The Indian Republic / Bhārata Ganarājya

Random Info about India...............

2011-02-14T09:31:00.000+05:30

Approximately 29 million people are born every year in India, 10 million die per year and the population increases by approximately 1.8%
On 19 December 1929 under the President ship of J.L. Nehru, the NIC at its Lahore Session, declared Poorna Swaraj as its ultimate goal.
CMA Times, a monthly newspaper dedicated to martial arts is published from New Delhi. Its editor and Publisher is Sanjeev Kumar.
Subhash Ghai's blockbuster 'Taal' is the first Hindi film to appear on the Top 20 box - office charts in the US in 1999 at 20th position.
During the ongoing World War II, after the fall of France in 1940, Gandhi declared, "We do not seek independence out of Britain's ruin."

India - the richest

2011-02-14T09:21:00.000+05:30

Although western media portray modern images of India as poverty stricken and underdeveloped, India was once the richest empire on earth.

Top 10 Best Web Hosting Companies

2011-02-02T16:58:00.001+05:30

If you are looking for top web hosts, or if you are new to web hosting, then you will find TheTop10BestWebHosting.com easy to follow and precise to make sure you find the best web hosting company to suit your hosting needs.

It is a Free guide which provides reviews of the best web hosting providers. The web hosting sites which are rated best by professional webmasters and web designers are ranked according to reliability, price, customer support, features, control panel, ease of use and server uptime.

The team of the Best 10 web hosting team consists of dedicated webmasters with vast experience in the webhosting industry. They have an experience of over 8 years now, of helping website owners make the right choice when searching for the best web host.

So we would vouch for this professional just host review and make the right hosting choice. All the hosting companies are inexpensive, but these are appreciated hosts with established dependability and backing for their low price. So to elude a costly long term error don't just choose the inexpensive hosting plan you can find as you may well end up hypothetically paying for it in the future because of poor uptime and bad technical support.

Till date TheTop10BestWebHosting.com have assisted over 28,500 website owners find the best cheap, reasonable web hosting which is reliable, feature packed and offer top excellence support. This number is mounting daily and we hope that every visitor is happy without reviews and chooses a host which suits their needs.

Regardless of the size of your budget, TheTop10BestWebHosting.com will help to guide you on affordable web hosting. The plans listed on their website are perfect for any personal, hobby, or small business websites in need of both affordable as well as high quality, reliable hosting.

The ipage hosting plan includes some abundant matter. For example, there is unlimited hosting space and unlimited data transfer. They also provide you with a free SiteLock security suite, which is a $100 value.

TheTop10BestWebHosting.com is a FREE public service of independent Web Hosting provider reviews. TheTop10BestWebHosting.com provides relevant, detailed information on web hosting companies available on the internet, to help consumers make the most educated choice for their web hosting needs.

Note the following attributes of TheTop10BestWebHosting.com ; Reliability, Cost, Uptime, Customer Service (Pre-Sales), Technical Support, and ease of use. Over 30,250 webmasters have found affordable and reliable web hosting to suit their needs here.

Swine flu cases in India tally to 183

2009-07-13T07:18:00.001+05:30

As of 12th July India reported 14 new swine flu cases, taking the total number of people infected with the influenza A(H1N1) virus to 183.

"Of the 183 positive cases, 131 have been discharged. Rest of them remain admitted to the identified health facility."

Out of the 1,117 people, 340 were identified through the airport entry screening. Health officials said the new laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported from Delhi (4), Ahmedabad (2), Pune (3), Hyderabad (2) and Chennai (3).In Delhi, the four cases, including three teenagers, are from one family that had come here from Singapore on July 8.

They tested positive for the flu on Saturday. In Ahmedabad, two people testing positive were part of a group of 40 students who travelled by American Airlines and had reached Delhi on July 4.

The two returned Ahmedabad on July 7. The officials said the group of 40 students had gone to the US on a yearlong exchange programme through an NGO and had traveled back to India from Chicago.These students belong to Maharashtra (9), Gujarat (18), Karnataka (1), Tamil Nadu (7) and Delhi (5).

"All of them and their contacts are being traced and also their modality of inland travel ascertained."

In Chennai, a 34-year-old woman and her nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter tested positive for swine flu. Her husband has also been quarantined. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 94,512 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection have been reported from 135 countries till July 6. There have been 429 deaths globally, most of them in Mexico and the US.

Heavy rains predicted in Mumbai - 2009

2009-07-09T07:49:00.001+05:30

A valuable input from BMC is being circulated for your information. Floods - 2009 :
Mumbai Floods in Mumbai are attributable to simultaneous occurrence of rainfall and high tides. If, the rainfall is in excess of 200 mm in a day (24 hrs), floods can occur anytime irrespective of tides. However, if there ismoderate rainfall but the tide is in excess of 4.50 meters at the same time, the city of Mumbai is sure to get flooded.
There are speculations about very high waves on 22 July 2009 due to solar eclipse. Public should, therefore, keep away from the beaches that day. Also, please advise your friends and relatives outside Mumbai not to plan a trip to Mumbai around these days.
Mumbai got off to a wet start on Wednesday (8th July 09) as incessant downpour the previous night caused severe waterlogging in several places across the bustling metropolis.By 8.30 a.m. Wednesday, the Colaba and Santacruz stations of the Regional Meteorological Centre recorded 73.7 mm and 32.2 mm of rain. Flooded streets greeted rush-hour crowds at Parel, Wadala, Sion, Elphinstone, Grant Road and Do Taki and in the congested Gol Deul area at Bhendi Bazaar. Commuters waded through long stretches of knee-deep waters.Trains, flights delayed. Train schedules went awry for a few hours, grounding many office-goers. Heavy bunching (trains lined up in one area) was reported between Parel and Byculla from 8 to 9.30 a.m. At the Grant Road and Mumbai Central stations on the Western line, water entered the rail track. Local services were delayed on average by 20-25 minutes. At some stations, the delay was up to 45 minutes. Flights also suffered a delay of 15-30 minutes. However, there was no diversion or cancellation. The Air Traffic Control suspended runway operations for half hour due to poor visibility, an airport spokesperson said.The weather bureau has predicted spells of rain or thundershowers for the next 24 hours. Elsewhere in Maharashtra, the Nagpur bureau has issued warnings of heavy rain during the next 24 hours in the Vidarbha region.

