Travel Chacha

Christmas in Madrid 2011

2011-12-30T03:02:00.000-08:00

This year, as in many other occasions, the beautiful city of Madrid is dressed party. The City Council is to accompany and compliment decks, both locals, and the thousands of tourists who come to this corner of Spain for the holidays.Images 4D, activities, culture, and a beautiful art made light, are among the attractions that you can enjoy from this December 18.

The opening

This December 18, in the Palacio de Cibeles Communications at 20hs., the City Council of Madrid congratulates locals and tourists in this Christmas with a beautiful spectacle of lights and 4D images.

This time, with technology company Samsung, will mount a projection very special cover of magic, the recently opened Capital City Council.

Young and old, may have before his eyes, an incredible toy factory coming to life on the walls of the famous building.

The account, named " The three stars of Christmas "-according to the company that made mention of the video-mapping-4D is a milestone in the joint development of the festival from a technological corporation and the municipality.

The opening of this festive season, will also present the magic of children's literature through reading the Christmas story that would be a winner in the competition launched in schools in Madrid.

The evening was crowned by a beautiful choreographed fireworks will light up the sky with hundreds of shapes and colors.

Beautiful Christmas lights

This year, artistic lighting developed in the streets of Madrid, back to catch the attention of visitors.

While there is no news regarding the designs of the previous year, as already stated will be placed in the festivities past, the beautiful lights, seek to encourage commercial activity in the area with its appeal.

Thus, again, important designers graphic, designers and architects of our country, again wear this great gateway to be the streets.

Some of the major artists participating in the light decoration of the city, are:

Purification Garcia, Angel Schlesser, Ana Locking, Hannibal Laguna, Juanjo Oliva, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Juan Duyos, Amaya Arzuaga, Sergio Sebastian, as well as the architects Ben Busche and Teresa Sapey with designer Roberto Turégan.

A Christmas sustainable

The proposal of the City of Madrid, is aligned with the needs of the mother earth. So much so, that to carry out the great design lighting with which adorn the streets of Madrid, has prepared an environmental installation.

Today, the technology known as LED, allows the installation of a large number of lamps (3.8 million) with a consumption considerably low.

Consequently, the power required for this great show, is reduced in a significant percentage. This results in less consumption energy and great a savings economy.

Some other scheduled activities

Within the full program of activities provided by the City Council of Madrid, you can find:

Nativity, musicals, theater plays, exhibitions and the familiar procession of the Kings on January 5 at 18:30 pm.

See you in Madrid to enjoy a beautiful Christmas !

Mussorie Vacation Packages

2011-10-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

Mussoorie Hills is the best resort destinations which is located at the height of 2500 mts in the Garhwal hills. This beautiful place is 34 kms away from Dehradun and universally known as the Queen of Hills. Mussoorie name is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found here in great quantity. Mussoorie is one the beautiful hill stations in India which is widely famous for its cool climate. The climate of the place is very cool and the best season is to visit the place is April to June and September to November. In Mussorie the visits can come and see the hills which are major attraction of the place. Moreover the visitors can come and enjoy the Trekking which is conducted in Dehradun- Mussorie Trekking. Part from adventurous activities the tourists can visit the major Hindu pilgrimage sites like Gangotri, Yamunotri Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar, Rishikesh and many more. This place is the most desired holiday destinations of India which provides excellent relief to people who to spent time is peace and get relaxed. Further, in this place one can buy the best household items of wood which will add beatifications to your interior decoration. Besides visiting so many things one explore several European schools, which were started during the colonial period and the schools still retains it quality and educational performance. This hill station gradually developed as a center of education, where if one will come here, they can find some of the oldest and best boarding schools. In addition, the place is centrally located from where one can easily come and see the beautiful places; the town is well connected by road, air and Railways and as it is well connected one can easily avail resorts and hotels to stay where they will get complete amenities.

Mussoorie is located in the lap of hills’ and Snow Mountains, where people can come and enjoy the cool weather.

Hill Station Train Tours

2011-09-08T00:26:00.000-07:00

India has mesmerized the imagination of the domestic tourists in general and international tourists in special with its railway network ranking second largest in the world. The unique part of this Indian Railway network is its provision of hill stations tours by trains. Some of these hill station trains are also known as Toys Trains of India. However, India has over 63,000 Km of track laid between 7000 stations divided into 9 Zones - Western, Central, Eastern, Northern, North Eastern, Northeast Frontier, Southern, South Central and South Eastern.

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) connects the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with the hill station of Darjeeling. On the way, it passes the most breathtaking scenery and climbs to a height of 7400 feet at Ghum (the highest station in India and the second highest in the world), from where glimpses of the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga are visible on clear days.

2. The Kangra Valley Railway
No one could have thought of making a finer selection of territory for building a new mountain railway in India than the Kangra valley. Few places can match this scenic region in the sub-Himalayas. One will stumble across a land that has cast its magic spell upon those who planned the railway and those who built the line. The Kangra Valley Railway presents to the traveler, a chance to gaze as long as he likes on the ever present panorama of snow-clad ranges and the gold green fields without being swung round every few minutes on a narrow are before his eyes can greet the scenery. March and April are the best months to visit the valley when it is covered with wild Rambler Roses, Oleanders, Rhododendron and fruit blossoms.

3. Kalka - Shimla Railway
The Kalka-Shimla Railway with 96.54 kilometer line offers a panoramic feast to experience the grandeur of the picturesque Himalayas from the Shivalik foot hills at Kalka to several important points such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Summerhill, Shimla and beyond up to the silvery snow line near the towering peaks. It runs through 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, only one of which is a 60 feet plate girder span and a steel truss. The others are viaducts with multi-arched galleries like the ancient Roman aqueducts.

4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), the only rack railway in India and uses Abt system, connects the town of Mettupalayam with the hill station of Udagamandalam, in the Nilgiri Hills of southern India. Both towns are in the state of Tamil Nadu. Snaking through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges, the climb offers breathtaking vistas of plantation and fir-clad hills.

5. Matheran Light Railway
Matheran means “The Wooded Head" or the jungle topped. Over its length of 19.97 Kilometers, there are 221 curves, the sharpest being 1270 equal to 18.25 m., 121 bridges, only one tunnel and a steep winding gradient. Neral, the starting station of this line, falls nearly midway on the Mumbai-Pune route of the central railway. The journey up to Matheran from Neral takes about one-and-a-half hours

Ayurveda Holidays in India

2011-09-07T02:50:00.000-07:00

1.Ayurveda Holidays in North India

India is known for the ancient science of Ayurvedic treatment which attracted the tourist from all over the world for Ayurvedic holidays in North India. Some of the famous attractions of North India Ayurvedic holidays are Rishikesh, Agra, Jaipur, Shimla, Amritsar, Udaipur and Ranthambore. North India Ayurvedic holidays are popular for aromatic massages, herbal oil massages, milk baths, Jacuzzi, steam baths, sauna, body scrubs and face and body wraps. Ayurveda holidays in north India is also famous for various Ayurvedic resorts like Ayurveda holidays Ananda in the Himalayas, Ayurveda holidays Devigarh Resort in Udaipur, Ayurveda holidays in Jai Mahal Spa in Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur, Ayurveda holidays in Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, Ayurveda holidays in Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambore, Ayurveda holidays in Royal Spa, Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, Ayurveda holidays in SVAASA - Sunny View Arya Spa in Amritsar, Ayurveda holidays in Tejas Spa, Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi and Ayurveda holidays in wildflower hall in Shimla.

2.Ayurveda holidays in South India

South India is considered as the major hub of Ayurveda holidays which attracted the tourists from all over the world for its various tourists destinations based on Ayurveda like south Indian Ayurveda holidays in the picturesque landscapes of Kerala, Bangalore, Cochin, Calicut, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Alleppey and Trivandrum. Among all the tourist destinations for Ayurveda holidays of south India Kerala is renowned all over the world for some of its fine Ayurvedic resorts and clinic which lure plenty of tourists every year. Some of the famous tourist destinations of Ayurveda holidays in south India are Trivandrum, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Ernakulum, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Kottayam, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Idukki, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Thrissur, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Alappuzha (Alleppey), Ayurveda holidays of south India in Kovalam, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Kozhikode, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Kumarakom, Ayurveda holidays of south India in Palakkad and Ayurveda holidays of south India in Thiruvananthapuram.

Tower of London

2011-07-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

If you are going to make a trip to London this summer, you may already be thinking about what to visit. London is one of those cities you can not do everything, and where you really need to plan ahead what you want to see and do. It is also one of those cities where it's worth getting online and advance tickets to various attractions. Sometimes this will let you get a discount. In other cases, even if the price is the same or very similar to what you pay for entry into the attraction itself, book your ticket online saves you the time would have to wait in line to get their input on the same day your visit.

This is also the case for the Tour at the Tower of London , we offer today. You can book your pass to see all the best the best of this attraction, a favorite of those who make tourism in London. This ticket allows you to save a few pounds for the cost of your admission ticket and you can enter the Tower of London through the line quickly , without having to wait longer in line with all those who still have to pay for his ticket. Especially for summer visits when he can get very crowded with tourists in London, our tickets to " skip row "for the Tour at the Tower of London are the best option to visit this attraction.

If you do not know much about the Tower of London, is an old building in the city of London, which opened in the eleventh century, more specifically, in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Successive monarchs worked in the modification, renewal and extension of this tower, which is listed as a World Heritage Site.

The strength of the Tower of London is incredible and allows you to make an imaginary journey into the past of England. The Tower of London and its ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, many of which will be revealed during his visit to London. The gardens are a multitude of crows pampered while the crown jewels shine in fortified vaults.

Considered one of the world's most famous fortresses, the Tower of London is about 900 years of history are revealed within its walls. During his tour at the Tower of London you can learn all about this place so special and different uses in the story. At various times, and in some cases with overlapping features, the tower served as a fortress, a royal palace as a place of execution, a prison, such as mint, a menagerie, and as an arsenal.

There's plenty to see and do during a tour of the Tower of London . Inside the tower you can find variety of permanent collections and buildings to visit as well as special activities, events and exhibitions throughout the year. Your ticket for the tour of the Tower of London includes admission to most of these events and various special activities.

So what is included in the tour of the Tower of London? Here's a rundown of the best things you can see during your visit to the Tower of London

• Your tour of the Tower of London includes a visit to the Jewel House, where you can see the crown jewels used and preserved by the sovereign of Great Britain. This stunning room will be allowed to look at the historic diamonds that are part of the royalties that are used when a new king is crowned in the UK. A total of 23,578 gems make these crown jewels. The collection is very special and is, therefore, carefully guarded by an armed guard.

• The White Tower is one of the visits are also included in the tour at the Tower of London. During the reign of William the Conqueror (from 1066MHz to 1087), the Tower of London had its beginning as a fortress and a royal palace. The White Tower, former home of William, now houses the different armor from the Royal Armouries collection. There you can see historic instruments of torture, as well as some armor as the famous Henry VIII.

• Tour of 'Beefeater' or Yeoman Warder, also part of his tour of the Tower of London is a guided tour led by a Yeoman Guardian. These people, popularly known as 'Beefeaters', are the ceremonial guards of the Tower of London. The Beefeaters will keep you entertained with his stories of executions, intrigue, torture, betrayal, imprisonment, passion, pain and much more. Arrogance and a smile of these guards, and how they articulate their positions as they tell these stories, make this tour an unforgettable experience. This is one of the most popular and famous excursions from those offered in the Tower of London. The tour of the Beefeaters is done every day, at intervals of every half hour from the opening of Tower of London and until 3.30 pm in summer and 2.30 pm during the winter. The tour lasts 60 minutes or so, and the meeting point to start the walk takes place at the main entrance of the Tower of London.

• Some of the most famous Tower of London ravens are also guardians of the Tower. Legend says that if the six ravens depart from the Tower of London would be the end and fall of both the Tower and around the UK. On arrival at the Tower of London, ask for "guidance of the Tower Ravens," which will be provided free of charge to the mere presentation of their ticket. Then the attempt to find and discover the charms of these crows while doing his tour of the different areas of the Tower of London.

• The Medieval Palace: With its stunning interiors, a visit to the medieval palace in the Tower of London allows you to discover what life was like in those days, and experience the aromas and sounds of medieval life in this house, that gives little luxury is in relation to the time period it belongs to.

• In the past, high-ranking personalities were executed in the Tower of London, specifically on the Green Tower. It was there that many of the familiar characters from the history of the United States died after the issuing of the order to kill them. Three queens of England are on the list of those executed in the Tower Green: The second wife of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, which had about thirty at the time of his execution - the fifth wife of Henry VIII, Catherine Howard - she, with just over twenty years when the execution took place -, and Lady Jane Grey, who was only 16 years ... when it is executed (!!!!)!

• Speaking of Lady Jane Grey, do not forget to visit his graffiti and learn about it. Lady Jane Grey was queen for only nine days, after which he was first imprisoned and later executed in the Tower of London. But is it possible that at this time has left a graffiti on the stone? Visit the Tower of London to find out!

• The exhibition of prisoners is an interactive display for the whole family, where children and adults can explore the stories of people who were imprisoned in the Tower of London at different times since the beginning of the tower and along its history.

• If both tour, walking tour starts and give it a little peckish, you can shop around New Armouries restaurant (in Spanish: "New Armor". If you visit the Tower of London with his family, you can take advantage of supply of good family meal. This is by buying a main meal for an adult will receive a 50% discount on up to three plates of food for children.

• After eating, and if you feel a little crowded, you can relax in a walk through the east wall of the Tower of London. In this case, you can start from the Torre de la Sal in the courtyard, enjoying the beautiful views of the city of London and explore the four towers and the massive defensive wall or curtain inside.

If you have any questions while doing his tour of the Tower of London, you will be more than welcome to come Yeoman guards or keepers of the White Tower Jewel House at any time during your visit. They are ready and willing to respond with joy to all your questions.

The Tour of the Tower of London, we are offering right now is basically a ticket that allows you to "jump the line." By purchasing this ticket on our website, you can go directly to the group ticket window at the Tower of London. This way you can avoid the queue and does not waste your valuable vacation time. As explained above, this becomes especially useful for a city like London where there is plenty to do and tourist always feels like you do not have enough time on it. With our ticket for the Tour of the Tower of London, the entry procedure is quick and easy. Moreover, as you have to check out our detailed list of things to do in the Tower of London, all internal admission tickets - once you buy our ticket to enter the Tower - included in the ticket price .

This is a simple entrance ticket + sautéed row ticket, so no shuttle service to and from hotel included. You need to find their way to the tower, which is easy to find if you follow the River Thames. The Tower of London is on the eastern edge of the city of London. It's right next to the River Thames, next to the famous Tower Bridge (in English: Tower Bridge).

You can visit the Tower of London at any time during opening hours. From 1 March to 31 October, the Tower of London is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5.30 pm. On Sundays and Mondays, the Tower is open from 9 am to 5.30 pm. Please note the time of the last admission is at 5 o'clock pm, although we recommend having at least 3 hours to fully enjoy your tour at the Tower of London.

In winter, from November 1st to the 28th of February, the Tower is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday and Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The schedule of the last entry in the winter is at 4 hours, but once again, we recommend staying there for three hours. There are many things to visit in the Tower of London, and it will not be able to see everything.

The tower is wheelchair accessible and is a great option to visit with his family while doing family tourism in London. The cost of the tour at the Tower of London ticket "skipping the line" will also save you some money. Each ticket costs £ 18.00 for adults, or the equivalent of € 20.40. Reduction is applied to older adults (60 to 99 years old) who pay £ 15.50 or € 17.57. Children 5 to 15 years of age (inclusive) pay £ 9.50 or € 10.77. In addition, infants and toddlers up to 4 years old may enter free with accompanying adults.

Your ticket to the Tour at the Tower of London includes a guided tour by the tour or Yeoman Warder 'Beefeater' tour in the White Tower, the historical setting that occur in vivo, the entrance to the exhibition on prisoners Tower and much more, including also all that mentioned above. What is not included in the ticket are food and beverages, gratuities, which are always optional and lending of audio guides, which can apply in their own tower for about 4 pounds.

If you are on a trip to London, especially if you are taking your children with you on this trip, the tour at the Tower of London is one the whole family will enjoy. Buying your ticket in advance will save you time and money, which will be appreciated by even enjoy your trip to London. See you soon in London!

Palitana Temple in Shatrunjaya

2011-06-07T03:05:00.000-07:00

Near the town of Palitana are the hills of Shatrunjaya, One of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Jain faith. Palitana is located in the district Bhavnagar about 50 km southwest of Bhavnagar city. In a number of accommodation (dharmashalas) in Palitana town pilgrims and tourists find accommodation.

In the Temple City Shatrunjaya is one of the biggest tourist attractions is definitely in Gujarat. To the temples, between the 11th and 17 Century were built to go, you have to beat around 4,000 steps over 3.5 km.

Please note that no one is allowed to stay after sunset on the hill, even the priests retire to their monasteries and leave the gods alone among themselves. The more than 1,000 temples on the hill are mostly made of exquisite marble.
Getting there

Flights are available to our research, to follow only between Mumbai (Bombay) and 50km away Bhavnagar. After Palitana you will then local trains. Bhavnagar itself is next to the aircraft via Mumbai (Bombay) But also easily accessible by train. Direct connections from Palitana to Mumbai (Bombay) and Ahmedabad are being planned. Of course there are also bus and taxi connections between Bhavnagar and Palitana. The bus station in Palitana is situated at a 800 meters from the station.

The canals of Zhouzhuang

2011-05-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

Big cities Chinese , can scare the tourists. They tend to be noisy, sometimes chaotic. Although many such features found in any city with an air of cities on the planet, the Chinese cities seem to reflect the vibrant spirit of the economy booming, the constant changes in infrastructure and works that do not seem to end.

On the contrary we find in Zhouzhuang (English link). To begin with, is a charming town, not a big city. But the main difference with the cities of China , is that in Zhouzhuang are not passed over obsessed with the heritage of the past. To make matters worse, the town is famous for its canals , which have earned him fame as the " Venice "of the East.

The first surprise, will meet the boats are a great way to travel in a city where the houses tend to have a ladder to die in the channels.

The situation of the city in an area of rivers, canals and isolated, has served to preserve it intact and nothing changes too. There is no shortage of picturesque stone bridges, boats that make gondolas, and above all, the atmosphere of the China traditional seems difficult to discover. Zhouzhuang is one of the attractions of the area east of the country, both to live with the risk becoming an "urban theme park."

Still time to enjoy it, and for that, you can walk in wooden boats canal tour, visiting the lake, ancient temples, historical monuments, cross the bridges that have carried pictures of Chen Yifei , and hopefully, attend the Festival of lanterns a couple of weeks after the Chinese New Year.

Zhouzhuang is very near to Shanghai , so well worth a trip of one day (or better, with a complimentary night). Located in the province of Jiangsu , in the basin of Lake Taihu , and more than 3,000 years of history as a community is without doubt one of the traditional jewelry of China.

Ellora Caves

2011-05-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

Ellora Caves are one of the greatest wonders that India cherishes. No wonder they have been declared World Heritage Site. Nor is that they are in the state of Maharashtra, as in remote geological times a volcano in the region spent centuries vomiting lava. All the Deccan, the great plateau that stretches for much of the state, is covered with basalt, a soft stone that is left consistent styling with ease. The rest I put the religious fervor and artistry of the masons.

The abrupt abandonment of the cave temples Ajanta coincides with the flowering of Ellora, which nobody seems to have studied in depth, but that suggests a cause and effect relationship, as both sites were within a hundred miles away and linked by an important caravan route.

It also coincides with the beginning of the decline of Buddhism in Western India, fractured into multiple schools and doctrines that ended confusing to staff, and causing the return of Hinduism, the religion Florida mother, of which Buddhism is only a variant. Do not forget that Buddha, like Jesus in his time, never tried to create a new religion, but to systematize and providing a practical character to spread teachings of Brahmanism.

Unlike other notable caves used as religious shrines in India, Ajanta Ellora caves are unique because they represent the country's three major religions, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, which is an extraordinary case of ecumenism. Together, but no riots, Buddhist caves, Hindu and Jain Ellora realize the wealth of a country's ancient religious, but also of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between different faiths that has traditionally characterized the Indian people. And I emphasize what the 'traditional', because in the past by conflict between Muslims and Hindus appear to have put paid to that splendid old tolerance.

Istria a Perfect Getaway

2011-04-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

Crowning the hills medieval villages, Roman ruins of the size of the amphitheater of Pula and a handful of beautiful fishing villages on the shores of a sea await you in this incredibly intact peninsula on the Croatian coast that some compare.

This peninsula in northern Croatia, the largest on the Adriatic, in fact comprises two universes. One would be the Blue Istria bathe more than 500 kilometers of coastline, dotted with small doors and beautiful cities fishing tradition as Rovinj, villa with more soul, But also modern marinas where yachts dock and, of course, beaches, more often rocky and sandy platforms. On the other hand would be the Green Istria from within montuno, adorned with medieval villages that crown the top of the hills between the towns of cypress trees, vineyards and olive trees that come to remember those of Tuscany.

Any Istria, located on the border with northern Italy, is flavored well monuments that were first bequeathing to history along the myriad of peoples who passed through here: Roman treasures the likes of Pula Amphitheatre, Byzantine churches and the Basilica of Porec Eufrasiana, Declared a World Heritage Site, and all an exciting network of fortified towns by the Serenissima Republic of Venice Maritime, which dominated the peninsula a handful of centuries. Among them are indispensable, the very photogenic Groznjan and MotovunThat rival the old town of Rovinj to be the favorite destination for travelers with taste.

One evening in this fishing village on foot from Batanes port or opening its steep cobbled passage, the festivals, art galleries and terraces each wave the quiet summer life of his most famous medieval towns, or high food chaired by the truffles that are born in the forests and marshes freshest fish and giving the Adriatic. This is one of the most appetizing ingredients to taste in Istria, a part of Croatia which fortunately suffered little in its territory the consequences of war in the former Yugoslavia and, as the conflict ended, he returned to become the secret voices that it was long before known among Central desperate for sun.

Even in summer the majority is concentrated in areas such as beach tourism tremendously near Umag, Porec, Pula, the coast of Istria also hides much more solitary settings even during a season high, as they dispense the coves between rocky areas and pine, the out beautiful Kamenjak, Among many other corners of all virgins who are the delight of many nudists who, for decades, they are legion in these parts.

And if most of Istria Italian influence is felt to the point that much of the population is fully bilingual, in the last corner of the peninsula will not miss this unusual jewel is the aristocratic city of Opatija, Adorned by elegant summer villas that elites of the Austro-Hungarian erected in the days of the belle epoque, as often now transformed glamorous hotels.

PRACTICAL GUIDE

Best season
Most visitors come in summer, in addition to the historical legacy of Istria, enjoy the sea and beaches. But spring and fall are less crowded, more enjoyable. In winter, many places are closed and the raw months become very cold.

Where to sleep
The offer is huge: from rental apartments and villas to campsites and camper-very popular here thanks to the Central-or modest guest houses or sobes. More unusual, the chance to stay in fog in some parts of the coast And those looking for big hotels with all amenities, one of the 19 establishments in Umag chain Sol Melia, Among which the Sol Garden Istra, which in 2009 won for the second consecutive award as the best hotel of the year in four-star category.

Where to eat
The above hotels Valsabbion San Rocco and also host a first class restaurants. Most famously, the prohibitive Zigante of Livade, truffle specialties appetizers to desserts, although they have much more charm others like Blu Puntulina (Svetog Kriza, 38), along the cliffs of Rovinj, or just six tables Stare Uzance the taverna, easy to find in the old part of town of Premantura (near the Cape Kamenjak) with a small but delicious menu, and allow testing of the most tender beef or boskarin native.

Do not miss
Seafood restaurants along the small fishing port of Moscenicka Draga, Riviera Opatija, or browse the spectacle of the nearby Bay of Kvarner, with authentic paradises as near Mali Losinj.

Affordable Romantic Getaways

2011-04-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

Family Travel at low cost are some of the tours takes more accepted each year. Just as families are very interested in finding an escape that are reasonably priced. Planning such a trip is easy when you choose a destination. Cities like Boston and Seattle offers tourists with a wonderful holiday. These are known for their homes, in addition to its scenic attractions. An additional destination you should consider is Las Vegas. The metropolitan has luxury hotels with magnificent bars. It is possible to organize a romantic getaway within reach of Las Vegas.

The city offers vacationers a wide range of exciting free entertainment. These sites allow families to get pleasure from what the city has to file, while saving cash. With the savings of such sites, you can indulge on other travel components. Many people choose to settle in one of the selections are wonderful hotel in Las Vegas. Many of the big deals in the metropolis also have major hotel casinos. The Paris Las Vegas is one of those amazing opportunities.

Paris is actually one of the most well-liked around the world. Often known as the city of lights. The tourists are happy to get that travel at low cost can be obtained in Paris. There are twenty separate districts in this amazing metropolis. Depending on the part of the metropolis you prefer, you will be able to find affordable accommodation. When you have booked hotel of your choice, you can concentrate on the sights.

