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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog


After making brownies, I still had some ingredients left. And I was eager to bake something else, on which my mom suggested wheat cookies. She has been wanting wheat cookies for almost two years now. So I started hunting down recipes using wheat flour. However, I wanted choco chip cookies and not those boring plain wheat cookies. Finally, I found a recipe, and though the original recipe used butter, I thought of replacing butter with ghee. You can either use butter or ghee.  

Enjoy this recipe and let me know how it tasted!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 11-12 cookies
Veg/Non-veg: Veg


INGREDIENTS FOR WHOLE WHEAT CHOCO CHIP COOKIES

1 cup wheat flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup ghee/butter at room temperature
1/8 + 2 tbsp milk
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp choco chips
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 cup powdered jaggery



HOW TO MAKE WHOLE WHEAT CHOCO CHIP COOKIES

1. Sieve wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda twice. Keep aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, take ghee and powdered jaggery. Whisk.
3. Add 1/8 cup milk and vanilla essence. Whisk.
4. Add wheat flour and mix using your fingers. The batter formed will be crumbly and it's absolutely okay if it does. 
5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.
6. Add 1/4 cup choco chips to the batter and mix.
7. Add in about 1-2 tbsp milk to form a wet batter. You should be able to mould and the batter should not fall apart. (Add more wheat flour if the batter is too liquidy.)
8. Take about 1 tbsp scoop quantity to make balls out of the batter. Flatten out the balls.
9. On a baking tray, smear ghee/butter or place a butter paper. 
10. Place the flattened balls on the baking tray and press a few choco chips on every cookie. 
11. Keep the baking tray inside the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes for 180 degrees. 
12. Take it out of the oven and let it cool down. Enjoy with tea or plain milk!
December 29, 2018 No comments
It had been quite some time since I'd baked and my mom was after me to bake something (wheat cookies especially). I was just going through the internet and came across brownies. That's when I had the sudden urge of eating them and I'd even planned a dessert date with my friend but then thought I should bake them at home instead. My cousin was home then to play with my new puppy (wait, what?!) and he casually told me his friend is pursuing a course in hotel management and that she makes heavenly brownies. I immediately asked him to take the recipe from her and viola, just within 5 minutes, I had the secret with me! 

My mom bought the ingredients and I thought I should give them a try. I was not too sure of the success (especially because the chocochip cookies I'd made the last time were a flop) so I did not take images while making. However, the brownies turned out to be the yummiest brownies I've ever tasted! 

I say, definitely, definitely try this recipe and let me know in the comments below if you made it.


Heartfelt thanks to Juilee for sharing the recipe with me, my cousin Pratik for asking her, my mom for getting the ingredients, and my puppy Kurama for standing (ahem, sitting) by me throughout the process. Enjoy the brownies!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Makes: 15-16
Veg/Non-veg: Non-veg (contains eggs)




INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING BROWNIES

170 gms butter, unsalted
1 cup sugar, grounded
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
225 gm chocolate bar
¾ cup flour (maida)
¼ cup cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Chocolate chips
Pinch of baking powder



BROWNIES RECIPE

1. Whisk melted butter and grounded sugar together.

2. Add eggs and vanilla essence; whisk slowly. Keep the batter aside. 

3. On a double boiler setting, melt the chocolate bar preferably in a glass bowl. 
4. Add the melted chocolate in the batter and fold (using a rubber spatula preferably). 
5. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt (if your butter is unsalted), and baking powder. Add it to the batter. Fold again.
6. Take the baking container and grease it using butter. You can use a butter paper too instead. 
7. Pour the batter and spread evenly. Sprinkle some chocolate chips/chunks all over. You can top it with walnuts or other dry fruits of your choice. 
8. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees for about 6 and a half minutes (anytime between 5 to 10 minutes).
9. Place the container inside and bake for 21 minutes  (anytime between 20 to 25 minutes) at 180 degrees. 
10. Check if it's baked using a toothpick.
11. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes until it's hardened a little. Cut the brownies and enjoy with vanilla ice cream!
December 21, 2018 No comments

Each one of us has our own travel preferences. Some of us love to visit the popular destinations because they guarantee security and a cent per cent chance of finding transportation and other facilities, whereas some of us love to run away from the crowd and explore the lesser explored. For a few of us, travelling equals visiting the tourist-friendly destinations and for the rest, travelling means relaxing and rejuvenating oneself without any nuisance.

