Marvel of Nature- World's Natural Wonder?

On the Kailash-Mansarovar trek route, on the Indian side, at the last camp of Navidang one gets this unbelievably true view of 'Aum Parvat'! (Aum Mountain)

See this picure! No prizes for guessing for why it is named so! All thru winter the mountain is just like any other, snow clad. Come summer, its when ice begins to melt, that this phenomenon is unveiled! A large formation of the Sanskrit scripted "Aum", appears on the mountain, the letter being a few thousand feet high. Luckier ones have also very clearly seen the "chandra bindu" ( half crescent & dot) completing the picture! Clearly this can find mention amongst natural wonders of the world!
(this pic shot from camp Navidang during a Trans-Himalayan trek)

Kailas Mansarovar Trek

If truth be told, i signed up for this yatra (pilgrimmage), more for it being a challenging 18day trek rather than a spiritual journey for most Hindus! This was the same year that saw one of the worst tragedies on the yatra route..wherein we lost an entire 9th batch to a massive landslide at Malpa. Amongst other unfortunate who lost their lives, was celebrity Protima Bedi. I was in the sixth batch.
The trek on the Indian side thru KMVN campsites at Pangu, Sirkha, Gala, Malpa, Budhi, Gunji, Navidang & finally over Lipulekh Pass (17000ft) where yatris get into the Chinese Occupied Tibet for onward to Purang (now Taklakot) and finally commence the parikrama(circumambulance) of the sacred Mt. Kailash(54kms @ 18500ft) & Lake Manasarovar (90kms @ 15000ft). Interstingly, even the local Tibetans (Bonpas) revere the lake & mountain & undertake 'parikrama' albeit in the anti-clockwise direction.
The grandeur of the 22000ft high peak of Mt. Kailash is to be seen to be believed! The only night black rock face standing tallest amongst other morraine hillocks, Manjushree (Bodhisattva of Wisdom) & Avlokiteshwara (Bodhisattva of Compassion) in Tibetan Budhhism. And curiously resembling the open hood of a cobra, closely associated with Lord Shiva!
To make mention of Lake Manasarovar, believed to have been created from the mind of Lord Brahma (hence the name), would be to see a psychedelic light show! The colours of the waters take the hues of the changing light patters with clouds playing filters! Emerald, Turquoise, Forest Green, Peacock Blue, Coral Blue, Gold are some that came to my pupils. Surely, inspiration for present day colour palette of 2.6 million colours in computers & cellphones must have been drawn from here!
(bottom pic shows yours truly at the base of Mt. Kailash (North face) on day 1 of parikrama, pic on top shows the mountain's South face (resemblance to the famed 3rd eye of Lord Shiva?)

Personal Favs of Rajasthan!

Extensively touring Rajasthan in Feb2007 over 4weeks with my much better 3/4th (my wife of 20 yrs!), we criss-crossed
the starkly beautiful landscape of contrasts, beginning with Jaipur, driving over 2500kms thru Shekhawati regions (Samode, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Dhundlod) , thru Bikaner/Gajner, Kheechan, Phalodi, Jaisalmer/Sam, Ludurva, Ajmer, Pushkar, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, Devigarh, Khejarla, Jodhpur and finally Udaipur! One word tour summary: Mind Blowing!

While it would be a tad unfair to most other experiences such as a romantic dinner on Valentines Day atop Meharangarh Terrace, or the solar powered boat ride thru Gajner lake forest, or even the great meal at Fort Devigarh (of Eklavya fame) or the thousands of Demosielle Cranes flying overhead at Kheechan...and many more such, two places find special mention in heart & mind.

