.837832,78.269162) was to be strictly avoided. (Literally because it was the first branded rest-stop in the region, so the bathrooms would be abysmal, and the queues would be long.)

We knew lunch was better had before Nainital. (It's a pain to park in Nainital Lake parking, walk a kilometer to the better restaurants in the rains, and then wait outside for a table).

We knew the run from Bhowali to Almora would suddenly get twisty. We knew the Almora Bypass, goes straight through town.

We knew we could make up lost time between Kosi and Kausani, and the windows should be rolled down so that we can be refreshed by the cool breeze.

We knew about things before they happened. However, as we arrived, nothing in our journey could have prepared us for these Spectacular Blues.

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-01spectacularblues.jpg
About Spectacular Blues
Camera model: NIKON D90
Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:35:42 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.03 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:3.5
Focal length:18
Focal length in 35mm film:27
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source: Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode: Manual

And that's why dear reader - Sometimes the destination is more than the journey

After a 12 hour drive through torrential rain, changing, unpacking & settling down was not as urgent as watching the unfolding panorama From the balcony.

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-02fromthebalcony.jpg

About From the Balcony
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:38:30 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.05 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:3.5
Focal length:20
Focal length in 35mm film:30
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

Last edited by joybhowmik : 28th April 2014 at 06:40.
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Old 27th April 2014, 13:44   #3
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A grand view

For those whose lives are lived out in concrete jungles , in artificial lighting, inside four walls, watching the sun set is in itself an event to be savored.
However, when the sun sets over an awesome range of mountains, playing with them while it recedes and leaves them in twilight, the sight captivates, mesmerizes, and is etched in memory forever.

The Sun's last kiss on Mrigthuni
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-03mrigthuniandthesunslastkiss.jpg
About The Sun's last kiss on Mrigthuni
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:40:46 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.05 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:4
Focal length:85
Focal length in 35mm film:127
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

the last few seconds , of a day gone by, we bid Trishul - Bonne Nuit

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-04trishulaurevoir.jpg
About Trishul - Bonne Nuit
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:40:56 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.05 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:4
Focal length:85
Focal length in 35mm film:127
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

and the Sun performing the last salute to the abode of Shiva as if he were to say- Adieu Shiva
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-05adieushiva.jpg
About Adieu Shiva
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:44:20 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.25 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:4.5
Focal length:155
Focal length in 35mm film:232
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

And then with the Sun beyond the horizon, the stillness of the twilight set in, showing the Range in white

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-07rangeinwhite.jpg
About the Range in White
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:46:31 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:2 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:16
Focal length:300
Focal length in 35mm film:450
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

The sky changed to inky blue, the Mrigthuni reciprocated it's mood
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-09mrigthuni.jpg
About Mrigthuni
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:47:55 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:5 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:18
Focal length:70
Focal length in 35mm film:105
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Max aperture value:4
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

Far away in the distance, the valley town of Baijnath wrapped up the work of the day. Made me wonder , How Green is the valley

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-10howgreenwasmyvalley.jpg
About How Green is the valley

Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop
Date/time original:4/18/2014 6:49:49 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:30 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:25
Focal length:180
Focal length in 35mm film:270
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

As darkness fell, we looked down on Baijnath valley , as mist hovered over the night lights.

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-11lookingdownatbaijnathvalleywithmistcoveringthenightlightscropped.jpg
About looking down on Baijnath valley as mist hovered over the night lights
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/18/2014 9:53:36 PM
Exposure programme:Manual
Exposure time:30 seconds
Flash fired:No
Flash red eye reduction:No
F number:3.5
Focal length:28
Focal length in 35mm film:42
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

It was time to retire. Time to unpack, change and settle down. The journey's tiredness caught up with us- finally.

Last edited by joybhowmik : 28th April 2014 at 06:41.
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Old 27th April 2014, 20:03   #4
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Heaven's Tide!

My eyes opened up to a new day, a new birth, the continuation of the past. I was wiser by a day. The surroundings felt unfamiliar. And then realization struck- this is a holiday, the room's not mine, the view outside not to be cherished everyday.
I got up, walked over to the window. There was no light yet. The grey and white hues clutched at something in the heart - something forgotten all these years. A melancholy set in.
I got the camera out, my trusted companion, and started shooting.