For those who belong to the latter group – the ones who love travelling to secluded, lesser known places – you might always search for offbeat places around a locale. Well, this post is for those who want to achieve much more from Nainital. This list includes places at the most 2 hours away from this city, so you can enjoy your stay at Nainital and still visit these offbeat destinations nearby. 


BHIMTAL


Bhimtal or "Bhim Tal" is named after Bhima from Mahabharata who is said to have made the Bhimtal lake, which is a significant attraction in this town. Bhimtal is relatively calmer than Nainital, the reason why people have started visiting it. The town is located at an elevation of 1,370 metres above sea level and is one of the attractions in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. One can enjoy activities here like boat roading, kayaking, zorbing at the Bhimtal lake as well as other adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, and camping. One can visit the aquarium that lies in the mid of the lake via a boat ride.




The tourist attractions in Bhimtal include the 17th-century Bhimeshwar temple, the Garg Parvat, the Hidimba Parvat, the Karkotaka temple, the Victoria dam (and its adjacent garden), and the folk culture museum. Bhimtal is about 11 km from Nainital. One can even shop shawls and other woollen garments from Bhimtal.



GHORAKHAL & BHOWALI


View from the Ghorakhal temple (left); the bells inside the Ghorakhal temple


Ghorakhal and Bhowali lie about 11 km from Nainital and are home to some really beautiful places. The Ghorakhal temple here is very popular amongst the locals and boasts of a unique feature; the temple has over a hundred bells in different sizes hung by the devotees. Golu Devta, the presiding deity here is an incarnation of Shiva, and people believe their wishes are granted here. The devotees write their wishes on a piece of paper and hang them inside the temple periphery. Whenever their wish is granted, they return to the temple and tie a bell in exchange. You can come across a sea of bells here along with scribbled notes! Just outside the temple, there's a market with limited shops that sell bells in different sizes and forms. The Ghorakhal temple gives a taste of our culture and is a must-visit place. The view near the temple is mind-blowing and you are sure to forget your worries amidst the twinkling of the bells and the cool winds blowing.


Yet another attraction in Ghorakhal is the tea garden and factory. You can buy your own organic tea from their tiny shop, and I believe, the Uttarakhand tea is a perfect souvenir to take back for your friends and family. You can shop the Himalayan Orthodox Long Leaf tea and for the green tea drinkers, you have that available here too. The tea garden is well-maintained with clean toilet facility. If you have some time, just relax with a good book as the surrounding tea aroma soothes your soul. The ticket is Rs 20 to enter the garden and factory. One can even view the process of how tea is made at their adjacent factory from collecting the leaves to drying and finally crushing them (enquire the timings from the factory beforehand).



KILBURY

Kilbury is about 12 km from Nainital and is located at an elevation of 2,528 metres. It is an ideal place for a weekend getaways. It is popular for its greenery and birds. One can view the Himalayas along with Tarai and Bhabhar regions. Kilbury is a charming, picturesque place which is lined by lavish oak, pine and rhododendron forests. On the other hand, you can watch Brown Wood-Owls, Collared Grosbeaks, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Forktails, etc. Kilbury is a notable birding ground with about 580 types of birds. There is a forest lodge for accommodation purposes. The Kilbury & Pangot Bird Sanctuary is a must visit for birders.

Chauli ki Jali (left); Naag Fana (right)

MUKTESHWAR

Mukteshwar is a popular place among travellers, if not tourists. It is famous for its temple and the breathtaking views of Himalayas. Just near to the Mukteshwar temple lies two minor sights: the Naag Fana and the Chauli Ki Jali. The former is a rock that looks like a snake's hood hence the name Nag Faana. Chauli Ki Jali, on the other hand, is a cliff with a hole. It has a lot of legends associated with it. Walk near the cliff for a beautiful view of the snow-clad Himalayas. 

Mukteshwar is situated at an elevation of 2,285 metres above sea level and boasts of apple orchards and coniferous woods. For nature lovers, you can come across many short trails around. The stay options here range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly cottages. Mukteshwar is largely an unruffled site where solitude is guaranteed. Adventure activities include rock climbing, paragliding, trekking to Almora or Peora, and camping.