FORT KHEJARLA: (top pic)
Constructed in 1611 A.D. for Thakur Gopal Das Ji, who was granted ‘jagir’ (fiefdoms) of Khejarla for his great feat in war. He bravely defended the frontiers of Marwar against the Mughals. Khejarla then was one of the most important jagirs and Nobles enjoyed the highest status amongst the most trusted in the Court of Marwar.
This majestic fort is for the tourist wishing to step back in time. Deep in the heart of the Desert State of Rajasthan, this Heritage property is now completely renovated with modern, contemporary and luxurious facilities with the heritage touch.
Blending past elegance with modern day amenities, Fort Khejarla serves as one of the finest small heritage hotels in Rajasthan. A stay at the hotel is guaranteed to be an experience of this lifetime.
Mount atop granite boulders, the fort rises like a sunbeam from the desert. The stunning red sandstone of Khejarla Fort, over 400 years old, is a mesmerizing example of the architecture of the Rajputs. The rugged exterior contradicts an inner paradise with a striking blend of art and architecture leaving you spellbound! The engaging grandeur of the Fort offers picturesque settings, all round views of the vast plains, lattice work friezes and intricate jharokas which at once transports you back in time to experience the majesty of a long-gone era of valour and chivalry. Walking up ramparts, staying in well renovated rooms, set in fort turrets, gives one a high! 85 kms east of Jodhpur, the hour long drive to Fort Khejarla, is comfortable.
CASTLE MANDAWA: (bottom pic)
If the desert blooms in a burst of colours, it is easily in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan where every home (usually called havelis) is adorned with painted murals, carved doorways in the otherwise arid landscape. Traditionally this was the stronghold of Rao Shekhaji, who founded the dynasty here & gave it his name.
Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here form China & Mid-East. Rajput ruler Thakur Nawal Singh built this fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. When the carvan traffic eased late 18th century, traders created business setups elsewhere, but returned to mandawa to build great havelis & castles. Poddar Haveli, Castle Mandawa, Nawalgarh fort, Samode havelis are testimony to the affluence this region enjoyed.
Castle Mandawa has all the modern amenities yet enveloped in the charm of the old world replete with hospitality that makes you check out unwantingly.
Easy access north of Jaipur (200kms). Or a direct drive from Delhi (250kms).

Kye Monastery, Spiti

In 2006, i'd finally lost it! Footloose & in search of myself, i took shelter in the Himalayas. Driving past the hustle bustle of India's oldest & most abused hill station, Shimla, i took the old Hindustan-Tibet highway, well past sleepy Narkanda & activity hub Rampur to see myself land in Kafnu, a village of 200 souls! I managed to hire some local boys as guide, cook & ponyman, some basic provisions, to do a solitary trek up Bhabha Pass (14500ft)! Crossing over from the Pin Valley into village Mudh in the pristine Spiti Valley. And then via Kaza to the great monastery at Kye, i laboured up its winding pathway. "This is it!", said my inner voice to me. And i was hooked.
Not knowing how i should get started, i politely requested the head monk, Lobsang Lama, if i could get to stay at one of the rooms at the imposing gompa to read, meditate more peacefully. It helped that i had been initiated into it a few months ago. "Koi baat nahi" (No problem), said he in all humility. I was shown my rudimentary room, the common loo, timings of prayers & meals explained in brief and suddenly, i was alone in this world! "Am i dead? Have i reached heaven?" i had wondered.
Intending to be a 'couple of days' my stay extended to beyond 2 weeks! What's more, with the dedication with which the monks sensed me going about my inner exploration, they soon not only offered me the inner most chamber (Go Khang) of the monastery for more seclusion, they also often spoke of the teachings of the Sakyamuni Buddha & Guru Rinpoche in broken Hindi, and had no hesitation in letting me join their most sacred private prayer sessions! Surely, food was frugal with butter tea & millet flour on offer at most times. Dal & rice were delicacies to be savoured over lunch & dinner. It dint matter really. I was here, hungry for some experience beyond the obvious, wasn't i?
The 'Pasada' Style fort monastery lords over the Kye village, with the Spiti river hustling by, creating the loudest sound, no more than a whisper, amidst silence that could be impacting if one is not prepared. Home to many a finely woven 'thangka' and texts, this place seems to be the closest one can get to Cessation of Suffering, or Nirvana!
My journey included undertaking numerous short treks into the enchanting countryside(including one to the base of Mt. Leo Purgyal, 21500ft) and prolonged prayer & meditation sessions at Kibber, Dhankar & Tabo monasteries. Even honoured to meet Khentul Rinpoche at Dhankar for a two hour one-on-one discussing nuances of Tibetan Buddhism & getting some mind slush cleared! Such serenity, humility & patience Rinpoche exuded. And i have begun to look at living & dying the Tibetan Buddhist way.
However, whether you want to go down this path or not, is inconsequential. What is, are the scenic valleys of Pin, Spiti, Sangla, Linghti, Kinnaur. Incredible drives, compelling panoramas & intensely energizing walks in the hills. A must do 'drive around' safari..if you have 15 days & a decent budget! (pic of the monastery)

Tigress on a Kill !

