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10 Kedarnath Yatra Travel Tips for 2022

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Travel tips for kedarnath yatra

Kedarnath is a Hindu holy town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is ‌in the Himalayas and is one of the Char Dhams. Kedarnath yatra is ‌at an astounding altitude of 3,584 meters above sea level, close to the Mandakini River. The Kedarnath temple is surrounded by the snow-capped Garhwal Himalayas and is visited annually by thousands of people. Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Since the shrines are at high altitudes, you must keep in mind certain things to make your trip comfortable. Check them below.

Kedarnath Yatra Tips To Make Your Yatra Comfortable

Before starting the trek to Kedarnath, visitors should be aware of a few things. Here are some crucial suggestions: things you must do or stay away from visiting Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

1. Register for Yatra 

On Badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in, any devotees wishing to visit the Kedarnath Dham Temple may register. Further, d devotees may register themselves on the webpage for the Worship or Aarti in addition to visiting and darshan. 

After completing the registration, you will receive an e-pass that you must present to the temple along with identification for the verification procedure. There is no offline registration process for the Kedarnath yatra; thus, all registration must be done online.

2. Pick an Appropriate Timing

Before beginning the Yatra, it is essential to determine the best dates to visit the sites. The yearly Yatra typically commences from April-May and concludes in October-November. September is traditionally the peak season for the Yatra, and September is the ideal month for the Yatra by helicopter or road. During the monsoons, when landslides and floods are most frequent, the route connecting to the temple becomes very risky. Hence avoid the monsoon period from June till August.

3. Hire a Tour Operator

Employing a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator is preferable to organizing a trip alone. It will benefit you in gaining access to the most incredible services from arrival until departure. 

With LIH Travels, you can book your Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter if you don’t prefer to do the long 16-kilometer trek to reach Kedarnath Dham. From premium amenities, excellent accommodations, and convenient Yatra, LIH Travels can make all the necessary arrangements. 

4. Check the Agency Reviews

Check the reviews and comments before considering a tour operator or other stay. Further, match the services you need with the tour operator’s services, such as transportation, meals, and hotel rooms.

5. Avoid Carrying Extra Luggage

Make sure to pack your baggage with the stuff you need to avoid dragging hefty luggage. Be careful not to take any priceless stuff, since you must leave your bags at your accommodation. Whether you go to Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter or road, carrying more stuff would not be easy.

6. Carry Wollon Clothing

It’s important to pack enough comfy wool clothing for the Kedarnath Yatra. It is hard to live at a high altitude without proper warm clothing. Although if you want to travel during the summer, be sure to include some lightweight winter clothing. Additionally, have a  windcheater, woolen socks, monkey hats, and a scarf to protect yourself from the chilly winds. You will be able to survive the cold brought on by the wind in the high Himalayan area by using woolen clothing.

7. Take A Health Checkup Before Leave

Ensure that you are physically strong for the Yatra. Further, consult a physician at least three months before your travel. The trek might not be appropriate for you if you have hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular illness.

8. Start Practicing Yoga before One Month of Yoga

If you are not used to walking long distances, you should begin practicing before the expedition. Therefore, start preparing your physique for the journey by doing preparation activities well in advance. Furthermore, long-distance walking practice is essential for hikers. Additionally, consider doing Pranayam to help you adjust at high altitudes.

9. Carry All Essentials

Cold creams, moisturizing creams, and sunscreens are essential. Furthermore, a medical kit including painkillers, cough medicines, antiseptic lotions, muscle balms, and cold and fever pills is a must.  In addition, remember to bring your prescription medicines. Carry a battery-powered flashlight, additional batteries for your camera, and completely charged power banks. Additionally, take dark chocolate, dried fruits, and glucose for rapid energy as you may get exhausted while trekking.

10. Plan Your Journey with Others

Plan your Kedarnath Yatra with friends or family. The roads are extremely demanding, and you may confront obstacles. Therefore, support for your journey is important.

Kedarnath Yatra Cost

The cost of Kedarnath Yatra varies. For instance, hiring a cab compared to opting for public transportation is much cheaper. If you wish to do the Kedarnath Yatra only for darshan, you might choose helicopter services, which may raise your round-trip costs by approximately INR 10,000 per person. Further, if you wish to spend some days in the Kedarnath and discover the neighboring places, opt for the Kedarnath Yatra packages. Usually, companies can offer a package either from Dehardun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar for specified days. You will be able to appreciate the ethereal splendor surrounding Kedarnath and see the magnificent spectacle of the snow-covered mountain ranges. A tour guide and three meals each day are included in your Kedarnath Yatra package.

Final Say

These recommendations and tips will be useful if you go on the Chardham Yatra. Transportation and communication options are entirely up to you, and some may opt for helicopter services, while others may prefer road transportation. However, what matters is safety. Ensure you make accommodations and helicopter for the Kedarnath Yatra booking beforehand to avoid the last-minute hassle. So be safe and enjoy the Yatra.