PANGOT

Pangot or Pangoot is a hamlet about 15 km from Nainital. The whole drive is through the forested region of Cheena Peak Range and is incredible for birding. Pangot is the perfect escape to be with birds and an untamed life. One can see an assortment of Himalayan birds here. About 150 bird species were recorded at Pangot and neighbourhood areas. This area is also home to leopards, yellow-throated Himalayan martins, Himalayan palm civet, ghoral, barking deer, etc. Pangot have one of the most extravagant oaks, pine and rhododendron woods in the territory. This land boasts of a gigantic assortment of Himalayan vegetation. There are many trails through the encompassing wilderness. You can pick your own trail. One of the well-known trails is from the Kilbury forest lodge to Pangot. 
One can get a look at the Himalayas and that of the Terai region of Nepal.

Stays can be booked online. This small place is dotted with many resorts for a pleasant stay amidst nature. The Kilbury & Pangot Bird Sanctuary is a must visit for birders.

Khurpatal village as seen from the UT SH 41

KHURPATAL

Khurpatal is yet another hamlet near Nainital. At a height of 1,635 metres, it is 12 km away from the city. Khurpatal has a crystal clear lake, which is visited in a lesser degree and the reason why its virgin beauty touches one's heart. You can get a top view of this hamlet on your way towards Ramnagar on the Uttarakhand State Highway 41. Khurpatal is preferred for its charming atmosphere and clear lake. One can do fishing or angling at this lake. Khurpatal has active vegetable ranches. This place is hidden in the hills, because of which it is rejuvenating. One can visit it simply to get lost in nature and admire the unending green fields. 
December 20, 2018 No comments

Settled among the elevated Himalayas, Nainital is a genuinely reviving change from the dullness that portrays a townfolk's life. Pleasant valleys, quiet lakes, wandering waterways, wonderful views from the cliffs and the chilly weather...they all add to the magnetism of this place. Nainital has a variety of spots that you can explore, from natural surroundings to bustling milieu. 

I recommend the early winters as the apt time to visit Nainital if you wish to experience this hill station at its best. The crowds are less and the prices are cheaper as compared to the hyped seasons. With that said, here's a rundown of things for you to do when you are in Nainital.


NAINI LAKE - BOAT RIDING, SHOPPING, WALKING


The city "Naini Tal" literally means the "Naini Lake". So it is undeniably essential to do things around this lake to get the real taste of Nainital. I highly recommend taking a boat ride for its foggy horizons and quiet waters. Come here during the offseason (November-end to the first week of December) to have the most amazing experience. The summer months are crowded and you won't enjoy as much as you would on a quiet winter afternoon. (The ticket is surprisingly affordable; Rs 210 for a full ride and Rs 160 for a partial.) Apart from the boat riding, there are stalls selling seasonal goodies. In winters, you come across shawls, cheap woollen coats, beanies, and other interesting items. After boat riding and shopping, just take a walk along its shores. Happiness is guaranteed. 


THE MALL ROAD 

The Mall Road was built during the British days and is a prominent street in Nainital. It runs parallel to the Naini Lake and witnesses tourists and locals alike. It is home to shops, cafes, departmental stores, and restaurants. With cool winds blowing all over, a night walk through the street has its own appeal. (Mall Road has some traffic rules: The entry of heavy traffic is not allowed in May, June, and October from 8:00 am to 10:30 am and then from 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm and for light vehicles, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Parking is strictly prohibited on the Mall Road except for some designated parking spaces.)

The 'Tiger' Cave inside Eco Cave Park

ECO CAVE PARK 

The Eco Cave Park includes six manmade caves that give you an idea of the structured habitats of certain species. At present, you can come across caves belonging to tigers, panthers, bats, squirrels, flying foxes, and apes. The park is well-maintained and is ideal for families, especially for families with kids. The entry fee is Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children. (Extra charges for professional cameras Rs 25.)


NAINA DEVI TEMPLE 

Admired as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths of India, the Naina Devi Temple is a sanctified site close to the Naini Lake. It is committed to Devi Sati's eyes, hence the name 'Naina Devi'. The temple goes back to as old as 15 A.D. The presiding deity is Maa Naina Devi also known as Mata Sati. There are idols of Maa Kali and Lord Ganesha too.