Severly fedup of city life (as i usually am), a couple of years ago, i packed my rucksack on a hot May afternoon & headed by the first avialable train to find peace amidst Kipling country. Yes, Kanha National Park, is easily amongst the most bio-diverse jungles in India..nay, make that Asia!
In the 7 days that i lived, ate, slept & breathed wildlife, this is one is one experience that every game warden would give his right arm for! A tigress on a kill! The very words sure to send a chill down the pants.
After a routine morning with the jungle being quiet & routine, came news that there were chital (spotted deer) alarm calls in a particular direction of the Digdola Meadows. Ganesh, my jeep driver, requested me to gooble up the last bite of sandwich & jump into the jeep, a request i took as order & promptly complied with.
Moving dead slow in the direction of deer calls (aow! aow! ..sharp puppy like barks), and those of the langurs, (khak! pause.. khak! ) we silenced our vehicle engines & waited. Some hushed whispers & more wait. Rivetted to and merely 20 yards from the herd of deer we were, when all of a sudden chaos befell upon the sal forest! Hell had broken loose! The deers exploded in every direction they could. In athletic display of sheer surprise, stealth & brutal power, over 3 massive leaps covering 50 ft, the tigress had the deer in her powerful jaws, following a single swipe of her razor claws. Settling down to cool herself of sheer exhaution, and savouring the trickle of the warm ooze, she picked up her booty, walked across the woods to hide the carcass in the tall grassy meadows and came out to treat us for a 45minute delightful display, basking & rolling in the morning sun, toasting her success. And why not? I had read a long while ago, that only 1 in every 20 attempts result in success! How easily human beings give up, i had then thought.
Kanha can easily be reached by road via Nagpur or Jabalpur. Plethora of options to stay exist to suit every pocket. The park rides are tad expensive but, hey, it was your itch, right?

Sundarbans- Mysterious.

December 08 saw us family travel into the heartlands of Sundarbans! 10000sqkm of sheer delight. With tides rising & falling upto 12-16ft, twice a day, the place is not for the faint hearted. Amidst all the tidal surges of saline waters, a large number of fauna exist, thrive even. Estuarine Crocs, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer & scores of species of resident & migratory birds are familiar sighting. However, the Royal Bengal Tiger, in all his majesty, rules here! Perhaps the only place on earth that he calls the shots over the otherwise dominant human race. And when you come face to face with one such 'couldn't care less what i hunt down' beast, it takes the wind out of your sails!

On one such cold December morning, as we were feasting breakfast on the deck of the resort's yacht, we were treated to this poetry in motion! Muddy paws & all. Never mind that his initial curiosity soon settled down to boredom! (see pic amidst the 'sundari' trees)

Our Guests Speak...we forced the truth out!

We had no idea what to expect when we asked Girish Deshpande, the proprietor of Moving Clouds to arrange our first trip to India. We are both physicians and had a scientific cancer meeting for three days in Mumbai and asked Girish to work around that for a total of almost a month. He asked many questions to get to learn about us so that he could plan the perfect tour for us, AND HE DID! To our delight, he not only arranged the perfect tour but also joined us as our guide and became our friend, along with his wife who is the fabric expert (her shop in Pune is a MUST SEE and BUY!). What made the trip so superb was not just the places to visit that Girish picked out for us but that Girish knows so much about Indian history, architecture, Hinduism and Buddhism, fabrics, politics, philosophy, business, name it and he knows more than most people! AND he is an absolute delight to travel with. This combination made our trip extra special and enjoyable. We will definitely be coming back and would want to travel together with Girish. We feel like we have just peeked into inner India and can’t wait to return. Moving Clouds is the travel agency that we would recommend to all! (oct-nov 2007)

Dr. Mrs. Lonnie Zeltzer, MD. / Dr. Paul Zeltzer, MD. (USA)
Director, Pediatric Pain Program / Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery
Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA / David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
lzeltzer@mednet.ucla.edu
gomed_1@hotmail.com

