A Trip to Sanchi and Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh at Just INR 3500

Some trips are amazing and some are memorable and some trips are well Experience! The same Experience thing happened to me, when Shikha (I call her Sharma) and I decided to take a weekend trip to Madhya Pradesh. Now, what made this trip so special was the fact that it was decided at the 11th hour and still we pulled it out so well! I can't tell you how proud we are of ourselves. Here's how we did this trip in only Rs.3500 (per person) and trust me we didn't have to give up much for it.

I know there are many of us who can plan this trip better than us but since it was we are novice in travelling, pulling a trip well at a short notice is an achievement. So, we were all set to go to Chopta (Yes, you read it right!) but for some reason we had to cancel the plan at the last moment. But the cancellation made a void in our heart, Sharma and I couldn't believe that we had to cancel on a trip that we were planning for so long. Since our rail tickets were booked for Haridwar, we started to plan a trip around it but nothing seemed to please us. After hours of consideration, Sharma finally came with a suggestion of Sanchi. AND it hit the right chord, suddenly everything started making perfect sense. So Sanchi it was where we wished to travel! Happy with the unanimous decision we started researching more and were then greeted with a place called Bhimbetka, which really intrigued our interest. So, we immediately booked our train tickets to Bhopal, as it is the nearest largest city near Sanchi and Bhimbetka. Finally, the plan was set for Bhopal for Friday evening.

Train Ticket Costs  (3rd AC): INR 2175 (approx. per person for both the sides)

Our train from Hazrat Nizamuddin Station arrived at Bhopal City at 7.30AM. We decided to book a hotel near the railway station, as it would be convenient for us to travel to back to Delhi. A short walk from Bhopal Junction earned us a decent hotel. Here, I would like to tell you that there are a lot of touts in the railway station premises who would offer assistance in  finding a hotel for you and in return they ask for a small sum of INR 20. But my suggestion would be to stay away from these touts and try to find hotel on your own. To your and our good luck, there are plenty of hotels on Station Road also called as Hamidia Road. Our hotel (Hotel Gaurav) was a decent place to stay with clean washroom and nice ventilation system. Since we were travelling in October, we opted for a Non AC room here (In summer one may need an AC room as it gets really hot in Bhopal).

Hotel Room (Non AC): INR 900

After resting for some time and taking a shower, we left for Sanchi, which is 46kms from Bhopal. We took a sharing auto to the bus stand (Nadra Bus Stand) and then boarded a bus to Sanchi. There are private buses to Sanchi from Bhopal every 10mins or so. These are Non AC buses but have comfortable seats. It takes about 1.5hrs to reach Sanchi. You have to be bit patient as the bus stops a number of times to pick passengers but what we appreciated the most is that people are decent and they behave well with female passengers. The roads are smooth, so you wouldn't have much problem travelling to Sanchi.

Happy Us in the Bus to Sanchi

Bus Ticket (Non AC): INR 80 (For two people)

Since we forgot to have breakfast in the morning (yes, we actually forgot! due to the excitement probably:P), we decided to first have something to eat before exploring Sanchi Stupa. There is a small marke opposite the Sanchi Stupa entrance gate. Here one can find decent amount of items to eat. Don't expect a fancy restaurant here. We chose to eat at a fairly clean restaurant called Pathak Restaurant, where we savoured Plain Paranthas and Aaloo Gobhi (Curry) with Curd. We were extremely hungry thus everything tasted good to us. Sharma decided to get Samosa and Besan ke Laddoo packed for future consumption, which costed us only INR 30.

The Objects of Our Affection 

Food: INR 150 + 30 (For two people)


On the main entrance gate of Sanchi, we were offered a ride in an auto upto the monument (200m uphill climb from the entrance gate). We were skeptical at first but then chose to take the auto. We had to buy tickets to see Stupa as well as the museum.

