Latest news with #KinnaurKailashParikrama
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Anand Mahindra fell for India's ‘last village' in Himachal and you might too after seeing the viral photo
A single photograph recently mesmerized the internet, raising one simple question: is it art, AI, or nature? Industrialist answered that question by sharing a stunning image of Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border in Himachal Pradesh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Captured by photographer Divya L Chaitanya, the image looks almost unreal — showcasing the turquoise Baspa River snaking between snow-capped peaks under a crystal-clear sky. Mahindra's post went viral within hours, stirring emotions, admiration, and awe across platforms. But beyond the visual magic lies a real village rooted in sustainability, natural beauty, and rich Himalayan culture. Anand Mahindra captures Chitkul's magic in viral photo that looks too perfect to be real The viral image features a panoramic view of Chitkul, where the Baspa River glistens like liquid emerald against a backdrop of towering Himalayan ranges. Wooden houses dot the landscape while snow-covered peaks stand sentinel in the distance. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), Anand Mahindra captioned the photo: "Nature's brush or digital magic? But the image is raw and untouched… reminding us that NO artist can outpaint nature's canvas." The photo sparked thousands of reactions, with viewers questioning whether it was a hyper-real painting or a digitally enhanced render. Where is Chitkul and why is it so special Chitkul, located at an altitude of 3,450 meters, is the last Indian village on the Indo-Tibetan road in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Accessible only during specific months due to snow and weather conditions, the village represents the frontier of human settlement. What sets Chitkul apart is not just its remoteness but its breathtaking setting—surrounded by alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. The village is sparsely populated, retaining a sense of untouched serenity rarely found in more commercialized hill stations. Sustainability in the mountains: Chitkul's green model for tourism Beyond its scenic allure, Chitkul is a model of eco-conscious living. According to the Incredible India tourism board, the local community actively: Practices organic farming with little to no chemical use Engages in reforestation to combat soil erosion and preserve native tree species Encourages the use of eco-friendly alternatives over plastic Promotes responsible tourism to ensure the environment remains undisturbed These practices have helped maintain Chitkul's pristine environment even as tourism gradually increases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chitkul as a spiritual and adventure destination For trekkers and spiritual seekers, Chitkul is a gateway to one of the Himalayas' most revered routes — the Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama. This sacred pilgrimage encircles the Kinnaur Kailash peak and is believed to be deeply connected to Lord Shiva. The trek attracts both seasoned mountaineers and religious devotees, offering a mix of spiritual fulfillment and physical endurance. Visitors also engage in shorter hikes through apple orchards, riverside paths, and nearby meadows rich in Himalayan flora and fauna. How to reach Chitkul : Travel essentials Reaching Chitkul is an adventure in itself. Here's a quick guide: By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh. By Train: Chandigarh and Kalka are the most accessible railheads. By Road: From Chandigarh or Delhi, one must travel to Shimla, then onward to Reckong Peo via Sangla Valley. By Bus: HRTC buses from Delhi and Chandigarh go to Reckong Peo, from where taxis or local buses take you to Chitkul. The final leg of the journey is scenic but challenging, often through winding, narrow mountain roads. Source: Incredible India Chitkul's viral photo ignites online praise and calls for nature conservation Once Mahindra's post went live, netizens across platforms couldn't stop praising the surreal beauty of the image. Many shared their own travel experiences, affirming that no photograph can truly capture the tranquility of Chitkul in person. Others remarked how no filter or digital manipulation could compete with nature's raw splendor. Photographers praised the composition and lighting, while nature lovers emphasized how such places reinforce the need for conservation and mindful tourism. Also Read |
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Anand Mahindra's new obsession? He is in love with India's 'last village' which is in Himachal Pradesh. Guess the place
Is it a painting? A digital render? Or just an untouched marvel of nature? According to industrialist Anand Mahindra , it's the last one — and he's not the only one stunned. The business tycoon recently shared a breathtaking image of the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border in Himachal Pradesh, captured by photographer Divya L Chaitanya. The 'mesmerising' photo has sent the internet into a frenzy. Can you guess the place? Anand Mahindra shared the photo of Chitkul. With its turquoise Baspa River snaking through snow-capped peaks, the shot looked almost too perfect to be real. 'Nature's brush or digital magic?' Mahindra mused on X. 'But the image is raw and untouched… reminding us that NO artist can outpaint nature's canvas.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science healthcare Cybersecurity Data Science Healthcare Design Thinking Technology PGDM MBA Public Policy Project Management MCA Degree Product Management Others Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics Operations Management CXO others Digital Marketing Finance Management Leadership Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details — anandmahindra (@anandmahindra) But what exactly makes Chitkul so magical? Tucked away at 3,450 meters above sea level, Chitkul is more than just scenic — it's a blend of raw natural beauty, cultural richness, and ecological mindfulness. The Baspa River, which features prominently in the viral photo, winds gracefully through the village, feeding its terraced fields that grow everything from apples to barley. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges, the area boasts crisp mountain air, alpine meadows, and a thriving array of flora and fauna that reflect the region's rich biodiversity. According to Incredible India's official page, Chitkul is deeply committed to sustainability. Locals actively engage in reforestation, plant native trees to protect biodiversity, and promote organic farming with minimal pesticide use. Plastic is shunned, and eco-friendly alternatives are encouraged to protect the pristine environment. For adventurers, Chitkul is a gateway to challenges and rewards. The Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama trek — a sacred circumnavigation of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain — draws spiritual trekkers and mountaineers alike. Internet reacts The photo from Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district quickly went viral, drawing a wave of admiration across social media. Many users shared how the striking turquoise river set against snow-covered peaks left a lasting impression during their visits. Others commented on how, while technology can mimic the look of nature, it can't capture its essence. Across the board, viewers agreed that pictures alone fall short of conveying the real-life serenity and breathtaking beauty of Chitkul.