TIFFIN TOP 

Surrounded by the Kumaon area, the Tiffin Top is an ideal place for family picnics. It is a place for nature lovers. For the adventurers, there are activities like rappelling and rock climbing. Tiffin Top is otherwise called Dorothy's Seat since it is given to the English craftsman named Dorothy Kellett. Encompassed by Oaks and Deodars, this pretty site overlooks Naini Lake, Nanda Devi and Kumaon Hills. 

The mango-shaped Naini Lake as seen from the Naini Lake Viewpoint


NAINI LAKE VIEWPOINT 

Wonder how people click photographs of the mango-shaped Naini Lake? That's from this viewpoint. You can hire a local cab to reach here as it is easily accessible by road; rather, this viewpoint is situated at a small cliff by the roadside. From here, you can view the Naini Lake and adore its mango shape. You have food stalls with Maggi, chips, and the like. Another interesting thing is the guy with the telescope. He shows you some points like the place from Main Hoon Na (where Shah Rukh Khan saves his brother) and a couple of more things. The charges to use this telescope vary, but you can certainly bargain.

HORSE RIDING 

Horse riding is a standout amongst the most essential attractions of Nainital. Horses are used here as a method of transportation to visit faraway places in the city. In spite of the fact that horse riding is restricted inside the city, you can still enjoy it at the Bara Pathar. You can do horse riding at the horse stand for Tiffin Top and Naina Peak as well as at the Himalaya Darshan point. 

Posing at the Himalaya Darshan Point (notice the horse behind?)

HIMALAYA DARSHAN POINT 

This viewpoint lies by the roadside too. It is while in the transit to Kilbury, about 5 km away from Nainital, the elevation being 2,310 metres. You can have a look at the Trishul peaks from here along with lush green valleys and forested edges. You can opt for horse riding too. And, similar to the Naini Lake Viewpoint, even here you come across a man with the telescope who shows Trishul peaks up close, a distant monastery, a temple, and a few more places. He charged Rs 100 (for four people).

NAINITAL ROPEWAY 

The Nainital Ropeway is a noteworthy attraction in Nainital that draws several tourists every day. Taking this ride gives you stunning views of the Naini Lake. This ropeway takes you from the Mallital to the Snow View Point. The ride is about 9 minutes long (1.8 km). The ticket is Rs 150 for adults and Rs 100 for kids (not sure of the current rate). 

NAINITAL ZOO 

Nainital Zoo is extraordinary compared to other attractions for nature lovers. Formally named as Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, it is also known as the High Altitude Zoo. It is a well-maintained zoo and is in fact, the only zoo in the entire Uttarakhand state. The zoo is spread across 4.693 hectares and has various endangered species. It is situated at a height of 2,100 meters. It is locally called as 'Sher ka Danda'. Timings are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and the ticket is Rs 50 for adults and Rs 20 for kids. 

Clicked at the Lover's Point/Suicide Point

LOVER'S POINT & SUICIDE POINT 

Lover's Point and Suicide Point are two close-by points in Nainital which are well known for the picturesque views they offer. In summers, this place is a major fascination amongst the visitors. These points are loved by those who do not have mountains around their home and those who miss on breathtaking valley views. One can have roasted corn and shop little souvenirs from here. The Horse Stand lies close to these points. 
December 19, 2018 No comments

This Diwali, when I was wearing makeup, I realised how my vanity needed a liquid foundation and anything that produced a flawless base. I started jotting down where I was going wrong and realised that a primer was badly needed. I had never used a primer but I had seen its flawless results on my friends who are makeup freaks. (A few of them wear makeup every day.) I always thought aloe vera gel or a suncreen + moisturiser layer would replace a primer but after trying on the Colorbar primer, I was stunned. I am someone who finds alternatives instead of buying an overly priced product. For instance, my brow gel acts as a contour colour, my white eyeshadow adds as a highlighter, etcetra. 

But then, this annoys me sometimes, especially when I want an absolutely flawless look as I'm going to meet fellow makeup lovers. It's completely all right if you go wrong here and there while on a date with your boyfriend or your girlfriends who don't wear full coverage makeup. But, when you're going on events or are dressed up for a friend's wedding, you wish to looked a little better than usual. 

So I finally did the splurge. I bought a primer, which went slightly above my budget. So is it worth it? 

