Indian Travel Information

Featured Projects on Google Code: Google Base Competitor Analysis

2010-09-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Featured Projects on Google Code: Google Base Competitor Analysis

Tourist Attractions In Rajasthan

2009-12-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

Indian Wildlife Tour Package

2009-12-14T10:31:00.001-08:00

Tour Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Udaipur

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

You will be received by our representative at the airport, who will take you to the hotel. You will be accorded a traditional welcome. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast, head on a guided tour of New Delhi. Some of the monuments you visit on your sightseeing tour include Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), Humayun`s Tomb, the Delhi Qutab Minar, Connaught Place and India Gate. In the afternoon proceed on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, India Gate, Bahai Temple in Delhi and other memorials. Visit an Indian family for dinner to get an insight into the Indian way of life. Overnight Stay At Hotel in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi - Agra

After breakfast proceed to Agra. In the afternoon tour the massive Agra Fort, which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort houses various beautiful palaces and mansions that you can visit on your tour of Agra Fort. In the evening visit Taj Mahal and watch the wonder monument change color as the sun sets. Overnight at hotel in Agra.

Day 04: Agra -Fatehpur Sikri -Jaipur

After breakfast proceed to the Pink City—Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. The city has some palatial buildings, a mosque and the shrine of saint Salim Chisti. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05: Jaipur

This is the day to take in the architectural beauty of the Pink City of Rajasthan. You visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jaipur Safari, Statue Circle, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and other important places on your sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Jaipur is rich with ancient monuments, which were built centuries ago. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Jaipur.

Day 06: Jaipur-Udaipur

Udaipur After breakfast transfer to Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport to catch a flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh about four centuries ago. On your tour you visit many important tourist places in Udaipur, which include the Jagdish Temple, the City Palace Museum, Kumbhalgarh Fort, and Lake Pichola. Overnight Stay At Hotel in Udaipur.

Day 07: Udaipur-Delhi

The day is at leisure. Take independent walks in the bustling bazaars of Udaipur. You can also visit Shilpgram, the crafts village to shop for some exquisite handicraft items. Afterwards transfer to airport to catch a flight to Delhi.

Day 08: Delhi

Upon arrival check in at hotel. Refresh and relax. Later transfer to airport to catch a flight back home. Tour ends.

Travel and Accommodation in india
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Sexy Lingerie Exotic Clothing

2009-11-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

Lingerie

Hotels In Goa

2008-04-25T06:14:00.001-07:00

Hotels in Goa, like the prevailing mood in this beach region are the points of fun-filled evenings full of dance, music, and exotic foods. Most of the reasonably good hotels and resorts in Goa do have their own private beaches and a leisurely day basking under the sun on the white sandy beaches of Goa is definition of a perfect holiday. Goahub brings to you exciting holiday packages and deals from the best-known properties. Apart from the hotel bookings, you can also ask us to arrange for fun - filled events, exhaustive tou.The evergreen destination of Goa is a holidaymaker's paradise. Breathtakingly beautiful blue beaches, sensuous silvery sands, fabulous flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, captivating churches, and terrific temples, Goa has it all. The fair and festivals of Goa are the other things not to be missed.

The Indian state of Goa beckons you for the time of your life. So, get going to Goa that is on a holiday - twelve months in a year! destination for international and domestic tourists alike. No wonder, the demand for good hotels in Goa is always high. Right from deluxe five star hotels and resorts to budget hotels, Goa has something for every traveler when it comes to good accommodation. Besides, the hotels in Goa are known for the perfect hospitality they offer to leisure and business traveler. A hot and happening destination on tourist map of the world, Goa offers the best of hotels and resorts for all types of travelers. There are all categories of hotels and resorts and many of them also offer private beaches. Whether you want to soak yourself in the luxury of 5 star hotels or get a feel of royalty in the deluxe hotels, there are various hotel chains that offer you numerous range and comfort.

For the fun loving souls, there are sand and sea filled hotels and resorts that offer the best of holiday experience in Goa. Most of the luxury and first class hotels in Goa provide fine and comfortable accommodation and entertainment options that match international standards. We assure you of hassle free and speedy booking and also endeavor to get the best discounts in booking and reservation for Goa hotels. A beautifully restored 300 year old Portuguese era manor house that once belonged to a governor of Macau, Siolim House is now a unique boutique Heritage Hotel in Goa, very unlike a Goa hotel. When we decided to restore the house in 1996, Siolim House's future looked bleak - for five years it had fought a losing battle with the Goa monsoon. Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is a world-class facility, set on 45 acres of lush beachfront gardens. The resort hotel is located in the most idyllic area of South Goa in India and is a 15-minute drive from Goa's Dabolim Airport. Featuring a unique village concept, with extensive spa facilities,

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa creates the magic and romance of a luxury boutique hotel while having the amenities and vibrant attractions of a resort. Goa Hotels Guide offers you a guide to most of the hotels in Goa. Goa the ultimate beach destination of India offers all the ingredients for a dream holiday. The beach resorts and the variety of hotels in Goa ensure a happy holiday. Amongst the places to see in Goa are its beaches, temples and churches. There are a large number of hotels in Goa for you to choose from. Amongst the best-known hotels in Goa are the Radisson White Sands Resort, The Leela Palace Goa, Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Cidade de Goa, Renaissance Goa Resort, Taj Exotica Goa and Heritage Village Club.

List of Goa Hotels :

»	3 J` S Hotel	»	Aldeia Santa Rita
»	Alor Grande Holiday Resort	»	Alor Holiday Resort
»	Angels Resort	»	Baga Residency
»	Bambolim Beach Resort	»	Baywatch Resort
»	Belle Wista Wado-Envirogreenresorts	»	Bogmallo Beach Resort
»	Bollywood Sea Queen Beach Resort	»	Carmo Lobo Beach Apartments
»	Casa Anjuna-Boutique Resort	»	Casa Britona- Boutique Resort
»	Casa De Goa	»	Casablanca Beach Resort
»	Cidade De Goa	»	Clarion The Beach
»	Clarks Inn Aguada Anchorage	»	Cleopatra Resorts
»	Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort	»	Coconut Grove
»	Colonia Jose Menino Resort	»	Colonia Santa Maria
»	Delta Residency	»	Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort
»	Dom Francisco	»	Dona Sylvia Beach Resort Goa
»	Dukes Villa	»	Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort
»	Furtados Beach House (A Beach Property)	»	Galaxy Beach Resort
»	Goa Beach House	»	Goa Marriott
»	Graciano Cottages	»	Hi - Tide CocoHuts
»	Highland Beach Resort	»	Holiday Inn Resort
»	Hotel Delmon	»	Hotel Fidalgo - Pride Of Goa
»	Hotel Gautam (A Vegetarian Hotel)	»	Hotel Goan Heritage
»	Hotel Image Inn	»	Hotel Les Villas D` Anjuna
»	Hotel Mandovi	»	Hotel Manoshanti
»	Hotel Panchsheel	»	Hotel Rajdhani
»	Hotel Ruffles Beach Resort	»	Hotel Sagar Kinara
»	Hotel Silver Sands Beach Resort	»	Hotel Solmar
»	Hotel Solmar Exotica	»	Joiade Goa Riverside Resort
»	Just-A-Saiil (House Boat)	»	La Bagaa Beach Resort
»	La Ben Resort	»	La Vaiencia Beach Resort - Morjim
»	La` Calypso	»	Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort
»	Longuinhos Beach Resort	»	Lotus Suites
»	Luisa By The Sea Retreat	»	Maizons Lake View Resort
»	Mapple Viva	»	Marquis Beach Resort
»	Montego Bay Beach Village	»	Montego Bay Beach Village (A Beach Property)
»	Nanu Resort	»	Nanutel Hotel
»	Neelam`s The Grand	»	Nirvana Hermitage
»	Nizmar Resort	»	O Pescador
»	Old Anchor	»	Papa Jollys Spiritual Holidays( A Boutique Hotel)
»	Paradise Village	»	Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa
»	Per Avel Beach Holiday Home	»	Perola Do Mar
»	Phoenix Park Inn	»	Prainha Resort By The Sea
»	Radisson White Sands Goa	»	Ramada Caravela Beach Resort
»	Resort Mello Rosa	»	Resorte Marinha Dourada
»	Resorte Park Avenue	»	Resorte Santa Monica
»	Resorte Village Royale	»	Riva Beach Resort
»	Ronil Beach Resort	»	Royal Heritage Resort
»	Santana Beach Resort	»	Santiago Resort
»	Shangrila Beach Hotel	»	Sharanam Green (A Vegetarian Hotel)
»	Silent Resort	»	Silken Sands Hotel
»	Silla Goa Resort	»	Sodder`s Beach Classic
»	Sodder`s Gloria-Anne Beach Haven (Sodder`s Gloria-Anne)	»	Sodder`s Renton Manor
»	Sodder`s Svelton Manor	»	Soul Vacation-A Concept Hotel
»	Sterling Resorts Goa	»	Sun Shine Park Resort
»	The Country Clube De Goa	»	The Flushing Meadows
»	The Karma Plaza Hotel	»	The Kenilworth Beach Resort
»	The Leela Goa	»	The Majestic
»	The Menino Regency	»	The Oceanique Resort
»	The Ronil Royale	»	Varca Palms Beach Resort
»	Victor Exotica Beach Resort Goa	»	Villa Sol
»	Vista Do Rio	»	Whispering Palms Beach Resort
»	Wildernest Nature Resort (An Eco Hotel)	»	Zaddesh Resort

Indian Handicraft

2008-04-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Indian Art and Handicrafts

India's vast cultural diversity has resulted in a treasure trove of handicrafts. The cultural exuberance and composite tradition that make this blend has found full expression in heart-warming creations of master craftspersons. These creators are extraordinary and have inherited and honed ancestral skills to perfection. India is also a country where time honoured traditions coexist in prefect harmony with the best of modernity.

History of Indian Handicrafts :

Excavations have found inroads into very ancient times. Archeology has revealed the secrets preserved by the earth in its crust. Excavations of tools help us understand the nature of production and the aesthetic standards of the period to which they belong. The particular period and appeal of a handicraft item can be gauged from the number of industries, technique of production, types of goods produced and materials used. This state reflects the aesthetic sense of the people, curvature of objects, lines, space, light and shades. An examination of the visual arts, such as Indian Sculpture, Indian Paintings and Indian Terra-cotta unveil the element of art. Not all crafts were produced for daily needs.Tools used today reflect the traditions of the early age, as old as the Stone Age. The rural and tribal artisans use processes and techniques inherited by them from their forefathers in the creation of their crafts. Though the tools used in that age were mainly for survival purposes, the making of these tools required considerable amount of skill.

The Stone Age man adopted the 'hammer stone' method to make flake tools. This require striking the mass stone near the edge at an angle of 120 degrees with the convex surface of a water worn pebble selected as hammer stone. This was perfected and put to use in the making of hand axes. Tools are a very important component of this art. This is the beginning of the age long tradition of handicrafts.

Crafts in India :

Metal Crafts : The line dividing craft and fine arts is practically indistinguishable in the metal craft of India. Gold silver, brass, copper and bell metal are shaped into intricately designed images, idols, jewelery and utility items, having a finish and style unique in appeal.

Gold and Silverware : The princely States of India demanded not only enameled jewelery but also enameled utensils such as wine, cups, finger bowls, pill boxes etc., in both gold and silver prepossess, sometimes studded with jewels. The craftspersons of India excel in this art. With the evolution of new tools, technique and skills, they are now better equipped to cater to modern tastes. Fully geared to meet modern market demands, today the gold and silver plated articles produced are usually plain or, even when ornamented are devoid of extensive encrustation. Portions of silver ,articles are sometimes covered with gold water. The designs thus formed are known as GANGA JAMUNA pattern from the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers which meet at Allahabad and flow together.

Pottery : Eye-catching articles of functional and decorative value are fashioned by the skillful potters of India. The crafts person 0f KHURJA in Uttar Pradesh have evolved a style of their own by raising the pattern with the use of thick slips into a light relief. Glazes in Warm shades of autumnal colors like orange, brown, and light red have also been developed by them. Floral designs in sky blue are worked against blue background. A type of pitches like a pilgrim bottle, decorated in relief by a thick slip is especially of Khujra.

Stone Craft and Marble Inlay Work : It's amazing how odd blocks of stone are cut shaped, inlaid and published into beautiful objects of everyday use by the skillful craftspersons of India.RAJASTHAN may be called the land of marble with its stone in various colors and textures.

Metal Ornamentation : Metal ornaments have been a rave in all ages and times. The II tractive contrasts in colors and textures of metals has led to the evolution of the metal ornamentation through techniques like inlay, overlay, applique, fixing of colours etc.

Enamelling : Enameling is the art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of the metal by using over it various mineral substances. The beauty of the article depends on the skill and resource of the worker and the excellence of the material employed. The range of colors obtained on gold is much greater than that on silver, copper and brass. Three forms of enameling are known to exist. These include the "CLOISONNE OF JAPAN AND CHINA", the "CHAM LEV PATTERN" extensively practiced in Lucknow and Varanasi and Jaipur specializes in enameled trays and trinket boxes.

Precious And Semi-Precious Stones : India's fame in precious and semi-precious stones was well established before the arrival of the British. The land that spells royalty is the home of nameless precious and semi-precious stones like "MOTHER OF PERALS", "RUBIS", "SAPPHIRES", "LAPIS", "LAZULI", 'AQUAMATINES", "AMETHYSTS" and others. The process of transforming a rough stone into a shapely object of beauty and luster calls for a great degree of skill in which Indian craftsmen are adept to the core.
COSTUME JEWELLARY : For the hi-fashion women of today there is nothing quite like the offbeat style of self adornment - pick the style that suits most. For, with the passing of centuries, the old appears offbeat today, having an irresistible lure for women the world over.India is one of the most important countries for the manufacture and export of costume jewelery. It has the largest productions base for glass beads.

Embroidery : In the field of ornamentation, embroidery alone can match , Jewelery. It is an expression of emotions, rendered with patient labor which induces grace and elegance into articles of everyday use.Noor Jehan, wife of the Mughal Emperor is said to have introduced art of CHICKEN to Uttar Pradesh. The chicken work of Lucknow patterned on lace is delicate and Subtle. The stitch by its sheer excellence provides ornamentation to the material. The charm lies in the minuteness of the floral motifs, stitches chill used are Satin stitch, button hole stitch, dar stitch, knot stitch, netting and appliqué work which brings a charming shadowy effect on lac Embroidery done in metal wires by "KALLABUT" or "ZARI' as It is popularly called, is in a class by itself. The heavier and more elaborate work is called "ZARDOZI". The ground material used I heavy silk, velvet or satin. Salma sitara, badia, katoru, seed pearls a used for decoration Kamdani, a lighter needle work done on lighter maternal, Produces a lovely glittering effect, especially in designs known as HAZAlTA BOOTI, thousands dots, done with zari thread. Kamdanl is used for, weaving apparel such as scarves, veils, caps etc.