Broaden your Travel horizon with 78mm

2009-04-28T16:38:00.005+05:30

Hi people !
You wanna see what real adventure is????
78mm Adventures is gearing up to take you into the Forbidden Lands for 10 days on one road trip.In some of the most challenging conditions for life, discovering new dimensions of India with self indulging camping & cooking - and support. Shooting photons of our experience.
Sharing an open minded quest for sustainable lifestyle alternatives, amidst the unchartered Himalayas of Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti.If you aren’t married and even if you are but have somehow managed to preserve your sense of abandon, here’s your chance to create very own road adventure. Biking, hiking, camping, rappelling and any and everything in between – this is your chance to scorn every five star facility wooing you with their fancy poolside dinners, discos and ‘cultural nights’ for an experience that will change the very direction of your so predictable memory lane.
78 mm Adventures, a one-of-a-kind startup in India, has penetrated the emerging turf of alternate tourism. The website 78 mm Adventures.com started off as a virtual club where like-minded enthusiasts shared information about their trip experiences and provided insights about interesting places to stay, eat and explore. The concept evolved into guided adventure trips and outbound programs.
Call of Adventure
Weekend escapades had always been high on the menu of life of the three 25 year olds who concocted the formula of the perfect weekend adventure. A year into their high flying careers (the kinds that awaited MBA grads from high ranking institutes a couple of years back), Jagrit Gupta, Jeet Sachdeva and Vivek Pratap Singh found time for weekend trips at least once a month.Three best three buddies slipping out of the urban jungle into the lap of nature, ‘Gradually, these trips became business brainstorming sessions. We were convinced that there's a huge opportunity in experimenting with a different beat,” explains Vivek. Each of them were earning hefty packages when they decided to sacrifice their comforts for a vision.By mid-2008, they had given up their regular jobs and designed and launched their alternative travel portal, and tagged it with the slogan, ‘Every declaration of independence is an act of adventure.’
78mm Adventures is an overlap between eco-tourism, anti-tourism, awareness and exploration travel mixed with social networking.
Trippin Isn’t Easy
So far, they have got themselves into trips as varied as a beachfront jam on East-Coast Road (Tamil Nadu), an overnight trek into Tada falls (Andhra Pradesh), exploring caves and ruins and mountain climbing at Savandurg (Karnataka), a trekking camp at Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh), jeep safari near Jaipur (Rajasthan), a corporate workshop trip in Dalhousie (Himachal Pradesh) and an endurance bike trip to the haunted ruins of Bhangarh (Rajasthan)
The latest trip coming from the stables of Team 78mm is a road trip to the Forbidden Land (Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti). Ten days (May 28th to June 6th 2009) will flag-off from Naggar, near Kullu. Apart from bike and jeep safaris, the trip will include lakeside and jungle camps, treks, campfires, rappelling and more. “India always had an inclination towards unknown and new experiences, which is to be explored within.”If the prospect of unearthing your inner Indiana Jones has adequately piqued your interest, visit their website(Registration is open till May 7th):http://78mmadventures.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175
Check out for more information here too and join the grouphttp://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=66182920508&ref=mf

Best travellers brands in Australia

2009-03-12T10:04:00.008+05:30

Best Western Hotels have the world's biggest hotel connectivity functioning below a sole brand name, with over 4,000 separately possessed and operated hotels across 80 countries which includes Europe and Asia. Numerous hotels are found in cities and beach resorts all over the world, suitable for leisure time and industry travelers.

Excellent hotels which match the right kind of environment that one would want. One gets all a simple accommodation, friendly and an informal environment.

Rydges Hotels is an Australian hotel succession with over 30 hotels in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. This Rydges brand is accepted as a dependable generous company with a choice of worthy boutiques, city and suburban and resort hotel properties.

Great holets with perfect location, relatively close to to nice beaches, taxis available in every corner. Food is great, many choices of different meals - vegetarian and non vegetarian. Staff are polite and do everything possible to make the stay as comfortable as possible.

Comfort Inn Hotels have over 5,000 locations which are functioning and also being developed around the world. Hotels are principally close to shopping areas, restaurants and bars. The hotel rooms are beautiful with air conditioning, digital television, Internet connections, mini bars and queen beds. Comfort Inn Hotels’ attitude is to mingle comfort with value. These Hotels are the first step to your choice of hotels you would feel comfortable in and all what is present will be only of a high-quality with no compromises.

India back to winning ways with 53-run demolition

2009-03-04T09:07:00.001+05:30

Napier: Shrugging off the Twenty20 defeats, India on Tuesday bounced back with a solid batting display to trounce New Zealand by 53 runs on the basis of Duckworth-Lewis method in the rain-marred first one-dayer and take 1-0 lead in the five-match series here.
India rode on skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's unbeaten 84 and blistering half-centuries by Virender Sehwag (77) and Suresh Raina (66) to rattle up 273 for 4 in 38 overs and then put up a disciplined bowling performance to prevent the Kiwis from upstaging them.
Rain-interruptions added to the woes of New Zealand, who were forced to chase a stiff target of 216 from 28 overs when the drizzle halted play for the second time in the match. The Kiwis could manage just 162 for nine.

Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit 2009

2009-01-08T08:58:00.002+05:30

The Government of Gujarat is organizing the 4th Global Investors' Summit on 12-13 January 2009 in Ahmedabad. Aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers; the summit serves as a perfect platform to understand and explore business opportunities in the State of Gujarat.The 2003 Global Investors' Summit was held to coincide with the glorious Navratri Festival. During the Summit, a total of 76 MOUs, worth USD 14 billion, were signed. The 2005 Summit saw the signing of 226 MOUs garnering an investment of USD 20 billion. The year 2007 Summit, attended by industry majors like Tata, Birla, Reliance, Shell, General Motors, ICICI to name a few, resulted in the signing of 675 MOUs worth USD 152 billion.In the year 2009, the initiative that began six years ago, will be intensified and the state of Gujarat will be propelled to the next stage of development process: focused and intensive growth in the socio-economic index.

Who should represent India?

2008-12-27T08:56:00.002+05:30

The Central government's sports ministry has proposed a policy that will no longer allow Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to represent India in sporting events, as they are technically `foreign citizens'. The argument proffered is that allowing sportspersons of Indian origin to wear Indian colours even after they acquire the citizenship of another country would be tantamount to depriving Indian citizens of the opportunity to play for their country. The decision will leave currently registered players in the lurch, as their future would be uncertain. It will have serious implications for India's tennis team, as Prakash Amritraj, Sunitha Rao and the Uberoi sisters, Shikha and Neha, will all become ineligible to play for it. These columns have consistently promoted the idea of an elective identity that will help us do away with restrictions that curb talent and aspirations. The government, too, has gone to the extent of setting up a ministry of overseas Indian affairs to felicitate and honour members of the Indian diaspora. The ministry organises the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event every year that is a huge draw for people of Indian origin from all over the world. When we value their services and make so much effort to appreciate what they do, why the step-motherly treatment when it comes to their wishing to represent the country of their origin?

Celebrating Christmas in India

2008-12-20T09:02:00.002+05:30

Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations for the people belonging to the Christian faith. But it would be wrong to assume that it is only celebrated among the Christians. With the world becoming a global village, Christmas is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Caroling, feasting, and gift-giving along with the prayers and wishes - Christmas is celebrated with high spirits in various parts of the world. Though the mode of celebration, the dates and the traditions vary, the spirit remains the same everywhere. While most of us celebrate it as a festive season spreading over a week, for some it is a month long festival that starts with the Advent on Sunday next to November 26 and ends on January 6 with the feast of Epiphany.

Despite the same underlying spirit, the celebration of Christmas vary in the vast expanse of India. These variations are largely because India is a country of diversity. Christian community in India celebrate Christmas with pomp, gaiety and devotion. Celebrations of Christmas festival begin on the eve of Christmas on 24th of December and continue till New Year's Day. Christians across the country mark the birth of Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas Day by participating in special masses organized in churches. Celebrations of Christmas are marked by carols, cakes, candles and decoration of Christmas Tree. Each area of India has a distinctly different way of celebrating Christmas. If in the North East it is celebrated in one way, in the South West it is done in a different way. In northwest India, the tribal Christians of the Bhil tribe go out night after night for a week during Christmas to sing their special carols the whole night through and tell the story of Christmas to everybody. In South India, Christians light clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses, the same way as Hindus decorate their homes during the Diwali Festival. People also prepare mouthwatering recipes, such as cakes, cookies, pudding etc. Christians in the plains decorate mango or banana trees at Christmas time. Sometimes they also decorate their houses with mango leaves. In several states of India a popular custom is to decorate banana or mango tree instead of traditional pine tree. In some parts of India, small clay oil-burning lamps are used as Christmas decorations; they are placed on the edges of flat roofs and on the tops of walls. Another interesting Christmas tradition in India is decorating the Churches with poinsettia flower. Churches are decorated with poinsettias and lit with candles for the Christmas Eve service. However, for the urban regions the ingredients of the festivities are the familiar X-mas trees (mostly potted) decorated with stars and tinsels, toys, plastic fruits, and colorful streamers and illuminated well are placed in front of the Christian houses, shops and restaurants. Santa is also seen in some streets and some shops and departmental stores deploy Santa to entertain their kid-customers. In the major cities of India caroling processions are also seen on streets and thoroughfares. Days before the festival markets take a colorful look as they are decorated with traditional Christmas trees, stars, images of Santa, balloons and festoons. In several parts of India, especially in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, Christmas Festival has assumed secular overtones and is joyfully celebrated by people of all religions and communities. In Mumbai, which has one of the largest Roman Catholic communities in India, there is a tradition to depict nativity scenes and decorate home with big stars. Christmas Day called 'Bada Din' (Big Day) in Hindi is a national holiday in India and people from all religions join their Christian friends to make the most of the joyous celebrations. Though the Hindus and Muslims comprise majority of the population, Xmas is celebrated with much fanfare in this secular country. Schools run by Christian missionaries celebrate Christmas by organizing nativity plays which depict the birth of Jesus Christ. Carols, songs and dramas make these celebrations even more joyful. Even non-Christian students enthusiastically participate in such celebrations.In Christian households, preparations for Christmas begin at least a month in advance. People get their homes whitewashed and indulge in spring cleaning of the house to give it a fresh new look. Ladies start preparations for the traditional Christmas cake which is anxiously awaited not just by the entire family but also by the neighbors!! Hectic shopping activity takes place as everyone buys new clothes for the festival. Christmas Gifts are also bought for friends, relatives and kids in the family. The biggest festival for Christians, Christmas is also the time for family reunions. People staying in different cities for job or higher studies rush back to their homes to celebrate Christmas with their near and dear ones. Indian Christians do not believe in short services. The main service on Christmas Day is a midnight one which lasts from two to three hours, with hundred of communicants and many children all massed together on the floor. The Day is a national holiday and people irrespective of their religion enjoy it along with the Christians.Most exhilarating celebration of Christmas can be seen in the vivacious state of Goa. A large number of domestic and international tourists flock to the beaches Goa during Christmas festival to watch Goa at its cultural best. One can also regale in the best of Goa music and dance during Christmas festivities. Catholics in Goa participate in the traditional midnight mass services locally called Missa de Galo or Cock Crow as they go on well into early hours of the morning. The Carnival, preceding Lent, is the most important event at Goa. This is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Goa is one favorite destination for Christmas celebrations. In fact a very large number of people from the country as well as abroad make a beeline to this little coastal state to celebrate their Christmas holidays in style.