The Eiffel Tower is actually one of the world's known attractions. An additional supply is established in this place for art lovers is the Louvre. Along with these attractions, bars provide vacationers with the possibility of testing the Parisian fashion. Spicy located at 8 Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt is a pleasant restaurant. By style coffee served to customers. You can feast for breakfast every day and the banquet on Sunday. This city is associated with the exceptional cuisine, along with professional chefs.

Belgium is one of the breathtaking destinations in Europe for guests to travel around. There are more impressive here to decide. Magnificent cities such as Brussels, antwerp and Bruges offers visitors with remarkable parody of Belgium. Although this nation has been prodigal, budget travel can be planned here the simple procedure that involves examining your travel packages information. Once you have settled into a metropolis in particular to visit, you are required to get the rooms that are ideal for you.

These offers made global tourists staying in hotel chains that are well-liked. Many of these chains provide travelers with affordable accommodations to choose from. When you save on your accommodation, you are able to splurge on other components of your trip. If you are planning a short trip, you might want to take advantage of lush property.

Palace on Wheels

2011-04-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those people who travel by train still retains a certain aura of romance? Would you know a fascinating and complex country like India one of the most luxurious trains in the world?

Of the total of four luxury trains operating in India, Palace on Wheels is by far the best known and most popular. Its tradition dates back to the former ruler of the principalities of Rajasthan, have already traveled the distance in the feudal car. 1982 was converted into a comfortable hotel train whose carriages have been replaced in 1991 by a new train. This was, however, restored since then no more. This gives the Palace on Wheels on the one hand its incomparable charm leads, but also cause many travelers to him as "a bit worn" feel. A tourism expert judged it this way: "You either love him or you are disappointed."

The equipment of the cabins is demanding
In 14 cars, four berths are accommodated. In each cabin there are a total of about eight square meters of two adjacent single beds. A third is on demand for example for children. Each of the 52 compartments has its own toilet, a shower and a sink. The price depends on the time to go: During September and April (low season) you pay per person in a double cabin for eight days seven nights 1860 € currently. every passenger has to shell out at least € 2420 - In the high season (March to October). The trip to the Palace on Wheels is an all-inclusive offer:

Two restaurants will delight your palate with International cuisine
This lavish ambience, but in each of the two cars only room for 32 people. Therefore, it is asked in two "layers" on a rotation basis to the table. The dinner consists of the rich offerings of Indian, Chinese and European cuisine. All meals and all non-alcoholic drinks are included in the cruise price. The day trips and entrance fees are appropriate on this trip all-inclusive. Additional costs are incurred only for alcoholic beverages and for taking pictures or video recordings for visiting many places of interest. The "Palace on Wheels' also has a bar car, in a small library is integrated.

The excursion takes you to the tourist attractions of the area travel
As the train glides into seven nights between the eight cities approached the rails, you can experience the magic of the day in India on long trips. Organised visits are so extensive that by the way is hardly time to start beyond autonomous units. Nevertheless, it creates no hassle, and it is also not forced to participate in guided tours. ( medieval city of Provins )

The first goal of the trip is the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan Jaipur. Here, first visited the city palace and then a star observatory. Then there is the landmark of the city, the "Palace of Winds. After lunch at a local luxury hotel you go to and visit the world famous Amber Fort Palace, with its unique mirror rooms.

The "Golden City" Jaisalmer attracts the next day. The houses of the 12th to 15 Century are a real open air museum. Afternoon awaits travelers a camel safari through the desert and in the evenings watching the sunset a breathtaking spectacle.

The fourth day of travel out to the desert oasis of Jodhpur. Visit including a large fort with several palaces, which is built on a 120 meter high sand hill. In addition, a detailed tour of the "blue city" offered their name from the color of most houses. After a sumptuous lunch in a luxury hotel of the Palace on Wheels is in the afternoon his journey on rails.

The first goal of the next day, the city is Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to the world famous Ranthambore National Park. Gazelles, hyenas, crocodiles and even tigers can be enjoyed here in the wild. Then the trip will continue in the late morning to visit the ruined city of Chittaurgarh.

Udaipur is located on the shore of shimmering Lake Pichola and is also called "Venice of the East". It is one of the most romantic cities in the state of Rajasthan and a popular place for artists.

A full program on the seventh day of the trip: visiting a palace in Bharatpur First and straight into the local National Park. Not only more than 250 bird species, but also snakes, exotic fish and monkeys to be discovered here. In the afternoon we reached Agra in the seventh wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, the symbol of all lovers. An absolute must for all travelers to India.

The next morning reached the Palace on Wheels Delhi is back and the trip ended.The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels can match has not really connected to the Palace on WheelsThis brand new luxury train was first put into operation in October 2008 and operates on the same course as his older rival. Although it has a spa car has its own spa on wheels and offers of technical equipment for some of you better comfort. The compartments are in the area made more generous. The more than 50 percent higher cruise prices, however, such excessive, that the offer of holiday previously thought little.

The only one of four luxury trains in the country, he is booked constantly. One should therefore seek to ensure where possible a year before departure for a reservation. The route is the same for every run. It starts from September to April every Wednesday afternoon in Delhi and ends here eight days later, again in the morning. Between May and August navigate the Palace on Wheels.

Aesthetic Tourism India

2011-03-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

A mysterious and tourist country like India, also had to develop as a destination for tourism aesthetic in the world.

This is due to the large colony of India community currently residing in the United States, especially in the city of Houston.

This relationship between Houston and India said more and more Americans choose India as an option to perform cosmetic surgery .

The familiarity of the United States to India, led to a relationship of trust, which put India as a serious option for beauty treatments done abroad.

In this regard, India has become a new country enters the game for medical tourism . And no wonder, an operation in India can cost 10 times less than it costs in the United States.

In addition, for centers for beauty treatments or for cosmetic implants in India are highly respected, as are first class. The professionals in charge of operations are renowned, so do not be afraid for his health.

The growth of India as a destination for tourism aesthetic is amazing and is expected in the next five to ten to become a center of medical tourism world's busiest.

This without taking into account the thousands of options to meet India in cities such as Colaba, Elephanta Island, Varanasi, Calcutta, Bangalore, Chennai, Angra, monuments in Bombay and the Taj Mahal. You can also visit the facilities of Bollywood, the largest film producer in the world.

Sahakari Spice Plantation in Goa

2011-03-14T02:27:00.000-07:00

If you travel to Goa and is looking for a real knowledge of the culture of Goa, then devotes a day to visit the Sahakari Spice Plantation is the perfect way to experience and embrace the passion of the province of spices in India.

Sahakari Spice Plantation Tours
With a stunning backdrop, first impressions of the plantation of spices are nothing less than spectacular. Cross the rickety bridge that divides the river something quaint and deeper into the jungle where the spice plantation built. Once AOVE taken in all the sights and sounds around the plantation, leaving the other three senses stimulated, while Aore be guided through a tour of the plantation itself.

The English-speaking tour guides inform and entertain you in everything you can about the daily events in which provides.During Sahakari Spice plantation tour, you know, spirits, Feni, made from the juice treaties by the cashews. Feni contains about 40-45% alcohol, you know, try it!

Even for travelers who enjoy a cigarette, which that the pure snuff grown on the plantation, and only 20 rupees, you can wrap ten cigarettes authentic Goa in dried palm leaves. Al final de la Tour du be treated to an Indian meal "all-you-can-eat", where to sit, relax and stay in the relaxed atmosphere give planting.

Elephant trekking in the Sahakari Spice Plantation
Travelers can also enjoy the travel experience of an elephant through the outskirts of the spice plantation. There are three elephants (one male, one female and a baby) that are designed for fun only entertaining way. While the dominant male to ride most of the elephants, a baby elephant, the photo enthusiast with some wonderful photo opportunities, receiving training in elephant riding.

Female elephants can be ridden, but offers travelers the opportunity of your bathroom. Your guide will take you and the elephant in the shallow river, in bushes, in which, literally, give the elephant a good old-fashioned it is cleaned. The elephant is lying down and roll bathe them back, legs and even behind the ears so that your guide or taxi driver to take some memorable photos of the experience.

A guide to the beaches of India
The best part comes later, but! Once you know what the elephant AOVE a bath is ready, they will be asked to leave (and a friend if you want) to sit on your back. Aore Once securely fastened to the top of the elephant, the guide will ask you to face the other way. Why you ask?

Now, suddenly and without warning, in favor of the elephants from the shower to saturate as extravagant back with his trunk. Unexpected, yes! What can be expected that the links are completely soaked. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a link or connection with the elephant, and certainly remain in the memory of your trip to Goa.

Sahakari Spice Plantation Prices
Entry into the Sahakari Spice Plantation, which is 400 Indian rupees (excluding transportation to and from the planting of species). Included in the ticket price is a one-hour tour of the spice plantation, opportunities to buy products of the plantation itself, and a free lunch, where many of the spices used in preparing the banquet of India.

Rajasthan Tourism all Inclusive

2011-03-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

Rajasthan is a land blessed by the multi-function tourism. All possible types of tourism in Rajasthan. The desert makes it a tourist destination in terms of wildlife. The costs of stretches of desert that tourists enjoy visiting the safari in the desert and the desert. The colorful culture and tradition, with fairs and festivals of cultural tourism makes it a possibility in this rural land. Forte huge and beautiful buildings that visitors experience historic journey.

There is also a hill station in Rajasthan. You can experience nature tourism, rural tourism, tribal tours, city tours, etc. in real state. With so many options for tourism, you can explore the various facets of Rajasthan.

To enjoy the experience of the desert to visit the popular national parks and nature reserves of the state. There are several wildlife destinations in Rajasthan as it is rich in flora and fauna. Ranthambhore National Park, Sanctuary of Mount Abu, Sariska Tiger Reserve Desert National Park Keoladeo Ghana National Park, etc., are popular destinations for wildlife tour of Rajasthan, India. You can go to circuit tour to explore the beautiful wilderness of the arid desert of Rajasthan and experience the desert safari in Rajasthan.

This concert circuit that tourists explore three major cities of Rajasthan that are hard in the Thar Desert. These cities are Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur. Camel Safari is very famous in Bikaner. People can also see the unique lifestyle of the tribes of Rajasthan. There are many tribal people through the Thar Desert. Sam and Khuri tour to see the impressive sand dunes. You will feel the essence of culture and the timeless tradition of Rajasthan. No show of popular music will be organized for you. Enjoy the music around the fire.

Rajasthan is famous for its fairs and festivals pompous. Visit was the right time to experience the true culture. People show great ecstasy cultural fairs and festivals. Elephant Festival, Teej, Camel Fair, etc., are very popular in Rajasthan. Visit the rustic interior villages to see the true face of Rajasthan. Rajasthan show all facets of life. You may feel a burning sensation in the village life of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan tourism is very famous for its forts and palaces. There are many forts and palaces of Rajasthan. These ramparts are magnificent historic and a living example of the past life of luxury gold and Rajasthan. Mount Abu is the only hill station in the dry state.

You can visit these places to visit in Rajasthan and explore all facets of the site with a right Rajasthan tour package. package tours available to explore the many fascinating aspects of Rajasthan tourism. Car Rental in Rajasthan India is also ideal for visiting the main attractions. You can rent a car and wander through all the popular sites of the imperial state.

Wildlife Tourism in India

2011-03-09T02:03:00.000-08:00

This article increases understanding of the activities of wildlife Holidays India, tourism industry in India has begun to offer different packages of wildlife for your guests so they can explore and experience the nature of the provision in every corner of India.

With its varied topography, the Indian subcontinent is a land of unparalleled natural treasures. The largest green roof in India offers nature lovers forest reserves other than watch the wild animal world, where survival "of the fittest theory applies.

Due to different climatic conditions and different geographical, India is the second largest country in the world has been blessed with the flora and fauna. India has a long list of 350 species of mammals, 1,200 species of birds and several species of reptiles, amphibians and plants. 441 nature reserves and 80 national parks in India offer a refuge to a wide variety of animals. Bengal tigers and elephants in India are available in almost all regions of India.

However, because of the illegal activities of anti-social elements and the environment, some species of exotic wildlife of our country are enrolled in the critically endangered, the category of endangered and vulnerable species. Lately, the Indian government has realized the importance of these treasures wild and began to take concrete measures for the conservation and preservation of wildlife. He established strict laws as an act of protection of fauna and many others, to punish those who have been poaching, hunting, etc.

Today, the tourism industry in India has prepared packages of wildlife for travelers to explore the house for many wild animals in India, taking into account the legacy of a rich fauna and comfort of ants in the legs. Wildlife Tourism in India, including nature photography, bird watching, safari, elephant safari, jeep safari, jungle camping, ecotourism and many other interesting things. A journey of wildlife in India is an excellent opportunity to enjoy these exciting activities.

Wildlife Safari in the jungle is one of the best options offered many opportunities for travelers to explore and discover the wild world of wildlife. Safari offers a great opportunity to see these wild animals a little more. On a jungle safari can always in the middle of the lap of nature while enjoying the serene beauty of the jungle. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries that are famous for exciting safaris in the jungle are Jim Corbett National Park Sunderbans National Park, etc.

Elephant Safari is another major attraction of the activities of wildlife tourism in India. Elephant acts as the perfect vehicle for travel between the tall grass of the great forests and swamps in India, where the jeep not. The best wildlife parks wildlife elephants in India are the Kaziranga National Park, Manas Tiger Reserve to see one-horned rhino and Bengal tigers owners, respectively. Even Periyar National Park is an excellent site for the elephant safari that elephants are abundant.

Tiger Safari: In 1973 the then government of India launched Project Tiger to safeguard and increase the population of tigers in India, in several wildlife sanctuaries in India. Government of India has created a special habitat for tiger conservation. Safari tiger in its habitat are offered an excellent opportunity to admire the beauty of these magnificent large cats. Some of the most popular national parks in India, which is ideal for safaris tigers Bandhavgarh National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Panna National Park, etc.

Bird Watching: The sky is full of India in various colorful birds, some of which are migratory and residential. Bird watching is also an important part of wildlife tourism in India. India has a score of 1,200 species of birds in bird sanctuaries, in particular, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. These sanctuaries are the ideal destination for ornithologists and birdwatchers. Here you can spend hours in silence, listening to birdsong

Wildlife Photography: Indian wildlife sanctuaries are a delight for nature photographers. India national parks and nature reserves are one thing or another to give these photographers. nature photography is an art in itself and it must be looking for innovative exploration of these wild animals in their natural habitat. Even a beginner can afford WILDLIFE images. Some of the best places for wildlife photography in India, where you can capture the memories are the Gir National Park, the famous Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat, etc.

Eco-tourism: Last but not least is the eco-tourism, which is the latest addition to Eco tourism in India. This is a new concept that is still in its infancy. But gradually over time, India will surely emerge as a major ecotourism destination in the world tourist map. The ideology of the main eco-tourism is tourism in exotic destinations, without hampering the rich flora and fauna of the region. Ecotourism provides travelers a unique opportunity to spend some "in harmony with nature.

Exotic Destinations of India

2011-01-29T02:17:00.000-08:00

No doubt that when we think of an exotic destination, India can think of because it is a place that really calls attention to the differences so great about our country and that these differences are precisely what make us much more interested in India to enjoy a very special trip. Today travel to India is very simple and there are many tourists who visit India every year to discover this country so amazing and so different from other Asia countries.

India is always very good destination for adventurers and travelers who want to know every one of the many charms that you can offer this destination in Asia one of the countries with the most exotic of all that we are in this part of the world and offers many options for all tourists can enjoy during their trip to India, discovering its cuisine, natural areas and many other things. In this video we see a number of typical locations of India and it is wonderful to see these landscapes so beautiful and places as unique.

Many travelers and tourists coming to India do not want to miss the opportunity meet the great animals of the country, As is the case Bengal tigerOne of the big cats that we know in India and is one of those typically have the most terrifying legends and stories, mostly of deaths of these big cats, which are very beautiful in spite of wild animals and very dangerous.

These Bengal tigers usually attract much attention of all tourists who come to India and van in search of the nature of this country, its fauna and its flora, fauna usually draw much attention to the elephants and the famous Bengal tigers, a tiger you can see in this video and that are at less great to see them from afar. Surely you see video like these Bengal tigers fabulous, A large and very fierce animals too.

Rajasthan Exotic Destinations

One of the interesting cities to enjoy India is Jaipur, which is a City very traditional and worthwhile to find a nice place where we can discover many of the diverse nature of India, a traditional place where they still retain many ways, you can be watching over you Jaipur trip, Which is a city that should not be missed, especially if you want to enjoy an attractive travel.

Jaipur is always a destination where we see various monuments, sacred sites, beautiful landscapes and many other things. Jaipur In this video we will be able to enjoy much of what we offer this city and will be a good sign for those who want to enjoy much of an exotic, attractive and many places to discover. Jaipur is both a city for adventurers, for those looking for beautiful places in India and many other things. The video is well worth and also a city like Jaipur, because Insurance you'll be surprised.

Places to visit in India

2010-12-06T02:19:00.000-08:00

It is a country of diverse topographical features, from the legendary Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala, and the architectural splendours of Taj Mahal and Meenakshi temple.

For a traveller looking to quick travel options, these are two of my favorite must India visit places for a foreign tourist.

Goa
A former Portuguese settlement, Goa has the correct blend of old world Portuguese charms blended with the Indian coastal life. Situated on the West coast of India, Goa offers the ultimate beach experience. The lists of beaches are endless. One must visit the famous yet secluded Dona Paula beach, which draws its name from an old love story, It is where the two rivers of Goa meet the Arabian Sea. Chapora beach on the northern headland is a luxurious retreat in the shadow of an old Portuguese fort, the Chapora fort. Baga beach offers terrific night life as well, with a wide range of eating options and reasonably priced stays in the fishing village alongside the river. Anjuna beach, fringed by swaying coconut palms would be the choice of the yuppie generation, more so for the full moon parties.

Goa is well known for its colourful festivals. You get to see an amalgam of various cultures and religions, in the Hindu festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi , Shigmoutsav and Diwali, as well as the local Feast of Three Kings and San Joao festivals. Christmas time in Goa is packed choc-a-bloc with visitors from all over the world come to experience its exciting and vibrant ambience.

Of course, Goa is synonymous with its famous historic Goa Carnival, a week long festival of parades, song and dance, that has been a major tourist draw for long. The five-day long food festival is an excellent venue to dip into the Goan cuisine.

Goa is well known for its sea-food cuisine too. For those who cannot make it to the food festival, the many stalls and restaurants flanking the beaches offer excellent eating choices. The perfect way to wind down the evenings, are taking the river cruise down to the Sea, to the tune of local song and dance with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

Udaipur
The city of lakes, Udaipur, has a great deal to offer. On the historical and architectural front, the palaces, havelis and forts are a must see for every tourist. Udaipur offers plenty of experience to the tourist, with its many temples and museums.

For the outdoor lovers, the four lakes of Udaipur set amidst the deserts of Rajasthan may seem almost a miracle. There are various excursions on offer, to Haldighati, a historical battle site, Chittorgarh which has the famous Chittor fort, the beautifully sculptured Jain temples of Ranakpur and Kumbhagrah fort which has a wildlife sanctuary too.

The Gangaur and Teej festivals and the Mewar festival are unique colourful festive encounters that no traveller is likely to forget. The Shilpagram fair at the craftsmen village is a must visit to take away mementos of this vibrant beautiful place in India.

Top 10 Christmas Destinations

2010-10-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

The most popular destinations for Christmas is above all warm countries, but also snow-covered slopes are also included. The Christmas holiday is very much in vogue among the Germans.

The destinations for Christmas may be more geographically diverse. The Germans spend their Christmas holidays especially in hot countries. Especially when the temperatures colder and the days are shorter.

But there are also winter sports fans who are drawn to the mountains and the snow-covered slopes. Whether the sun and Beach or snow and ice: The free time before and after Christmas is the most popular time to visit.

In the following section, we introduce you to some destinations to Christmas before. The selection takes into account both sun lovers and winter sports fans.
Destinations for Christmas: This is how it is!

1 Dominican Republic
Christmas trips to the Dominican Republic are very popular. For the tourists expect white Beaches, Crystal-clear waters and an average temperature of 25 ° C. So you can still get through the holiday season quite well. If you book your Christmas holiday time, you get an all inclusive package.

2 Sri Lanka
If your Holidays spend Christmas in Sri Lanka, expect temperatures around 30 degrees. The fine sandy beach, crystal clear waters and palm trees can bear a summer feeling. Those who book early, a week, Sri Lanka gets discount.

3 Thailand
One of the most popular destinations for Christmas is Thailand. Many want to open their presents under the blue sky, sandy beach and at 30 ° C. Only the clear sea, offers a pleasant cooling. As the tour operator for the trend to spend the Christmas holiday in Thailand, have noticed the price for a week all inclusive vacation a little benefit.

4 Egypt
Even in the land of the pyramids you can spend a nice warm holiday for Christmas. You can sunbathe on the beach, bathe in the sea, ride on camels or explore the land of the Pharaohs.

5 Fuerteventura
With average temperatures of 20 ° C in December, Fuerteventura for Christmas is very pleasant. You can make long walks on the beach or explore the country. For the island of Fuerteventura is one of the places with the most beautiful beaches.

6 Turkey
The Christmas weather in Turkey is in contrast to other destinations rather cold. Because the average temperature is below 20 ° C and in the evening can sometimes slip into the single digits. However, it attracts many tourists in the Turkish Riviera.

7 Spain
Even a Christmas trip to Spain is rather cool, but still warmer than the cold Germany. The average temperature in December at 15 ° C. During the night, slipping the mercury in the single digits. But the tourists will be rewarded with a blue sky and a beautiful setting.

8 Germany
As a winter sports fan to pull a ski magically. And why not spend the winter holidays at home. For South and Central Germany are going on it beautiful resorts and drive optimal conditions for sledding, skiing and snowboarding.

9 Austria
For winter holidays, you can spend on the Austrian slopes. The province of Salzburg, Carinthia, Styria and Tyrol offer the best conditions for a nice winter vacation.

10 Switzerland
The ski slopes in the Switzerland in the Bernese Oberland, Grisons, Valais and Central Switzerland can be an every winter sports heart beat faster. The weather conditions in December are ideal for a ski or snowboard vacation.

Mauritius Vacation Excitement

2010-04-02T05:20:00.000-07:00

If day and night excitement is your definition of a pleasant trip, vacations Mauritius is the perfect place for you! You will find that Mauritius is a Holidays paradise buyer, one nightclubber's Dream, with not one moment of time, worn. This is one of the most exciting ways to get to know this lovely location endless hours of enjoyment that would seem almost custom-tailored just for you.

Mauritius has something to satisfy the tastes of each client's. Not only will you find beautiful, original products for themselves, but sure to select many others to buy as gifts. You can have a souvenir that will be perfect to display and lasting reminder of your vacation packages as well as items that are practical for use. Will be happily surprised to find a wide range of clothing, all at reasonable prices.

From beach-style clothes, assorted shirts and sweaters, there is much better clothes, all with a distinctive style of this island. Imagine the delight of friends and family when you bring home as a wonderful gift to all of them and the prices are so reasonable, you can easily do just that!Duty-free factor will also make a purchase fine jewelry joy for every buyer. You'll be amazed at the lowest cost of all these exceptional items, including diamond jewelry and watches. You will be able to deal with something extra-special, and select gifts for everyone on your list.

To add to the special day in your home, you will love the art you will find during your Mauritius vacation. You sure you want several pieces of that original works of art, in terms of prices, no need to limit choices.Mauritius is truly a buyer's Haven, but a pleasure trip will be more than twice when participating in its exciting nightlife. However long you plan to stay in this lovely place, will decide that it is not long enough, almost since you started to smell of all that is fun to offer!

What are your preferences in the night activities? Your Mauritius tours spot is full of opportunities! You'll find plenty of casinos where you can try your luck at roulette, black jack and other fun-filled games, and choose between the complex and tempting cuisine daily for many fine restaurants. You can also extend your nights in different clubs and nightclubs. Every minute will be filled to the brim with excitement!

If there is a lot of time, money keep active and not allowing time to break with nothing to do, Mauritius travel will more than exceed your expectations. Your days and nights will be packed with fun, from the days of browsing and buying in many stores to actively participate in the nightlife on the island. If fun is the word you want to be associated with your holiday, Mauritius is a destination for you!

Blue Safari Adventure in Mauritius
If you've never tried Blue Safari, you're in for a treat of your life! This is one of the most extraordinary activities that awaits you on your vacation Mauritius. This is an experience that you just have to try and once you have, this is something I will never forget!

The highlight of the Blue Safari submarine is Big Blue. Launched in 1998, the submarine will take you and other passengers deep into the depths of the Indian Ocean, where you will be able to see closely monitoring through large windows, all the fascinating sea creatures of the ocean. While taking in the extraordinary sights of underwater life, you can also be treated with good food on board the submarine. It is unlikely that you will ever experience something like your trip down the Indian Ocean, one of Big Blue submarines?

