Hill Station Train Tours

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

Aesthetic Tourism India

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.

Rajasthan Tourism all Inclusive

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

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.

Eco tourism in India

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 travelers 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.

Fairs Festivals India in 2010

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.