PACKAGING

Both the bottom and the cap of the bottle is made of plastic. The bottle complements the product perfectly. You have a thin nozzle and need to squeeze out the product. The primer is silicon based and has an opaque look. It is insanely soft and powdery to touch. All in all, I liked its packaging. 

APPLICATION

You need to take the product on the back of your palm and apply on the areas with large pores or drier skin. You need to apply it on all the problematic areas and then lightly dab and spread with your fingers.

The product is extremely soft to touch and to spread too. You would not even know where the product goes. It just spreads magically. 


LOOK

Once you apply the primer on your face, the pores are reduced and the skin looks smoothened, especially if you see closely. On adding a layer of a good foundation, your face looks flawless. I advice you to wait for about ten minutes to see how the primer (or any product, for that matter) looks because by then, the makeup is absorbed and is settled down, thus giving a better look. 

PROS

- Skin feels naked, as though you have not applied anything
- Smooth to touch
- Skin smoothens
- Pores are visibly gone
- Brighter skin under the eye
- Flawless finish 
- No creasing near the smile lines

CONS

- Slightly expensive
- Creasing on the eyelids

CONCLUSION

If you think a primer is a waste of money, then think again. Please try a primer at least once and see the results for yourself. I've never had this flawless base and I am completely awed. For some reason, the skin above my lips looked white after a while, however, after this primer, the whiteness did not show up. Also, my smile lines always creased, but after applying this primer, they did not crease.

In the above collage, I wanted to test the primer. So firstly, I wore foundation without primer and then with primer. Also, note that I did not put a sunscreen, a moisturiser or a compact powder. You can notice the difference in the two images. The under the eyes area is darker in the first image. The skin looks much smoother in the second. Also, can you see a spot on my left cheek? In the first image, I had applied about three to four layers of foundation on that spot to hide it, but in the second image, I had applied the foundation just once. So we can say that the primer helps the product to sit and brightens up the makeup. The skin also glows better with the primer. The texture of my skin is completely smoothened out and the roughness is gone.  

SPECIFICATIONS


PRICE: Rs 850
WEIGHT: 30ml
FROM: Amazon.in
November 20, 2018 No comments

After my L'Oreal Paris True Match foundation––which was a decent, full coverage one––I was making up without any full coverage. I just had a Maybelline BB cream, which I regret buying, an L.A.Girl pro concealer tube, which is running out, and a Bharat & Dorris foundation, which doesn't provide a full coverage. I was therefore on a hunt for a foundation with decent coverage and the one that is easy to apply, has a runny consistency, and doesn't crease. Honestly, I had never thought the Fit Me to be a smooth, liquidy foundation; I always assumed it to be rough and as bad as the L'Oreal one I owned before. But then, one day, out of nowhere, I asked my friend and she suggested me the Fit Me. (Psst! She has never tried it out but had heard some great reviews about it.)

I started my research and convinced, was about to buy it online. However, I thought I should try the shades and get a demo of its consistency. So last evening, I visited a beauty store and checked the product myself. Maybelline has also launched a Superstay foundation but I was not rushing to buy it. I finalised on the Fit Me foundation in the shade 130 Buff Beige. I have tried it twice so far, with and without a primer. 


PACKAGING & APPLICATION


The packaging is decent. In fact, my assumptions about it being a coarse foundation were due to its packaging. The product comes in a glass bottle with a plastic cap. It does not have a pump dispenser so you need to literally pour the foundation in order to use it. 


The application is flawless. The foundation doesn't glide but absorbs in your skin thus giving a smooth, soft, and flawless looking face. To apply, simply pour the foundation on the back of your palm and spread it all over your face and neck using a damp sponge. For best results, dab the sponge instead of stroking. 

CONSISTENCY & COVERAGE

The consistency is liquidy. It blends amazingly well and gives a medium coverage. I tried it on my acne spot and the spot just faded, however, it wasn't invisible. The under the eye worked pretty well, if you have lighter dark circles, however, an additional layer of concealer is required. 

The foundation looks like your own skin from afar. Only on taking a closer look can one notice the foundation. 


LASTING POWER


I tried it on without a primer and it lasted pretty well from 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm. So you can say, the lasting is pretty good. Another thing, it did not crease near my smile lines, which is brilliant!