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BUSINESS

Manish Taneja and Rahul Dash The Visionaries Behind Purplle’s Phenomenal Success in the Online Beauty Space

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Purplle Founders

The beauty industry in India has witnessed significant growth in recent years, and one company that has capitalized on this trend is Purplle. Founded in 2012 by Manish Taneja and Rahul Dash, Purplle has become a powerhouse in the online beauty space. With a presence in nearly every zip code in India, including remote regions like Leh Ladakh and the northeast, Purplle has achieved remarkable success. The company boasts annual revenues of Rs 1,200 crore and a valuation of $1.1 billion. Manish Taneja, an aspiring entrepreneur, pursued his education at IIT Delhi, where he studied electrical engineering. After graduating in 2007, he ventured into the world of financial services, working at prominent firms such as Avendus Capital and Fidelity Growth Partners India. During this time, he also attempted to launch a startup named Mindxcompany.com with a few co-founders. However, the venture faced challenges, and his co-founders couldn’t withstand the pressures of entrepreneurship.

Manish subsequently moved to Mumbai and continued working with Fidelity. In the evenings, he and his friend Rahul Dash engaged in discussions about their entrepreneurial aspirations. They were both determined to venture into the internet space, given the rapid growth of the internet in 2010-11. The inspiration for their entrepreneurial journey came from Manish’s hostel mates at IIT Delhi, including Binny Bansal and Pankaj Chadha, who had already achieved success in the internet sector. Manish recognized the enormous growth potential of the internet industry, with companies experiencing month-on-month growth rates that were unparalleled in other industries. This realization fueled his desire not to miss out on this transformative opportunity.

Manish and Rahul identified two internet categories with less competition: furniture and beauty. While they initially considered furniture, they ultimately chose to enter the beauty space due to its large market size and significant unmet consumer needs.

The Birth of Purplle:

Before diving headfirst into entrepreneurship, Manish and Rahul conducted extensive research. They visited various types of stores, including single-brand outlets, general stores, and multi-brand retailers, to gain insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics. With their research and data in hand, the duo launched Purplle, an online beauty platform that aimed to meet the diverse needs of consumers in India. Their journey began when they were both 27 years old, and they conducted meticulous surveys and primary due diligence before taking the plunge. Manish Taneja believes that competition primarily exists in the minds of founders and management teams, rather than in the minds of consumers. Consumers prioritize receiving the right products and services over the platform they use. To differentiate Purplle in the market, Manish and his team focused on understanding and serving the middle-class consumers of India.

Having grown up in tier two cities, the founders had an in-depth understanding of these consumers’ needs and preferences. Instead of merely selling existing products, Purplle ventured into creating its own brands and products, leveraging data-driven insights. This approach to differentiation has been instrumental in the company’s success. As Purplle continues its upward trajectory with a valuation of $1.1 billion and a robust presence in the Indian beauty market, the company has its sights set on further empowering its merchant base. Purplle aims to expand its lending capabilities beyond the existing limit of five lakhs.

Additionally, the company plans to assist merchants in acquiring new customers, particularly in the face of fierce competition from ecommerce giants. While Purplle acknowledges that new products will continually emerge, its commitment to innovation remains steadfast. Manish Taneja clarified that Purplle will pursue an IPO when it is genuinely ready. The core business must be profitable and sustainable before considering going public. While favorable market conditions can reward impressive growth even at a loss, the focus remains on building a sustainable business capable of weathering market fluctuations.

In conclusion, Manish Taneja and Rahul Dash have steered Purplle to remarkable success in the online beauty space. Their entrepreneurial journey is a testament to their vision, dedication, and ability to navigate challenges in a competitive market.

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Entrepreneurs

Ananth Narayanan Leading the Charge to Take Indian Brands Global with Mensa Brands

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Ananth Narayanan Founder Mensa Brands

In a country as vast as India, home to 1.35 billion people, there’s a noticeable gap in the fashion, beauty, and home brand landscape. Fewer than 30 brands have surpassed the $100 million valuation mark in these sectors, leaving a substantial untapped opportunity. It’s this gap that inspired Ananth Narayanan to establish Mensa Brands, a mission-driven endeavour to construct a global technology-driven portfolio of brands originating from India.

The Mensa Vision:

Mensa Brands was born from a recognition of several critical factors. First, there exists a significant void in branded fashion, beauty, and home products within the Indian market, where more than 80% of offerings remain unbranded. As India’s GDP continues to rise, the demand for meaningful and purposeful brands among consumers also grows. Secondly, the landscape of distribution and brand building has transformed dramatically. Platforms like Flipkart, Myntra, and Amazon have established a robust infrastructure that enables brands to reach over 26,000 pin codes in India within three days, all at a cost-effective price point.

The third factor Ananth identifies is that while India has long been known for its manufacturing capabilities, the country hasn’t successfully developed global brands. Ananth sees a unique opportunity to change this narrative over the next decade. He believes that by harnessing the critical mass and scale, Indian brands can transcend borders and become household names worldwide. Taking a brand global is no simple task, but Ananth contends that once growth-hacking tactics, such as those used by Amazon, are mastered, they can be applied anywhere in the world. Reviews and ratings garnered in India carry over to international markets, providing a solid foundation for global expansion.