The mighty Mrigthuni stood tall , right in front. Still, Silent and Surreal.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-20surreal.jpg
About Surreal
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 7:02:52 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.04 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:32
Focal length:85
Focal length in 35mm film:127
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

A ray of hope reached out. Miles away on yonder mountain top - there was fresh snow.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-19freshsnow.jpg
About fresh snow
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 7:02:12 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.03 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:32
Focal length:300
Focal length in 35mm film:450
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

As dawn broke, the sky lit up and revealed the Baijnath valley was immersed in an ocean of clouds
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-13oceanofclouds.jpg
About the ocean of clouds
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 5:42:57 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Shutter priority
Exposure time:1.6 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:22
Focal length:18
Focal length in 35mm film:27
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

As if an ocean from the heavens had descended in the night, arrested by the first light of day.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-12theoceanofheaven.jpg
About the Ocean from the heavens
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 5:40:10 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Shutter priority
Exposure time:0.77 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:22
Focal length:10.5
Focal length in 35mm film:15
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

Far away in the distance, the mountain tops raised their heads above the raging ocean revealing The Archipelago

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-14thearchipelago.jpg
About The Archipelago
:
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 , 5:43:52 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Shutter priority
Exposure time:1.3 seconds
Flash fired:No
F number:22
Focal length:18
Focal length in 35mm film:27
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

A stunning vista of grand proportions, and in all this chaos, there stood with resolute dignity - that serene island under a fiery sky
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-15scenicislandsunderafierysky.jpg
About serene island under a fiery sky (1)
Camera model:NIKON D90
Date/time original:4/19/2014 5:47:36 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Shutter priority
Exposure time:0.77 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:22
Focal length:18
Focal length in 35mm film:27
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-16scenicislandsunderafierysky.jpg
About serene island under a fiery sky (2)
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 5:51:10 AM
Exposure programme:Shutter priority
Exposure time:0.25 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:25
Focal length:38
Focal length in 35mm film:57
Gain control:None
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual


It was but a matter of time, and even the most resolute stand was surrendered to the powerful ocean. The inexorable waves engulfed the trees...

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-18thewavesrollintothetrees.jpg
About The waves engulfed the trees

Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 7:01:09 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.02 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:29
Focal length:190
Focal length in 35mm film:285
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

... and the island was Overwhelmed!

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-21overwhelmed.jpg
About Overwhelmed!
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 7:03:35 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.025 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:36
Focal length:112
Focal length in 35mm film:168
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual


As the spectacle unfolded, a silent prayer escaped from my lips, I felt blessed to have witnessed Heaven's Tides.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-22heavenstides.jpg
About Heaven's Tides
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 7:04:57 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.02 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:32
Focal length:95
Focal length in 35mm film:142
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

Last edited by joybhowmik : 28th April 2014 at 06:43.
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Old 28th April 2014, 00:47   #5
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A walk to remember

There are many things to do around Kausani. For the inquisitive traveler, there's the confluence of the Sarju and Gomti rivers at Bageshwar, there's the temple complex at Baijnath, the limestone caves of Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Chaukori and beyond.
But few experience the simple pleasures of a leisurely walk through tree lined lanes underneath a cloudy sky. Each left to their own space. At peace with oneself but together nonetheless. A walk to remember.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-47awalktoremember.jpg

The hill was ablaze with flowers. Colours everywhere...
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-28colourseverywhere.jpg
About Colours Everywhere
Camera model:NIKON D90
Date/time original:4/19/2014 10:40:40 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.017 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:13
Focal length:28
Focal length in 35mm film:42
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

A Charming Orchid, growing wild...
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-25charmingorchid.jpg
About Charming Orchid
Camera model:NIKON D90
Date/time original:4/19/2014 10:22:43 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.008 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:9
Focal length:105
Focal length in 35mm film:157
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

...A tiny caterpillar, labouring her way on a flower. Caterpillar , Caterpillar , where are you going?