New Year In India

2008-12-09T09:00:00.004+05:30

New Year has become a national festival in India. The excitement to celebrate the event is present everywhere. The day is celebrated with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm and is marked by prayers', parties, New Year fetes and social feasts.New Year's Eve in IndiaNew Year's Eve in India is the time to party and dig into the last minute fun. People enjoy partying with friends and family members. All the night clubs, discotheques, amusement parks and even the cinema halls are thronged by people of all ages. The idea behind these get-togethers is to give farewell to the by-gone year and welcome the New Year bountifully.

Different cities in India have different ideas of celebrating New Year. In metropolitan and big cities New Year celebrations are lavish and grand while in smaller cities and towns these celebrations tend to be comparatively low-key. Although, in present times one can see smaller cities are trying to catch up with the euphoria and the extravaganza of the big town New Year bashes. While parties and fun work for some, many people have different idea for New Year celebrations. As some people prefer to stay back home and enjoy the New Year festival with their loved ones. Some visit temples and offer prayers on the New Year Day and start the year on an auspicious note. People also exchange New Year gifts, flowers and greeting cards with their dear ones. This helps to create a feeling of togetherness and care. People also make New Year resolutions on the day and promise to follow it up.

New Year Eve in Goa

Rave parties are life of Goa- full of dance, music and jest. These parties are organized every night around the time of New Year. It attracts a large number of tourists from India and around the world. New Year celebrations. New year balls are organised in almost every town and village of Goa. People are often seen relishing the gala dinner on the beach restaurants and hotels. Apart from it, live orchestra parties form an integral part of New Year celebrations. An air of festive mood pervade everywhere and become go maniac about the last minute celebrations.

San Diego Vacation Rentals

2008-11-08T10:49:00.002+05:30

San Diego Rentals is a New Wave of Premier Properties, developing and impacting and enhancing the resort atmosphere everyone has long been asking and waiting for. Take a tour of this unique as well as limited offering of Premier Properties.

San Diego Vacation Rentals has the facility which provides individuals seeking beachfront and bay front vacation rentals all the year round vacation rental program. The offers are mainly waterfront homes and condos in the Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, La Jolla and Ocean Beach.

If any person is looking for a summer vacation rental or beach house in San Diego then this is the right place. San Diego Vacation Rentals has the largest selection of vacation rentals and luxury beach homes in Mission Beach and Mission Bay including luxury condominiums, homes and apartments with daily, weekly and monthly rates.

San Diego beach real estate are the perfect vacation destinations. Whether you want to tann on the beach, do surfing, sailing, waterskiing, shopping, bar hopping or sight seeing San Diego is an ideal place. The investment brokerage company has historically sought to place it's clients in the best located and valued properties. The focus is mainly concentrated on apartment complexes.

San Diego restaurants is a site to help people find San Diego's many great eating and drinking joints. They take total pride in serving up everything one wants. One can get the best and easiest way the restaurant you want on the web. All kinds of cuisines, wonderful and suitable atmosphere is available.

Goa: History

2008-09-03T08:11:00.006+05:30

The climate in Goa is not just an academic point; it affects the character, customs and culture. The main feature of the Goan climate is the monsoon between June and the end of September, which sees 250cm (98in) to 300cm (118in) of rain. During the two months preceding the onset of the monsoon, the humidity increases and the normally clear skies become hazy. High winds and lightning come just before the rain. Goans store enough firewood and food to last through the rains; fishing ceases almost entirely because of stormy conditions

