Rafting River Nepal

Rafting River of Nepal

Karnali River in the "wild west" (11 days)

The river lies on the far west from Kathmandu. The rafters run through narrow gorges having challenging rapids. The biggest river in Far West Nepal, starting and ending at Kathmandu, 3 to +4 graded Moderate River.

The Karnali, Nepal's mightiest river, descends through the Himalayas in the series of magnificent gorges. It drains most of the far west of Nepal. It is called "Wild West". The area it flows through is wild and unspoiled with some of the pristine jungle scenery in Nepal and abundant wildlife. The Karnali is a gem, combining lowland trek.

Exceptional big volume rafting through tropical jungle deserted beaches and small villages. The rapids are also petty wilds, with the river building to its climax in these lower canyons in a matter of hours, as the river rises the difficulty increase exponentially.

Distance: 210 km Aprox.

Sun Koshi (8-10 days)

Sunkoshi rafting starts from Baseri (dolalghat) and end at Chatara, requiring 08 to 09 days. Baseri is 3 hours drive from Kathmandu to the east. Among many advantages of a long river trip, one is a pleasant diversity of things within a short span of time with a chance to see 250 different species of orchids and 400 species of birds available around the basin. 4-5 graded Wild River in east Nepal. Challenging one. Tour not recommended in the months February to April.
The warm water of Sun Koshi surges for 270 kms, there are dozens of adrenaline pumping big rapids and miles of calm water to reflect on this beautiful area with scenery. There is not any road and town between starting and ending point. Sun Koshi means "River of gold" perhaps named after the gold, that is found from the river gravel or alternatively it refers to the orange color of the water in the monsoon when it is thick with flood.

Marshyangdi River (5 days)

5 days tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara. 4+ graded river in Middle West Nepal for steep blows expedition. Narrow and a rocky river, it is a four days run through uninterrupted water, which lies to the western part of Nepal.

"Steep and challenging" Marshyangdi means "Raging River" in the local dialect and this aptly describes one of the best white water running in the world through continuous, exhilarating white water and Great Mountain scenery. We trek through charming Gurung village and arid valley for one day to reach Ngadi. Where we put in. Few rivers rival this for exhilarating white water and sustained sections of steep technical rafting test our teamwork. Rapids are steep, technical and consecutive making Marshyangdi a serious undertaking.

Distance: 50 Km. Aprox.

Bhote Koshi (2 days)

Bhote Koshi lies to the east of Kathmandu where the rafters experience rafting through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders. 2 days tour from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. One of the wildest rafting river, Steep blows. Starting near from the Nepal-Tibet border.

A beautiful mountain river, Nepal's shortest and wild river for your limited time or desire of white water running. A few hours drive from Kathmandu offers a relaxed day rafting.

Bhote Koshi means "river from Tibet". This river offers quite a lot of steep, technical and challenging sections.

Distance: 17 Km. Aprox.


Kaligandaki (3 days)

Starting and ending at Pokhara, west Nepal. 3-5 hours rafting every day. 4 graded river. Classic and moderate rafting tour.

Nepal's medium length river trip, turbulent rapids, slow drifting, white water, world's deepest gorges, rich wildlife, historical and feeling of remoteness.

River of Kali rises in Mustang, an enclave of Nepal poking in to Tibet on the other side of Himalaya. Then flows between world's deepest gorge and in an arid open valley. Where drifting through technical, challenging streams.

Distance: 43 Kms. (Approximately)
Starting place: Nayapul
Ending place: Mirmi


Trisuli (1-2 days)

It is one of the most popular rivers for the rafters having easy access by road along its major part. It runs between Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is about 3 hours drive to the west from Kathmandu where the rafting can be easily managed to end at a place where a wildlife tour begins in Chitwan. Over 250 species of birds are found around the river. The river flows through grain fields and villages to the surrounding hills. 1-2 days tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara or Chitwan. Normal graded river. Easiest organizing one. Ending near Royal Chitwan National Park.

A river, which is most popular with impressive gorges, exciting rapids some easier sections and easily accessible from Kathmandu. Recommended for intermediate rafter and those who have limited time and would like to have a family trip.


Seti (2 days)

2 days tour. Starting from Kathmandu or Pokhara and ending at Chitwan. Normal graded river good for beginners. Less crowded by tourists.
The seti is an excellent 2 days trip in an isolated area. Where beautiful jungle, plenty of easy rapids and fantastic Himalayan scenery. The river is an excellent for beginners, intermediate, learners and family trips.

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About Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park Karnataka

Nagarahole (check spelling please) is derived from the combination of two Kannada words-'nagar' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams and true to its name a number of streams snake through its rich tropical forests.

Nagarahole is situated in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in southern Karnataka. The Nagarahole National Park was first set up in 1955. In 1975 its area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve.

Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, the terrain of this Park is gently undulating with lush green vegetation, swamps and numerous water resources, rendering it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

The Wild Population :

The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin.

Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards are also found here. Among the 250 bird species found here, the prominent ones are the common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie.

Nagarhole is worth visiting at the height of the dry season, when wild animals can be spotted in large numbers near sources of water.


Viewing The Wild :

At Nagarhole, there are excellent facilities for viewing wildlife and large groups of gaur, elephant, sambar, chital and even the occasional tiger or leopard are seen. Vehicles and guides are available to take you around the Nagarhole National Park.

If this natural heaven awakens the 'spirit of adventure' in you then consider heading for the Brahmagiri Mountains-an inviting destination for those who wish to go trekking. Prior permission is required from the authorities before embarking on a trekking trail

How to get there ?

Air - Bangalore (220 kms) is the nearesrtnearest airport.

Rail - Mysore 80 kms away is the nearest railhead.

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Dandeli Kali Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka

Dandeli Kali Wildlife Sanctuary

Far from the din of the city, lies the calm and peaceful Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka.

Nestling some very rare animal and birds is an unspoilt, untouched and unexplored treasure of wildlife. Where you can race with the wind, trek down nature trails.

Hearken to the whisper in the air and see wonder in every tree in the awesome forest. Sight crocodiles basking in the sun and flocks of beautiful waterbirds as you float down the river Kali in a coracle.

Witness the miracle of a butterfly, a giant spider 's web or a blade of grass, each of which is an inscription of hope.

The Wild Population :

Sloth Bear, Bush Grail, Deer, Elephant, Sambar, Tiger, Gaur, Panther and Partridge are some of the many inhabitants of the sanctuary.


Enjoying The Wild :

The sanctuary offers wildlife safaris in jeeps nature walks, bird watching, crocodile sighting trips, fishing, coracle boat rides, trekking in the jungles of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Hampi Karnataka India

About Hampi Cities of Karnataka

Virupaksha Temple - HampiHampi, the land of surprises was founded in the middle of 14th Century by two local princes, Hakka & Bukka. The Vijayanagar Empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a show piece of imperial magnificence. Vijayanagara is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it... " So eulogized Abdul Razaq, a Muslim envoy who visited Hampi.

The city was sacked pillaged and burnt in 1565 AD, after the combined attack of armies of Muslim Sultanates of the Deccan defeated the Vijayanagar Military Commander and the King fled the Capital. Rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra River, which flows through this rugged landscape, dominate the terrain. One can still glimpse the splendour of Vijayanagara - one of the largest empires in the history of India - in its ruins. The Vijayanagar Kings were great patrons of Art & Architecture as evident by the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins, which are spread over an area of 26 sq kms.

Prime Attractions :

Virupaksha Temple - The Virupaksha Temple at the western end is one of the earliest structures in the city. The main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Vishnu. Overlooking Virupaksha temple to the South, Hemakuta hill has a scattering of early ruins including Jain temples and a monolithic structure of Narasimha.

Ugra Narasimha - Nearby is the 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha. The gigantic image is situated in the south of the Hemkuta group of temples that includes the Virupaksha Temple. The Narasimha is a seated four-armed figure under a canopy of a seven-hooded snake.

Vithala Temple - To the east of Hampi Bazaar is the Vithala temple, about 2 kms away. The ruins of the temple is a World Heritage monument. It is in a relatively good state of preservation. The temples incredible sculptural work is a pinnacle of Vijayanagar Art. The outer pillars are known as the 'Musical Pillars' as they reverberate when tapped, although this practice is now discouraged to avoid further damage. The temple also features an ornate stone chariot in the temple courtyard containing an image of Garuda.

Lotus Mahal - HampiShivalinga - The gigantic Shivalinga is located next to the Narasimha figure. It is 3 m high and stands permanently in water that comes through an ancient channel.

Lotus Mahal - This graceful two-storeyed pavilion is located in the 'zenana' enclosure. The palace is delightful synthesis of the Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture.

Virupaksha Bazaar - 32 m wide and 728 m long, this street that runs between the Virupaksha Temple and the foot of the Matanga Hill is the longest street laid out by the Vijaynagara kings.

Queen's Bath - Situated in the citadel area, south of the Hazaara Rama Temple the Queen's Bath is a large square structure, remarkable for the contrast between its plain exterior and the very ornate interior. The bath is 15-m square and 1.8 m deep and is surrounded by delicately decorated arched corridors and projecting balconies.

Singaradu Hebbagilu - Located behind the elephant stables, this is one of the oldest and most massive of the gateways in the capital city. The gate called 'Singara Hebbagilu' or the beautiful door according to an inscription that has been discovered near it, was the main entrance to the city.

Hazara Rama Temple - The temple built within rectangular complex lies at the heart of the royal centre. Dating from the early 15th century, the hall of the Hazara Rama Temple has finely carved basalt pillars depicting the incarnations of Shri Vishnu. Around the exterior walls of the hall are three rows of sculptures illustrating the main events from the Ramayana.

Achuta Raya Temple - The Tirvengalanatha temple, which was built during reign of Achuta Deva Raya, is better known by the name of ruler. The temple within are in ruins, but some erotic sculptures can be seen in the columns inside the open halls near the main gateway.

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Badami Karnataka India

About Badami Cities of Karnataka

The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill.

The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.

Also a must are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.


Prime Attractions :

Archaeological Museum - Nearby is the museum set up by the archaeological survey of India. It houses superb examples of local sculptures, including the remarkable Lajja-Gauri images of fertility cult, which flourished in the era. A visit to the museum is sure to be a rewarding experience.

Jain Temple - A little east of the shrine, on top of this cliff is a Jain temple. Here one can find many Jain temples and a huge figure of Parswanatha.

Nataraja - The first cave temple, past Shiva's doorkeepers. Here one can see the eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses.

Vishnu - The largest and the most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu pantheon, such as Narasimha, the half-man-half-god lion incarnation of Vishnu, Harihara, the composite god who is half Shiva and half Vishnu and Vishnu, Narayana sitting as well as reclining on the snake 'Shesh' or 'Anantha' (eternity). There are also some paintings on the ceiling and wonderful bracket figures on the piers.

Cave Temple - Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanatha temples that lend their name to the lake just beneath the cave temples.

Cave Temple - BadamiLake - A dip in the tranquil waters of this lake is said to cure leprosy as the water of the lake is said to have healing properties.


How to get there ?

Air - The nearest airport is Belgaum (150 kms).

Rail - Badami is on the Hubli - Sholapur rail route.

Road - Badami is connected by road to: Hubli (128 kms) Bijapur (132 kms.)

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Golden Palms Spa Resort Hotel Bangalore

Golden Palms Spa Resort - Hotel in Bangalore

Golden Palms Spa and Resort offers the traveller to Bangalore hospitality in the highest traditions of India. A welcome as warm as this ancient land will enfold you as soon as you step through the doors of Golden Palms Spa and Resort. At Golden Palms Spa and Resort be prepared for themed suites, superb banqueting and conference facilities that reflect the majesty of India's kingdoms of old, conferences and meetings can now be held in a world of sumptuous luxury once enjoyed solely by Maharajas, Moghuls and Viceroys.

Access In the outskirts of Bangalore
Rooms 152 Rooms
Room Facilities individually controlled air conditioning, In-room safe, Color television with satellite programs, direct dial telephone with PC data port, Mini-bar, Coffee and tea making facilities, Shaver outlet in bathroom at 220 volts, Luxuriously fitted bathroom with shower stall, Fire protection - sprinkler and smoke detector and room for wheelchair access
Cuisine Multi-cuisine
Facilities Meeting, conference and banqueting facilities, outdoor swimming pool, clay surface tennis courts, squash courts, jogging track, snooker, billiards, American pool tables, Children's Nursery / Playroom
Services baby-sitting, attendants
Golden Palms Spa and Resort has been designed in the Mediterranean style. The resort offers 132 well-appointed Deluxe and Superior rooms, which feature a large balcony or terrace with garden views. The resort has generously sized rooms that are replete with several modern facilities. The guests at Golden Palms Spa and Resort can choose from six superb food and beverage outlets, including three restaurants offering scrumptious local and exotic cuisine in addition to two bars and a café for refreshment and relaxation

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History of Bangalore India

History of Bangalore

Bangalore, India's Silicon Valley and the country's pub capital, along with aerospace research, biotechnology and dozens of premier education institutions attract people from all over India and from abroad to look for endless opportunities in business and higher education making it cosmopolitan in nature. But very few actually know much about the fascinating history of this pleasant and beautiful city.
Bangalore Vidhana Sabha There are many versions of how the name Bangalore has come up. Legend has it that a prosperous King of the 11th Century, Veera Ballala the 2nd, was on a expedition when he lost his way in the thick forest. After a long and tiring search for some habitation, the hungry King came across an isolated hut. He knocked on the door and was warmly welcomed by a poor woman. The woman had nothing to offer the King except some boiled beans.
The King sumptuously ate the humble meal and left the hut gratefully after a short rest. He later named the town that sprang up in the region 'Benda Kalooru' or town of boiled beans. The name changed as time went on and what we are presently left with is a corrupted version of the original. However, historical evidence shows that "Bengalooru" was recorded much before King Ballala's time in a 9th century temple inscription in the village of Begur. "Bengalooru" still exists today within the city limits in Kodigehalli area and is called "Halebengalooru" or "Old Bangalore."
Another historical figure instrumental in shaping the city of Bangalore was a feudal lord Kempe Gowda who served under the Vijayanagara Kings. Hunting seemed to be a favourite past time in those days. The story goes that during one of his hunting bouts, Kempe Gowda was surprised to see a hare chase his dog. Either his dog was chicken hearted or the hare was lion-hearted one does not know, but the episode surely made an impression on the feudal lord. He told himself this is a place surely for heroes and heroics, and he referred to Bangalore from then onwards as "gandu bhoomi" (heroic place). Kempe Gowda I, who was in charge of Yelahanka, built a mud fort in 1537. His son Kempe Gowda II built the famous towers at the four corners of the old city that are traceable even today as they stand almost in the heart of the present city. A hundred years later the Vijayanagara Empire fell, and in 1638, Mohammed Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, conquered it and ruled for next 50 years.
In 1687 Aurangzeb's army captured the city and sold it to the Wodeyars for a paltry sum of 3 lakhs. Three years later, in 1759, Hyder Ali received Bangalore as a jagir from Krishna raja Wodeyar II. He fortified the southern fort and made Bangalore an army town. He laid the beautiful Lal Bagh gardens. When Tipu Sultan died in the 4th Mysore war in 1799, the British gave the kingdom, including Bangalore back to Krishna raja Wodeyar III. The British Resident stayed in Bangalore.
In 1831, alleging misrule by Krishna raja Wodeyar III, the British took over the administration of the Mysore Kingdom. Under the British influence, Bangalore bloomed with modern facilities like the railways, telegraphs, postal and police departments. The first 'Train' chugs out of the city in 1859 and five years later, in 1864 the lovely Cubbon Park is built by Sankey. The end of the century saw the building of Attara Kacheri and the Bangalore Palace. In 1881, the British returned the city to the Wodeyars. Diwans like Mirza Ismail, and sir Vishweshwarayya were the pioneers to help Bangalore attain its modern outlook. With the direct rule of the British Commissioners based in Bangalore, it became the State Administrative HQ. The destiny of Bangalore thus took a historic turn, making it eventually a major city of India and one of the fastest growing in the world.
After independence, Bangalore's choice as a state capital was only logical. Mysore had too many associations with the royal family to be the capital of a new state with an elected Chief Minister and a nominated Governor. Finally, for an enlarged Karnataka, Bangalore was more central and better linked with the major cities of the country. From then on the city has grown in magnitudes, emerging into what you see it and know it. The city has slowly found a place in the country's history and off recently a place on the world map

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Leela Palace Hotel in Bangalore India

The Leela Palace Hotel in Bangalore

Leela Palace Bangalore Hotel, Leela Palace Hotel Bangalore, Bangalore Hotels, Deluxe Hotels in Bangalore, Leela Palace Bangalore hotel Bangalore Unwind in the midst of ambrosial luxuries fit for kings at the Leela Palace Bangalore in Kerala, South India.
A lavish represent-ation of an exquisite blend of architectural styles of the Mysore Royal Palace and palaces of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire, the Leela Palace Bangalore is a palatial five star deluxe hotel with grandiose facilities.

Conveniently located on the Airport Road, the Leela Palace Hotel is accessible from the main business districts in the area. You can walk up to the KGA Golf Course that is located at a stones throw from the hotel that epitomizes five star comforts.

Leela Palace Bangalore is an intoxicating blend of technological gadgetry and ethnic comforts.

Category 5 Star Deluxe
Access 3 kms from Bangalore Airport,
18 kms from Bangalore City Railway Station
Rooms 254 Rooms

Cuisine
Multi-cuisine
Room Facilities
H/C running water, Telephone, C.T.V., Mini-Bar, Room-Safe, Hair Dryer

Facilities
Business centre, Executive Floor/Lounge, Beauty Parlour, Shopping arcade, Health club, Swimming pool, SPA
Services Room service, Airport/Station transfers, Doctor on call, Laundry, Money changer, Fax, E-mail, Internet access, Safe deposit, Baby sitting, Valet, Travel desk

The Leela Palace in Bangalore is synonymous with state-of-the-art facilities, regal ambience, and outstanding service as all the hotels of the Leela Group. The Leela Palace offers 254 elegant and spacious rooms and suites that spread over six floors. The Leela Palace, Bangalore is the perfect place to feast your taste buds. There is Citrus, the 24-hour Brasserie offering multi-cuisine specialty; Jamavar, the Fine dining signature Indian restaurant; Library Bar serving International Martinis and Cigar lounge

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Bangalore Silicon Valley India

Bangalore - The Silicon Valley of India

Though a modern, bustling city and an important industrial center, Bangalore remains one of India's charming cities. Situated 920 meters above sea level and with a very pleasant climate, it is a city studded with beautiful laid out parks and gardens, wide tree-lined avenues, imposing buildings and lively bazaars. Whichever direction you look in, the only thing visible is the greenery dotting the landscape of Bangalore, earning the sobriquet of Garden City. This is a city for the romantics, the poets, the dreamers, the honeymooners and their likes. People come here for relaxing and taking a break; no doubt it was also called the pensioner's paradise. The spectacular growth of Bangalore has made it one of the best places to live for foodies. You can enjoy the local culture with a dash of fast city life. However, since local entrepreneurs and the technology giant Texas Instruments discovered its potential as a high-tech city in the early 1980s, Bangalore has seen a major technology boom. It is now home to more than 250 high-tech companies including homegrown giants like Wipro and Infosys. Bangalore has earned a new name for itself 'Silicon Valley' of India. Today, it is India's 5th largest city, the momentum of its industrial and commercial growth unequalled in the country.

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Travel Sightseeing Bangalore India

Travel Tours in Bangalore

The garden city Bangalore has been popular amongst the tourists for its scenic surroundings laden with gardens. Apart from being the City of Gardens it is the Mecca of Software Professionals in India giving it the deserving status of 'The Silicon Valley of India'. The marvellous architecture of the historical buildings leaves you spellbound in any case. As a tourist you can explore the scientific and art museums, the fort and palace, temples and lakes within the city.

Lallbagh Gardens The Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, a hallmark in architecture and the centre of attraction in the city was built in 1954. It projects a fine amalgamation of modern architecture and traditional Dravidian architecture.

Adjacent to the Vidhan Soudha building lies the Cubbon Park, well spread in 120-hectare park, houses a group of neo-classical styled government buildings.

The 16th-century temple dedicated to Nandi the Bull is an excellent testimony of the Dravidian temple architecture and an important place of worship for the native people. The Venkataramanaswamy Temple, the Gavi Gangadhareswara cave temple, and the Someshwara Temple are other important tourist places in Bangalore.

The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens with a collection of the diverse and rare floral species and also a venue for a number of flower shows, especially during the Republic Day (26th January), lures you totally.

Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace is the palace that refreshes the cherished memories of the royal empire in the city during the 18th-century.

One of the oldest museums, 'The Government Museum of Bangalore' and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum dedicated to the technology and industrial development are important museums within the city.

If you are a fitness freak or a health conscious individual then Bangalore is an ideal tourist destination for you. The tourists can relax at any of the Yoga centres found in plenty in the city committed to offer you a complete health and rejuvenation tour. If you are a travel buff then the short weekend excursions from Bangalore and the nearest picnic spot Ulsoor Lake on the north-eastern edge of the city are the major attractions for you around Bangalore.

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Hillstation Kufri Himachal Pradesh

Kufri Himachal Pradesh North India

Some great Hiking, some skiing, some beautiful scenes and a cool environment that's what Kufri is all about. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters.

Kufri is a tiny hill station located 19-kms from Shimla on the National Highway No.22. It has a Himalayan Nature park and close by is the Indira Tourist Park with HPTDC's Cafe Lalit. Indira Park provides some great views of the nearby places. Here one can enjoy a Pony or a Yak Ride.

The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered' it in 1819. The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. As Shimla gained importance, Kufri also began to be recognized as an important place to visit near Shimla.

Prime Attractions of Kufri
Mashru Peak
One can hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri.

Indira Tourist Park
The Indira Tourist Park is near the Himalayan Nature Park and provides panoramic view of the locations around.


Excursions from Kufri
Shimla
(19Km.)
Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. The capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. more..
Fagu
(6Km.)
Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of 2,450m Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views.

General Information - Kufri
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
2,510 m
Best Time
April to June & November to February

Useful Information - Kufri
Recreation Centers
Annual Winter Sports Festival and the Carnival
Mashru Peak, Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park.

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Kodaikanal Hill Station India

Kodaikanal Hill Station Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station.

Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste.

Prime Attractions of Kodaikanal
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21-km from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is one among the beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the lake is star shaped and is known for its pure water.

Kodaikanal Trekking
Head for Kodaikanal in the Palani Hills for small-time trekking. You can take short treks and hikes to tourist spots close by as well to local viewpoints. Overnight treks are also possible here where one can spend a night at a local village.

Fairs & Festivals - Kodaikanal
There are several beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals, the hills are even hospitable to welcome the visitors. The summer festival is held in the 'Queen of Hill Stations', the evergreen Ooty; the exquisite Kodaikanal or the salubrious heights of Yercaud. Cultural programs, adventure sports, boat races, flower and fruit shows add to the splendour of the festival.

Leisure - Kodaikanal

Shopping
The famous places to shop in Kodaikanal are the Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Travancore Crafts Work, Government Sales Emporium, Kurinji Mini Supermarket, Spencer and Company.

Entertainment
The Golf Club is located 5-km from the Kodaikanal Lake. Boating and Angling facilities are available at the Kodaikanal Lake. Picturesque trek routes are available in and around Kodaikanal. For details, contact: The Trek Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai.

How To Get There - Kodaikanal
By Road
Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520-km), Ooty (264-km), Trichy (197-km), Coimbatore (175-km), Kumili (160-km), and Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. There are no auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).

Places To Stay - Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists. The TTDC run Hotel Tamil Nadu on Fern Hill Road is one example where comfortable accommodation is provided to tourists.

Climate - Kodaikanal
The climate of Kodaikanal is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and from September to October.

Rainfall
165 cms (average). Heavy rains occur during October-December.

Winter
Max17.3ºC, Min8.3ºC

Summer
Max 19.8ºC, Min 11.3 ºC

General Information - Kodaikanal
STD Code : 04542

Population
2,133 metres.

Clothing
Light woollen in the evening during summer and heavy woollen during winter.

Altitude
2,133 metres.
Location
120 Km From Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Best Time
April To June And September To October.

Languages
Tamil and English.

Useful Information - Kodaikanal
Tourist Information Centres
21.45-sq-km.

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Indian Ayurveda

Ayurveda in India

Ayurveda and Wellness journeys will take you through a world of peace and tranquillity. If you seek relaxation and rejuvenation, allow us to design a package for you where you can sail down the peaceful waters of the backwaters in Kerala, while enjoying a truly out-of-this-world Ayurvedic massage, where your mind and body are in complete harmony with each other.

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Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old medicinal philosophy with its roots in India. It is a holistic therapy which treats not just the symptom, but the person as a whole. The treatment consists of medicines prepared from natural plants and herbs, scientific massages and can also include Yoga exercises. Ayurveda can harmonize the mind-body-spiritual connection, slow down the ageing process, burn off excess fat, cleanse your body of impurities and keep you happy, healthy and fit. Even if you have no physical ailments, you can just come and let yourself be pampered.

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Indian Books

India Books

We've listed a personal selection of the books that proved most useful or enjoyable during the preparation of this guide. Most of them are available in India itself, as are countless inexpensive editions of Indian and English classics. Books tagged with the ? symbol are particularly recommended

History

A.L. Basham The wonder that was India (South Asia Books). Learned survey of Indian history, society, music, art and literature from 400 BC to the coming of the Muslims. Volume II, by S A Rizvi, brings it up to the arrival of the British.

Judith M. Brown Gandhi and Civil Disobedience (Yale). Pragmatic view of Gandhi's politics, which, refreshingly, doesn't resort to hagiography.

Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre Freedom at Midnight (HarperCollins). Readable, if shallow, account of Independence, highly sympathetic to the British and, particularly, to Mountbatten, who was the authors' main source of information.

Richard Hall Empires of the Monsoon (Harper Collins). An impeccably researched account of early colonial expansion into the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, tracing the web of trade connections binding Europe, Africa and the subcontinent.

