Mansa Devi Panchkula , near Chandigarh

 In the summer holidays, we visited the Mansa Devi Temple, located in the picturesque area of Panchkula. It is about 12 km from Zirakpur and is a truly beautiful place. According to ancient beliefs, when Parvati Ji decided to sacrifice her life as Sati in the yajna, her head fell to earth where the Mansa Devi Temple now stands in Panchkula.

We booked an Uber and journeyed to the temple. There was not much rush, allowing us to have a peaceful and comfortable darshan. The temple offers langar 24 hours a day. The langar, considered prasad, is incredibly delicious, featuring a variety of dishes such as rice, maani (kari with pakoras), black chana, and sometimes halwa, and halwa kadu ki meethi sabji. The food is very tasty and is available round the clock. There is a spacious hall where people sit on the floor to enjoy their meal/prasad. Additionally, there are some chairs and tables for elderly people who cannot sit on the floor.

We attended the evening aarti, which was attended by many devotees. It had a captivating and uplifting atmosphere with positive vibes and a magnetic effect that dispelled negativity and instilled positivity in our minds. All the family members felt very happy and blessed, receiving the blessings of Almighty God for progress in the coming years.

Safar from Chandigarh to Hyderabad

 We had to travel to Hyderabad from Chandigarh. We reserved our railway tickets on the Shatabdi Express three months in advance, anticipating a smooth and comfortable journey. However, it turned out to be a roller coaster ride and a memorable adventure.

From our society, we booked a seven-seater uber cab – a spacious one – with ample legroom and enough space for all five family members: three teenagers and two adults. Each of us had a 15 kg suitcase, a handbag, and one extra, hefty food bag, bursting at the seams. If it had been a person, it would have been pitifully complaining.

We reached the railway station an hour early and waited in the bustling waiting hall. When the train arrived, we all hopped on. The train was scheduled to reach Delhi at 3:25 pm but was over an hour late, arriving at 4:30 pm. After that, we headed to the metro station.

All our luggage – five 15 kg suitcases, five 7 kg bags, two purses, and the heavy food bag – had to be scanned. There was a lot of hustle and bustle, with separate lines for males and females. We bought tickets to Aerocity, Delhi, for Rs. 50 each. Later, we learned we needed to take a shuttle for Rs. 40 each. We purchased the shuttle tickets and trudged to the bus stop with our heavy luggage.

On 28th May, the temperature in Delhi soared to a scorching 52.6 degrees Celsius. The situation was pathetic: only one shuttle bus was available, making round trips to the airport. We stood in the sweltering heat for about half an hour without any shade. Taxi drivers offered to take us for Rs. 100 per head, suggesting we return the bus tickets. It seemed like collusion between the cab drivers and the ticket seller, as it was a government-run shuttle service. Two other buses stood roadside, deemed out of order by the caretaker, leaving just one functioning bus. He suggested we take a taxi if we were in a hurry.

Just as we were losing hope, a bus finally arrived, bringing a sigh of relief. We boarded and reached the airport in 25 minutes. The ride was bumpy, and the driver initially struggled to start the bus.

After rushing through the security check, we finally relaxed upon boarding the plane. Upon reaching our destination, Hyderabad, we collected our luggage, exited the airport at 11:30 pm, booked an Uber, and headed home.

Thus, our long journey, starting at 8:30 am and ending at 1 am, was thrilling, memorable, and filled with incidents that added to our experience.

Exploring Sector 34 in Chandigarh

 Exploring Sector 34 in Chandigarh

Ram Chat Bhandar serves exceptionally delicious pani puri for just Rs 60, with seven tantalizing tastes of pani (water). All the flavors are delectable. Another type of chaat being sold there is Tikki, served traditionally in a rustic bowl made of leaves and topped with freshly grated carrots and radish. It features a generous spread of diverse varieties of chutneys.

Then there's another bustling outlet, Wah ji wah, where an array of different Chaap dishes are served. All are sumptuously vegetarian chaap, with crowds of people eagerly swarming around, eagerly seeking tables and chairs. Most of them are consistently filled, necessitating a potential wait for seating. I particularly enjoyed the WFC chaap. We then indulged in another fabulous chaap dish that was served with a choice of either tandoori roti or rumali roti. They accompany it with chutney and onions as sides. Different varieties of chutneys – including mayonnaise chutney, green-curd chutney, and zesty chilli sauce chutneys – are served to complement the dish. The rush is palpable, with people keen on spending their weekends in Sector 34, relishing every bite. Additionally, diverse clothing markets attract crowds seeking inexpensive and uniquely fashionable attire.

It's truly delightful to spend leisurely evenings on weekends with beloved family members and guests amidst such culinary delights.

Comparing Travel Options: Plane vs. Train

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard

Deciding between train and plane travel presents a choice between convenience and cost. While plane tickets can be pricey, booking in advance can mitigate expenses. Yet, in emergencies, the plane becomes a necessity.

Planned journeys offer comfort and ease, especially when flying from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, with a direct flight taking a mere 2 hours and 15 minutes. However, connecting flights may extend travel time to 5 to 10 hours. Advance booking reduces costs, but last-minute travel proves significantly more expensive.

Preparation is key for air travel. Utilizing digital boarding passes streamlines entry, while early arrival ensures smooth check-in. Flexible tickets offer added benefits, including onboard meals and schedule adjustments. However, excessive screen time detracts from the travel experience, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting during vacations.

Despite the added expense, airport amenities, such as lounges, enhance the journey. Yet, the financial burden of plane travel remains a concern, often requiring significant savings.

While train travel is an alternative, it comes with its own challenges. Lengthy journeys necessitate careful planning, especially with small children. Cleanliness and hygiene can be issues, particularly in lower-class compartments.

In the end, travel choices are influenced by financial stability and personal preferences. While everyone earns, the willingness to invest in comfort varies. Ultimately, the decision lies in balancing cost with convenience.