Jim Corbett National Park

2008-04-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

Corbett National Park, here you can find extensive information about tours in India national parks, available India tour packages, car rental in India, trusted tour operators and agents form all round the India, elephant safari in Corbett, jeep safari in Corbett, tigers in India.

Corbett National Park :

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is famous for its wild population of Indian Tigers, Indian Leopards and Indian Elephants. Corbett national park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park. India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger, Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey.

Once a popular hunting ground of the British, this 201 square mile park was named in honor of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned author and photographer who most of his years in this area and contributed in setting up the this park. With the help of the World Wildlife Fund, Project Tiger was launched in Corbett National Park in 1973 and this park was one of the first such tiger reserves in the country.

Flora In Jim Corbett Park :
The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas are almost completely populated by Sal trees. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.

Major Wildlife Attractions - Corbett National Park :
Corbett is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, though they can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal.

Some of the smaller residents of the park are Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine. Elephants are among one of the main attractions of Jim Corbett Park. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the ‘Mugger’ Crocodile. Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed through out the park and warning the whole Jungle with alarm calls when they see either a Tiger or Leopard from tree-top perches.

Other Attractions In Corbett National Park :
Ramnagar : Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger. Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur, 15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go must be sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar; most resorts also arrange all inclusive fishing trips.

Wildlife Viewing : Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably won’t come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks.

Jeep Safari in Corbett : Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies . One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Ramnagar and Lucknow.
Note : Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and don’t wear bright colours or strong perfumes.

Best Time to Visit - Jim Corbett National Park :
The best visiting season of Corbett is from November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November 14, when the monsoons flood the river beds and cut the fragile road links.

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park :

Air : Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300-kms is the nearest international airport.

Rail : Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts change at Moradabad.

Road : Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar. The route from Delhi spans Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off is some 7-kms beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a small board. The route from Lucknow spans Bareilly–Kichha–Rudrapur–Doraha–Kashipur. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-kms north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation run a semi deluxe service, and most of the alternatives are pretty basic.

Tourist Attractions In Delhi

2008-04-03T03:06:00.000-07:00

Delhi- the commercial hub has many tourist attractions to offer. Visit vibrant shopping complex of Connaught Place, Delhi Haat for handicraft goods and delicious food bonanza. Pay a visit to Red Fort, Jantar Mantar and Qutub Minar to view the excellence of Mughal architecture.

Or just drop in at Janpath- for buying a variety of cheap and best items. If you are looking for spiritual peace, visit Lotus temple, which is also famous for its marvelous architecture and heavenly beauty. Take a stroll at Rajpath. Or pay a visit to India Gate and Markets In Delhi for viewing monuments made during British era.

Recommended and accredited by reckoning names like "Lonely Planet" and the "IATA" Capital City Travels and Tours has been providing unmatched services to its wide client base for over 27 years. With a varied repertoire of destinations, we have a network of offices around the country and provides complete online support and information through its official site tourism-india.

Thee Are Some Major Tourist Attractions In Delhi :-

»	Air Force Museum	»	Ashoka Pillar
»	Bahai Temple	»	Begum Samru Palace
»	Cathedral Church Of The Redemption	»	Cathedral Of The Sacred Heart
»	Central Baptist Church	»	Chandni Chowk
»	Chhatarpur Mandir	»	Chiragh-i-Dehli Dargah
»	Dara Shikoh Library	»	Deer Park
»	Delhi Zoo	»	Digambar Jain Temple
»	Fatehpuri Masjid	»	Ghaziuddin Khan Madarsa
»	Gurdwara Bangla Sahib	»	Hauz Khas
»	Humayun Tomb	»	India Gate
»	Indira Gandhi National Center	»	Iskcon Temple
»	Jantar Mantar	»	Jama Masjid
»	Lakshmi Narayan Temple	»	Lal Kot
»	Lodi Gardens	»	Markets In Delhi
»	Meena Bazaar	»	Memorials In Delhi
»	Mirza Ghalib Haveli	»	Mirza Ghalib Tomb
»	Moth-ki-Masjid	»	Museums In Delhi
»	National Children Museum	»	National Science Center
»	Nizamuddin Tomb	»	North And South Block
»	Old Fort	»	Old Secretariat
»	Parliament House	»	Qutab Minar
»	Rajghat	»	Rashtrapati Bhavan
»	Razia Sultan Tomb	»	Red Fort
»	Safdarjung Tomb	»	Salimgarh Fort
»	Sangeet Natak Akademi	»	Shah Alam Tomb
»	Siri Fort	»	St. James Church
»	St. Stephens Church	»	Sultan Ghari Tomb
»	Telegraph Memorial	»	William Fraser Bungalow
»	Parks And Gardens In Delhi	»	Amusement Theme Parks In Delhi

Pushkar Camel Fair Tour Package

2008-04-03T03:04:00.000-07:00

Tour Package Of Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Pushkar - Ajmer - Delhi

Tour Package Of Mewar Festival

Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Chittaugarh - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Pushkar - Delhi

Rajasthan Pushkar Fair Tour Package

Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days
Places to Visit : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Kishangarh - Delhi

Pushkar Camel Fair Tour Package In Rajasthan

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Mt. Abu - Narlai - Jodhpur - Pushkar - Mandawa - Delhi

Rajasthan Forts Palaces Tour Package With Pushkar

Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Kesroli - Jaipur - Kuchaman - Manvar - Jaisalmer - Khimsar - Pushkar - Udaipur - Delhi

Famous Pushkar Fair Tour Package With Taj Mahal

Duration: 09 Days / 08 Nights
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ajmer - Delhi

Pushkar Rajasthan Festival Tour Package

Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur - Mumbai

7 Days Pushkar Fair Tour Package With Taj Mahal

Duration :- 6 Nights/ 7 Days
Destinations :- Delhi - Pushkar - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi

14 Days Rajasthan Pushkar Camel Fair Tour Package

Duration : 14 Days / 13 Nights
Places Covered : Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra

Best Of Pushkar Fair In Rajasthan With Wild Life Tour Package

Duration : 11 Days / 10 Nights
Places Covered : Delhi - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur – Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi

Fairs And Festivals In Punjab

2008-03-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Festivals in Punjab have always been celebrated with much exuberance and fanfare. For the masses these festivals are popular occasions for social interaction and enjoyment.

Punjab being a predominantly agricultural state that prides itself on its food grain production, it is little wonder that its most significant festival is Baisakhi, which marks the arrival of the harvesting season. For the Sikhs, Baisakhi has a special significance because on this day in 1699, their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh organized the Order of the Khalsa.

The Gurpurab festival in Punjab is celebrated by the Sikhs to express their reverence for their gurus. Two major Gurpurabs are celebrated during the year. The first in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) to celebrate the teachings of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and the second in the month of Pausa (December-January) to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh. On all Gurpurabs, non-stop recital of the granth sahib and religious discourses are held. Langars (free meals) are served to all without distinction of caste or creed.

A day after Holi, the Sikh community in Punjab observes Holla Mohalla with thousands of devout Sikhs gathering at Anandpur Sahib-where Guru Gobind Singh was baptized-to participate in the grand fair of Holla Mohalla. The whole place wears a festive look and processions are taken out and the people participate in the festivities with gaiety and fervor.

Tika is celebrated in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov.) one day after Diwali. Women put a tika of saffron and rice grains on the foreheads of their brothers, to protect them from evil.

Like most other festivals of Punjab, Lohri too is a festival related to the seasons. Celebrated in the month of Pausa (December-January), it marks the end of the winter season. A huge bonfire is made in every house and the fire god is worshipped.

Teej heralds the onset of Sawan (monsoon), which is essential for the agricultural prosperity of the state. Dressed in all their finery, with menndi on their hands, the womenfolk converge to welcome the rains and pray for the long life of their husbands.

There Are Some Major Fairs And Festivals In Punjab :-

Baba Bakala	Baisakhi Festival
Baisakhi National Fair Bathinda	Birthday Of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib
The Chhapaar Mela Ludhiana	Dera Baba Nanak Gurudaspur
Guru Gobind Singhs Birthday	Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib Jor Mela
Gurudwara Manji Sahib Alamgir	Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon
Gurudwara Thumb Sahib Maghi	Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan Jalandhar
Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib	Lohri Festival Punjab
Ludhiana Jarag Mela	Mukatsar Maghi Fair
Raipur Sports Festival	Rauza Sharif Sirhind
Rose Festival Chandigarh

Tourist Attractions In Rajasthan

2008-03-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Tourist Attractions In Rajasthan : Rajasthan is a land of rich culture, traditions and festivals in Rajasthan and is a major tourist destination of India, attracting thousands of tourists from across the world every year. Locate the major tourist attractions in the districts of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur on our map on the tourist attractions of Rajasthan. Hawa Mahal or the 'palace of the winds' is a beautiful structure and one of the major landmarks of 'Pink City of Rajasthan' . The Jantar Mantar, which is the biggest stone observatory in the world and an exact replica of the Delhi Jantar Mantar, can be clearly noticed on the Rajasthan Tourist attractions map.

The City Palace Jaipur is a beautiful blend of the Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The opulent City Palace Udaipur is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Hotel Taj Lake Palace, one of the most romantic hotels in the world, is also highlighted on the Tourist Attractions of Rajasthan. The famous Umaid Bhawan Palace In Jodhpur and the Jaisalmer Fort are also pointed out on the map. The Rajasthan Tourist Attractions map can be a useful tool on your tours to the major tourist destinations of Rajasthan.

Tourist Attractions In Jaipur :

Museums in Jaipur : City Palace Museum, Dolls Museum And Albert Hall

Forts In Jaipur : Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort

Temples In Jaipur : Jagat Shiromani Temple, Kalki Temple, Galtaji Temple In Jaipur, Birla Mandir In Jaipur, Moti Dungri (Ganesh Temple) In Jaipur, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Abhaneri Temple, Garh Ganesh Temple, Raj Rajeshwar Temple, Jain Temple In Jaipur and Shila Devi Temple

Excursion From Jaipur : Abhaneri Tourism, Bagru Tourism, Samode Tourism, Sanganer Town, Sariska Tourism, Tonk Tourism, Bairath Tourism, Karauli Tourism, Sariska National Park Tourism, Sambhar Tourism, Ranthambore National Park Tourism

Gardens In Jaipur : Ram Niwas Bagh, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Vidyadhar Garden, Kanak Vrindavan Garden, Jai Niwas Garden

Bazaars In Jaipur : Bapu Bazaar, Ramganj Bazar, Tripolia Bazaar, Johari Bazaar

Tourist Attractions In Pushkar :

Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Temple
The only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the universe's creator, is housed in Pushkar, Rajasthan. Standing on a high pedestal, this 14th century temple can be reached through marble steps.

Pushkar Lake
The lifeline of the city, this semicircular lake has 52 ghats or bathing steps. The 10-meter deep Pushkar Lake is known as the 'king of Tirthas' or the king of holy places. A tour to any of the four dhams (pilgrimage sites) is considered to be incomplete without a dip into the holy waters of this lake. It is meant for salvation of the worshipers.

Pushkar Fair
One of the biggest fairs in India, the cattle fair of Pushkar attracts buyers and sellers from all over the country who travel to Rajasthan to participate in this annual event.

Tourist Attractions In Sawai Madhopur :

Forts In Sawai Madhopur : Khandar Fort and Ranthambore Fort

Temples In Sawai Madhopur : Chauth Mata Temple, Kala Gaura Bhairava Temple and Chamatkar Temple

Ranthambore National Park : Location : Near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.

Tourist Attractions In Kanota :

Kanota in the Jaipur,Kanota is rich art and architectural heritage.Rajasthan is truly a tourist's paradise and Kanota is yet another jewel in its crown essentially because of the brilliant castle it is home to. The Tourist Attractions In Kanota consists of the splendid Durbar Hall, the Library, the Museum, the beautiful garden of the Royal Castle at Kanota.

Tourist Attractions In Jaisalmer :

Jaisalmer Fort / Golden Fort, Havelis In Jaisalmer, Jain Temples Jaisalmer, Khuri Sand Dunes, Desert Culture Centre And Museum, Folklore Museum, Godi Sagar Lake, Sam Sand Dunes, Lodurva Temples, Tazia Tower, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Patwon Ki Haveli

Tourist Attractions In Bikaner :

Prachina Museum, Camel Breeding Farm, Ganga Government Museum, Deshnok Temple, Bhandasar Jain Temple, Shiv Bari Temple, Junagarh Fort and Devi Kund

There are some mazor citys of Rajasthan Tourist Attraction :-

Tourist Attractions In Alwar	»	Tourist Attractions In Bharatpur
Tourist Attractions In Bikaner	»	Tourist Attractions In Bundi
Tourist Attractions In Chittorgarh	»	Tourist Attractions In Dungarpur
Tourist Attractions In Ghanerao	»	Tourist Attractions In Jaisalmer
Tourist Attractions In Jodhpur	»	Tourist Attractions In Kanota
Tourist Attractions In Mount Abu	»	Tourist Attractions In Nawalgarh
Tourist Attractions In Pushkar	»	Tourist Attractions In Sariska
Tourist Attractions In Sawai Madhopur	»	Tourist Attractions In Udaipur

Central India Wildlife Tour Packages

2008-03-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

Tour Duration : 15 Nights & 16 Days
Destinations Coverds : Delhi - Agra - Bharatpur - Ranthambore National Park - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh National Park - Kanha National Park - Nagpur - Mumbai

Day 01 Delhi
Your India holiday begins when you arrive in Delhi, the capital city of India. Our executive will receive you at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Morning tour of Old Delhi and afternoon of New Delhi visiting the major tourist destinations in the city.

Day 02 Agra
Drive to the Taj Mahal city - Agra . Check into the hotel followed by an afternoon city tour of Agra .

Day 03 Bharatpur
Move towards Bharatpur bird sanctuary with over 300 indigenous bird species and rare migratory birds. Board in a hotel in Agra .

Day 04 Bharatpur
Begin your adventure holiday tour early in the morning by exploring the bird sanctuary. Later drive to the pink city and the capital of Rajasthan state - Jaipur and check in at the hotel.

Day 05 Jaipur
Morning tour of Amer Palace, one of the grand palaces of Jaipur. Afternoon city tour covering Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar (The Observatory) and other important landmarks of the city.