Blue Safari also offers another option, it would not be surprising if you decide you want to try both! With fully trained and qualified guide diver, you can have the chance to head its own individual subscooter three meters below the Indian Ocean. Not only will you be able to see all forms of life that we will see in this amazing adventure subscooter opportunity to head into the ocean will be exhilirating experiences in themselves! Both places subscooter will give you a feeling that you never had before, it's really once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Although Blue Safari has only been in business for less than ten years, thousands of people already enjoy the thrill and experience of submarine subscooter. Although not suitable for very young children or people who have serious medical conditions, this is an experience that almost everyone else will delight in.

When you choose Blue Safari experience, trained professionals will brief you in advance for what you can expect during their underwater adventure. Once you have the least information you need, you will feel like an expert and will be well prepared to take the ocean! Whether you choose a submarine or subscooter, or decide to enjoy and experience, you will immediately see what is exciting, fun-filled time you have when you're in deep water.

Whatever you decide to do during the holidays Mauritius, plan to fit Blue Safari adventure in their tour itinerary. Although Mauritius has so many wonderful activities to offer, this is one that simply can not afford to miss! With very reasonable prices, you can have this experience, either individually or as a family, and Blue Safari offers special packages, so there is something for the individual tastes of each user and needs. When planning your holiday Mauritius, be sure to rely on including one or more stops in the Blue Safari and will be glad you did!

Islands of Pirates

2010-03-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

Caribbean Sea, 50 miles east of Puerto Rico. The small twin-engine has just been lying on the dusty track of Tortilla, the island of turtles. From the scenery was nothing short of spectacular: some sixty green islands, islets and reefs. The first sensation I felt on the ground is just off the warm embrace of the wind light. We look around. Across the street, to greet us, there is a tiny airport. After the formalities for entry rented a car and just outside we see to have arrived in holidays paradise. The road that runs along the sea of endless beaches seem to follow ... Stroke from time to time by the wind gently sways the palms look like elegant ladies and sinuous.

The British Virgin Islands have preserved intact for centuries throughout their shocking beauty still boast the most beautiful beaches and desert of the world, a sea warm and crystal clear with a thick barrier reef that encloses an extraordinary variety of fish and the remains of beautiful Spanish galleons lie on the bottom with great chests that are the delight of divers. For the less experienced enough to have a mask, suddenly, the sensation of swimming in an aquarium filled with coral and colorful fish. For the more fortunate can also happen to hear the calls of whales that number reaches these seas as early as November.one can spot from a boat, and in these cases it is good to switch off the engines, or from the sky, with Fly BVI departing from Beef Island. They allow you to attend for just 150 yards to one unforgettable sight: the girls take refuge in the coves where they give birth to children with whom then swim together, boys, off, competing for mating. Some whales sighted reach 15 meters and are able to do seem very small boats that cross many of those seas.The BVI, so the habitue chiamano the British Virgin Islands, however, are primarily a vacation packages paradise for sailors around the world. Dotted with dozens of marine resorts and deserted bays, the coasts of the BVI are all a perfect harbor for the boats sailing on the sea are carried away by the constant trade winds blowing. For those who can not afford the luxury of a boat for himself, there are many rental companies that offer places for mini cruise boat to measure. The most beautiful anchorages are located in Sopers Hole Road and Harbor: the first is deep and sheltered and offers daily connections by boat to St. Thomas and St. John, the other is the largest port of the island and you can breathe atmosphere a little 'retro thanks to the many colonial buildings that skirt and the swarm of people who work in the shipyards.

Leaving the sea from where to explore Tortola. The island has 15 thousand inhabitants, its old city is Road Town, the administrative capital of the BVI. The city looks cheerful dozens of pastel houses alternate with stalls of fruit and colorful coral beaches: from Long Bay to Smuggler's Cove up to Apple Bay, the surfer's beach. Nearby is the Bombas Shack Bar sgangheratissimo a bar decorated with things picking up here and there. The owner, a former surfer, is rivers of beer and rum to the patrons, an accomplice to the Caribbean music and the roar of the surf. The local rum is now a rarity. The only distillery on the island is the old remains Call wood Distillery in Cane Garden Bay, producer of the famous Arundel. It was owned by a buccaneer, Richard Call wood, great grandfather of the owner and still the rum is produced following the old recipes handed down from generation to generation by the Afro-Caribbean population: the sugar cane is cut and pressed, the juice collected in large boilers and boiled, and after a series of steps the rum is finally ready for the aging of four years in old oak casks.

On the island, near Mount Sage, you can also go trekking. The area also contains an ancient rainforest. Along the paths, some practices, even on horseback, meet rare species of colorful birds, frangipani trees, agave plants and ginger. From Road Town, in the direction of MacNamara, take an old mule track that leads to the ruins of Fort Charlotte, an old fort built during the years when the pirates infested those seas. Strategically located on Sir Francis Drake Passage, the place is a great lookout point for the whole island. To the south, however, the gaze is lost in the vast expanses of plantations of sugar cane, bananas and pineapple.

From Tortola reach in half an hour, with a ferry boat, Virgin Gorda. Columbus named the island "Fat Virgin" because of its slender shape the sides and round the center, is long and 16 km wide just three.It has excellent docks: from North Sound, a veritable oasis for those who practice water sports in Anguilla Point famous for the spa overlooking the sea where you can enjoy huge lobsters and oysters just caught up to Calquhon Reef suitable for boats that exceed five feet of draft. Near Spanish Town, the marina, is The Baths, a beach characterized by huge granite rocks as high as ten meters that form caves and coves of exceptional beauty, unspoiled natural pools and lagoons. Just go up a bit 'inwards to enjoy a wilderness: twisted mangrove roots provide an excellent refuge for pelicans, herons and iguanas whose presence is marked by characteristic signs that read "Caution Iguana Crossing".

But you can not leave without first having BVI Anegada. The best way to achieve it to travel by sea. This can be seen just, its highest point so far only eight meters and is for this reason that Columbus called it "Anegada", or submerged. The tiny coral atoll is also accessible by small planes from Beef Island or Tortola, in just 15 minutes. From above, what you see is only a thin strip of white sand lost in a turquoise sea. Its reef over the centuries has caused the sinking of numerous sailing ships and for this motivoera formerly inhabited by the buccaneers who used it as a basis for spotting ships in distress and pillage. The island is now home to just 150 souls who live by cultivating the land and fishing.

Simple people, the courteous and quiet, dallandatura almost dancing. Their days are punctuated by the rise and the sunset. There are few tourists, no fun at night but only untouched nature and silence. At sunset, near Flamingo Pond, will be showcased dozens of pink flamingos, undisturbed, fishing in the lagoon small fish. Continuing along the road, you come across a small wooden resort run by a lovely lady who has left the English to England to settle on the island. Lives alone with a kid named Charlie and leisure that is written in the local newspaper. Facilities include exotic breakfast on the beach and dinners of lobster and crab that she fisheries. He has a gentle manner, but the view is a bit 'sad, like someone who has fled from God knows what. Even Steven, a former U.S. Navy Seals, a kind of Rambo, lives on organizing tours for tourists from sharks in search of strong emotions. He left behind a life certainly not common. With him, lives his brother, a fire-eater who suddenly shows on the beach.

Malta Cities Guide

2010-03-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

A Guide to the Three Cities of Malta

Malta is a southern European country which is located centrally in the Mediterranean Sea just to the south of Italy. It is a small country which is only 300 square kilometers in size although its location made it strategically important in history and it has been a prized possession over the years. A number of the powerful nations in European history have ruled the country including the Greeks, Romans, French and British although it gained its independence in 1964 and is now a Republic. Another of the powers that ruled the country was known as the Knights of St. John which was a religious/military order that prospered in the Middle Ages. They were responsible for many of the fortifications constructed on Malta, the most famous of which is the three cities of Malta. The three cities comprise Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea and these are surrounded by a line of fortifications which is known as the Cottonera Line. Some information about the cities includes the following.

Cospicua
Cospicua is the largest of the three cities and is centrally located between the other two. All three are in the area surrounding the Great Harbor of Malta which is a natural harbor that has been in use for thousands of years. The history of Cospicua as a maritime location dates back to Phoenician times around 600BC and the area of the city has been in use since this time. However the development of the city itself did not really take off until the 18th century when the Knights of St. John constructed a dockyard. This has been extensively used into the modern day although its use as a working dockyard has declined in recent years and plans are now in place to transform it into a tourist attraction and commercial centre. The patron of the city is the Virgin Mary and there is a church dedicated to her in the city.Other tour packages attractions to see include the fortifications surrounding the city, St Helen’s Gate and Bir Mula Heritage which is a museum documenting much of the history of the city. The city also stages a famous feast on the 8th of December each year which is held to commemorate the Immaculate Conception.

Vittoriosa
Vittoriosa is a small, ancient city on the south side of the Great Harbor of Malta. It also goes by the name of Birgu and its locality is perfect for safe anchorage which made the area of the city well used from the earliest of times. Many of the powers that have ruled Malta contributed to the development of Vittoriosa. However the city really came to prominence when the Knights of St. John were the rulers of the country as they made it their base and also the capital city of the country. The carried out much work on Fort St. Angelo which lies at the head of the city and also the other fortifications which surround the city. Vittoriosa played a vital part of the defense of the country during the 1565 Siege of Malta when the Ottoman Empire attacked. The city was never captured and its defenses held out to help the Knights of St. John gain a decisive victory. However not long after this the Grand Master of the Knights began construction of a new city which was to be known as Valetta and in 1571 this became the new capital of Malta. Vittoriosa lost much of its influence following this. Today the city is home to around 3,000 residents and is a popular vacation package destination in Malta. There are many attractions to see and some of these include Fort St. Angelo, the Malta Maritime Museum, the Vittoriosa 1565 Museum and St Lawrence’s Church. The many holidays attractions make it an interesting city visit and its beautiful location adds to the appeal.

Senglea
Senglea is the third of the three cities and this was constructed by Claude De La Sengle from whom it gets its name. It also played a pivotal part in the 1565 Siege of Malta and as it resisted the attempts of the invading Ottoman Empire it was given the name Civitas Invicta meaning undefeated citizens. The area of the city was originally used as hunting grounds by the Knights of St. John although was eventually developed by Claude De La Sengle into the city it is today. It currently has a population of around 3,500 people although this is greatly reduced from earlier times. It suffered much damage during the Second World War as it was bombarded by German aircraft and much of the population left at this time never to return. The city has a few famous travel attractions apart from the fortifications which surround it. The statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer is the most well known of these and this is located in the Basilica which is a beautiful building to see. Other tour attractions include the Gardjola Garden and the local band club which plays at the festivals staged in the city.

The three cities of Malta are an interesting place to visit and see some of the history of the country. The fortifications which surround them are an impressive sight and a trip to see the three cities is sure to be an enjoyable and fascinating experience.

Eco tourism in India

2010-03-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

Eco-tourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation. Eco-tourism is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the world's natural and cultural environments. It accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of both travellers and service providers is the genuine meaning for eco-tourism.

Eco-tourism also endeavours to encourage and support the diversity of local economies for which the India tourism related income is important. With support from tourists, local services and producers can compete with larger, foreign companies and local families can support themselves. Besides all these, the revenue produced from tourism helps and encourages governments to fund conservation projects and training programs.

Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that's what eco-tourism is all about. Whether it's about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to vacation package destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of Eco-tourism.

Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Eco-Tourism. Many professionals have been involved in formulating and developing eco-tourism policies. They come from the fields of Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Photography, Marine Biology and Oceanography, National and State Park Management, Environmental Sciences, Women in Development, Historians and Archaeologists, etc.

Eco-tourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, according to the World Tourism Organization with an annual growth rate of 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the world gross domestic product, 11.4% of all consumer spending - not a market to be taken lightly.

What is Eco-tourism?

Fundamentally, eco-tourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when visiting a place. This is responsible form of India tours and tourism development, which encourages going back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development.

The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who implement and participate in Eco-tourism activities should follow the following principles:

Minimize impact

Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate
Support international human rights and labour agreements

Aware of the Environment - Today the "Green Laws" of conservation are making people aware of how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and eco-tourism is the only way to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had.

In India too the movement is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related organisation's are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting tour itineraries through eco-tourism in the country. Some basic do's and don'ts of eco-tourism are listed below:

Do's
Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not
litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment
equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make
sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a
photograph.

Don'ts
Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in
the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region
has to be protected at all costs.

Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local
traditions.
Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be
used and littered.

As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. Here are some rules of thumb to make this impact positive!

Golden Rules When You Travel
Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories,
and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings,
appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local
acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip.

Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what
their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on
trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to
minimize your impact in sensitive areas.

Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to
ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.

Eco-Tourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the fragile Himalayan Eco System and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration in the world.

Holiday Camping vis a vis Hotels accommodation are gathering momentum amongst the metropolis traveller. A plethora of holiday camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on the planet.

Jammu kashmir Ladakh

2010-03-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

Kashmir
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 Panchal, 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.Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured ones.

Where To Stay In Paradise - Houseboats
Many tourists who book tour packages are attracted to Srinagar by the charm of staying on a houseboat, which provides the unique experience of living on the water in a cedar-panelled elegant bedroom, with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel. Srinagar's thousand or so houseboats are moored along sections of the Dal and Nagin Lakes and river Jhelum, each decorated fancifully and named romantically and even whimsically. Like hotels, houseboats vary in degree of luxury and have been accordingly graded by the Department of Tourism. A luxury houseboat, like a luxury hotel has fine furniture, good carpets and modern bathroom fittings, while the ‘D category’ (the lowest category) of houseboats, like low-budget hotels, is spartanly furnished. Like hotels too, houseboats vary widely in their locations. Some overlook the main road, others look out onto lotus gardens and yet others face tiny local markets and villages, all right in the middle of the lake! All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service. Not only is there always a "houseboy" for every boat, but the owner and his family are never far away. The cost per day of hiring a houseboat includes all meals and free rides from the houseboat to the nearest jetty and back, as no houseboat on the lakes is directly accessible from the banks.

How To Reach Paradise
Indian, Jet Airways, Kingfihser Airlines, Jet Lite, Deccan, Spice Jet, Go Airl operate regular daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu. They leave from Delhi directly, from Delhi via Jammu, and from Bombay via New Delhi and Jammu.

Ladakh - Land Of Endless Discoveries
Ladakh is a land abounding in awesome physical features, set in an enormous and spectacular environment. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakoram in the north and the Great Himalaya in the south, it is traversed by two other parallel chains, the Ladakh Range and the Zanskar Range.For nearly 900 years, from the middle of the 10th century, Ladakh was an independent kingdom, its ruling dynasties descending from the kings of old Tibet. The kingdom attained its greatest geographical extent and glory in the early 17th century under the famous king Singge Namgyal, whose domain extended across Spiti and western Tibet right up to the Mayum-la, beyond the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Gradually, perhaps partly due to the fact that it was politically stable, Ladakh became recognized as the best trade route between the Punjab and Central Asia. For centuries it was traversed by caravans carrying textiles, spices, raw silk, carpets, dyestuffs, narcotics, etc. Heedless of the land’s rugged terrain and apparent remoteness, merchants entrusted their goods to relays of pony transporters who took about two months to carry them from Amritsar to the Central Asian towns of Yarkand and Khotan. On this long route, Leh was the midway stop, and developed into a bustling entrepot, its bazars thronged with merchants from distant countries.

The famous pashmina (better known as cashmere) also came down from the high-altitude plateau of eastern Ladakh and western Tibet, through Leh, to Srinagar, where skilled artisans transformed it into shawls known the world over for their softness and warmth. Ironically, it was this lucrative trade that finally spelt the doom of the independent kingdom. It attracted the covetous attention of Gulab Singh, the ruler of Jammu in the early 19th century, who sent his general Zorawar Singh to invade Ladakh in 1834 AD. There followed a decade of war and turmoil, which ended with the emergence of the British as the paramount power in north India. Ladakh, together with the neighbouring province of Baltistan, was incorporated into the newly created state of Jammu & Kashmir. Just over a century later, this union was disturbed by the partition of India, as a result of which Baltistan became part of Pakistan, while Ladakh remained in India as part of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

Where To Stay In Ladakh
Leh offers many kinds of accommodation to suit almost every one to stay for vacations. Most of the hotels are family-run establishments and, therefore, service is more personalized than professional. Hotels are classified into A, B,C and D/economy categories while guest houses are divided into upper, medium and economy class. Tariff for A category hotels generally include all meals, offering a choice or combination of Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine, with one or two local fares thrown in for variety.The guest house is a less formal accommodation, offering rooms in a part of the residential house or its annexe, where the guests can share the host family’s kitchen and living room for meals. Apart from the reasonably low tariff offered for accommodation ranging from very good to merely basic, the guest house system also provides an opportunity for the tourists to see and experience Ladakhi life from the inside.

How To Reach Ladakh
Indian, Jet Airways, Deccan operate regular daily flights to Leh from Delhi, Weekly flights do operate from Srinagar to Leh.

Jammu - The City of Temples
Jammu region is home to several ethnic communities which follow traditional life-styles with distinctive cultures of their own. Among these communities, the Dogras constitute the dominant group. They are mainly concentrated in the outer hill and outer plain zones covering Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu districts and the lower parts of Rajouri district. A martial community by tradition, their folklore centres on eulogies for war heroes, both legendary and historical. Even the region’s architectural heritage, comprising elaborate castles and hilltop fortifications that are visible everywhere, bespeak the community' s long-drawn preoccupation with battles and ruling of distant lands. Yet the region’s history is not completely bereft of traditions of art and culture. Thus, while the troops fought battles in distant areas, the royalty and the nobility nurtured art and culture. The Pahari miniature paintings that have justly become famous throughout India, are the finest examples of their artistic achievements.

Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, with the river Tawi flowing alongside, is the place that Raja Jambu Lochan discovered one day while he was on a hunting trip. Legend has it that he came upon a clearing where he saw a sight that left him wonderstruck. A tiger and a goat stood side-by-side, drinking water from the same place in the Tawi River. He was so struck by this unusual sight that he decided to build a city on this land where no living creature seemed to bear enmity towards each other. Little is known of Jammu’s subsequent history until, in 1730 AD, it came under the rule of the Dogra king, Raja Dhruv Deva. The Dogra rulers moved their capital to the present site and Jammu became an important centre of art and culture, especially the Pahari school of paintings.

Today, as if in testimony to Raja Jambu Lochan’s vision, the city of Jammu has come to be known as the ‘City Of Temples’. Innumerable temples and shrines, with glittering ‘shikhars’ soaring into the sky, dot the city’s skyline, creating the ambience of a holy and peaceful city

Where To Stay Jammu - The City Of Temples
Jammu City offers a variety of accommodation options for the visitors, ranging from luxury hotels to humble lodges.

How To Reach Jammu - The City Of Templess
Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Deccan, Jet Lite, Spic Jet, Go Air operates scheduled services between Jammu & Delhi and Jammu & Srinagar/Leh. Rail Jammu Tawi is an important railhead of the Northern India. The main trains operating to/ from Jammu are:

Poonch Valley Travel Guide

2010-02-22T02:53:00.000-08:00

Poonch district has a distinct historical background, rich cultural heritage and charming natural vacation spots. This track is located exactly on the foot hills of Pir Panchal range, therefore there is a series of mountain ranges, snow covered lofty peaks, thick belts of fir and cheer forests on the slopes, a number of beautiful valleys, gushing streams, lush green pastures with multi coloured flowers, milky water falls and crystal clear lakes. This natural atmosphere and unique type of life style of Poonch district can easily attract Indian and foreign tourists if the government takes up these tourists spots under tourism development programme.

A number of forts, sarais and ruins of historical values are available in this area. The caravans of Mughal emperors were traveling towards Kashmir in the beginning of 17th century AD through Mughal road which passes through Poonch district. There are various memorable places and monuments on this road including renowned Noor Chamb milky water fall. With the construction of 84 kilometers Mughal road from Bufliaz to Shoopian, the Mughal monuments and scenic spots along side the road shall come in the lime light and past glory of Mughal road shall be restored. The attractive Dhera Ki Gali, Bufliaz, Behram Gala, Noor Chamb, Dugran, Poshiana, Ratta Chamb and Chandimarh are expected to be the charming tourist resorts along side the Mughal road in Poonch district. Proper publicity of these hill stations at National level can certainly prove this area as the destination of tourists.

Some important shrines with deep religious backgrounds are also existing in Poonch district. These shrines includes Swami Budha Amarnath, Lohar Devta, Nangali Sahib, Asthan Chote Shah Sahib, Ram Kund, Asthan Sain Miran Sahib, Asthan Sain Ellahi Bakash and Asthan Sain Faqar Din. Thousands of devotees from outside the districts are visiting these places with great devotion, but the accommodational facilities are not sufficient on these sites. These places can also be exploited for religious tourism purposes.

Apart from the above, a number of foot routes, passes and peaks in Pir Panchal range are important from trekkers, climbers and hikers point of view. There is a renowned Girjan Dhok, Panjtari Marg, Pir Merg, Chooti Merg, Valley of Seven Lakes like Nandan Sar, Chandar Sar, Bhag Sar, Sukh Sar, Neel Sar etc Peaks like Tatta Kutti (15560 ft), Ganga Choti (10013 ft), Rattan Pir Choti (8500ft) and passes like Panchal Pass (11400 ft), Chooti Gali Pass (13500 ft) and Noor Pur Pass (13486 ft) and trekking routes like Sawajian-Chor Panchal-Gulmarg, Loran-Noor Pur-Tang Marg, Chandimarh, Peer Gali-Shopian. But due to lack of infrastructural facilities and accommodational problems at base camps and non availability of effective publicity, these areas remain out of site for outsiders. There is the need of development of takeoff points and bridle paths leading towards the valley of seven lakes and huts and fast food centers at Girgan, Panjtari and Tatta Kutti Marg. The details of some places of tourists interest located in Poonch area is given here.

Noor Chambh:- This beautiful water fall is located on the north east of Behram Gala village. Mughal Emperor Jahangir visited this place 13 times when he was on the way to Kashmir or Lahore. He was such a lover of this water fall that he named this place as Noor Chamb after the name of his beloved wife Noor Jahan. Later on the name changed from Noor Chamb to Noori Chamb. In the past the water of Hussan Thumb stream was falling from 90 meters elevated mound and the whole stream was converting itself into milky vapours. At present the fall has gone inside the mound after cutting the rock. Even then the milky vapours of this beautiful water fall scatter around the area which gives pleasure to visitor. There is the need of fast food centre, public convenience and a viewing deck for visitors. A chair lift from main road to Noor Chamb mound will also attract tourists.

Behram Gala:- It is 45 kms on the east of Poonch city and connected with motorable road. This place is surrounded by mountains and forests and situated on the foot hills of Peer Panchal pass on Mughal road. Power and water supply are available at the site. The climate is very pleasant and cool. There are two important shrines (one of Hindus and other of Muslims) located in the village. The village is just 500 meters away from the famous water fall Noor Chamb. This spot is also important from trekker's point of view because the main bridal path leads towards the valley of Girgan and the valley of seven lakes starts from this very place. There is a need of conversion of Behram Gala into a tourist resort by constructing tourist huts and trekkers sarais.

Surankote:- Surankote is the most beautiful valley on the south-western side of Panchal range. It situated in between snow bounded peaks. This place resembles with Pehalgam. Power, water supply, road communication are available at site. The climate is very cool and pleasant. The maximum temperature goes to 32 degree C. This place can easily be converted into a tourist resort.

Gagrian Sawjian:- This considerable village is lying at the extreme of Mandi valley of north-western side at the foot of Chor Panchal Pass. This place is 43 kms away from Poonch. The village is surrounded by forest belt of devdar and fir trees. Road communication, power and water supply is available at site. This part can be developed as a base camp for trekkers/climbers because from this very place bridal path leads towards Chor Panchal Pass and then to Khilanmarg, Gulmarg, and Tangmarg. There is a need of tourist huts at Gali Maidan and Rangwar.

Budha Amar Nath/Rajpura Mandi:- Budha Amarnath temple is situated about 25 kms north-east of Poonch on the left bank of Pulsta stream. The village lies on the foot of a step hill. This place has great religious importance due to the temple of Swami Budha Amarnath. It is said that this temple is older than Swami Amarnath of Kashmir. Legend goes that Lord Shiva had visited this place. There is a natural Shivlinga of white stone inside the temple. Thousands of pilgrims with great devotion come to this place from different parts of the country. The main religious function is held on the occasion of Rakasha Bandhan festival. A tourist bunglow and a sarai is existing at the site. There is a need of more such buglows in the periphery of Swami Budha Amarnath because this place is also a scenic resort and this place can also be converted into the nature lovers tourist resort.

Ziarat Sain Miran Sahib:- This is a Ziarat of great Saint Sain Miran Sahib who died recently. This shrine is situated in Guntrian village which is 10 kms away from Poonch city on northern side. This Ziarat is very important from religious point of view because hundreds of devotees come to this Ziarat every day. There is a need of tourist bunglow near Ziarat Sain Miran Sahib.

Nangali Sahib:- Nangali Sahib Gurudwara is situated on the left bank of Drungli Nallah, which is four kilometers away from Poonch city. This Gurudwara was established by Sant Bhai Mela Singh Ji. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had paid a visit to this shrine in 1819AD, when he was on his way to conquer Kashmir. This place is of great religious importance. Thousands of pilgrims of all religions throughout the country travel to this place every year. A tourist banglow is existing at site but there is a need of more accommodation for the convenience of pilgrims.