Thank you Girish for a wonderful holiday. The Kabini Jungle Lodge was indeed the idyllic getaway that we were looking out for. The quaint old world charm of the Maharaja’s hunting lodge and the tranquility of the Kabini river is worth experiencing. In fact, one can actually travel back into another era where kings ruled alongside tigers and leopards. The animal sightings were also good and the kids were very excited at having sighted a couple of wild dogs and the elusive leopard in addition to innumerable elephants, guars, peacocks, mongoose and wild hogs. The learned guides who accompanied us into the jungle made the experience not only exciting but educative as well. The Kabini river lodge is the perfect place for bird lovers. The highlight of our stay was the tasty food and friendly staff members who catered to our every whim and fancy. Thank you, Moving Clouds, for the well planned and executed break! (dec 07)
Arya, Ira, Dr. Smita & Suhas Diwase, Pune
smitadiwase@yahoo.co.in

I was thrilled when Girish Deshpande initially informed me he was venturing into the travel service, Moving Clouds, as I had come to know Girish and his wife Neeta and their impeccable good taste through their eclectic fabric store in Pune. From the word "go" and with his vast knowledge of India, Girish was able to weave together a rewarding itinerary for my initial exploration of the Indian sub continent. The result was a truly rewarding and memorable trip. Girish was very responsive to listen to my travel intentions and needs as I was interested in seeing & knowing as much of India on a limited time schedule and moderate budget. From Rishikesh to Kanya Kumari, Mumbai to the Andaman Islands, each stop along the way proved to be a customized jewel in my fond memories of traveling throughout India. I have since used the services of Moving Clouds for several subsequent trips, and highly recommend Girish and Moving Clouds to all my American counterparts. I am excited to further explore and plan my next trip in India with Girish's expert advice…and take him along again as a friend, philosopher & guide ! (over 2004-2008)
Garth McLean, USA
Yoga Instructor, Los Angeles
yogarthman@gmail.com
www.yogarth.com

You were awesome, Girish uncle! The 10 days in the Himachal Himalayas and the drives, the treks & adventure sports of rapelling & river crossing left me spellbound. I hope to see more of India with you and my friends. What impressed me the most was your immense sense of information on almost anything under the sun! I mean, it must have come from loads of travel experience in India. You’re so lucky to have done all this. And the patient care you took of all 32 of us wild one’s was mind blowing. This experience will be with me fondly. Always. Be happy! (august 2005)
Sharmishta Revnoor, 17yrs, Art of Living Foundation, UAE
(email address since changed. New not available)

Moving Clouds helped us to make this vacation the most memorable one that we have ever had. The travel itinerary was perfect keeping in mind the group configuration. The planning was precise and proactive because we did not have to think about anything once i picked up the phone and confirmed the trip with Girish. Bhutan is such a special place and Moving Clouds helped us to discover that essence. Our minds were not involved in the daily worries and hassles, and so we could enjoy the company of mountains, monasteries and trees. Love & Light. (may 08)
Zubin Balsara, family & friends, Music & Drama Therapists, Pune
balsara.zubin@gmail.com

We decided to commission Moving Clouds with the tour planning of our Indian journey. We send our rough ideas to them. Although it was late in the year for the planning of vacancies in the golden triangle, Moving Clouds found hotels available for us. We were satisfied with the choice of the hotels. Although there were differences in quality and service all of them fulfilled our expectations some with 80% others with 120 %! In no case there was any reason for a severe complaint. Our driver was a very reliable person who drove carefully and we felt safe & secure at all times. And furthermore he was patient and all the time on schedule. The car was clean and comfortable. All revised air schedules were conveyed promptly to us. This shows the professional approach in executing the tour. Let me come to a final appraisal: We were totally satisfied with the performances of Moving Clouds and would recommend their services to all of our friends and would rest our confidence with them also in future journeys. (dec 2008)
Dr. Peter Schroeder & Group, Germany
schroeder.laupheim@googlemail.com