Day 06 Ranthambore
Reach Ranthambore, the Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan with unending adventure opportunities to make your holiday unforgettable. Check in at the hotel.

Day 07 Ranthambore
Spend the whole day including the morning and evening hours in the wildlife sanctuary observing the King of Jungle, the Tiger in its naural habitat, on your adventure tour.

Day 08 Shivpuri
Proceed towards Shivpuri wildlife sanctuary. Afternoon tour of the sanctuary watching the diverse flora and fauna within the sanctuary. Over night stay at the tourist bungalow in Shivpuri.

Day 09 Khajuraho
Drive to Khajuraho, the temple city of Madhya Pradesh. Known for the erotic temples made by the Chandela kings, the city is also famous for the international Khajuraho Music and Dance festival. Check in at the hotel.

Day 10 Bandhavgarh
Reach Bandhavgarh wildlife sanctuary. Over night in Bandhavgarh lodge.

Day 11 Bandhavgarh
Morning tour of the Bandhavgarh wildlife sanctuary where you can enjoy jeep or elephant safari to explore the deep forests and the wildlife surrounding the sanctuary.

Day 12 Kanha
Drive to Kanha wildlife sanctuary with many wild animals like tiger, deer etc and also certain species of birds. Over night stay at the lodge.

Day 13 Kanha
Next morning visit the Kanha wildlife sanctuary again covering the entire area under the dense forests.

Day 14 Nagpur
Reach Nagpur airport to board a flight to Bombay/Mumbai. Arrive at Mumbai and check into hotel.

Day 15 Mumbai/Bombay
Morning city tour of Mumbai/Bombay visiting the Marine Drive, Juhu-Chaupati beaches, Crawford market, Gateway of India etc. Check out from the hotel at 12 noon.

Day 16 Mumbai/Bombay
Transfer to the airport where the executive will depart on your journey back home.

Rajasthan Pilgrimage Tour Package

2008-03-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hotels In Mumbai

2008-03-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, as the commercial capital of the country, abounds in Hotels. Mumbai is known to be the center of industry, transportation and communication. Its fine harbor on the Arabian Sea makes it one of the world's busiest ports. The main Mumbai Tourists Attractions are Gateway of India, The Prince of Whales Museum, Hanging Gardens, Essel World, Mumbai Film City, Victoria Terminus, Haji Ali Mosque, Elephanta Caves, Mumbai Stock Exchange, Marine drive and many more. The deceptively calm sea, beaches and fishing boats add life to the city.

Mumbai has a large list of must visit places. Though the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus and Flora Fountain are the renowned tourists attractions. The Mahalaxmi Temple, Tomb of Haji Ali and the Cathedral of St. Thomas are amongst the main entries in the list. They highlight the secular nature of Bombay. For the science buffs amongst you visit to the Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Science Center and the Taraporevala Aquarium are absolute musts. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Jijamata Udyan Garden and the hanging gardens are popular hangouts for the people with a flair for flora and fauna. For fun, food and frolic in Mumbai you may check out the amusements parks like the Fantasy Land and the Essel World.

List of some major Hotels in Bombay :

»	Eastern International Hotel Mumbai	»	Grand Central Sheraton Towers Mumbai
»	Hotel Grand Hyatt Mumbai	»	Grand Maratha Sheraton Hotel Bombay
»	Hotel Hilton Towers Mumbai	»	Hotel Le Royal Meridien Mumbai
»	Hotel Leela Kempinski Bombay	»	Hotel Hyatt Regency Bombay
»	Intercontinental The Grand Hotel Bombay	»	JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai
»	Marriott Renaissance Hotel Mumbai	»	Sun-N-Sand Hotel Bombay
»	Taj Lands End Hotel Mumbai	»	Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai
»	Taj President Hotel Bombay	»	Hotel Taj Wellington Mews Mumbai
»	The Oberoi Hotel Bombay	»	The Retreat Hotel Mumbai
»	The Resort Hotel Mumbai	»	Hotel Holiday Inn Bombay
»	Hotel Marine Plaza Mumbai	»	Hotel Orchid Bombay
»	Hotel Sea Princess Mumbai	»	Intercontinental Marine Drive Hotel Bombay
»	Hotel Park Plaza Royal Palms Mumbai	»	Ramada Plaza Palm Grove Hotel Mumbai
»	Best Western The Emerald Hotel Bombay	»	Fariyas Hotel Mumbai
»	Hotel Bawa International Mumbai	»	Hotel Horizon Mumbai
»	Hotel Lotus Suites Bombay	»	Hotel Midtown Pritam Mumbai
»	Hotel Sands Bombay	»	Kohinoor Continental Hotel Mumbai
»	Mercure Hotel Guestline Mumbai	»	Ramee Guestline Hotel Bombay
»	Ramee Guestline Hotel Juhu Mumbai	»	Ritz Hotel Bombay
»	The Ambassador Hotel Mumbai	»	The Mirador Hotel Mumbai
»	The Shalimar Hotel Bombay	»	West End Hotel Mumbai
»	Ascot Hotel Bombay	»	Astoria Hotel Mumbai
»	Citizen Hotel Mumbai	»	Hotel Days Inn Navi Mumbai
»	Executive Enclave Mumbai	»	Golden Manor Mumbai
»	Grand Hotel Bombay	»	Hotel Airlink Mumbai
»	Hotel Airport Kohinoor Mumbai	»	Hotel Ajanta Bombay
»	Hotel Atithi Mumbai	»	Hotel Avion Mumbai
»	Hotel Benzy Palace Bombay	»	Hotel Comfort Inn Heritage Mumbai
»	Hotel Damjis Bombay	»	Hotel Four Seasons Mumbai
»	Hotel Godwin Bombay	»	Hotel Highway View Mumbai
»	Hotel Kohinoor Park Bombay	»	Hotel Mina International Mumbai
»	Hotel Ramee International Mumbai	»	Hotel Royal Garden Mumbai
»	Hotel Sahil Bombay	»	Hotel Sun-N-Sheel Mumbai
»	Hotel Transit Bombay	»	Hotel Tunga International Mumbai
»	K Stars Hotel Mumbai	»	Hotel King`s International Mumbai
»	Kumaria Presidency Hotel Bombay	»	QI Parle International Mumbai
»	Regency Hotel Mumbai	»	Regent Hotel Mumbai
»	Residency Hotel Bombay	»	Rodas Hotel Mumbai
»	Hotel Royal Inn Bombay	»	Sea Palace Hotel Mumbai
»	Hotel Supreme Heritage Mumbai	»	The Gordon House Hotel Bombay
»	The Residence Hotel Mumbai	»	Chateau Windsor Hotel Bombay
»	Garden Hotel Mumbai	»	Hotel Antique Mumbai
»	Hotel Accord Bombay	»	Hotel Apollo Mumbai
»	Hotel Ashray International Bombay	»	Hotel Ashwin Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai
»	Hotel Fition Mumbai	»	Hotel Gulistan Bombay
»	Hotel Juhu Residency Bombay	»	Hotel Kemps Corner Mumbai
»	Hotel Linkway Mumbai	»	Hotel Metro Palace Mumbai
»	Hotel Midland Mumbai	»	Hotel Nagina Mumbai
»	Hotel New Castle Mumbai	»	Hotel Pali Hills Mumbai
»	Hotel Parkway Mumbai	»	Hotel Prasad International Mumbai
»	Hotel Rosewood Mumbai	»	Hotel Samraj Bombay
»	Hotel Shantidoot Mumbai	»	Hotel Suresha Mumbai
»	Rajhans Hotel Bombay	»	Hotel Regal Enclave Mumbai
»	Hotel Red Rose Mumbai	»	Residency Hotel Bombay
»	Sea Green Hotel Mumbai	»	Sea Side Hotel Mumbai
»	Silver Inn Hotel Mumbai	»	Tirupati Resorts Mumbai
»	The Nest Hotel Mumbai

Hotels in New Delhi

2008-02-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

Hotels in Delhi are considerably the best hotels in India. Delhi is the capital city of Indian subcontinent and hence that is what is expected from the royal city. It is more important to say that all the hotels in Delhi have a different style and integrity. It seems that these hotels are engaged in a constant effort to impress the tourists and in this run of exceeding each other in facilities and services they excel to become unique in all different ways.

The general facilities available in almost all the hotels in Delhi are as follows:
The list of facilities include attached bathrooms with separate shower cubicles, tea/coffee makers, mini bar, color television, international direct dialing telephones, 24 hour Room Service, in -house laundry and dry-cleaning. The banquet hall makes an ideal venue for conferences. The Halls engaged for parties and receptions offer a wide variety of multi cuisine selections also. In each of the hotels generally there is at least a restaurant serving Indian flavors from the sub-continent. Oriental and Chinese cuisine are also available at many of the hotels in Delhi. In addition to this many of the hotels also have a live band playing in the evenings at the bars.

Hotels in New Delhi
Leisure Hotels
» Five Star Deluxe Hotels	» Five Stars Hotels	» Four Stars Hotels
» Budget Hotels	» International Hotels	» Three Stars Hotels
» Cheap Hotels	» Hotels To Stay In Delhi	» Ecotel Hotels
» Airport Hotels	» Hotels in Karol Bagh	» Delhi Hotel Rate
» Hotels in West Delhi	» Hotels in East Delhi	» Hotels in Old Delhi
» Tourist Hotels In Delhi	» Hotels Near Delhi Airport	» Hotels In New Delhi
» First Class Hotels around Delhi	» Tourist Class Hotels around Delhi
Business Hotels in New Delhi
» The Park Hotel	» Uppals Orchid Hotel	» Ashok Hotel
» Connaught Hotel	» Grand Hotel	» Hyatt Regency Hotel
» Inter Continental Hotel	» ITC Maurya Sheraton Hotel	» Le Meridien Hotel
» Hotel Taj Ambassador	» Taj Mahal Hotel	» Ajanta Hotel

Tourist Destinations in India "Jaipur"

2008-02-21T02:21:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, the historic Pink City of Jaipur encloses within its walls all the colors and charms of the vibrant and colorful state of Rajasthan. Together with Delhi and Agra, it forms the "Golden Triangle of Tourism".

Even though it is the State capital and a throbbing commercial center, the city retains its old world glory and charm.
Main Places of Interest:
Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal

* Amber Fort-Palace
* City Palace
* Jantar Mantar Observatory
* Hawa Mahal
* Albert Hall Museum
* Jaigarh Fort
* Nahargarh Fort
* Gaitor
* Birla Temple

Around Jaipur:

* Sanganer... 16 kms.
* Bagru... 35 kms.
* Ramgarh... 28 kms.
* Samode... 40 kms.

Shopping:
A shopper's paradise, Jaipur is one of the leading centers in the world for Gems and jewelry, Gold enameling, Carpets, Hand block-printed textiles, Puppets, Handmade paper, Blue pottery, Bangles, Marble work etc.

You can buy just about all the Arts and Crafts from various parts of the state in the various bazaars within the old walled city or Mirza Ismail Road (M.I. Road).

Reaching Jaipur:
The Gateway to Rajasthan, Jaipur is well connected by air, rail and road with India’s capital, New Delhi, which is just 258 kms away. Regular flights and trains also connect it with Mumbai.

GOLF IN INDIA

2008-02-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

India was the first country outside Great Britain to take up the game of golf. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club, established in 1829, is the oldest golf club in India. In India you can play golf anywhere. This outdoor sport is widely played by a cross-section of people and courses are often set against dramatic backgrounds, in the hills, in the high Himalayas, in metropolitan cities and in small towns, by the sides of lakes and forest or surrounded by tea estates, out in the desert and in old British cantonments.

Golf Tour in India :

In India you can play golf almost anywhere, for golf is widely played by a cross-section of people in the country's often dramatic background. In the hills and high Himalayan vastness, in metropolitan cities and in small towns, by lakes and forests, or surrounded by tea estates, out in the desert and in old British cantonments. the flavor of India is visible everywhere that golf in the country is played. You can stroll off the course to share a cup of piping hot tea at a 'dhaba', tee off from the highest 18 hole course in the world, watch a peacock dance on a green or play on a course that is enriched by monuments and beautiful buildings. In India anything is possible, and playing golf here will enable you to experience the country in a unique manner.

Golf Shoes and Clothing :

You will need the proper attire and the right kind of shoes to play golf. In India, wearing hats is a good idea, obviously, to protect yourself from the sun. Staying cool, dry and comfortable helps maintain the relaxed swing necessary to shoot the low numbers! Typically, you can expect the following requirements:

A collared shirt or appropriate golf blouse is usually required.
Non-denim slacks should be worn.
Golf shorts are usually permitted.
Different courses have different rules about the spikes allowed on the shoes (soft or hard).

A list of Major Golf Club in India :

Bangalore Golf Club (Karnataka)
Ootacamund Gymkhana Club (Tamilnadu)
Kodaikalan Golf Club (TamilNadu)
Madras Gymkhana Club (TamilNadu)
Hyderabad Golf Club(Andhra Pradesh)
Bombay Presidency Golf Club (Maharastra)
Poona Golf Club (Maharastra)
Delhi Golf Club (Delhi)
Chandigarh Gold Club (Chandigarh)
Royal Calcutta Golf Club (West Bengal)
Shillong Golf Club (Meghalaya)
Srinagar Golf Club (Srinagar)
Gulmarg Golf Club (Gulmarg)
Naldhera Golf Club (Naldhera)
Cosmopolitan Club (Chennai).

Indian Tiger Safari Tour Package

2008-02-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Nagpur - Delhi

Day1 : Delhi - Bandavgarh
We will receive you at the hotel and then after picking up some fruits, juice and water for the journey proceed to station for train to Umaria (Bandavgarh). Overnight will be on the train.

Day 2 : Bandavgarh
Reach Bandavgarh in the morning and check in at resort. Check in at the resort and overnight will be at Bandavgarh.

Day 3 : Bandavgarh
Enjoy a full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris) Overnight will be at the resort.

Day 4 : Bandavgarh
Jungle exploration on elephant back and Jeeps. Enjoy bird watching and a walk to the fort.
Overnight will be at Bandavgarh.

Day 5 : Bandavgarh - Kanha
After breakfast drive to Kanha By Road . Reach in the afternoon and relax at the resort.
Overnight will be at the Kanha Resort.

Day 6 : Kanha
Spend the full day viewing game and spotting TIGERS inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Overnight will be at the resort.