Pre-20th-Century History
Goa's history stretches back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan empire. Later, at the beginning of the Christian era, it was ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur. Control eventually passed to the Chalukyans of Badami, who ruled from 580 to 750 AD. Goa fell to the Muslims for the first time in 1312, but the invaders were forced out in 1370 by Harihara I of the Vijayanagar empire, whose capital was at Hampi. Over the next 100 years, Goa's harbours were important landing places for ships carrying Arabian horses to the Vijayanagar cavalry at Hampi.
Blessed as it is with natural harbours and wide rivers, Goa was the ideal base for the seafaring Portuguese, who arrived in 1510. They aimed to control the spice route from the east and had a strong desire to spread Christianity. Jesuit missionaries, led by St Francis Xavier, arrived in 1542. By the middle of the 16th century, Portuguese control had expanded beyond the capital of Old Goa to include the provinces of Bardez and Salcete. From 1560, the Inquisition unleashed almost 200 years of brutal suppression and religious terrorism.
Goa's golden age came with the eventual ousting of the Turks, who controlled the trade routes across the Indian Ocean, and the resultant fortunes made from the spice trade. The colony became the viceregal seat of the Portuguese empire of the east, which included various East African port cities, East Timor and Macau. But competition from the British, French and Dutch in the 17th century, combined with Portugal's inability to adequately service its far-flung empire, led to a decline. Cholera and malaria epidemics forced the abandonment of Old Goa by the mid-18th century and Panjim was developed as the new capital. The Marathas almost vanquished the Portuguese in the late 18th century, and there was a brief occupation by the British during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.
Modern History
The beginnings of a Goan independence movement were felt as early as the late 19th century, but began in earnest when the Portuguese monarchy collapsed in 1910. The new Portuguese elite, however, were as determinedly imperialist as their predecessors and countenanced no internal dissent or external Indian approaches until Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru finally ordered an invasion on 17 December 1961, meeting little resistance despite the exhortations of the Portuguese dictatorship under Salazar.
Goa has, since independence, struggled to define its role within India on its own terms. Initial moves to assimilate the region into neighbouring states and to drop Konkani as the official regional language were resisted. Instead, in May 1987, Goa became India's 25th state and Konkani was recognised as one of the country's official languages.
Recent History
Veteran Congress member Pratap Singh Rane was voted in as Goa's chief minister in 2005, replacing the Hindu-nationalist BJP's Manohar Parrikar. Politics in Goa, however, still continue largely to be waged on religious and caste lines, with ideology often taking a back seat.
Goa entered the millennium with a burgeoning tourist industry and growing environmental problems, but the government has shown some commitment to conserving its cultural and natural heritage, and moved to appeal to the Catholic minority as well as the Hindu 'vote bank'. Many Goans still hold grave concerns that ballooning tourist numbers (Goa sees around 1.38 million tourists each year) will have dire consequences on the fragile environment unless new initiatives are promptly implemented by the government. Major environmental issues include water shortages through overdevelopment, overfishing, and large-scale iron ore mining - almost half the ore exported annually from India comes from Goa.

Guwahati

2008-08-20T08:41:00.002+05:30

The city Guwahati, derives its name from two Assamese words, 'Guwa' meaning a chewable betel nut and 'Haat' meaning Market.

Set amidst the scenic hills of the eastern Himalayas, Guwahati is well known for its sprawling tea gardens and the place has emerged as one of the largest tea-auctioning center in the world. Guwahati is referred as the 'Gateway to the Northeast', as all the seven northeastern states of India are easily accessible from here. Guwahati is also an important place of Hindu pilgrimage and the place is popular for its unique, vivid and colorful culture.

Guwahati is also famous for its colorful festivals such as Majuli Festival (21-24 November), Elephant Festival (11-17 February), Dehing Patkai Festival (16-19 January), Tea Festival, Bohag Bihu (April) and Rangoli Utsav (28 -30 April). Guwahati also offers exciting shopping experience to its visitors.

Apart from its exceptional scenic beauty and fascinating culture, there are several tourist attractions in Guwahati. The major tourist attractions of Guwahati include the famous Kamakhya Temple, Vashistha Ashram, Guwahati Tea Auction Center, Guwahati Zoo, Dol Gobinda, Gandhi Mandap, Forest Museum, Anthropological Museum and Guwahati Planetarium

Janmashtami in India

2008-08-19T09:02:00.003+05:30

Janmashtami is celebrated with fervor in India. Euphoria for the festival is not just restricted to Mathura - the birth city Mathura but pervades in rest of India too. The birth of Lord Krishna is one of the most popular festival of Hindus and they celebrate the occasion to the hilt.The festivities include various rituals being followed religiously. Temples all over India engage in various ceremonies and prayers in honour of Lord Krishna.

Chanting of shlokas, readings from religious texts, singing devotional songs and dance performances are a common sight. Important and common customs observed in different states include performance of rasleelas by professional artistes, The ceremony of 'Dahi Handi' wherein enthusiastic young men break an earthen pot filled with curd, depiction of 'Jhankis' and other decorative items to show important events of Lord Krishna's childhood

Dispur : Political Capital of Assam

2008-08-17T07:31:00.005+05:30

State:Assam
District: Kamrup
Language: Assamese, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: October to May

Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Guwahati and Dispur are within the range of 8 kms from each other. Although Dispur is the political capital of the state of Assam, many mistake Guwahati to be the capital. Other than being the political capital of the state, Dispur is famous for its auction market for tea. People are seen plucking tea leaves in the tea gardens. Situated on the banks of River Brahmaputra, Dispur has a fertile land and beautiful verdant greenery to compliment it. To the south of Dispur is the mythologically important site of Basistha Ashram and the Shankardev Kalakschetra, a cultural center created in the 1990s.
Basistha Ashram - a few kilometers (10-12) from Guwahati, this ashram is believed to be the home of famous sage Basistha, also known as "Vasishtha". The ashram is located on the outskirts of Garbhanga reserve forest which has an ample population of Elephants. This Garbhanga reserve forest is also a proposed Butterfly reserve. This area is also very good spot for adventure loving people. Although the ashram has a temple but still the cave in which the Muni Vasistha is believed to have meditated is located 5 K.m. inside the ashram. The ashram also has a Waterfall discovered by some of the local boys of Guwahati, namely Sanjeev Medhi and Pranab Baro who were trekking the hills surrounding this ashram.
Shankardev Kalakschetra is an Assamese cultural museum in the Panjabari area of Guwahati, India. It includes an art gallery and a children's park. It is named after the great the Vaishnavite reformer of Assam Sankardeva.

Assam

2008-08-14T08:30:00.002+05:30

Assam, also described as the Shangrila in the North-Eastern India is the gateway to the North-East. The word Assam is derived from the Sanskrit word "ASOMA" meaning peerless. Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas Assam is known as the land of blue hills and red rivers. The largest and most easily accessible of the north-east states, Assam grows 60% of India's tea and produces a large proportion of India's oil. The main visitor attraction is Kaziranga National Park, home of India's rare one horned rhinoceros and Manas National Parks.