As we were celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary, we wanted the best!! Ofcourse, we had to ask Girish (Moving Clouds) to help us out. Girish and his wife Neeta are good friends of ours and they had mentioned the Crystal Palace (at Udaipur) as a must see. So, Moving Clouds worked out a 1-week tour in Feb '10 to Udaipur & Kumbhalgarh. And the magic began! The palace stays, shopping at local markets, dining at Jagmandir, unbelievable gastronomic experiences at other quaint restaurants, a days trip to Chittorgarh moving us to tears hearing of the bravery of women, long yet leisurely walks inside the formidable Fort Kumbhalgarh, the exquisitely carved Jain temple at Ranakpur...simply took our breath away and left us yearning for more.
The most special part was Moving Clouds having organized an exclusive Valentine Dinner for us by the poolside...Love you for that! An unforgettable tour with excellent planning, assistance & execution....and hoping to explore more of India with Moving Clouds..
Mrs & Mr. Shiva and Mrs & Mr. Phadke, Pune
Senior Industry Professionals
apshiva@gmail.com, phadkes94@gmail.com

The trip was super right from the start to exit. Everything was just right..the car was very good, the hotel (resort at Bandhavgarh) was just super..It was built on the African lodges style. The owner (Rajvardhan Rathod) is quite passionate about his what he does, and it shows. The only thing we missed was seeing tigers but it was a memorable trip. The food was very good, and we enjoyed sitting in the dining pavilion and having our meals. We enjoyed Jabalpur also. Hotel was good here, clean and efficient. Overall a truly heritage tour. Thank you (Moving Clouds) for planning the trip in meticulous detail to match our taste and ensuring everything being taken care of..

Mr. Shantanu Chitgopkar & Family, Pune,

Industry Professionals

Moving Clouds Tours - What the FAQ's??

FAQ’s:
What are the major tourist circuits of India?
India has several tourist destinations of particular interest to offer to cater to all travel interests. But, as the size of India is too big with tourist destinations all around, tourist circuits have been created keeping in mind the needs choices of the tourists as well as convenience based on distance. If the interest for travel is reasonably clear, it also leaves the first time traveller to India less confused !!
Here is a list of TEN most popular tourist circuits of India...

1. Golden Triangle I -Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-
2. North India - Delhi-Khajuraho-Varanasi
3. Kerala Backwaters - Trivandrum-Kovalam-Cape Camorin-Varkala-Mararikulam.Kumarakom- Periyar-Alleppey-Cochin-Calicut.
4. Goa Beaches & ‘more than just beaches’ circuit.
5. Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan-Delhi-Mandawa-Gajner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Rohetgarh- Udaipur-Ranakpur-Kumbhalgarh-Pushkar-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi
6. The Great Himalayan Wonder - Delhi-Leh-Kargil-Zanskar-Nubra-Delhi.
7. Golden Triangle II - Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark.
8. Gateway to India and South - Mumbai-Aurangabad-Goa-Hampi-Badami-Hassan- Madikeri-Mysore-Coorg-Nagarhole.
9. Golden Triangle III - Chennai/ Pondicherry/ Mahabalipuram
10. Best Wildlife Circuit- Kanha-Bandhavgarh-Ranthambhore-Bharatpur

• In which part of the world is India located?
  India is located in South Asia, bordered by Indian Ocean in the south, Arabian Sea in the west, Bay of Bengal in the east, and Himalayan Range in the north. Countries whose borders India shares are Nepal and China in the north, Pakistan in the west, and Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east.
  India has a total area of 3,287,263 square kms and falls into three major geological regions. The great arc of the Himalaya encloses the North. Along their Southern flank lie the alluvial plains of the Ganges, and to the South again is the peninsula, separated by the 30 km wide shallows known as Adam`s Bridge. IN contrast, the island chains OF the Lakshadweep AND the Minicoy OFF the Western coast OF India, AND the Maldives TO the South West AND coral atolls, formed ON three submarine ridges under the Arabian Sea

What are the major tourist destinations of India?
It is difficult to say, which tourist destination is the most popular in India. Every important tourist destination in India gives the tourists something different to look for. Still there are some destinations in India that are undoubtedly more popular than the others. We are providing you with an illustrative list of the most popular tourist destinations in India, however there are many more that may be equally popular among certain segments of tourists...