Lawrence James Raj: the Making and Unmaking of British India (Abacus, UK). A door-stopping 700-page history of British rule in India, drawing on recently released official papers and private memoirs. The most up-to-date, erudite survey of its kind, and unlikely to be bettered as a general introduction.

Romila Thapar History of India Volume I (Penguin). Concise paperback account of early Indian history, ending with the Delhi Sultanate. Percival Spear's History of India Volume II covers the period from the Moghul era to the death of Gandhi.

Mark Tully and Satish Jacob Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi's Last Stand (Penguin India). Aptly named examination of the storming of the Golden Temple and the prime minister's eventual assassination.

Society

Trevor Fishlock India File (John Murray). The latest edition of this now classic analysis of contemporary Indian society includes essays on the Golden Temple siege and the rise of Rajiv Gandhi. Recommended as an all-round introduction.

Zia Jaffrey The Invisibles (Weidenfeld & Nicolson). An investigation into the hidden world of Delhi's hijras, or eunuchs. Using anthropological and journalistic research techniques, Jaffrey unravels the layers of myth and mystique surrounding this secretive subculture.

Prafulla Mohanti Changing Village, Changing Life (Penguin). Entertaining portrait of life in an east Indian village through the eyes of an anglicized expat. Essential reading if you plan to visit Orissa.

Geoffrey Moorhouse Calcutta, the City Revealed (Phoenix). Fascinating, if politically out of date, anatomy of the great city in the early 1970s.

Various India (Granta). To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Indian Independence, Granta published this mixed bag of new fiction, comment, poetry, reportage and memoirs from an impressive cast of Indian and foreign contributors. Among its many highlights are notes from the diary of V.S. Naipaul and Sebasti�o Salgado's photographic essay on Mumbai.

Travel

Bill Aitken Nanda Devi Affair (Penguin). Slow but deeply personal account of the author's long-standing love of the Indian Himalayas and his constant ambition to climb the elusive Nanda Devi peak.

Trevor Fishlock Cobra Road (John Murray, UK). Former Times correspondent Fishlock's 1999 travelogue looks set to become a classic all-round introduction to the subcontinent. Sympathetic yet balanced, it looks at many of the ironies and absurdities inherent in modern India, whilst retaining a sense of humour and adventure.

Jonathan Gregson Bullet Up The Grand Trunk Road (Sinclair-Stevenson). Former journalist's motorcycle journey from Calcutta to the northwest frontier, with comment on contemporary issues along the way.

Norman Lewis A Goddess in the Stones (Picador). Veteran English travel writer's typically idiosyncratic account of his trip to Calcutta and around the backwaters of Bihar and Orissa, with some vivid insights into tribal India.

Geoffrey Moorhouse Om (Sceptre). Not Moorhouse's strongest offering, but absorbing nevertheless. Following the death of his daughter, the author journeys round south India's key spiritual centres, providing typically well-informed asides on history, politics, contemporary culture and religion.

Dervla Murphy On a Shoestring to Coorg (Flamingo). Murphy stays with her young daughter in the little-visited tropical mountains of Coorg, Karnataka. Arguably the most famous modern Indian travelogue, and a manifesto for single-parent budget travel.

Aglaja Stirn & Peter van Ham The Seven Sisters of India (Prestel). Definitive coffee-table book on northeastern India. Rich anthropological detail in the text is illustrated with superb photographs.

Heather Wood Third-Class Ticket (Penguin). A party of elderly Bengalis leave their home village for the first time to tour the subcontinent by train. Absorbing and poignant, though the ersatz fictional style grates after a while.

Fiction

Anita Desai Feasting and Fasting (Vintage).This, the most recent novel by one of India's leading female authors, eloquently portrays the frustration of a sensitive young woman stuck in the stifling atmosphere of home while her spoilt brother is packed off to study in America.

E.M. Forster A Passage to India (Longman). Forster's most acclaimed novel, a withering critique of colonialism set in the 1920s. Memorable as much for its sympathetic portrayal of middle-class Indian life as for its insights into cultural misunderstandings.

Clive James The Silver Castle (Picador). Delightful story of a street urchin's rise from the roadside slums of outer Mumbai to the bright lights of Bollywood.

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala Out of India (Penguin). One of many short-story collections that shows India in its full colours: amusing, shocking and thought-provoking. Other titles include How I Became a Holy Mother; Like Birds, Like Fishes; Heat and Dust ; and In Search of Love and Beauty.

Rudyard Kipling Kim (Penguin). Cringingly colonialist at times, of course, but the atmosphere of India and Kipling's love of it shine through in this subtle story of an orphaned white boy. Kipling's other key works on India are two books of short stories: Soldiers Three and In Black and White.

Dominique Lapierre City of Joy (Arrow). Melodramatic story of a white man's journey into Calcutta's slums, loaded with anecdotes about Indian religious beliefs and customs.

Rohinton Mistry A Fine Balance (Faber). Two friends seek promotion from their low-caste rural lives to the opportunities of the big smoke. A compelling and savage triumph-of-the-human-spirit novel detailing the evils of the caste system and of Indira Gandhi's brutal policies during the Emergency. Mistry's Such a Long Journey (Faber) is an acclaimed account of a Bombay Parsi's struggle to maintain personal integrity in the face of betrayals and disappointment.

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Yoga and Meditation

Most first-time visitors to India opt for a cocktail - temples, trekking, palaces, wildlife parks, beaches, and, to balance the indulgences and hedonism, a spiritual element in whatever form. From basic yoga and pranayama classes to residential meditation retreats, India has no equal in terms of tradition and opportunity.

Yoga is taught virtually everywhere in India and there are several internationally known yoga centres where you can train to become a teacher. Meditation is similarly practised all over the country and specific courses are available in temples, meditation centres, monasteries and ashrams. Ashrams are communities where people work, live and study together, drawn by a common, usually spiritual, goal. Adopting a guru is a completely different experience to simply attending a few classes, and whether you choose to do so will ultimately depend on your deep personal commitment and on how comfortable you feel being around a specific guru, but be careful in your choice.

Details of yoga and meditation courses and ashrams are provided throughout the guide. Most centres offer courses that you can enrol on at short notice, but many of the more popular ones need to be booked well in advance

Yoga
The word yoga literally means "to unite" and the aim of the discipline is to help the practitioner unite his or her individual consciousness with the divine. This is achieved by raising awareness of one's self through spiritual, mental and physical discipline. Hatha yoga is based on physical postures called asanas, and although the most popular form in the West, it is traditionally just the first step leading to more subtle stages of meditation which commence when the energies of the body have been awakened and sensitized by stretching and relaxing. Other forms of yoga include raja yoga, which includes moral discipline and bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, which entails a commitment to one's guru or teacher. Jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge) is centred around the deep philosophies that underlie Hindu spiritual thinking; the greatest body of Hindu philosophic treatises are known as the Upanishads (c.1000 BC) which came to be embodied in the philosophical discipline of Vedanta. Rishikesh and Varanasi, both in Uttar Pradesh, are the two traditional centres for yoga, but numerous institutions throughout the country have good teachers and advanced practitioners. In many of the travellers' haunts such as Pushkar, Dharamsala, Goa, and Kovalam, posters in caf�s advertise local teachers, although many offer dubious qualifications and may well be seasonal. Ask other tourists for a teacher of quality and repute, or ask the teacher if you can do a trial session.

Meditation
Meditation is often practised after a session of yoga, when the energy of the body has been awakened, and is an essential part of both Hindu and Buddhist practice. In both religions, meditation is considered the most powerful tool for understanding the true nature of mind and self, an essential step on the path to enlightenment. In Vedanta, meditation's aim is to realize the true self as non-dual Brahman or godhead - the foundation of all consciousness and life. Moksha (or liberation - the Nirvana of the Buddhists), achieved through disciplines of yoga and meditation, eventually helps believers release the soul from endless cycles of birth and rebirth.

Vipassana meditation is a technique originally taught by the Buddha, whereby practitioners learn to become more aware of physical sensations and mental processes. Courses last for a minimum of ten days and are austere - involving 4am kick-offs, around ten hours of meditation a day, no solid food after noon, segregation of the sexes, and no talking for the duration (except with the leaders of the course). Courses are free for all first-time students, to allow everyone an opportunity to learn and benefit from the technique. Vipassana is taught in more than 25 centres throughout India including in Bodhgaya, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Jaipur.

Tibetan Buddhist meditation is attracting more and more followers around the world. With its four distinct schools, Tibetan Buddhism incorporates a huge variety of meditation practices, including Vipassana, known as shin� in Tibetan, and various visualization techniques involving the numerous deities that make up the complex and colourful Tibetan pantheon. India, with its large Tibetan diaspora, has become a major centre for those wanting to study Tibetan Buddhism and medicine. Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government-in-exile, is the main centre for Tibetan studies, offering numerous opportunities for one-on-one study with the Tibetan monks and nuns who live there. Other major Tibetan diaspora centres in India include Darjeeling in West Bengal and Bylakuppe near Mysore in Karnataka. For further details of courses available locally, see the relevant sections of the guide.

Ashrams
Ashrams can range in size from several thousand people to just a handful, and their rules, regulations and restrictions vary enormously. Some offer on-site accommodation, others will require you to stay in the nearest town or village. Some charge Western prices, others local prices, and some simply operate on a donation basis. Many ashrams run specific courses and have set programmes each day including meditation and bhakti yoga, while others are less structured, providing self-study facilities and offering guidance and teaching as and when requested.

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Celebrate Indian Festivals

Celebrate India Festivals

Virtually every temple in every town or village across the country has its own festival. The biggest and most spectacular include Puri's Rath Yatra festival in June or July, the Hemis festival in Ladakh also held in June or July, Pushkar's camel fair in November, Kullu's Dussehra, Madurai's three annual festivals, and of course the Kumbh Mela, held at Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. While mostly religious in nature, merrymaking rather than solemnity are generally the order of the day, and onlookers are usually welcome. Indeed, if you are lucky enough to coincide with a local festival, it may well prove to be the highlight of your trip.

Alas, we cannot list here every festival in every village across India, but local festivals are listed throughout the guide. We've listed the main national and regional celebrations. Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain festivals follow the Indian lunar calendar and their dates therefore vary from year to year against the plain old Gregorian calendar. Determining them more than a year in advance is a highly complicated business best left to astrologers. Each lunar cycle is divided into two paksa (halves): "bright" (waxing) and "dark" (waning), each consisting of fifteen tithis ("days" - but a tithi might begin at any time of the solar day). The paksa start respectively with the new moon ( ama or bahula - the first day of the month) and the full moon ( purnima ). Lunar festivals, then, are observed on a given day in the "light" or "dark" side of the month. The lunar calendar adds a leap month every two or three years to keep it in line with the seasons. Muslim festivals follow the Islamic calendar, whose year is shorter and which thus loses about eleven days per annum against the Gregorian.

You may, while in India, have the privilege of being invited to a wedding. These are jubilant affairs with great feasting, always scheduled on auspicious days. A Hindu bride dresses in red for the ceremony, and marks the parting of her hair with red sindhur and her forehead with a bindu. She wears gold or bone bangles, which she keeps on for the rest of her married life. Although the practice is officially illegal, large dowries often change hands. These are usually paid by the bride's family to the groom, and can be contentious; poor families feel obliged to save for years to get their daughters married.

Funeral processions are private affairs, and should be left in peace. In Hindu funerals, the body is normally carried to the cremation site within hours of death by white-shrouded relatives (white is the colour of mourning). The eldest son is expected to shave his head and wear white following the death of a parent. At Varanasi and other places, you may see cremations; such occasions should be treated with respect, and photographs should not be taken.

Principal Indian holidays
India has only four national public holidays as such: Jan 26 (Republic Day); Aug 15 (Independence Day); Oct 2 (Gandhi's birthday); and Dec 25 (Christmas Day). Each state, however, has its own calendar of public holidays; you can expect most businesses to close on the major holidays of their own religion (marked with an asterisk below).

The Hindu calendar months are given in brackets below as most of the festivals listed are Hindu.

Key: B=Buddhist; C=Christian; H=Hindu; J=Jain; M=Muslim; N=nonreligious; P=Parsi; S=Sikh.

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MBA Programs in India

Why MBA programs?
Earning a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree, can provide you with management skills and business expertise that open new career opportunities to you. If you are working in business and are looking to move up the ladder or to move from your current area of expertise to a new one, an MBA program can help you achieve your goals. An MBA program will also launch you into the much higher pay range that upper level managers and executives enjoy. Furthermore, in the high-level positions an MBA degree will allow you to hold, your work will often be more interesting and rewarding.

Now, more and more MBA programs provide training that goes beyond general business management to provide subject area expertise. So, for example, if your career interests are in the field of e-commerce, you can find MBA programs with a strong focus in that area. In addition, many MBA programs will allow you to earn joint degrees, so you can combine business administration training with training in another field, like law, health, or even social work.

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Getting Around India By Bus

Travelling Around India By Bus

Although trains are the definitive form of transport in India, and generally more comfortable than buses, there are places (such as most Himalayan valleys) where trains don't go, where they are inconvenient, or where buses are simply faster (as in most of Rajasthan and other places without broad-gauge track). Buses go almost everywhere, more frequently than trains (though mostly in daylight hours).

Services vary somewhat in price and standards. Government-run ramshackle affairs, packed to the gunnels with people, livestock and luggage, cover most routes. In addition, popular trunk routes between large cities, towns and resorts are usually covered by private buses. These tend to be more comfortable, with extra legroom, tinted windows and padded reclining seats. In some states, notably Rajasthan, they are also considerably cheaper. Smaller private bus companies may be only semi-legal and have little backup in case of breakdown.

The description of the service usually gives some clue about the level of comfort. "Ordinary" buses usually have minimally padded, bench-like seats with upright backs. "Deluxe" or "luxury" are more or less interchangeable terms but sometimes the term deluxe signifies a luxury bus past its sell-by date; occasionally a bus will be described as a "2 by 2" which means a deluxe bus with just two seats on either side of the aisle. When applied to government services, these may hardly differ from "ordinary" buses, but with private companies, they should guarantee a softer, individual seat. It's worth asking when booking if your bus will have a video or music system (a "video bus"), as their deafening noise ruins any chances of sleep. Always try to avoid the back seats - they accentuate bumpy roads.

Luggage travels in the hatch of private buses - for which you will have to part with about Rs5 as "security" for the safekeeping of your bags. On state-run buses, you can usually squeeze it into an unobtrusive corner, although you may sometimes be requested to have it travel on the roof (you may be able to travel up there yourself if the bus is too crowded, though it's dangerous and illegal); check that it's well secured (ideally, lock it there) and not liable to get squashed. Baksheesh is in order for whoever puts it up there for you.

Buying a bus ticket is usually less of an ordeal than buying a train ticket, although at large city bus stations there may be twenty or so counters, each assigned to a different route. When you buy your ticket you'll be given the registration number of the bus and, sometimes, a seat number. As at railway stations, there is usually a separate, quicker, ladies' queue, although the sign to indicate it may not be in English. You can always get on ordinary state buses without a ticket, and at bus stands outside major cities you can usually only pay on board, so you have to be sharp to secure a seat. Prior booking is usually available and preferable for express and private services and it is a good idea to check with the agent exactly where the bus will depart from. You can usually pay on board private buses too, though that reduces your chances of a seat.

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The 8 classes on Indian trains

There are 8 classes of accommodation on Indian trains(!), although only some of these classes will be available on a particular train. These are the classes, in roughly descending order of cost:
Air-conditioned first class (AC1)
Spacious and carpeted (and lockable) 4-berth and 2-berth compartments with washbasin. All necessary bedding is provided, and berths convert to seats for daytime use. AC1 is a very comfortable and civilised way to travel, although it is found only on the most important long-distance trains and costs about twice the price of AC2. In AC1, you'll be mixing with bank managers and army officers. You cannot specify that you want berths in a 2-berth rather than a 4-berth compartment when you book - specific berth numbers are only allocated by Indian Railways closer to the departure date and shown on reservation lists at the station before departure and on the coach side. Couples are normally given preference for the 2-berth coupés, families and passengers travelling alone are normally allocated berths in one of the 4-berth compartments, but of course this can't be guaranteed. Centre picture: A rather nice AC1 2-berth 'coupé' with fabric-covered seats / berths on the Kalka-Delhi-Howrah Mail. Below left: An AC1 4-berth compartment on the Bombay-Howrah Mail with the the more usual brown leatherette seats and berths...

Air-conditioned 2-tier (AC2)
AC2 provides seats by day, convertible to bunks at night. AC2 coaches are not divided into separate compartments, but are open-plan, with berths arranged in bays of four (two upper, two lower) on one side of the aisle, and in bays of two along the coach side above and below the windows on the other side of the aisle. Each bay is curtained off for privacy, and an attendant distributes pillows, sheets and blankets in the evening. AC2 is found on almost all decent long-distance trains, and it is the way the Indian middle classes travel. It's relatively clean and uncrowded, and a good choice for most visitors to India.
Right: A bay of 4 berths in an AC2 sleeper. The seat back folds down to form the bottom bunk.
Far right: The aisle in AC2. Bays of four are to the right, bays of two on the left.


Air-conditioned 3-tier (AC3)
AC3 is very similar to AC2, but it has three tiers of bunks - upper, middle and lower - arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and bays of two (upper and lower) along the coach side on the other side of the aisle. It's more crowded than AC 2-tier, and it lacks the privacy curtains and individual berth lights found in AC2. As in AC2, an attendant distributes pillows, sheets and blankets in the evening. Berths convert to seats for daytime use.
Right: An AC3 sleeper on the new Jaisalmer - Delhi Express. In the far photo, the middle bunk is shown folded against the wall. The seat backrest folds down to form the bottom bunk.

First class
Non-air-conditioned coaches with lockable 4-berth and 2-berth compartments. Bedding is not included in the fare, but may be available for a small extra charge if booked in advance. Non-AC 1st class accommodation has now almost disappeared, as Indian Railways have largely phased it out in favour of AC 2-tier. It is generally grubbier than either AC1, AC2 or AC3 as it is not sealed against the dirt.
AC Executive chair class
AC Executive Chair Class is only found on the most important 'Shatabdi Express' trains, for example Delhi to Agra. It is available to holders of an AC1 IndRail pass.


AC Chair class
Comfortable air-conditioned seating cars. AC Chair Class is found on a number of 'intercity' daytime trains (for example Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Kalka for Simla), and is available to holders of a AC2 class IndRail pass. A good choice for daytime travel..!

Sleeper Class
This is the way most of the Indian population travels long-distance, and the majority of cars on a long-distance train will be sleeper class. Sleeper class consists of open plan berths with upper, middle and lower bunks arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and along the coach wall in bays of two (upper and lower) on the other side of the aisle. Bedding is not provided, so bring a sleeping bag. Sleeper class is found on almost all long-distance trains except for the premier 'Rajdhani Express' services. Sleeper class can be quite crowded (although in theory all berths must be reserved, so it can't get overcrowded), and it's fairly grubby and basic. On the other hand, you get a better view of the countryside then in AC coaches, where the windows are sealed, tinted, and sometimes dirty. In summer, there are fans on the ceiling and a breeze from the windows. In winter, wrap up warm at night and take a sleeping bag and fleece, as it can get cold. Sleeper class is used by the more adventurous backpackers, who are prepared to take the rough with the smooth...



Sleeper class windows are fitted with bars to keep out intruders. There is a glass pane and a shutter both of which can be raised / lowered.
A bay of six in sleeper class, showing seats in daytime mode on the left, and berths in nighttime mode on the right.
The aisle of a sleeper class car. Bays of six to the right, bays of two on the left. Remember to bring your own bedding..!
Unreserved 2nd class
Open plan cars with wooden or padded plastic seats. Not recommended for long distance overnight journeys (you'll see the huge scrum of Indians all trying to bag a seat), but quite acceptable for daytime journeys of up to a few hours.


2nd class seating car.
Some trains have padded plastic 2nd class seats...
...others have wooden seats.

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Indian Railways [IndRail] railpasses

Should you buy an IndRail pass or normal tickets..?
Indian trains are very busy and often get booked up weeks in advance. Foreign visitors can make use of the special tourist quota, but even so, you may find the train you want fully booked. The great benefit of an IndRail pass is that you can ask the UK IndRail pass agency to pre-book some or all of your trains before you get to India, saving time, hassle and possible disappointment. If you have limited time in India, this is a very good way to get all your train travel pre-booked before you leave home. On the other hand, if you intend to stay flexible and make reservations as you go, you can still do this with an IndRail pass, but there is little advantage in having one and ordinary tickets may be cheaper.

Left: London buses at St Pancras? Bombay buses outside Victoria Terminus..!

What types of IndRail pass are there..?
IndRail passes come in three classes: AC1, AC2, and 2nd class. You can buy one for any time period from ½-day to 90 days. You can use a ½-day or 1-day pass to book a single one-off train trip or you can arrange a complete pre-booked itinerary all around India using a longer period pass or a combination of passes.

Will an IndRail pass cost more than normal tickets..?
An IndRail pass will probably cost more than buying normal point-to-point tickets, depending on your exact travel plans, but not necessarily that much more. A normal ticket from Delhi to Varanasi costs 1,272 rupees ($29) in AC2 class, whereas a 1-day AC2 IndRail pass costs $43. A recent trip to Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Simla all booked in advance from the UK using a 15-day AC2 pass cost £132, whereas normal point-to-point tickets would have been about £118. Of course, if you want to stay flexible and not pre-book anything before you get to India, you can still do this with an IndRail pass (passholders qualify for places from the tourist quota), but in that case there is little advantage in having a pass and normal tickets may be the better bet.

Which class of pass?
There are 8 different classes on Indian trains (see the On board Indian trains section), but IndRail passes come in just 3 types: AC1, AC2 and 2nd class (AC = air-conditioned). With an AC1 IndRail pass, you can travel in AC1, AC executive chair car class, or cheaper accommodation where there is no AC1 available. With an AC2 IndRail pass, you can travel in AC2, ordinary 1st class sleepers and AC chair cars. With a 2nd class pass, you can only travel in sleeper class and unreserved 2nd class. AC1 is most comfortable, but it's only found on the most important long-distance trains and a handful of shorter distance ones, so an AC1 pass is not worth it unless you're sure you are going to use trains which have AC1 or Executive chair class. For most people, an AC2 pass is the best bet. With an AC2 pass, you will be booked in an AC2 sleeper where available, or an AC chair car on a daytime journey where one is available, unless you specifically ask for ordinary (non-air-con) 1st class. Travelling in sleeper class is an experience, but a 2nd class pass (which allows travel in sleeper class as well as 2nd class seats) is probably only for the more adventurous (or extremely budget-conscious) traveller.
IndRail pass prices: http://www.indiarail.co.uk/

How to buy an IndRail pass - in the UK:
You can buy an IndRail pass, complete with any required train reservations, from the UK IndRail agency, SD Enterprises of Wembley - call 020 8903 3411 or see http://www.indiarail.co.uk/. I can personally recommend S D Enterprises as an excellent and long-established family firm, who know their subject and go out of their way to advise and help their clients. If you can, visit them in person, as it is an experience in itself. You may even get to see Dr Dandpani's video on visiting India...

How to buy an IndRail pass - in other countries:
You can buy an IndRail pass, complete with any required train reservations, via the UK's IndRail agency (SD Enterprises, http://www.indiarail.co.uk/). Although they are the UK agency, they are normally happy to arrange passes and reservations for people from overseas, although they will only sell 4-day and longer passes to people living outside the UK, not one-day or half-day passes. For a list of IndRail pass agencies in other countries, go to http://www.indianrail.gov.in/, click 'Information' then 'International Tourist'. There are IndRail agencies in Malaysia, Finland, Germany & South Africa, but surprisingly not currently in the USA, Canada or New Zealand. If you're from one of the latter countries, try contacting the UK agency. The Australian IndRail agency is Adventure World, P.O. Box. 480, North Sydney, NSW – 2059, call 0061-2-9567766.

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How to buy tickets - when in India:

Do you need a reservation..?

Yes, you need a seat or berth reservation for any long-distance journey on an Indian train - you cannot simply turn up and hop on. Bookings open 60 days in advance, less than this for some short-distance intercity trains. Reservations are now completely computerised - according to an Indian professor with whom I shared a compartment, computerisation saved him 50% of his travel costs, as he had always had to pay the same again in bribes to get a reservation..! Indian trains are usually very busy, and they often get booked out days or even weeks ahead. You should make reservations as far in advance as possible - you may see TV screens in the reservation offices in major cities showing berth availability on the main trains from that city over the next few weeks. However, a tourist quota gives foreigners and IndRail passholders preferential treatment.
Normal reservation system:

Indian Railways have a unique system: After a train becomes fully booked, a set number of places in each class are sold as 'Reservation Against Cancellation' or 'RAC'. After all RAC places have been allocated, further prospective passengers are waitlisted. When passengers cancel, people on the RAC list are promoted to places on the train, and waitlisted passengers are promoted to RAC. What a system..!
Tourist reservation bureaux:

The main stations in big cities and tourist centres such as New Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi have an International Tourist Bureau where foreign travellers can book trains away from the crowds and queues at the normal booking office. There is also a 24-hour rail booking office at Delhi International Airport. For a list of stations with an International Tourist Bureau, and opening times, visit www.indianrail.gov.in and select 'Information' then 'International Tourist'. Ignore anyone telling you the reservations office is closed, but their travel agency across the street can sell you a ticket..!
Tourist quota:

Many important trains (but not all trains) have a special quota of seats or berths available for tourists and IndRail passholders. A train which is fully booked for Indian travellers may still have a few 'tourist quota' berths available for foreign travellers. However, even using this special quota you may have to wait a day or so before there is a berth available to your chosen destination. Tickets issued against the tourist quota must be paid for in US Dollars, pounds sterling, or rupees backed by an exchange certificate proving they have been obtained from a bank or bureau de change in exchange for foreign currency. Rupees backed by an ATM receipt and foreign bank card may be sufficient.
Indian trains: The AC2 sleeper on the Delhi - Varanasi Express

Left: An AC2 sleeper car on the Delhi-Varanasi express.