PROS

- Watery consistency
- Looks natural on the skin
- Affordable
- Blends easily
- Matte finish
- Good for normal to oily skin


CONS


- No pump dispenser
- Medium coverage
- Glass body, risky while travelling


CONCLUSION

The Fit Me foundation fares well for a beginner or someone with a budget who is looking for a medium coverage. It can be used with or without a concealer and can be used as a base makeup for special occasions like festivals and parties. Since the foundation is matte, use some moisturiser beforehand for greater results. 

In the above collage, I tried the foundation on a layer of moisturiser and sunscreen. I did not use a primer before or a compact/loose powder after the application. So whatever result you see is purely of the foundation. 

I honestly wanted something that hides my acne spots better than what this one does. Also, I had heard some great reviews about it, however, it's not that up to the mark. But for a full coverage, when there are no acne spots, it's a good foundation. So if you're looking for something to brighten your skin and give an even tone throughout your face, this one's a wonderful choice. 


SPECIFICATIONS


Price: Rs. 500
From: Amazon.in
Weight: 30ml
November 17, 2018 No comments

We all know a person who loves to ride bikes and always has a Ladakh or a Sikkim trip on his mind. If you don't know such person, probably you're someone who loves to ride bikes and are here to know how to transfer a bike from one city to another via Indian Railways. Well, both the process and the cost is not overwhelming so you may chill. The hack here is to book a train that starts and reaches on such timings that the parcel office is not shut. 

Towards the end of this article, I have mentioned a few contacts of transport agents across India. They charge around Rs. 500 extra but your troubles are looked after by them. Find all the details pertaining to these agents towards the end of the article.

I have tried my best to cover all the possibilities. If you have any doubt, please feel free to ask me in the comments below.


DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
1. Bike registration certificate (RC)
2. Insurance paper
3. Identity card (aadhar card, driving license, passport...any one is fine)
4. Photocopies of all the documents mentioned above

Note: Please make sure your documents are readable and in good condition; some parcel officers hesitate to accept otherwise. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Emptying the petrol tank: It is compulsory to empty your petrol tank before you hand over the bike. Worry not as usually, the men working at the parcel office have a tube through which they pull out petrol. Just carry an empty bottle to store excess petrol from the bike. You might hand over this bottle to the men there. Just ensure that you utilise as much petrol as possible before reaching the parcel office.

The timings of the parcel office: The parcel office shuts at around 5:00 pm so book a train that reaches the destination before 3:00 pm to avoid hassles. You must check the train departure timing too along with the arrival timing before you book your tickets. However, the hack here is to submit your bike an evening prior if you have a morning train. So for instance, if your train starts tomorrow morning, then go to the railway station and submit your bike by today evening itself. (The agents might save your troubles and I highly recommend you contact them if this is your first time.) The ideal train is the one that starts after 11:00 am and reaches the destination before 4:00 pm. 

Booking the first and the last station (recommended): If you can, please book the first and the last station to avoid worries. If for some reason, you cannot, at least book a station with a minimum 20 minutes halt. The luggage compartment of your train is full of boxes, veggies, and stuff you can't imagine. It requires a lot of time to unload these boxes and then take your heavy bike off. To ensure your bike is loaded and unloaded, please book the first and the last stations. 

Taking off the mirrors to avoid damage: This goes without saying, but I recommend you to take off whatever you can, especially the mirrors to avoid breakage. 

Reach station 3 hours before to submit the bike: If you have submitted bike an evening before, then you needn't reach three hours before the train departs. However, if you're yet to submit it, then the parcel officers–and the agents too–ask you to be there at the station three hours before the departure. 

TWO MODES:

1. TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE AS A LUGGAGE 

In this method, you travel with your bike; i.e., your bike is loaded in the luggage compartment of the train you're travelling on. Before you submit your bike, you compulsorily need a reserved ticket. You need to reach the railway station around three hours before the train departs. The average cost for transporting your bike is Rs. 3000 for up to 2000 km. The cost is determined on the distance and the weight of your bike. This is the quickest way to transport since the bike travels with you. You also get to see how they're loading the bike on the train which is contrary to the parcel method. And the best part is, especially for the bikers, you get your bike as soon as you get down at the destination station! But, as mentioned under 'things to keep in mind', please try to pick the first and the last destination to avoid hassles. The railway porters could even fail to load or unload your bike if the halt is for a few minutes. So to avoid any mishaps, it's advisable to book the first and the last station. Another thing to note is the timing of the train. (Please refer to the 'things to keep in mind' section for all the tips.) 

