[AlanD]

Can someone tell us what is the main day of the Diwali festival. Caroline, being asthmatic, we're keen to be out of the city when the fireworks start going off and the air becomes even more polluted than usual.

I think a trip down to the Keoledeo NP would be more beneficial for a few days, before we head North to Himachal. For those of you who will be celebrating, we wish you a Happy Diwali.

[kullukid]

Have a great time in H.P. Alan (I know you will!) Where are you heading for? Keep us posted. KK

[AlanD]

kullukid, on Oct 20 2008, 01:58 PM, said:

Have a great time in H.P. Alan (I know you will!) Where are you heading for? Keep us posted. KK

Plans at the moment KK are

Take a train to Pathankot, bus to Dalhousie, stay a few days, then Kajjiar, Chamba and possibly Bharmour. Back to Pathankot and take the Kangra Valley Railway, stopping at Kangra town and a couple of other places, perhaps Palampur and Jogindernagar. Then bus to Mandi, stay at Rewalsar Lake for a few days, back to Mandi, stay a couple of days then up to Naggar and Manali for some days. Down to Chandigarh and take a bus to Rishikesh, stay at least a week, then back to Delhi before heading to Rajasthan and Gujarat.

At least that how it stands at the moment and nothing is booked, apart from our first night's stay in Delhi on Wednesday night. We always tend to chop and change our arrangements - if we don't like a place we move on and if we do, then we stay longer than we planned.

[KABAARY]

Quote

what is the main day of the Diwali festival

28th October.

[jyotirmoy]

Welcome to Delhi dear Alan.
Nothing like a couple of days chilling out at Khajjiar. Don't stay at the HPTDC hotel, the private hotels give you big discounts, bargain hard.

[kullukid]

AlanD, on Oct 20 2008, 05:10 PM, said:

Plans at the moment KK are

Take a train to Pathankot, bus to Dalhousie, stay a few days, then Kajjiar, Chamba and possibly Bharmour. Back to Pathankot and take the Kangra Valley Railway, stopping at Kangra town and a couple of other places, perhaps Palampur and Jogindernagar. Then bus to Mandi, stay at Rewalsar Lake for a few days, back to Mandi, stay a couple of days then up to Naggar and Manali for some days. Down to Chandigarh and take a bus to Rishikesh, stay at least a week, then back to Delhi before heading to Rajasthan and Gujarat.

At least that how it stands at the moment and nothing is booked, apart from our first night's stay in Delhi on Wednesday night. We always tend to chop and change our arrangements - if we don't like a place we move on and if we do, then we stay longer than we planned.

Wow! I think you can plan my itineray in future Alan,that sounds like a tailor made trip for me. I know I don't need to tell you how to suck eggs, but here's a few accomo suggestions Manali-Sunshine GH, Mandi -Raj Mahal Palace, Rewalsar-can't remember the name but i've stayed at the Monastery/Temple GH, which is to the right as you go through the gates to the lake from the bus stand. Be sure to go upto Padmasambhava's caves, the long distance views of the mountains are wonderful from there. Also if your budget will stretch too it you could treat MrsD to a stay at the Taragarh Palace Hotel, apparently there is an abundance of birds & wildlife within the large grounds;
http://www.taragarh.com/

Keep it fluid Alan, no fixed plan is best plan. Go with the flow!!!! KK

[jyotirmoy]

This year we had the cleanest & quietest Diwali. The "say No to crackers" movement launched by the school kids seems to be working.