Ramkund:- Ramkund is 68 kilometers away from Poonch city. This ancient temple is situated in the village Narol which is 11 kilometers on the south of Mendhar town. As per Raj Tringani, this temple was constructed by Raja Lalita Ditya. This old monument is having great religious importance. Legend goes that it was constructed for the first time by Lord Rama when he was on his way to Kashmir. Later on it was renovated by Raja Lalita Ditya. It is proposed that a tourist hut be constructed near Ramkund temple for the convenience of pilgrims.

Ziarat Chotay Shah:- This Ziarat is 58 kilometers from Poonch and is situated in the village Sakhi Maidan which is at four kms. distance from Mendhar town. Hundreds of pilgrims come to this place every day. It is proposed that at least two tourist bunglows and a tourist sarai may be constructed near the Ziarat for the convenience of the pilgrims.

Ziarat Hazrat Sayed Pir Habib Shah Pamrote:- Ziarat Hazrat Sayed Pir Habib Shah Pamrote is one of the famous religious shrine of Poonch district. The Ziarat is located about 12 kilometer in the north of Surankote town across nallah Suran in the village Pamrote which falls on the slopes of Ranjati range of mountains. Thousands of pilgrims from Poonch, Rajouri, Kashmir and POK visit this shrine every year. There is the need of upgradation of motorable road upto Ziarat Sharief. At least three tourist huts and a tourist sarai is urgently need at this religious shrine for the convenience of the pilgrims.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Travel Guide

2010-02-17T04:25:00.000-08:00

Several cities in Madhya Pradesh are extraordinary for their architecture and or scenic beauty. Three sites in Madhya Pradesh have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) including Devi Jagadambi temple, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003). Other architecturally significant or scenic sites include Ajaigarh, Amarkantak, Asirgarh, Bandhavgarh,Bawangaja, Bhopal, Chanderi, Chitrakuta, Dhar, Gwalior, Indore, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Mandu, Omkareshwar, Orchha, Pachmarhi, Shivpuri,Sonagiri and Ujjain. MP being very large geographically, and the history being spread over several millennia, a developing a comprehensive picture of heritage and architecture is a monumental task.

Bhimbetka
Surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhyan ranges, Bhimbetka lies 46 km South of Bhopal. In this rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs, over 600 rock shelters belonging to the Neolithic age were recently discovered. Here, in vivid panoramic detail, paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the pre-historic cave-dwellers making the Bhimbetka group an archaeological treasure, an invaluable chronicle in the history of man.

Did you know ?
Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use of green and yellow, with themes taken from everyday events of eons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes.Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions, wild boar, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles, etc. have been depicted in some caves. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently.

Believe it or not
The colours used by the cave dwellers were prepared combining manganese, hematite, soft red stone and wooden coal. Sometimes the fat of animals and extracts of leaves were also used in the mixture. The colours have remained intact for many centuries due to the chemical reaction resulting from the oxide present on the surface of the rocks.

Must see
The superimposition of paintings shows that the same canvas was used by different people at different times. The drawings and paintings can be classified under seven different periods:

Period I - (Upper Paleolithic)
These are linear representations, in green and dark red, of huge figures of animals such as bisons, tigers and rhinoceros.

Period II - (Mesolithic)
Comparatively small in size, the stylized figures show linear decoration of the body. In addition to animals, there are human figures and hunting scenes, giving a clear picture of the weapons they used - barbed spears, pointed sticks, bow and arrows. The depiction of communal dances, birds, musical instruments, mother and child, pregnant women, men carrying dead animals, drinking and burials appear in rhythmic movement.

Period III - (Chaleolithic)
Similar to the paintings of Chaleolithic pottery, these drawings reveal that during the period, the cave dwellers of this area had come in contact with the agricultural communities of the Malwa plains and started an exchange of their requirements with each other.

Period IV & V - (Early History)
The figures of this group have a schematic and decorative style, and are painted mainly in red, white and yellow. The association is of riders, depiction of religious symbols, tunic-like dresses and the existence of scripts of different periods. The religious beliefs are represented by figures of yakshas, tree gods and magical sky chariots.

Period VI & VII - (Medieval)
These paintings are geometric, linear and more schematic, but show degeneration and crudeness in their artistic style.

SANCHI
Sanchi is known for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa 1, was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. Their son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra were born in Ujjayini and sent to Sri Lanka, where they converted the King, the Queen and their people to Buddhism.

Did you know ?
A Chunar sandstone pillar fragment, shining with the proverbial Mauryan polish, lies near Stupa I and carries the famous edict of Ashoka warning against schism in the Buddhist community. Stupa 1 was found empty, while relics of the two disciples of Buddha enshrined in the adjacent Stupa 3 were carried away to England. The nearby modern temple has a reliquary containing the remains of a Buddhist teacher from another Stupa outside Sanchi.

The four gateways
Early Buddhist art has no finer expression than these toranas that surround the Great Stupa. The Buddha according to the tenets of early Buddhist art, is portrayed in symbols; the lotus representing his birth, the tree his enlightenment, the wheel derived from the title of his first sermon, the footprints and throne symbolizing his presence. These have been carved with such inspired intensity and imagery that, taken together with the surrounding figures, they are considered the finest of all Buddhist toranas and counter - balance the massive solidity of the stupa they encircle.Carved with stories of the Buddha's past and present lives and with incidents from the subsequent history of Buddhism, the gateways are the finest specimens of early classical art, which formed the seedbed for the entire vocabulary of later Indian art.

Two of the moving stories told on these portals are those of Prince Vessantara, who gave away his wealth, his wife and children out of charity and compassion, and of Buddha who, as the monkey king, sacrificed his life to save his companions.The inscriptions on the gateways mention donors from all over northern India and special mention is made of the ivory workers of Vidisha who sculpted the stone with the precision of jewellers.

Must see
The Sanchi hill goes up in shelves with Stupa 2 situated on a lower shelf, Stupa 1, Stupa 3, the 5th century Gupta Temple No.17 and the 7th century temple No. 18 are on the intermediate shelf and a later monastery is on the crowning shelf. The balustrade surrounding Stupa 2, carved with aniconic representations of the Buddha, was added in the late 2nd century BC under the Satavahanas.The adjacent Gupta temple no.17 was hailed by Sir John Marshall as one of the most rationally organized structures in Indian architecture. Though small, it was a herald of all the principles which went into the engineering of an Indian temple in the early medieval period. The Buddhas in the perambulatory surrounding Stupa 1 are not contemporary with the Stupa but belong to the Gupta period in the mid 5th century AD. The monastery and the temple with the tall pillars adjacent to Stupa 1 and the temple near the monastery on the crowning shelf illustrate the evolution of the architectural form after the 5th century Gupta temple.Below the hill, the Archaeological Survey of India Museum houses some of the earliest known stone sculptures in Indian art from the 3rd to the 1st century BC.

Great Stupa No. 1
The oldest stone structure in India. 36.5 mt in diameter and 16.4 mt high, with a massive hemispherical dome, the stupa stands in eternal majesty, the paved procession path around it worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims.

The Eastern Gateway
Depicts the young prince, Gautama leaving his father's palace on his journey towards enlightenment and the dream his mother had before his birth.

The Western Gateway
Depicts the seven incarnations of the Buddha.

The Northern Gateway
Crowned by a wheel-of-law, this depicts the miracles associated with the Buddha as told in the jatakas.

The Southern Gateway
The birth of Gautama is revealed in a series of dramatically rich carvings.

Stupa No. 2
The stupa stands at the very edge of the hill and its most striking feature is the stone balustrade that rings it.

Stupa No. 3
Situated close to the great stupa. The hemispherical dome is crowned, as a mark of its special religious significance, with an umbrella of polished stone. The relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallena, two of the Buddha's earliest disciples, were found in its inmost chamber.

The Ashoka Pillar
Lies close to the Southern gateway of the Great Stupa, and is one of the finest examples of the Ashokan pillar and is known for its aesthetic proportions and exquisite structural balance.

The Buddhist Vihara
The sacred relics of the Satdhara Stupa, a few km away from Sanchi, have been enshrined in a glass casket on a platform in the inner sanctum of his modern monastery.

The Great Bowl
Carved out of one block of stone, this mammoth bowl contained the food that was distributed among the monks of Sanchi.

The Gupta Temple
In ruins now, this 5th century AD temple is one of the earliest known examples of temple architecture in India.

The Museum
The Archaeological Survey of India maintains a site museum at Sanchi. Noteworthy antiquities on display include the lion capital of the Ashokan pillar and metal objects used by the monks, discovered during excavations at Sanchi.

Carnival Time in Goa

2010-02-09T02:31:00.000-08:00

February is Carnival time in Goa. For three days (from February 13-16), the streets will be awash with colour, noise, parades and floats. King Momo will take over the state and there will be music, rejoicing and much revelry.

Called 'Carnaval' in Portuguese, this festival occurs immediately before Lent, the 40 days of prayer and fasting before Easter. While the starting day of Carnival varies across the world, the festival in Goa starts three days before Lent and ends on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday (February 17 this year) which marks the beginning of Lent.

The origin of the name 'carnival' is disputed. One popular theory is that it comes from the Italian 'carne levare' or similar, meaning "to remove meat", since meat is generally disallowed during Lent. So the festival became an opportunity to enjoy oneself before the austere period began.

Following the King's orders...

for the next three days and allows his people to have fun and enjoyment during this time. Traditionally, in the years gone, this would be the signal for revellers to go around the main Carnival areas singing and dancing, dressed in colourful costumes. Mock fights would take place between local 'gangs', where rotten eggs and tomatoes were the weapons of choice. 'Cocotes' or bombs made with paper and filled with clay were used during mock-battles between various groups of local boys.

In more modern ways

These days, the boys on foot are replaced by groups of entertainers on spectacularly decorated floats, most with larger-than-life images of flora, fauna, issues of local interest and other newsworthy items. In 2009, floats depicted the Mumbai terror attacks and global warming. The floats carry massive speakers, the likes of which most of us will not see (or hear, thankfully) normally. These echo live and recorded music for the entertainment of the thousands who gather to watch the spectacle. Keep your earplugs handy if you are close to the action.

While the quiet village fun and games may be long gone, the masked men selling colourful wares are still around. The 'khells' or street plays that were performed in villages during the Carnival have died out. The talcum and indigo powders used to 'colour' the hair of women have been replaced with hair-braids, caps and of course, more masks, all targeted towards the hordes of tourists, both domestic and international, who'll come visiting.

While you're there

Goa's big carnival parades are held in four cities -- Panjim, Margao, Mapusa and Vasco. Local papers will have the listings for start times and other events that will be held. Besides the carnival parades, also look out for the various dances organised at local 'clubs' in most cities and villages. The 'Red and Black' dance at Clube Nacional in Panjim is one of the more famous ones.

For once, ignore the masala-dosa-chole-bhature fare that has cropped up in every nook and cranny in Goa and head, instead, head to one of the little Goan restaurants for a bite of local 'chourico-pao' (pronounced show-rees-pav), which is a spice-infused Goan sausage cooked with onions and stuffed in loaves of local bread. If you are a vegetarian, try sukhi bhaji -- finely diced potatoes cooked in thick gravy, seasoned with mustard seeds and chillies and served with local bread.

A whole big world of fun

The Goa Carnival, much like carnivals celebrated around the world, calls into being a whole different universe. Much like the Rio carnival in Brazil, you'll find revellers dressed to the nines dancing their way into the wee hours of the morning. The tradition of wearing masks probably comes from the Carnival of Venice in Italy that has been around since the 13th century. The famous hand-painted leather or papier-mache masks of that carnival turn into the feathery half masks on Goan lanes. So go make your tour packages or shack bookings immediately, and don't miss it for the world.

Getting there

From Mumbai, you can take a flight to Goa and then hire a pre-paid cab from the airport counter to head into town. Else, if you're feeling adventurous, you could drive down to Goa taking the NH 17 (also called the Mumbai-Goa highway). A/C and non-A/C buses to Goa leave from Dadar and Bandra every night.

Getting around

A cheaper alternative to taxis are bikes and scooties that can be rented for as little as Rs 300 a day. (A litre of petrol costs Rs 60 and you'll have to pay extra for that. You won't need more than 2 litres a day.)

Were to eat

For authentic chouriço, try the new Ernesto's (0832 3256213) or George Bar near the Panjim church. ato or Café Bhosle, both in Panjim, serve delicious sukhi bhaji.

Valentines Day Vacation

2010-02-06T00:49:00.000-08:00

One can never outgrow the charm of Valentine's Day. No matter what people say, it is a occasion to celebrate love. Add to it the fact that this year, it happens to fall on a long weekend with Friday, February 12 being Shivratri and a holiday for many. So pack your bags this Valentine's Day and take a weekend break to one of these magical places in India, perfect for a romantic getaway.Valentine's Day (February 14) is a great excuse to take a break from the daily grind and spend some quality time with that special someone. And with V-Day falling on a Sunday this year, it's the perfect opportunity to skip town and head out. So we asked readers to send in their most romantic vacation spots that would make great V-Day getaways.

The Misty Hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
How much ever people try to dissuade you, do not listen. Shimla, about 370 km from Delhi, is the eternal favourite honeymoon spot in North India and for good reason too. The nip in the air, the misty skies, the breathtaking views and evening walks on the Mall road make it the perfect romantic location.Must-do: Walk hand in hand with your beloved while devouring a softy ice cream from the famous stall near the church. The toy train from Kalka to Shimla is also a must do.

Where to stay: Unless you want to go the luxury way and stay at the Oberoi, be adventurous and walk down the mall towards a campsite called Potters Hill. The Swiss Tents are comfortable and the location in the middle of the pine forest perfect.

Marvelous Matheran, Maharashtra
Leave the hustle bustle of city life behind and lose yourself in this tiny hillock called Matheran, about 108 km away from Mumbai.The only hill station where there is no vehicular traffic allowed, spend leisurely afternoons taking pony rides or treks along the unused railway track.Matheran is delightfully accessible from Mumbai and Pune by local trains that don't need prior booking.

Must-do: Take a walk along the lanes that wind their way through the forests, buy a guava from the stall on the way and hear the birds twitter.

Where to stay: Maharashtra Tourism has excellent cottages at throwaway prices.

Gopalpur-on-Sea, Orissa
It may sound like a description but Gopalpur-on-Sea is actually the name of this sleepy town located about 180 km from Bhubaneshwar in Orissa.Once a busy sea port, it is now a quaint and quiet beach side town. There is a lighthouse for some sightseeing but besides that, there is just the sand, the sea and you. Perfect for a quiet romantic weekend vacation packages .The waters of the sea here are a pleasurable deep blue which is rare to find in the ever crowded Goa.

Must-do: Walk barefoot in the sand and watch the sun go down on the sea.
Where to stay: Swosti Palm Resort is a nice and clean but affordable stay option here.

The Spice Route through Kerala
One would never think of Kerala as a weekend vacation. But if you happen to be in that part of the country, this is the perfect answer to your Valentine's Day plans.What could be more romantic than a cruise in a houseboat down the backwaters at Alleppey and fresh prawns for dinner!Plan a 2-day trip to Cochin and go down to Alleppey (2 hours away) for a day's cruise.Must-do: Visit the Mattancherry Antique market in Cochin and pick up a 200 year old souvenir to remember your trip.

Where to stay: Book the houseboat for the night and return to Cochin the next day.

The epitome of Love - Taj Mahal, Agra
It would be sacrilege to talk of romance and not mention the monument of Eternal Love, the Taj Mahal in Agra, about 203 km away from Delhi.As hyped that the monument may be, a visit to the Taj will convince you that it still remains magical in its power to amaze.Club a visit to the Taj with a tour of the magnificent Agra fort and you are in for a treat. Immerse yourself in the romance of years gone by and rediscover each other.

Must-do: When you visit the monuments, do make sure you hire a guide. They may charge an extra Rs.50 but they will help you appreciate the beauty much more than you otherwise would.

Where to stay: There are plenty of 5 star options in Agra, the best of which is the Jaypee Palace.

Seeped in history - Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
This may not be an obvious choice but it is merely a lack of marketing and not of potential. Madhya Pradesh remains one of our most unexplored jewels and Orchha may just be the crowning gem.A town seeped in history and culture, Orchha, about 170 km away from Khajuraho, is a historian's dream.You don't necessarily need to appreciate architecture to pay this town a visit though. The quiet little town on the banks of the Betwa river is as romantic as it gets. Orchha is best reached by taking a train to Jhansi (16 km away).

Must-do: Watch the sunset over the river.

Where to stay: Book the Orchha Resort and stay in the Swiss Tents instead of the rooms. You will have your morning tea literally in the lap of the ruins.

Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka
Referred to as the Scotland of India, nestled between teakwood and sandalwood forests, Coorg is beauty that must be experienced.A popular destination yet so abundant in natural beauty that it seems untouched. The region is known for its stunning scenic beauty and undulating coffee plantations.A comfortable drive from Bangalore (252 km)/ Mangalore (135 km), Coorg is the perfect Valentine's Day weekend if you live in these cities.

Must-do: The Abbey Falls, near the main town of Madikeri can be reached by hiking through the cardamom and coffee plantations.

Where to stay: The best part about Coorg is to stay in the midst of the plantations. For a luxury option, the best recommended is Orange County. But if you want to save the dough, experience Coorg by staying in one of the homestays like Ashraya Homestay or the Palace Estate Homestay.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Though Udaipur is rumoured to be the romantic capital of India, take a cue, bypass the city and plan a trip to Jaisalmer instead.There are few things more romantic than endless sand dunes till the eye can see, villagers dressed in the colours of the rainbow and a camel ride watching the sun go down.All this and more, only at Jaisalmer the desert capital of India Tours.

Must-do: Take a guided tour through the ancient fort of Jaisalmer, once an important stop on the trade route between India and Persia and Egypt.

Where to stay: Fort Pokaran has fabulous location and completes the Rajasthani experience. For a more budget option, stay at the lovely Hotl Fifu. Despite the strange sounding name, the hotel is well located and has tasteful rooms.

Getaway: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
If there is heaven on Earth, it is here. Lansdowne offers majestic beauty, serene surroundings and lovely atmosphere, perfect for a couple to share their best moments with each other. It truly is one of the most romantic getaways for special occasions.

Sights: St Mary's Church and Tip-n-Top are two of the most reknowned tourist attractions. Though Lansdowne also boasts of a quiet lake where you can find swans and ducks swimming around.

Eats: There isn't much to offer as regards Lansdowne in terms of eateries. Almost all the hotels provide good food included in the package of your stay there. Though the ultimate fun is cooking your own food on a fireplace.

Shopping: Lansdowne has shops operated by the Garhwal Rifles from where you can buy cheap leather goods and other winter accessories like bags and boots.

How to get there: Lansdowne is about 250 km from Delhi. It is roughly a six-hour drive. The highway till Kotdwar is good. After that, for the last 40 km, the hilly terrain is really enjoyable with pines and cedars on both sides of the road.

Amid mountain mists
Getaway: Amboli, Maharastra
A great weekend destination worth visting.

Sights: If you like silence, if you like nature, Amboli is for you. The best thing about this place is that unlike other hill stations, this one is not yet commercialised, hence Amboli offers you natural beauty. Amboli is highly recommended if you like to spend some time in peace and would like to relax in nature. Amboli has not much to offer in terms of entertainment, but it's a real paradise for nature lovers. Some facts about Amboli: receives the highest rainfall in Maharastra; has the largest green cover; is home to around 30 species of animals, around 129 species of birds and over 350 species of medicinal plants; is a great location for adventure tourism; has cool and pleasant pollutuion-free climate round the year.

Eats: Vegetarian food at Vithal Kamat. We were there for lunch and the only option available was Veg Thali. We asked for some other options but they had none so we had to go for the thali. They charge around Rs 35 per thali. The food was simple and good with great dessert. It is on the main road, near Sunset Point.

Green Valley Resort: This resort has an in-house restaurant. The menu offers a wide choice of veg and non-veg food(including Chinese). This restaurant has no bar. Though I tried only the veg food here, I am sure they serve good non-veg food also. Prices seemed to be on the higher side. Service was good.

Shopping: The small Amboli market has nothing much to offer except for some local masalas at Narvekar (opposite Sailee Hotel).

Sights: If you are not travelling by your own vehicle, you can hire an auto (Rs 400) or a taxi (Rs 700). It takes around 4- 41/2 hours to cover the 5-6 spots. The siteseeing locations are Hiranyakeshi Temple (a small temple where the river Hiranyakeshi originates, a beautiful location but the approach road to the location is pathetic, it is around 4 km from the Green Valley Resort); Kavalesaad Point (beautiful location with awesome views; if fogs allow, you can see the beauty of the Sahyadri range from this location; it is around 9 km form the Green Valley Resort on the highway towards Belgaum; here too the approach road is quite bad); other locations to be covered are Madhav Ghad, Raghaweshwar (Maruti Mandir) and Nagarthas Falls. The last one is the waterfall ahead of Sunset Point. Make sure you are ready to get yourself totally drenched in this beautiful waterfall. It is located 3 km away, at the Sawantwadi-Belgaum road. Thirty minutes in this fall will make you feel awesome. Have a cutting chai with some hot pakoras while you are wet, I bet you will love it.From Belgaum, Amboli is about 68 km which is covered in two hours. You can either take the NWKRTC or the MSRTC bus heading towards Sawantwadi at the main bus station. Fare is about Rs 45.Please make sure to make advance reservations if going on a weekend.

Tucked away in peaceful hills

Getaway: Writers Hill, Himachal Pradesh

Description: Romantic and peaceful

Sights: Renuka lake, zoo, campfire

Shopping: Local antiques, small carvings

Activities: Visit to Renuka Lake and Zoo, picnic by the river, fishing, trek to Churdhar.

How to get there: Writers Hill is 220 km from Delhi. Take a right turn from Ambala flyover and go upto Nahan. Writers Hill is 20 km drive from Nahan.

Accommodation: There are three cottages with a central kitchen. Two of the cottages have a study attached and each of the cottage looks into the Jalal river valley. The mountain in front gives you a breathtaking view. With all the cottages having bay windows, it's an unrestricted view.The cottages are large, airy and offer a simple yet very comfortable stay.Each study has a collection of books both fiction and non-fiction and in the days to come the collection will only increase and improve.

Alappuzha Venice of the East

2010-02-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

Alappuzha, the Venice of the East welcomes you to the backwaters of kerala. The Palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to day life in the country side, the mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and its long sandy beach has blessed Alappuzha, the water locked district, to become one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in God's Own Country.

Alleppey Backwaters
With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home ot diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.Today, Alappauzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.

History of Allepy:
Before the Dutch took over this place, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and he gave ample importance to the developmental works of the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over.

This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alleppey.

Major tourist attractions in Allepy:
The most important tourist vacation packages attraction in Alleppey is the leisurely boatcruise through the stretch of backwaters fringed by coconut palms. Alleppey, one of the exotic sites of backwater tourism in the state of Kerala is better known as the "Venice of the East" for its labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers crisscrossing it. This tiny town in Kerala attracts tourists especially during the time of the annual boat race.

For tourists Alleppey is the pivotal point for boat cruises into Kerala's famed backwaters and the state's lush rice bowl, Kuttanad. The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one a first hand experience of the simple life style of the people which is a far cry form the bustle and ratrace of people in the cities in India.

One of the most popular cruise routes are from Alleppey south to Kollam (Quilon) for about 8 hours including stops for lunch, chai (tea), a temple visit and a kathakali (dance drama) apart from enjoying the most entrancing scenery of palm-lined banks, quiet water-bound villages, Chinese fishing nets, prawn farming and coir manufacture.

There are several places and tour packages of tourist interest in and around Alleppey.

Punnamada Kayal, the must-visit place of Alleppey where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands of spectators and a large number of competitors who come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race.

Krishnapuram Temple, the two-storied building of Alleppey, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.

Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, is also an important place to visit in Alleppey. Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam, which is served to the visitors in Alleppey during the festival times of March/April.

St. Andrew's Church, established by the Portuguese missionaries in Alleppey, celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.

Situated in the heart of Alleppey, Mullackal Temple, dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.

Surrounded by thick-green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple of Alleppey is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from all over India and abroad visit this place every year.

The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple of Alleppey is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.

Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alleppey and are sites worth visiting, especially during the time of festivals.

Hotels in Allepy:
Allepy Prince Hotel: At Prince Hotel, you will experience the royal grandeur and resplendence of the regal life-style of ancient Indian princes and princesses. Each and every room is crafted in luxurious manner and are rich with their elegant interiors. Their unique designs and relaxed ambience create the ideal atmosphere for you to enjoy holiday.......

Kayaloram Lake Resort: Amid this scenic setting lies Kayaloram (meaning lake side), the exclusive lake resort. Kayaloram is a harmonious blend of the ambience of rustic Alleppey and the amenities of a modern resort. Situated on an exclusive stretch of prime water front, fringed by coconut palms and caressed by a gentle breeze.