An example Ananth offers is Karagiri, a saree brand that has expanded into the US market, where about 20% of sales originate from the Indian diaspora. While the audience targeting may differ, the fundamentals of growth hacking through platforms like Google and Facebook remain consistent. Logistics challenges are mitigated by established carriers like DHL and FedEx. Ananth shares valuable insights for budding direct-to-consumer (D2C) entrepreneurs. First and foremost, he emphasizes the paramount importance of customer satisfaction and positive reviews. No amount of optimization in areas like Amazon spending or SEO can compensate for poor ratings and reviews. Building genuine customer love for your brand is a cornerstone of success.

Secondly, he advises diversifying across multiple channels rather than relying solely on a single platform. Expanding beyond one channel enables healthier growth and provides entrepreneurs with more control over their outcomes. Lastly, Ananth underscores the significance of balancing D2C and offline presence. Offline retail can make a brand feel tangible and real to consumers, while D2C offers continuous consumer engagement. Striking the right balance between these approaches during the initial 18-24 months of scaling is crucial for sustainable growth.

In conclusion, Ananth Narayanan, with Mensa Brands, is at the forefront of a mission to transform Indian brands into global powerhouses. His vision, driven by a deep understanding of market dynamics and a passion for purposeful brands, promises to reshape the landscape of the fashion, beauty, and home sectors in India and beyond.

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LIFESTYLE

Aaradhya Khanna Spearheading Gem Selections into the Future of Gemstones and Astrology

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Aaradhya Khanna

Gemstones, long associated with healing and spiritual properties, have captivated cultures worldwide. In astrology, each planet aligns with a different gemstone, and many people believe in the energy and therapeutic benefits of these precious stones. Recognizing the immense potential of India’s gem and gemstone market, Pankaj Khanna founded Gem Selections in 1987. The legacy now continues with his son, Aaradhya Khanna, at the helm. Pankaj Khanna, the founder and managing director of Gem Selections, initially ventured into the world of gemstones as a sole proprietor. He purchased raw gemstones from mines through intermediaries, overseeing their transformation into exquisite, polished gems. These gemstones found their way into the collections of jewellers across the Indian subcontinent.

In 1997, Pankaj Khanna and his wife, Anu Khanna, expanded their operations by opening a wholesale and retail outlet for gemstones in Janakpuri, New Delhi. However, their journey was not just about commerce but also a deep belief in the healing properties of gemstones, stemming from Pankaj’s background as an acclaimed astrologer.

Direct Imports and Diverse Offerings:

One pivotal shift occurred in 1997 when Pankaj Khanna decided to import gemstones directly. Aaradhya Khanna, his son, explains that they shifted from procuring rough gemstones from Jaipur and Sri Lanka to importing stones directly from various countries. In 1999, they established a manufacturing unit in Khambat, Gujarat, for the export of finished gemstones. Gemstones exhibit three key properties: clarity, lustre, and colour, which determine their value. The industry is known for its lack of organization and price volatility. Aaradhya underscores the potential for India to extract gemstones like ruby more extensively but points to unfavourable policies and schemes as obstacles.

Diversified Offerings and Global Reach:

Today, Gem Selections is a multifaceted business, dealing in retail, wholesale, and export of gemstones, diamonds, jewellery, handicrafts, rudraksha (a seed traditionally used as a prayer bead), yantras (geometric symbols used in meditation), bullion, and related products. Their gemstone imports encompass yellow sapphires from Sri Lanka, blue sapphires from Africa, emeralds from Brazil, and many others, with prices ranging from Rs 7,000 to several crores.

The company’s impact extends across 324 dealers worldwide, achieving a remarkable turnover of Rs 107 crore without external funding. Their commitment to quality is evident in the certification of all gemstones and gemstone jewelry by government laboratories.

Gem Selections supplies over 400 astrologers and jewellers worldwide, offering “White Label Products” that buyers can market under their own brand names. Their presence extends to well-known brands like Times Internet Limited-Astrospeak, Rediff, Indiainfo, and Homeshop18. In 2018, Gem Selections introduced the Gem Selections app, Gem Selections Astro Dose, and Gem Selections LIVE, enhancing their customer engagement. They also ventured into the bullion business and collaborated with banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to offer gemstones on credit, filling a gap in the market.

Managing high-value products remotely and ensuring quality in gem pricing have been significant challenges. Aaradhya points out that maintaining an inventory of Rs 65 crore poses its own set of challenges, as it doesn’t factor into the annual turnover. Looking ahead, Gem Selections plans to expand its online presence, targeting over 10 million monthly visitors across all digital properties by the end of 2021. They also have ambitious retail expansion plans, aiming to establish 25 stores throughout India by 2025. The company is set to open stores in Le Meridian, New Delhi, in October and another in Ramada, Udaipur, in December.

Aaradhya Khanna’s journey continues his father’s legacy of bringing the healing and spiritual power of gemstones to a global audience while evolving the business into new horizons, blending tradition with technology for a brighter future.

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