Day 7 : Kanha - Nagpur
By Road :
Proceed for the morning GAME DRIVE into the forest. Proceed to Nagpur. Nagpur, popularly known as Orange Capital of India is also the second capital of Maharashtra. The Gond King of Deogad, “Bakht Buland Shah” laid the city’s foundation in the year 1702. This city derived its name from the river Nag that flows through it. Nagpur was the capital of Madhya Bharat State (C.P. and Berar) after Indian independence and in 1960, the Marathi majority Vidarbha region was merged with the new state of Maharashtra.
Overnight will be at Nagpur.

Day 8 : Nagpur - Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Reach and transfer to airport for connecting flight home. If your return flight is late in the evening we would be organizing a hotel for day use which can be used for relaxing.

Wildlife Travel

2008-02-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Location : Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Nearest Access : Bharatpur
Main Wildlife Found : Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Boar, Migratory Birds
Coverage Area : 29-sq-kms
Bharatpur Tour Packages
Bharatpur Lodges & Resorts

About Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryBharatpur One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

Flora in Bharatpur More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area.

A Man Made Natural World While many of India's parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India, Keoladeo, popularly known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a maharaja. In earlier times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly every monsoon. In 1760, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was constructed, to save the town, from this annual vagary of nature. The depression created by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the Bharatpur Lake.

At the beginning of this century, this lake was developed, and was divided into several portions. A system of small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc., was created to control water level in different sections. This became the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, and one of the best duck - shooting wetlands in the world. Hunting was prohibited by mid-60s. The area was declared a national park on 10 March 1982, and accepted as a World Heritage Site in December 1985.

Major Wildlife Attractions
The major attractions of tourists visiting the park are the numerous migratory birds, who come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.

Other Travel Attractions
Bharatpur Govenment Museum : One of the major attention grabber after the Bharatpur sanctuary is Government Museum of Bharatpur, which provides a glimpse of the past royal splendour of Bharatpur.

Bharatpur Palace : Not far from the museum is the Bharatpur Palace, an marvellous structural blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Lohagarh Fort : The invincible Lohagarh Fort, which remained unconquered despite several attacks by the British regime.

Deeg Palace : Situated just 32-kms away from Bharatpur is the Deeg Palace. A strong and massive fortress, Deeg Palace was the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur and houses numerous beautiful palaces and gardens.

Best Time to Visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year, still the ideal visiting months are from August-November for resident breeding birds and October- February for migrant birds.

Trips within Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary
There are well-defined forest trails, which can easily be covered on foot or on a cycle or you can also hire a rickshaw that are available on hire. Rickshaw pullers have been trained by the park management in bird watching and are quite knowledgeable. Boats are also available on hire. A early morning boat trip or a late evening one is quite a rewarding experience to check out the hidden surprises of Bharatpur.

How to Get there
Air : The nearest airport is situated at Agra, which is 56-kms from Bharatpur.

Rail : Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Agra. The Bharatpur railway station is 6-kms from the park

Road : An excellent network of roadway services connects Bharatpur to all the major cities of the Rajasthan and its neighbouring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana. Bharatpur is well connected by road from Agra (56-kms, 5 hours), Delhi (176-kms, 5 hours) and Jaipur (176-kms, 6 hours), all of which have airport facilities too.

General Info / Tips
Note : Do not forget to carry a binoculars for watching the birds. Bird watching depend greatly on season, timing, and patience, so its better to visit the sanctuary during the visiting period.

Hill Station In India »Hill Station In Kerala

2008-02-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

General Information :

Area : 38,863 sq km.

Population : 31,838,619

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram

Language : Malayalam

Kreala - Inroduction :

Kerala, popularly regarded as 'God's own country', is probably the most beautiful, exotic and picturesque state of India. Flanked by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats (mountain ranges) in the east, Kerala abounds in exotic and beautiful Hill stations, lovely beaches and serene and calm backwaters. The unparallel natural beauty of Kerala attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world round the year. And rightly so, the National Geographic Traveler ranked it as One of the 50 'Paradise Found' on the earth.

The hill stations of Kerala are known for their exotic charm and beauty that can't be defined in words. Located amidst the lush green vegetation with numerous milky waterfalls, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs, lakes and hill-plantations, they provide an enthralling experience to tourists. One of the major advantages of holidaying in Kerala hill station is that they are relatively less crowded in comparison to hill stations of north India.Spice and tea plantations on the hill slopes provide you an enchanting sight. The fresh and pristine air filled with the fragrance of cardamom and pepper makes you spellbound. Amidst such surroundings you feel like as if you are in heaven.

The verdant vegetation around the hills supports a variety of wildlife too. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries located in the region, which house some of the endangered species of wild animals and birds.Some of the most scenic and beautiful hill stations in Kerala, which offer a lifetime experience to its visitors, are Munnar, Vythiri, Idukki, Vagamon and Wayanad. We welcome you to Kerala to explore and enjoy the beautiful moments of your life in a natural paradise which you would relish and remember all your life.

Most visitors come to Kerala for its magnificent beaches and backwaters. But less well known are the Southern Ghats, hills rich in cardamom, pepper and tea plantations, and which have the highest peak south of the Himalayas - Anaimudi - standing at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet). The main tourist offices will tell you that there are three hill stations in these hills - Munnnar, Pirmede and Ponmudi - as well as the hill wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady. In fact all but Thekkady are small settlements offering little in the way of tourist facilities. However, the views of the ghats and the plantations are a reward in themselves and especially worth seeing if you prefer to keep off the well-beaten tourist track. The hills are accessible throughout the year although very wet and misty during Kerala's two monsoons, the southwest and the northeast (late May-early November).

Hill Station In India »Hill Station In Kashmir »Srinagar

2008-02-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

General Information about Kashmir :

Area of Kashmir : 20.36 Sqkm
Population of Kashmir : 2,23,361(apprx.)
Capital of Kashmir : Srinagar
Major Languages spoken in Kashmir : Dogri, Hindi,English, Urdu,Kashmiri,Punjabi

Introduction :
Though the whole of Jammu & Kashmir, India is pleasant, few of the places are truly a haven for the tourists to Jammu & Kashmir, India. Travel to hill stations of Jammu & Kashmir and experience the outstanding heights and engaging climate. Tour to Kashmir Hill Stations and indulge in the most challenging wild sports in the mild surroundings. Enjoy the Travel to Sonamarg and Travel to Patnitop in Kashmir , still uneplored. Enjoy every bit of it while on your most flavoured tour to Jammu & Kashmir. Reach few of the highest points of the world in Kashmir, India and be the most privileged to have seen this glittering crown of India - Jammu & Kashmir.

Kashmir is the pradise on Earth.

Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and The Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centred around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among thes people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Hill Stations in Kashmir state of India :

Srinagar Hill Station : The City of House Boats Kashmir's most well known city, Srinagar, stands by the clear waters of the Dal Lake, and the rushing Jhelum. During the days of the Raj, the ruler of Kashmir let the British come to Srinagar but did not allow them to build. So they took to the water and lived in houseboats on the lovely Lake! And the houseboats stayed on to become a symbol of the beautiful valley and famous hill station.

Sonamarg Hill Station : Beat the heat at the hill resort of Sonamarg. The meadow of Gold, Sonamarg is one of the many famous hill resorts of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a major gateway to Ladakh besides being a popular base for adventure sports. The spectacular valley of Sonamarg derives its name from a legend. As per the legend there is a well in the Sonamarg valley whose water can turn anything into gold. The other possible reason for the name Sonamarg could be its location on the route to Central Asia. Sonamarg is in fact wrapped in sycamore, alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine.

Gulmarg Hill Station : Gulmarg, or meadow of flowers, is an apt term indeed for this idyllic flower-laden meadow at an altitude of 2,730 metres, in Baramulla district. Situated at a distance of 51 km from Srinagar, it is a saucer-shaped bowl overhanging the main valley of Kashmir. The towering peaks above the meadow are covered with dense forests of tall conifers and gigantic fir and pine trees, all vying with each other to touch the azure skies. A clear day offers some breathtaking views from Gulmarg : fields of rice; clusters of walnut, pear and mulberry; meadows, ridges and forests that lead to the snow slopes of Khilanmarg; the majestic Nanga Parbat peak over a 100 km away.

Ladakh Hill Station : The barren beauty of Ladakh with snow capped peaks and clean azure sky have attracted the intrepid traveler since the region was opened to tourists in the 1970s. Since then, Ladakh has become a favorite haunt for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. The rugged terrain and the majestic mountains around, make an exotic cocktail for an adventure sport lover. But before you decide to fly away to the land of Buddhist monasteries and brave people, it is imperative to understand that you need at least a week to enjoy your tour to Ladakh. Since, acclimatization it self needs at least a few days in Ladakh.

Patnitop Hill Station : Patnitop is a hill station at 112 kms from Jammu about 60 kms ahead of Katra (Base for famous shrine of Vaishnodevi). Patnitop is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 m, across which the Jammu-Srinagar highway passes.

Pahalgam Hill Station : Pahalgam is an ideal place for an adventure sports enthusiast. It offers wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. Facilities for roller-skating, table tennis, badminton and cards are available at the Pahalgam Club. One can take a temporary membership at the Pahalgam natural golf course. In route to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with tourist spots at Mattan, famed for its springs and the hillside cave shrine of Aishmuqam. The river Lidder is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. The large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick forests. Pahalgam is in Anantnag district which is famous for Kashmir handmade "gabbas" and exquisitely designed wooden toys.

Welcome To Delhi Tourism

2008-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

The India Gate commemorates Indian soldiers who died in World War I
Delhi is India's main point of arrival for overseas visitors, and the major transport hub for destinations in the states of rajasthan, the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh as well as central north India. Delhi city, the showacse of India, has been the centre of political activity from time immemorial. The ancient fortness, majestic buildings and historic ruins find their modern counterparts in the tall skyscrapers, diplomatic enclaves and well-planned townships of New Delhi. The people here, their lifestyles, traditions and even the climate are a rich and varied mixture of all that is india.
Lotus Temple in South Delhi
Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Having been the capital of several empires in ancient India, Delhi was a major city in the old trade routes from northwest India to the Gangetic Plains. Many ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance have been erected in its history.[7] The Mughals built a section of the city (now known as Old City or Old Delhi) that served as the capital of Mughal Empire for a long period. During the British Raj, New Delhi was built as an administrative quarter of the city. New Delhi was declared the capital of India after India gained independence from British rule in 1947. As the seat of the Government of India, New Delhi houses important offices of the federal government, including the Parliament of India, making Delhi a powerhouse of Indian politics.
The Akshardham Temple
Public transport in Delhi is provided by buses, auto rickshaws, a rapid transit system, taxis and suburban railways.

The Facts of life

2008-01-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

Successful people are not workaholics,they work smart not hard,says ANNIE DIAS

India Cricket News

2008-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

India vs Australia Cricket Series 2007-08

IND vs AUS, Day 4, Perth Test: India end Australia's winning streak (AUS 2:1)
India recorded one of their most amazing Test triumphs overseas when they beat Australia by 72 runs in the thrilling third cricket Test to snap the champion team's record 16-match winning streak at Perth on Saturday.
Set 413 to win a world record 17th Test in succession, the Australians were dismissed for 340 to allow the spirited visitors to reduce the margin to 2-1 in the four match series with one full day to spare. Not many had given the Indians any hope at the WACA, regarded as the fastest pitch in the world, but Anil Kumble and his men came out firing on all cylinders to not only pull off a sensational victory but raise hopes of levelling the series.
The Indians celebrated wildly and hugged each other after R P Singh castled last man Shaun Tait, bringing an end to a dramatic Test which saw fortune fluctuating from one team to the other on the four days.
Michael Clarke, who has struggled to find his peak form in the series, was the highest scorer for the Australians with 81 while Michael Hussey (46) and captain Ricky Ponting (45) were the other notable performers. With the hosts reeling at 253 for eight, tailenders Mitchell Johnson (50 not out) and Stuart Clark (32) used the long handle to good effect to give the Indians some anxious moments.

Kumaon A Little paradise on Earth

2008-01-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

Kumaon proper constituted of an old Rajput principality, which became extinct at the beginning of the 19th century after its annexation in the Gurkha war of 1815. For seventy years after the annexation, the region was governed by three administrators, Mr. Traill, Mr. J. H. Batten and Sir Henry Ramsay, on non-regulation basis. Till 1891 the division comprised of the three districts of Kumaon, Garhwal and the Terai. Later, the two districts of Kumaon and the Tarai were redistributed and renamed after their respective headquarters of Nainital and Almora.

As it is today...
Presently, the Kumaon (or Kumaun) region is spread over an area of more than 35,000 sq. kms. and is headquartered at Nainital. It is one of the two main regions and administrative divisions of Uttarakhand (earlier known as Uttaranchal), a hilly state of northern India, the other being Garhwal. The region is spread over the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar with the town of Nainital serving as the administrative center.

Situation
It has the serene and peaceful Tibet towards its northern side, on the east is the beautiful Nepal, Uttar Pradesh lies towards the south and on the west, lays the Garhwal region. The Kumaonis, as the people of the region are called, are well known for their bravery and martial skills. The Kumaon Regiment, one of the best regiments of the Indian Army, calls Kumaon its home. Haldwani, Nainital, Rudrapur, Almora, Pithoragarh, Mukteshwar and Ranikhet are among the most important towns of the region.

Geography and the Landscape
Apart from the vast Himalayan tract, the region has two sub-mountain strips called the Terai and the Bhabhar. Up till the1850`s, the sub-mountain strips had an almost impenetrable forest that provided shelter to a large number of wild animals; but after that, the numerous clearings of trees made the area accessible and cultivable. Since then, the strips, having rich and fertile soil, attract a large number of people from the hills who cultivate the rich soil during the hot as well as the cold season and return to the hills during rains.

As for the rest of Kumaon, it is a maze of mountains, all a part of the Great Himalayas, some of which are among the loftiest known. Dotting the landscape, which is only 225 kms. in terms of length and a mere 65 kms. in breadth, are over thirty peaks rising to staggering heights of 5500 m. or more. Among the rivers rising chiefly in the southern slope of the Tibetan watershed, lying to the north of the loftiest peaks, are the Gori, Dhauli and Kali. The rivers flow through the extraordinarily deep and strikingly beautiful valleys and gorges of the Kumaon hills. The main rivers are the Sharda (Kali), the Pindari and Kailganga, whose waters join the Alaknanda. The river Sharda (Kali) also acts as the international boundary between India and Nepal. The route currently used to make the holy pilgrimage to the Kailash-Mansarovar, goes along this river, crossing into Tibet at Lipu Lekh pass.