The yellow boards on the coach side tell you the train number and route, so you know you've found the right train....

Underneath the destination boards, the small yellow square shows the coach number.

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Indian Country Informations

Some Country Informations
Train operator:
Indian Railways: www.indianrail.gov.in for train times & fares. Online booking: www.irctc.co.in.
Also see www.indiamike.com. UK IndRail Pass agency: www.indiarail.co.uk.


Time zone:

GMT+5½

Currency:
£1 = 78 Rupees, $1 = 44 Rupees. Currency converter

Visas:
UK citizens need a visa: www.hcilondon.net for info & application form. Apply by post or in person to the Indian High Commission, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA, 020 7836 8484.

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Architecture Golden Temple Punjab India

Architecture of Golden Temple

The study of the art and architecture of the Golden Temple has, unfortunately, remained a subject of unconcern for art historians and critics. Even scholars of Indian temple architecture have bypassed it and references, whenever made, were mere courtesies. Fergusson considered the Golden Temple an example of the forms, which Hindu temple architecture assumed in the nineteenth century. According to the official list of buildings of interest, published by the Punjab Government in 1875, the design of the temple, as reconstructed by Ranjit Singh, was borrowed Hand Painting inside Golden Temple from the shrine of Saint Mian Mir, near Lahore. Louis Rousselet, writing in 1882, regarded it as a "handsome style of architecture". Major Cole described it as an adaptation of Mohammadan styles, flavoured with a good deal of Hindu tradition. Percy Brown considered it to be a product of the synthesis of Hindu and Muslim influences, combined with elaborations that imparted it an appearance of its own. In the opinion of Hermann Goetz, Kangra transformation of Oudh architecture was taken over by the Sikhs and evolved into that wonderful, though occasionally gaudy, Indian 'rococo' art often seen in the gurudwaras of Punjab. The architectural prototype of the Golden Temple came into being as an idea combining the dharamshala and the tank envisaged by Guru Arjan, the son and successor of Guru Ram Das. Instead of building the temple on a high plinth in the Hindu style, Guru Arjan had it built in a depression so that worshippers had to go down the steps in order to enter it. Also it had four entrances, symbolic of the new faith, which made no distinction between the four Hindu castes. Although there is no written record or contemporary sketch giving the concept of the prototype, it appears to have been, more or less, similar to the present structure dating from 1764, with the greater part of its decoration added in the early years of the nineteenth century. H. H. Cole has ascribed the year 1764 in his monograph on the temple, published in 1884. However, in Tawarikh Sri Amritsar, published in 1889, Giani Gian Singh states that the tank, the Hari Mandir, the causeway and Darshani Deorhi were completed in 1776.

Architecture of Golden tTemple The main structure rises from the centre of the sacred pool, 150 metres square, approached by a causeway about 60 metres long. An archway on the western side of the pool opens on to the causeway, bordered with balustrades of fretted marble, and, at close intervals, there are standard lamps, their great lanterns set upon marble columns. The 52-metre square-based Hari Mandir, to which the causeway leads, stands on a 20-metre square platform. Its lower parts are of white marble, but the upper parts are covered with plates of gilded copper. In the interior, on the ground floor, is the Guru Granth Sahib, placed under a gorgeous canopy, studded with jewels. On the second storey is a pavilion known as Shish Mahal or Mirror Room, so designed as to have a square opening in the centre to view from there the ground floor, with the further provision of a narrow circumambulatory around the square opening.

The interior of the Shish Mahal is ornamented with small pieces of mirror, of various sizes and shapes, skilfully inlaid in the ceiling, and walls richly embellished with designs, mostly floral in character.

Further above the Shish Mahal is again a small square pavilion, considerably small both at its base as well as in its elevation, surmounted by a low fluted golden dome, lined at its base with a number of smaller domes. The walls of the two lower storeys, forming parapets, terminate with several rounded pinnacles. There are four chhatris or kiosks at the corners. The combination of several dozens of large, medium and miniature domes of gilded copper create a unique and dazzling effect, enhanced by the reflection in the water below.

The typical art and architectural features of the Golden Temple can be summed up as

(1) multiplicity of chhatris which ornament the parapets, angles at every prominence or projection
(2) the invariable use of fluted domes covered with gilded copper
(3) balconised windows thrown out on carved brackets or bay-windows with shallow elliptical cornices
(4) enrichment of walls, arches and ceilings by various forms of mural art.

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Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

Ratings: 5 Star Deluxe

Address: Off Western Express Highway,
Santa Cruz East, Mumbai (Bombay),
Maharashtra, India.

Accessibility:
3 kms from Chatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport (10 minutes drive) 20 minutes drive from the international airport.

Locational Advantages:
The hotel complex is strategically located just 10 minutes from Mumbai's domestic airport, 20 minutes from the international airport and five minutes from Mumbai's rapidly developing financial district Bandra-Kurla, with two of Mumbai's best-known international schools, the American School of Mumbai and Dhirubhai Ambani International School. Grand Hyatt Mumbai is also within easy access of Mumbai's numerous attractions.

Hotel Description:
Grand Hyatt Mumbai is a city landmark. Built on 10 acres of prime land in the centre of Mumbai (Bombay), Grand Hyatt Mumbai is a five-star deluxe lifestyle complex that includes luxurious hotel accommodation with Hyatt's signature Grand Club facilities and unsurpassed service. Created by a team of international architects, designers and consultants, Grand Hyatt Mumbai is truly a world-class hotel, with unique water features, a seamless open-plan layout, contemporary interiors that are timeless in their understated elegance, and museum-quality art, specially commissioned from artists across the country, for the hotel.

Hotel Grand Hyatt, MumbaiAccommodation at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai:
Offering luxurious hotel accommodation, Grand Hyatt Mumbai's 547 guest rooms and suites are amongst the most spacious in the city providing classic comfort and a host of amenities. For long-stay guests who are staying in Mumbai for more than 30 days, the hotel's Grand Hyatt Residences enable visitors to enjoy all the conveniences of a hotel with the warmth and comfort of home. Comprising one, two and three bedroom apartments, the hotel's serviced apartments are unique in Mumbai.

Amenities & Services at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai:
Grand Hyatt Mumbai's Club Oasis offers an extensive Fitness Centre and Spa equipped with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a Spa with a wide range of relaxing treatments, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and also an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. A 24-hour Business Centre provides a broad range of services 24 hours a day for the convenience of the business traveller. Grand Hyatt Plaza comprises two levels of shopping outlets across 100,000 square feet / 9290 square metres, offering a diverse range of international and local products. Additional Facilities In-room broadband high-speed Internet access and dataports are part of the flexible work area Flat screen colour television with cable television channels Swimming pools Beauty Salon (opening shortly) Tennis courts (opening shortly) Choice of four restaurants serving a range of cuisine 24-hour Room Service Multilevel Entertainment Centre (opening shortly) Meeting room facilities 24-hour Manager on duty Babysitting service Doctor on call, associated with Cleveland hospital Technology Concierge Airport shuttle service Safe-deposit facilities Foreign exchange facilities Chauffeured cars on hire Travel Desk 24-hour laundry service Grand Hyatt Plaza, the multilevel indoor shopping mall with exclusive shops Gourmet Store 700-space underground car park for residents and guests Extensive landscaping and upper courtyard gardens with trees and abundant water features Kids' play area

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Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Gurudwara

Takht Sri Hazur Sahib

Hazur Sahib is on the banks of Godavari in Maharashtra. This is where Guru Gobind Singh left this world. The inner room of the temple is called Angitha Sahib. Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is the principal shrine at Nanded. Sachkhand Huzur Sahib It marks the site where the Guru had his camp in 1708 A.D. after the departure of the emperor Bahadur Shah. The tenth Guru held his court and congregation here. It is the site of his own tent where he was convalescing after he was attacked by assassins. It is the place from where the tenth Guru rose to heaven along with his horse Dilbag.

In 1708 being prescient of the end of his earthly role, the Guru had despatched Banda Singh with five of his Sikhs to Punjab and Mata Sahib Devan under a separate escort to Delhi before the stabbing incident. He told the rest of his retinue to retire to their homes if they so wished, but he bade one Bhai Santokh Singh to stay on here and keep Guru ka langar going. many others also chose to remain. Together they built a room over the platform where the used to sit while holding his court and installed Guru Granth Sahib on it. They called it Takhat Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh, while conferring Guruship on the holy Book, had himself named Nanded as Abchalnagar (lit. steadfast city) after the first word of a hymn read at random on the occasion.

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Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib Punjab

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib

Not all pilgrim sites for Sikhs are in Punjab. In Uttaranchal's Garhwal region is Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara the Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib. There is an interesting story behind this pilgrim site-it is believed that before his birth, Guru Gobind Singhji was performing tapasya (meditation) here. Thereafter, he was born on earth in order to rescue people from the tyranny of Aurangzeb, especially from his overzealous attempts to convert people it Islam. In one of his writings, Guru Gobind Singh described the locale around Hemkund Sahib. An army havildar who had read this description undertook the arduous journey to locate the place and was successful in his endeavor. A small Gurudwara was built at the spot and over the years, a large Gurudwara has been established here. A pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is dependent on the season as the route is closed due to heavy snowfall during the winter. The route is usually open between June and October and despite the danger of landslides, it is not unusual to find busloads of Sikhs from all over the country heading for Hemkund Sahib.

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Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara India

Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara

Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara Another important pilgrimage site is Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru created the 'Khalsa' or the pure ones by baptizing them. Anandpur Sahib (in Ropar District) is one of the five Sikh takhts or thrones. Sikhs from all over India visit this holy site especially on the occasion of Holla Mohalla which coincides with the last day of Holi and marks the festival's finale. On this day, the Gurudwara Keshgarh is filled with people and colour as men in bright turbans and women in gaily-colored salwar kameezs try to live up to Guru Gobind Singh Ji's vision of Holi.

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Panch Kedar Trekking India

Panch Kedar Trekking the Shiva Trail

The Panch Kedar trek includes all the five shrines associated with the Hindu legends. All of them are situated in the Kedar Valley. At Kedarnath, which is situated at the head of the Mandakini River, the Linga is a natural rock that resembles the hump of a bull. Madhmaheshwar, situated at the base of Chaukhamba Peak is at an altitude of 3500 m. Here the Linga is worshipped in the form of a navel. Tungnath, where tha arm of Shiva appeared is the highest temple in Garhwal is situated at an altitude of 3810 m. 500 m above the temple at Tungnath is Chandrashila.

The panoramic view of the Himalayas is breathtaking. Rudranath is where the face of Shiva is said to have appeared. Here there is a natural rock temple in which the Shiva Mukha is worshipped. To reach Rudranath, one has to trek throough alpine meadows and dense forests. Kalpeshwar is situated in the beautiful valley of Urgam. There is a cave temple here and Shiva is worshipped in his matted hair form.

The Panch Kedar trek is one of the best ways of getting a quick preview of the Garhwal Himalaya. The Garhwal Himalaya contain some of the highest peaks in India, viz. Nanda Devi (7817m), Trishul (7120m) and Chaukhamba (7138m). It is the source of the great Ganga and Yamuna rivers. They house the sacred Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, as well as forests of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Valley of Flowers National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and the Benog Reserve (Mussourie), among others.

Cradled in these very Garhwal Himalaya's ranges are five of Hinduism's most important temples, popularly known as the Panch Kedar, viz.

1. Kedarnath (3584 m)
2. Madhmaheshwar (3289 m)
3. Tungnath (3810 m)
4. Rudranath (2286 m)
5. Kalpanath (2134 m), sprawled over a vast area with altitudes ranging from 1500m to 3680m.

Punch Kedar Trekking Itinerary:

The Panch Kedar circuit is a 170km and 16-day trek, starting with a drive from Rishikesh to Gaurikund. The actual trek begins at Guarikund, one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region wouldn't demean the Alps with a comparison, but is as good, if not better!

Situated on the Rudraprayag - Kedarnath road, Guarikund provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges surrounding it.

Day 1): Delhi-Rishikesh
Drive Delhi-Rishikesh (230 km). Arrive Rishikes and checkinto the Hotel.

Day 2): Rishikesh-Gaurikund
After Breakfast drive to Gaurikund (209 km) with packed lunch. Overnight at Gaurikund – 1981 m.

Day 3): Gaurikund-Kedarnath
14 Kms Trek to Kedarnath. Lunch at Rambara enroute. Overnight at Kedarnath - 3581 m.

Day 4): Kedarnath-Gaurikund
14 Kms Trek to Gaurikund with packed lunch. Drive to Guptkashi (40 km). Overnight at Guptkashi.

Day 5): Gaurikund-Gaundhar
17 Kms Trek to Gaundhar with packed lunch. Overnight in tents.

Day 6): Gaundhar-Madhmaheshwar
10 Kms Trek to Madhmaheshwar. Overnight in tents - 3289 m.

Day 7): Madhmaheshwar-Gaundhar
Return trek to Gaundhar (10 km) with packed lunch. Overnight in tents.

Day 8): Gaundhar-Ukhimath
Trek to Jagasu (12 km). Drive to Ukhimath (16 km) with packed lunch. Overnight at Ukhimath.

Day 9): Ukhimath-Chopta
Drive to Chopta (35 km) - 2900 m. Further trek (4 km) to Tungnath - 3886 m with packed lunch. In the afternoon, return trek to Chopta (4 km). Overnight in tents.

Day 10): Chopta-Panargupha
Drive to Sagar (30 km). Further trek to Panargupha (10 km). Overnight in tents.

Day 11): Panargupha-Rudranath
12 Kms Trek to Rudranath (12 km) and We will take lunch enroute. Overnight in tents.

Day 12): Rudranath-Dumak
18 Kms Trek to Dumak with packed lunch. Nighthalt in tents.

Day 13): Dumak-Kalpeshwar Mahadev
14 Kms Trek to Urgam/Kalpeshwar Mahadev. Overnight in tents.

Day 14): Kalpeshwar Mahadev-Karnprayag
9 Kms Trek to Helang. Drive to Karnprayag (70 Kms). Lunch enroute. Overnight at Karnprayag.

Day 15): Karnprayag-Rishikesh
Drive to Rishikesh. Lunch enroute. Overnight at Rishikesh.

Day 16): Rishikesh-Delhi
After breakfast drive Rishikesh-Delhi (230 km). In the evening arrive Delhi.

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Golden Temple Travel India

Golden Temple is an important pilgrimage centre of the Sikhs. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, Golden Temple attracts tourists and pilgrims in droves. The Golden Temple is an important landmark in Amritsar.


Built in the 16th century, the Golden Temple is an integral part of the Sikh religion. A Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji of Lahore laid the foundation stone of the temple in 1588. The Golden Temple is a marvel in architecture. You can visit this wonder piece of architecture on your luxury Golden Temple travel. The temple was completed in 1601 and Guru Arjan Sahib installed Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhs). He appointed Baba Budha Ji as the first Granthi (reader of Guru Granth Sahib).


The four gates of the temple signify the liberal and openness of the religion. The gates were specifically made to welcome all the people from all the four sides. The temple is surrounded by a lake that gives the Golden Temple a beautiful character.


Also known as the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is built in three stories. The dome of the temple is gold plated and hence the temple is known as Golden Temple.


The first storey of the temple is done in marble while the rest have gold plating. The walls of the temple are decorated with carved wooden panels and elaborate inlay work in gold and silver is another highlight of the temple architecture.

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Roopkund Trekking India

Roopkund Trekking

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Chamoli District
Altitude: 5029 m above Sea Level

ROOPKUND TREK

Roopkund is situated in Chamoli district of garhwal. The road head for roopkund is lohajung 155km from Almora, 217km from nainital and 235km from Kathgodam. Roopkund situated at a height of 5029m in the lap of Trishuli massif. This area is usually called is the ‘mystery lake’, since human skeletons and remains of horses from the poleolithic age were found here.

The lake is surrounded by rock-strewn glacier and snow clad peaks. The starting point of the trek is lohajung, easily approached by motor from Almora. Roopkund can also be reached by ghat, connected by a motorable road with Nanda Prayag situated on the main highway of Badrinath. The trek of Roopkund passes through lushgreen grassy land and conifer forest clining into the sloper of hills. The trek thereafter winds its way along the pindar river. Then to round off this trek, one can approach hemkund via Shail Samundras glacier and then move on ghat. Bedni bugyal and Bhagwawasa are the most beautiful places in this trek. You must found lots of “Bramhakamal” near Bhawawara. The best time of come here is last week of August to last week of October. You must have 8 days to trekking for Roopkund. It is a 40km trek from road head.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS-
HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH: The two holy towns of the Hindu's-centres of' Vedic'learning and Yoga & Meditation. BEDNI BUGYALS : Considered amongst the finest high altitude grasslands in the Garhwal mountains- offering you a splendid view of the Greater Himalayan range. BEKHAL TAL:An small lake in scenic surroundings.

Day01): Delhi-Haridwar
Early morning arrival at Delhi. 0700 hrs departure by Surface to Haridwar. Day at leisure to explore this holy town. Visit the 'Aarti' (holy ceremony) performance at the river 'Ghat' at sunset. Overnight in Hotel.

Day02): Haridwar-Mundoli
Drive to the small hamlet of Mundoli ( 2134m ), from where the trek begins. Overnight in Guest House / Tents.

Day03): Mundoli-Bekhal Tal
Begin the trek; cross the Lahjung pass ( 2250m ) and continue to Bekhal Tal- a small lake amidst picturesque surroundings. Camp overnight. ( Aprox.8 Kms; 5-7 hrs walking )

Day04): Bekhal Tal
Day at leisure to be spent in the beautiful environs.

Day05): Bekhal Tal - Wan
Continue the trek to Wan village. The trail takes you via another small lake- Brahm Tal. Overnight in Guest House / Tents at Wan ( 2340m ). ( Aprox.10 Kms; 6-8 hrs walking )

Day06): Wan-Bedni Bugyal
Begin the uphill trek and reach the ‘Bugyals’ (high altitude meadows) of Bedini ( 3354m ) - a beautiful location with magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Camp overnight.

Day07): Bedni Bugyal
Day to explore the surroundings, which is bound to be an experience to be remembered.

Day08): Bedni-Baguabasa
Trek through the undulating grasslands to reach Baguabasa ( 3380m ). Camp overnight. ( Aprox.7 Kms; 3-4 hrs walking )

Day09): Roopkund excursion
Trek to the mysterious ‘Pond of Beauty’- Roop Kund (5029m), close to the base of the Trishul (7120m) and Nanda Ghungti (6310m) Peaks. Return to camp at Baguabasa. ( 8-10 hrs walking )

Day10): Baguabasa-Wan
Retrace the route back to Wan. Overnight in Guest House / Tents. ( 6-8 hrs walking )

Day11): Wan-Mundoli
Continue downhill to Mundoli taking a direct route. Overnight in Guest House / Tents. ( 6-8 hrs walking )

Day12): Mundoli- Rishikesh
Drive down along the river upto Risikesh. Overnight in Rest house or hotel.

Day14): Rishikesh -Delhi
Morning departure by road to Delhi. Enroute stop over at Khatoli for lunch. Arrive Delhi and transfer to Airport for flight back home.

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Travel Brij Bhoomi, Mathura India

Sightseeing Brij Bhoomi, Mathura

Popularly known as Brij Bhoomi, Mathura is a major pilgrimage place for Hindus. Krishna, the popular incarnation of Vishnu, is believed to have been born in Mathura, and is closely linked with many episodes in his early life.

Although almost like a forgotten city after the great cultural and rich enduring past it had, Mathura has grown in recent years into a multi-faceted urban sprawl with haphazard industrial development on the outskirts. A city of temples and shrines bustling with thousands of devotees, its most popular shrine is the Dwarikadhish Temple.

Nearby is Vrindavan, where Krishna sported with his gopis (milkmaids), and where the Hare Krishna has their headquarters. Although an important centre for the arts, the significance of the region is largely incorporeal. The city is dotted with places of religious and historical interest.
HISTORY

Hindu mythology claims that Shatrughna, the youngest brother of Lord Rama - the King of Ayodhya and hero of Ramayana, founded it. However, earliest historical records of Mathura date back around 2500 years, before the conquest of Alexander. Buddha himself founded monasteries here, in what was known to later Greeks as Madouraton Theon (Mathura of Gods).

The city reached an early peak under the Indo-Bactrian Kushan dynasty when Kanishka came to power in 78 AD. Fa Hian, the Chinese pilgrim, reported that in 400 AD it held twenty Buddhist monasteries, with about three thousand resident monks.

But, the enduring prosperity and sophistication of Mathura, which lay on a busy trade route, attracted many invaders including Muhammad of Ghazni, whose plundering and destruction signaled the death knell of Buddhism. Sikander Lodi from Delhi brought further havoc in 1500, as did Aurangzeb.
CULTURE

Mathura is a city blessed with good ancient culture, tradition, and heritage. After its great cultural, rich enduring past it had with Buddhism and Lord Krishna, the culture of the city revolves around Lord Krishna.

The art of decorating the ground with flowers known as Sanjhee, Raaslila - the dance festival and Charkula - the traditional folk dance of Braj with the rich tradition of folk songs (Rasiya songs) is part of the cultural evolvement here.
FOOD

Vegetarian food is what you get, in various permutations and combinations. Food tends to be greasy/ rich and one hopes that the spirit of devotion will soothe both the soul and the stomach! Snacks and mini meals are the popular fare with aloo-puri, chana-bhatura, hing-ki-kachori and paneer pakora being the front runners. The sweet lovers are in for a treat with pedhas, laddoos, rabri, khurchan, kalakand, balushahi and kheer being just a few of the favourites. A typical breakfast consists of crisp jalebis and bedmi (a spiced puri). So, dump the fried eggs and get ready to rake in some serious calories! Shikanji, lassi and milk are the beverages on offer.
SHOPPING

The city bazaars are full of shops with what we call 'Krishna-ware'! Mathura is also famous for sculptures, hand-embroidered cloth, silver ornaments, textiles and handicrafts, so pick up some sarees or jewellery when visiting. Additionally, the city has tons of Krishna-related material like pictures, rings, necklaces and pendants.

The Radha Dhiraj Bazaar, adjacent to the Dwarkadheesh Temple, is the place to buy some silver jewellery. Holi Gate Darwaza is the main shopping area selling everything from eatables and clothes to stationery and handicrafts. Krishna Janmabhoomi is popular for its bangles. Shankar Halwai and BMB are famous for the Mathura pedha and anyone can point them out to you.
ENTERTAINMENT

Not surprisingly the action is in August-September during the festival of Janmashtami or Krishna Jayanti, which commemorates the birth of Krishna. Diwali (November) and Holi (March) are also celebrated with great religious fervour. Janmotsav, Annakut Festival and the Trinavat Mela are some of the other occasions during which Mathura comes alive. It is best if you consult the Hindu calendar for the exact dates of the festivals.

BANKE - BIHARI TEMPLE - Built in 1864, it is one of Vrindavan's most popular temples, and famous all over India. Here Swami Haridasa discovered the Deity of Banke-bihari in Nidhuvana. A contemporary of the six Gosvamis, Swami Haridasa is known for his devotional bhajans.

BRIJBHOOMI - The land where Lord Krishna was born and spent his youth, today has small towns and hamlets that are still alive with the Krishna legend and still redolent with the music of his flute.
DWARKADISH TEMPLE - Built in 1814 in the center of the town, it is the most visited temple in Mathura. Managed by followers of Vallabhacharya, it is architecturally interesting. The temple carving and paintings are major attractions and is a hub of activity during the festivals.

JAIN TIRTH - Nearly 30 cm. long, light - almond - colored, wooden sandals of Jambuswamaji. Tirth is at a distance of four kilometers from Mathura. This tirth (pilgrimage) belongs to the times of Bhagawan Suparshvanth.

JAIPUR TEMPLE - One of Vrindavan's most opulent temples, it was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Madhav, in 1917 after 30 years of labor.

JUGAL KISHORE TEMPLE - This is one of the oldest temples of Vrindavana and was completed in 1627. After Emperor Akbar's visit to Vridavan in the year 1570, he gave permission for four temples to be built by the Gaudya Vaisnavas, which were Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal kishore temple.

KATRA MASJID - Around 500m west of Jami Masjid, stands the impressive red sandstone Katra Masjid built by Aurangzeb. This was erected on the foundations of the once-famous Kesava Deo temple, destroyed by the Moghul emperor.

KESI GHATA - This is the place where Lord Krishna, killed the Kesi demon that appeared in the form of a gigantic horse, and then took his bath in this very same ghata. This is also very famous bathing place in Vrindavan. An arati (prayer with lamps) to Yamuna Devi is held daily.

MATHURA KRISHNA BALRAM MANDIR - Built by the International Society for Shri Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), it is one of the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan. The principal deities of this temple are Krishna, his brother Balram and Radha (Krishna's consort).

RADHA DAMODARA TEMPLE - This is one of the most important temples in Vrindavan. The original deity was hand carved by Rupa Gosvami and given as a gift to his beloved disciple, Jiva Gosvami, who later built a temple here.

RADHA MADANA - MOHAN TEMPLE - This famous temple was established by Srila Sanatana Gosvami and was the first temple to be built in Vrindavan, which at that time was just a forest. The original Deity of Madana-mohana was taken to Karauli in Rajasthan.

RADHA VALLABHA TEMPLE - Another very popular temple of Vrindavan which was founded by Harivamsa Gosvami, who started the Radha Vallabha sect emphasizing devotion to Radharani. In this temple, there is no deity of Radharani, but a crown has been placed next to Krishna, to signify here presence.

RADHARAMANA TEMPLE - This is the famous temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Radharamana means one who gives pleasure to Radha, and is one of the many names of Lord Krishna. The wooden sitting place (chowki) and shawl (chaddar) of Lord Chaitanya, that he gave as a gift to Gopala Bhatt Gosvami is placed here.

RANGAJI TEMPLE - This South Indian style temple was built by the wealthy Seth family of Mathura in the year 1851, and is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha or Rangaji, a form of Lord Vishnu lying down on the Sesa Naga (celestial serpent).