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-26caterpillarcaterpillarwhereareyougoing.jpg
About Caterpillar , Caterpillar , where are you going?
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/19/2014 10:23:25 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.01 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
Flash red eye reduction:No
F number:8
Focal length:105
Focal length in 35mm film:157
Close Up Filter : 8X
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
White balance mode: Manual

A rhesus macaque watching us from the trees
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-27simianwatchingus.jpg
About a Rhesus Macaque watching us
Camera model:NIKON D90
Date/time original:4/19/2014 10:32:16 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.004 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:5.6
Focal length:80
Focal length in 35mm film:120
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual


Someone's home atop a hill looking out at the range. Idyllic abode...
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-24idyllicdiggings.jpg
About Idyllic abode.
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Microsoft Windows Photo Viewer 6.1.7600.16385
Date/time original:4/19/2014 10:12:00 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.0167 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:13
Focal length:34
Focal length in 35mm film:51
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
White balance mode: Manual

.. A Spiritual Man's Retreat. Long dead, but forever alive in a nation's conscience.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-29aspiritualmansretreat.jpg
About A Spiritual Man's Retreat
Camera model:NIKON D90
Date/time original:4/19/2014 11:38:03 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.003125 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:9
Focal length:28
Focal length in 35mm film:42
ISO speed rating(s):200
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Auto

After a long walk, a little respite for tired little feet.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-48alittlerespitefortiredfeet.jpg

The walk had come to an end. We repaired to our rooms. Just in time though. The heavens broke, torrential rain poured culminating in hail.
As afternoon gave way to evening, the clouds continued to look ominous. They had not finished their work yet. More rain was expected through the night.

Last edited by joybhowmik : 28th April 2014 at 06:44.
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Old 28th April 2014, 01:28   #6
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Simply Magic!

The night had been anything but peaceful. Rain and hail had pummeled the thin corrugated iron roof above us. Sleep had been a welcome respite.

I woke up to the stillness of dawn. The mountains had not yet been bathed in the warmth of the rising sun. The skies were clear, not a cloud in the sky. I had minutes to prepare.

As I set up my equipment, Trishul was the first to greet the sun

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-32trishulwakesup.jpg
About Trishul was the first to greet the sun
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/20/2014 5:45:45 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.01 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:5.6
Focal length:80
Focal length in 35mm film:120
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode:Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

In the east, The Panchachuli was silhouetted against the fiery sky of dawn
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-33panchachulirangesilhouettedbythesun.jpg
About The Panchachuli was silhouetted against the fiery sky of dawn
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/20/2014 5:46:10 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.0025 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:5.6
Focal length:80
Focal length in 35mm film:120
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

Straight ahead the Trishul and Mrigthuni a Vista in Golden, Grey, Brown, Green and White
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-34vistasingoldengreybrowngreenandwhite.jpg
About Vista in Golden, Grey, Brown, Green and White
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/20/2014 5:49:42 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.3 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:14
Focal length:70
Focal length in 35mm film:105
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

The wind had whipped up on Trishul's peaks. Windy glaciers
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-35windyglaciers.jpg
About Windy Glaciers
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/20/2014 5:51:45 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.77 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:29
Focal length:200
Focal length in 35mm film:300
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
Related sound file:
White balance mode:Manual

Further To the west , the Nanda Ghunti was awash in golden colours
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-37thenanda-ghunti.jpg
About the Nanda Ghunti
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/20/2014 5:57:40 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.77 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:20
Focal length:300
Focal length in 35mm film:450
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

But absolutely nothing could take away from the perfection of Shiva's trident. It was Simply Magic!

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-36simplymagic.jpg
About Simply Magic!
Camera model:NIKON D90
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/time original:4/20/2014 5:56:47 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Normal
Exposure time:0.5 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:32
Focal length:300
Focal length in 35mm film:450
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

It was Sunday morning. We had to return home. There was breakfast to be had. Bills to be settled. Packing to be done. A car to be loaded and a myriad other things.
We did all this in a revered silence. Our eyes drank in the beauty of the Himalayan range.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-49therange.jpg
About the Himalayan range

Camera model:Canon PowerShot A800
Date/time original:4/20/2014 7:38:39 AM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure time:0.002 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:10
Focal length:9.84
ISO speed rating(s):100
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

There was silence as we set off for the 12 hour drive home. Each of us lost in our own thoughts. Each of us had left a little bit of our hearts behind in exchange of memories to last a lifetime.