Flora and Fauna
The Chir Pine, the Himalayan Cypress, the Pindrow Fir, Alder, Sal (or iron-wood), and Saindan are the main varieties of trees growing in the region. As far as the geological formations are concerned, Limestone, Sandstone, Slate, Gneiss and Granite are the principal ones. The area has a number of mines of Iron, Copper, Gypsum, Lead and Asbestos, but almost all of them are under-utilized.

Climate
The climate is mild except in the regions of the sub-mountain strips of Tarai and Bhabhar and the deep valleys. The amount of rainfall received by the outer Himalayan range is almost twice that of the central hills as the outer Himalayas are the first ones to be hit by the monsoons. The precipitation is normally in the average proportion of 2000 mm to 1000 mm. Winter season without snowfall is almost unheard of in the higher ridges and in some years, the snowfall is spread throughout the whole of the mountain tract. Severe frosts are witnessed often, especially in the valleys.

HAPPY NEW YEAR All Friends

2007-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generousity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.

H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at lifes simple pleasures

N ights of restful slumber (you know - dont' worry be happy)
E verything you need
W ishing you love and light

Y ears and years of good health
E njoyment and mirth
A angels to watch over you
R embrances of a happy years!

Happiness deep down within.
Serenity with each sunrise.
Success in each facet of your life.
Family beside you.
Close and caring friends.
Health, inside you.
Love that never ends.
Special memories of all the yesterdays.
A bright today with much to be thankful for.
A path that leads to beautiful tomorrows.
Dreams that do their best to come true.
Appreciation of all the wonderful things about you.

A unique confluence of natural highs: Kullu Manali India

2007-12-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

India Unveiled: A warm up, a teaser following up to your adventure in Kullu Manali

India offers an alluring invitation for every traveler to indulge in its picture perfect views of snow clad Himalayas in North, swirling sands in Rajasthan play a charismatic veil of monuments and forts waiting to seduce a lonely traveler with their incredible beauty and artistry; sandy dunes along the crystal clear waters of beaches in south provide an ultimate source of Vitamin SEA. And after you are finished up with your adventures in north set yourself free on a peaceful trail in a canoe moving swiftly on the pristine backwaters of Kerala.

An Ultimate Adventurer’s Trove: Kullu Manali
But if you are a crazy adventurer then please pack-up your adventure gear and board a bus plying to Kullu Manali in North India. Kullu Manali is a comfortable 10 hours journey from New Delhi. It is well connected to the rest of India with smooth National Highways; making the journey for travelers hassle free. These are the twinlet towns in the mesmerizing land of gods “Himachal Pardesh, India”.

Manali, situated at an altitude of 6000 feet, is a renowned hill station in India. According to a fabled story, when whole world drowned in the catastrophic floods, arose a place of unparalleled natural beauty? It was Manali here the life prospered again.

Manali offers a rare treat for your eyes as every shot of its natural beauty presents an ultimate picture. Miles away from those busy streets of city life, here’s a chance for you to walk through the narrow alleys in dense forests, exotic flowers and gurgling streams. Manali is also a vital transcending point for interesting trek routes to places like Rohtang Pass, Lahaul and Spiti.

Hassle Free
Manali seems to be a natural beauty embellished with sophistication of modern world. You can avail the rare comfort of venturing without a wallet, just use your plastic money at any of the nearest ATMs or swipe your credit card as all the leading stores, hotels and luxury resorts accept VISA cards. Everything seems to be so spontaneous and hassle free here, there's no hiccups or hurdles getting anywhere around the town. Manali is well networked with the rest of region through its perennial flow of taxis, buses, and flights. Manali offers an exquisite claque of hotels and stays that blends both luxury and affordability for travelers. At high end, you can embrace the luxuries of a five star hotel, for shallow pockets there are much cheaper rooms available at a price of Rs 700 a night. The forest cottages provides a unique option for traveler’s looking to spend a night talking to stars in piercing scents of deodar trees with prices staggering low at Rs 1500 a night.

In the Search for Peace and Solitude
You can search for solitude in its tranquil forest resorts that offers complete seclusion from outer World. May be that’s the reason writer's find a mystic solace in its mesmerizing deodar forests that ignites oodles of literary wonders. The towns nearby embraces a rich elegance in their laid back culture, these regions looms around a mysterious lifestyle, by living a self contented life totally unknown to modern world's. Just follow a lonely path through a forest near your resort and it will lead you to a quaint village, spend some time talking with local people and you will feel their intense warmth and gesture for outsiders. The people here treat their guest’s like gods.

Adventure Sports In Kullu Manali
After exploring the local naturals you must be feeling thirsty for something extraordinary, surprising or may be adventurous. The toughest trekking trails along the rocky terrains of Rohtang valley will surely let you relive the dormant athlete in you. Imagine flying like a bird sprawling your wings over the world's eyes, this is not a dream, no more, experience this virtual to reality by Paragliding on the breathtaking valley of Solang. Don't miss a rare chance of gyrating the turbulent waters of river beas on a spunky kyak. For fishing enthusiasts, Katrain, Raison, Kasol, Larji, and Nagar are some of the ideal places for trout.

A unique confluence of natural highs: Kullu Manali India

India Unveiled: A warm up, a teaser following up to your adventure in Kullu Manali

India offers an alluring invitation for every traveler to indulge in its picture perfect views of snow clad Himalayas in North, swirling sands in Rajasthan play a charismatic veil of monuments and forts waiting to seduce a lonely traveler with their incredible beauty and artistry; sandy dunes along the crystal clear waters of beaches in south provide an ultimate source of Vitamin SEA. And after you are finished up with your adventures in north set yourself free on a peaceful trail in a canoe moving swiftly on the pristine backwaters of Kerala.

An Ultimate Adventurer’s Trove: Kullu Manali

But if you are a crazy adventurer then please pack-up your adventure gear and board a bus plying to Kullu Manali in North India. Kullu Manali is a comfortable 10 hours journey from New Delhi. It is well connected to the rest of India with smooth National Highways; making the journey for travelers hassle free. These are the twinlet towns in the mesmerizing land of gods “Himachal Pardesh, India”.

Manali, situated at an altitude of 6000 feet, is a renowned hill station in India. According to a fabled story, when whole world drowned in the catastrophic floods, arose a place of unparalleled natural beauty? It was Manali here the life prospered again.

Manali offers a rare treat for your eyes as every shot of its natural beauty presents an ultimate picture. Miles away from those busy streets of city life, here’s a chance for you to walk through the narrow alleys in dense forests, exotic flowers and gurgling streams. Manali is also a vital transcending point for interesting trek routes to places like Rohtang Pass, Lahaul and Spiti.

Hassle Free

Manali seems to be a natural beauty embellished with sophistication of modern world. You can avail the rare comfort of venturing without a wallet, just use your plastic money at any of the nearest ATMs or swipe your credit card as all the leading stores, hotels and luxury resorts accept VISA cards. Everything seems to be so spontaneous and hassle free here, there's no hiccups or hurdles getting anywhere around the town. Manali is well networked with the rest of region through its perennial flow of taxis, buses, and flights. Manali offers an exquisite claque of hotels and stays that blends both luxury and affordability for travelers. At high end, you can embrace the luxuries of a five star hotel, for shallow pockets there are much cheaper rooms available at a price of Rs 700 a night. The forest cottages provides a unique option for traveler’s looking to spend a night talking to stars in piercing scents of deodar trees with prices staggering low at Rs 1500 a night.

In the Search for Peace and Solitude

You can search for solitude in its tranquil forest resorts that offers complete seclusion from outer World. May be that’s the reason writer's find a mystic solace in its mesmerizing deodar forests that ignites oodles of literary wonders. The towns nearby embraces a rich elegance in their laid back culture, these regions looms around a mysterious lifestyle, by living a self contented life totally unknown to modern world's. Just follow a lonely path through a forest near your resort and it will lead you to a quaint village, spend some time talking with local people and you will feel their intense warmth and gesture for outsiders. The people here treat their guest’s like gods.

Adventure Sports In Kullu Manali

After exploring the local naturals you must be feeling thirsty for something extraordinary, surprising or may be adventurous. The toughest trekking trails along the rocky terrains of Rohtang valley will surely let you relive the dormant athlete in you. Imagine flying like a bird sprawling your wings over the world's eyes, this is not a dream, no more, experience this virtual to reality by Paragliding on the breathtaking valley of Solang. Don't miss a rare chance of gyrating the turbulent waters of river beas on a spunky kyak. For fishing enthusiasts, Katrain, Raison, Kasol, Larji, and Nagar are some of the ideal places for trout.

Kullu and Cannabis

Kullu is well known for its temples, rich crafts, finely embossed shawls and cultural festivals that enliven the intense fervor of localites for their respected deities and age old customs. You can feel the chilling winds whistling across the vergant expanse of apple orchards and fruit gardens nearby. Kullu is also called "The Fruit Basket of North India" for its abundant produce of apple and plum. But one thing that adds an illicit profanity to Kullu is "Cannabis" or Charas. It's easy and it's accessible here, thus eluding a lot of foreigners that come here in search for those intimate moments in narcotic-highs. They love lurking the narrow alleys through wild cannabis. A confluence of regions enthralling beauty with celestial highs of Charas, it's a bumper bonanza for tourists and they don't seem to miss the brigade.

Places to visit

Sultanpur Palace

This palace is hot throbbed by art lovers looking to plunge into the vibrant colours of kullu style miniature paintings. This style showcases the simple laid-back cultures and untouched natural beauty of the region.

Manikaran Hot spring baths

After your grueling battles with the naturals of Kullu Manali, it's time to satiate your mind body and soul with rejuvenating bath at hot springs in Manikaran. It's amazing how local people cook their food by the spring and there are separate baths for men and women.

Other places of Sheer Scenic Beauty

The road to Kullu Manali runs along the turbulent waters of river Beas. It's flanked by lofty mountains and spreading forests. On this road is Katrain, famous for its fruit orchards and its trout hatchery. Near Katrain, across the river, is a small town Naggar, which came into being by the famous Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich, whose artworks can be seen here. Jagatsukh, the biggest village of the district on the Naggar-Manali road, is popular for its annual Chacholi Yatra.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to be in Kullu Manali is from April-October when summers are at their crest and winters to follow. The whole business activities, hotels, rest houses, shops come to a stand still with winter seasons. The vibrant towns go into a state of hibernation after a dense snowfall each year. But with the onset of April month the whole town seems to be reignited in same old legendary charms.How to Get There

Kullu Manali is well connected with perennial network of buses, trains and flights that run here throughout the year, thus making these sleepy towns alive in summers, when the roads are busy and markets at smiles with flourishing tourism industry. There are daily flights with Jagson Airways from Delhi to the Kulu Valley's Bhuntar airport which is 10 km. from Kullu town where taxis/buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95 km. from Kullu. By road, the distance via Mandi is 530 km. and from Shimla this is 240 km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu.

Conducted Tours
Kullu is well known for its temples, rich crafts, finely embossed shawls and cultural festivals that enliven the intense fervor of localites for their respected deities and age old customs. You can feel the chilling winds whistling across the vergant expanse of apple orchards and fruit gardens nearby. Kullu is also called "The Fruit Basket of North India" for its abundant produce of apple and plum. But one thing that adds an illicit profanity to Kullu is "Cannabis" or Charas. It's easy and it's accessible here, thus eluding a lot of foreigners that come here in search for those intimate moments in narcotic-highs. They love lurking the narrow alleys through wild cannabis. A confluence of regions enthralling beauty with celestial highs of Charas, it's a bumper bonanza for tourists and they don't seem to miss the brigade.

Places to visit

Sultanpur Palace
This palace is hot throbbed by art lovers looking to plunge into the vibrant colours of kullu style miniature paintings. This style showcases the simple laid-back cultures and untouched natural beauty of the region.

Manikaran Hot spring baths
After your grueling battles with the naturals of Kullu Manali, it's time to satiate your mind body and soul with rejuvenating bath at hot springs in Manikaran. It's amazing how local people cook their food by the spring and there are separate baths for men and women.

Other places of Sheer Scenic Beauty
The road to Kullu Manali runs along the turbulent waters of river Beas. It's flanked by lofty mountains and spreading forests. On this road is Katrain, famous for its fruit orchards and its trout hatchery. Near Katrain, across the river, is a small town Naggar, which came into being by the famous Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich, whose artworks can be seen here. Jagatsukh, the biggest village of the district on the Naggar-Manali road, is popular for its annual Chacholi Yatra.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to be in Kullu Manali is from April-October when summers are at their crest and winters to follow. The whole business activities, hotels, rest houses, shops come to a stand still with winter seasons. The vibrant towns go into a state of hibernation after a dense snowfall each year. But with the onset of April month the whole town seems to be reignited in same old legendary charms.How to Get There

Kullu Manali is well connected with perennial network of buses, trains and flights that run here throughout the year, thus making these sleepy towns alive in summers, when the roads are busy and markets at smiles with flourishing tourism industry. There are daily flights with Jagson Airways from Delhi to the Kulu Valley's Bhuntar airport which is 10 km. from Kullu town where taxis/buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95 km. from Kullu. By road, the distance via Mandi is 530 km. and from Shimla this is 240 km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu.

Travel to India » Hill Stations » Shimla Vacations

2007-12-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Shimla Hill Station
Shimla is, today, a beautiful mountain resort. In summer there is the attraction of excellent walks and treks with the scenic beauty of flowers, wooded ravines and evergreen trees. Golf and fishing are popular sports.
In winter, known as the season of "long moon nights", here is snow and winter sports at Kufri and Narkanda. The only natural ice-skating carnival is held during the winter.

WHAT TO SEE

» Jakhu Hill (2455 meters) offer an excellent view of the snow-clad Himalayas.

» Himachal State Museum. Has a collection of Pahari miniature paintings of this region.

» The erstwhile Vice regal Lodge and Chaura Maidan.

» The Glen, Summer hill, Prospect Hill, Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan are picnic spots from where there are excellent views of Shimla and the mountains.

EXCURSIONS

» Wildflower Hall (13 km.), now a hotel, has wonderful mountain flowers and magnificent views of the Himalayas.

» Mashobra (13 km.), has picturesque walks through forests of oak and pine.

» Kufri (16 km.) and Narkanda (65 km.), are excellent skiing bases in winter.

» Fagu (22 km.) at a height of 2510 meters, has interesting views of the valley.

» Chail (45 km.), former summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, is a peaceful heaven in the mountains.

» Tattapani hot spring (51 km.).

» Barog (55 km.), another beautiful spot.

» Kasauli (77 km.), a hill resort of special interest to bird-watchers.

» Rohru (104 km.), ideal for fishing holiday.

» Chandigarh (117 km.), city designed by French architect Le Corbusier.