SEVA KUNJA - The Seva Kunj is where Lord Krishna once performed the Raaslila with Radha-Rani decorating her hair with flowers and her lotus feet. Radha and Krishna would sometimes spend the night here, dancing with the gopis and enjoying transcendental pastimes.

THE GOVEREMENT MUSEUM - MATHURA - The Government Museum is today one of the leading centres for research, study, and the preservation of Mathura's splendid heritage of art. The museum is housed, in a fine octagonal, red sandstone building.

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Kauri Pass Trekking

Location: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh
Duration of The Trek: 9 Days
The Kauri pass trek is amongst the best in the Garhwal mountains. The trail takes you through lush green fields, remote villages and virgin forests. The Gohna Tal lake is a special attraction on the route. The close range view of Mt.Nanda Devi along with numerous other peaks is the reward that awaits the trekker atop the Kunwari pass !

Tour Highlights:
HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH : The two holy towns of the Hindu's- centres of ' Vedic' learning and Yoga & Meditation. BADRINATH : One of the Four 'Dhams' (pilgrim centres) of Garhwal, Badrinath is the most important. AULI : A popular winter Ski resort, Auli offers spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas.

PAURI: A small hill station with serene surroundings. Enjoy the hospitality of a local village here.
Since Lord Curzon once trekked upto Kuari Pass, the trail is known as Curzon trail.

Duration : 9 Days

ITINERARY:

Day1): RISHIKESH
Arrive Rishikesh and checkinto the Hotel or Tourist Rest house Rishikesh . Dinner and overnight in TRH Muni-Ki-Reti, Rishikesh.

Day 2): RISHIKESH-NANDPRAYAG
After breakfast 191 kms. drive to Nandprayag with pack lunch. Dinner and overnight in TRH or Hotel Nandprayag.

Day 3): NANDPRAYAG-RAMNI
20 kms. Drive to Ghat and 10 kms. Trek to Ramni with pack lunch. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 4): RAMNI-JHENJIPATNI
After breakfast 13 kms. trek to Jhenjipatni with pack lunch. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 5): JHENJIPATNI-SINYARTOLI
12 kms. trek to Sinyartoli with pack lunch. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 6): SINYARTOLI-DHAKWANI
10 kms. trek to Dhakwani with pack lunch. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 7): DHAKWANI-TALL
12 kms. trek to Tall via Kauri pass with pack lunch. Dinner and over night in tents.

Day 8): TALL-AULI
14 kms. trek to Auli with pack lunch. Dinner and overnight in TRH Auli.

Day 9): AULI-RISHIKESH
272 kms. drive to Rishikesh. Lunch en route. Arrival Rishikesh.

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Travel Nainital Uttaranchal

Sightseeing Nainital Uttaranchal

The Nainital tourist district is the pride of the Kumaon region in Uttaranchal. While there are many other places equally beautiful, Nainital is certainly the most popular tourist destination in Kumaon. It's a pleasant hill station. For tourists looking for hustle and bustle the best time to go is the summer months when a lot of traffic ascends from Delhi and the plains. The town gets equally crowded during the September/ October season which coincides with the Diwali and Puja holidays. However, like most hill resorts, it has its quite periods too. During the winter, Nainital is quite another beautiful experience when it reverts back to the local population and the crowds are absent. Peaceful, open, and invigorating.

In Indian mythology, Nainital is regarded as one of the 64 'Shakti Peeths'. Legend has it that a grief stricken Lord Shiva was carrying Sati's body and one of her eyes fell here. The Nainital Lake is shaped like an eye and the town derived its name from the combination of Nain (eye) and Tal (lake). The Naina Devi temple is located at one end of the lake.

The place lay undisturbed till an English businessman chanced upon the location while hunting. The businessman, Mr. Barron, a sugar trader got enamoured of the place and decided to start a settlement on the side of the pristine lake. The British had occupied the area in 1815 and the first recorded reference to the township can be found in a journal entry in 1841 in 'Englishman Calcutta' which mentions a lake being discovered in the area. The English settlement soon had lovely cottages on the hillsides around the lake. Sometime later, a number of wealthy Indian families from the old town of Almora shifted to Nainital and the town flourished. Nainital was, at one time, the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Lakes:
Nainital has several lakes close by- Bhimtal,Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal. Sat Tal (seven lakes) is 22 km from Nainital. Bhimtal is close by, almost the same distance from Nainital. Close to Bhimtal, 4 kms away is Naukutchiatal.

Sports and adventure activity:
The Nainital Yacht Club has been encouraging sailing for a long time. Apart from yachting, one can canoe and kayak on the lake. Parasailing activity has started near Naukuchiatal Hot ballooning camps have sprung up near Sukhatal.

The Golf Club near the Raj Bhawan is a delight. For those interested in rock climbing and mountaineering, the Nainital Mountaineering Club would be a good place to start.

Walks:
The most popular activity is walking up and down the Mall watching the activity and shopping.

Walks around the town are interesting and the hilly region is covered with Sal, Pine ,Oak, Buruns, Kaphal and other trees growing unto 6000 ft. along with Deodar and Surai at the higher altitudes . There are magnificent views of the snow clad Himalayas and some of the peaks that can be seen include the 7817 metre high Nanda Devi.

During the pleasant walks around the town you will surely come across some Himalayan Langoors and rhesus monkeys. Also, if you are lucky you will spot some flying squirrels or Indian porcupines.

Some interesting walks are available. Dorothy's Seat (2292 metres) is named in memory of an English lady who is believed to have died in an air crash. The spot commands a sectional view of the town and the nearby region. China Peak (Naina Peak), at a height of 2610 metres is a 5.5 km trek and has a 4 roomed log cabin built for tourists. A ropeway has been built which takes one up to Snow View at 2270 metres.

One can trek up to Snow View too, or alternatively take the ropeway and then walk down to enjoy the scenery. Snow View provides a 250 km sweeping view of the Himalayan range.

Kilbury (2528 metres) is 12 kms from the town and is a great place for a picnic. There is a Forest rest house which can be booked through the District forest Officer at Nainital.

The Hanuman temple at Hanuman Garhi is 3.2 kms away and was established by Neem Kiroli Baba. A visit to the temple in the evening offers a very good view of the sunset. The Govt. Observatory is also worth a visit. Since there are specific timings for visitors it is advisable to check out details before taking the 4.5 km walk there.

Shopping
Shopping activity is centered around the Mall which runs along one side of the lake. There are many decorative items for sale such as candles and wooden art and handicrafts. One can spend some time in the Bhutia Bazaar looking at woolen items. Excellent quality tweed is manufactured by Kumaon Woolens and Nainital woolens both of whom have showrooms on the Mall.

Horticulture
The area round Nainital is a horticultural belt and apple orchards are found located in the Ramgarh Mukteshwar belt . Other fruits grown here include peach, pears, apricot, and strawberry. Lichi is also grown in many parts. A number of floriculture farms have also come up.

Climate
The climate in summer varies from 11 degrees C- to 28C. In winter it ranges between 2 to 16 degrees.

Neighbouring hill stations and towns:
The quiet hill station of Ranikhet is 60 kms from Nainital. It is mainly an Army cantonment and thus has not grown the same way as other towns in Kumaon. Ram Nagar is 65 kms from Nainital and famous for being the place to access Corbett National Park, 50 kms away. Mukteshwar was once a British cantonment. It is located 52 kms from Nainital and is really quiet, green and picturesque. It offers some of the most magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. The oldest town close by is Almora, 60 kms from Nainital. Steeped in Indian culture and traditions, Swami Vivekanada recommended Almora as a great place to meditate in. The Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet route can be made into an interesting itinerary for someone interested in a quick 3 day tour of the area.

Getting There:
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 35 kms away. Kathgodam is a pleasant railway station with a quaint restaurant which looks as if it is frozen in time. Trains arrive at Kathgodam from Agra, Delhi and Lucknow. By road, Nainital is approximately an 8 hour drive from Delhi at a distance of 277 kms.

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MUSSOORIE Sightseeing India

MUSSOORIE

Mussoorie, Popularly known as the Queen of Hills, this charming hill station, 34 kms from Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2003 mts in the Garhwal hills. above sea-level. Mussoorie is one the beautiful hill stations in India and the most frequently visited. It provides excellent respite to people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains, especially since it is close enough to the capital to make just weekend trip. Also, major Hindu pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place.

In 1820, Captain Young of the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made it his residence. The name, Mussoorie is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a centre of education, business, tourism and beauty.

MUSSOORIE(Places to See)

Gun Hill
Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable.

Gun Hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. and a bird's eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley. During pre-independence days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.

Municipal Garden:
A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. It is located at a distance of 4kms by cycle rickshaw, pony or by car and only 2 kms on foot via Waverly Convent Road.

Childer's Lodge:
Highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. It is about 5 kms from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating.

Camel's Back Road:
It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. The main charm of this froad is horse riding and wlking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb. Camel's Rock with a life like resemblace can be seen from the spot near Mussoorie Public school.

Jharipani Fall:
8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.

Bhatta Fall:
7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics.

Kempty Fall:
15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refresshing and enjoyabled for children and adults alike.

Nag Devta Temple:
An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It Provies a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake:
A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedal boats are availble. It commands an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.

Van Chetna Kendra:
At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.

Sir George Everest House:
6 kms The Park Estate of sir George Everest, First Surveyor General of India, Who had his offce and residence here, is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill):
9 kms 6to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of 2104 mtrs. Is the Jwalaji Temple. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.

Clous End:
The bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the First Four buildings of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called Clouds End, and is situated at the extreme west of Mussoorie Hill, 8 kms from Library. The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas, and Yamuna river. The most ideally suited resort for fireigners and honeymoon couples.

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The Taragarh Palace, Bundi

It was built in 1345 and is great ramble around at leisure. This is rather a ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation.

The view over the town and surrounding countryside from the top are magical, especially at sun set.

inside the ramparts are huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock, and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battle- fields, on which there is mounted a famous cannon.

Taragarh is reached by steep road leading up the hillside to its enormous gateway.

Take a path up behind the chitra Shala, go east along the inside of the ramparts then left up the steep stone ramp just before the Dudha Mahal, a small disused building 200m from the palace.

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Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur Rajasthan

Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur

Lohagarh fort, or the Iron fort was built in the early 18th century and took its name from its supposedly impregnable defences, which are said to be inspired by a description given in the epic, Ramayana. Maharaja Suraj Mal, the fort's constructor and founder of Bharatpur, built two towers within the ramparts, the Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj, to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and the British.

The fort was encircled and protected by deep moats, and according to a legend would fall "only when a crocodile swalled up all the water of the moat". The gate of the Lohagarh has an interesting history behind it. It originally belonged to the fort of Chittorgarh but was carried away by Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. in the late 17th century it was brought back in triumph by the victorious Jat armies from the imperial capital of Delhi to Bharatpur.

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Padmini’s Palace, Chittorgarh Rajasthan

Padmini’s Palace, Chittorgarh

It is built beside the lotus pool with a historical pavilion that changed the history of Chittor. Ala-ud-din saw the reflection of Queen Padmini from here and so mesmerized was he, that the quest of possessing her led to a furious battle which saw the last of Maharana Ratan Singh (husband of Maharani Padmini) and the epitome of beauty-Cleopatra of Rajasthan, became an eternal legend in the history of chittor and also of the Mewar state. The feel still lingers on. A thing of beauty is a joy for ever- and now they don't say this for nothing.

Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan.

The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.

Thrice a stronger enemy sacked Chittorgarh. The first sack occurred in 1303 when a Pathan King Ala-ud-din Khilji overwhelmed by the beauty of Queen Padmini besieged the fort in order to capture the regal beauty.

in 1535 Bahadur Shah the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the fort causing immense carnage and it is said that 32000 men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to face a certain death, and the women folkes committed Jauhar (an act of self immolations by plunging in a large fire) led by Rani Karnawati.

in 1568 Mughal Emperor Akbar razed the fort to the rubble and once again the history repeated itself. in 1616 Mughal emperor Jehangir restored the fort to the Rajput but it was not resettled.

Today a new township sprawls below the hill on the west side. Chittorgarh is connected by both bus and rail. The bus stand and the railway are located in the new township.

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Patwon-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer India

Patwon-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer

Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.

Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city.

And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest.

in Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle.

Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences. in the 13th century Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor of Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort to take back the treasure taken by the Bhatti Rajput from his imperial caravan train.

When the fall of the fort was imminent the women of the fort committed Jauhar, an act of mass self-immolation, while men donned saffron robes and rode to their certain death. Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in the battle. Dudas descendants continued to rule Jaisalmer.

in 1541 they even fought Mughal Emperor Himayun. Though their relations with Mugshal was not always hostile. Sabala Simha won the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shaha Jahan for battle distinctions in Peshawar and the right to rule Jaisalmer. in the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the instrument of Agreement with the British.

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Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur Rajasthan

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace.

This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the world. Spectacular Central Rotunda, the cupola rises to a hundred and five feet high; the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals; an elegant wood-panelled library, and even a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts makes Umaid Bhawan Palace is unabashedly the most magnificent.

The palace was also built with superficial intentions of providing employment to famine stricken farmers. The Palace now is a five star deluxe palace hotel. The museum of the palace is highly recommended for its display of weapons, an array of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and an incredible collection of clocks.

This is known as Umaid Bhawan Palace because of the particular type of sandstone used, to build it - which is not weathered. Portions of the Umaid palace have been converted into a hotel and a museum.

Located in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified bastions, specially those of Mehrangarh Fort, which has been a witness for many battles and is associated closely with the history of the region.

Being a part of the desert triangle, and venue of Marwar Festival it is also covered by the famous "Palace on Wheels", a super luxurious (emperor style) rail-cum-road package tour.

The city again is of high tourist attraction and has all basic amenities for both domestic and foreign tourists. Hotels from Super Deluxe ranging to low budge can be checked in. It is well connected by rail, road and air to the city as it again witnesses high flow of tourist traffic in winters.

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Nahargarh Fort, Nahargarh Jaipur Rajasthan

Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber.

The legend also have it that it was named Nahargarh after Nahar Singh a prince whose spirit would destroy the construction and not allow its progress further. So after a tantrik prayer to the spirit it agreed to leave on condition that the fort is named after him. The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Ram Singh II has uniquely a cluster of 12 identical suits for queens and at the head is a suit for the king himself.

The rooms are linked by corridors and retain some delicate frescos as well as toilets and kitchen hearths. It was used by members of the royal family for excursion in summers and is now even a favoured picnic spot. Durg Cafeteria just above the entrance sells meals and refreshments, while Padao Restaurant on the west sells drinks around sunset.

Tour in Jaipur opens up an array of architectural marvels that the royal state of Rajasthan is famous for. And Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is a massive structure that gives vacationers a glimpse of the architectural wonders that dots the Pink city of India.

Nahargarh or the Tiger Fort is the first of the three forts built by the kings of Jaipur. Built mainly in 1734 by Jai Singh II, it lies 6 km north west of City Palace and provides some stunning views of the city of Jaipur down below to the Man Sagar Lake. The imposing fort harbors many legends and three kings have added their stamp at different times to the structures within the fort.

in the midst of this lake is a palatial duck blind, which was used for shooting parties by the erstwhile royal family. A royal retreat for the Maharanis, it was also used as a personal treasury for many years.

Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. It overlooks the city from a sheer ridge to the north, and is floodlit at night. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19 th century are preserved in a good condition.

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Ricky Martin Sightseeing in Jaipur

Ricky Martin goes sightseeing in Jaipur

Latino pop sensation Ricky Martin, here to perform at a wedding, went on a sightseeing tour and reportedly enjoyed visiting the historic sites of Jaipur.

Martin is to sing at the wedding function of Mumbai-based industrialist Neeraj Raja Kocchar's son. The industrialist, who deals in metal, has booked a suite for Martin at the Le Meridien Hotel near Amber Fort.

'Ricky Martin and his 35-member troupe arrived Wednesday night by a chartered plane and drove straight to the hotel,' sources close to the industrialists' family told IANS.

The pop star is expected to perform at the hotel premises Friday evening. His visit was kept under wraps and Le Meridien has been turned into a virtual fortress, with several security personnel deployed.

On Thursday, the star of 'Livin' La Vida Loca' fame took time out to go on a sightseeing tour and visited Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jaigarh Fort. 'He was quite fascinated to see these places,' a source said.

But by evening, it was back to rehearsals with his troupe in a black-tented enclosure in the hotel compound.

'He did not participate and only watched his troupe rehearse', the source added.

Indian pop singer Sukhbir and Bollywood choreographer-director Farah Khan are also slated to be part of the three-day lavish wedding function that began Thursday.

Extravagant Jaipur weddings, held at heritage resorts, have become a lifestyle statement for the rich and famous and have been featured in international magazines and television channels.

Source: www.indiaenews.com/bollywood/20070202/37866.htm

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Birla Mandir jaipur

City Jaipur
State Rajasthan
Location West India
Altitude
Year of Construction 20th Century
Constructed By Birla Family
Type of Construction Modern
Type of Building Temple
Managed By Birla Family
Official Website
Dedicated To Goddess Saraswathi
Other Deities
Religion Hinduism
Importance
Famous For The Birla Mandir presents a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night.

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Visit Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in Agra India, is one of the wonders of the world. This beautiful mausoleum in white marble, was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, for his Empress Mumtaz Mahal after her death in 1631 A.D. Considered a symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is recognized as the best expression of Mughal architecture in India. History, beauty and an immortal love story, combine to create the mystique of the Taj Mahal. India at its Best offers tours and tour packages to Agra. Experience India at its best, when you travel to the Taj Mahal in Agra and see the monument to everlasting love.

The signature of love, the poem in white marble, the epitome of beauty, the wonder of the world, that's Taj Mahal. The pride and passion associated with India for the Taj Mahal remains its greatest gift to the world heritage. Much more than the mausoleum of the Mughal Empress Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is an exemplary work of art. Year after year tourists flock to take a look at the symbol of love Taj Mahal. The romantic aura around the monument attracts millions to the most visited and the most photographed monument. Welcome to the world of beauty at the Taj Mahal !

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SRINAGAR - TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

SRINAGAR - TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. The Mughal emperor Jahangir was so captivated by the beauty of this valley that he exclaimed "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto" (If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here). There are a number of tourist places in and around Srinagar.

The Dal Lake is an important tourist attraction of Srinagar. It is located on the eastern end of the city. The Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake some 8 km from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Travelers can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake.

The other major attractions of Srinagar city are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens. The Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens located to the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. One can take a stroll amongst these green and attractive gardens and enjoy the waterworks within them.

The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit in Srinagar. Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, built it in the 3rd century bc.

SRINAGAR - EXCURSIONS

There are number of interesting places to visit near Srinagar. Most of these places are located amongst picturesque settings of the mighty Himalayas. Apart from natural beauty, they offer a number of adventure activities to the traveler.

Gulmarg is 52 km southeast of Srinagar and is located at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level. In summers, the meadows of Gulmarg are laden with flowers. In winters, the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turn into a skiing resort, which attracts the traveler seeking adventure and thrill. It is a popular trekking destination and boasts of the world's highest golf course.

Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar and is located at an altitude of 2740 m. It is set in a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. The flower?laden meadows, panoramic view of the lofty snow?covered Himalayan peaks, and a number of trekking and hiking trails have made Sonamarg a popular tourist destination.

Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar and is located in the quiet Liddar valley, at a height of 2130 m. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

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Monasteries in Sikkim

Monasteries in Sikkim
Monastery, Sikkim Holiday VacationsSikkim's near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals in practice.

Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava. Feel the peace and quiet of being one with nature and close to the almighty as sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels.

The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. Also preserved here, are ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold.

PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY
Pemayangtse Monastery is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing (140 kms. from Gangtok) and commands an impressive view of Mount khanchendzonga. It was originally a small Lhekhang build by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnate jigme Pawo extended it and rebuild the structure. This monastery belongs to the Nyigma order and all other Nyigma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. The monks of Pemayangtse are usually from the leading Bhutia families in Sikkim. There are 108 monks in this monastery.

RUMTEK MONASTERY
24 Kms. from Gangtok, a drive through beautiful countryside takes one to Rumtek Dharma Chakra centre built in 1960'S by his holiness the late 16th GYALWA KARMAPA when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. It houses some of the worlds most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.

Rumtek monastery, a must for every visitor, where one can find some of the worlds most unique art objects , this place is the seat of the Kagyu order -- a close replica of the original Kagyu in Tibet.

ENCHEY MONASTERY
This monastery is situated in Gangtok on a hill top. It was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal. This 200 year old monastery has in its premises images of Gods, Goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January "Chaam" or religious masked dance is performed.

Lama Drupthob Karpa is supposed to have built a small hermitage at the spot he reached after he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim. Later during the reign of Sikyong Tulku (1909-1910), the present monastery was built in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda.

PHENSANG MONASTERY
This monastery was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. In 1947 it was completely gutted by a devastating fire. However it was rebuilt in 1948. It is present in North Sikkim. There are around 300 monks under the monastery and the main annual function in the monastery is on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender which normally corresponds to the month of December.

PHODANG MONASTERY
This monastery is in North Sikkim 28 kms. from Gangtok. The original monastery is rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has around 260 monks. Like the Ralong and Rumtek the main annual Puja is performed on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender when the religious dances are performed.

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Savitri Temple Pushkar Rajasthan

Savitri Temple in one of the most renowned one out of 400 temples in Pushkar. According to the Hindu mythology Savitri is the first wife of Lord Brahma. When He was all set to start a Yagna on earth in the place of Pushkar (determined by drooping a lotus flower), Savitri's presence was the prerequisite. But She had kept Him waiting. Lord Brahma, irritated at this, married Gayatri the milkmaid to start the yagna on the most auspicious moment.

Infuriated Savitri cursed that Lord Brahma would not be worshipped anywhere else but Pushkar. Hence you find the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma only inn Pushkar.

Perched on a hillock, Savitri Temple stands just behind the temple of Lord Brahma. A long series of steps lead to the shrine. From the temple you can get a panoramic view of the Pushkar lake, the surrounding temples and the sand dunes.

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Pink City Distance from major Cities

How to reach Jaipur

Jaipur, being the capital of Rajasthan it is easily accessible by all means. Daily Flights are available to all major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, flights to Kolkata is also available. It is well connected by Roads & Trains. You can hire a cab from New Delhi or can pick the Volvo - Bus provided by the Rajasthan Govt.

Distance from major cities
Jaipur - New Delhi 259 Kms
Jaipur - Mumbai 1202 Kms
Jaipur - Udaipur 405 Kms
Jaipur - Jodhpur 336 Kms
Jaipur - Jaisalmer 621 Kms

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Sultanpur National Park India

About Sultanpur National Park

Birds in Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur, 46 kms to the south-west of Delhi, is a green haven with a lake and wild birds. Sultanpur was declared a water-bird reserve in 1972 and its grounds are lush with lawns and trees and shrubs and masses of bougainvillea. It is recommended to spend some time in the small museum and library in the reserve, as one gets a fair idea of the birds and creatures you are likely to see during your visit to the reserve. A good pair of binoculars is a must to clearly observe the wildlife from a safe distance, without disturbing them.

Sultanpur is essentially a bird watching place with few trees obscuring the visitor's view of the lake. The birds can be easily spotted wading, swimming or flying. All this is possible, because the visitors are not allowed to paddle around in boats in this water bird sanctuary, thus allowing the birds to continue with their activities without human interference. One can very easily spot grey pelicans, cormorants, grey and pond herons, egrets, painted storks who tend to congregate and preen. The black-necked storks, white ibis, spoonbills, etc can also be spotted.


Best Time to Visit Sultanpur National Park
The ideal time to visit the Sultanpur National Park is during the months of December and January because it is the main period for migratory birds.

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Kohima Nagaland

Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland. The most prominent feature of the city is the Catholic Cathedral with red-tiled roof in the Aradurah Hill. It is supposed to be the largest cathedral in the entire northeast. The World War II Memorial to the brave Naga soldiers and the War Cemetery designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens are the other major tourist attraction of the city. The supermarket is close to the cemetery where women sell vegetables along with shawls and imitation jewelry. Kohima Local garden is the place where traditional wrestling competitions are organized. There is also a State Museum, which has exhibited objects portraying traditional way of Naga life.

You can go on excursion tour to Khonoma village only 20 km away. The village offers beautiful scenic views. The not to be missed feature is the bamboo pipelines to carry water for irrigation purposes t o long distances. At a distance of 15 km from the city is the Japfu Peak, which offers trekking opportunity. The Dzukou Valley constitutes the part of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary. The meandering streams in the valley often freeze during winters. The spring is the season when the valley is full of lilies and white and pink rhododendrons. The Angami warriors fought with the British in 1879 in the village of Khonoma.

Dimapur, which means 'the city of the river people', is at a distance of 75 km towards northwest of Kohima. It is the biggest and the most industrialized town of Nagaland. The tourist attraction in this place is the ruins of the Kacheri Monuments. The Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary, located 37 km from Dimapur, is the habitat of the Elephants, Mithuns, Hoolock Gibbons, Sambhars, Sloth Bears, tigers and Wild Dogs.

The hill station at Nagaland is Mokokchung, where you will get a colonial touch. This is the native place of the Ao Nagas who are known fir their headhunting and attractive red and black shawls.

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Marine Drive

Marine DriveMarine Drive Mumbai
Built on land reclaimed from Back Bay in 1920, Marine Drive runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point past Chowpatty Beach to the foot of Malabar Hill. It's one of Mumbai's most popular promenades and a favourite sunset-watching spot. You certainly won't be loitering on the sea wall long before you're engaged in conversation, even if it's with someone offering to show you how well their monkey can breakdance. The promenade is lined with decaying Art Deco apartments just begging for a paint manufacturer to prove what their product can do to brighten up an area. Tourist brochures are fond of dubbing it the Queen's Necklace, because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights at night. It's less spectacular during the day, though there are plans afoot to beautify the area.

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MANIPUR India

Set amidst the states of Nagaland, Asam and Mizoram, Manipur is truly a traveler's paradise. It is predominantly a hill state with patches of plain and watered by the rivers Imphal, Iril, Thoubal, Irang and Barak, all of which flow from north to south.