Marari Beach Resort:Mararikulam is a sleepy fishing village located between the port city of Cochin and Alleppey. And here, amidst the coconut groves is the Marari Resort. Like the other resorts in this hotel chain viz Spice Village, Coconut Lagoon etc, Marari Beach Resort is also constructed with a strong ethnic flavour......

Shopping in Alleppey
Among the locally available products of Alleppey are the coir products and carpets. The fine quality, variety and reasonable price tag make these products stay high in the demand list of tourists. Besides Alleppey is also famous for its pepper, coconut oil, areca nut, cardamom, sugar, etc. There are several markets are available in Alleppey.

Kerala Backwater Bliss

2010-01-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

Many assume, that Kerala is a vacation destination which one can only take with ample leave at hand. A week at least must be cordoned off for this state people call God's Own Country.you will discover to pleasant surprise, this is not necessarily true. Kerala can be experienced in short bursts too.Cochin is a welcome respite from the freezing Delhi winters. The coastal town is tropical in climate and the breeze blows through the palm trees in the evening making for excellent evening walks. we would recommend a two day trip to Cochin as a quick getaway to get rejuvenated and refreshed.

Cochin airport is well connected with all major cities in India. Start first day with a half-day trip to Alappuzha (Alleppey), the famous backwaters of Kerala. The two-hour drive from Cochin is along a winding road with lush green trees lined on the sides. As you get off at Alappuzha, you will find a line of boats vying to get you on board.

Ideally, you should book the cruise in advance. The 3-hour long cruise winds its way through the backwaters like a lazy reptile. The pace is languid. There is no rushing here. It is a slow crawl as the water snakes through palm groves.The cruise is aboard a boat, which usually has a covered lower deck with benches that offer a welcome respite from the sun that beats down. The top open deck offers great photographic moments. You will cross thatched houseboats on the way. If one has more time at hand, an overnight stay in a houseboat can make for a great romantic escape. The hourly cruise costs around Rs 700 for a boat that can easily take 10 to 12 people. A houseboat with 2 AC rooms costs around Rs 20,000 per night.

Take Lunch at a lovely resort The resort is on the banks of the backwaters and offers the ultimate combination of kicking off your shoes, sipping on beer and munching prawns while gazing at the houseboats pass by. Meal for two: Rs 1,000.

End the day with the famous Kerala Ayurvedic massage. There are plenty of options for getting the same. you can chose to go to the Sahayadri Spa conveniently located on the top floor of a store called Little Kingdom on MG Road. The 45-minute massage is perfect end to a gorgeous day. The staff is skilled and knew the correct technique of how to apply pressure. we highly recommend getting one -- 45 minutes of pure bliss. And priced at Rs 600, it is a must do.

The next day, you can make a tour towards Fort Kochi. The first stop was the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568.Located at the centre of the aptly named Jew Town, the structure may not be impressive, but is a paradise for shoppers. The area is called Mattancherry and is home to an entire lane of shops selling antiques. It is a collector's dream come true and the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.The shops are overflowing with brass and wooden antiques, many of which date back 200 years. Remember to haggle hard as they often cut their prices almost 30-40 percent with cheerful bantering.Though the market has cute cafes on the upper levels that remind one of Portuguese Goa, it is not a bad idea to head off to The Attic, Cochin's own steakhouse. Located on Marine Drive, it is a small cozy place that serves some great food.

The day of travel around Jew Town can exhaust you so better to take off a nap. If you still have some stamina left, you could visit the Chinese Fishing nets in Fort Kochi which are these giant structures that preserve the age old tradition of Chinese fishing. The vendors on the roadside actually offer you the option of catching your own fish and then frying it for you!

The perfect holiday needs the perfect ending. So, for dinner, go to Taj Malabar, the fantastic property situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour. Their restaurant, Rice Boat is designed like a Kerala snake boat and one gets the impression of being seated in a backwater houseboat.Their sea food is to die for and yuo can personally vouch for the Crab Masala. Eaten with a serving of boiled rice, the crab is absolutely phenomenal.you can also try the tiger prawns as well as the lobster, both of which are well flavoured and very tasty. A word of caution here do specify the level of chilly you want. To say that Kerala food is spicy would be an understatement.The food at the Taj, as expected, is priced extremely high, so this can be skipped in case you're on a budget. Meal for two including sea food can go upto Rs 4,500.Two days, a perfect tan, a relaxed mind and a content smile! Kerala -- truly, God's Own Country!

Next Great World Travel Destinations

2010-01-28T03:02:00.000-08:00

Looking for a charming European hideaway, an undiscovered beach resort, or the latest food mecca? Online Travel spanned the globe in search of destinations that fuse style, authenticity and affordability. The results: 15 amazing places where the dollar still goes far.

Travel and Leisure
You are kicking back in a landscape of rolling vineyards and castle topped towns. The days are filled with beautiful drives and visits to local vintners, where you sample the fruit of their labors. You might swing by a rustic wine bar for a tasting. Nights you bed down at a small hotels with cabin like rooms and a blue walled restaurant that blends harmoniously with the hotel’s collection of glass aquariums.

Is this Tuscany? Burgundy, perhaps? No, this is the Moravia region of the Czech Republic, home to 94 percent of the country’s fast growing wine production. The surprising regional capital, Brno, is dotted with Modernist houses designed by Adolf Loos and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. And that stylish lodging? It’s the Noem Arch Hotel, and doubles start at a very reasonable $141 a night.

An under the radar province like Moravia is a real find, because it offers similar attractions to better-known vacation packages destinations, but tends to be much easier on the wallet. Whether it’s a charming European Holiday hideaway, an undiscovered beach resort, or the latest food mecca, Tours spanned the globe in search of destinations like these that offer style and local flavor—and won’t cost a fortune.

Take Langkawi, a cluster of islands off Malaysia’s northwestern coast. Most of the main island is swathed in mangrove and tropical rainforests, and it was recently designated a UNESCO Geopark—the first in Southeast Asia. On the southwestern coast of the main isle you’ll find Pantai Cenang beach, lined with guesthouses and bars under coconut palms. The nearby Bon Ton Resort, is a small village of formerly dilapidated Malay wooden houses transformed into sleek lodgings by hotelier Narelle McMurtrie. The cost: just $150 a night.

For a more urban—but also exotic—experience, head south to the capital of Colombia, Bogota, which some say is poised to become the next Buenos Aires. The culinary and nightlife scenes are flourishing, and in the historic city center, the recently reopened Museo del Oro showcases a 6,500-piece collection of pre-Columbian gold coins and other works of art. Another formerly gritty city that’s newly dressed up is Marseilles, France, which has spruced up its waterfront and is attracting a more sophisticated crowd from Paris. Open-air cafes line the Vieux Port, and in the newly posh district of St.-Victor, travelers can stay at the artsy Casa Honore, which has a tapas bar and a shop that sells furniture designed by owner Annick Lestrohan. It’s a slice of real France that most tourists haven’t seen.

EUROPE

Moravia, Czech Republic
Why Go Now: This under-the-radar province is emerging as Eastern Europe’s newest wine region. Ninety-four percent of the Czech Republic’s burgeoning wine production (Gruner Veltliner and Cabernet Moravia) comes from its rolling vineyards and castle-topped towns. The regional capital, Brno, in the center of Moravia, is dotted with Modernist houses designed by Adolf Loos and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (the creator of the famous Brno chair) and is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the area.

The Details: Stay at the new nautical-themed Noem Arch Hotel (doubles from $141), with 18 cabin-like rooms and a blue-walled restaurant that blends harmoniously with the glass aquariums. Farther south, in the village of Mikulov, swing by the rustic Templ Wine Bar (drinks for two $4) for a tasting. Mikulov’s Jewish heritage is the inspiration for artist Sylva Chludilova’s paintings at Galerie Efram. In neighboring Valtice, sample an extensive wine selection at Narodni Salon Vin, in the town château.

Travel Tip: Exploring Moravia by train has never been easier, thanks to the recently launched website idos.cz, where you can access all schedules.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Why Go Now: The collapse of Iceland’s financial system last year has made Reykjavik’s cafes, industrial-chic nightspots, and restaurants more affordable than ever.

The Details: At the new Center Hotel Arnarhvoll (doubles from $142, including breakfast), in downtown’s 101 district, the modern rooms (slate palette accented with red and chestnut brown) come with views of Mount Esja. Browsing the boutiques on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, could take days; stop by Gust for funky Icelandic wares such as knit wool wraps, or Steinunn for local, cutting-edge clothing. Segurmo at Boston (dinner for two $20) is a restaurant opened last year by Bjork’s personal chef, Nuni Thomasson. His menu of regional comfort food might include dishes like foal steak with couscous and cabbage.

Travel Tip: At the 200,000-square-foot Laugar Spa (entry $36 per person), six tubs and an outdoor pool are filled with the Laugardalur Valley’s healing thermal waters.

Marseilles, France
Why Go Now: Once known as a gritty seaport, this coastal city has recently spruced up its waterfront and is attracting a more sophisticated crowd from Paris.

The Details: Open-air cafes edge the Vieux Port, where street vendors sell ice cream cones and fish sandwiches. Just behind the Quai de Rive Neuve, in the newly posh district of St.-Victor, the artsy Casa Honore (doubles from $213) has four simple guest rooms, a tapas bar, and a shop that sells furniture designed by owner Annick Lestrohan. For lunch head to Chez Michel (lunch for two $170) and order traditional bouillabaisse, then browse for artisanal olive oils at Place aux Huiles.

Travel Tip: Locals gather at Chez Jeannot (dinner for two $45) for crusty pizza and bottle of Chateau Plonk.

CARIBBEAN

Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
Why Go Now: Affordable inns and restaurants, plus world-class diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing are making this 112-square-mile island one of the Caribbean’s best spots.

The Details: On a hill overlooking the small town of Kralendijk, the new La Pura Vista (doubles from $195) is like staying at your fabulous wealthy uncle’s villa—except he’s out of town. Four of the five breezy rooms face the brick-lined pool; breakfast is from 8 to 10 a.m., and the front desk is staffed until noon; after that, it’s all yours. In Kralendijk, the main drag runs along the water and is peppered with restaurants and bars. Stop by It Rains Fishes (lunch for two $20), where stylish, blond Dutch waiters serve bowls of spicy curry soup and open-faced ham-and-Gouda sandwiches. And at Cactus Blue (dinner for two $60), British expat Hagen Wegerer, a dive instructor turned chef, makes a stellar lime-and-ginger Caribbean shrimp. He’ll tell you where the best snorkeling spots on the island are (take his advice and go to 1,000 Steps).

Travel Tip: The drive to the northern town of Rincon takes you along the western coast of the island, then inland to a lake full of flamingos.

Martinique, French West Indies
Why Go Now: One of the largest islands in the French West Indies, Martinique attracts Francophiles looking for an affordable alternative to St. Bart’s.

The Details: Fort-de-France is a thriving colonial-era port of colorful coral town houses and boutiques that sell everything from Gallic perfumes to brightly patterned madras. On the island’s south side, Marin Bay is a protected harbor filled with charter yachts and traditional wooden sailing boats. Nearby are the best beaches—Anse Caritan; Macabou—and the fishing village of Ste.-Anne, where on market days you can buy a paper bag filled with crispy codfish and shrimp balls from street vendors who fry them on the spot. On a hillside along the rugged northern Atlantic coast, Le Domaine Saint Aubin (doubles from $275) has 30 charming cottages set among 200-year-old mango trees. The 50 suites at Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa (doubles from $500), on the eastern part of the island, are decorated in hot island colors. Stop by the hotel’s restaurant, Le Belem, for grilled lobster.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss Carole Michel’s Creole-style crab farci or fried red snapper at Chez Carole, in the middle of the fruit-and-vegetable covered market.

Asia Travel

Langkawi, Malaysia
Why Go Now: This cluster of 99 islands off Malaysia’s northwestern coast is a relative neophyte when it comes to tourism. Most of the main island remains a nature-lover’s paradise, swathed in mangrove and tropical rain forests, and it was recently designated a unesco Geopark—the first in Southeast Asia.

The Details: The name Langkawi refers to the archipelago in general and to its largest island specifically. On the southwestern coast of the main isle you’ll find Pantai Cenang beach, lined with guesthouses and bars under coconut palms. Locals flock to a beachside food truck called Tsunami Laksa for asam laksa (hot-and-sour fish soup with rice noodles). At the northern tip of the island, Tanjung Rhu is a tranquil oasis: two miles of silver sand and calm water. Back in the early 1990’s, it was the Datai (doubles from $488), a luxury resort fronting a pristine cove, that first put this area on the map. Other developments have followed since, including the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi (doubles from $410), on a 40-acre wetland, where naturalists lead boat tours of the mangrove forests. But much of Langkawi retains its traditional charm, on view in Pantai Cenang at the Bon Ton Resort (doubles from $150), a small village of formerly dilapidated Malay wooden houses transformed into stylish lodgings by hotelier Narelle McMurtrie.

Travel Tip: The Langkawi Cable Car runs gondolas to the top of Mat Cincang, the island’s second-highest peak.

Nanjing, China
Why Go Now: While this ancient capital of China is slowly modernizing, it remains staunchly loyal to its past. Witness new restaurants, hotels, and the Nanjing Museum of Art & Architecture—set to open next summer—all juxtaposed with centuries-old monuments and traditions.

The Details: Make Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing (doubles from $125), in the heart of downtown, your base. The 278-room property overlooks Xuanwu Lake. For authentic local food, try the 20-course small-bite tasting menu, including duck sesame buns, at the Galaxy Restaurant (dinner for two $40) in the Mandarin Garden Hotel. The Nanjing 1912 neighborhood has classic early-20th-century Chinese architecture and a vibrant club scene at night. Stop by Soho, a low-lit bar with dark wood furnishings and live music.

Travel Tip: Take a day trip to the Purple Mountain, on the eastern outskirts of the city. Here, you’ll find the mausoleums of leaders such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of modern China.

MEXICO AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

Bogota, Colombia
Why Go Now: With its flourishing culinary and nightlife scenes, plus new flights from the United States on JetBlue, Delta, and Continental, Colombia’s capital is set to become the next Buenos Aires.

The Details: Bogota’s historic center is La Candelaria, where the recently reopened Museo del Oro now houses a 6,500-piece collection of pre-Columbian gold coins and other works of art. And at the nearby Fernando Botero Museum, you’ll find more than a hundred sculptures and paintings by the artist. Just down the street, the 43-room Hotel de la opera (doubles from $215, including breakfast) occupies a pair of elegantly restored Republican-era town houses. In the Zona Rosa district, the Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia (doubles from $340) is a 102-room property near the city’s art galleries. Bogota’s restaurant scene is booming—try Italian Gigi Trattoria (lunch for two $25) for house-made pastas and Club Colombia for regional classics such as corn empanadas and ajiaco, a hearty chicken-and-potato stew.

Travel Tip: On the edge of town, the restaurant Andres Carnes de Res (dinner for two $90) puts on all-afternoon feasts of grilled steak.

San Blas, Panama
Why Go Now: This archipelago in northern Panama is experiencing a mini boom in lodges, where travelers can escape the crowds of the more popular Bocas del Toro.

The Details: After a short flight from Panama City to Playon Chico (which the hotel will help arrange), guests of one of the five overwater casitas at Yandup Island Lodge (doubles from $160, all-inclusive) are picked up by boat and taken to the property’s private island. Snorkelers can spot more than 75 species of coral, hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, and the occasional dolphin. On a nearby island, the Hotel Uaguinega (doubles from $300, all-inclusive) has 10 thatched-roof cabins and a beachfront restaurant that serves fresh fish. Book one of the hotel’s guided tours of neighboring villages, where you can buy crafts made by the local Kuna tribe.

Travel Tip: Bring your own sunscreen and toiletries: the area has no shops.

Quito, Ecuador
Why Go Now: The city’s Old Town—a restored unesco World Heritage site is a window into the country’s colonial past, full of painstakingly renovated mansions and churches, new restaurants and hotels, and recently opened museums. This year, the city celebrates 200 years of independence from Spain with hundreds of cultural performances.

The Details: The five-year-old Hotel Patio Andaluz (doubles from $204) was largely responsible for the area’s renaissance. Inside, 32 rooms are set within a preserved colonial mansion. For dinner, book a table at Zazu (dinner for two $60), which serves a sole ceviche in tomato juice. In the heart of Old Town, Villa Colonna (doubles from $250) is a six-suite boutique property with private patios, high ceilings, and antique furnishings. The Nu House Hotel (doubles from $129), in the Mariscal Sucre neighborhood, feels like a Scandinavian import, with granite tile floors and minimalist decor.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Museo Guayasamin and the Capilla del Hombre, shrines to Ecuador’s most famous artist, Oswaldo Guayasamin.

El Calafate, Argentina
Why Go Now: A formerly rough-and-tumble wool-trading outpost in southern Patagonia, tiny El Calafate has now been discovered by adventure junkies and celebrities such as Francis Ford Coppola, who scouted the area for an upcoming film.

The Details: This is a place where you can have grilled steak and Mendoza wine for just $25 a person after a day spent exploring the region’s natural beauty: towering glaciers, deep fjords, and grassy steppes. Dine on sirloin wrapped in boar with a Malbec wine sauce at the brick-walled Pascasio M (dinner for two $49) or head to the boisterous La Tablita (dinner for two $48), known for grilled meats and fish. Brace yourself against El Calafate’s clear and chilly nights in a sweater from Vellon Negro, woven from local wool. The best places to stay are beyond the town’s center. The 12-room Patagonia Rebelde, Posada & Historia (doubles from $110, including breakfast) is modeled after a historic railway station. Much more space age, Design Suites Hotel (doubles from $140, including breakfast) has soaring glass walls and views of neon-blue Lago Argentino.

Travel Tip: Hielo y Adventuras (tours from $118) runs two daily excursions to Perito Moreno Glacier that include a trek across the ice.

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Cook Islands, South Pacific
Why Go Now: With a handful of low-key resorts, this island group is an affordable alternative to its affluent neighbors Tahiti and Bora-Bora.

The Details: In the capital, Rarotonga, stay at Little Polynesian (doubles from $370), where handwoven cream-on-white bedspreads brighten the 10 bungalows. Restaurants on the island range from Vaima (dinner for two $56), a fish spot with tables set on a dock, to Windjammer (dinner for two $87), which serves innovative dishes such as slow cooked local octopus in a curry sauce. For the best beaches, catch an Air Rarotonga flight (four each day) from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. Check in to the Tamanu Beach Resort (doubles from $245). As Mike Henry, the Tamanu’s owner, says, “The Cook Islands are like Hawaii fifty years ago.”

Travel Tip: Explore Aitutaki’s lagoon with Wet & Wild Adventure Tours (tours $50). Daylong cruises include stops at an island bird sanctuary.

Auckland, New Zealand
Why Go Now: This yachting-obsessed city has more than its share of sophisticated food and art. Best of all, the exchange rate turns the city’s hotels, restaurants, and boutiques into affordable indulgences.

The Details: The downtown marina is the site of the new Westin Auckland Lighter Quay (doubles from $216), an understated 172-room hotel. In midtown, the vintage Modernist furnishings at the renovated Hotel DeBrett (doubles from $195) create a pied-à-terre feel. At Merediths (dinner for two $110), chef-owner Michael Meredith turns out modern New Zealand dishes such as smoked salmon with candied fennel. To see artwork by N.Z. artists, browse the galleries (or websites of) Sue Crockford or Michael Lett.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss a day trip to the island of Waiheke, an up-and-coming wine region.

AFRICA
Rusinga Island, Kenya
Why Go Now: Just off the eastern shore of Lake Victoria, Rusinga Island is blissfully laid-back. The arrival of a new Micato Safaris lodge probably won’t change that, but is giving travelers a stylish place to unplug.

The Details: Stay in one of the six thatched cottages (net-draped beds, ceiling fans, large baths) at Rusinga Island Lodge (doubles from $440). Each bungalow faces an open-air restaurant where the spicy fish curry pairs well with a Tusker Ale.

Travel Tip: Micato Safari guide Mark Ross, who flies guests here in his Cessna airplane from Nairobi, will arrange an expedition to the mainland town of Sindo for a lunch of fried tilapia at Subaland Hotel (no address) or a sunset cocktail cruise to watch thousands of white egrets nesting on uninhabited islands.

Dakar, Senegal
Why Go Now: This city has one of the world’s most exciting music scenes—from reggae, rap, and hip-hop to traditional tribal drum, string, flute, and xylophone. Indeed, Dakar is a nonstop concert, as CD’s blare in the streets and markets and live musicians and bands hold forth in any number of cool clubs, cafes, and dance boites.

The Details: Overlooking the Atlantic, the Hotel Sokhamon (doubles from $147), has a funky vibe, with brightly colored walls and a conch-shaped staircase. Try the grilled lemon chicken in the garden at Chez Loutcha (lunch for two $20). After dark, head to world-music superstar Youssou N’Dour’s club Thiossane, or the ultracool Just 4 U.

Travel Tip: Check out one of the world’s most important bird sanctuaries, the 40,000-acre Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj, on a guided tour itinerary aboard a traditional dugout pirogue.

Bhigwan Bird Watching Tourist Destination

2010-01-25T02:52:00.000-08:00

There are certain places that will always score when it comes to birding and bird photography. And when it comes to seeing migratory birds, the wetlands of the north have very little competition.Or so I thought. A chance visit to Bhigwan, 95 km from Pune had convinced me that this is really a birder's vacations paradise. The visit two years back was a fleeting one and I had not had the opportunity to explore the area in greater detail.

The opportunity arrived on Christmas eve and I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas gift. For starters, Bhigwan, as mentioned, is about 95 km from Pune along the Pune-Solapur highway (NH 9). It is the catchment area of the mighty Ujani dam. A drive to Bhiwan from Mumbai will take about 4-5 hours, it is about 251 km away. There are some rudimentary accommodation options in Bhigwan. The other option is to stay in Pune.

The moment you step out of the hotel and start driving towards Bhigwan Lake, bird sightings start gracing you. Rollers, bee-eaters, coppersmith babblers, crow pheasants, gray hornbills are sighted on the way.This time, thanks to the advanced Garmin GPS that we were carrying, we were recording all the spots where birds had nests and were flocking in numbers. Every location was geotagged. From the Pune-Solapur highway, take a left towards Bhigwan Lake towards one of the biggest hotspots in that area -- Diksal.

You encounter one small bridge with water bodies on both sides and you immediately see migratory water birds in large numbers -- ducks, terns, twany eagles, cotton pigmy goose, lesser whistling teal, ruff, clamorous warblers, marsh harriers, comb ducks, ruddy shelducks, common kestrels, Eurasian wigeons, gadwalls and shovellers.You can stand on the bridge and take flight shots at eye level of terns, harriers, egrets, herons. You will also get good pictures with a basic zoom lens of coots, shovelers, ruddy shelducks etc.

Beyond the bridge is a long pathway with water bodies on either side. The path is wide enough for just one vehicle to pass, and there are bird sightings on either side.At a distance of about 10-15 feet, we sighted bee-eaters aplenty, kingfishers, common ioras, pippits, drongos and many water birds like purple herons, purple swamphens, purple moorhens, painted storks, wooly necked storks, pheasant tailed jacanas, black winged stints, pond herons, grey herons and egrets of all types.You can easily take photographs as the models are not camera shy if you stay inside the car. We got plenty of pictures and saw at least 50-60 species.

We also saw birds of prey like harriers, eagles and kites. A little further up is a village where the villagers offer to take you on a ride in the smaller boats to take you closer to the ducks. Flamingoes also grace this gifted place and one can reach them only through a boat ride that costs about Rs 150-200 per person. It is a treat to watch the birds at eye level in the water. The flight patterns, the fishing styles and feeding sights of waders are a delight to watch.I came back completely impressed with this place, which can easily be called the Bharatpur of Maharashtra. After having geo-tagged all the birding hotspots, the true potential of this place hit me hard. No wonder this place is being proposed as a bird sanctuary. India Tours

Mauritius The Adventure Island

2010-01-22T02:48:00.000-08:00

Mauritius promises a unique holiday for nature lovers. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again.

About Mauritius: Mauritius is a tiny island country off the coast of Madagascar, politically and geographically a part of Africa. However, ethnically and culturally it is much more Indian and French, than African. Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa. The island, which is of volcanic origin, covers an area of 1,865 square kilometres or 720 square miles. Coral reefs surround most of the coast except the south.

History of Mauritius:
After a brief Dutch settlement, French immigrants who came in 1715 named the island Île de France and established the first road and harbor infrastructure, as well as the sugar industry, under the leadership of Gov. Mahe de Labourdonnais. Blacks from Africa and Madagascar came as slaves to work in the sugarcane fields. In 1810, the British captured the island and in 1814, by the Treaty of Paris, it was ceded to Great Britain along with its dependencies.

Indian immigration, which followed the abolition of slavery in 1835, rapidly changed the fabric of Mauritian society, and the country flourished with the increased cultivation of sugarcane. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 heralded the decline of Mauritius as a port of call for ships rounding the southern tip of Africa, bound for South and East Asia. The economic instability of the price of sugar, the main crop, in the first half of the 20th century brought civil unrest, then economic, administrative, and political reforms. Mauritius became independent on March 12, 1968.