How to transport your bike as a luggage:

1. Go to the parcel office, like I mentioned earlier, about 3 hours prior to the departure.
2. Take the delivery challan/slip and the ticket for your bike from the parcel officer. (You'll need to show these while collecting your bike at the destination station.)
3. Meanwhile, the men from the parcel office shall empty the petrol tank and then wrap your bike. Ensure to take off the mirrors!

2. TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE AS A PARCEL

Transporting your bike via parcel method is just like sending a courier/parcel. You don't need to travel along with the bike. You just send and the train takes it to the destination station. This method works best for those who have shifted to another city and cannot ride the bike to their new house. Please note that only the name of the recipient that has been written down in the form is allowed to collect the bike. Make sure you go for booking a couple of days in advance in case of urgency. The bike will be sent in any train to the destination station and will reach in around 4-5 days or earlier depending upon the distance. 

How to transport your bike as a parcel: 

1. Take your bike to the parcel office of the nearest railway station. Usually, all the major stations have a parcel office. Just ensure to go during the office hours (10:00 am to 5:00 pm). 
2. They will ask you to show your ID proof, bike's RC, and insurance copy.
3. Your fuel tank would be checked therefore make sure there's zero to little petrol when you arrive at the office. (Worry not, as the men there would help you drain off the petrol.)
4. Next step is to pack the bike. You might come across agents who help you pack. Ensure that they pack nicely. Packing requires about Rs. 300 (better the packing, higher the rates).
5. Collect the booking form from the parcel office and fill it.
6. You also need to declare the current cost of your bike. Along with it, you need to provide with the bike's engine and chassis numbers.
7. Another important thing is to mention the contact details of the sender and the recipient.
8. Please make a note that only the person whose name you have mentioned under recipient is eligible to collect the bike, that too, only on showing a valid ID proof. The recipient also needs to have the parcel booking receipt so please send the receipt to the recipient so that he/she can collect your bike.9. The recipient needs to visit the parcel office at the destination station with the booking receipt and his ID proof. Once the officer approves, the recipient would be given a gate pass. Without the gate pass, the bike cannot be taken outside the railway station.

Average Cost
500 km: Rs 700
1000 km: Rs 1,200

AGENT CONTACTS ACROSS INDIA 
https://www.bcmtouring.com/forums/threads/railway-contact-list-transporting-bikes-by-train.51941/

Please let me know if you have any doubt.

November 15, 2018 No comments

Just like you require a getaway from an urbane lifestyle and the closed squared homes, your dog needs it even more than you do. The best habitat for a dog is out in the open so it's your duty as its parent to take it out amidst nature. Easy treks can be a good option but if you couple these treks with overnight camping then your dog gets the rest he deserves. 

Camping with a pet dog is not as difficult as you think it is. You only need to be alert and let the dog do its duties. So there are going to be times when it barks at stray dogs and cattle and could be hard to handle but at such times it's you as a parent who needs to hold it and let it bark from afar. I have mentioned a couple of safety measures in the Dos and Don'ts below so you needn't worry. I have tried to compile as many pointers as I remembered and I hope you find these useful. 

Also, when you're taking your dog for camping, take along a person whom your dog obeys the most. You know there is always the number one commander followed by numbers two and three. Just so that your dog obeys, please tag along one of the three commanders. 



CAMPING WITH A PET DOG – DOS

1. Pack photocopies of your dog's documents
Carry photocopies of your pet's documents like its adoption/birth certificate (if any) and a health certificate from its vet stating that the dog is healthy to travel and is vaccinated. If your dog is registered to any major organisation, then carry a photocopy as its proof. Carrying these photocopies just ensures you can safeguard your dog if any legal issue arises. Also, you can show it to the police if needed. 

2. Carry a lot of food and water for your dog. Don't forget its treats & chews!
Pack the usual portions of food for your dog. However, it is recommended to carry drier items than wet ones. If your dog loves its packaged food, you can carry it. Chicken pieces are a good bet too! Just ensure they don't turn stale. Also, carry separate water for your dog. For instance, if you know your group requires 10 litres of water, pack a few litres more for your dog! And, don't forget to pack its favourite snacks if it disobeys or behaves like a good dog.