Imphal, the beautiful capital city in the valley stands in a beautiful wood valley full of lakes and grassy meadows. Mao and Ukhrul, the picturesque hill resorts; Taminglong, with its exotic landscape; Chandel, home to amazing tribes; Khonggom and Moirang are reminders of the British Raj in India. Manipur is best visited during the months of October to February. Rainfall: 1980.8 mm (May to October). Climate: 32 Deg. C (mean max.); 0.0 Deg. C. (mean min.)

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Jaipur the PinkCity India

The Rose Pink City founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), is the capital of Rajasthan. It is a major attraction for the first-time visitor. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink colour, lending enchantment to the scene, which is almost magical at sunset.


The Old City (Known as the Pink City) is a great place to wander around. The whole city was painted in Pink colour by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876 AD. Today, every home within the city is obliged by law to maintain its facade. It is a very well planned city laid out in a grid pattern and was designed by a young Bengali engineer and scholar by the name "Vidyadhar Bhattacharya".

Jaipur was and remains the only city in the world, symbolising the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. Jaipur is a royal city & this is its most noticeable aspect, small buildings & festivals testify it.

Jaipur & its surroundings are rather like an endless museum. The city also offers an endless variety of crafts. Jewellers here still fashion the beautiful enamel-on-gold pendants, studded on the reverse with precious stones or pearls & turquoise that one sees in miniature paintings. Jaipur's lacquer bangles are famous all over the world. This is a city to be visited.

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Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple

Shiva Temple India
City Bhubaneshwar
State Orissa
Location East India
Altitude
Year of Construction 617-657 A.D
Constructed By Yayati Kesari
Type of Construction Ancient
Type of Building Temple

Shiva revealed to Parvati that Bhubaneshwar - or Ekamra thirtha was a resort favoured by him over Benares. Parvati in the guise of a cowherd woman, decided to look at the city herself. Two demons Kritti and Vasa desired to marry her. She requested them to carry her upon their shoulders, and crushed them under her weight. Shiva, then created the Bindu Saras lake to quench her thirt, and took abode here as Krittivasas or Lingaraja

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About Kovalam Kerala India

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.It has been a favourite haunt of tourists,especially Europeans,since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.

The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages,special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc.The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes.

Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort.

The beach complex includes the Ashoka Beach Resort (owned by ITDC),a string of budget cottages,Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc.Thiruvananthapuram,the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle.

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Dance Music Jammu & Kashmir

Dance and Music of Jammu & Kashmir

Dance, Jammu & Kashmir Travel GuideRouf
This dance is almost steeped in antiquity. Rouf is always performed in the accompaniment of pleasant pathetic song. It is performed on all festive occasions and particularly on the evenings of Ramzan and IDD days. Group of women face each other and perform simple footwork which has a sensuous charm about it.

Hafiz Nagma
Hafiz Nagma is based on the classical music of Kashmir- the Sofiyiana Kalam. The Sufiyana Kalam has its own ragas known as Muquam. The prominent instrument used in Hafiz Nagma is called Santoor-a hundred stringed instrument played with sticks. The danseuse in this tradition is known as 'Hafiza'.

Song of Habba Khatoon
Habba Khatoon was the renowned princess of Kashmir. Her feelings during her separation form the Yousuf King is depicted in this song. The song is based on the folk renderings of kashmiri Music.

Jagarna
This marriage song cum-dance form has the elements of theatre. Whjile the menfolk of the bridegroom's house have gone with the Barat woment folk are left alone in the house. The bridegroom's mother, aunts, mgradmother and other relations indulge in gossips revelations of their marital life and the behaviour of their husbands. But sometimes, in right earnest, they reveal some intimate incidents and spend the night in the atmosphere which is un-interrupted by menfolk in ints flow of unending gossip and the movement of frolicking feet.




Kashmir Valley, Kashmir TourismSurma
This song in Dogri, set to dance reveals the anguish of a newly married girl whose husband is away in the Army. The ever increasing yearning of re-union is depicted through this song-dance.

Bakhan
This folk song is a widely prevalent form of mass entertainment in our region. The haunting Melody of Pahari songs add to the beauty and joy of daily life.There are certain songs which are independent of instruments. "Bakhan" is such a best example. "Bakhan" are in verse. The metre is irregular and is determined by modulation in tone. The movemtn of hand indicates the variations in the note. This is the only form of lyric in Dgri which resembles the Western harmony of sounds without loosing its individual note and rhythem.

Geetru
A dance-song of Dogra Pahari region of Jammu being performed at the occasion of feasts, festivals and marriages by the rural folk parties of this region. Male and female both participate in this dance-song in their traditional costumes. This type of dance-song is performed at any time of the day as well as night.

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Kangchenjunga mountain

Kangchenjunga (Kanchenjunga) has remained virgin and unconquered, inspite of the several attempts furnished with the most modern equipments till 1975. Within 7,000-sq-kms area is contained the world’s third highest 8,586m, but the most romantic mountain.

Kangchenjunga (Kanchenjunga) is located on the Sikkim (India) - Nepal border as part of the Himalayan mountain range. Kangchenjunga has 5 peaks, of which the true Summit is 28,169 feet or 8,586 meters. The name Kangchenjunga (Kanchenjunga) means "The Five Treasures of the Snow" in the local dialect, referring to its five summits all over 8,000 meters.

Kangchenjunga has an enormous mass with numerous satellite peaks along its ridges. Kangchenjunga is located at Latitude 27° 42' 9'' Longitude 88° 9' 1 '. Kangchenjunga (Kanchenjunga) is also known by some as named “Kangchen Dzö-nga”, “Kachendzonga”, “Kangchanfanga”.

Climbing Attempts At Kangchenjunga
In 1930, a European expedition consisting of German, Austrian, Swiss and British mountaineers made an attempt to scale Kangchenjunga, it failed. Years later a writer came across an extract from the diary of one of the climbers, who wrote:

“Kangchenjunga (Kanchenjunga) had beaten us… we had examined every portion of the faces above the Kangchenjunga and Rathong glaciers; nowhere was there a chink in the armour of the giant. Others sceptical as to the truth-may follow… like us they will lie awake at night and tremble, even as the ground trembles at the roar of great ice avalanches that seek their destruction… their hope and optimism… ruthlessly crushed beneath the icy heel of Kangchenjunga.”

In June, 1955 a British expedition under charles evans sent a telegram to the ‘Times”, it read:

“Summit of Kangchenjunga less five vertical feet reached on May 25. All well.” The expedition stopped short of the top-they had agreed to respect the religious feelings of the Sikkimese who regard the mountain as sacred and had undertaken not to desecrate the immediate neighbourhood of the summit.

Sir John Hunt, who reached the peak of Everest with Sir edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norkey, has described it, a mountain more difficult and dangerous to climb, than Everest itself.

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East Imphal West Imphal

East Imphal
Imphal Travel GuideImphal East District came into existence on the 18-06-1997 with its head quarters at Porompat occupying the eastern part of Imphal District. The District is situated in two separate valleys of the state namely Central Valley and Jiribam Valley.

The total area of District is 469.44 sq.km. approximately. The District is situated at an altitude 790 metres above the M.S. Level. The climate of the District is salubrious and Monsoon is tropical. The minimum temperature goes down to 0.6degree Celsius in winter and 41 degree Celsius in summer.

It has no rail network and hence communication is entirely dependent on roads except Jiribam Sub-Division bordering Cachar District of Assam where there is a railhead. The District is connected with N.H. 39,NH. 53 and N.H. 150.

West Imphal
The Imphal West District falls in the Category of Manipur valley region. It is a tiny plain at the centre of Manipur surrounded by Plains of other districts. Imphal City, the State Capital is the nodal functional centre of this District. As a first glance, we may summarized as in the table. It is surrounded by Senapati District on the north, on the east by Imphal East and Thoubal districts, on the south by Thoubal and Bishnupur Districts, and on the west by Senapati and Bishnupur Districts.

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Hotels in Puri

Puri is one of the famous holy cities on the coast of Bay of Bengal. Today Puri is a famous beach resort along with its religious significance. The most significant landmark of Puri is the Lord Jagannatha Temple. Reflecting a wonderful example of Kalinga temple, Puri is a most sort after tourist destination. Puri takes prime prominence during the Rath Yatra, which is held annually. The other important festival associated with Puri is Nava Kalebara. Hotels in Puri welcome tourists from all walks of life. There are hotels in all ranges. Equipped with all modern facilities, Puri hotels promise you a comfortable and luxurious stay. Hotels in Puri range from heritage, deluxe to budget hotels. Here are some of the best hotels in Puri.

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Idukki Arch Dam

Idukki Arch Dam Idukki Dam

is the first Arch Dam in India, situated 40km away from Thodupuzha and 75 km away from Kottayam. The Idukki wild life sanctury is situated near by. The Idukki dam is constructed across the Kuravan-Kurathi hills. The dam lies close to the Cheruthoni Barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams, namely, Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu

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Hawa Mahal Jaipur India

The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind is a Jaipur landmark which was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh way back in the year 1799. The Hawa Mahal displays fanciful architecture and has been so named because the palace has specially latticed screens and arches for an unbridled flow of air currents in a set pattern with the passage of the sun.

Till the recent past, ladies of the court from within the palace positioned themselves by the balconies to watch processions passing through in the streets below without themselves being observed by the people.

The Hawa Mahal was designed by renowned architect Lal Chand Usta and is built of red and pink sandstone and is a living testimony of Rajput architectural grandeur. The Hawa Mahal is shaped like a pyramid and has a staggering 953 small windowpanes and all of them are conspicuous by their miniscule lattice work, miniature balconies and vaulted roofs all of which are exquisitely designed and engraved.

Hawa Mahal is accessible from where the City Palace is located and entry is via a majestic door which leads to the large courtyard and is clustered with two storied edifices on three sides.

Hawa Mahal offers breath taking views of Jaipur city, its palatial edifices and quarters. There is no sign of any ornate embellishments adorning Hawa Mahal.

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Travel HARIDWAR India

AIR

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant 35 km.


ROAD

The National Highway No - 45 crosses through the city of Haridwar, so it is connected to other cities of the State as well as other towns in India in an efficient manner. There are buses available from Delhi to this place .


RAIL

The Railways have a station at Haridwar. This major pilgrimage center has been well connected by trains to all the major towns of India. In fact trains bring the major load of pilgrims and tourist inflow to Haridwar.

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Har Ki Pauri

A major pilgrimage attraction in Haridwar, the holy city of Uttarnchal is Har Ki Pauri. On the banks of Ganga, Har Ki Pauri has come to symbolise and become a major landmark of the city. Every evening thousands of locals, pilgrims and tourists gather on its banks to perform, watch and admire the evening arti, the praise sung in respect of they holiest of all rivers, River Ganga.

Legend

The history of this ghat dates back to the time of King Vikramaditya,(in 1st century B.C.). it is said that he built it here in the memory of his brother, Bhatrihari who had come to meditate here on the bank of Ganga. Legend has it that the place is considered so sacred because this is the place where lord Vishnu first came to earth.

The Ghat

Every day, Har Ki Pauri ghat witnesses hundreds taking a dip in water of Ganga here. The place is so famous and considered so auspicious ghat no one wants to miss in it on his trip to Haridwar, infact no pilgrim leaves Haridwar without paying a visit t the Ghat. Literally meaning, the Har means Lord Vishnu and paudi meaning steps. The place has a large footprint of lord Vishnu here and hence it came to be known as Har Ki Paudi.

The Ganga Aarti

This is the most amazing spectacle on can see on his tour to Uttaranchal. As the evening turns into night, thousands gather on both the banks of the holiest of all rivers, river Ganga to sing its praises. The priest hold large fire bowls in their hands, the gongs in the temples at the Ghat start ringing and the chants flowing out of lips fill the air. What follows is even more soul touching. People float earthen diyas, with burning flickers and flowers in them as a symbol of hope and wishes in then warer and the water instantly shines golden within the flames.

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Gateway of India

Bombay is the leading financial center of India and a major national commercial, transportation, and manufacturing hub. Bombay Harbor, a broad, sheltered bay located between the city and the mainland, is one of the world's greatest natural harbors. Built in the Indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of India is meant to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The Gateway of India was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st, 1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1924.

Through this gateway the last British viceroy departed in 1947, marking the termination of almost 350 years of official British presence in India. Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens.

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GANGTOK

Gangtok, a small city in Sikkim, Gangtok is filled with different cultures, religions and people existing in perfect harmony. Gangtok presents aperfect examples for India and even other countries on how can people from diffrent backgrounds and with diffrent casts and creeds can live together in perfect harmony. Sikkimese always have shown a strong bonding with their age-old traditions and customs, however as soon as a person looks around in Gangtok hw is sure that modernity and new worlds culture is coming into town.

The capital is definitely not behind the rest of the world in terms of urbanization, with broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discothèques, and all other modern amenities that the heart can desire for present in numbers here. One imposing manmade landmark of the town is the 200 ft-high TV tower which overlooks the town and is situated near the Enchey Monastry below Ganesh Tok. A leisurely walk along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg is shopper's delight- Hotels, restaurants, curios, footwear and almost everything is available.

City of Gangtok offers a lot of trinkets and tribal handicrafts that can be bought and cherished from the streets as well as showrooms that are spread throughout the city. Gangtok has started to grow in terms of commercialization with new and more modern hotels and shopping plazas coming around.

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Gangaur Festival Rajasthan India

The Gangaur Festival is the colourful and most important local festival of Rajasthan and is observed throughout the State with great fervour and devotion by womenfolk who worship Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva during July-Aug. It is the celebration of monsoon, harvest and marital fidelity in Jaipur.

Gan is a synonym for Shiva and Gaur which stands for Gauri or Parvati who symbolises saubhagya (marital bliss). Gauri is the embodiment of perfection and conjugal love which is why the unmarried women worship her for being blessed with good husbands, while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of their spouses and a happy married life.

The festival commences on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 18 days. For a newly-wedded girl, it is binding to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival that succeeds her marriage. Even unmarried girls fast for the full period of 18 days and eat only one meal a day.

Images of Isar and Gauri are made of clay for the festival. In some families, permanent wooden images are painted afresh every year by reputed painters called matherans on the eve of the festival. A distinct difference between the idols of Teej and Gangaur is that the Idol will have a canopy during the Teej Festival while the Gangaur idol would not have a canopy.
The ladies decorate their hands and feet by drawing designs with mehendi (myrtle paste). The figures drawn range from the Sun, Moon and the stars to simple flowers or geometrical designs.
Ghudlias are earthen pots with numerous holes all around and a lamp lit inside them. On the evening of the 7th day after Holi, unmarried girls go around singing songs of ghudlia carrying the pots with a burning lamp inside, on their heads. On their way, they collect small presents of cash, sweets, jaggery, ghee, oil etc. This continues for 10 days i.e. upto the conclusion of the Gangaur Festival when the girls break their pots and throw the debris into a well or a tank and enjoy a feast with the collections made.

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Flim City Mumbai India

Mumbai is the hub of Indian film industry. Mumbai has played a pivotal role in the development of cinematography. The first feature film Raja Harishchandra was produced in the city by Dadasaheb Phaike, the father of Indian Cinema. Since then Mumbai has remained a main centre of Indian Film Industry for a period of a century. To provide facilities and concessions to the film industry the State Government has built a FilmCity.at Goregaon.

THE WORLD OF INDIAN FILMS

The Film City is located away from the city life, on a secluded piece of land in the vicinity of Aarey Colony. The Film City is well equipped with large studios for indoor shootings, recording room, a theater, and facilities like garden, lakes, ground for fighting scenes, helipads etc. for outdoor shooting. The plan for this Film City was prepared and executed under the able guidance of late V. Shantaram, the veteran actor, director and film producer. The Film City is not open to admission without a prior permission.

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Travel Fatehpur Sikri

More About Fatehpur Sikri

Located at 40 kilometers west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is the 16th century historic Mughal town of India. Fatehpur Sikri was built under the personal supervision of the Mughal Emperor Akbar as a tribute to the venerated Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who blessed him with a son. The construction of Fatehpur Sikri was started in 1569 and the Mughal capital was shifted from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri (1571 to 1584). However due to a severe shortage of water the city was abandoned soon after Akbar's death in 1584, and the Mughal capital was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri houses some of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of Mughal India, and the 16th century town has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The historic city of Fatehpur Sikri is a completely walled city with vast red sandstone central squares, exquisitely carved multi-tiered pavilions, terraces and gardens, showing unique synthesis of Indo-Islamic style. Fatehpur Sikri houses some of the finest architectural masterpieces of Mughal India, including the famous Bulund Darwaza - the largest gateway in the world. Other wonderful structures at Fatehpur Sikri include the Tomb of Salim Chisti, Jami Masjid, Panch Mahal and the life-size Chessboard where courtiers could play the role of pieces. Other must see tourist attractions in Fatehpur Sikri include Birbal's Palace, Turkish Sultana's House, Royal Treasury or the Daulat Khana and Jodha Bai's Palace. Visit the historic town of Fatehpur Sikri on your Agra Travel with Hotels Agra India.

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Essel World

Essel World - Mumbai's famous amusement park Essel World is situated near Gorai beach and is accessible by ferry. Essel World offers you the typical amusement park attractions of roller coasters and water world, which is something tremendously enjoyable in Mumbai's high humidity. Essel World usually offers special rates during weekends and off seasons, so it would be a good idea to enquire about these before your visit.

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Visit Darjeeling India

No visit to Darjeeling is complete without a visit to Ghoom which is 6 km away from the main town. The hillock is dominated by the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery which has 15 images of the Maitreya Buddha. Belonging to the yellow hat sect, the monastery contains many ancient palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Tibetan script. The Museum of Natural History is where one can see a fine collection of Himalayan animals, reptiles, birds and insects. If flora is what one enjoys, then Llyod Botanic Garden is the place of interest. It has a marvelous collection of alpine flora and orchids.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the only center in India for the breeding of the rare snow leopard. The Ussurian tigers and the Himalayan black bear are also among its attractions. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institutean which established in 1954 by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is the place where one can get all the information and details of conquest Mount Everest. Tenzing Norgay,one of the first climbers of Everest was the Founder Director and Advisor till his demise. Darjeeling-Ranjit Valley ropeway is the another attraction which is very nearer to this place.The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center is the place where the excellent Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work are displayed for the visitors.

Kalimpong
Teesta ,the crown of this queenee valley is spreaded the tinny town Kalimpong. The view of Mac Farlane Church welcomes the tourists with open hands to this nature's paradise Once, it was the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor. The word kalim means king's minister and pongmeans the stronghold. The place is situated at an altitude of 1250 meters and covers arround 3.5 square miles.

Dr. Graham' s Homes school which was founded by Dr. John Anderson Grahman in 1900 is one of the main attrctions of Kalimpong.. This has been built on the slopes of Delo Hill,approximately three kilometers away from the town.Visitors who wants to witness a bird' s eye view of the picturesque place has to go to Durpin Dara, an observatory point at hill top, from where he or she can get an overall view of the mighty Himalayan ranges.There are numbers of monasteries in this area, among them the Pedong monastery and Thongsha Gompa are the oldest and mostly known.. Another monastery is the Tharpa Choling Monastery which has been constructed in 1937 by the Yellow Hat sect , is situated at Tirpai Hill at a distance of arround two kilometers from Kalimpong.

Mirik
Mirik is the place which is famous tor tea gardens and orrange orchards. The climate of this place is cool and charming nad gives a completely different experence to the visitors.Lush green valley covered with tea plantation,small cottages, long oke trees, big lake and jucey orranges are the things which is unique to its comparison.This is the ideal place to spend some time away from the monotonous city life with friends,family or alone.Fishing and boating in the lake gives something more to the tourists.

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Dalhousie Travel HP India

One of the most happening hill station of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie has its own charm and beauty. Travel to Dalhousie for a perfect summer retreat, that is located on the Dhauldhar ranges surrounded by lush green oak and pine trees. The beauty of the place is such, that every year hundreds and thousands of tourists travel to this beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh for a rejuvenating and exhilarating experience

Dalhousie is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful small town of North India, famous among the honeymooners. Away from the maddening crowds of plains, Dalhousie is surrounded with attractive cottages, villas, sky touching deodar and pine trees and evergreen ornamental shrubs that makes it one of the most preferred tourists destination in Himachal Pradesh.

Shopping In Dalhousie
Dalhousie is famous for the shawls, chappals, cane baskets, woolens and dolls. There are many outlets for daily stuffs, but Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium on Thandi Sarak and Tibetan Handicraft Centre are genuine stores for handicrafts, woolen shawls, bags and purses.

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About Idukki

Area
5019 sq. Km

Population

1,079,369 (1991 census)

Getting There

Idukki lies 121 km from Kottayam in the southern part of Kerala. Kottayam is 154 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 64 km from Kochi, which are the nearest airports.

If you wish to travel by rail or by road, you will get easy access to all the tourist places across Kerala from Idukki.

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Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Idukki

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Kerala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known reserve that extends over an area of over 90 sq km. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October and November when Northeast monsoons are at work. Apart from being the habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel in India, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephant, bonnet macaques, gaur, Kraits, spotted deer, spectacled cobras, sambar, turtles, vipers, little cormorants, darters and black eagles. The place is also ideal for boating and trekking. The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the unique thorny scrub forest with xerophytic species.

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Pushkar Camel Fair Rajasthan

Pushkar, an important religious place for Hindus, is located only 11 kms from Ajmer in Rajasthan . This little town is hugely known for the "Pushkar Fair' (where the mass trading of camels takes place), "the Lord Brahma Temple", a "picturesque lake' and "camel fair". Pushkar houses as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats, which includes the Brahma temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Pushkar is amongst the important pilgrimages in the country visited by devotees from all over the country.

According to the legend, the Pushkar lake was formed where Lord Brahma - the lord of creation - dropped a lotus on the day of the full moon. Every November, the famous Pushkar Fair is held for 7 days which begins on Noami ( the ninth day of the month of Kartik, Oct- Nov, of the Hindu calendar) and finishes on Kartik Poornima (Full Moon). The Fair is marked by a gathering of thousands of camels, cattle and horses for trade, with added attractions of games, races, local folk dances, song and entertainment.

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Bombay Stock Exchange BSE India

Bombay Stock Exchange Limited is the oldest stock exchange in Asia. Popularly known as BSE it was established as "The Native Share & Stock Brokers Association" in 1875.
It is the first stock exchange in India to obtain permanent recognition in 1956 from the Government of India under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.

Bombay Stock Exchange played a pivotal role in the development of the Indian capital market and its index, SENSEX, is tracked worldwide. The Exchange has a nation-wide reach with a presence in 417 cities and towns of India. BSE provides an efficient and transparent market for trading in equity, debt instruments and derivatives.

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Mumbai Bombay Sightseeing India

MOUNUMENTS IN MUMBAI

- Gateway Of India
- Elephanta Caves
- Victoria Terminus (Shivaji Terminus)
- Haji Ali Mosque


TEMPLES IN MUMBAI

- Jain Temple
- Breach Candy (Mahalaxmi Temple)
- Mahalaxmi Temple


MUSEUM IN MUMBAI

- Nehru Planetarium
- Taraporewala Aquarium
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Prince of Wales Museum
- Mani Bhawan


GARDENS IN MUMBAI

- Hanging Gardens
- Kamala Nehru Park


BEACHES IN MUMBAI

- Chowpatty Beach
- Juhu Beach
- Flora Fountain
- Marine Drive

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Backwaters in Kerala India

The Backwaters in Kerala are the devices more the enchanters of Kerala. Backwaters are ahead and behind made up by the ponding of sea to the beach by the movement of the waves. They are usually formed in the form of lagoons, of lakes and estuaries. The Backwaters in Kerala is a network of esquisite channels, lakes, lagoons and deltas of approximately 44 rivers emptying in the Arab sea. The principal mode of transport on these backwaters is by houseboats bus more 900km of this world of water is navigable.

The lake Vembanad is largest strech of Backwaters in Kerala measuring 83 kilometers length, and crosses three zones before reaching the sea with the port of Kochi. The lake Ashtamudi, significance, having eight arm, are the larger second strech and are the passage to the backwaters.

The Backwaters in Kerala plays an important part in the industry of tourism of Kerala. It became of the 50 must see places in the world. To appreciate a cruising in these backwaters should not be missed, because it leaves you that the feeling rejenuvated entirely. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the spots of picnic more the enchanters. You obtain to test the indigenous manner of the life. The women, neck deeply in water with their long hair piled up upwards on their head like a crown with pots of terracotta floating close to them. They seek fish with their toes and when they locate them, one or the other a line of the fishermen will swim coast at coast, stretching a net. The fish trying to avoid the slings swim effortlessly in the net. Or the women submerge to seize them by their tails and to upwards pile up them in their pots. Introduced men the night with a lamp and a net of butterfly, and the fish attracted by the light are bailed out outside.

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Assam India

Assam India

Speak of a land of wooded hills and vales with a wide river meandering through, of sprawling tea gardens, of enticing songs and dances, of fine silks, and you are already able to hazard a good enough guess.
Add to that, the one-horned rhinoceros, the oldest refinery in India, a people made all the more colourful by a sizeable population of tribals and one of the most venerated Sakti temples in the Country , and you know it is Assam --- the land of the Red River, the Brahmaputra, and the Blue Hills flanking it. Famed inhabitant of the Kaziranga National Park: The one-horned rhinoceros
For Assam is identified no better than by its Bihu songs and dances, the Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary where the rare one-horned rhinoceros roams at will, silks such as paat and muga which rank amongst the finest in the world, the State’s tea which finds its way to millions of homes all over the globe, and the Shrine of Kamakhya which draws thousands of devotees every year.

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Brief Anjuna Beach Goa

Anjuna Beach Goa, India

Wednesday Flea Market

Every Wednesday, at around 11 a.m., Anjuna breaks into a riot of colors. Lines of vehicles full of tourists start virtually raising clouds of dust in this area. Whatever one needs, from a used paperback to a haircut, one would find it here. The flea market is a heaven for hardcore shoppers and good bargainers, to bid on wonderful blends of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Gujarati trinkets and handicrafts, European snacks, cassettes of a noisy brand of music called 'Goa Trance', artificial ornaments carvings and T-shirts. An elephant ride and a photograph with a fake sadhu or a fake snake charmer can also be found here.