Major tourist attractions in Mauritius:
Grand Bay: Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

Pereybère: The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular vacation packages destination because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

Balaclava Ruins:
A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.

The Triolet Shivala:
The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

The Labourdonnais Orchards:
Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

What to do in Mauritius:
Deep Sea Fishing: Mauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing. Species include the blue or black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the Bonitos, the ‘emperor’, the ‘pélerin’, the ‘bécune’ or the barracuda.

Huge fishes like the Blue Marlin roam our seas and hunt around the island from November to April, and very often until May. The ocean is 70 metres deep one kilometre away from the coast. Mauritius holds several world fishing records (IGFA), including that of the mako shark of 1115 pounds, the blue shark of 400 pounds, a bonito of 41.5 pounds, a white tuna of 224 pounds and a ‘bécune’ of 125 pounds. African records (GFUA) mention a yellow tuna of 212 pounds and a white tuna of 224 pounds. Other specimens recently caught include blue marlins of 1430 and 1355 pounds. Fishing boats can be hired from almost all hotels. The most prestigious deep sea fishing competition is the Marlin World Cup which is hosted in December by La Pirogue Hotel

Spas: Those seeking well-being during their holidays should be sure to visit the spas, new oases of peace where time stands still. Mauritius offers several world-class items. If the seemingly endless miles of beaches, the natural hospitality of the Mauritian people and the huge range of different types of food are not enough , why not set off on a very special journey !

Pay a visit to some of the spas, where you can put yourself into the capable hands of experts and allow yourself to be carried away by your senses. These spas are now regarded as a must, on the tourist itinerary.
The islands most famous spas include One&Only Le Saint Géran, the Royal Palm, Hilton, Prince Maurice, Beau Rivage, Oberoi, The Residence, Sofitel Imperial and Dinarobin hotels where holidays also mean fitness and enlightened senses.

Honeymooner's paradise:
If you are looking for a very special place to spend your honeymoon, Mauritius is definitely the place for you. Every hotel on the island offers extensive wedding and honeymoon tour packages. They can also help you in organising every single detail of the ceremony.Everything is possible. You can choose to have an intimate, private occasion or a more adventurous way of exchanging vows.On a sunny beachside, under the sea or in the sky, Mauritius will transform your wedding or your honeymoon into an unforgettable moment.

Hotels in Mauritius:
Apavou Group of Hotels:

Indian Resort Hotel and Spa: The Indian Resort Hotel and Spa in Mauritius, a Hotel complex of 349 rooms is a true idyllic place for tourists which travel .Conceived in a way that all the rooms have a sight on the Indian Ocean.. Its white sandy beach stretches on one kilometer and is in the vicinity of the must of the Island, "One Eye", which is the ideal spot for water sports lovers practicing windsurfing, sailing or even kite surf.

Hotel Ambre, Mauritius: Coming out of a dream décor, Ambre Hotel stands on one of the nicest beach of the island. All 298 rooms are air conditioned and situated on 2 floors and divided in 4 categories. Its Immaculate sand stretches out over more than one kilometer, facing a turquoise lagoon which swimmers and water sports lovers can enjoy.

Fairs Festivals India in 2010

2010-01-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret: Indians don’t need a reason to celebrate. Whether it is taking a holy dip in the Ganges or dancing in the Himalayas, we simply love to let our hair down. And the fact that we have so many cultures and religions co-existing makes India an even merrier place to live in.Below is the lists out some of the best-known festivals and fairs that are to be held through 2010 in India.

JANUARY
The Kumbh Mela (Haridwar, Uttarakhand)
January 14 to April 28
Perhaps the largest religious (or otherwise) gathering in the world, the Kumbh Mela is a festival that is most revered of all festivities in India. Sages and pilgrims from across the country gather at Haridwar and take a holy dip in the Ganges to wash away their sins. The Mela consists of many ’snans’ or holy dips, the first of which happened on January 14 and the fair is currently underway.Even as it is one of the most pious of all the festivals, the concept of the Kumbh Mela has become something of a joke in pop culture thanks to Bollywood movie characters who often refer to it (with tongues firmly in their cheek) as the place where they lost their sibling.

Republic Day (New Delhi)
January 26
A colourful, military parade and floats from each state move down Rajpath, New Delhi, and daredevil fly past, attended by the President and prime minister marks the celebration of India’s statehood every year on January 26. Officially, the festivity ends on January 29, with the Beating of the Retreat.

Art, culture and desert festival
Jaipur Literary Festival (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
January 21-January 25
It’s where the best-known minds of contemporary literature meet and debate. Sure you may argue that the debates don’t lead anywhere but hey imagine bumping into Salman Rushdie over lunch or VS Naipaul over tea! Not such a bad way to start the year, is it?

Hampi Festival (Hampi, Karnataka)
January 27-January 29
Built on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagar Empire and is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.The festival of Hampi with dance, music, fireworks and processions hopes to recreate the splendour of city against its ruins. Usually the festival is held in November but this year is the 500th anniversary of the coronation of the much-revered king of the Vijaynagar Empire, Krishna Devaraya (1509 to 1529), and hence the January festivities.

Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)
January 28-January 30
Colourful bazaars, camel races, traditional puppet shows, fire dance and folk music and dance programmes, the desert definitely doesn’t get more interesting in India than this.Some of the highlights of this competition include turban tying contests, the sound and light show and folk artists performing against the sand dunes in Sam.

FEBRUARY: Surajkund Mela, Khajuraho fest and more
Surajkund Crafts Mela (Haryana)
February 1-February 15
The popular mela or fair is a platform for folk artistes and artisans from across the country to display their talent. A shopper’s paradise, the Surajkund Crafts Mela has a state for a theme each year. This year will be Rajasthan’s turn. With the growing the number of states in India, the mela sure won’t run out of states to feature.

Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)
1 February - February 7
Home to India’s most erotic sculptures, the Khajuraho temple grounds play host to an exhilarating Festival of Dances each year.The festival is hosted by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation and showcases the most prominent exponents of various Indian classical dances.

Mahashivratri (Across India)
February 12, 2010
It is supposed to be the night Lord Shiva danced his frenzied tandava or celestial dance of destruction. On this day Shiva temples across the country are crowded as devotees flock for the blessings of the deity. If you’re in Mumbai and are adventurous enough you could try and visit the Babulnath Temple in South Mumbai. The Mahakaleswar Temple at Ujjain also sees a special celebration as does Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

A carnival and cultural festival
Goa Carnival (Panaji, Goa)
February 13-February 16
It’s officially the last day of festivity and celebrations before Lent. The Goa Carnival is held in Panaji, the capital of Goa. Fancy dress balls, floats, parades and a frenetic round of dancing, drinking and feasting mark the celebrations as highlight of the festivities ‘King Momo’ the officially appointed festival ruler parades through the city streets.

Taj Mahotsav (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)
February 18-February 27
The festival is organised at Shilpigram, which is close to the Taj Mahal. It’s where some 400-odd artisans display their art. Taj Mahotsav also has a lot of cultural festivities where performers from across the country display their folk and classical art forms. With the Taj Mahal as the backdrop, surely nothing could be better, could it?

MARCH: Welcoming spring
Holi (Across India)
March 1
Holi the festival of colours is celebrated across the India with a few variations here and there. But if there is a place to be in India during Holi it is the village of Barsana near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.Barsana hosts something called the Lath mar Holi where women beat up men with sticks. Of course the men protect themselves with shields. But it’s a sight to watch sari-clad women having the time of their lives in this rather amusing ritual. After all no one’s going to sue you if you miss a stroke.

Nauchandi Mela (Meerut, Uttar Pradesh)
A classic example of religious tolerance is the Nauchandi Mela, a festival that is held near the Hindu Nauchandi temple and the Muslim shrine of Bala Mian.Legend has it that the month-long fair that starts soon after Holi, first started as a one-day trade fair for cattle traders back in 1627. Since then it has been each year growing in stature except in 1858 when the city saw the revolt against the East India Company.

Gudi Padwa (All over Maharashtra)
March 16
The New Year’s Day in the Marathi calendar, Gudi Padwa is supposed to mark the beginning of spring. Maharashtrians consider this day as one of the three and a half most auspicious days when every moment is favourable to start a new activity.It is celebrated throughout Maharashtra with families decorating a stick with a bright coloured cloth and a pot turned upside down resting on the top of the stick. The traditional Gudi Padwa meal is shrikand (a sweet dish made of yogurt) and puri.

Royal splendour
Gangaur Festival (Rajasthan)
March 18 to March 19
Celebrated in the honour of the goddess of abundance, the Gangaur festival is when young girls pray for a spouse of their choice. The festivities include a procession being taken to the closest water body with the women carrying images of the goddess on their heads.The places to be (and to see pretty Indian girls dressed in their traditional best) include Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nathdwara and Jaisalmer. And just in case you’re wondering what happens to these girls when they get married, well they simply pray for their husbands!

Elephant Festival (Jaipur)
March 24
Should pretty much tell you what it is and where, shouldn’t it? Processions of elephants decorated and groomed before a stunned audience displaying the splendour of the royal state of Rajasthan. Not to be missed also are the elephant polo matches and the elephant races.

APRIL: Celebrating new beginnings
Easter (Across India)
April 4
Although Easter is celebrated all over the country, Goa is considered to be one of the most popular Easter holiday destinations in India. Expect lots of celebrations in this former Portuguese colony with song, dance and carnivals.

Baisakhi (Punjab)
April 14
It is a festival that marks the solar new year and the sowing of the new crop for most communities in India. The date varies from state to state. Baishakhi falls on April 14 in Punjab and is the Punjabi New Year and the start of the harvest of wheat in the state. The traditional Punjabi dance, Bhangra that is performed on this day all over Punjab is the harvest dance of the state.

Nobo Borsho / Boishakh (West Bengal)
April 14
Nobo Borsho or the New Year is the beginning of the New Year for Bengalis. The month that follows is called Boishakh, an auspicious time for marriages.It is also perhaps the best time to visit Kolkata because there are tons of fairs being held in and around the city. Of these, the most popular is the Bangla Sangit Mela a music festival that is conducted by the state government.The thing to do is to get yourself invited to a wedding. That shouldn’t be much of a hassle since we Indians are so warm to begin with. Or else you could simply gatecrash into one of them.

Vishu (Kerala)
April 14
This is supposed to mark the first day of the Malayalam year and is also the harvest festival of Kerala. North Kerala traditionally has seen more fireworks and celebrations than the rest of the state. However it’s always great to be in a place of festivities in any part of the world, isn’t it?

Bohag or Rangoli Bihu (Assam)
Mid-April
This festival marks the new year, beginning of Spring and is also an agricultural festival of Assam. Cattle is worshipped and festivities include paying homage to elders and having meals consisting of Chira, curds and sweets.Bohag Bihu is one of the three Bihus that celebrate the three seasons — spring, summer and winter.

Chitra Festival (Madurai Temple, Tamil Nadu)
From April 14
Chitra Festival at the Madurai Temple commences on April 14. A showy festival that lasts for nearly a fortnight, it begins on the Tamil New Year. Chitra celebrates the marriage of Meenakshi to Shiv and brims with pomp. Festivities include a spate of dramas depicting Meenakshi’s life history.On the eighth day a procession of elephants and chariots transport the nuptial pair through the town streets and to the banks of the Vagai River to meet Meenakshi’s brother Lord Kallalagar (an avatar of Vishnu) who is transported there from his hilltop abode at Algarkovil, outside Madurai. This ceremonious meeting — the logistics of which are mind-boggling — has more than its usual quotient of Indian-style pandemonium.

MAY: Festival of flowers
Sikkim Flower Festival (Sikkim)
Held near White Hall, the governor’s residence in Gangtok, the flower show displays some of Sikkim’s famous orchids, gladioli, roses, alpine plants, ferns, rhododendrons etc. A food festival, river rafting and Yak safaris are other attractions at the festival.

Moatsu Mong (Nagaland)
First week of May
North-East India Tours is arguably the most untouched part of the country. Rituals of the seven sister states are unknown to most Indians.Moatsu Mong provides a great opportunity to give you a glimpse into an aspect of the culture — that of Nagaland. The Sping festival usually falls in May and goes on for over six days. Folk dances, songs, tribal chants and indigenous games are all part of this festival — a must-see for all city-bred folks who think their city limits are the end of the world.

Ooty Summer Festival (Ooty, Tamil Nadu)
May
Pretty much like most other summer festivals, the Ooty version has the regular cultural programmes that include fashion shows, flower arrangement exhibitions, boat races and the works. Visit the Botanical Gardens for the spectacular flower show.Critics of the hill station will probably tell you that the place is getting to be crazily crowded. But hey, tell us a city that isn’t!

Buddha Purnima (Bodh Gaya, Bihar)
May 27
Bodha Gaya is the place where Buddha attained Nirvana. It is a prominent Buddhist tourist spot and is the most sacred of the four Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the country — the other three include Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh), Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) and Ajanta (Maharashtra).

JUNE: Celebrating the Ganga
Badrinath-Kedar Festival
This is an important music festival. The location of the festival in the snowy Himalayan towns of Badrinath and Kedarnath makes the event quite memorable.

Ganga Dusshera (Varanasi and Haridwar)
June 11
Glenn Beck might’ve called Ganga a disease. Sure the river’s been polluted quite a bit but the Ganges will always remain India’s most favourite river. Celebrating it’s descent and presence on earth, folks in Varanasi, Haridwar, Prayag, Rishikesh etc celebrate the Ganga Dusshera along the river’s banks. For ten days there are celebrations, pujas and aartis performed as a mark of respect for the holy river. How’s that for a disease, Beck?

Shimla Summer Festival (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)
Early June
A time for celebrations and cheer in what used to be the summer capital of India during the days of the Raj. The Shimla festival has something to offer for everyone. Popular singers and local artistes rub shoulders here and fashion shows, flower display and film festivals are organised for entertainment.

Sindhu Darshan Festival (Leh-Ladakh, Jammu)
Early June
The festival celebrates one of the world’s longest rivers — the Sindhu. Expect some breathtaking cultural festivities that aim to promote peace, harmony and are a celebration of the country called India. As a symbolic gesture performing troupes from across the country carry waters from the other rivers in pots and immerse them in the Sindhu.

Hemis Festival, (Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir)
June 20
Held in the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, the Festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Expect dances, plays and music from drums, cymbals and long horns. For the compulsive shoppers there some exquisite handicraft from the region for sale.

JULY: Puri’s Chariot Festival and more
Mango Festival (New Delhi)
It’s a dream come true most kids (and many adults too). With over 500 varieties of mangoes on display New Delhi is a paradise for mango lovers. Expect some lip-smacking competitions and some killer mango products at this festival that is held in the capital in July every year since 1987 and is jointly organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, the National Horticultural Board and the NDMC.

Splash 2010 (Wayanad, Kerala)
First week of July
The Wayanad Tourism Organisation or WTO as they like to call themselves organise a carnival in the Wayanad district of Kerala to promote the area as a tourist destination around the time when the heavens open up.Apart from the usual song-n-dance festivities by local artistes, you could also try out their adventure sports that include ‘mud football’, a marathon, a slow cycle race and tons of other fun stuff.

Jagannath Yatra (Puri, Orissa)
July 13 onwards
This is the famous chariot festival of Puri, Orissa. A procession of chariots bearing the presiding deities of the main temple — Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are pulled by hordes of devotees to their ’summer cottage’ the Gundicha temple, one mile away over a period of 24 hours.The word juggernaut in the English language gets its meaning from this festival. Music, elephants, royalty, plenty of colour and organised anarchy are a sideshow to this unmissable event which is repeated nine days later when the Jagannath family returns home from their vacation.Legend has it that the journey of the Jagannath trio symbolises or mimics Krishna’s journey — Jagannath is an avatar or reincarnation of Vishnu, as is Krishna — from Gokul to Mathura to kill his wickedly powerful uncle, King Kans. Areas of Bengal and Bihar also celebrate their own home grown version of the festival.

India Fair Festivals in 2010

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AUGUST: The battle of the snakeboats and more

Teej (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
August 12-August 13
One of the many colourful festivals of Rajasthan, Teej is celebrated in honour of the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati after a penance of a hundred years. On this day, women dress up and pray for their husband’s health and longevity. It also celebrates the rains, which are always welcome in this dry state.The markets of Jaipur are where you should be heading on this day, to buy clothes and sweets specially made for the occasion as also to witness the processions across the city.

Independence Day (Delhi)
August 15
The day when India awoke to ‘life and freedom’ in 1947 is celebrated throughout the nation with flag-hoisting ceremonies being held all over. On this day the Prime Minister addresses the nation through a televised speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi.

Onam and Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Alleppey, Kerala)
August 14 August 23
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala that celebrates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. Celebrated over 10 days the festivities include folk dance performances, elephant procession and snake boat race.The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races. On the day of this fiercely-fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated 200,000 people, many of them tourists, who come to watch the event. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come.

Parsi New Year (Mumbai)
August 19
Although the Parsi New Year is celebrated in various pockets across the country, it is mainly in Mumbai that you can truly experience the celebrations since a good part of the community has made the city their home.On this day Parsis visit the Fire Temple to offer prayers, which is followed by bhonu or lunch. Traditionally, families also go to watch a Gujarati play in the evening that is put up only for this one day. Usually farcical comedies with tonnes of innuendos the plays are surprisingly watched by almost the entire family.Entry to Fire Temples in India is restricted only to Parsis though you could watch the play if you really want to be part of the celebrations or simply head to a Parsi eatery in South Mumbai.

Raksha Bandhan
August 24
This is the day when a sister ties a decorated thread on the wrist of her brother who promises to protect her in return. A fairly private ceremony, celebrated in homes rather than in public, it provides a good excuse for all cousins and their parents to get together.

SEPTEMBER: Holy month of fasting and feasting
Janmashtami (Across India)
September 2
Janmashtami is celebrated across the country to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. While in the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan see some enchanting performances of the Ras Leela or the Dance of Divine Love, Maharashtra celebrates it by breaking the dahi handi or the earthen pot filled with curd and butter. The pot is tied several feet above the ground and young boys (sometimes girls too) form a human pyramid and reach up to it to claim the prize money.

Id-ul-Fitr or Ramzan (Across India)
August 11 to September 9
The holy month of Ramzan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is when the followers of Islam refrain from eating or drinking anything from dawn till sunset. After the sun goes down though, the festivities begin with some lip smacking delicacies being made at traditional Islamic eateries. The most delicious food, however, is served on the streets lining the local mosques and shrines like Chandni Chowk-Jama Masjid area in Delhi and Mohammed Ali road in Mumbai.

Ladakh Festival (Leh Ladakh)
September 1-15
Various performing troupes from across Ladakh come together for an annual performance and celebrations. The procession passes through the Leh market and finishes at the polo ground. What follows are 15 days of festivities, mask dances and archery and polo competitions.

Ganpati Bappa Morya!
Ganesh Chaturthi (Across Maharashtra)
September 11
Celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha, the festival gained importance during India’s freedom struggle when the Bal Gangadhar Tilak used it as a cover for rebels’ meeting. The festival, which begins with the bringing of clay images of the deity ends with the immersion on the tenth day. However certain households and public Ganesha idols are immersed on the second, fifth and the seventh days too. Pune and Mumbai are considered to be the hubs of this festival and you can expect a lot of traffic jams during this period.

Tarnetar Mela (Tarnetar near Rajkot, Gujarat)
September 11 to September 13
It might be a quiet hamlet for most part of the year. But come September and Tarnetar in Gujarat turns busy as a beehive. The mela is held in honour of Lord Shiva at the Trineteshwar Mahadev temple.

According to the Mahabharat, Arjuna performed the Matsyavedha (an archery feat) during Draupadi’s swayamvara at this temple. Ever since, Tarnetar has been known for its swayamvara, where a girl has the right to choose her life partner. This tradition continues in the Bharwad community. Folk music and dances, a large number of stalls selling local handicrafts, magic shows, joy rides and camel rides are the other attractions at the fair.

OCTOBER: Urs, Commonwealth Games and Durga Puja
Urs Ajmer Sharif (Ajmer, Rajasthan)
October 1-October 6
Celebrated in honour of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the Ajmer Sharif shrine sees a lot of celebrations where devotees of different faiths come here from far and wide to pay their respects and listen to divine quwwalis and sufi songs sans the techno beats in the night. Shoppers keep an eye open for local woven and block printed fabrics!

Gandhi Jayanti (Across India)
October 2
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2 in Porbunder, Gujarat on this day. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated with commemorative events in the memory of the Father of the Nation.

Commonwealth Games (New Delhi)
October 3 to October 14
The 19th Commonwealth Games will be held in the nation’s capital and will be the largest multi-sport event to be held in the country. The ceremony will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Durga Puja (West Bengal and parts of Bihar)
October 8-October 16
In Bengal and parts of Bihar, the nine days leading upto Dasshera are devoted to the worship of Durga, an avatar of Parvati, Shiva’s consort. The festival rejoices her victory over the buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura, after a nine-day battle.Every street corner or tiny village puts up its own clay image of Durga riding a tiger. It is the most important festival of Bengal with much feasting and merriment. The beautiful pandals put up in every neighbourhood of Kolkata are famous. The festival reaches its high point in Kolkata on the tenth day when the images are taken to the Hooghly River for immersion.

The festival of nine nights!
Navratri (Gujarat and Mumbai)
October 8-October 16
In Gujarat and among Gujaratis in Mumbai, this is the festival of nights.It is celebrated during the nine days preceding Dasshera and is the occasion for folk dances or dandiya raas or garba dances.There are many variations of these dances, and today many are done in accompaniment to Hindi film music and laser images. Navratri honours the goddess of strength, Amba among other goddesses. This festival is celebrated in south India, as well, with puja and fasting and night vigil. It lasts for nine days during which pujas devoted to the goddesses of strength, wealth and knowledge are conducted.

Dusshera (Across India, especially Delhi and Mysore)
October 17
Vijay Dashmi or the 10th day of Dusshera is a day of rejoicing the victory of good over evil, when Rama, hero of the mythological epic Ramayana, defeated and killed the demon king Ravana with the aid of the monkey king, Hanuman. It is celebrated by burning paper and wood statues of Ravan. Don’t miss the Ram Leela performances — plays depicting the life of Rama, in Delhi and Varanasi.The Mysore Dusshera is held in the Mysore Palace Grounds. Musicians perform on the grounds and the palace is thrown open to the public. A special fireworks extravaganza, also the highlight of the evening, follows.At the one-week Kullu Dusshera fair, celebrations include a rath yatra and folk music and dance performances.

Bharat Milap (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
October/November
It is supposed to be the day when Lord Rama was reunited with his brother Bharata after 14 years of exile in the Hindu epic Ramayana.The festivities attract a lot of devotees from all over India with the star attraction being the local maharaja participating in full costume riding an elephant!

NOVEMBER: Festival of lights and more
Dhanteras
November 3
In North India, two days before Diwali, it is obligatory to buy gold. Bazaars everywhere are crammed with exotic jewellery even as the prices of gold hit an all-time high.

Diwali
November 5
Diwali or Deepavali signifies deepa or lights and avali or row and hence a ‘row of lights’.It is an extravagant and lavish pageant of lights and firecrackers, worth fitting into a travel itinerary, especially if one is in Rajasthan, Delhi or Gujarat. Every home is lit up with oil lamps, in the manner that Ayodhya was lit up for the return of Lord Ram.Lakshmi puja (worship of goddess of wealth and consort of Lord Vishnu), feasting, gambling and decorating the home with rangoli, is the order of the day.In South India Diwali is a celebration of the death of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Mythological demon-king Narakasura had managed to wangle out of Brahma and Shiva because of the boons he received and had grown powerfully evil. The devas or the gods requested Lord Krishna to annihilate him, which he did at Dwarka.

New Year
November 7
For the business community in northern and western India, the Hindu new year starts the day after Diwali. A special puja is performed in offices across the country and financial records begin anew on this day.

Bhaiduj
November 7
It is another festival for brothers and sisters marked by exchange of sweets and gifts.

Maha Kanda Shasti Utsavam (Across Tamil Nadu)
This festival is celebrated in the six temples or abodes of Lord Murugan — Tiruchendur (temple near Thirunelveli), Thirupparankunram (temple near Madurai), Palani hill temple (Dindigal district), Swami Malai (near Kumbakonam), Thiruthanigai (near Chennai) and Pazhamudhir Solai (near Madurai). Lengthy bouts of bursting fire-crackers, feasting, dances make this one of the largest festivals in this southern state.

Chhat Puja (Across Bihar)
November 11
This holiday is one of the biggest in the state of Bihar, and is a festival for married women. It entails worship of the sun and is also called Surya Puja. Women gather before dawn and wade waist deep in rivers across Bihar, with sweets, grain, fruit and puja paraphernalia like incense and holy water, to fete the sun. The process is repeated again in the evening. Over the years, the Chhat festivities have extended to pockets of the country, which have strong Bihari population such as Mumbai.

A cultural extravaganza!
Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar, Rajasthan)
November 13 to November 21
Held in Rajasthan, Pushkar is India’s most famous camel fair and coincides with Kartik Purnima or a special full moon. Thousands congregate for this colourful mela, traders and tourists alike. It is an occasion for much singing and dancing, folk style. Camel races, handicraft bazaars, fireworks are the order of the day. Special tent facilities are provided for tourists.