History :- Assam has a rich legacy of culture and civilization. The state is the homeland of different races of men : Austric, Mongolian, Dravidian and Aryan that came to dwell in her hills and valleys at different times since remote antiquity. Assam has devloped a composite culture of variegated colour. During the epic period Assam was known as 'Kamrupa'. Guwahati is an ancient town whose history goes back to the puranic days. The city known as 'Pragjyotishpur' (place of eastern astronomy) was said to have been founded by Narkasur who is mentioned in Purans and epics. His son Bhagadatta had led a large elephant force to the battlefield of Kurukshetra and had fallen fighting on the side of the Kaurvas, according to the Mahabharta. The earliest epigraphic reference to the kingdom Kamrupa is found in Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta. Huien sang, the Chinese scholar pilgrim who visited Kamrupa in about 783 AD, on an invitation of its of its monarch Kumar Bhaskar Varman, left a record of the kingdom he called Kamolupa. kamrupa also figured in the writinges of the Arab historian Alberuni in 11th century. The advent of the Ahomas across the eastern hills in 1228 AD changed the course of Assam's history. The Ahomas defeated the local Karchari, Chutia and Moran kings and ruled Assam nearly for six centuries. The Burmese entered through eastern borders and overrun the territory. The British appeared in 1826 and defeated the Burmese in several battles. On the partition of Bengal in 1905 Assam was united with the eastern districts of Bengal. From 1912, the chief commissionership of Assam was revived and in 1921 a Governership was created. The Muslim district of Sylhet emerged with the formation of East Bengal (Bangladesh at present) after partition of India in 1947. Dewanagiri in north Kamrupa was ceded to Bhutan in 1951. In 1963 Nagaland, and in 1972 Meghalaya and in 1987 Mizoram emeged out of Assam as full-fledged States.
Capital :- Guwahati, the capital of Assam and the gateway to the north-eastern states, is a lively city revered for its ancient Hindu temples. It spreads at the edge of the vast moving, river-sea of the Brahmaputra. It's the service center for the oil industry and tea plantations; the world's largest tea auctions are held here.
The People :- The Assamese are a mixture of Mongolian-Tibetan, Aryan, and Burman ethnic origins. Their language is akin to Bengali, spoken in West Bengal and in Bangladesh. Since the late 19th century a vast number of immigrants from Bangladesh have entered the valley, where they have settled to cultivate the almost empty lands, particularly the low floodplains. The hilly margins of the plain are inhabited by the hill tribes of the Garo, Khasi, and Hajong. The Bodo are the largest minority group in Assam and are concentrated in the northern areas of the Brahmaputra River valley.
Handicrafts :- Artist and sculptors, masons and architects, and others practicing minor crafts such as weavers, spinners, potters, goldsmiths, artisanns of ivory, wood, bamboo, cane and hide flourished in Assam from ancient times. Every household possesses a handloom used to produce silk and (or) cotton clothes of exquisite designs. The Eri, Muga and Pat are the important silk products of Assam.
Festivals :- Assam observes Bhogali Bihu , Rongali Bihu, Kati Bihu, Janmashthami and Durga Puja festivals. Rangali Bihu, the main Bihu festival, is in April. This festival is essentially in celebration of a good harvest and is accompanied with lively dances, music and feasting. Guwahati also celebrates the Ambuchi Festival in July.
Language :- Assamese and Bangla.
Area :- 78,439 sq.km.
Population :- 22.40 million (1991 Census).

Itanagar

2008-08-13T06:55:00.003+05:30

Itanagar is the capital city of this beautiful scenic state Arunachal Pradesh. Around 380 kms from Guwahati, the small town of Itanagar is nestled in the mountains on the fertile land formed by the Lohit, the Siang and the Dibang rivers, all tributaries of Brahmaputra. This beautiful place has been isolated due to lack of commutation system. There is no railway in Arunachal and no air route either. The nearest is around two hours away from Itanagar in Assam. But this isolation has proved as a boon as the untouched nature still blooms on its own and not for the tourists. There is no crowd and one can relax with the nature in true sense. The capital is known as a place of dawn lit mountains and all around the place are earthquake-proof, wood frame buildings rising up the slopes of a green hill. The Buddhist temples are seen from long distances. Traditional huts are scattered amongst the more recent constructions, thus giving a modern look to the traditional architecture. Itanagar has been identified with the ancient city of Mayapuri of the Jitri dynasty of the 11th century A.D.

The Ita Fort

This historical monument gives its name to the city. Itanagar derives its name from the Ita fort. The scholars relate this stupendous brick structure to be built in the 13th century during the rule of the Jitri dynasty. The name of the fort Ita means bricks and the amount of bricks used in the construction of this fort gives it the name of Ita fort.

Gyakar Sinyi or the Ganga Lake

This charming little lake has captivating environs. The lake situated around 6 kms away from the capital city is surrounded by alpine forests and Orchids jungle. A small but an enchanting glimpse of the wealth and the natural bliss that the whole state boasts of is the Ganga Lake.

The Buddhist Temple

The temple which was consecrated by the great Dalai Lama, this yellow roofed Buddhist temple of Itanagar show the immense influence of Tibetan Buddhism over the region. The Buddhism which went to Tibet from India left its impact on the eastern states of India and the Buddhist temple of Itanagar is a good example of the same. Situated on a higher level it offers a splendid view of the town and its surroundings from the roof top.