Anjuna Beach - Excursions
In the vicinity of Anjuna are the Chapora Fort and the Albuquerque Mansion. To the east is a mountain. Anyone tired of the party and interested in returning to civilization can climb the mountain to get to Baga where one can catch a ferry out. Panajim too is not far away.

The Chapora Fort gives a splendid view of the nearby Anjuna and Vagator beaches. The fort has been well preserved except a few interesting ruins. Once, it was a domain of the Muslim rulers before the Portuguese wrested it. In 1683, the Marathas hijacked three priests from the Chapora Fort and made them Hindus.

Security Precautions
Swimming is dangerous at most of the beaches because of the strong undercurrents. Consulting the lifeguards is a must before venturing out into the waters.

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Amber Palace Fort Jaipur

Ambar palace is situated in Amber, the former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs on a hillside overlooking Maotha lake, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. Its construction was started by Raja Man Singh I, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1592 and was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. It is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, built in red sandstone and white marble.

The palace or the royal apartments lies inside the massive Amber fort complex with gateways, gardens, halls, stairways, pillared pavilions, temples and palaces. Some of the noteworthy architectural marvels in the complex are the 'Diwan-E-Khas', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Jai Mandir' with exquisite mirror work, the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the 'Sukh Niwas', the Shila Mata Temple and Kali temple and the well laid out garden the 'Kesar Kyari'.

The fort is entered through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, laid out in the traditional Mughal style. An imposing flight of stairs leads to the 'Diwan-E-Am' (hall of public audience) which has latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the small Kali Temple. Maharaja Man Singh was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and prayed to the goddess for victory during battles. The temple has huge doors made of silver. The larger white marble Shila Mata temple, has the image of Goddess Kali, brought by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).

How to reach

Amber fort and palace is a 10 minute steep climb through Jai pol (Gate of Victory) from Amber/ Ambar / Amer, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi- Jaipur road. Facilities available for elephant back ride up to Amber fort.

Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi (300Km), Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.
Rail: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.
Road: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.

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Major Tourist Attractions Almora

Major Tourist Attractions in Almora
Chitai Temple
The temple at this place is dedicated to Lord Golu. The people of Kumau worship him. Once a wish is fulfilled people hang little bells in this temple. Therefore there are thousands of little bells hanging there. The view of the Himalayas is extremely majestic from here. This temple is 8 kms away by walk through a beautiful pine forest, but one can go by cart too.

Katarmal
This 800-year old Sun Temple is the second in importance after the Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. Seven kms away from Almora this historically significant temple is a fine specimen of intricate sculpturing. This temple is in need of restoration now.

Bright End Corner
Almora is 2 kms away from here. The attraction of this point is the sunset and the sunrise captured through the Himalayan peaks. A circuit house close by allows tourists to spend some time in this peaceful surrounding. Nearby is the Vivekananda Library which houses many books on literature. A little away is the Vivekananda Memorial where Swami Vivekananda had stopped for a while on his journey to the Himalayas.

Nanda Devi Temple
This 1000-year old temple is one of the prime attraction of Almora. The beautifully carved walls are a sight to behold here. Every year a festival is held here in which youth from various mountainous areas come here to participate in the dance festival.

Kasar Devi
Near Kalimutt is the temple of Kasar Devi. This ancient temple was raised on a mountain peak in the 2nd century. The distance between Kalimatt and Kasar Devi is less than 1 km and can be easily accessed by foot. The main town is 6 km away.

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Ajmer Sightseeing Rajasthan India

TARAGARH FORT
The Taragarh Fort was built on a hilltop by Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of the city in the 7th century and is about 3 km from the city of Ajmer. A steep climb up rewards the weary visitor with an amazing birds eye view of Ajmer. The first hill fort of India was built in 1100 by Ajayapal Chauhan. The fort gives excellent views of the town below and also known as the Star Fort. It has a thickness of four and a half meters and a winding uphill path leads to this rectangular fort. Most of the fort is now in ruins though at the time of its construction, it was supposed to be the invincible fort and so named as Ajai Meru (invincible fort).

ADHAI DIN KA JHONPARA

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra (two-and-a-half-day shelter) is considered as the first important Islamic structure to be built in India. According to the legends, Arhai-din-ka-Jhonpra was a Sanskrit College initially and Mohammed Ghori converted the college into a mosque within two and a half days, hence the name. According to another legend, the structure is named after a festival, which carried on for two and a half days. The monument has seven arched walls with Islamic calligraphy, though most of it now remains in ruins.

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Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park

Location : Bokakhat (23-kms), Assam.
Nearest Access : Bokakhat
Main Wildlife Found : Rhinos, Tigers, Leopards
Coverage Area : 430-sq-kms

Kaziranga National Park is spread over an area of 430 sq. kms consisting of dense forest, rugged reeds, marshes and shallow pools. Elephant grass grows up to a few meters making it an ideal grazing ground for the famed One Horned Rhinoceros.

On arriving at Kaziranga we checked into a jungle resort located in a serene ambience near the National park. Next day early morning we went on an Elephant Safari to the central range of the National Park. Which is predominantly grasslands. Elephants moved in a group through the grazing ground taking us closest we could be to the wild ones. Wildlife to be seen in the central range is Rhinoceros, Herd of wild Asiatic buffalos & Elephants, naughty Languor's and deer's.

Kaziranga National ParkWe also took a jeep safari to the eastern range of the Park, which is a thick jungle with water bodies making it ideal for watching bird life.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
Beside ofcourse the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.

Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands are a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the parks lakes and marshy areas during winters, including Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.

Apart from the ones we could locate. Some of the rare species to be found in Kaziranga are Indian Bison, Swamp Deer, Sambar, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger Leopard, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Hog Badger, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Jakel, Goose, Hornbill, Adjutant Stork, Ibis, Cormorant, Egret, Heron, Fishing Eagle, and a lot more. A no of migratory Birds can also be seen during winters.

Sightseeing in Kaziranga : Tourists can stroll through the lush coffee and rubber plantations of the nearby Karbi Anglong. Or visit the Karbi villages, meet the Karbi people and observe their way of living. Yiu can also venture through the tea gardens that Assam is so famous for and watch how one gets one's daily cup of tea. Film shows on wildlife can be arranged at the various tourist lodges in Kaziranga, on request.
Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga's visiting season is from mid-November to early April months. During the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing animals to migrate from one area to another within the Kaziranga National Park.

How to Get there
Air : The nearest airport is situated at Guwahati, which is 217-km away from the park. The other airport is located at Jorhat, 97-km from Kaziranga.

Rail : The nearest railhead is Furkating, situated 75-km away from Kaziranga National Park.

Road : The main gate for Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, at Kohora on the NH-37, consists of a handful of cafes and a small local market. ASTC and private buses stop here on their way to and from Guwahati, Tezpur and Upper Assam. Some private buses also retain a seat quota for Kaziranga passengers.

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Travel Nagaland India

Nagaland

The state of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1, 1963, as the 16th state of the Indian Union. It is a land of fascinating folklore, passed down the generations, through word of mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life - be it folk - songs eulogising ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes, poetic poignant love songs, soul - stirring gospel songs or pulsating modern ditties.

Each of the 16 odd tribes and sub-tribes, that dwell in this exotic hill state, can be easily distinguished by the colourful and intricately designed costumes, jewellery and beads, peculiar to each. The present generation of the Nagas (the people of Nagaland) has also ventured into fashion designing in a big way.

Nagaland is blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year. For the adventurous and the intrepid, Nagaland is the place for trekking, rock climbing, and jungle camping.

ClimateThe beginning of winter is marked by a steep fall (almost 5 degree Centigrade) in temprature during December. January is the coldest month. In February, the temprature starts rising gradually. The monsoon lasts for five months from May to September with June, July and May, being the wettest months. The annual rainfall varies from 100 cm to over 300 cm.

Handicrafts
Nagaland's handloom and handicrafts own a reputation for their quality. The beautifully hand woven tribal shawls of various tribes, Naga mekhelas (Sarongs), Naga hand bags, which are exquisitely and intricately designed, have won worldwide appreciation. The new generation of Nagas have ventured into fashion designing on a commercial scale, reproducing fabrics that represent the past, fused with modern taste. They have handicrafts like beads, cearlands & baskets, made of cane & bamboo.

Flora & Fauna
The variations in the altitude, latitude, climate and soil have given rise to a diversity of forest types, ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate evergreen and the coniferous.

Bamboo groves are extensive everywhere. Among the common species, mention may be made of the Naga Bhe and plants such as Mesuaferrea, Careyaarbotrea and Fiscus Electica. On the hill slopes are found oak, chestnut, birch, magnolia, cherry, maple, laurel and fig. Pine trees are found at high altitude areas, varying from 3,000 to 4,000 ft. Wild vegetables, roots, fruits and tubers are found in abundance throughout Nagaland.

Nagaland constitutes a meeting ground for the sub-Himalayan, Indian, Chinese and Burmese type of fauna. Elephants, tigers, barking deer and sambar are found in different places through the state. Monkeys, jackals, wild buffaloes, wild pigs, bear and wild dogs are sparsely distributed through the Naga Hills. Among the ritually most valued species is Mithun. Other common species are lizards, toads, monitors.

Faith & Culture
The entire Naga inhabited area may be described as one culture area, on account of several ethno-historical factors. There are 14 tribes in Nagaland. The traditional faith, religious beliefs and practices of Naga tribes show signs of being animistic. There is a belief of a supreme creator of mankind, and many deities, ghosts and spirits of trees, rivers and hills. There are priests and medicine-men who placate these spirits, banish those who give diseases, attract those who help and guard, and also take the lead in the rites and festivals, which stimulate the processes of agriculture. Among the Naga tribes (Chang, Sangtam, Khiamngan), there is a belief that the soul, after death, goes down a narrow path to the land of the dead that is guarded by a spirit with whom it must struggle. Most Naga tribes regard the ultimate ancestors of man and the tiger, as very intimately associated. The ancient Kachari capital, Dimapur is one of the important sites of megalithic culture. The ruins appear to be contemporaries with the Kachari civilisation, established before the Ahom invasion in the 13th century A.D. There are evidences of Hindu influence on most of them, though these are predominantly non-Aryan. Today 85% of the people are Christians.

How to reach there:
Air: Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland, and is connected to New Delhi and Calcutta.

Rail: Dimapur is also an important railhead, on the main line of the North-eastern Frontier Railway.

Road: Buses of the Nagaland State Transport ply regularly from Dimapur to Guwahati, and Shillong.

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Shri Govindji Temple Imphal Manipur

Shri Govindji Temple at Imphal in Manipur
Shree Govindajee Temple A historic Vaishnavite centre, adjoining the palace of Manipur's former Maharajas, the Govindajee temple, is a simple yet beautiful structure. Twin golden domes, a paved courtyard, and a large raised congregation hall, form a perfect background for priests, who descend the steps to accept the offerings from devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Krishna and Balram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity, Vishnu.

Address Dimapur, 215 kms from Imphal
City Imphal
State Manipur
Location East India
Dedicated To Lord Krishna
Other Deities Lord Vishnu,Jagannath
Religion Hinduism
Accesibility Indian Airlines connect Imphal, the capital of Manipur, with major cities like New Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati and Silchar. NEPC Airlines has daily flights to Imphal from Guwahati

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Travel Kovalam

Kovalam is situated 16 kms away from Trivandrum on the Malabar Coast. It is one of the alluring and enticing spots in south India for a seaside holiday. It has a attractive shoreline and excellent beaches having infinite coconut and palm trees. Visitors from all over the globe throng to this beautyful place. There are also three crescent shaped beaches here, the most popular being the southernmost known as the 'Lighthouse beach'. Ayervedic massages, spas, yoga centers all make this place a favourite tourists destination.


Explore Kovalam
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple
It is situated in the heart of the city. This seven-storey temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, which can be seen reclining on serpent 'Anantha'. This temple is one of the admirable group of 108 temples dedicated to Maha Vishnu. The temple is known for brilliant Dravidian style of architecture. Pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings are also appealing.

Veli Lagoon (Tourist Village)
It is a waterfront park, a perfect place for enjoyment. It has developed into a picnic spot and has gardens, beautiful sculptures, a floating bridge and a range of aqua sports facilities.
Verkala Beach
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Museum located in Kuthiramalika, is a typical example of Travancore architecture. The palace was built by Maharaja swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma. In the palace to be seen are breathtaking paintings and invaluable collections of the royal family. This museum is known for the captivating wood carvings and brilliant architectural designs.

Varkala Beach
This beach is an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The coastline is famous for the its high cliffs and mineral springs. The 2000 years old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here. This beach is also called as Papanasam where hindu worship ancestors.

Aruvikkara Dam
Situated on the banks of Karamana river, Aruvikkara is 16 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram. Waterfall nearby enhances the beauty of the place and making it an excellent picnic spot. A temple dedicated to Goddess Durga must also be seen.


By Air : The nearest airport is Trivandrum(16 Kms)

By Rail : The nearest railway station is Trivandrum.

By Road : Kovalam is connected by road with several tourist destinations within Kerala.

Area 30 sq kms
Population 7000
Climate Tropical rainy
Languages Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil
Best Time to Visit September to May
Excursion Kanyakumari (87 Km), Ponmudi( 61Km), Padmanabhapuram Palace(54 Kms)

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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SIKKIM

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SIKKIM

Nestled at the foot of Mount Kanchendzonga, Sikkim boasts of an unexplored beauty. Lofty mountains dominate the skyline of Sikkim. The state lays its invitation in green-coated rolling slopes, the rushing hills streams, and tall junipers and Rhododendrons and sparkling orchids. Hilltop monasteries peep from the rugged terrains while multicolored prayer flags wave in the mountain breeze.

Gangtok City: The capital city of the state is now a sprawling urban settlement. Quaint pagoda-roofed houses and colorful monasteries teeming with red-robed lamas sum up Gangtok for you.

Rumtek Monastery: Only 24kms from Gangtok, the magnificent monastery is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Gangtok. It is the residence of 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects.

Tsomgo Lake: Some 40kms from Gangtok, Tosmgo is a tranquil lake surrounded by frozen hillsides. A drive further uphill would take you to the Nathula Pass, which gives you a bird's eye view of Indo-China frontier. Mind it, entry is restricted for foreign nationals.

Pelling (Pemyangtse): In the western district of Sikkim, Pemyangtse is a picture perfect destination. It offers a breathtaking view of the world's 3rd highest peak of Mount Kanchendzonga. The little place is home to a number of tourist attractions in Gangtok, namely

Pemyangtse Monastery It is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, located on a hilltop at a height of 6840 ft. Apart from it, there are many other monasteries Pelling like: Sangachoeling Monastery, Dabdi Monastery, Tashiding Monastery and so on.

Khechepalri Lake The sacred lake has crystal clear water. They say that the birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.

Alongside the above, tourist attractions in Sikkim include, plethora of Alpine flora and fauna. Sikkim is also a trekkers' paradise. You can do mountaineering in numerous peaks in and around the state or do white water rafting along the turbulent rivers of the Teesta and the Rangit.

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Haridwar

Haridwar-- gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of River Ganga. The Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains.

Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The water is clean and people prefer taking bath on the numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana.
Haridwar
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths.

Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar.

Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.

Har ki Pauri
King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari’s footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar
According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Mansa Devi Temple
The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.

Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga’s banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A three kilometers trek from Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on the other bank of River Ganga.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev stands in the south Kankhal town. Mythology has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife) performed yagya at this place, but didn’t invite Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the ganas (followers) of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shiva brought him back to life.

How to reach
Rail

Haridwar has direct rail service from most of the Indian Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Varanasi, Calcutta, Dehra Dun etc.
Road

Haridwar is linked with many cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Shimla, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mathura etc. Bus services are available from most of the cities. There are taxi services from here to Mussoorie, Badrinath and Kedarnath.

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Srinagar

We have reched the crowning glory of hill stations, Srinagar, the celebrated capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. The city of lakes that has facinated tourist's from centuries, with its beautiful scenic Himalayan backdrop, simmering lakes that are rimmed by houseboats and Shikaras and the Mughal architectural grandeur. This once summer capital of the state, business centre and holiday resort, lies 900-kms north of Delhi.

History
The history of the Kashmir valley has been turbulent. In the 3rd century BC, it was a part of the great Mauryan Empire. Later on, this region flourished under the rule of the Kushans in the 1st century AD. It was an important Buddhist center around this time. In the 6th century, it was a part of the kingdom of Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain. Local Hindu rulers ruled it until the 14th century, after which Muslims invaded and ruled it. Srinagar was a part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period. However, with the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rule of the Pathans, the fortunes of the area gradually dwindled. In 1814, it became a part of the Sikh empire, when Ranjit Singh defeated the Pathans. However, the British defeated Ranjit Singh and according to the treaty of Lahore in 1846, they installed Gulab Singh as the independent ruler of Kashmir. The descendents of Gulab Singh ruled Kashmir under the vigilance of the British till 1947. Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, merged this princely state into India in 1948, when Pathan marauders from Pakistan tried to overrun this state.

Dal Lake:
The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world. The houseboat and Shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, bakers- one can see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.

Nagin Lake:
Nagin Lake, which is usually thought of as a separate lake, is also divided from Dal Lake only by a causeway. The causeways are mostly suitable for walkers and bicycles only so they make a very pleasant way of seeing the lake without having to worry about traffic or Shikaras. The main causeway across the lake carries the water pipeline for Srinagar's mains water supply.

Mughal Gardens:
Kashmir was a favourite of the Mughal emperors who visited it as often as they could. Cool and refreshing after the plains of North India where the business of governance kept them, they planted gardens with stepped terraces and flowing watercourses. Cheshma Shahi is the first Mughal garden one will pass after Nehru Park. Built at a height above the city, its views are as stupendous as its layout.

The next garden along the road that encircles the Dal is the Nishat, built by empress Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan. The third Mughal garden - the Shalimar - was planted by Jehangir, the Mughal emperor, whose love for Kashmir was legendary.

Hazaratbal Mosque:
Hazaratbal MosqueAcross the Dal from Shalimar is the mosque of Hazratbal, the only one of its kind architecturally in Kashmir. Made of white marble with a dome and a minaret, Hazratbal is the repository of a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, exhibited to the public on certain days of the year.

Shankaracharya Hill:
Within Srinagar, on its highest hill is the Shankaracharya temple, nearly one thousand feet above the city. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. The site dates back to 2,500 BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this site when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive "Sanatan Dharma".

Hari Parbat Fort:
The 18th century fort tops the Sharika Hill, which is clearly visible, rising to the west of Dal Lake. The fort was constructed by Atta Mohammed Khan from 1776 but the surrounding wall is much older, it was built between 1592 and 1598 during the rule of Akbar.

Nearby Attractions from Srinagar
Charar-e-Sharief:
Situated on the road to Yusmarg, this is the site of the shrine or Ziarat of Sheik Noor-ud-Din, the patron saint of Kashmir. The valley also has the Ziarats of a number of his followers.

Yusmarg:
Standing in the Pir Panjal hills, out beyond the airport, at an altitude of 2,700 metres, the meadow of Yusmarg is reputed to have the best spring flowers in Kashmir. The beautiful valley is at the foot of the Sangisafaid valley on the northern slopes of the Pir Panjal range.

Dachigam National Park Dachigam National Park:
This wildlife reserve was, at one time, the royal game reserve but animals within its boundaries are now completely protected. There are said to be Panther, Bear and Deer, besides other smaller animals, in the reserve. There is a good chance of seeing the endangered Hangul, Langur Monkeys and perhaps other species.

Gandarbal:
Just beyond the Wular and Manasbal lakes turn off from the Leh road, this pleasant little town marks the point where the icy Sindh River leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Gandarbal is the official headquarters of the Sindh valley and was originally called "Doderhom".

Wular Lake:
Wullar Lake is the largest fresh-water lake in India is 60-km from Srinagar. Spreading over a 125-km area, the lake, by drawing off excess water from the Jhelum, acts as a natural flood reservoir. Interesting ruins in the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-Abidin.

Srinagar - How to Reach

The hill resort of Srinagar is easily accessible. In terms of air transport Srinagar is linked with Delhi through Jammu. You may fly further to Leh from Srinagar. The Jammu Tawi railway station is the nearest to Srinagar at a distance of 305 km. Srinagar boasts of excellent road traffic owing to the well developed network. Srinagar is linked with other important places like Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, through road. The main bus station of Srinagar is at city center of Lal Chowk. For transportation in and around auto-rickshaws and mini-buses are easily available.

Srinagar - Best Time to Visit

Srinagar experiences alpine weather. There is heavy snowfall in the winter months from December to February. The hill resort enjoys mild climate in the summer months from April to June.

Srinagar - Where to Stay

There are several accommodation options available in Srinagar. You may even plan to stay in the houseboats of Srinagar that have been a part of the aquatic culture for centuries. While in Srinagar you can savor many delicious dishes. There is the traditional wazwan, an elaborate meal consisting of meat dishes, vegetables, rice, and dessert. Gushtaba (meatballs made of mutton), badam pasand (meat with almonds), and Kashmiri pulao with saffron are some of the main Kashmiri dishes. The Kashmiri people are fond of tea. In Srinagar you must sip kahwah, or green tea flavored with spices, to refresh yourself.

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Darjeeling Hill Station

Darjeeling - Fast Facts
Area 10.57 sq km
Altitude 2,134 m above sea level
Population 73,062
Languages Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and English
Religion Hindus (77.95%), Buddhist (11.95%), Others (10.1%)
Annual Mean Rainfall 3,200 mm
Maximum Temperature 14.89°C
Minimum Temperature 5°C
STD Code 0354
State Capital No

Darjeeling - Introduction

Need a break from the heat and the dust of the plains? Enjoy the pristine air of the hill resort of Darjeeling. Darjeeling in the eastern state of West Bengal offers the cool height of the Himalayas. The nature is at its best. The spectacular sunrise and sunsets are unforgettable sights at Darjeeling India. The hill resort has attracted botanists, ornithologists, trekkers, photographers and holidaymakers alike. Darjeeling is famous for the magnificent mountains of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Darjeeling - Tourist Places in and Around

The hill resort of Darjeeling is dotted with several places of tourist interest.

Ghoom is one of the major landmarks in Darjeeling. The renowned Yiga Choeling Monastery dominates the hillock. While visiting the monastery you must check out the images of Maitreya Buddha. Then there are the ancient palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Tibetan script too, of much interest to the historians.

The Museum of Natural History is another tourist attraction in Darjeeling India. The museum boasts of a fine collection of Himalayan animals, reptiles, birds and insects.

For the botanist, an animal and nature lover Darjeeling offers several Tourist places of interest. At the Lloyd Botanical garden all tourists may enjoy the captivating collection of alpine flora and orchids. Darjeeling also has the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The zoo happens to be the only center in India for the breeding of the rare snow leopard. The Ussurian tigers and the Himalayan black bear are also among its attractions.

Close to the zoo is another tourist attraction of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The institute was established in 1954 by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in the wake of the conquest of Everest. Tenzing Norgay was its first Director and Advisor till his demise.

After visiting the zoo, you must ride the Darjeeling-Rangit Valley ropeway. The longest ropeway ride in Asia offers several spectacular sights. The numerable tea gardens in and around Darjeeling are also worth visiting. The Mall acts as the heart of Darjeeling town. It happens to be an important meeting point for all tourists.

The Observatory hill, Dhirdam Temple, Aloobaari Monastery, Bhutia Bustee Monastery and the Ava Art Gallery are the other sites worth visiting in Darjeeling India.

Batasia Loop

This railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer from the main town of Darjeeling. This place also has a very good market where you can buy the purses, bags and other decorative items made by the local women at very reasonable price.

Bhutia Busty Gompa
With the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery was shifted from the observatory hills to the present place. The Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is not far from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It also has a library which has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Botanical Gardens
This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. This place is near the taxi stand. The gardens also has a green house.

Chowrasta
This one of the important shopping places in Darjeeling . Here the Nehru Road and the Mall Road Intersect each other. The snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible from this place. Near Chowrata are several Hindu and Buddhists temples. This place is over flowing with foreign tourists. You can also enjoy a pony ride form this place.

Dhoom Gompa
About 8 kms from Darjeeling is the Dhoom Gompa. Here a very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha ( prospective Buddha) is established. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.

Happy Valley Estate
Here the tea from the gardens is processed. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West Jawahar road. The institute runs courses for training mountaineers as well as has the very good collection of mountaineering equipments which have been used in various mountaineering expeditions and other wise. Specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna are also kept here. The record of attempts made to conquer Mt. Everest has been kept in the Mt.Everest Museum. The institute also screens short films on mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the Director of this institute for many years and he was cremated near the institute after his death in 1986. Near the institute is Srabri which gives a very good view of the Single valley and the Kanchenjunga range. One can sit at Srabri and feel the cool breeze from the valley.

Kanchenjunga View
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.

Kurseong
Kurseong is mid way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The way from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open through out the year. So, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then you can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and is full of natural splendour.

Natural History Museum
The museum has a collection of over 4300 specimen . Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs in its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in Bengal. Among the attractions are included the estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good collection of butterflies. The mineral forms of various stones are displayed in a very attractive manner in the museum.

Observatory Hills
This point provides one of the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred for the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and the monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with the colourful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some these are very aggressive.

Passenger Ropeway
Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It connects the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft). The rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45 minutes. The seats in the rope way is limited and it is better to get the tickets in advance. The ropeway is exciting and unique for any one visiting Darjeeling.

Rungli Rungliot
Where the road from Gangtok to Darjeeling takes its great bend high above the Teesta river, directly opposite Kanchenjunga, a Buddhist monk many years ago is believed to have proclaimed "Rungli Rungliot" This pious benediction which, literally translated, means "thus far and no further" is alive and well today in the shape of one of the most celebrated tea gardens in the Darjeeling hills. The village is steeped in legend.