Children’s Day
November 14
The birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru and India’s first prime minister is celebrated across the country’s schools because of his love for children. In New Delhi, there is a special fair for children at the India Gate and programmes are organised at the Dolls Museum, Bal Bhavan and at Teen Murti Bhavan, Nehru’s home.

Garhwal Festival (Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand)
Mid-November
It is a cultural affair that toasts the culture of the Garhwal hill people, held at Uttarkashi. Celebrate with these simple people living in the lap of the Himalayas as they sing and dance their blues away.

Lucknow Festival (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Late November
A fortnight of cultural events, food festivals and handicraft bazaars that highlight the splendour of Lucknow, this festival is organised by Uttar Pradesh Tourism. Also witness and participate in traditional village games, kite flying, cock-fighting matches through the fortnight.

Ganga Mahotsav, Guru Nanak Jayanti and more
Ganga Mahotsav (Benaras, Uttar Pradesh)
November 17-November 21
This is a time for festivity along the banks of the Ganga in Banaras or Varanasi, the city said to be ‘perched on the edge of time’. While it continues to be an auspicious festival, the Ganga Mahotsav is a great symbol of cultural melting pot with people from various classes, castes, religions and nationalities come together to worship the Ganges.The high point of the festival are the evenings when earthen lamps on lotus leaves are set afloat on the river.

Guru Nanak Jayanti
November 21
This is the biggest day for the Sikh community in India. On this day saint Guru Nanak was born. The festival is celebrated by taking out processions and prayer readings from the sacred granth or holy book. Amritsar is a special place to be on this day.

Sikkimese New Year (Sikkim)
Late November-Early December
Celebrating end of the harvest season, the Sikkimese New Year or Losoong begins each year in the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. Religious festivities, exuberant celebrations and dances with people dressed as gods are part of the celebrations.Places to be in Sikkim during this time of the year include the monasteries at Tsuklakhang Palace, Phodong and Rumtek Monastery.

Sonepur Mela (Sonepur, Bihar)
November
This is the world’s largest cattle fair. Sonepur, a town located at the confluence of the Gandak and Ganga rivers in Bihar comes alive during this festival, which is timed to coincide with Kartik Purnima or a special full moon. Thousands — pilgrims, traders and tourists — converge for the trade of cattle and grain and to witness the drama, music, contests, shows and to shop.Mythology has it that Sonepur was the historical location of a war between the king of the jungle and the king of the waters — the elephant and the crocodile. Elephants too are still traded at the fair. For the devout and the non-materialistic, bathing on Kartik Purnima in the river and puja at Hariharnath temple is routine.

Cultural fest at Qutub Minar…
Chandrabhaga Fair (Jhalawar, Rajasthan)
Late November
This fair is a special event in the town of Jhalawar in Rajasthan. Celebrations involve bathing by the devout at full moon or Kartika Purnima in the Chandrabhaga River and puja at the many beautiful ancient temples that line the river.

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day (Amritsar, Punjab)
November 24
On this day in 1675, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb killed the Sikh leader in Chandni Chowk after he refused to convert to Islam. A religious procession is taken out in Amritsar, the city of Golden Temple along with the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) in a golden palanquin.

Annual Winter Sports (Kufri, Himachal Pradesh)
November
Despite its largely tropical climate, India has much to offer thanks to its geographical diversity. Head to Kufri in Himachal Pradesh this November to get a taste of winter adventure sports in India. Kufri, which is quite close to Shimla, has a wide range of slopes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.

Qutab festival (Delhi)
November/December
The three-day Qutab Festival is organised by Delhi Tourism in order to ‘preserve and present the rich tradition of Indian music, contemporary as well as classical’. Some of the best names from the Indian dance and music fraternity gather here to perform with the Qutub Minar as the backdrop.

DECEMBER: Dancing and feasting
Konark Festival (Konark, Orissa)
December 1-December 5
This is the place to be if you’re a fan of Indian performing arts. Artistes from across the world practicing Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and a host of other classical and folk dances perform at the Sun Temple at Konark each year. This year happens to be the 25th anniversary of the festival. So you can sure expect some fireworks.

Hanukkah (Cochin, Kerala)
December 1-December 9
India’s meagre population of Jews celebrates this festival of lights, which commemorates the purification of the Temple in 165 BC. The tiny declining locality of Jew Town in Cochin, Kerala has perhaps the most atmospheric celebrations of this feast in India.

Feast of St Francis Xavier (Old Goa)
December 3
The feast commemorates the death of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa. According to legend, after he died the body of this Spanish Jesuit missionary was brought back to India and was found as fresh as the day he was buried. It was then kept in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church in Old Goa. The feast attracts thousands of Christians across the country and the otherwise quiet old town springs to life.

Camels on ramp, Xmas and New Year celebrations
Bikaner Festival (Bikaner, Rajasthan)
Late December/Early January
A stunning procession of camels walks past the imposing Junagarh Fort. This is followed by camel races and various other competitions involving the ship of the desert. The town also houses the Karni Mata Temple where holy rats are worshipped and on the outskirts is a camel breeding farm. The dates of the festival vary each year. So even though the last festival was held on December 30 and 31, the next one will be held sometime in January 2011.

Kagyat Dance Festival
This is a Sikkimese festival where the major players are the monks who perform dances. Each dance is a skit from Buddhist mythology accompanied by ritual chanting and music. On this day evil spirits are exorcised by burning effigies made from wood, flour or paper.

Christmas
December 25
Churches are decked and nativity scenes are set up at street corners in some cities. While Midnight Mass services are rare because of court orders, Goa, Kerala, Chennai and parts Mumbai and Kolkata as well as the Christian areas of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagalandare places where major festivity takes place.

New Year’s Eve
December 31
The big cities of India celebrate New Year’s Eve with verve. The Gateway of India in Mumbai, Park Street in Kolkata, and many parts of Goa are the scene of much merriment.

Mandu a Honeymoon Paradise

2010-01-19T04:20:00.001-08:00

For all those who head straight for the hills for that elusive whiff of romance, let me say that Mandu is the perfect honeymoon destination. It is the city of love and delight; after all one of its most famous legends is the love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati.Mandu is situated about 90 kms. from Indore. Mandu is also known as Shadibad, which means the city of joy. Mandu was fortified as early as the 6th century, but gained prominence in the 10th century as the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Mandu is perched along the Vindhyan ranges at 592 m. Later, towards the end of the 13th century it came under the sway of the Sultans of Malwa, under whom it was named Shadiabad. It is now a romantic ghost city remarkably intact over an area of 12 square km.

Mandu is situated on an isolated hill top which is separated from the tableland to the north by a deep and wide valley over which a natural causeway runs to the main city gate. Mandu is the largest standing fortified town in the world. The walls of Mandu have a circumference of 75 km. The walls look the same as they did some 300 years ago. There is an abundance of mango, tamarind and banyan trees. The city is particularly beautiful immediately after the monsoons, a emerald green landscape full of waterfalls. There are lakes, groves, gardens and palaces. The best season to visit Mandu is from June to September, when the tanks are full and the rain turns the entire countryside into a verdant green.

Best time to visit: Mandu enjoys an extreme climate. The best season to visit this place is during the monsoon, that is, from July to September. While other places in Madhya Pradesh and most of the north and peninsular India are closed for tourism during monsoon, Mandu is more of a monsoon resort than anything else. The natural surroundings are in full bloom during this time.

Major tourist Attractions in Mandu: Perched in the rugged terrains of the Vindhyas, Mandu is a fort hilltop located in Madhya Pradesh. Its enchanting landscape, embedded with architectural gems, is cuddled by mountains at a height of 2000 ft. The place still echoes with the elegance and beauty of the regal era and abounds in historical monuments that have gracefully aged with time. These architectural relics scattered throughout the beautifully rutted backcloth of the mountains form its major tourist attractions. Based on their location, these edifices are segregated into three distinct groups. Explore the numerous places in Mandu that interest tourists.

Royal Enclave Group

Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace)

This ship-like structure was the brainchild of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji. The palace served as his harem and was home to 15,000 maidens. Two lakes bound the palace on the eastern and western sides and underpin the illusion of a ship.

Taveli Mahal

Located on the south of Jahaz Mahal, this ancient monument was used as a guardhouse and a stable during the Mughal regime. It now acts as a gallery of Archaeological Survey of India and houses various archaeological findings.

Hindola Mahal (Swing Palace)

It is located near the Jahaz Mahal and is a large hall that is supported by sloping buttresses. It served as a pleasure palace of the Mughals, who organized their evening parties here during the monsoon season.

Champa Baoli

An elaborately constructed step-well, the place was so named as its waters were believed to smell like the 'Champa' flower. A summer retreat of the emperor,; it houses cool wells, underground rooms (Taikhanas) & subterranean bathrooms.

Village Group

Jami Masjid

This huge edifice, built in 1454, was one of the finest achievements of the Ghauri dynasty. Faced with red sandstone, the monument dominates the village of Mandu and is structured on the 'Omayyed Mosque' in Damascus, Syria.

Tomb of Hoshang Shah

It lies on the south-west of the Jami Masjid and is believed to be the oldest marble building of India. Sheathed completely in white marble, its design and workmanship greatly influenced Shah Jahan, who sent his architects to study it before building the Taj Mahal.

Ashrafi Mahal

It was built by Mahmud Shah Khilji. Originally constructed as a Muslim religious school (Madrasa), the place was later extended to become his own mausoleum. The building collapsed due to faulty architecture and now stands amidst ruins.

Jain Temple

It is a modern temple complex that enshrines images of various Jain 'Tirthankars'. All the temples are richly festooned with marble, silver and golden statues of the Jain saints. The place also houses a Jain museum inside it.

Rewa Kund Group

Baz Bahadur's Palace

Located near Rewa Kund, this place was erected in 1509 by Baz Bahadur, the last king of Malwa. It exhibits a skillful blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural style, with high terraces, ornate halls and spacious patios.

Rupmati's Pavilion

This fort was originally built as an army observation post and offers some enchanting views of the Narmada gurgling through the Nimar plains below. With its striking pavilions, the fort was used as a summer retreat by the queen.

Other Attractions

There are also some other forts and monuments in Mandu, which are not categorized into any groups, but deserve special mention. Nilkanth temple, located at the very edge of a steep gorge, is a renowned Shiva shrine. Nilkanth Mahal, constructed by the Mughal Governor, Shah Badgah Khan for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife, is also a notable architectural specimen of Mandu. Hathi Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhotti Behan Ka Mahal, Malik Mughit's Mosque and Jali Mahal are some other fascinating monuments that still reverberate with the glorious past of Mandu.

PLACES AROUND MANDU: Bagh Caves is around 50 km off Mandu on the road between Indore and Vadodra in Gujarat. These Buddhist caves date from AD 400 to 700 and were in a poor condition until few years back when the restoration work began. There are some government guesthouses and dak bungalows nearby.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated all over the Malwa region with much fun and gaiety. The festival is celebrated during September/October. The celebrations provide a window to the rich and colorful cultural heritage of the region.

The Malwa Festival is organized in Mandu by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department. The traditional art and cultural heritage of the region are displayed during this festival.

Hotels in Mandu:

Jhira Bagh Palace Hotel, Mandu : Jhira Bagh Palace is located in Mandu Road Dhar is easily accessible from Indore and Ratlam. The palace hotel provides a total accommodation of 16 luxurious rooms. All the rooms are sufficed with most modern amenities needed for a royal stay. A multi-cuisine restaurant takes care of the dining needs of the guests. There is a fully equipped conference center for the business visitors. Other facilities include a myriad of sightseeing options and indoor/outdoor games.

Malwa Resort Tourist Cottages, Mandu: The Malwa Resort is one of the two hotels run by the MP tourism hotels in Mandu. While the other is located in the Mandu town, Malwa Resort Tourist Cottages lies outside of the town, near the forest area. The hotel has well-appointed cottages facing a small water body with ample space for a family of 3. The water body is the central space when one drives into the hotel, and forms a place to chit chat, eat & relax when in the hotel. The food is quite good for the location (as nothing much is available in the town), with a variety of traditional & Punjabi cuisine. The bar is also well stocked. The only down side is that one can stay at the resort only if one has a way to drive around Mandu, else the place is too far & location too unsafe to walk around.

South India Backwaters

2009-10-21T03:38:00.000-07:00

Muttukadu is a small village located at a distance of around 36 km from Chennai on the most popular East Coast Road (ECR). It is an ideal backwater location and excellent picnic spot for a lazy weekend for Chennai people. Even travellers from outside Chennai too visit Muttukadu. Muttukadu is the best boating option available in and around Chennai.

The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed as a picturesque picnic spot and a centre for water sports. Every year a lot of watersports lovers gather at this village in the month of February to watch windsurfing regatta. Some of the attractions that are available here are windsurfing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Water scooters are a recent attraction. Speed boats have always been favorite for families.TamilNadu Tourism Development Corporation maintains the site and takes care of boat houses.

Muttukadu is well connected by buses from Chennai. You can otherwise reach the place in taxi/your own transport. There are other attractions such MGM Dizzie World, Kovalam Beach, and Dakshin Chitra, which you can visit along with Muttukadu.

India Adventure Tours

2009-09-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

India with its vastness in area offers a diverse nature of landscape which readily makes some of the most perfect Adventure destinations for the enthusiasts. Right from the mighty Himalayas to the extreme north to the Indian Ocean in extreme south, from the burning heat of the great Thar Desert in the extreme west to the dark, dense tropical rainforests of the extreme east, India is full of adventure destinations.

From rifer-rafting in the roaring Ganges, to scuba diving in soothing Kerala backwaters, to the sliding down the skiing slopes of Auli & Narkanda, to the trekking expeditions of Ladakh, to snow climbing at Manali, to paragliding at Dharamshala, to hang-gliding at Kangra, to hot air ballooning and many more thrilling activities, the options of adventure holidays are just amazing in India.

1. Angling and Fishing Tours
2. Camel Safari Tours
3. Cycling and Motor Biking Tours
4. Para-Gliding Tours
5. Mountaineering Tour
6. River Rafting Tour
7. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
8. Trekking Tours
9. Wildlife Safari Tours

1. Angling and Fishing Tours
India has many scenic fresh water lakes, which make an excellent destination for fishing and angling activities. An angling and fishing adventure-holiday in India is unique in itself as it brings you very close to nature and frees your from the worries of a hectic city life.Those who are looking for a little bit of solitude and want to enjoy the serene beauty of the gushing waters and spend hours in quiet contemplation, can look forward to these tailor made tours of fishing and angling from Ideal Indian Tours.

Come enjoy a full day of great fishing with the help of the expert Shikaries, who will give you their fine tips and also make your experience a highly memorable one.

Angling & Fishing Destinations in India:

     Dodital Lake in Uttranchal
     Cauvrey Fishing Lodge near Mysore in Karnataka
     Hill stations of Munnar in Kerala
     The Dal Lake in Kashmir
     The Jia Bhoroli River & Kapili in Assam
     Manas and Bhalukpung in Assam
     Yingkiong, Bodak and Siom in Arunachal Pradesh
     Chirgaon, Seema, Mandil in Himachal Pradesh
     Sandasu & Tikri in Himachal Pradesh
     Dhamvari in Himachal Pradesh

2. Camel Safari Tours
The transport of the barren region, the camel, was tamed thousands of years back, mainly for the reason of making tiresome journeys all the way through the merciless Thar Desert. Come for a camel safari tour in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Experience the cool desert breeze and wonder about life in the untamed countryside of this fascinating desert underneath the star-studded sky. You may even go for a small expedition passing through a distinctive Rajasthani rural community or a long-distance outing enduring a few numbers of days. The best time for traveling are the cooler parts of the day, the mornings and evenings.

The things to see in the journey will mesmerize you and turn into a part of your most precious recollections. There may well be desolate land for as far as the eyes can see. The ocean of golden glittering sand looks amazing. Nearer to the rural community you can see flocks of livestock and sheep wandering just about purposelessly. Observe the kids walk briskly off to school, whilst their mothers organize their daylight food on a dung-fire. Stop over for a flavor of the genuine Rajasthani cooking. The welcoming men and women will be at your check, keen to execute your each appeal.

Camel Safari Destinations in India:
Jaiselmer in Rajasthan
Jodhpur in Rajasthan
Bikaner in Rajasthan

3. Cycling and Motor Biking Tours
Contracted paths intertwining all the way through foggy snow-clad mountains, the chilly hill breeze thumping next to your features, and delightful valley people welcoming you on the way - the lofty Himalayas make a near perfect destination for a biking trip. The packages offered by Lets Travel India take you through striking pathways in the farthest of Himalayas.

Each tour will wrap a distance of about 50-60km a day. Every trip is given a back-up jeep/bus with a cycle repair mechanic, first-aid pack and all essential extras. This jeep/bus will follow the very last biker from the commencement of the trip exactly to the finish. Most significantly, it will also bring warm lunch, which will be served at a suitable spot at some point in the day. The group consists of a chef and camp out aide, who will go in front after lunch to set up campground at predefined spots and wait for your coming with a hot cup of tea/coffee!

Cycling and Motor Biking Destinations in India:

     Manali to Leh in Himachal Pradesh
     Kinnaur to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh
     Exploring Kerala in Kerala
     Nainital & Other surrounding Tals in Uttranchal
     Bombay to Goa Biking Tour
     Exploring Goa Cycling Tour
     Delhi to Agra Biking Tour in Uttar Pradesh

4. Para-Gliding Tours
According to professionals, India has high-quality thermal soaring special effects throughout the summer months, and that’s why, it presents Para-gliding avenues for a good part of the year.
More than a few sites in India have been recognized by professional hang gliders with those in the lower reaches of the Himalayas rated as/among the most excellent in the globe. Riding the balmy thermal currents of the air is possibly the next man has ever come to sailing the skies as liberated as a bird. Almost at will, you plunge and swing tall over the hills and valleys.

Para-gliding Destinations in India:

     Billing in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
     Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
     Intkali in Pabbar valley, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
     Blue Mountains, Ooty in Karnataka
     Munnar, Elavizha Poonchira, near Varkala Beach, Kerala
     Vaggamon in Kerala
     Kodaikanal in Karnataka

5. Mountaineering Tour
If you're passionate about the will of adventure, let the flashes in your compassion take off in India, a terra firma set apart with condescending snow-clad peaks, rock glaciers, undulating meadows, serrated rock faces, lush valleys, winding rivers, dropping cascades, impenetrable jungles, and welcoming populace, set apart with a loaded civilization - a territory ideal for mountain climbing, trekking, and rock climbing.

Mountaineering Destinations in India:

     Nubra Valley Trek
     Indus Valley Trek

6. River Rafting Tour
River rafting in India is an invigorating experience that you can take pleasure in on your Holidays in India with Lets Travel India. One of the most excellent areas for river rafting in India is the stretch up to Rishikesh in Uttranchal. White water rafting on the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Ganga rivers is a well-liked adventure sightseeing activity in summer in India. For the more daring explorer, white water rafting tours in India can also be prearranged on the Indus River in Ladakh and Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh.

White water rafting in India on the Alaknanda River is the most easily accessible white water river rafting stretch from Delhi. We drive from Delhi to Rishikesh and further north to Dev Prayag, where the Alaknanda River and Bhagirathi River combine to form the Ganges, a river considered holy by Hindus in India. Further North is Rudra Prayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers combine. The white water rafting Alaknanda tour consists of an approximately 130 Km long stretch from Rudra Prayag to Shivpuri near Rishikesh in Uttranchal, India.

River rafting Destinations in India
1. Rudra Prayag in Uttranchal
2. Indus River in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh
3. Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh

7. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Come! Experience the excitement and exquisiteness of India's eye-catching submerged innate world with Lets Travel India. Scuba Dive or snorkel Bay of Bengal at Andaman and Nicobar islands or Arabian Sea at Lakshwadeep group of islands. The crystal clear waters Indian coasts and shores promise charming scuba diving and snorkeling destinations that will leave you completely mesmerized.

The loaded marine life in India offers an assortment of chances for scuba diving and snorkeling. Apart from the previously renowned scuba destinations, there are plentiful places, which are in the offing to be explored. If you want to make your holiday an event of lifetime, these exceptional adventure activities on the seashores, mangroves, cliff promontories, backwater, beautiful groups of island along the Indian coastline, constantly kissed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea on the islands of Lakshwadeep have the great potential of being the Mecca of scuba diving.

Lets Travel India offers holidays at outstanding places that are stunningly virgin, still intact in their innate beauty and retaining their primal fascination. Unharmed by contamination, the azure, emerald and turquoise waters of its seas and oceans present the arresting sight of the Coral Sea beds. India has imprinted an exceptional place for itself in the adventure sightseeing chart of the globe.

In order to get the best pleasure from Scuba diving and snorkeling in India, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are the most suitable places to head towards. There you can easily discover the under water for ravishing reefs and the incredible collection of sea animals.

Scuba diving & Snorkeling Destinations in India:

Andaman and Nicobar islands
Islands of Lakshwadeep
Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh

8. Trekking Tours
Trekking in India is one of the most prominent exciting activity sports, attracting trekking buffs from all regions of the globe. In approximately each part of India plentiful trekking options are accessible. It is definitely the most excellent way to walk around the uneven attractiveness of the hilly regions of India. Indian mountains present fabulous and action-packed trekking routes.

Trekking Destinations in India:

     Darjeeling in West Bengal
     Gangtok in Sikkim
     Garhwal & Kumaon in Uttranchal Pradesh
     4. Rishikesh in Uttranchal Pradesh

9. Wildlife Safari Tours
A jeep safari is almost certainly the best way to travel around the wonders of Rajasthan. Furthermore, it is feasible to have the benefit of a more complete trip on the jeep and it is a smoother and more relaxed journey. An open jeep is considered perfect, as it can make one feel with nature in the spectacular landscape of Rajasthan.

Safaris can be made in Jaiselmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Shekhavati areas. Jeep Safari can also be made in Wildlife Parks and Bird Sanctuaries. This escapade will present you reminiscences to last a life span. Jeep Safaris can be integrated with Camel and Horse Safaris.

Safari Destinations in India:

     Jaiselmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur in Rajasthan
     Shekhavati region in Rajasthan
     Jim Corbett National Park in Uttranchal Pradesh
     Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan

Top Ten Airports of World

2009-08-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

The Incheon International Airport in Seoul, S Korea has been voted as the world's best airport in 2009 according to the latest passenger satisfaction rankings conducted by Skytrax.The World Airport Awards are based on the responses from 8.6 million airline passengers in 2008-09, covering more than 190 airports worldwide. The survey evaluates travellers' experiences across 39 different airport service and product factors.

1. Incheon International Airport
The Incheon International Airport has also been ranked as Asia's best airport. It is the world's No.1 in terms of security processing and terminal cleanliness.One of the busiest airports in the world, the Incheon Airport has plans to build an 'air city', with apartments, shops, recreational facilities and businesses. The 'air city' and the airport terminal will be connected by a new magnetic levitation train system. The air city project is likely to be completed in 2020.
Built with an investment of $5 billion, the airport became operational in March 2001.

2. Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong's reign as the world's best airport has come to an end. Ranked second, it is voted for being the world's easiest international transit and offers the best airport dining experience. In 2008, more than 48.6 million passengers used the airport.Opened in July 1998, 85 airlines operate flights to around 150 destinations worldwide. HKIA also operates one of the world's largest passenger terminal buildings. The airport designed to offer maximum convenience to passengers. Moving walkways and the automated people mover allow easy movement throughout the building.The airport has a people mover system to ferry people from the check-in area to the gates. The service is free for all passengers and crew. Besides this, airport offers great facilities for entertainment, dining and shopping.

3. Changi International Airport, Singapore
Changi International Airport has been ranked as the world's third best airport. It also has the world's best leisure amenities. With 80 airlines serving more than 180 cities in over 50 countries, Changi Airport has established itself as a major aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region.Changi Airport now has an annual handling capacity of more than 70 million passengers. The airport boasts of themed gardens ranging from tranquil indoor ponds to outdoor sunny gardens.
Besides, this it offers avenues for relaxation, entertainment shopping and automated people mover system. It started operations in July 1981.

4. Zurich International Airport
Voted as the best airport in Europe, Zurich Airport ranks 4th worldwide. The airport has an automated underground train to move passengers between the existing terminal complex and the new terminal.The airport has banks, a post office and wireless Internet hotspots at several locations throughout the terminal. The airport also has restaurants, coffee shops, and duty-free shopping. Zurich Airport has the second biggest shopping centre in Switzerland.It also has a medical and dental centre, pharmacies, prayer rooms and nurseries. Zurich Airport handled 22.1 million passengers in 2008.