Last edited by joybhowmik : 28th April 2014 at 06:45.
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Old 28th April 2014, 02:35   #7
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The smaller but not insignificant things

No travelogue is complete without a review of the places we ate at and stayed, and the route we took.

Breakfast en-route to Kausani.
We chose to stop at McDonalds , Salarpur , U.P. (just after Gajraula). Coordinates: 28.840388,78.275857.
Review: As usual, nothing spectacular. Kids loved it -more for the consistency of a gastronomic experience rather than anything else. Bathrooms were clean. Service was a little delayed, no doubt overwhelmed by the holiday crowds.

Lunch stopover
We had discovered Lee's kitchen, Kathgodam . Coordinates 29.28034,79.54515. Contact - 9897021393, a kilometer up the road from Udupiwala. We stopped here for some wonderful Tangra style Chinese. Mouthwatering - chilly chicken, garlic chicken, schezwan prawn and much much more. And the prices were straight out of Tangra

The shop front.

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-51leeskitchenshopfront.jpg

Kids helping Mr. Lee make noodles.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-50kidshelpmakenoodles.jpg

The evening beverage (on the return from Kausani enroute to Delhi)
Udupiwala, near Gajraula, Coordinates 28.914546, 78.309402 offers the best south indian coffee - a balm for the 8 hours of driving one does up to that point

The stay at Kausani Best Inn.
The best part about this 3 year old property is its location - a little way from the main market, and at a reasonable elevation, so that the views are relatively unobstructed.
The hotel offers 8 rooms for lodging, rooms are very spacious. There's a reasonably large sized cupboard, television, intercom, and a large bathroom.
Everything is spick and span, the construction is obviously new, and well maintained.
Service was very prompt and very friendly. The staff were very accommodating of the kids needs.
There were plastic chairs/tables in the dining room. Better furniture is certainly desirable.
Parking in front of the hotel can hold at best three cars. If the hotel is full, this could mean having to park elsewhere.
The stay did not break the bank.

The Hotel Building
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-42hotelbuilding.jpg

The Dining Room (Exterior)
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-53diningroomexterior.jpg

The Dining Room (Interior)
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-38atpeace.jpg

A rose bush in the garden
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-43hotelgarden.jpg

The official brochure

Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-52kausanibestinnbrochure.jpg


The Route and Traffic
It is a straight run of roughly 440 km from Delhi to Kausani that goes thus:
Delhi-Ghaziabad bypass-Hapur Bypass-Garh Mukteshwar-Gajraula-Moradabad Bypass-Rampur - Rudrapur-Haldwani - Bhowali - Almora - Kausani.
Watch out for unruly local traffic at population centers in the plains. Slow moving carts, pedestrians, tractors etc. that come out of left field at the most inopportune moments.
The administration has built flyovers over some of these towns, particularly in the Garh Mukteshwar to Rampur stretch - but there is still a lot left to be done in the Modinagar to Garh Mukteshwar stretch.
Past Rampur and all the way to Rudrapur, the road is abysmally potholded. Driving a car on these stretches is a bit like playing hop-skotch on four wheels. The suspension , brakes and much else take a beating.
When tired, do stop for a quick and usually delicious bite to eat. There's no dearth of dhabas and restaurants along the entire route.
In direct contrast to the plains , the hills were plain sailing. The condition of the road was excellent all through, excepting a few landslide prone areas.
We intentionally avoided the shorter Kaladhungi route (exit at end of Moradabad bypass). There was not much information to be had regarding the conditions on that route. Besides, we really did not want to get stuck in Nainital's holiday traffic quagmire.

Last edited by joybhowmik : 28th April 2014 at 03:04.
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Old 28th April 2014, 10:41   #8
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to Travelogues. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 28th April 2014, 12:46   #9
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Visit planned next week end to the same region. Will update pictures and impressions here.

Why did you have to go via Almora? Would not via Ranikhet be better?