Senchal Lake
A scenic place near the tiger hills. This place has popularly come up as a picnic spot among the tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.

Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the North Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has become very busy and crowded. This area has got population over 2.5 lakh people. Siliguri also acts as a transit point for Nepal. This place is not very pleasant to stay as there are always long lines of buses and trucks. These trucks and vehicles might be good for business but they provide very ugly sight. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains. If you have time then visit the almost forgotten wild life sanctuary of Jaldhapara. The best season to visit this park is between October and May. This the time when the new grass has come up and animals are out there. The sanctuary has elephants, dears, tigers and other animals but the main attraction is the Rhinos which are threatened by the poachers. Elephant Safari can be taken from Hollong.

Snow Leopard Breeding Programme
Nowadays the zoologists and the environmental scientists are trying to protect the endangered species by breeding them in captivity. Following this trend is Kiran Moktan who has devoted his life in breeding program of snow leopards. The snow leopards are not known to have bred in captivity but in this center thanks to the efforts of Kiran Maktan these animals have given birth in captivity. Snow leopards are animals who have to be kept in large enclosures. Visitors are allowed in the center but they have to watch the animals in utter silence.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
In 1959 was established a center for the refuges who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion. This self help center has been developed as workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts. The fine and superb carpets, woollens, woodcarvings and leather work form this center has been very popular among the tourists. The money collected after the sale of the products goes to the Tibetans who work here. The variety Tibetan Curios on sale are also attracting the visitors in a big way. This center has established it self in the International scenario as place for hard work, self esteem and truth.

Zoological Gardens
The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is only zoo in India having the Siberian Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some the animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers. The entry in the zoo is by tickets which are also valid for the natural history museum and the mountaineering institute & museum.

Darjeeling - Visit Places Near By

The hill resort of Darjeeling has several sites near by that make excellent excursion options.

KalimpongThe Tiger Hill is situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters and is 11 km from the main town. The Tiger Hill has earned international fame for the magnificent view of sunrise over the Kanchenjunga and other great Eastern Himalayan peaks. Here the golden glow of the rising sun changes the colour of the snow-capped peaks to crimson, pink, and shining gold.

Across the Teesta River, between the heights of Dedo and Durbindra Hills lies Kalimpong. Situated at an altitude of 1,250 meters, Kalimpong is the home of beautiful flower nurseries, monasteries, and the handicrafts industry.

Then there is the picturesque Kurseong at an altitude of 1,458 meters. Many tourists halt at Kurseong on their way to Siliguri from Darjeeling. Mid-way between Siliguri and Darjeeling lies another hill resort of Mirik. At 1,767 meters Mirik is famous for its lake, boating facilities and plantations of pine, cardamom, and oranges.

For the adventure seekers visit to Phalut at 3,600 meters is a must. The trekkers are aptly rewarded with the wondrous views of the Himalayas from Phalut.

Useful Information - Darjeeling
Tourist Information Centres
Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Office - Silver Fir Building, Opposite Hotel Alice Villa, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Tel. - +(91)-0354-54214

West Bengal Tourist Office - Bellevue Hotel, Chowrasta, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India . Tel. - +(91)-0354-54050.

Indian Tourism Office - 'Embassy', 4 Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta, West Bengal, India Tel. - +(91)-033-2421402, 2421475, 2425813; Fax - +(91)-033-2423521

Indian Tourism Office - 88, Janpath, New Delhi - 110 001 India Tel. - +(91)-011-3320342, 3320005, 3320109, 3320008, 3320266; Fax. - +(91)-011-3320342

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Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.

The gateway to the Chamba Valley, this colonial town was established in 1854 by the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie. Covering an area of 14 sq.-km and surrounded by alpine vegetation, Dalhausie has charming architecture and panoramic views of both plains and the whitecapped views of the mountainous ranges.

Prime Attractions of Dalhousie

Villa in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Jandhri Ghat
Around half a kilometre away from the Subhash Baoli, Jandhri Ghat enfolds an elegant palace in the midst of tall pine trees. Chamba's erstwhile rulers governed from here till the advent of Lord Dalhousie. The palace houses a number of shikhar trophies. Beside the palace, Jandhri Ghat offers heavenly spots for picnicking-gushing streamlets in the midst of fragrant pine-scented breezes. Bakrota Hills and the 'Round' (2085m): Less than 5 km from the town centre, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view of the further snow-clad peaks. The 'round' is a walling circuit around the hill, very popular with residents.

Satdhara
On the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2,036m. (6,678 ft.), these seven springs are reputed to have great therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal properties.
Subhash Baoli
: Commanding a view of the snowcapped mountains, 1.6-km away from the G.P.O. (check spelling) Square, the spring of Subhash Baoli is situated at an altitude of 2,085 metres (6,678 ft.).
The Catholic Church Of St. Francis
Dalhousie is another hill station with a number of old churches. The Church near the G.P.O looks untouched by time. The Catholic Church of St.Francis, built in 1894.

Excursions from Dalhousie

Bara Pathar
(4Km.)
Set amidst thick forest is the small temple of Bhulwani Mata, in the village of Ahla, on the way to Kalatope. A fair is celebrated in July to venerate the goddess. It is 4 km away from the town.

Dainkund
(10Km.)
At an altitude of 2,745 m and 10 km from the town, this tall peak outside town affords a bird's-eye view on a clear day, of the hills, valleys and the river Beas, Ravi and the Chenab threading their silvery way down to the plains.

Panjpulla
(2Km.)
Just 2 km away from the town lies the 'five bridges' memorial, built in memory of Ajit Singh, one of India's well-loved freedom fighters. A natural tank and creams give the spot a fitting serenity.
How To Get There - Dalhousie
By Air
The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra), 140-km from Dalhousie.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well connected to Amritsar, Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.
By Road
Onward journey from Pathankot to Chamba and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab and Himachal Roadways run services, as do private operators.
Places To Stay - Dalhousie
Being one of the most famous hill stations of Himachal, Dalhousie is well equipped with excellent accommodation facilities. One have got the options to stay from luxury and five star hotels to small budget hotels and tourist lodges, which offer accommodation at resonalble prices.

Climate - Dalhousie

Dalhousie ranges between 1,525m and 2,378m high from sea level. The maximum temperature of Dalhousie in summers is 30*C and the winter temperature comes down to almost O*C. Heavy woollens are required in winter and light woollens or tropicals in summer.

General Information - Dalhousie

Location Himachal Pradesh.

Altitude 1854.

Best Time Mid-May To Mid-October.

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Almora Hill Station

Area 11.9 sq km
Altitude 1,100 m above sea level


Languages Hindi, Kumaoni and English
Best Time to Visit April-June and September-November
Annual Mean Rainfall 785.84 mm


Temperature 14.9 �C - 25.7 �C
STD Code 07578





Almora is a wonderful place to conveni Almora,Almora Hill Station,Almora Tour,Almora Travel Guideently enjoy the spectacular snowscape of the central Himalayas. Most of the days in Almora are flawless. Almost everyday the tourist can see almost every peak. Almora allows you to enjoy the mighty Himalayas together with ridge after ridge of hills.The terraced fields, the stone slatted barrack-like village houses have so far put up a valiant fight against the encroachments of urban expansion and unplanned development.

Almora also has some beautiful health resorts. The most famous among them is Ranikhet (1,820 meters from sea level). Ranikhet depicts queen' s field. It is said that a Rani while spending some time here once gave this name to the city. During the days of the British Raj, Ranikhet was a British cantonment.

Ranikhet is surrounded by a number of tourist spots. Chaubatia is famous for its orchards; Tarikhet, around eight kilometers away, was once the nerve center of the Freedom Movement against the British. Mahatma Gandhi also lived here for sometime.The snowy peaks of Majkhali presents a fascinating view. Upat, about six kilometers from Ranikhet, has an exquisite golf course. Kausani, 32 miles from Almora, is situated at a height of 1,890 meters. Binsar, about 32 kilometers from Almora is situated at height of 2,412 meters above sea level. The Chand Rajas used to spend their summer here. It offers a wonderful view of the Himalayas.

Bageshwar and Sitalakhet are other places of tourist interest. Bageshwar is one of the main camping sites for the journey to Pindari Glacier, which is situated at a height of 3,820 meters.Sitlakhet is the new tourist resort on the Syahi Devi hill.Kafni Glacier is also close by(around 3,870 meters above sea level).

On the banks of Gomti (a local river) Baijnath is situated in Garur Valley, is an idyllic place. It is famous for its 13th century temples. Jageshwar has Shiva temples and is on the Almora-Pithoragarh road and is situated in a densely wooded beautiful narrow valley.They are a marvel to see for their artistic beauty and craftsmanship. Jageshwar is among the 12-jyotir lingas in the country.

The Nanda Devi temple in the heart of the Almora city is very famous.Almora has a museum that is a storehouse of information about the cultural heritage of Kumaon. There is a deer park on the outskirts of Almora.

ALMORA - A Famous GETAWAY
Almora was founded in 1568.There are lots of attractions at Almora.Swami Vivekananda gave famous lectures here and included it in his itinerary at the turn of this century. From Almora To Colombo record that he was stirred as much by the stark beauty of the mountains here as by the ocean at Kanyakumari. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, was located at Mayawati Ashram then in Almora. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore spent a summer to get over the personal grief after the loss of a beloved child.A little later followed the great dancer Udaya Shankar. Ravi Shankar, Zohra Sehgal, Simki and the youngster Guru Dutt have all been here. Others have followed in their footsteps.Pundit Nehru had served a term of imprisonment in the Jail at Almora and has left behind an evocative account of the pleasures of solitude and the changing moods of nature in his various letters written from this place which acted as inspirational guide for the Indians.

AROUND ALMORA
Almora, is surrounded by many sightseeing places. Binsar hill, locally known as Jhandi Dhar, rises to a height of 2,412 meters and offers a panoramic view of Almora town,Binsar, is an hour' s motor drive from Almora,the Kumaon hills and the Greater Himalayas. The region around in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. The brow is reached by an unpaved ridge lined by prosperous private estate. A walk through the woods comprising mostly oak and rhododendron forest, leads to a vantage point at the summit, which offers an uncluttered view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valley. Hindi poet Ajneya treated it as a famous summer spot.

In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi spent three fruitful weeks at this charming spot called Kausani (51 kilometers from Almora) and described it as India' s Switzerland. Quaint villages, orchards laden with fruit and hill slopes covered with pine trees are responsible for the outstanding beauty of Kausani. The snow mantled peaks glitter in the sun and the breeze carries with it much of the cool freshness of the snows.

The mountains around Kausani seem to change in shape and color all through the day. The Anakshakti Ashram on the top of a hill where the Mahatma stayed commands one of the most magnificent views of the mountain ranges around Kausani. The vast sweep of the mountain view , which encompasses a remarkable 350 kilometers at Kausani, is the central point of attraction in this little hill station.

There are shady paths carpeted with pine needles and in the air is the wonderful, inimitable fragrance of pine. Terraced fields add a distinctive touch to the pastoral picture around kausani.

VISITING ALMORA

By Road: Almora is well connected with all-important cities of India by road.
By Air: The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital). During the summer regular flights are operational.
By Rail: The nearest raiway station near Almora is Kathgodam.

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Anjuna Beach Goa India

Anjuna Beach

With its fluorescent painted palm trees and full moon parties, Anjuna Beach, 8-km west of Mapusa, is one of the most popular beaches of Goa. Most people's reasons for coming to Anjuna are the same as they were in the 1970s: dancing and lying on the beach slurping tropical fruit. While browsing in the area have a day trip to the famous flea market of Anjuna, a major shopping hangout, beside the beach.

Anjuna attracts a variety of tourists touring Goa, and the crowd includes from the happy go lucky kinds to overlanders, monks, defiant ex-hippies, gentle lunatics, artists, artisans, seers, searchers etc. Even those particular kinds of tourists who prefer to travel within the limit of their tour itinerary, cannot resist visiting this charming beach site.

More About Anjuna:

Anjuna Beach is located about 18kms from Panaji and is situated in Bardez taluka. This is part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa by the ArabianSea.
It is around 8 kms. west of Mapusa, North Goa. The most basic attraction is Anjuna beach is Flea Market, Chapora Fort. The best time to visit this place is from November To March.The exotic beaches of anjuna is the main source of enduring popularity to a variety of people.
Bathing is generally safer than, at most of the nearby resorts, too, especially at the more peaceful southern end, where a rocky headland keeps the sea calm. The Village of Anjuna is a five square mile enclosure nestling between the Arabian Sea and the Hill overlooking the beach. the beach is known for its swaying palms, soft sands and natural beauty. It has an unusual rocky formation overlying a cove of white sand and black rock that juts into the Sea. This area was known as the Jewel of Anjuna and called "Ozran". It was a famous early haunt of the hippies who discovered it in the sixties. The beach is adjacent to Chapora fort. Another must see is the "Albuquerque mansion" located nearby.


Tropical Sights Of Anjuna Beach
Bathing is generally safer at Anjuna than at most of the nearby resorts, especially at the more peaceful southern end of the beach, where a rocky headland keeps the sea calm and the undertow to a minimum. Taking long walks under the moon on the silver sands of this beach is something that any visitor would love to do at Anjuna, beside the favourite pastime of watching the sun going down.

At the north of the Anjuna Flea market ground, the beach area broadens, running in an uninterrupted kilometre long stretch of steeply shelving sand to a low red cliff. The village bus park lies on top of this high ground, where small cafes, bars and Kashmiri handicraft stalls are lined, making a perfect hangout zone near the beach site. Every lunch hour, tour parties from Panjim also pull-up in here for a beer, before heading home again, leaving the localities and tired tourists to watch the sunset peacefully and relax a bit.

Visiting Time
The tourist season in Anjuna starts in early November, when most of the long staying regulars show up. During the Christmas and New Year rush, the village and beach site is busy with a mixed crowd of round the world backpackers and tourists from all over India, attracted by the promise of the big beach parties.

In off-season however, Anjuna has a surprisingly simple unhurried atmosphere. Visitors can also opt to stay at the large package tour hotels and beach resorts that have appeared over the past couple of years near the Anjuna beach site.

Entertainment & Amusements At Anjuna
Thanks to the kill-joy attitude reputation, Anjuna is a rave-venue for big parties that take place over here from time to time, especially around the Christmas-New Year full moon period. At other times, Anjuna's nightlife centres on the Shore Bar, in the middle of the beach, which has a pounding sound system and play some real funky music that always keep the atmosphere alive.

The biggest crowds show up accompanied by the latest ambient trance mixes from London. The music gains pace as the evening wears on winding up before midnight, when there's an exodus over to the Guru Bar, further up the beach, or to the Primrose Café in Vagator, both of which stay open until after midnight.

The Alcove, over looking Ozran Vagator Beach, is another worthwhile nightspot to hangout near Anjuna. More mainstream musical entertainment is on offer at Temptations, in the Red Cab Inn just below Starco's crossroads, where Indian classical recitals and guitar based cover bands feature with fire dancers on Mondays.

Eating Out Places At Anjuna
Both the beachfront and village at Anjuna are flooded with good places to eat and drink. Most are simple semi open-air, thatched palm leaf affairs, specializing in fish and western food. All serve cold beer, invariably with thumping techno music in the background. On the beach, tourists can buy fresh fruits, including watermelons, pineapples and locally grown coconuts from the local vendors.

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Beaches of Goa India

Goa Beaches

Goa, an endearing abode of scenic charm is a paradise, squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills. Offering glistening sands, swaying coconut palms, and ultra fresh seafood. Your Goa Tours will involve exploring sensuous beaches and historical forts that have kept the legacy of Portuguese alive. Travel to Goa, to explore the mystical charisma of the exotic abode. It is a promise that Goa will add some golden moments in your memorabilia.

For most of the people heading towards Goa, it is one long beach. But once they are there they realize this folly of them. Goa is a state though a small one and there is a large number of beaches, many towns and a good network of roads. It is a state of seven rivers and their estuaries, there are hills with lush green vegetation, and most of the tourists are needed to cover large distances to move from one place to other. Goa has a total coastline of 125 km and that makes people believe that it is a long big beach however illusionary it is.

Beaches of Goa are much ahead of other beaches in India in terms of popularity and the facilities that are available here. The beaches here have been accepted as a matter of life, there are exotic cuisine backing the pleasure of have on sun and sand, and water sports facilities that include from water scooters to water gliding. To add on you can shake your legs for some time with a glass of feni and beer, engaged in shopping on the beachside, or have midnight bonfire on the beach.

There are some more aspects of Goa beaches that attract tourists every year. Whatsoever times you have visited these beaches they tend to change their look and get new designs every new season. These beaches refurbish themselves every new season and enhance the excitement of visitors who are never tired of appreciating Goa. Out of 125 km of coastline the beaches of Goa cover not less than 83 km and there is one for you also waiting to be explored. Go and find it!

The Aguada Bay (parts of which are known as Caranzalem Bay and Sinquerim Bay) is formed by two promontories: Cabo and Aguada.

Geomorphologists theorize that the Goan hills on the eastern side succumbed to the effects of erosion and fractured, while those on the western side stayed more or less stable.

Mythologists and minstrels have more exciting stories about the promontories, which they believe were once the celestial playgrounds of voluptuous gods.

Between science and myth stands a glorious reality - 40 lovely beaches, most of them pollution free, though not all of them as safe as swimmers would wish. The most developed beach segment is the Calangute - Baga - Anjuna belt in the Bardesh subdivision north of Panaji.

The north Goa beaches in Pernem subdivision are delightfully primitive and untouched: Keri beach (with Tiracol and an ancient Portuguese fort on the other bank); Arambol (also known as Harmal); Mandrem (a toddy tappers' and palm distillers' hamlet with two little beaches: Lemos and Asvem) and Morji. The local people are friendly and un-interfering, the markets fairly well stocked and the public transportation system reasonably efficient. By way of accommodation there are somewhat Spartan cottages and thatched huts.

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Hill Stations- Idukki Kerala

Idukki Hill Stations

The Idukki district falls in the mountainous region of Kerala and is marked by hills, dense forests, valleys and a wide-ranging flora and fauna. The area has a specialty, which lies in its unique geographical characteristics. The eastern side of the district is covered with forests that occupy 45% of the area in the district. For an ultimate holiday experience you can plan a vacation amidst the mountains with high hills and deep valleys, which account for a major portion of the Idukki district.

Munnar

One of the most breathtakingly beautiful hill stations to be visited on tour to Idukki. It is set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district; Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests. Munnar has all these and much more.

Peerumedu

Peerumedu is a small hill station, snuggled at an altitude of 914 m above sea level, on way to Thekkady. The famous plantation town takes its name from Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Clouds drop gently on the peaks that flank the verdant slopes of Peerumedu. Rich with mile upon mile of plantations falling away in precise steps. Coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber flourish in what is the most fertile part of the Western Ghats. Broken only by spectacular waterfalls in the distance and wide-open grasslands in places. On a fairly warm day, the mercury reads between five and ten degrees Celsius. Little wonder then, that the former Rajas of Travancore sought this tiny hill station out as their summer resort.

Mattupetty

Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. The Mattupetty Lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very mountain goat, which is fast becoming extinct, is now found in the Eravikulam - Rajamala region.


dukki can be rightfully termed as the Hilly District of Kerala and has emerged, as a prominent Hill Station in India with the foci of attention being on wildlife, as a thriving Wildlife Sanctuary agog with life, is located within its confines. A tour to Kerala has all allurements of the order of sleepy backwaters, the mystical Boatmen and the picturesque tropical forests in their right order. Only that Idukki as a Hill Station in India is in a genre apart from the rest of the places will become evident to the tourist in a tour to Idukki.Tours to Idukki

Chief Attractions

Idukki as a Hill Station in India, is much sought after for its wildlife treasure keenly followed by other attractions like tea plantations, rides on Elephants and a repository of rich spices, too. India Travel Destinations organizes tours to Idukki to let the interested souls decipher its beauty and discreet wilderness.

The Myth About Idukki

Idukki has a bit of history attached to it too. The name Idukki is derived from "Idukku" which refers to a narrow gorge in Malayalam. Then, the district is host to Periyar River, which flows through two massive rocks in the region, which again have mythological connotations attached to them.

Idukki- A Treasure Trove of Wildlife

Idukki as a prominent Hill Station in India is home to the largest wild life Sanctuary in India, which has an expanse of approx. 777Km in the district's forested land. Animal life of the order of Deer, Giant, and Malabar Squirrel abound in plenty in this scenic Hill Station in India.A tour to Idukki would reveal the selfsame.

Some More about Idukki

Idukki, the beautiful hill station of Kerala derives its name from a Malayalam word 'idukku', which means narrow gorge. Idukki is known as the land of massive mountains, variegated valleys and splendid streams. Located in the southern portion of Kerala, Idukki offers diverse tourist attractions like hill ranges, mountain treks, spice plantations, virgin beauty of nature and wild life sanctuaries.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime attraction of the hill town of Idukki. It is spread over an area of 70 sq km in the vicinity of the Arched Dam. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in green forest cover and vibrant flora and fauna. Tourist may easily spot animals like the elephant, bison, sambhar, deer etc. you may also find a wide variety of snakes and birds like the jungle foul, laughing thrush etc.

Very near to the hill station of Idukki, is another hill station called Peermade. Peermade was summer resort of the former Tranvancore rulers. Peermade is worthy of visit for its green grasslands, wonderful waterfalls and pleasant plantations of tea, coffee and rubber.

Thekkady is at a distance of almost 65 km from Idukki. The place is visited for unspoilt beauty of the nature and vast wildlife population. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can find the artificial lakes, hills and plantations along with the fauna and avifauna. Trekking, elephant rides and boating can be indulged in while at Thekkady.

From Idukki, you may also visit the hill station of Munnar, which is at a distance of 70 km. The place has the beauty enhanced by the tea plantations, nice town planning, winding lanes and perfect climatic conditions.

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History of Idukki Kerala India

Idukki - History

The Idukki district forms a small part of the state of Kerala. In the year 1972, the district was formed out of Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks from Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from Eranakulam district. For purposes of developmental activities it is divided into eight blocks Arudai, Devikulam, Elamdesom, Idukki, Kattappana, Adimali, Nedumkandom and Thodupuzha. Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts bound the district on the south, Thrissur and Coimbatore districts on the north, Madurai, Ramanad and Thirunelveli districts on the east and Eranakulam and Kottayam districts on the west. As you move on your travel to Idukki you will get to know more about the rich history & culture of the district.

The district had played a significant role in the spiritual development of the country, especially the south, though it does not boast of a history of the rise and fall of dynasties. The Ramayana gives a graphic description of the flora of the Pamba Valley in Idukki, with high ranges of altitude varying from 2500 feet to over 5000 feet above sea level.

Culture of Idukki

The district of Idukki has a mixed culture due to the large scale migration to the district from other parts of Kerala and from the Neighboring Tamilnadu. There are 245 tribal settlements in the District of which 74 are in Thodupuzha; 11 in Peermedu; 126 in Devikulam and 34 in Udumbanchola Taluks. Almost all the scheduled tribes are living in the extreme remote hilly banks and in the deep interiors of thickly growing forests of this district. According to the latest census around 11516 Scheduled tribal families are living in the district.

The main inhabitants of the district are the scheduled tribes, which include Malayarayan, Mannan, Muthuvan, Oorali, Paliyan, Hilpulayan, Malapandaram, Ulladan and Malayan. Among the scheduled tribes Malayarayans out class all the other factions in socio-economical and educational aspects. .

Among the most celebrated festivals in Idukki, the Adimali Fest is the most prominent tourism and agricultural festival of the High ranges since 1991. Every year the festival is celebrated during the last week of December, at Adimali.

The agricultural fair and exhibition is a part and parcel of the Adimali Fest. Hundreds of farmers bring their super size products for display. Exhibition stalls of various Government Departments, Institutions and Agencies are of great attraction along with the exhibition-cum-sales stalls of the trade fair

The agricultural fair at Thodupuzha is also note worthy and is held every year under the aegis of the agricultural society.

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Travel Kerala India

Travel to Kerala

There can be no two thoughts about the fact Kerala is the greenest state of South India. Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea on the west and forested Western Ghats, the state is blessed with supreme scenic beauty, sun kissed sea beaches, backwaters. The state has also earned the distinction of being the finest center for ayurvedic treatment in the country. All these go a long way in making Kerala a destination no one can resist.

There are three airports in the state of Kerala. Calicut in the north, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in the South India and Kochi in the center. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is accredited with the status of an international airport. It is also connected by flight with the chief destinations of the country. Besides, the whole state has a good network of railways. This connects the state with different places in he country. Buses also ply in large number. They are a convenient option for covering the different places in the state and also those in the neighboring states.

The state of Kerala offers you many places that are worth visiting; where you can find everything from the most beautiful nature sites to cultural sites. Enjoy strolling at the beaches, blue Lagoons; spend a vacation amidst the beautiful valleys and visit the intricately decorated temples.

Travel to Kerala by Air

Reaching to Kerala is not a difficult thing. Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, is connected to most of the major airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. As the Thiruvananthapuram is an international airport, there are considerable connections to gulf countries also from this airport. Kochi and Calicut are other two airports connected from air to other cities in India.
Travel to Kerala by Rail

Rails are another good way of moving inside and from the outside Kerala. There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala connecting most of the places in the state to places in the other parts of the country and inside the state. Long-distance express trains connect important places in Kerala to places outside the state like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Travel to Kerala by Road

Roads in Kerala are in much better shape than other states in India. Major modes of road transport are buses, tourist taxis, cars, and local taxis and autos. State is connected with other parts of South India travel in a number of National Highways. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are some of the neighboring states that are easily connected to Kerala through roads.
Travel to Kerala by Water

From Cochin (Kochi), there are regular ships venturing towards the Lakshadweep Islands. Inside, backwaters of Kerala act not only as a popular transportation medium but are tourist attractions in themselves. These internal water navigation systems are today the single most popular travel product of Kerala.


Beaches
Kerala has an extensive network of canals, rivers, lakes and beaches. There are nearly seventeen beaches in Kerala, the most finest in India. The palm-lined beaches of Kerala offer you every opportunity that will make your tour more exciting.