» Kulu (234 km.), Manali (274 km.), in the Valley of the Gods, are two of the most beautiful hill resorts of the Himalayas.

SHOPPING
Shawls, embroidered woollens, hand-made shoes, wooden toys and other articles made of wood.

SPORTS
Treks Shimla is the base for treks to the Kulu Valley via Jalori Pass or via Bashleo Pass and to the Kalpa and Kinnaur Valleys.
Golf is popular in the scenic golf course at Naldehra.
Fishing for trout in the Pabbar river is allowed from February to October.
Skiing at Kufri and Narkanda Ski Resort from end December to early March.
Ice skating in water and roller skating in summer

CHRISTMAS CELBRATIONS

2007-12-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas in India

Christmas in India is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and joy! Though Christmas is not a major Indian festival as Christians are in minority in India nevertheless, it has become an important festival over the years. Today people from other religions and communities participate in the Christmas festivities with marked fervor and zest.

Days before Christmas market places, shop, streets and churches are decorated with scenes of nativity, lights and stars. People prepare variety of sweets and cakes before the Christmas day. These are offered to visitors and neighbors. Especially, non-Christian neighbors wait excitedly for the Christmas cakes. Exchanging gifts and cards is an important part of Christmas festival. Children in particular, enjoy the festival the most as they get to participate in the native plays and Christmas carnivals conducted by schools or socio-cultural clubs. Kids also receive gifts from their favorite Santa Claus.
Christians in India attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and light votive candles in the church. The ritual is followed by Christmas carols, balls on the Christmas day and tempting Christmas meals.

Christmas Decorations in India
One of the unique features of Christmas in India is the use of banana or mango tree for decoration instead of traditional pine tree. This is the time for people to flaunt their creativity. They decorate these trees with colorful ribbons, blinking lights, stars and sparkled balls and use poinsettia flower to decorate churches. In South India, people put oil-lamps of clay on their flat roof-tops to let everyone feel the presence of God in light.

Christmas in Goa
Christmas is celebrated with great zeal in Goa - the state rich for its culture and spirited people. Interestingly, not only the natives enjoy the festive mood of Christmas but the tourists also participate in each and every Christmas custom. Christmas carnival in Goa lasts from Christmas eve till New Year which makes the environment more fun 'n' frolic. During this period, Goans along with the visiting tourists immerse themselves in music, dance and the Yuletide spirit. All roads and especially the mesmerizing beaches of Goa are thronged by people enjoying every moment of the festival with drinks, music and lavish food.

Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

2007-11-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

Mata Temples in India

Vaishno Devi Temple | Kamakhya Temple | Mansa Devi Temple | Karni Mata Temple | Chamunda Devi Temple | Kalkaji Mandir | Durgiana Temple | Amba Mata Temple | Chattarpur Temple | Jwalamukhi Temple | Naina Devi Temple | Dakshineswar Kali Temple | Mangalagauri Temple | The Durga Temple, Varanasi | Devi Kanaka Durga Temple | Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple | Bhadra Kali Temple | Chandi Devi Temple | Bhagavathi Temple | Devi Patan Temple | Bhadrakali Temple | Mookambika Devi Temple | Vidyashankara Temple | Chamundeswari Temple | Annapoorneshwari Temple | Marikamba Temple | Banashankari Temple

Chamunda is a little station on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway track. There’s the Chamunda Devi Temple here, right on the banks of the Baner River. It is also a pretty picnic spot with a good view of the mountains, the Baner Khad (khad means hillside) and the Pathiar and Lahl forests.
The temple is dedicated to goddess Kali (a form of Shakti or power, also goddess of war) in her wrathful avatar (form) of Chamunda.

¤ The Legend Associated To The Temple

As with so many temples in India, this one too has a legend to it.
It has to do with the two demons, Chanda and Munda, trying to harass the goddess Ambika. The duo, followers of the notorious demon king, Shumbh Nishumbh, once set out for the Himalayas with their chaturangini army. Upon reaching here, they saw the devi (goddess) sitting high up on a peak, smiling to herself. Chanda and Munda then flew their arrows at her.

Furious at this, Ambika knitted her brows and lo! From their folds emerged this terrifying form of Kali, decked up in a cheetah skin sari (long piece of cloth cleverly draped by Indian women) and a garland of skulls. Kali fought all the demons singlehandedly and killed Chanda and Munda. Pleased, Ambika declared that Kali would now be worshipped here as Chamunda – a compound of Chanda and Munda. That is how the temple is supposed to have come up.

The Chamunda Devi Temple is said to be more than 700 years old. It is a pretty big complex with even a kund (tank) where devotees take a dip. The idol in the main temple is considered so sacred that even the eyes of devotees are not allowed to touch upon it; it is kept completely concealed beneath a red cloth. At the back of the temple is a cave-like scoop where a stone lingam (phallic symbol of Shiva) under a boulder represents Nandi Keshwar (Shiva). There are several brightly painted figures of gods and goddesses around the place.

¤ Transport
Buses between Palampur and Dharamsala will drop you at the Chamunda Devi Temple

PLACES OF PEACE AND POWER

2007-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

The Golden Temple

I am often asked what my favorite sacred places are in the world, among the many hundreds I have visited. I could not choose one in particular, but included in the top ten would certainly be the Golden Temple. It is a place of both stupendous beauty and sublime peacefulness. Originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. The Buddha is known to have spent time at this place in contemplation.Two thousand years after Buddha's time, another philosopher-saint came to live and meditate by the peaceful lake. This was Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion. After the passing away of Guru Nanak, his disciples continued to frequent the site; over the centuries it became the primary sacred shrine of the Sikhs. The lake was enlarged and structurally contained during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Ram Dass, 1574-1581), and during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan, 1581-1606), the Hari Mandir, or Temple of God was built. From the early 1600s to the mid 1700s the sixth through tenth Sikh Gurus were constantly involved in defending both their religion and their temple against Moslem armies. On numerous occasions the temple was destroyed by the Moslems, and each time was rebuilt more beautifully by the Sikhs. From 1767 onwards, the Sikhs became strong enough militarily to repulse invaders. Peace returned to the Hari Mandir.

The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Moslem artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Moslem and Hindu saints. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.

Amritsar, the original name of first the ancient lake, then the temple complex, and still later the surrounding city, means "pool of ambrosial nectar." Looking deeply into the origins of this word amrit, we find that it indicates a drink of the gods, a rare and magical substance that catalyzes euphoric states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. With this word we have a very clear example of the spirit, power, or energetic character of a particular place becoming encoded as an ancient geographical place name. The myth is not just a fairy tale. It reveals itself as a coded metaphor if we have the knowledge to read the code: The waters of Amritsar flowing into the lake of the Hari Mandir were long ago - and remain today - a bringer of peacefulness.

Hari Mandir, Amritsar, India

Sikh pilgrims at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

Haridwar - Where the Ganges is revered

2007-10-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site, held in reverence for centuries. The Chinese pilgrim Hyuen Tsang who visited India in the first millennium CE, describes Haridwar as Mayura, on the eastern banks of the Ganges. Several temples and ashrams dot this town and a visit to Haridwar is like stepping into a totally different world.
Legend has it that Bhagiratha, brought the Ganges into the earth, and into this point where his ancestors were burnt to ashes by the curse of the sage Kapila. Kapilastaan, a spot in Haridwar is pointed to as Kapila's hermitage. Haridwar was once known as Gangadwara.

View of Evening prayers at Hari-ki-pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall) in Haridwar

Haridwar (and Rishikesh) represents the gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrines begins only when the sun reaches the zodiac sign of Aries. Haridwar is also the site of celebration of the Kumbha Mela, once in twelve years, when Jupiter transits to the zodiac sign of Aquarius.
The five sacred bathing spots in Haridwar are Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. The main ghat at Haridwar is known as Hari-ki-Pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall). Nearby is the Gangadwara temple, the most important of the several temples that dot this town. The Ganga Aarti which is celebrated at 7 pm each night, is a spectacular sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in Haridwar at the same instant (see image above). Hundreds throng to the ghats at Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in this festival. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river.

Near Haridwar are the towns of Mayapuri and Kankhal. Kankhal houses the Daksheswara temple, said to be the site of Daksha's yagna, which was destroyed by Shiva.

Badrinath Temple

2007-10-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Badrinath is situated in the Indian Himalaya, at about 3,133 mtrs. above sea-level. It lies in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand, and is one of the Char Dham. The other teen Dham are Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath.

The journey to Badrinath, most likely from Haridwar - Rishikesh, is through Rudra Prayag. From Rudra Prayag the road to Badrinath is a single way route, passing through mountainous ranges with ever changings vieuws on the snow-clad peaks. The meandering Alaknanda and the innumerable milky water falls add to the scenic beauty of the entire route.

The distance from Rudraprayag to Badrinath is some 160 kms. The travel time greatly depends on weather conditions and the number of passengers enroute. It is advised to check for departure times of the convoys.

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, (317 km). The nearest railway stations are at Haridwar (310 km) and Rishikesh(297 km) and Kotdwar, (327 km) respectively. There are regular buses operating to Badrinath, from New Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh. As the roads are very narrow, for your safety it is recommeded to travel by all terrain vehicles. Until recently you could not drive here, but now you can drive right up next to the temple.

Jai Matavaishnodevi

2007-10-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Vaishno Devi Mandir (Hindi: वैष्णोदेबी मन्दीर) is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.

The temple is near the town of Katra, in Udhampur district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir,. It is one of the most revered places of worship in Northern India. The shrine is at an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12 kilometres (7.45 miles) from Katra. Million of pilgrims visit the temple every year and is the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. A rail link from Udhampur to Katra is being built to facilitate pilgrimage.

Jagannath Puri Temple

2007-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Puri, on the east coast of India, in the state of Orissa is a hoary pilgrimage center, enshrining Jagannath, in a colossal temple. Puri is well connected by rail and road with Calcutta and with Bhubaneshwar. Puri is an ancient shrine, enshrining Krishna - Jagannath in the form of a wooden image. Also enshrined are wooden images of Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra brother and sister of Krishna respectively. Interestingly, the Rig Veda refers to Purushottama in the form of a wooden image, prepared from a log of wood floating on the ocean.

Puri is also referred to in the Bhrama purana. Puri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage in India, is one of the four 'Dhamas' of the Hindu religion. The city is home to the world-famous Jagganath temple. The temple enshrines Krishna-Jagannath in the form of a wooden image along with shrines of Balabhadra and Subhadra (brother and sister of Krishna respectively).

The Jagannath Temple of Puri is one of the four most famous holy pilgrimages of the Hindus. The festival of Rath Yatra celebrated here on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashada (June-July), is world famous for the enormous crowd of devotees that gathers to witness Lord Jagannath?s yearly journey in his huge chariot. Lord Jagannath, with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, goes to his garden house ?Gundecha Ghar ? for five days, visiting his aunt on the way. At the end of the five days, the three siblings are brought back to the Jagannath temple in a procession called the Ultarath.

Lord Jagannath, the symbol of universal love and brotherhood is worshipped in the Temple along with Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejewelled platform. The Deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are made of margosa wood. When one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha, the deities change their bodies during such a leap month. This is known as Navakalebar or New Body Ceremony.
isiting Hours: The temple gets open at 5am and is open till midnight. At 1 in noon the gates are closed for half an hour.
Entry Fee: Nil.
When to visit: The best time to see the temple is during the Rath-Yatra. Else one can visit Puri during Oct.-April.

Puja Timings
Dwarpitha and Mangal Aarati at 5 a.m
“Mailam” at 6 a.m.
“Abakash” – 6 a.m. to 6.30 a.m.
“Mailam” 6.45 a.m.
“Sahanamela” – 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
“Beshalagi” – 8 a.m.
Rosha Homa Surya Puja and Dwarapal– 8 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.
Gopala Ballava Puja– 9 a.m.
Sakala Dhupa(Morning food offering) 10 a.m
Mailam and Bhoga Mandap
Madhyanha (Afternoon food offering) 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Madhyanha Pahudha - 1 p.m. to 1.30 p.m
Sandhya Aarati
Sandhya Dhupa – 7 p.m. to 8 p.m
Mailam and Chandana lagi
Badashringar Vesha
Badashringara Bhoga
Khata Seja Lagi and Pahuda 12.00

How to get there
Air: Puri can be reached by air as its nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, 56 km away. Regular buses and trains service is available from Bhubaneswar to Puri.
Rail: Puri railway station is a major railway station and is well connected with almost all the major cities of India.
Road: Puri is connected with Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Berhampur, Taptapani, Sambalpur and Kolkata by road.

Kodaikanal

2007-10-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Kodaikanal is one of the most famous hill stations in India.Kodaikanal is a hill station on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills. Kodai is also a tourist attraction, and many of the locals make their living through tourist services. Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as "Princess of Hill stations." Tucked away among the Palani Hills in Tamilnadu, in South India, and jealously guarded like a prized jewel by the dark forests, is Kodaikanal. In fact, the name itself means ?gift of the forest? in Tamil. A more appropriate and evocative name could not have been imagined for this quaint, unspoilt little hill station, where the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, and a serenity seldom found in other hill stations. Cradled in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats, 120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is located 2133 m above sea level. Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived in these hills can still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even today, a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave. In the early days, there were no roads?people had to travel by bullock-cart and palanquin, braving the dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal developed, missionaries established church properties, many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes, clubs were opened, school and hotels were built, and civic amenities were introduced.
History of KodaikanalIn 1845, Kodaikanal was started as hill station in the Palani hills at 7375 ft. The Palani Hills were first surveyed by British Lieutenant Ward in 1821.The first people lived in the hills were dolmen-boulders, who have left here several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated. In the Palani hills Tribes are of two kinds, the Paliyans and Pulaiyans.Kukkal Caves, which in 20 kms. away from kodaikanal, show traces of Paliyan occupation. Paliyans are tribes. Next to Paliyans, Pulaiyans were settled as agriculturists at later stage. The survey report of 1821, reveals Pulaiyans were the aborigines of the Palani Hills and followed Tamil Culture.
British Lieutenant Ward had climbed up from the Kunnavan Village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal first in 1821 to survey the area. In 1834, Madurai collector climbed up from Devadanappatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur Dr.Wight visited Kodaikanal in 1836 and recorded his observations which were very useful to botanists later. In 1844, Mr.Fane, an Englishmen built godowns in kodaikanal and familiarized with hill area. In 1845, the first two bungalows "Sunny-side" and "Shelton" were built by American Mission people with the help of Englishmen Mr.Fane. Then, six American families came up and stayed first at Kodaikanal. Following this, British houses also appeared. In 1864, Colonel Halmilton recorded his opinion in his report that Berijam lake area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a Military Cantonment or Sanitarium. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. In the 20th century the Indian Elite visited Kodaikanal and purchased property and utilized the facilities of British and Americans. Thus Kodaikanal has a complex and varied culture.