3. Carry dog leash
Of course, you would carry a dog leash. The tip here is to carry two types of leashes if possible. We need a longer one just in case we want to tie our dog to a pole for the time being and a shorter one while we're trekking towards the campsite. If you don't have a long leash, just carry two shorter ones and tie them together to make a long leash.



4. Choose a familiar campsite
If it's your first time camping with your pet then choose a campsite you're familiar with, especially if it's a weaker group. If the group is large, you can explore new campsites. But you should at least do thorough research beforehand. It's better if there's a hut nearby as you can order milk, buttermilk, rice, chicken, etc. from the hut dwellers for your dog!

5. Pack a couple of rag clothes
You already know it by now; if you're with your dog, you're surely going to need rag clothes! 

6. Keep a stick or stones nearby to shoo other dogs away (don't throw stick/stones on the dogs)
You must have a defence tool in case of stray dogs or wild animals approach. A stick is a good option or else you can act as if you're throwing a stone to shoo away animals. Also, pack a meat knife for extreme cases.

7. Ensure the dog's potty and urinal needs are fulfilled before you take it inside the tent
Ahan! Your tent is your home when you're out camping and making it dirty is the last thing you want. Make sure your dog has pooped and peed before you take it in for sleep. Or, if it doesn't poop/pee, just stay alert. Hoping that your dog is potty trained and barks whenever it wishes to go out.

8. Hold your dog when stray animals are around (cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, dogs, etc)
You'll often meet other animals when you're in the mountains or by a lakeshore. And, your dog might start barking as soon as it senses animals. If those animals are near your dog, it is best to hold your dog with its leash. At this time, ensure to grab an object for safety. You can even divert your dog's attention by luring it with treats or any toy that is sure to work. For instance, my dog Kurama immediately comes to us on hearing the word 'laser'. He loves playing with it.



9. Pack your dog's blanket
If it's winter or if you know it would get cold, pack your dog's blanket too. The dog is going to feel as cold as you and it's gonna cuddle next to you to borrow some warmth from your body. 

10. Consult a vet if your dog was recently sick or is still keeping a little unwell
This holds true especially if there's a long trek involved. Dogs tend to eat insects, grass, and just whatever they see while they're in nature. So for precautionary measures, visit a vet and ask his/her opinions on the same.



CAMPING WITH A PET DOG – DON'TS

1. Do not let your dog loose unless you're sure, especially on narrow paths and steep valleys
Most dogs are smart and then there are a few dogs that are street smart. They know how to survive in wild because they've been on such terrains before or this knowledge has been passed to them through genes. However, a few dogs are simply pampered and because of their overweight or inactiveness, they might not have the exact precision. Do not let your dog's leash loose unless you trust its abilities. Dogs are better on such terrains than we humans are but we don't want to take risks. It's advisable to hold its leash on narrow paths with steep valleys initially. Once your dog understands the route, it is okay to leave it. However, always stay alert!

2. Avoid light coloured clothes
You don't necessarily need to wear older clothes when taking your dog on a walk but when you're taking it for camping, make sure you wear darker clothes because you would be in a car with your dog and its legs (and if it swims in a mud pool, then its body) are full of mud and they might ruin your lighter clothes. So try avoiding lighter shades and opt for blacks, navy blues, and greys.



3. Do not trek under the afternoon sun; leave early morning
Try to avoid trekking between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm as the sun's heat is strongest at that time. Your dog's natural instincts are activated when it's on a trek so it's going to take multiple rounds and check if all of you are following. It would check on the first and the last person to ensure its squad is safe. When it does that, it exerts a lot of energy and continuously pants and has a heavy and repetitive breathing pattern. During such times, feed it some water and take multiple breaks under the shades. I recommend you to start for the campsite/home early morning or after the sun sets to avoid these hot hours.

4. Do not take off your dog's collar
Keep your dog's collar on until you reach home because that's how people would recognise it's a pet and you can use it for identification purposes too. If the collar has a name tag then that's even more brilliant. 

So, are you ready to take your dog out camping?
October 18, 2018 No comments
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