Backwaters
Your tour to Kerala is incomplete without taking a trip to the backwaters, which form the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala. You can enjoy cruising through the backwaters in rented houseboats that provide you every comfort and a variety of cuisines.

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Pushkar Rajasthan India

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.

The legend about the Creator God, Bramha describes the creation of this lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, he in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died with the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where a lake sprung into being. Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation. So thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.

Camel Fair : Pushkar is perhaps best known for its Camel Fair which takes place here each October/November. Each year, upto 200,000 people flock to Pushkar for the Camel fair, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for several days of pilgrimage, live stock trading, horse dealing and spirited festivities. There are camel races, street theatre and a variety of stalls selling interesting handicrafts. The place becomes a flurry of activity with musicians, mystics, comedians, tourists, traders, animals and devotees all converging on the small town. A good camel can fetch tens of thousands of rupees and is a vital source of income for many villagers. This fair is the only one of its kind in the world and has featured in numerous magazines, travel shows and films.

Gangaur Fair :This festival honours Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The women gracefully balancing brass pitchers on their heads, wend their way to the temple of Gauri (Parvati) for the ceremonial bath of the deity. Idols of Shiva and Parvati are taken out in a procession accompanied by caparisoned horses and elephants.



More About Pushkar :
Pushkar in Rajasthan is believed to be one of the most sacred sites for Hindus in India. There are many temples in Pushkar, built alongside the Pushkar Lake. The lake is semi-circular in shape and has 52 bathing ghats or steps leading down to the water of the lake. The lake is very shallow near its banks so pilgrims can safely have a ritual bath in the holy lake. The temple of Brahma in Pushkar (Brahma is worshipped as the Creator, by Hindus), is the only Brahma Temple in India. For most of the year Pushkar is a serene town with a spiritual atmosphere. On the occasion of Karthik Purnima, or the full moon night in November, the Pushkar Fair is held. Pilgrims believe that bathing in Pushkar Lake on this auspicious day will wash away the bad karma of one's sins. On Karthik Purnima night, pilgrims set little leaf cups, bearing tiny earthen lamps, afloat on the rippling waters of Pushkar Lake. The lake and its surrounding ghats are lit up by their golden radiance in a breathtakingly beautiful sight. You can see the temples and lake at Pushkar, when you travel to Pushkar in Rajasthan India with Popular India Vacations.

One of the most sacred sites for the Hindus, Pushkar is a very ancient place. The antiquity of the place can be gauged from the fact that circumstances leading to its origin have been extensively dealt with in the ancient scripture of the Padma (Lotus) Purana. According to the text, Pushkar came into being, when Lord Brahma, Creator in the Hindu Trinity, dropped petals of lotus flower (pushpa) to earth from his hand (kar) to kill a demon. This resulted in the formation of three lakes in the desert land. The largest of these lakes is today revered as one of India's most sacred sites and bounded by temples and bathing ghats.Though Pushkar attracts devotes all round the year, it is during the five-day Kartik Purnima festival which witnesses a seething sea of humanity pouring out into the streets of this sacred town. Devotees take a dip in the redemptory waters of the lake and worship at the Brahma Temple. It is interesting to know that the shrine is the only one in the world dedicated to Brahma who otherwise occupies a very important place in the Hindu pantheon of gods.


Temples:

JAGAT PITA SHRI BRAHMA MANDIR: Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were destroyed by Aurangzeb, a Mogul ruler and were subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum or Girbha-griha. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of lord Brahma's consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

SAVITRI TEMPLE:
The one-hour trek up to the hilltop Savitri Temple overlooking the lake is best made early in the morning; the view is magical.

VARAH TEMPLE:
Originally built in the 12th century, Varah Temple was, like many others, destroyed by the bigoted Emperor Aurangzeb (who , it is said , was particularly upset by the huge idol here of Varah, the god with the body of a man and the head of the boar.) Reconstructed BY Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1727, the temple has an interesting and richly ornamented image house.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE:
A Beautiful temple built in the 19th century, it was described by a British traveler of the time as "by far the most remarkable, for the elegance of its structure and the nature of its ornaments, of all the temples Pushkar boasts of." It is also noteworthy for its white marble Mahadeva image, with its five faces (and its traditional tufts of hair).

RAMAVAIKUNTH TEMPLE:
One of Pushkar's largest and most intricate temples, the Ramavaikunth Temple was built in the 1920's and has beautifully sculpted images of no less than 361 different deities. The ornate outer gopuram over the entrance is said to have been built by a team of masons specially brought here from south India.


The Holy Lake and its many Ghats:
Many Ghats run down to the Holy Lake where pilgrims are constantly bathing in the holy waters. Joining people at the ghats has to be with some respect for their culture and privacy. And for this reason, removing shoes before approaching the ghats, no smoking and restraining from photographing bathing people is Important. The famed waters of the Pushkar lake wash away the sins of a lifetime.

The mystical water is also believed to cure skin diseases, making Pushkar the Lourdes of the East.

Reaching Pushkar -
Rail : Nearest railway station is 11 kms far from Pushkar in Ajmer.
Road : Well connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan.

Shopping in Pushkar -
Particularly good buys include silver and beaded jewellery, embroidered fabrics, bed and cushion covers. Rajasthani puppets and fusion music. Its also a great place to buy books. There is an excellent range of second hand novels in various languages available

Pushkar occupies an important place in Rajasthan as a source of souvenirs. The shopping centres are Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar and Kedalganj bazaar.

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Travelling Mumbai

Tourist attractions in Mumbai

Mumbai, the capital of the state of Maharsahtra is the most populated city of India, located along the western coast of the state. Being the miscellany of different religions and cultures, a city with high business opportunities, the home to the Hindi Film Industry, Mumbai has always attracted a large number of migrants. At the same time, because of the various tourist attractions in Mumbai, the vibrancy of the city and the places to see, Mumbai has also been a major tourist spot in India and thousands of tourists travel to Mumbai from all over the world, every year.

The places of Tourist Attractions The magnetism and the appeal of the city of Mumbai attract a lot of people from all over the world. There are many places to visit in this commercial and financial hub of India. Starting from religious places to centers for business, places of entertainment, beaches and historical places, a shopping paradise, Mumbai has it all. Among the Tourist attractions in Mumbai, ones that cannot be missed includes places like the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Haji Ali Mosque, Prithvi Theatres, Elephanta caves and a lot more.

# Gateway of India
# Victoria Terminus
# Marine Drive
# Mumbai Stock Exchange
# Film City
# Haji Ali Mosque
# Hanging Gardens
# Prithvi Theatre
# Elephanta Caves
# Essel World
# Beaches in Mumbai
# Museums in Mumbai
# Shopping in Mumbai

Travel to Mumbai by Air

Mumbai is India's international gateway. It has also the busiest domestic air network in the country. The international terminal is at Sahar, which is 30 km north of the city center. The domestic terminal at Santa Cruz is just 4 km away.

Travel to Mumbai by Rail

Mumbai is a prominent railway hub of the country. It is the headquarters to two railway zones, Central and Western. The main railway station is Victoria Terminal, now renamed Chattrapati Shivaji Terminal. Other railway stations are Dadar, Churchgate, and Kurla. Express and super-fast trains are available for most of the Indian cities from Mumbai.

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Goa-Fort Aguada

The Portuguese built Fort Aguada in 1612. It has a church a lighthouse and a jail. Sinquerim beach lies below this fort Calangute and Candolim beaches are situated to the north of Fort Aguada.

Hotel Taj Fort Aguada, Goa

5 Star Deluxe Hotel in Goa
Built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, the resort is part of a sprawling 88-acre complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. Situated right on the beach, the resort offers guests a unique opportunity to relax in elegantly appointed villas and cottages, while they are serenaded by the lapping of waves nearby.

Location of Hotel Taj Fort Aguada, Goa

Hotel Taj Fort Aguada Goa is located at Sinquerim, Bardez, Goa. It is 45 kms from Air Port, 25 kms. from Railway Station and 15 kms. from Bus Stand.

Staying at Hotel Taj Fort Aguada, Goa

Take your pick from standard rooms or terrace suites at the main complex. Or a newly designed cluster of 1 or 2 bedroom cottages nestled on a hilltop.

Decorated in its own distinct style, each terrace suite is designed to create a unique tapestry of gorgeous color and design.

Our exquisitely designed guest rooms ensure you're in the lap of luxury. Facing palm flecked lawns and a vast expanse of cerulean sea.

In all there all 32 Standard Rooms, 32 Deluxe Rooms, 24 Terrace Suites and 42 Cottages.

Dining at Hotel Taj Fort Aguada, Goa

There are number of restaurants and bars at the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Goa

Morisco: For traditional Goa specialties. At Morisco, take your pick from a sumptuous seafood barbeque. There are freshly caught lobsters, prawns, crabs, fish, squid anything you could wish for under the sun. Marinated in fiery goan spices that'll make your mouth water. Accompanied by the lively beats of traditional Goan music.

Seashell Restaurant: Relish the best of Indian and European gourmet fare amidst the elegance of flowers, wine and serenades. The chef urges you to try the Coastal Catch ocean fresh shrimps in a superbly prepared brandy sauce.

Il Camino: For Italian cuisine.At the Il Camino, we'll take you on a journey to the very heart of Italy. Savor authentic Italian delicacies from the regions of Roma, Milano, Monaco and Mestre. Tuck into hand-tossed pizzas straight from our wood-fired over. Or take your pick from a selection of delectable pastas and freshly baked garlic bread. Top it off by sipping a variety of specialty coffees flavored with vanilla, caramel, hazelnut or Irish cream.

Martini Bar: By the poolside. It is a delightful nook by the poolside overlooking the virgin sands of the Calangute. Where the bartender whips up exotic cocktails, mean martinis and mouth-watering snacks to tempt every palate. Accompanied by the soft notes of the piano.

Poolside BBQ: For seafood grills from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm.

Wine Cellar: Take your pick from a selection of vintage wines. And don't pass up an opportunity to inspect the wine of your choice from our well-stocked cellar.

Delectable cuisine options can be savored at the nine restaurants at our resorts. Five of these are at Fort Aguada Beach Resort itself. You'll find the choice fascinating and the experience, entirely unique.

Facilities at Hotel Taj Fort Aguada, Goa

There are 3 meeting rooms. Host a business meeting or seminar at our conference room. Furnished with the best in modern business facilities, it can comfortably seat up to 170 people. There's nothing quite as relaxing as a theme evening by the poolside to round off a successful conference. Sit back and enjoy the traditional Mando (a dance to serenade your loved ones) or the enthralling Zagor (an all mens' dance that pays respect to the spirit of the place).

Recreation at Hotel Taj Fort Aguada, Goa

There is a spa with Couple Suites. Separate floors for ladies and gents. Steam Rooms/Jacuzzi/Ayurveda Treatment and Oil Massage Rooms/Gymnasium/Relaxation Rooms/Wash Rooms/Landscaped lawns for yoga and outdoor massages.

There are two Freshwater Swimming Pools. Water sports include Speedboats, Sailing, Windsurfing, Water Skiing, Parasailing, Jet Skis, Surfing, Bump Skis and Banana Boat Rides.

Adventure Sports include Trekking/Rock Climbing, Rappelling/Jummaring, Jungle Safaris, Cave Expeditions and River Crossing. Plus there is 5-hole Golf Putting Green, Tennis, Fishing, Squash, Badminton.

Children's activity center and Astrologer on request are also there.

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History of Jaipur

History of Jaipur

The history of the Pink City of Jaipur dates back to the 18th century, during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was after it became difficult to accommodate the increasing population at Amber (which is about 11 kilometres from Jaipur), Sawai Jai Singh was in search of safe and secure place to built a new city. The paucity of water at Amber further aggravated the problem of increasing population.

It was in 1727, Swai Jai Singh with his architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya founded the Jaipur city. The city was built adhering to the principles of Shilpa Shastra and thus become the first planned city of India. The city follows grid system with wide straight roads, streets and lanes. One can find uniform rows of shops on either side of main roads. As a security measure from external aggression, the city was en-circled with a strong wall with seven gates.

Jaipur is still one of the beautiful cities in India with most of its forts and palaces perfectly in shape. Forts and palaces in and around Jaipur are what attract tourists to the Pink City. Jaipur has a number of fine hotels that provide best hospitality service to guests touring Jaipur. This Page offers complete information on Jaipur and online booking for hotels in Jaipur. Discover the architectural wonders of Jaipur

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HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN

HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN

Jaipur is a city of many colors and contrasts. It is best explored at a leisurely pace, as there is so much to see and do that a usual taxi or bus tour can never do justice to Sawai Jai Singh It's planned city built in AD 1727.

Jai Singh visualized it as a flourishing center of commerce and art with a special area designated for the different trades and crafts. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya based the layout keeping in mind the principles of the Hindu treatise on architecture, the Vastu Shastra. The meticulous planning, the right combination of commerce and beauty, attracted visitors from all over the world.

Come and see for yourself what led Louis Rousselet, a well-known nineteenth century French traveler to comment. "The town is built in a style of unusual magnificence………. I doubt whether at the time it was built there were many cities in Europe which could compare with it."

The walks will introduce you to many of Jaipur's best-known monuments that are still located inside the old walled city. Enter any of the lanes leading from the main streets and each one will unfold several interesting facets of Jaipur's traditional lifestyle, architecture, arts, crafts, community living, havelis and temples.

As you explore all this and more, you realize that it is not just a city of forts, palaces and gardens. It is culturally rich city that has happily accepted t-shirts, jeans and baseball caps along with traditional turbans, dhotis and ghagras (traditional skirts) - they're all a part of this live, throbbing exuberant city. A city like this is still hard to come by.

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Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance.

But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view.

The mood and the rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.

The history of Rajasthan goes back 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape, from the grand palaces and rugged forts to its tranquil and camel safaris to trekking. Those looking for taste of royal lifestyle just need to check into one of the several palace hotels or heritage hotels that will make it possible for them to be treated like royal guests.

Whether you are visiting Rajasthan's big cities with a fast-moving westernised lifestyle, or exploring historic towns or quaint villages, you will always find the people warm and friendly. And if you want to move away from the regular tourist beat, it is very easy to organise your own tour.

Accommodation could be a palace hotel, a smaller heritage hotel in the country, a guesthouse, a tent or a village hut- the choice is yours. But whatever you choose, you holiday in Rajasthan will be an unforgettable experience and we hope this publication will help you make the most of your time here. Rajasthan has a superb range of shops, catering to every taste and pocket.

It is among the richest states in the country as far as handicrafts are concerned. The craftsmen here have been creating the most opulent and richest of treasure. Stone, clay, leather, wood ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles are given the most brilliant forms.

Each little village had its own mohulla of craftsmen who were patronised by the local people as well as visitors to the village. Today, the Government encourages the local handicrafts as well as the small-scale industries and retail outlets have been set up in the major cities. Tourists can choose from the large variety on display, and at very reasonable prices.

THE INTRICACIES OF TOWN PLANNING

The more you discover the city, the more you come to appreciate and marvel at Vidyadhar Bhattacharya's town planning talents. He divided the area available to him in rectangular blocks or chowkris. The palace complex occupied two of these nine blocks, which was approximately one seventh of the total city areas. The other seven blocks were given equal. If not more, attention and had beautiful buildings lining the wide streets. Each area had a clearly defined line of construction, the permissible height as well as elevation of the building.

Chowkris Sarhad was the palace block with temples, gardens and other royal buildings. Other chowkris were Purani Basti that was earmarked for residences of leading courtiers; Topkhana Desh was for the Thikanedars around Jaipur, chiefs of the state's divisions; a block combining Chowkris Modikhana and Vishveshwarji was designed for use by rich Jain and Hindu businessmen and other officials. Most of the city's old families still maintain their ancestral havelis here.

Merchants occupied one part of Ghat Darwaza while artist and workers occupied the other parts. Chokri Ramchandraji contained important temples and havelis build by maharajas, maharanis and leading nobles. Located on the north east of this chowkris were small residences of royal staff and craftsmen. These chowkris were further divided into smaller wards and sub-wards.

The least developed were Topkhana hazuri and Chowkris Gangapol because there was later addition. While the former was uneven and sandy, used for the artillery of the ruler and by poor artisans, the latter was used mainly by laborers. When you walk through these chowkris you will notice that these are still not as well developed or designed as the rest of the city.

The new city was enclosed by a fortified wall 20 feet in height and 9 feet in width and pierced by seven (considered an auspicious Indian number) major gates, similar in design with a large central opening flanked by two smaller ones on either side. The gates are Suraj Pol, Chand Pol, Ram Pol, Shiv Pol, Kishan Pol, Ganga Pol and Dhruv Pol, Man Pol, better known as New Gate, was a later addition.

You will go through most of them, so do look out for the huge wooden gates with metal strips (for added strength) and guardrooms built into the central opening. These were not just decorative gates but had a very important function. They were closed at night for protection against intruders and wild animals that roamed outside the walls. This happened till early twentieth century and there are people still living that remembers those days.

Interestingly, the walled city has needed very few changes from the time it was planned by Sawai Jai Singh. Even today there is ample room for pedestrian as well as mounted traffic. In the eighteenth century, Jai Singh had decided that the main streets in the city would be approximately 110 feet wide. That is the width of the straight road between the Suraj Pol (Sun gate in the east) and Chand Pol (Moon Gate in the west). Three major streets of equal width cut across neatly at right angles and divide the area into neat blocks. The three choupars (squares), or intersections thus formed are - Badi Chaupad, Choti Chaupad and Ramganj Chaupad that make highly interesting community and traffic centers. The area is further divided by secondary streets half that width and minor ones that care one fourth of the main artery.

Another noteworthy feature that makes Jaipur unique is the fact that because the rulers were great patrons or art and craft, they encouraged craftsmen to come and settle in Jaipur. Specific areas were allocated to potters, stone carvers, dyers, jewelers, painters, kite makers, weavers and so on - a tradition that has survived to this day. Jaipur is still known the world over as a major craft destination and has a mind - boggling range of crafts to offer. It is a favorites note only with the casual shopper but the international design fraternity as well. A lot of major fashion houses head towards Jaipur when they need good quality work done in garments or in furniture, jewelers etc.

From the first ruler of Jaipur (not amber) Sawai Jai Singh II in 1699 to the tenth Maharaja Man Singh II who died in 1970, each ruler contributed to the city's development, both culturally as well as architecturally. By the time the present Maharaja Brigadier Bhawani Singh came to power in 1970, the curtain had fallen on the golden era of Maharajas and their palaces and power shifted to the democratic government that took over the reigns of the country

THE MAHARAJAS OF JAIPUR

A brief look at the city's 276-year-old history will give you a fair idea of the city's development. Each period of history made it's own contribution t this thriving city.

Sawai Jai Singh II died in 1743, sixteen years after he had founded the city, and was succeeded by his son Ishwari Singh (r. 1743 - 1750) who is his brief reign of seven years patronized many literary works: had a beautiful chhatris erected in his father's memory, built the Moti Burj in Chaugan and the impressive seven - storied Ishwar Lat or Swarga Suli in Tripolia.

Madho Singh I (r. 1750 - 1767) was the brother of Ishwari Singh and came to the throne after a bitter and decisive battle with the latter. He was a large man at 6½ feet and weighed over 250 kg. In the seventeen years of his rule, he tried to wipe out the infamy connected to his accession. He made a remarkable contribution in several fields from art and architecture to religion and literature. He founded the city of Sawai Madhopur; built the Madho Niwas and Diwan - I - Am in the city palace; Madho Vilas near Zorawar Singh Gate (where Maharani Gayatri Devi started her MGD Girls Public School, now an Ayurvedic college); the Jal Mahal Palace on Amber Road and the Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh on Agra Road.

Prithvi Singh (r. 1767 - 78) came to the throne at the tender age of five and died at the age of sixteen when he fell off a horse. He never did get to do much as his stepmother Chandrawatji and her trusted ministers held the power. The eleven years of his reign were full of conspiracies and political strife.

Pratap Singh (r. 1778 - 1803) was Chandrawatji's own son and took over and Maharaja at the age of fourteen. He wrote poetry under the name of Brijnidhi and was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. He constructed eight temples devoted to Him - the important ones being Brijnidhi, Anandkrishna Behari, Anand Behariji and Madan Mohanji. He constructed the fountains behind the Govinddevji temple. But he is remembered more for building the most famous monument of Jaipur - the Hawa Mahal.

Jagat Singh(r. 1803 - 1818) ruled for fifteen years but his reign is marked more for his love life than reforms of any kind. His twenty- one wives and twenty- four concubines gave him little time to devote to the affairs of the state. He became obsessed with a courtesan by the name of Ras Kapoor and wanted to make her the maharani of half his kingdom causing a lot of discontent amongst his courtiers.

Jai Singh II (r. 1818 - 1835) was a minor who ruled under the minority council that was guided by the East India Company. He died under mysterious circumstances without making any significant contribution.

He was followed by one of the most remarkable rulers of Jaipur - Ram Singh II (r. 1835 - 1880) who was also a minor when he came to the throne. This enlightened ruler was a great patron of art and learning, a photographer and an able administrator whose rule is known as the golden age of Jaipur. Listing his various administrative reforms and contribution to the state would require a separate book in itself. In fact, the Maharaja was known to wander around in the streets at night to apprise him of the condition of the poor and the destitute. In the forty-five years of his rule, he made innumerable public buildings and set up office to give better education, roads lights and water supply. He is remembered today for major works of public utility, most of which have survived over the years.

Some of his important buildings are the Town Hall, Mayo Hospital, Ram Niwas Garden and Albert Hall Museum, Ram Prakash Theatre and Maharaja School of Arts and Crafts.

Ram Singh II adopted Madho Singh II (r. 1880 - 1922) from a nearby village called Isarda. He was an orthodox Hindu and undertook steps to improve the irrigation, railways and education system of Jaipur, However, he is best remembered for the wrong reasons - the size of his harem - he had five wives, eighteen official mistresses and at the time of his death there were five thousand concubines and eunuchs in the zenana. The well known courtesans of that time were Durga, Shirin, Lallan, Khairan and Gohar Jan. he was invited to England in 1901 for the coronation of King Edward VII and he traveled by a liner called S.S. Olympia that was redesigned to include a Krishna temple. He also took two huge silver urns containing holy water from the Ganges River. The holy water transported all the way to England in the 349 Kg silver urns was enough to last him until his visit overseas.

Man Singh II (r. 1922 - 1949) was the second son of Thakur Sawai Singh of Isarda and was adopted by Madho Singh II at the age of ten. He was a world - class polo player and widely recognized as the father of new Jaipur. He went on to become the Rajpramukh of Rajasthan and later the ambassador to Spain. Among his many notable contributions to Jaipur were the construction of the Zenana Hospital, the Maharaja's and Maharani's Colleges, SMS Hospital, Medical College, Rajasthan University, Moti Doongri, Lily Pool, modifications to the Rambagh Palace and the present Secretariat. He married Maharani Gayatri Devi who was famed for her beauty and is mentioned in the Guinnes Book of World Records for winning an election by the highest majority ever. He died in 1970 while playing polo in Cirencester, England.

Maharaja (Brigadier) Bhawani Singh continues to reside in the city palace with his family and has had to come to terms with the changing times. He is a much-decorated soldier of the India Army and was awarded a Mahavir Chakra, the second highest gallantry award, for his role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He takes a keen interest in the running of the City Palace Museum.

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Fatehpur Sikri Agra India

The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty for approximately 12 years, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is located at a distance of 37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri.Emperor Akbar had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Today this ghost city has a population of about 30,000. This deserted city has retained the structures and due efforts of the Archeological department much of the city has been preserved as it was built.


Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra. But in real terms Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should spend some time. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs are derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Entrance to this mosque is through the 54 meter high Buland Darwaza, which was built in April 1575, to commemorate Akbar's victory over Gujrat. To the North of the Mosque is the Dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti. This Dargah was built in 1570. Here, childless women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with three sons, when he came here. The lattice work in the Dargah is among the finest to be found any where in India.

Palace of Jodha Bai:
This palace is wrongly ascribed to Jodha Bai, the mother of Jehangir. The Hawa Mahal is a projecting room whose walls are made entirely of stone latticework. Other places to see in Fatehpur Sikri are the Birbal Bhawan, Karawan Sarai & Hiran Minar, Palace of Christian wife, Panch Mahal, the Treasury, Diwan -i-Khas, Diwan-i-am.

Inside The Walled City :
Fartehpur Sikri Among other important buildings within this walled city of Fartehpur Sikri are the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, the Sufi Fakir who is said to have granted Akbar and his queen Jodhabai their wish for a son.

Fatehpur Sikri is unique, architecturally intriguing, the architectural grandeur of Fatehpur Sikri cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them.

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Taj Mahal Agra India

Taj Mahal,One of the modern seven wonders of the world. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and the finest example of the late style of Indian Islamic architecture. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered it built after the death (1629) of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Set in its carefully laid out grounds, it is a reflection of the gardens of Paradise to which the faithful ascend. The entire complex, with gardens, gateway structures, and mosque, was completed in 1653. The Taj Mahal mausoleum stands at one end of the garden adorned with fountains and marble pavements. The garden contains four water channels to echo the four rivers of the Islamic Paradise. It rises from a platform 313 ft (95 m) on a side, bearing a white marble minaret at each corner; the enclosure, 186 ft (57 m) on a side, has truncated corners and a high portal on each side. The white marble exterior is inlaid with semiprecious stones arranged in Arabic inscriptions (designed by a local artist Amanat Khan, who was Shah Jahan's calligrapher), floral designs, and arabesques, and the salient features of the interior are accented with agate, jasper, and colored marbles. The roofing dome, on the inside, is 80 ft (24.4m) high and 50 ft (15.2 m) in diameter; outside it forms a bulb, which tapers to a spire topped by a crescent. The tomb chamber, with its two sarcophagi, is an octagonal room in the center of the edifice (the royal couple, however, are buried in an underground vault). The chamber is softly illuminated by the light that passes through double screens of intricately carved marble set high in the walls.

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