Major Attractions

Kodai Lake: One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident`s even used to swim in the lake.
Coakerâ€™s Walk: Coakers walk is mountain bouleward, is near to where I live. Sunrise from this point is mind blowing. The formation of clouds and the color is different every morning. Have clicked many pictures of sunrise from this point.
You can expect more to come.
Bryant Park: As the name suggests, You have plenty to drink and make merry in this bar. A great place providing a choice of true-blue beverages - acoholic and nonalcoholic. Raise your spirits.
Green Valley View: Originally this was known as Suicide Point. It is about 5 km from the lake. From here, the Vaigai Dam below offers an enchanting view. There is also a Golf Club close by.

Pillar Rocks: Situated 7km from Kodai, three granite formations over 120 m high, stand shoulder to shoulder, providing a beautiful view. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers. The Pillar rock is full of caves and chasms, a delight for the adventure seeker. There are over 100 dolmens and other megalithic remains that has been discovered in the Palani hills, all datable to around the 2nd century AD. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil`s kitchen.
Kurinji Andavar Temple: 3.2 km from the lake. There are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400 feet.
Waterfalls: The waterfalls around Kodaikanal include Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls and Fairy Falls, the best of the lot. A swim at the foot of the Fairy Falls is refreshing.
Observatory: It is situated at the topmost point of Kodai (850 feet above the lake). The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics
Shenbaganur Museum: 5.5km from the lake. This flora and fauna museum, maintained by the Sacred Heart College, is worth a visit. The archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills are on show here. Also located here is one of the best orchidariums in the country.
Dolmen Circle: 18 kms from the lake.Pre-historic remains to be seen there. Original burial urns unearthed in this region and models of dolmens may be seen in Shenbaganur museum.
Thalaiyar Falls: Also known as Rat Tail falls which is one of the highest falls in the world.(.975 feet high) It can be seen while climbing from ghat road to Kodaikanal by road, Nobody can go to the falls site, as no approach is there.
Kukkal Caves: A camping site offering trekking facilities (20 kms).
Palani: It is 64 kms from kodaikanal, famous pilgrim center of the South and one of the six abodes of Lord, Dhandayuthabani. Direct frequent bus are available from Kodaikanal.Nearby AttractionsSilver Cascade (8 kms), Dolphins Nose (a rock at high point), Perumal Peak - which offers excellent trekking facilities (12 kms), Berijam Lake (21 kms) and Kukkal Cave - a camping site offering trekking facilities (20 kms).
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is Madurai (120 KMs). The other nearest airports are Coimbatore 190Kms and Trichy 195 Kms.Train: Kodairoad is the nearest railway station at 80 kms. A number of passenger trains pass through kodairoad. Madurai 120 kms is the nearest major railway station.
Road: Kodaikanal is well connected with some important
Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is between April to June & September to December. The temperature ranges between 12 and 20 degree Celsius in summer and between 8 and 18 degree Celsius in winter. towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore and Coimbatore.
General Information

Area : 21.45 square Kms
PIN Code : 624101
Altitude : 2133 meters above the sea level
Rainfall : 165 cm
Language : Tamil and English
State : Tamilnadu
STD Code : 04542

Destination India --» Jaipur

2007-09-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra and forms the most chosen tourism golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trapping of modern metropolis but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller.
The old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with admiration. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance.

Jaipur is named after its founder the warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II (ruled 1688 to 1744). The decision to move out of his hilltop capital Amer was also compelled by reasons of growing population and paucity of water.

Moreover in the early seventh century the power of the great Mughals was dwindling with its aging Monarch Aurangzeb and after several centuries of invasions the north was now quite and the wealth of the kingdom had become greater than before. Seizing upon this opportune time Jai Singh planned his new capital in the planes. Jaipur is a corroborative effort of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in sciences and astrology and a Bengali architect Vidyadhar with a strong instinct for planning.

Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan, settled in the rugged hills of the Aravalli..

Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who inhabit it. The city presents a unique synthesis of culture that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated.
With its origin buried deep into the pages of history, the city still exudes a magical old world charm; an aroma of chivalry and romance is evident, despit having evolved into a city that is the hub of modern commercial activity in the region. Tell-tale signs of the glorious past and regal splendour of the city lie strewn across with gay abandon.

The colourful and intricately carved monuments are adequately matched by the lively spirit of fanfare, festivity and celebration of the people. Even today, one can find weather beaten faces with huge coloufrul trurbans, fierce moustaches and lips that spontaneouslya crease into a heart warming smile.

A city like Jaipur, where modernity and tradition live hand-in-hand, is truly rare. Perhaps this is what makes it an attractive destination for tourists who flock to Jaipur , year after year.

Leh Ladakh

2007-08-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Popularly known as "Hermit Kingdom", Ladakh is a land of snow carved peaks, translucent Lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture. The district of Ladakh lies at the border with Tibet at the most eastern corner of the State of Kashmir. Leh LadakhBounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, Ladakh is a land like no other. Ladakh is often referred to as the "Little Tibet", or the "Last Shangri-La". Ladakh is the trans-Himalayan region, which separates the western Himalayan peaks from the Tibetan plateau. In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of

A thousand years ago before the contol of Tibets rule, Raja Skitde Nemagon, ruled over Ladakh which was known as Muryul (Red Country), as most of the mountains and the soil in Ladakh wears a red tinge. In the 10th Century A.D Skitday Nemagon, along with a couple of hundred men, invaded Ladakh where there was no central authority. The Land was divided in small principalities, which were at war with each other. Nemagon defeated all of them and established a strong central authority. Those days Shey, was the capital of Ladakh became to be known as Nariskorsoom, a country of three provinces. The present Ladakh was divided into two provinces while the third comprised western Tibet. The area of western Tibet slipped away from the kingdom but was reunited in 16th Century A.D. by the famous Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal.

People and Culture
People of Ladakh are mostly Mahayana Buddhists belonging to the sect of the Red or Yellow Lamas. The faces and physique of the Ladakhis, and the clothes they wear, are more akin to those of Tibet and Central Asia than of India. Ancient inhabitants of Ladakh were Dards, and Indo-Aryan race from down the Indus. But immigration from Tibet more than a thousand years ago largly overwhelmed the culture of the Dards and moped up their racial characters. In eastern and central Ladakh, todays population seems to be mostly of Tibet origin. Further west, in and around Kargil, the people's appearance suggests a mixed origin.

How to reach

* Air
Leh, the capital, has one of the highest airport in the world. It's almost the only way to access the area from november onwards until may, as mountain passes are closed. Indian Airlines operates regular scheduled flights to Leh from Delhi Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar. Some private airlines are also planning to operate air services between Delhi and Leh in the near future.
* Road
The main overland approach to Ladakh is from the Kashmir Valley via the 434 km Srinagar-Leh road which remains open for traffic from early June to November. The most dramatic part of this road journey is the ascent up the 11,500 feet/3,505 m high Zoji-la, the pass in the Great Himalayan Wall that serves as the gateway to Ladakh. Regular bus services are available between Srinagar and Leh on this route with an overnight halt at Kargil. Taxis (cars and jeeps) are also available at Srinagar for the journey. Groups can charter buses for Leh, Kargil or Padum (Zanskar) at Srinagar. Since 1989, the 473 km Manali-Leh road has been serving as the second land approach to Ladakh. Open for traffic from around mid-June to early October, this high road traverses the upland desert plateaux of Rupshu whose altitude ranges from 3,660m to 4,570m. A number of high passes fall in route among which the highest one, known Taglang-la, is the world's second highest motorable pass at an altitude 17,469 feet / 5,325 m. The bus journey between Leh and Manali takes about 19 hours or two days with an overnight halt camps at Serchu or Pang. Gypsy and jeep taxis are also available, both at Manali and Leh.

Leh

Leh is breathtaking. Towering over the city is the tall nine storeyed palace built by Ladakh’s ruler Sengge Namgyal in the early 17th century. It is said to have served as the model for the Potala palace in Lhasa. Another palace in Lhasa. Another palace built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century stands above it on the Namgyal Tsemo peak. Down below, the town is a maze of little box like buildings bristling with brushwood stored on the roof for winter, set in an oasis of green fields.

Buddhism & Monasteries In Leh
LehThough Leh has been capital of this region since the 17th century, strewn around it along the Indus valley are earlier capitals of he region. From Leh one can wander off on marvellous day expeditions to get a glimpse of some of the treasures of Ladakh. Not far from Leh, Shey is the oldest capital of Ladakh from where its earliest Tibetan kings ruled. Perched on top of a huge rock are the royal palace and temples adorned with brilliantly coloured murals and a 7.5 metre gold statue of the Buddha. Basgo and Tingmosgang with their forts and palaces were also capitals of Ladakh. Stok Palace across the river from Leh is the home of the erstwhile royal family. The Palace Museum here has collections of beautiful royal costumes and jewellery, exquisite Thangkas, porcelain, jade, weapons and armour. Within easy reach of Leh is the Spituk Monastery with its commanding view of he indus. It has fine Thangkas and a collection of ancient masks. Thikse Monastery one of the most impressive in the area is spectacularly located and is noted for its beautiful murals. Hemis is of course the biggest gompa in Ladakh and the best known for its magnificent summer festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The largest thangka in Ladakh is to be found here. It is unfolded only once every 12 years.

Trekking
Leh is a trekker's paradise. The treks from Spituk to the Markha valley and Lamayuru gompa to Chiling village alongside the Zanskar River are the most popular treks in the region. Another trek route is from Likir to Temisgam. Treks are open from the June end upto mid October. The passes for trekking are as high as 5,000 m in altitude. Many trekking agencies in Leh offer trek packages with a guide, packhorses, food and supplies.

Leh Palace
A building in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture said to have inspired from the famous Potala in Lhasa, which was built half a century later. The palace was built in the 17th century and had nine storeys , but it is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas' or painted scrolls and other artefacts. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organisation.

How to reach

* Air
Leh - Leh is the main airport for this area. Direct flights link it to Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar and Jammu. Kargil, Suru and Zanskar valleys - Srinagar and Leh airports are both convenient.
* Road
Leh - Srinagar-Leh road is the main route with an over night halt at Kargil. The road is open between mid June and November. Ordinary and deluxe buses of the J&K state road transport corporation regularly ply on this route. Taxis can also be hired at Srinagar for this trip.

North India >> Jammu & Kashmir

2007-08-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, India’s fascinating northernmost state consists of three regions differing in topography and culture. Jammu was the stronghold of Hindu Dogra kings and abounds with popular temples and secluded forest retreats. Jammu the whole city of is sprinkled with temples, so much so it is often called the city of temples. Kashmir is an emerald valley, cradled in the Himalayas, under crystalline blue skies, and against the backdrop of snow capped mountains. Kashmir’s capital city, Srinagar offers delightful holidays on the lakes with their shikaras and houseboats.

Ladakh is the northern most province of the state, with a highland desert lying between the Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges. It is now organized in to two districts: Leh and Kargil. Hilltop monasteries and a colorful way of life, completely at one with the surroundings, make Ladakh one of the best living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in the world today.
Area: 20.36 sq. km., Altitude: 305 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer Max.39.9, Min.23.4; Winter Max.20.2, Min.4.5,Rainfall: 107 cms (June to September),Clothing: Summer: Light cottons, Winter: Heavy Woollens, Languages Spoken: Dogri, Kashmiri, Hindi, English, Best Season: Throughout the year.

Places Of Interest:
Ranbireshwar Temple; Raghunath Temple, Ranbir Canal, Bahu Fort, Bage Bahu, Amar Mahal Palace Museum, Dogra Art Gallery.

Excursions:
Akhnoor- 32 kms, Batote-113 kms, Kud-106 kms, Mansar Lake- 80 kms, Purmandal (Chhota Kashi)- 39 kms, Patnitop- 112 kms, Ramban-148 kms, Ramnagar- 102 kms, Sanasar-129 kms, Sudhmahadev- 120 kms, Surinsar Lake- 42 kms, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park- 248 kms.

Reach -
By Air: Well connected with Delhi, Leh and Srinagar.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi.
By Road: Amritsar- 243 kms, Chandigarh- 436 kms, Delhi- 586 kms, Katra- 48 kms, Srinagar- 305 kms, Manali- 428 kms.

Vaishno Devi

The holy cave shrine of Vaishno devi is situated in a beautiful racess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the state of Jammu & Kashmir at an altitude of over 5000 feet. In the cave there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. For the devotees it is a journey to peace and solace. For nature lovers it is an excursion amidst breathtaking scenic beauty. The shrine can be visited throughout the year, but during the winter season the route is often blocked by snowfall.

Places Of Interest:
Bhumika Temple, Darshani Darwaza, Ban Ganga Temple, Charan Paduka, Adhkunwari Temple, Kalika Temple, Ram Mandir, Shiva Goompha.

Reach -
By Air: Jammu- 62 kms is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead.
By Road: Jammu-Katra- 48 kms and Katra-Vaishno Devi-14 kms Route from Katra to Vaishno Devi: Katra - Ban Ganga Ban Ganga - Charan Paduka ,Charan Paduka - Adhkunwari ,Adhkunwari - Bhavan- 8 kms.

Srinagar is at the North of Delhi via Pathankot and Jammu. It is on both the sides of River Jhelum and is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes Jammu. The God has graced this city with such a beauty, which is often compared to Venice. Walk down Sonwar or Residency Road and you will see half – timbered houses and brick churches surrounded by magnolia trees in the garden. Enter a houseboat and you are instantly transported to another world.

Area: 103.3 sq. km., Altitude: 1,730 meters, Climate: (deg C)-Summer- Max.29.5, Min.10.6; Winter- Max.7.3, Min.-1.9, Rainfall: 529 mms (Mid June to Mid September), Clothing: Summer- Cottons/Tropical; Winter- Heavy woolens, Best Season: Throughout the year, though winter months are quite cold, Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English.

Places Of Interest:
Pather Masjid, Shah Hamdan Mosque ,Jamia Masjid, Hari Parbat Fort, Nagin Lake, Hazratbal, Shalimar Bagh, Harwan, Nishat Bagh, Cheshma Shahi, Pari Mahal, Shankracharya Temple, Daal Lake and Shri Pratap Singh Museum at Lal Mandi.