Auto: INR 40 (For two people), Yes we felt that we gave more than it deserved but we were just too excited to bargain at that time :)

Tickets : INR 20 (For two Indian People)

SO, we were finally here! at the great Sanchi Stupa and trust me, it did not disappoint us even a bit. I would like to do a different blog on Sanchi Stupa and its architecture as this time around I wish to stick to the summary of the trip and its budget. But one thing that I still want to say is that, this place is magical and it must be visited in India. We were here at the Stupa for about 3 hours and then visited the book shop and the museum as well. As Sharma and I enjoy reading we picked books on Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Hampi and Delhi. With all that amazement captured, we walked down towards the main road to catch a bus back to Bhopal. En route, we munched on some fruit salad too.

Cost of Books: INR 210
Fruit Salad: INR 20


Buses from Sanchi to Bhopal are also frequent, soon we got our bus too and we hopped on it and  this time enjoyed the view from the front seat.

Bus Ticket: INR 80

It was around 7PM when we reached Bhopal and next in the agenda was to visit the famed Chatori Gali in Ibrahimpura. So we took an auto to Ibrahimpura, which has winding streets where you can find just about anything for the household. A small sign board of Paya ka Soup welcomes you to Chatori Gali, which has a few restaurants that serve delightful Non Vegetarian food. Ghazala Restaurant was our choice for having our meal tonight and we didn't regret choosing it. Served by a man who looked almost like Hagrid from Harry Potter Movies (Only he didn't have beared), our meal here was as expected sumptuous. On the suggestion of the owner we tried Quail and the Meethi Roti along with our choice of Chicken Quorma and Chicken Biryani, the whole dining experience here was fantastic. Again a must visit place in Bhopal, if you are foodie

Quail and Chicken Quorma with Meethi Naan

Auto: INR 60
Food along with a 200ml Seven Up: INR 260 (For two People)

Thanking the owner and our very own Indian version of Hagrid, we left for our hotel, where we slept like a baby! (Actually it was only me, who threw herself on bed and slept in flashes of second, whereas Sharma enjoyed watching some tv).

Auto: INR 60

Day two began with a little haste as we were late for Check Out. However, the hotel manager was kind enough and charged only a small sum of INR 100 for the delay. Since, we were already late for Bhimbetka, we decided to have our breakfast here in the hotel. We ordered Stuffed Paranthas and Tea and we were all set to become explorers again!

Breakfast: INR 214

As suggested by the Manager of the hotel, we walked upto the square, where we found a bus to Obedullaganj. But I'd like to make a suggestion here that, instead of taking a bus to Obedullaganj, one should first travel to Bhopal ISBT and then take a bus going towards Hoshangabad. This bus will drop you at the gate of Bhimbetka Cave. As for us, our bus dropped us at Obedullaganj Bus Stand from where we had to take another bus for Bhimbetka Entrance Gate.

Bus Ticket (for two people) (Non AC): INR 60 (Bhopal to Obedullaganj) and INR 20 (Obedullaganj to Bhimbetka Entrance Gate)

From Bhimbetka entrance gate, one has to climb up about 3.2kms in the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary Area to reach the Bhimbetka Caves. If you are not someone who like to hike, you can book a cab at Obedullaganj (that might cost you big bucks). As for us, we enjoyed our hike up the well paved road. The landscape is scenic, thus it keeps you busy with photography and posing :P It can take up to an hour or so to reach the caves. One need to buy tickets for entering the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary Area.

Tickets: INR 100 (For two people)

Bhimbetka looked to be the mini version of the Grand Canyon! Seriously the place was awe-inspiring with evidences of mankind existing here about 100000 years ago. I'd like to write a separate post on Bhimbetka and it's wall paintings, so be sure to check it out. For now, I'd like to tell you that this is one place that can change your perspective about life. Being here is truly an incredible experience. We spent about 2-3 hours here and then started to walk back to catch the bus from the entrance gate. This time around, we boarded the buses directly to Bhopal ISBT and from there, we took a sharing auto back to our hotel (we requested the hotel manager to keep our language for the day).