• Agra
• Jaipur
• Delhi
• Goa
• Kerala
• Rajasthan
• Khajuraho
• Varanasi
• Ladakh
• Himachal Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Tamilnadu
• Konarak-Puri
• Kanha-Bandhavgarh
• Aurangabad
• Sikkim

How can I reach India, if I am residing outside India?
Entry to India by AirIndia is well connected to almost all the countries in the world through air network. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata (Calcutta), Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Cochin), Hyderabad and Goa (for charter flights) are the International gateways for India from where most of the flight take off takes place. Out of these airports, Delhi and Mumbai are the most preferred gateways as they are near to famous tourist destinations like Agra, Rajasthan, and Goa. Major international airlines flying to India are Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Air France, Emirates, SAS, Austrian Airlines, Al Italia, Air India, Indian Airlines (for neighbouring countries and Middle East), Virgin Atlantic, Continental, Delta, NorthWest Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan, KLM, Aeroflot, Lot Polish, Thai Airways, Qantas, Oman Air, Turkish, Kuwait Airways, Druk Air etc. VALID VISA IS REQUIRED BY ALL FOREIGN NATIONALS TRAVEELING INTO INDIA. Entry to India by RoadIndia can be also entered through certain road entry points from Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These entry points are beneficial especially when one is moving from India to Nepal and Nepal to India.

What about the climate of India? When can I visit India?
India has a tropical climate. Summers, April to early June, are quite hot in India, except the hills where tourists head for the cool climes of the Himalayas and other hill ranges across the country. ( Plains: day 38-42 deg cel, night 25-30 deg cel, Hills: 10-15 deg lower)

Monsoon, mid- June to late-August, brings with it a lot of south westerly rain in most parts of the country. However, the eastern coastline of Tamilnadu, the rain shadow regions of Himachal Pradesh & Ladakh (eastern J&K) are dry in this season and can be explored.

Winters, November to February is quite cold in entire Northern India, but milder in the Southern Peninsula. This is regarded as the best season to travel in across the country.

There are large climatic variations in India due to its size and difference in the altitude and nearness to sea of the places. While some parts of Himalayas are quite enjoyable during the summers, North India reels under the blazing sun. In fact, India is a destination for every season. Himalayan ranges in the summers, North India in the winter, and Southern Peninsula throughout the year.

Is India a safe place to travel for a single traveller?

India is perhaps the safest places on earth to travel in if simple norms are followed. These generally are: Respecting local people & culture, Dressing appropriately without too much of skin show, Avoiding Public Display of affection (kissing etc), Avoid Smoking/Drinking at religious places, Refrain from Photo/Videography of Women, Reciprocating Greetings with a "Namasteh" or "Dhanyavaad" (thankyou), Avoid venturing too late at nights in remote places are simple common sense ways to make your travel safe & happy inside India & the Indian Sub-Continent.

How much ahead should i plan my vacation?
By enquiring with Moving Clouds, you would be letting a premium outfit, that runs client specific tours, organise your travel into India. Therefore, it always helps to mutually plan well ahead to get hotels, accompanying concierge & travel reservations/airlines as desired. It also gives us more time to know about your profile, so as to plan the itinerary wisely in terms of locations of interest & pace, and match them well. We recommend you get in ‘first touch’ with us 3-4 months before you are likely to enter India.

India is not a country, she's an experience - Ruskin Bond

Girish Deshpande
Vacation Scientist

Learn to Travel. Travel to Learn.

Vacations & Breaks with MOVING CLOUDS……. you’ll love ‘em !!

Change The Way You Travel !

Bored of the routine group tours? Bored of being herded during travel? Bored of 'tick mark' tourism? Bored of seeing the run-of-the-mill destinations? Bored of the same itineraries? ...
Wanna try a fresh brew? Try MOVING CLOUDS- Designer Inbound Tours. Specialists for the Independent Traveller into India & Bhutan.

Promoters Profile?
Girish, a Mechanical Engineer with an MBA in Logistics, both from nationally ranked schools, has over 20 years’ multi faceted experience of which 12 years have been in the corporate sector. Having held staff positions in multinationals such as Saint Gobain, & Krupp, Germany, he followed his heart to make his passion a profession. Well traveled into the heartlands of the Indian region, Girish has ventured into this sunrise industry of Inbound Tourism. Thus was born, MOVING CLOUDS…..a Premium Designer Travel Outfit showcasing India & Bhutan to the discerning traveler.
Mission Statement: “Each Travel Need Is Unique & Must Therefore Be Respected & Addressed Accordingly.”

How?