Arunachal Pradesh

2008-08-11T18:32:00.002+05:30

Arunachal Pradesh is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss- crossed with a range running north-south.
People
Arunachal has 26 major tribes and many sub-tribes living in 3649 scattered villages. Although a number of tribal groups constitue the total population, the density of population is very less. People are Mangoloid stock but each tribe has certain distinct characteristics in language, dress & costume. They have a rich cultural heritage. The People are simple, friendly and hospitable. Their colourful festivals are manifestations of their faith and belief.
Festivals
Festivals form an essential aspect of the socio-cultural life of the people of the state. As a matter of fact, festivals are the mirror of the people's culture. Since agriculture is the mainstay of the population , naturally, the festivals celebrated by the people are closely connected with their occupation. Such festivals are celebrated at a larger sale for thanking the Gods for their providence and for saying a prayer a prayer for a bumper crop. Throughout the year festivals are celebrated by some tribe or the other. Some of the important festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyat-Sowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Mol, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu.
Destinations
Arunachal Pradesh is home to many monuments and archaeological sites. Which are acting as sources of inspiration for many Historians since long. These places of worship and pilgrimages such as Parasuram kund, 400 years old Tawang Monastery, Gorsam Chorten are drawing large numbers of pilgrims every year. The archeological excavations like Milinithan, Itafort, Bhismak Nagar, Vijayanagar and Nakshaprabhat etc. are historian's delight.
Perched atop a hill, overlooking the ridge and surrounded by thick clouds, the legendry 17th century Tawang Monastery is the fountainhead of spiritual life of the flowers of the Gelugpa sect of the Mahayana School of Buddhism. The building is about 113 feet long and 80 feet wide and houses valuable antiquities, book and manuscripts- hand written and printed

Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan

2008-08-06T06:59:00.003+05:30

Come the full moon day in the month of Sravana Poornima, people across India celebrate one of the most awaited festival – the Rakhi or the Raksha Bandhan. The festival represents the relationship between brothers and sisters. The festival is celebrated tying a Rakhi or a holy thread by the sister on the wrist of her brother. The brother in return offers a gift to his sister and promises to take care of her as long as he lives. Traditionally, they both feed each other sweets.
It is not necessary that the rakhi can be given only to a brother by birth; any male can be "adopted" as a brother by tying a rakhi on the person, that is blood brothers and sisters, whether they are cousins or a good friend. Indian history is replete with women asking for protection, through rakhi, from men who were neither their brothers, nor Hindus themselves.

Rani Karnavati of Chittor sent a rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayn when she was threatened by Bahadur Shah of Mewar. Humayun abandoned an ongoing military campaign to ride to her rescue.

The origin of the festival is mostly attributed that Draupadi and Krishna during the Rajsuya Yaga, after Shishupal's death, Krishna was left with a bleeding finger. Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas had torn a strip of silk of her Sari and tied it around Krishna's wrist to staunch the flow of blook. Touched by her concern, Krishna declared himself bound to her by her love. He promised to repay the debt manifold. After a lapse of several years when Draupudi was about to be shamed by being disrobed in front of the whole court by her evil brother in law Duryodhana, she prayed Lord Krishna to help her and did by divinely elongating her sari so that it could not be remove.

According to another legend the Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard his kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunta. Goddess Lakshmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode. She went to Bali disguised as a Brahmin woman to seek refuge till her husband came back. During the Sravana Poornima celebrations, Lakshmi tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill for his family and her purpose and requested the Lord to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife. Thus the festival is also called Baleva that is Bali Raja''s devotion to the Lord.

It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Sravana Poornima for the thread tying ceremony or the Raksha Bandhan Celebrations in India.
While Raksha Bandhan is celebrated all over the country, different parts of the country mark the day in different ways.

Visakhapatnam-Vizag

2008-08-02T07:50:00.004+05:30

BEAUTIFUL beaches and the vast blue sea, green-capped hills, breathtaking valleys, dense jungles and crystal clear cascades, million-year-old caves, a 11th century temple, ancient Buddhist sites, the only submarine museum in Asia, lush green parks, and salubrious climate, - Visakhapatnam has everything to make a perfect tourist destination. Industrial Hub with gigantic steel plant, a world class port and largest shipbuilding yard and enormous engineering talent pool from Andhra University, since 1926.

Kailasagiri (also known as Thomas' Folly), became the most attractive tourist spot in the city. A capsule lift to the highest point and a circular train on the hill are being planned.

Besides, an MGM theme park is being set up in VUDA Park ; this is the first of its kind in the State. Among other tourist spots in the city is Dolphin's Nose, a single massive rock jutting into the Bay of Bengal about 350 metres above sea level and resembling a dolphin. This famous landmark has turned Visakhaptnam port into a natural harbour. The powerful beacon of the lighthouse on this hill directs ships up to 65 kms away. The Kali temple, the Yoga village, a beautifully designed aquarium, the War Memorial commemorating the victory at sea during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the Lumbini Park, and the century-old Kurupam Tomb are all located on Beach Road. Among the attractive parks are Shivaji Park, Karthika Vanam, Mudsarlova Water Park.

The undulating terrain of Vizag is punctuated by three hills. The first, Ross Hill, is topped by Mother Mary's church, where the pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. The second hill, Dargokonda, has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Ishaque Madina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. About 20 km from the city is the famous Simhachalam hill temple of the 11th century, where the presiding deity Varaha Lakshminarasimha is always covered with sandalwood paste. The actual form of the idol is viewed only once in a year, during the Chandana Yatra. Simhachalam, which is visited by lakhs of devotees every year, is being developed as a `Divya Kshetram', to make it second only to the Tirumala temple. The Visakhapatnam-Bheemunipatnam (or Bhimili) road stretching over 30 km along the beach is claimed to be the only one of its kind in the world.