Excursions:
Pampore-13 kms. (The only place in the world, where saffron is grown), Mattan- 61 kms, Martand- 64 kms, Achabal- 58 kms via Anantnag, Kokernag- 70 kms, Verinag- 80 kms, Daksum- 85 kms, Yusmarg- 40 kms, Acharbal- 51 kms, Kounsernag Lake- 11 kms, Manasbal- 32 kms, Burzahon- 24 kms, Ganderbal- 19 kms, Wular Lake- 60 kms, Charari-Sharif- 30 kms, Dachigam National Park- 21 kms.

Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Srinagar- 14 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead Jammu Tawi.
By Road: Srinagar-Jammu 293kms, Leh- 434 kms, Kargil- 204 kms, Gulmarg- 52 kms, Pahalgam- 96 kms, Delhi- 876 kms, Chandigarh- 630 kms.

Amarnath Yatra / Trek

What is there in Amarnath Cave? It's a Shiva linga. Shiva is one of the holy Trinity of the Indian mythology. And linga? Well, that is the phallic symbol of Shiva. Shiva lingas are a common sight everywhere and worshipped in every nook and corner of India. Then what is so special about the one in Amarnath?

Here it is a natural formation of snow seen only during July-August every year. And it waxes and wanes with the moon.
There is not just one. There are two more ice stalagmite, close to the main one. These represent Parvati, Shiva's consort, and their son, Ganesha.

Altitude: 3880-4218 meters, Best Season: Mid-June to Mid-October, Grade: Moderate.

Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Jammu.
By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead.

Destination Himachal Pradesh

2007-07-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

Himachal Pradesh Cities

Chail || Chamba || Dalhousie || Dharamshala || Kasauli || Kufri || Kullu || Manali || Shimla

Himachal Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make it a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule.

Kullu-Manali are neighbouring resorts, surrounded by pine covered hills and lush meadows. Himachal has, in addition to popular resort towns, a series of secluded hill retreats ideal for interested anglers, trekkers and those wanting a quiet getaway.

Many of these include: from Shimla - Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra; those around Kullu-Manali include Manikaran, Naggar and Brighu Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekker’s delight.

The State of Himachal Pradesh is made up of ten districts with a total area of 56,019 sq km. The northern border of Himachal Pradesh is bounded by Tibet, in the north-west it borders Kashmir, in the south lie the plains of Punjab and the eastern border is common with the hills of Uttar Pradesh. The state is rugged and mountainous, and the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are the dream of mountaineers.

Lahaul and Spiti is a desolate region in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh Travelcomparison to the lush Beas valley of Kullu, also a popular mountain area of the state. Spiti, which overlooks Tibet across the Sutlej river, is Tibetan in landscape and in the character of its few inhabitants.

Kullu and Lahaul are good areas for mountaineers practising both alpine style ascents and ski-mountaineering. The jagged ice peaks of Kullu offer good routes for the 'tiger' as well as the less ambitious mountaineer.

A popular peak in this area is Deo Tibba (6,001 m) which is visible from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, and indrasan (6,221 m), a challenging peak of steep red granite which can be climbed from four different routes.

PUNJAB YATRA

2007-05-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Location : Northern part of India
Capital City : Chandigarh
Famous Destinations : Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana
Mostly Visited For : Amritsar Golden Temple

Punjab - The Green Grainary of India

Sprawling Mustard Fields of Punjab

How about enjoying your holiday on a land that has its own colour, own aroma and a unique lifestyle that only finds its way to everyone's heart via fun and gaiety. It is a land that is drenched by five great rivers, their shimmering waters slicing the heart of the terrain and refreshing people with milk and honey. Welcome to the magical land of Punjab, a home to a robust, fun-loving people in the northern part of India. Through the centuries, Punjab has borne the quake of many foreign invasions and more recently, the trauma of India's partition. And yet, miraculously, the denizens of this virile land have always resurrected and rebuilt their lives, confident and optimistic. Wherever you go, you will find placards of their chivalry dotting the domain, cultural heritages standing on the fulcrum of time. Today, the Punjabis count themselves among the cheeriest and most lively of all Indians.

Cheer up your vacation with the people who know how to share the best. Bubbling with immense cordiality, they teach every tourist a lesson to live life. Besides, Punjabis are extremely industrious and respect the ladders of labour, making this one of the most prosperous states in India. One should not forget that Punjab is the first state that adorned itself with the colours of Green Revolution. With a massive public investment and a superb irrigation and modern agricultural methods, Punjab led the country's Green Revolution of the 1960s thereby earning for itself the onyma of becoming India's 'bread basket'. Visit their lush green farms and then refresh yourself with a glass of chilled 'lassi' (buttermilk). Don't forget to savour the delicious 'mah ki daal', 'sarson da saag' and the mind-blowing 'makki di roti'. With all these and much more to explore, Punjab attracts hundreds of tourists round the year to its golden temple at Amritsar with a promise of extraordinary culinary delight, fresh from home..
Dancers Performing Gidda, A Punjabi Traditional Dance

Sikh Religion - An Universal Cult of Brotherhood

The Sikh religion, which originated in Punjab, is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak, and is conceived as a monotheistic faith, whose adherents, the Sardars, at present can be found all over India and abroad too. Its insistence on the universal cult of brotherhood, its plea for equitable social and spiritual liberties for all types of men, its emphasis on the service of man on the road of strong moral codes and, above all, its recognition of the divinity of man and the need of meditation have made Sikhism a subject of great interest across the world. All Sikhs venerate the Guru Granth Sahib, a holy book that contains 'Gurbani', the preaching of Guru Nanak. If you happen to visit a Sigh marriage during your vacation in Punjab, you can see the bride following the groom four times round the Guru Granth Sahib while prayers are sung and hymes are read from the holy book.

Chandigarh - Portraying A Planned Demeanour

For decades, Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, was known as an affluent but quiet, laid back city ideal for retired people that had little to offer beyond its modern town people and its relaxed way of life. However, it is the first city to initiate the concept of town planning in India. Designed by Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is strategically segregated into 61 sectors. The pollution free air, the wide tree-lined boulevards and avenues, the cool ambiance of Sukhna Lake and the plush interiors belying the dull exteriors contribute to making Chandigarh a haven for fun-loving tourists. Adding a cherry on top of the cake, the trendy city now has found a new way to celebrate life, reflected in its bustling shopping areas, spilling restaurants and spanking new malls. Visit any restaurant in the downtown (Sector 17) and savour on a traditional Punjabi menu in a luxurious ambience, an experience of a lifetime. For a terrific weekend action, drive to the outskirts of the city; at a newly opened mall (Fun Republic) with a multiplex at Mani Majra or to the picturesque Morni hills on Panchkula Road. The latter also houses a bird sanctuary and you can relax amidst lush forests and euphony of colourful birds.

Spend an afternoon at Rock Garden (Sector 1) to give your vacation a newer direction to enjoy. Famed as one of its kind in the whole world, this serene garden exhibits one man Nek Chand's genius to create exquisite works of art out of industrial and urban waste. Move at a stone's throw to echo to the call of nature at Sukhna Lake, a man made lake ideal for quiet communion with nature. One can also indulge into a number of water sport activities such as boating, canoeing and skulling to enjoy a holiday to its best. In the evening, visit Kalagram, a fantastic arts and crafts bazaar where eminent craftsmen from various parts of the country display their creations. A good place for shopping with a rich variety in Indian textiles on display and other handicraft items.

The Dazzling Golden Temple of Amritsar In the Evening Sun

Amritsar Golden Temple - Architecture With A Golden Outlook

Amritsar, the city of celebrated Golden Temple, is indisputably, the religious capital of the Sikhs. As naturally the Hindu's mind turns to Benaras, or the Muslim's to Mecca, do the thoughts of Sikhs turn to Amritsar where the Adi Granth, the original book is kept and incessantly read. The Golden Temple or the Harmandir Sahib nestles amidst the Amrit Sarovar (from which the city got its name) that attracts thousands of devotees round the world. The sacred tank is surrounded by a white marble pathway with a causeway leading across the water to the temple itself. A double storey marble structure, its dome is covered with gold, a placard of devotion of the people for whom offering a part of their earnings is very important. When inside, you will be overwhelmed to see innumerable brilliant multi-coloured patterns embellishing the marble surface and the ceililng. The abode of almighty God is open day and night to all visitors. The celestial melodious 'Kirtan' (prayer) from the 'Gurbani' penetrates deep into the minds of all devotees with its divine gospel.
Celebrate Life In Punjab

People who know how to celebrate life does not need any reason to do so. Yet in Punjab, you will find occasions that especially stand out for managing to capture the popular imagination to the extent of transcending the religion and faith it originated with, crossing over boundaries of caste and creed to bind the state in jubilation. Plan a holiday in April to be a part of Baisakhi, an occasion celebrated to commemorate the establishment of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 AD. The Granth Sahib is taken in procession, led by the Panj Pyaras (five senior Sikhs) who are symbolic of the original leaders. Enjoy your hearts out at the 'Baisakhi da Mela' (Baisakhi fair), where you can behold the magical Bhangra Dance, marked by jaw-dropping acrobatic movements to the rhythmic beat of drums. Women in colourful attire lined with shimmering gold and silver threads only add to the beauty of the festival.
Drive Your Way

Punjab, situated in the northern part of the country is well connected to major destinations all across the country and is an easy access from many parts of the world. Indian Airlines connects Chandigarh to Delhi, Amritsar, Leh, Mumbai and Goa. One can also go for Jet Airways, connected to Delhi with regular flights. The airport is situated at 11 km from the city centre and taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to commute to the city. Chandigarh railway station is about 8 km from the city centre (sector 17). Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi and Himalayan Queen provide train connections every day between Chandigarh and Delhi. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking and CITCO buses ply to and fro from the railway station to coincide with the arrival and departure of important trains. There is a pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter just outside the railway station, which has the city rates, printed on a board.

Chandigarh is very well connected by road to all major centres of the region and Delhi. The NH 21 (Ambala-Shimla) and NH 22 (Chandigarh-Manali) are the main roads linking chandigarh with the rest of the country. From Delhi (245 km), normally the journey takes around 5 hours, with most of the journey being along the NH 1, popularly known as the GT Road. Take a short break for refreshment at Oasis, a multiple facility arena managed by Haryana Tourism. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 17 is a modern complex with restrooms, retiring rooms, food outlets and reservation offices of RTCs. The road transport corporations of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh run deluxe coaches (some air-conditioned) to Chandigarh as do some private companies, including Indo Canadian Transport Company's deluxe coach services.

India – The land to travel to, a haven of tourism delights

2007-05-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

India – The land to travel to, a haven of tourism delights, a civilization to tour through. Tourists come to India for its wealth of sights, cultural exuberance, diversity of terrain and in search of that special something, an extra punch that only India promises and delivers. Teeming with over a billion people who voice over a million concerns in fifteen hundred different languages, India is where people live with variety, thrive on diversity and are too familiar with largeness to let it boggle them. Mud huts and mansions face off across city streets. Lurid luxury and limp living are inhabitants of the same lane.
Kathakali Dancer, India

From the smoky mangroves of the Sunderbans to the steaming Thar Desert, sizzling cities like Mumbai and Delhi to the scintillating villages of Khajuraho and Hampi, from the heights of the Himalayas to the deep blue waters around the Andamans, India is a travel haven – a tour package that frustrates and delights, as demanding as it is rewarding.

It demands that the traveller be prepared for its own strange forms of tourism offerings - the crowds at Pushkar, for pushy mendicants at Haridwar, for high commercialism at spiritual retreats. But equally, it means that he be prepared for an overwhelming warmth in the people, ease of conversation, and to be stunned into speechlessness by the beauty, sometimes the manmade and often the natural.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India But what exactly is it that gets two and a half million people to pack their bags, book their tickets, buy industrial size cans of suntan lotion and enough toilet paper to supply the entire population of Liechtenstein for a month, and wing their way to India? Given that this is the land of the Taj, granted too that tea, tobacco, tempestuous democracy and terrific travel are a great combination but surely that's not reason enough.

Nainital - the heart of the picturesque region of Kumaon

2007-05-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

For as long as one can remember, the town of Nainital, situated in the heart of the picturesque region of Kumaon, has been a favorite of tourists and nature lovers. The snow-capped peaks, the spellbindingly beautiful valleys, the lyrical meadows and the crystal-clear lakes add a whole lot of charm to the place. Among the many lakes that dot the whole district, the Naini Lake is the most prominent. The numerous lakes have earned the district the sobriquet of the ‘lake district’ of India. The ‘Discovery’

In the year 1841, Mr. P. Barron of Shahajahanpur was the first person to build a permanent house besides the lake and, gradually, a full fledged township sprung up at the very place. This is the first recorded discovery of the place. The name Mr. Barron gave to the cottage pretty much sums up the nature of the place. He called it “Pilgrim Cottage”. The place has spiritual vibes that can give you amazing inner calm and serenity.

Fairs and Festivals

* Nainital Mahotsav

In the month of October, this fair is celebrated at an enormous scale. Cultural programmes like folk dances and folk music concerts and display of the local art are organised during the fair. The fair attracts a large number of visitors that includes foreign tourist.

* Holi Mahotsav

Holi Mahotsav is organized in March with great cooperation from the local governing bodies. The true culture of the region is showcased in the event.

Apart from these two, Nainital celebrates a lot of fairs and festivals all year long. The Vasantotsav and the very famous Nanda Devi Fair are among the other prominent festivities of the region.

Attractions

Naina Devi Temple

Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi and a temple dedicated to the deity is situated here that attracts a large number of pilgrims and other tourists alike.

Lands End

This place, a hilltop, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Khurpatal and the beautiful terraced fields on the sides of the hills. Merely 4.08 km. away from Nainital and 2118 meters high, the journey is a beautiful trek and, at the same time, is accessible on horseback too.

Hanumangarhi

A place of great religious and spiritual interest, it is also famous for its romantic sunset and a spellbinding view of the Himalayas. It is situated at a height of 1951 meters above sea level and is 3.22 kms. away from Nainital.

Corbett Waterfall and Naina Peak are among the many other excursions and attractions in Nainital.

Getting There

The nearest possible airport is at Pantnagar and the nearest Railway Station is Kathgodam, 35 kms. away. This station is directly connected to Lucknow, Agra, Delhi & Howrah.

Nainital is well connected by road and has access to all the major National/State Highways. The distance of major cities, by road, from Nainital is:

* Agra (403 kms.)
* Almora (64 kms.)
* Badrinath (334 kms.)
* Bareilly (140 kms.)
* Dehradun (387 kms.)
* Haridwar (310 kms.)
* Kausani (117 kms.)
* Delhi (326 kms.)