• Customized Itineraries for every guest/group
• No ‘herding’ of people/groups
• Unusual Destinations & Innovative Itineraries
• Personalized travel experience
• Option of Accompanying India Knowledge Base (as escort) for better “Bang for your Buck!”
  
  The Team:
  
  Since the outfit is a premium one, it is currently run by the promoter himself with the help of supporting office staff. This way, top drawer & extremely personalized services are rendered to the guests. We are grateful to our guests to publicize us thru ‘whispering-in-my-friends-ear’ route. We DONOT have a full fledged website, but Girish loves to share some experieces on the blogspot. This enables us to deliver focused results. The INDIAN REGION is your canvas.
  
  SOJOURNS UNDERTAKEN BY US:
  
  Textile Tours to villages around Hyderabad (A.P.), Bhuj (Gujarat), Indore (M.P.) and Hospet (Karnataka), all-important centres for hand-woven & hand blockprinted fabrics. Witness the making of tie-dye ikkat, mangalgiri, batik, bandhani, chain stitch work, maheshwari, bagh, and kalamkari prints & weaves! Exquisite hand embroidered home furnishings, accessories and apparel by the lambadi (nomads) community! Visits to historical locales in & around here, simple home stays at artisans village.
  
  Heritage Tours to Bijapur, Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, for those with a penchant for architecture & medieval history. Tours to Shravanbelagola, Belur & Halebid, Central-East Tamilnadu (Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, Kancheepuram, Aurobindo ashram & Auroville, Gangaikondacholapuram, Tanjore, Mangroves of Pitchavaram, Nataraja at Chidambaram, Brass Iconography at Swamimalai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Madurai) to witness architecture of the Chola / Pallava / Pandya Dynasty, Bastar, Kawardah, Kutch-Bhuj, Khajurao, Pachmarhi, Entire Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Agra, Amritsar (Golden Temple), Leh/Ladakh, Ancient caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sikkim ( Rumtek Monastery)… Other TOP Heritage sites ALL OVER India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka!
  
  Adventure Sports Tours : Dandeli, Devbagh & Coorg (Karnataka), Sikkim, for river rafting, sea & river kayaking, jungle biking, snorkeling, para-sailing, para-gliding, banana boating, canyoning, jungle treks, camping, and more ! Experts will conduct aqua sports with top emphasis on safety & with imported equipment. Angling on river Cauvery, see exotic wildlife, orchids, stay in eco tents/loghuts, great food & drink …. lots more……!
  
  Comfortable & Luxurious Treks all over Himalayas in India ( Himachal (Chamba & Kangra Valleys), Uttaranchal (Kumaon & Garhwal regions), Sikkim, Leh-Ladakh, Bhutan & Nepal (Annapurna, Everest Base, Gokyo, Makalu base) of any desired duration. All treks with services of porters, cook, guide, helpers, ponies…great food, good camping equipment, medical backup facilities, fantastic campsites….unforgettable experiences and views! Therapeutic breaks in Spas….
  
  Exotic Kerala, Andamans & Lakshadweep: Heady mix of Wildlife, Best of Tea gardens, Premium Line Houseboat stays, Home stays, Heritage Hotels, Backwater cruises, Beaches, Ayurveda Wellness Breaks, Snake boat races, Heritage farm house visits…..Bangaram islands in Lakshadweep….corals, dolphins, glass bottom boat rides, snorkeling…. PREMIUM BUDGETS !
  
  Coast & Hills of Karnataka takes you to Coorg, Dandeli, B.R. Hills, Devbagh, Maravanthe, Bhatkal, Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Honnavar, Jog falls. ….also Coastal Maharashtra Kashid, Harnai Murud, Ganapatipule, Harihareshwar, Sindhudurg, Vengurla, Tarkarli .. & GOA ( All beaches of North & South Goa) & ‘more-than-just-beaches’ tour of this small & enchanting state. Premium Budget options.
  
  High Altitude Desert Safaris: Excellent options to drive into the stunning & stark landscapes of Lahaul, Spiti, Sangla, Kinnaur & Pin valley in H.P., Ladakh, Zanskar & Indus regions where civilizations once thrived, Drive to the Highest Motorable road in the World at Khardungla Pass (18350ft!), Ancient Monasteries, Interact, stay & attend prayer sessions with Tibetan Buddhist Monks, Stunning Lakes…..& all over Kumaon & Garhwal. Excellent places for night stays in apple, apricot & walnut orchards! Lip smacking cuisine ( Indian, Continental, Local) & local drinks too!
  