Sharma Enjoying the Grandeur of the Caves

Bus Tickets (Non AC): INR 80 (For two people)
Auto: INR 40 (For two people)

On the suggestion of the hotel manager, we went to Manohar Dairy to get something to eat. This place is also situated on Hamidia Road and is yet another version of Haldiram's and Nathu's (only much much better). The staff is attentive, the food is delicious and both price and quantity are satisfactory. We ordered a Thali and hot coffee, which eventually turned to be the best meal of the day!

Photo Courtesy @ http://www.hangoutflavours.com/

Thali: INR 170 (we ordered single Thali and extra rotis)
Coffee: INR 52 (for two people)
Total: INR 260

It was almost 7PM and our train to Delhi was scheduled for 7.55PM, so we decided to walk till the railway station. We brought some patties and cream rolls to savour in the train incase we feel hungry. Incase you want to know, the journey was smooth, we both at the moment are sitting in the office and thinking about our lovely time spent at a cost of approx INR 3500 in Madhya Pradesh!

Story by a Wayfarer: 10 Things That Brings a Smile to Every Kumaonis Fa...

No matter where we are or what we up to, we Kumaonis stop and smile when we hear or encounter one of these. Here is an insight on the fun essentials of every Kumaonis life.

10 Things That Bring a Smile to Every Kumaonis Face

Summer always make me nostalgic. Born and partially brought up in the beautiful place called Nainital (a proud Kumaoni Ladies and Gentlemen!) summer has a soul connection with me and I am sure with many of you as well. Apart from the chaotic and bizarre tourist crowd that we hastily went to see each evening on the Mall road, I clearly remember the street corners festooned with corn vendors, multiple berry-sellers, weird food choppers and toy sellers coming up with a different trending toy each year! But then we shall call it a day and then head home to savour the home-cooked food. Those bygone days were lovely and they made us realize one thing, no matter where we are; Home is where we need to head.

Today our community is fascinated with jobs outside the state and may be abroad but deep within most of want to trudge back home, breath in the cool air, enjoy our very own Kumaoni delicacies, greet with our pink-cheeks neighbours and speak in our melodious Kumaoni language. Here are few things that put a smile on every Kumaonis face, no matter where they are:

 Kafal:

Yes, hitting the market in April or mid-May, Kafal is no less than a comfort food for Kumaonis. These sweet-sour Box Myrtles are savoured adding oil (kaduwa tel) and black salt to it. Some also like it plain without any garnishing AND Me, I liked them unwashed as well :P

Sisoon/ Sisna:

Now, every Kumaoni has a memory of this BAD BAD plant. I remember my mother threatening me with it (holding its end with the help of tong) to make me come  back home in the evening, when I was too adamant to return as I wished to play a bit more with friends. Well in our conflict, the Sisna always won!

Golu Ji:

Our ever so religious mothers won't let us exit from home without the prasad of Golu ji Maharaj.BUT what makes Golu ji more popular is his name written on almost every taxi inKumaon. Even today, when a taxi passes me by in Delhi with a text saying 'Jai Golu Ji Maharaj' I smile to myself knowing he is coming straight away from my land.

Shwoota/Pine Cone

Oh! how we all loved to visit Jungle with friends on fine Sunday afternoons. Do you remember the pine cones that could be found bedded on the dried pine leaves everywhere you went in the jungle. As for me, I always brought a cone or two home in the hope to find that edible thing inside its dried shell that my mother always spoke about. But to my dismay, I could never find it and the cones were either thrown a few days later with the rest of the garbage or were victim to bad painting skills. Nonetheless, these cone are an important part of my memory of Kumaon.

Bedu Pako

No matter where you are, you can never forget the tune of Bedu Pako. The authentic Kumaoni song always bring back memories from down the lane. Whether it is a wedding or a family get together, if you can hear and sing Bedu Pako then you know true Kumaonis are in the house!

Sibbo

If something bad happens, we Kumaonis don't go Awww we go Sibbbooo Sib! Yes this is how we do, this is how we sympathize and TRUST ME it much better expresses our extend of grief!