Route suggestion has been to somehow bite the bullet but take Moradabad-Ramnagar-Ranikhet-Kasauni

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Old 28th April 2014, 12:58   #10
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Quote:
Originally Posted by sudev View Post
Visit planned next week end to the same region. Will update pictures and impressions here.
I sincerely hope you get clear skies.

Quote:
Why did you have to go via Almora? Would not via Ranikhet be better?
The road condition between Moradabad and Kashipur was iffy.
Ranikhet to Kausani road (meeting at Someshwar) was also not in good shape - at least, that's what the hotel guy told me.

But the real reason was we wanted to eat Tangra (Kolkata) style chinese at Lee's kitchen @ Kathgodam.


Quote:
Route suggestion has been to somehow bite the bullet but take Moradabad-Ramnagar-Ranikhet-Kasauni
Do let us know how it turns out.
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Old 28th April 2014, 13:03   #11
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Your writing style is brilliant and your photos look spectacular. A crisp travelogue which is simply unputdownable (read:cant stop till one finishes reading till the end).To cut a long story short, really enjoyed reading it.Looking forward to more of your trips in the future.
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Old 28th April 2014, 13:14   #12
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Thanks Joy for refreshing my memories on Kumaon range of Uttarakhand.
You seems to have found out the true beauty of Kumaon in unexplored Kausani. Love the photographs.

We normally visit Jim Corbett, Ranikhet, Almora and Nainital but the commercialization has taken a toll on these natural beauties.

For we frequent nature lover it is important to keep discovery newer places with time. Another such place is Ramgarh, Malla in Nainital district. Binsar has already made to popular tourist destination
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Old 28th April 2014, 14:26   #13
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Quote:
Originally Posted by Safedriver76 View Post
Your writing style is brilliant and your photos look spectacular. A crisp travelogue which is simply unputdownable (read:cant stop till one finishes reading till the end).To cut a long story short, really enjoyed reading it.Looking forward to more of your trips in the future.
Thanks Safedriver76. Glad you enjoyed it. There's another cross country trip coming up - if everything goes as per plan.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wanderers View Post
Thanks Joy for refreshing my memories on Kumaon range of Uttarakhand.
You seems to have found out the true beauty of Kumaon in unexplored Kausani. Love the photographs.

We normally visit Jim Corbett, Ranikhet, Almora and Nainital but the commercialization has taken a toll on these natural beauties.

For we frequent nature lover it is important to keep discovery newer places with time.
Thanks Wanderers. Glad what you read and saw resonated with your memories. Absolutely echo your views about discovering newer places.


Quote:
Another such place is Ramgarh, Malla in Nainital district.
Ramgarh, Malla - I was there in June 2012, and it was a magical experience. What I recall most vividly, were the clouds on the mountain tops that took on different shades as the sun set!
Here's that memory of the sunset at Ramgarh , that I will never forget...
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-dsc_0017.jpg
About sunset at Ramgarh
Camera model:NIKON D90
Date/time original:6/22/2012 6:58:44 PM
Digital zoom ratio:1
Exposure programme:Shutter priority
Exposure time:0.5 seconds
Exposure bias value:0
Flash fired:No
F number:14
Focal length:18
Focal length in 35mm film:27
ISO speed rating(s):200
Light source:Cloudy weather
Metering mode: Pattern
White balance mode:Manual

And then, the other thing that so fascinated me about Ramgarh was its historical connection to Guru Rabindranath Tagore. His stay at the Writer's Bungalow - where he completed some major works, not to mention developed the idea of setting up Shanti Niketan.
Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand-thewritersbungalow.jpg
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Old 29th April 2014, 00:15   #14
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Such an amazing travelogue. Exceptional pictures and a lovely style of writing. Thanks a lot for letting me see the awesome beauty through your eyes.
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Old 29th April 2014, 10:36   #15
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Re: Heaven's Tides - Kausani, up in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand

Hi Joy,

You seem to have explored Himalayas & Uttarakhand like no one before.

I request you to list down the various off-beat destinations in Uttarakhand for the benefit of we BHPians.
Most of these off-beat location would have been made famous by some Hotel/Resorts or celebrities including Tagore.
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