  Routes in Tibet ex-Kathmandu to Kailash-Manasarovar( drive in drive out), Lhasa / Shigatse (fly in fly out), Travel in Nepal combining rafting, trekking, wild life, camping and mountain biking, besides site seeing!
  
  Wildlife Parks of India/Nepal: The VERY BEST of wildlife & birdlife in India is assured with us. Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Jim Corbett, Kanha, Rann of Kutch, Periyar/Thekkady, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Nagarhole, Sasan Gir, B.R. Hills, Royal Chitwan ( Nepal), Kaziranga…..many more. Guaranteed TIGER sighting! Tribal village visits….
  
  Emerald Island Srilanka: Heritage Destinations, Nature Tours, Water Sport Breaks, Wildlife…..Top Rated Hotel stays, A/c inland travel ……Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Arugam Bay, Yala West, Bentota…..
  
  Mystic Bhutan: Festivals & Cultural Exploration, Trekking & Nature Walks. Thimpu, Paro, Bumthang Region, Jomolahari Treks, Punakha, Probjikha Valley, Thousand Lakes Trek, Snowman's Trek, Drive Arounds, Local Life Experience……
  
  Spiritual Sojourns: 7-city tour (corresponding to the chakras in the human body). Alongwith taking you to the travel destinations of your choice, to your suggested itinerary, we could also combine the experience with sessions of yoga, pranayam, meditation, mind control, philosophy to give a divine edge to your travel. A holistic journey of inner search & outer exploration.
  
  CURRENT CLIENT PROFILE:


• U.S, EUROPEAN Premium Travellers


• NRI’s


• HNW (High Net Worth) & discerning INDIAN families
  
  Tour Costs:
  Typically tours begin at USD 150 per couple/day (CPAI) and go up with addition to amenities & conveniences such as inland travel, surface transfers, upgrade in accommodation etc. We charge 15% of the total tour cost as Professional Fees for comprehensive itinerary planning, execution & control of escorted or un-escorted tours. Payments are received thru banks. Currency SWIFT codes are provided for wire transfer.
  
  Tours undertaken till date on escorted basis:(Illustrative)
  


• Ladakh Trans-Himalayan (with Vaishnodevi & Gloden temple)


• Textile tour / Heritage / Bird watching in Kutch-Bhuj


• Textile tour to Orissa / Bastar / Andhra Pradesh


• Ladies tour to Tamilnadu (Kancheepuram/Pondicherry)


• Comprehensive Goa


• Bandhavgarh-Kanha wildlife parks


• Aurangabad Cave Tour (Ajanta & Ellora)


• Comprehensive Kerala


• Madhya Pradesh/ Uttar Pradesh (Sanchi-Khajuraho-Lucknow-Benaras)


• Comprehensive Rajasthan (incl. Golden Triangle)


• Hi-Alt treks in Nepal, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh


• Drive Arounds in Himachal (Lahaul-Spiti-Kinnaur valleys)


• Nagarhole wildlife park-Mysore/ Nilgiri Trek


• Adventure Sports Tours (river rafting/canyoning/kayaking/junglewalks)


• Spiritual Sojourn cum Adventure Sports for teenagers from the Art of Living foundation, UAE.


• Kolkata-Shantiniketan-Sunderban National Park (W. Bengal)

Group Size: From 1 to 40 pax.

OUR FORTE ? Designer Tours for the Free Independent Traveller/s & Family Tours.

Programs arranged on platforms of:
Organize & Handover (Unescorted)
or as
Accompanying India Knowledge Base (Escorted)

You may therefore consider us “Architects to your Travel Plans" !

See FAQ's, Guest Comments, Suggested India Itineraries etc in blog pages...

Address & Contacts:

MOVING CLOUDS, 1 MANGAL GAURAV, 80/2 BANER RESIDENCY, NR. SKODA SHOWROOM, OPP. ABHIMANSHREE SOCIETY, PUNE 411007

TEL: +91 20 25661844, FAX: 25661854
HANDFONE: 09822012878
Email: movingcloudstours@gmail.com
Blog: http://movingcloudstours.blogspot.com