Oijaaa!:

You thought Aila was cool but for us Kumaonis Oijaaa is way too cool! Now, let me tell you there are different tones, ways and moods to call out for Momma but all of these assures that Mother is the only person who is needed to heal just about everything.


Kaale Kauwa

Do you remember how amused you used to get when right in the morning you had to climb the slant tin-roof of your house to call out 'Kaale Kauwa Aa le Ghughuti Mala Kha le'.  AND when you re-enter the house, you would find out that you will be the one who will eat all the Ghughtia made in the house (Sigh of accomplishment!).

Tastari

I sometimes wondered if the first person who spotted a UFO in India was a Kumaoni. Seriously that's how I guess the name Udan Tastari originated :p :p

Bhel

Now, this is one thing that can make every Kumaoni smile for sure. No matter where we are and how many people are around us we can't help giggle when someone says chalo let's eat bhel, or would you like spicy bhel or a plain one. LOL.

Dear Kumaonis, wherever you are based at, know that your land awaits your return.It will remain the same no matter how many decades passes by. Be proud of your region and do your bit to keep it safe.

Lucknow: The Food Lover's Paradise

They say 'Charity begins at home', I believe that a travel story also begins at home. After all, it is a place that indirectly or may be directly inspired you to become what you are now, So, if you are an avid traveller, its credit somehow goes to your hometown!

As for me, the travel aspiration came from a place that is no less than a hometown to me. I spend good 10 years in Lucknow, the capital of North Indian state called Uttar Pradesh. Now, this place taught be so much about food that I cannot be thankful enough. The perfect blend of  flavour, aroma, presentation and most importantly variety in the Lucknawi food or 'Oudhiana' cuisine is hard to find anywhere else. Here are some of the must tries from the Lucknawi Palate of exemplary taste:

Nahari Kulcha: An Ideal Breakfast

On the left is the stew prepared by slow cooking the bone marrow of the beef and is garnished by coriander leaves. On the right is the Indian bread known as Kulcha or Lucknawi Kulcha. Nahari Kulcha is the perfect way to start your day in Lucknow as it is believed that the Nahari is left to cook for an overnight period and is served fresh in the morning, Trust me the taste is heavenly and it is not heavy on the stomach as well.

Chicken Biryani: Lose Yourself in the Aroma

Alright, you can consider yourself lucky, if you have someone making the Lucknawi Chicken Biryani at home. My Nephew Aayush has done some justice to this mouth-watering dish. The Chicken Biryani is the combination of Chicken (yeah obvious!) and Rice cooked together in spices. Add a little affection in it and VOILA! you have the best Biryani ever! Usually the biryani is served with Raita (yogurt mixed with cucumber or small amount of juice of ginger and garlic) and many a times is accompanied with Qorma (Mutton or Chicken Curry).

Kabab Paratha: A Must Ritual!

Ok, so if you happen to visit Lucknow and you don't try Kabab Paratha most preferably at Tunday Kabab in Aminabad then my friend you have disrespected the city. This lip-smacking dish constitutes of minced meat (beef) kababs, better known as Galaoti Kabab and the big Indian bread called Paratha complimented with raw onion and coriander and mint chutney. The taste is something you will never forget!

Paanch Paani ke Bataashe: Guarantees a Typhoon of Taste in Your Mouth

 Widely known as Paani Puri or Puchka or Golgappe, Paani ke Bataashe from Lucknow is any day better than anywhere else in India. I mean where will you find 5 types of spiced water other than Lucknow. The meetha (sweet) paani, heeng (asafoetida) khatta (sour) paani, pudina (mint) heeng paani, jal jeera (good for digestion) paani and the special paani makes the Golgappas in Lucknow stand apart! I am drooling!!

There is still more to add to this list but gluttony is not letting me write anymore! I better hit the kitchen to hog on something before I die out of greed! So, only this much for now. I will be back with more on Oudhiana Cuisine and that's a foodie's promise. Leave your comments below on the blog , I would love to hear from you :)