5. Munich International Airport
Munich has maintained the 5th rank this year. It was named the 2nd best airport in Europe.Munich Airport is the second busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic (34.73 million in 2008) after Frankfurt International Airport. The airport started operations on 17 May 1992.Investment: $92 million

6. Kansai International Airport, Japan
Kansai International Airport was ranked at the 6th position last year as well. Kansai has the world's cleanest airport washrooms.Kansai is Japan's second most important international airport. Located on a man made island about 50 km south of Osaka, Kansai Airport was opened in 1994.Estimated investment: $13 billion

7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport has slipped from from 4th to 7th in 2009. It offers the world's best immigration service. KLIA now has more than 50 airlines, offering connectivity to more than 90 destinations worldwide. The airport celebrated its 11th anniversary on June 30It handled a total of 27.5 million passengers in 2008, an increase of 4.1 per cent from the year 2007. The airport was built at a cost of about $3.5 billion.

8. Amsterdam International Airport
Also known as Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam International airport is ranked as the world's 8th best airport. The airport opened on 16 September 1916 as a small military airbase.Over the years it expanded its facilities. It now ranks as the world's 3rd largest in terms of international passenger traffic and world's 14th busiest by overall passenger volume.The airport has a large rooftop viewing area. Huge shopping areas are another attraction. The See Buy Fly shopping centre has been named the world's best airport shopping centre by 'The Business Traveller'.Investment: Euro 340 million

9. Centrair Nagoya Airport, Japan
Central Japan International Airport is Japan's third international airport after Tokyo's Narita Airport and Osaka's Kansai Airport.It is also known as Chubu Airport. Constructed on a man made island in the Bay of Ise, the airport was opened in February 2005.Investment: $7 billion

10. Auckland Airport, New Zealand
Auckland International Airport Limited (Auckland Airport) was established in 1988. Today, over 70 per cent of visitors enter or leave New Zealand via Auckland Airport, which handles over 13 million passengers a year.More than 30 international airlines fly to Auckland Airport. The airport hopes to see 24 million passengers a year by 2025.

What is Ailing Our Tourism?

2009-08-26T03:42:00.000-07:00

We have taj, we have tiger, we are not once ancient and modern, we taught the world religion, maths and peace.

We are the world’s largest democracy and the second most populous country. Yet in tourism we rank only fifth in the world. Countries like Australia, New Zealand and Brazil are more preferred destination. Why? What is ailing our tourism? Why do we have peaks and valleys in tourist influx and income, one tourism season after the other?

Well, we don’t have to go far to seek them. Look at the stink our country is. We are perhaps the stechiest nation. More than stench, the tourists are put off by red-tapism, corruption and insecurity. If foreign tourists are to be raped or assaulted, fleeced or looted or even murdered, who would risk coming to India? Beggars, transport troubles, drugs, under-developed tourist facilities knock the life out of tourism paradise our country is, according to the tourist pundits. Who would like to travel to India to taste its crime and grime along with its curry and spices, who would like to return home with mementos of shame and dissapointment?

If India is to regain its place in world tourism, we will have to make a reality check and immediately purge the industry of all its ills. It is true we need to foreign exchange, but we need international tourist smiles and satisfaction too to sustain ourselves as a world’s tourist destination. We haveto improve tourist infrastructure and facilities too. Monuments must be saved from denigration through graffiti, garbage and inscriptions. Our holy places need o be spruced up. And most importantly we must tap the vast potential of domestic tourism, too.

Travel Blog

Manipur The Switzerland of India

2009-08-24T02:41:00.000-07:00

This beautiful Indian provincial State has to offer tourists unforgettable experience of fun and festivities.

Situated in the far north-eastern region of India, Manipur is a tiny hilly provincial State. In India the State is best loved for its vibrant, colourful culture and festivities. For its stable temperature and exotic natural scenery, Manipur is also referred to as “Switzerland of India”.

There is a market called “Ima Keithel” in Manipur where only women are the sellers and men are the buyers !! The market is one of its kind in the whole world. I don’t know such unique market exists anywhere in the world. It is said to be more than 100 years old. “Ima Keithel” literally means Mothers’ Market ~ Ima meaning in Manipuri “mother”. Here businesses are totally run, managed and controlled by the women. Due to this, atmosphere in the market is homely and very social. For something to buy, you yell out “Ima”(mother), “Ine” ( aunt) or “Iche” ( sister)!! From fish to handicrafts, shawls to vegetables, they sell all. All local products. Manipuri women are very hard-workers. From sunrise to sunset they work hard for their families. Most importantly, while doing their business, they always wear a smile and seem to enjoying their profession.

Rafting down the Kolad
Travel Blog

Visit Vilnius in Eastern Europe

2009-08-18T02:57:00.000-07:00

Today, Vilnius is one of the most visited cities in Eastern Europe, pulling the attention not only because of its architectural identity, and cultural events, entertainment. Here are the various business, political and cultural meetings. Capital of Lithuania actively presents at international tourism exhibitions in collaboration with many European capitals. 2009, Vilnius, the first of the new EU countries, cities, has become the European Capital of Culture. This honor is shared with the Austrian city of Linz.

Vilnius is the most important city in Lithuania. Vilnius - the capital of the Republic of Lithuania, the administrative, cultural, political and business center. Here, the President, the Seimas, the Government, the Supreme Court, located in the diplomatic service, education, culture, education, medical institutions and banks.

Vilnius is also the largest city in the country. It lives on septintadalis the population of Lithuania. The year 2006, the Vilnius live 553 553 people is 57.8% Lithuanian, 18.7% - Polish, 14% - Russian, 4% - Belarusian, 0.5% - the Jews. The remaining 5% are of other nationalities.

Urban area - about 400 square kilometers. 20.2% is built, and the remaining part of the plantations (43.9%) and water (2.1%). The historical center of Vilnius, Old Town, is one of the largest in Eastern Europe (360 ha). Because of its uniqueness in 1994 he was included in UNESCO’s most important objects of the world’s protected list. Old Town is located in a picturesque two rivers - Vilnius and Neris - the valley, the crossroads of trade, to Brastos, which kept the ancient castles of Vilnius.

City has always been hospitable, open and tolerant. He is creating a consolidation of three currents of religion: paganism, Eastern and Western Christianity. This is already the fourteenth century observed Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas. The last pagan ruler the state wrote letters to the parties that all Vilniuje worshiped one god, but each according to his custom, the city is already built, and the Catholic Church and the Orthodox churches. Later, here in the city and the house of prayer pasistate Muslims, Tatars, Karaites and Jews.

Multinational, daugiatikybis, multicultural city in the city has always attracted visitors for vacation packages and Zavejo architectural diversity. Castle ruins, a network of narrow streets, smailiabokstes red-brick church, the residential cellars … All this testifies that the Vilnius - Gothic city. But already in the XVI century Gothic overlap with the Renaissance, and the XVII - XVIII century emerging baroque buildings.

That you had and what you are - a businessman, came to Vilnius to sign the contract, a tourist on holiday, or a seasoned traveler looking for new experiences - enough for a few days stay in Vilnius, the pamiltumete this city. Vilniuje worth a longer stay, but if you stay only for one weekend, you will of bright impressions. The theater or opera fans, rapidly parties or street carnival lovers, besidomintieji architecture or mėgstantieji time to allow the wild - all in this city will find what their heart.

Upcomming Fair Festivals in March

2009-02-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

Khajuraho Dance Festival

When: 25 Feb - 2 Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: Khajuraho
The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival fills the amazing temples of Khajuraho with India's finest classical dancers, who present styles including Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Manipuri.The western group of temples acts as the exquisite backdrop for the Khajuraho Dance Festival's performers - usually the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

International Yoga Festival

When: 1 - 7 Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: Parmarth Niketan
Get your asanas sorted during Rishikesh's International Yoga Festival at the Parmath Niketan Ashram. The "yoga capital of the world" is an appropriate setting for a whirlwind tour of the major types of yoga and an awesome place to visit.This annual festival always attracts great yogic masters from all over the world, who arrive by the banks of the Ganges to demonstrate and explore the major traditions of yoga (hatha, raja, karma, bhakti, mantra, laya and jnana). The town boasts numerous yoga schools to view (of varying standards of ethics and expense), as well as plenty of places to visit when your chakras are fully aligned.Apart from the yoga schools, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the many ashrams in Rishikesh that offer courses on meditation, yoga and Hindu philosophy. The hatha yoga and pranayama meditation classes at Sri Ved Niketan Ashram are well known. The Shivananda Ashram, opposite the Shivananda Jhula, is also a favourite - but needs booking well in advance. Other well-known ashrams include the Yoga Niketan Ashram, the Omkarananda Ashram, the Vanmali Gita Yogashram and the Dayananda Vedanta Ashram. We don't recommend these above any others - they are just pointers for research.

Elephant Festival

When: 10 Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: Jaipur
Elephants. India Tourism Office
Held each year in Jaipur, the Elephant Festival is a celebration of these large animals, royal mounts from time immemorial and a symbol of strength and wealth.Groomed to perfection, glittering in gold, you'll stumble across numerous elegant elephants during this very noisy day. The annual bash also proves that they can move surprisingly gracefully in procession, run races and even play polo. A lot of tourists are attracted, but it's also a great occasion for all elephant lovers.

Holi

When: 11 Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: India
Holi Festival. Destination India
During Holi, Holika Dahan, or the festival of colour, Hindu India celebrates good harvests and the Earth's fertility. It is a joyful festival when all is forgiven and everyone lets themselves go.
Huge bonfires are made on the eve of the festival (one explanation being that they drive out Dhunda, a female demon, from participating villages), while the actual day is marked by loud processions, singing, dancing, traditional songs - and a whole lot more.The celebrations pay tribute to Hindu god Krishna, and are associated with his love for Radha. The young Krishna would moan to his mother about why Radha was so fair and he was so dark. His mother advised him to apply colour on Radha's face and see how her complexion would change. The celebrations still explore this idea.If you're a visitor to the Holi celebrations, it's probably a good idea to take some old clothes with you - no-one is exempt from the festivities. You'll find people running on the streets and smearing each other with brightly coloured powders (gulal) and coloured water - an interesting development on the theme of smearing gulal on friends' foreheads.While the aim of Holi is apparently to develop an increased appreciation of beauty and cultivate good taste, people get away with almost anything on this day - including squirting coloured water on passers-by...

Holla Mohalla

When: 12 Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: Punjab
Cost: Free
Opening Hours: All day
The ancient Sikh festival of Holla Mohalla is celebrated in the month of Phalguna, the day after Holi, and is a time for Sikhs to reaffirm their commitment to the brotherhood of man and their dedication to the Khalsa Pantha.Back in 1757, when the tenth Guru Govind Singh was around, it was felt that Holi - the festival of colour and happiness - had lost its original meaning amidst growing decadence and mayhem. Not one to tolerate such behaviour, the reformist Guru decided to re-establish the essence of Holi while restoring the Khalsa traditions. The result was the Holla Mohalla.Many colourful processions mark this festival, and they are particularly spectacular in Anandpur, Sahib and Muktsar. Sikhs dress up in traditional martial costumes (especially the Nihangs or the "Order of the Blue-Clad Farmer-Warriors") and celebrate the day with competitions in archery, fencing, horse riding and shooting. In some areas, battles are re-enacted and cannons fired as a salutary reminder of the traditional warring trait of the Sikh religion. Although clearly a spectacular performance, watching is a risky affair... these men battle hard, even in jest!

Dangs Darbar

When: Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: Ahwa
Originally revolving around tax payment, the Dangs Darbar in Ahwa dates back to the age of the Raj and features five days of lively celebration by local tribespeople, with not a fiscal fee in sight.
The Dangi tribals, or adivasis, live high up in the Saputara hills in a beautiful area known as the Dangs. Every year, just before Holi, they flock in thousands to the local capital of Ahwa for a joyful fair filled with dancing and singing.The tradition of the "darbar" dates back to the time of the British, when the political agent used to pay an annual subsidy to the local rulers, the Rajas and Naiks, for the right to their lands in a placatory gesture to these fierce native tribes. To this day the District Collector still officiates here.In modern times the festival has become one long celebration of local folk culture, with spellbinding dances symbolic of birds or animals as well as a garba programme and lots of songs and dramas. Merchants come from all over the state to sell their wares and people take a lot of trouble over their appearance, wearing traditional and colourful dress, the women laden down with heavy silver jewellery.

Gangaur

When: 29 - 30 Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: Jaipur
Rajasthan folk dance
Gangaur is one of the most important festivals in Rajasthan, held each spring in honour of Gauri, the goddess of purity and patron of unmarried girls. Expect colourful processions and noisy celebrations - especially from the women.Although celebrated throughout Rajasthan with great enthusiasm, the celebrations in Jaipur and Udaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nathdwara and Jaisalmer are especially festive. Colourful decorated images of Gauri are taken out in processions with huge fanfare. Traditionally, the youth grabbed this opportunity of meeting each other freely, and some would select partners and marry by eloping!

In Hindu mythology, Gauri is generally the unmarried goddess Parvati, before she married Lord Shiva. She underwent extreme penances and purifications in order to attain the glory of marrying the ascetic and emotionally invulnerable god.

Mewar Spring Festival

When: 29 - 31 Mar 2009 (annual)
Where: Udaipur
Sunset at Udaipur, India
The Mewar Spring Festival coincides with the Gangaur festival and is celebrated all over Rajasthan. In Udaipur, the women dress in their finest clothes and process to Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichola carrying images of the Goddess Gauri (Parvathi).Celebrations include singing, dancing and devotional music. Mewar Spring Festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display and a procession of boats on the lake.

wildlife tours in india with travel chacha

2008-07-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

Call of the wild
I first saw Bandhavgarh and its tigers one unforgettable March morning. As we rode through the orest of sal trees, the stillness was suddenly broken by the alarm calls of langur and chital. The mahout halted the elephant, listened intently, turned us towards the calls, and then goaded the elephant into a quick pace.Approaching the edge of the grassland and the nearby group of hills, we saw a movement in the grass. A beautiful tigress, drenched in morning dew, strode purposefully into the clearing, stopping to stare at our elephant.I was told that she was called Sita by the forest department staff and the small band of dedicated naturalists that worked in the few camps that were then located at Tala, close to the main entrance of the park। Her two cubs had been following close behind, and on reaching Sita, they greeted her by rubbing their faces against her face, producing the distinctive sounds that only tiger cubs can make।It was this captivating meeting with Sita—and the wealth of wildlife in this park—that convinced me that this location would be ideal for a film on her and her life in the forests of Bandhavgarh.

Bear country
There are three bear species in the Indian region, the Brown Bear, the Himalayan Black Bear and the Sloth Bear. All three are formidable animals, which are frequently in conflict with man and are, therefore, often shot. The range of the Brown Bear is only just within the region, at high altitudes throughout the Himalayas. If food is scarce, it plays havoc with domestic flocks, although its usual diet is fruit, roots and rodents. The Black Bear is still fairly numerous in the Himalayas, occasionally as high as the tree-line but more often at lower अल्तितुदेस Occasionally, a vagrant wanders as far south as Sylhet. Its footprints in the snow, with five clearly defined toes, are rather like those of a man, though the long claw-marks are easily distinguished. When the melting snow obliterates the claw-marks, the probable origin of the mythical Yeti remains for all to see.

Wings of love
Bird watching always presents an intellectual challenge because there are so many different species to identify. Moreover, some birds, due to their furtive nature, pose great difficulties for the bird watcher. Very often, one needs to put together bits and pieces of incomplete clues to come up with the proper identification. Problems of bird watching abound—sometimes most of the torso is hidden behind foliage or the moment you spot it, the tiny creature is all set for flight or the sun simply refuses to shine brightly enough.

Tirth Yatra A Sacred Journey of Holy Places

2008-05-05T05:14:00.000-07:00

Tirth Yatra , these two words, this means more than the realization of the life to the million Indians, is perhaps woven in its inners same, also weaving, the spiritual heart of people to the manifest grounds of his country;the grounds, that indicate its own heart... for Tirth is a crowned destination।

Yatra means the voyage, so much collectively, will yatra of Tirth is the holy voyage, a voyage that we seemingly commit ourselves enriching us religious।And there are various categories of the latter, even always authenticated, others relatively obscure, certain almost open of world, others always the privelege of people of the countries, some devoted to the eternal biggies like Siva, Visnu, Durga, Kali;others with the saints of owner, like devtas of kula in the located, and holy places famous, as Reflected bai, Sant jnaneshwar, baba of sai of Shirdee, paramhans of Ramakrishna, and so on, which in the cosmic chronology, were themselves of the yatris (companions) just one moment ago..... If it east go until our clean my Vaishno Devi, or to a long voyage month in Kailash Mansarovar, so simply immersing themselves in Quawallis at Ajmer Shareef, or even just being present at sea fine of humanity at Kumbh Mela, going in the cave deeply inside the mountain and communicant with the devi of Kamakhya, or a circumambulation of the hills of Arunachala and Govardhan, prosternant themselves before the guru Granth Sahib with the gold temple, or being pilot arati of evening at Siddhivinayak, of the outline darshan and passenger of Srinath Jee and Tirupati Balaji, the astonishing forms of Tandava These voyages of the faith are can be cathartic and transforming...And the feelers travel of the miles and the days, to obtain an outline of the hut or the tree or even the tomb of their saints and prophets... The 'tibbisof Gorakhnath, or the tree of Buddha at Gaya…detecting honestly, their footboards of orientators.

Certain Yatras are organized, others primarily a solitary business। A prescribed part, others a personal tryst with the divinity... for it is with precision because each one cannot embark on the voyage of 'inner ', that this facilitation;a search for heart by the intermediary of the 'outer ', an interior expansion via the external extent, is offered.

Are Yatras really as the pélerins progress, really a walk by wood external, with the chance on one, which directs towards the interior cave... une.and can risk on certain yogis and sadhus, perhaps the residents of their part the secret of place, or right your ' coincidental ' wayfarers, or which knows? compassion comes under many forms, and the yogis have the power to transform not only the eager ones, but also the disbeliever! and we have examples like Angulimala, a wild dacoit which cut its finger of victims to make a collar of the fingers, helping it by frightening the next victim; or even Ratnagar, the dreaded plunderer, who was guided with the interior truth, and continued to become Valmiki…And thus, while these benefactors start to give divine wisdom, you realize, this is one will yatra in a yatra..And it is not simply the destination, but the voyage itself which is the goal. We take leave the everyday life, make plans, invite and gather others to go length, rent buses and the trainers, go sometimes even through the oceans, climb us hills, travels arduously, Sing will jaikaras them, even dance of festival, and in a paramount way we become innocent of spirit in the memory of God, offering the place automatically so that it appears! And, sometimes, all in only resting, we begin even arrangement a simple analogy:That the voyage of the life, itself, is the goal of God, by expressing the world….And that will yatras them of Tirth constitute the special places to polish this obligation between the man and the places of God. Special, where we take the 'off time ' and undertake consciously or subconscious two voyages simultaneously, the external one, as well as the interior communion with him. If we are lucky, we can even obtain with that all the feeling dominating which since God is here certainly felt , this overpowering feeling transports to us that it, in reality, is everywhere.
In conclusion, we reach the caves। We enter the sanctorum of sanctuary, enter the uterus even of creation; be pilot of God, practically see it coming obvious in your presence as it is honestly equipped to the top of like Nath, in Shiva Khori, accepting will vastras them attached by the pujaris one in a methodical ritual and astounding, also accepting the panchgavya, the bilva, and naturally the bhole of Jai of hachisch.! ! What a Darsana! And then? we must turn over to the house, where we belong for now. We do not remain there. Since there, the spectrum was seen in its entireity, the experiment of God by creating the world, custom, and the life itself, is included/understood. Thus, we are happy of then knowing the source but returned with where we belong to the standard of living where we have in…the world right as Arjuna turning over to his charge, having the darsana sri Krishna in the roop of Viraat, and hearing Bhagavad Gita, the celestial song.

And while we return, we take an invaluable handle of prasada, because the others with the acts of home॥it like the jaag manufacture of the curdled milk by the preceding section of the acts of curd..it like bulava, the call, for them to take on board us on their own personal holy water of catch of journey।We behind, to put far preciously in our clean small rooms at the house for our Thakurjis..so which we now can and then to take small a amrita each, to point out our tryst with God to us.
Amarnath Yatra

Beaches in Maharashtra Mumbai

2008-02-11T01:22:00.000-08:00

The state of Maharashtra is an ideal place for beach holidays with adventure appetite through water sports. Some of the famous beaches of Maharashtra which attracted the tourists from all over the world for beach tourism are Dahanu-Bordi beach, Bassain (Vasai), Madh Island beach, Ganpatipule, Harnai-Murud beach, Vengurla, Marine Drive, Mandwa beach, Marve beach, Juhu beach, Kihim-Alibag beach, Vijaydurg beach, Shriwardhan beach, Murud beach and Velneshwar beach.

Industrial Tourism of Jharkhand

2008-01-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

Besides the many other tourisms of Jharkhand, the sate of Jharkhand is also popular all over the world for industrial tourism because Jharkhand has a number of Industrial Complexes with plenty of mines and minerals along with industrial cities like Jamshedpur which is the Industrial
Capital of the state, Bokaro which is well known for its Iron and Steel and Dhanbad is famous for
mines.

Checking your रिज़र्वेशन in इंडियन Trains

2007-12-09T22:31:00.001-08:00

Your train, coach and berth number is printed on your ticket. Reservation lists for each long-distance train are posted on the notice board at each station about two hours before departure, showing the name, age and sex of each passenger reserved in each berth in each coach. The reservation list for each coach will also be pasted on the train itself, next to the entrance door. Check to see that your name is listed.

Heritage And Wildlife Tourism In India

2007-11-13T00:06:00.000-08:00

Heritage Tourism
Heritage tourism of India has always been famous for its rich heritage and ancient cultural diversity with glorious past which attracts millions of tourists each year। India's rich heritage is amply reflected in the various temples, palaces, monuments, and forts that can be found everywhere in the country। The most popular heritage tourist destinations in India are: Taj Mahal in Agra, Mandawa castle in Rajasthan, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh। The most famous heritage sites in Delhi are the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Tughlaqabad Fort।

Wildlife Tourism
India has a rich forest cover which has some beautiful and exotic species of wildlife – some of which that are even endangered and very rare. Some of the famous wildlife tourist attractions are Bandhavgarh National Park, Corbett National Park, Pench National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandipur Wildlife Park, Gir Wildlife Park, Dudhwa Wildlife Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Panna Wildlife Park, Sunderbans Wildlife Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary etc.

Flora Fona and Cusine of South India

2007-11-03T00:42:00.000-07:00

FLORA AND फौना
South India with its dense forests, exotic fauna and amazing appeal has always been a favorite wildlife destination for tourists around the world with lush evergreen vegetation, tropical dry forests, scrub lands and moist forests made it a biodiversity The region also offers the best Indian wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar National Park, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Kunthakulam Bird Sanctury, Viralimalai Sanctuary, Karnataka Wildlife, Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park etc. Other tourist attractions include the backwaters like the Pulicut Lake in Andhra Pradesh, Pitchavarum in Tamil Nadu and the famed backwaters of Kerala formed by the Vembanad Lake, the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kayamkulam Lake.

CUISINE
Cooking pattern in the four states of the south zone, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, largely remain the same with rice as the staple diet, while fish is an integral component of coastal South Indian माल्स However, Hyderbadi Biryani, Sambar, Dosa, Idli, Bhagara Baingan, Romaali Roti, Kesari Bhath, Pineapple Pachhady, Fish Molee, Ven Pongal, Chettinad Chicken, Masala Vada, Pal Payasam, Medu Vada, Avial (Semi-dry, Mix Vegetable), Uttapam are popular throughout the region.

DIVERSITY
There is great diversity in Indian traditions, manners, habits, tastes and customs, languages but unity remains the distinctive feature throughout this subcontinent including south Indian culture is unique and so widely famous because people from different castes and customs reside here अमिअब्ल The unity of oneness makes them stand out in The heritage of the states of south India deals mainly with high architectural designed temples that are considered as the pride of India

इंडिया Place of All Tourist Destinations

2007-10-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

The territory of India represents a geographical amalgamation of various features with its mountain ranges, valleys, desert regions, tropical rain forests, fertile plains, dry plateaus, coastal areas etc। India is one of the popular vacation packages tourist destinations in the world bounded by the Himalayan ranges in the north, and surrounded on three sides by water - the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean - with a long history and diverse culture. In 2004, foreign tourists visiting India spent US$ 15.4 billion - the ninth highest in the world! India is also ranked among the top 3 adventure tourism destinations!

India – Home of All Tourist Seasons

India offers big regional variations in its climate from cool mountain pastures beside the glaciers, through windy plateau, to warm river valleys and burning desert Holidays in India has four major seasons to celebrate – Winter (January–February), Summer (March–May), Monsoon (June–September), and Post-Monsoon (October–December)।

India – Tourist Destinations of Flora and Fauna

India boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna which are diversified in nature and which depend upon the geography of the region There are around 500 varieties of mammals, 2000 species of birds and 30,000 types of insects and a wide variety of fish, amphibians and reptiles are found in the country। Indian flora varies from the Western Himalayan and Assamese, from the species of the Indus Plain to those of the Gangetic plain, from the Deccan and Malabari to the vegetation of the Andamans। The floral wealth ranges from the Alpine to the temperate thorn, from the coniferous to the evergreen, from scrubs to deciduous forests, from thick tropical jungles to cool temperate woods।

ट्रेवल Chacha

2007-09-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

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