The government has leased out land to private agencies for developing resorts on the road. An Indo-American project as well as the Senora beach resorts are coming up shortly. Rushikonda is being developed as a model beach. The place is ideal for yachting and water sports. Plans are on to have a tourism project of international standards for every couple of kilometres on the picturesque road. This will involve road widening, providing viewpoints, souvenir shops, food courts, landscaping and so on. This is also the only area on the east coast where the Eastern Ghats meet the sea. The entire stretch is being developed as an eco-friendly zone. Araku is a major hill station which is being developed. Located 110 km away from the bustling city, Araku, in the thick of the Eastern Ghats has beautiful green valleys against the backdrop of picturesque landcapes and waterfalls. There are huge coffee plantations here. There is a Tribal Museum in Araku, which offers a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle and cultural and social features of the tribal people. Hunting tools and artefacts are on display here.

Padmapuram Gardens is a popular leisure centre in Araku. The 26-acre (10.4 hectare) location has tree-top cottages, which have become popular among tourists.

Warangal

2008-08-01T07:34:00.004+05:30

Warangal is a district in Andhra Pradesh, India. Administrative seat is Warangal.
Warangal District has an area of 12,846 km², and a population of 3,246,004 of which 19.20% were urban as of 2001. The district is bounded by Karimnagar District to the north, Khammam District to the east and southeast, Nalgonda District to the southwest, and Medak District to the west. Warangal is well known for granite quarries (notably the black and brown varieties), grain market for rice, chillies, cotton, and tobacco.
The district headquarter of Warangal is Warangal city. This city is also called as tri-city, as it includes Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet cities. It’s the biggest city in Telangana after Hyderabad (state capital). Extended with a radius of 10Km.
Attractions :-

Warangal Fort: Warangal fort is 2-km from Warangal Railway station, which dates back to the 13th century. The Kakatiya king, Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma built the fort. Invaders destroyed the fort, only remnants will be seen. The fort had three layers of protection, remnants of which can still be seen today. First layer is a wall made of mud which is currently about 40 feet high and encircles the entire fort, the circumference of which is a few kilometers. Second layer is a wall made up of granite rock. Than the actual main fort. The famous stone gateways that are still present and stand about 50 feet from the ground are a masterpiece and carved out of a single rock. They are called Kirti Toranas(great gateways) of Kakatiyas.

Thousand Pillar Temple: This temple is one of the finest examples of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. Rudra Deva built it in 1163 AD in the style of Chalukyan temples, star shaped and triple shrined. The 3 shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

Jain Temple: The 2,000-year-old Jain temple of Mahavira is a famous place of worship for Jains in the country. The temple is embellished with beautiful images of Tirthankaras The 5ft high image of Mahavira is carved entirely out of jade.

Pakhal Lake: A man-made lake built in 1213 by the Kakatiya king, Ganapathidev, by harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna River. It is located 50 km from Warangal and spreads over an area of 30 km².

Ramappa Temple: also known as Ramalingeswara Temple, this temple is situated in Palampet village, 70 km from Warangal. This is a beautiful monument dating back to 1213 AD. It displays the glory and richness of the Kakatiya kingdom.

Tirupati

2008-07-25T09:39:00.003+05:30

Tirupati, a revered destination of South India, time and again startle travellers and pilgrims with its powers. The city behold the power of Lord Venkateshwara and is one of the oldest and the richest temples of world located in the Chittior district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Being a sacred spot, Tirupati forms a divine destinations for tourists. Not much people know this but in Tamil literature the city is known Vengadam.

Tirupati is the year 2006 was much of surprise. As for we people considered either Rajasthan or Goa to be the best destination but none of them was able to stand the pull of the god land. According to Incredible India stats, Tirupati topped the charts with increasing number of travellers visiting this attraction.

Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple This is one of the sacred temples of Sri Venkateshwara. Located on Tirupati Hill and it located in the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarni river. This temple with a mythological history is an attention grabber and amongst the most popular tourist attraction of Tirupati.

Padmavati Devi Temple This temple is located 5 kms from Tirupati and is one of the largest temple devoted to Goddess Padmavati, wife of Lord Venkateshwara or the so called famous Lord Balaji. It is belived that visit to the main temple at Trimula is only fruitful if you would pay your visit to Sri Padmavati Temple.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple This temple also behold the magical powers as it is considered the Lord Venkateshwara stayed in this temple with wife just after his marriage. Later he left for Trimula temple. Kodandaramaswami Temple This temple is famous for having a family cland – Sita, Ram and Lakshman. Errected in 10 th centuary AD, it hails from Chola dynasty. You could also visit the subshrine of this temple, Anjaneyaswami temple.

Vijayawada

2008-07-22T06:59:00.005+05:30

Vijayawada, in Andhra Pradesh is located at the head of the Krishna delta, 70km from the sea. Earlier known as Bezwada it was an important centre of the Vishnukundin rulers in the 5C -6C and the headquarters of the Early Chalukyas of Badami. The present name is derived from the presiding deity, Kanakdurga also called Vijaya. The city is picturesquely surrounded by hills on three sides, with the swiftly flowing waters of the Krishna river on the south. Today it is a thriving business centre and a convenient base from which to visit varied historical sites. A legend narrates that Vijayawada was established by Arjuna around the Malleswara temple and Indrakiladri hills in commemoration of Lord Shiva's Darsan that he had, and thus named it after him as Vijayawada. Another legend states that Goddess Durga rested here after killing a Rakshasa (Demon) and since she was victorious (Vijaya), it is called Vijayawada.

Tourist Attractions Of Vijayawada
Kanaka Durga Temple :
Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, is the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The city derives its name from the goddess, also known as Vijaya. The temple of the goddess is situated on the Indrakila hill along the river. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is 'Swayambhu' or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. Nearby are the Vijayesvara temple and Malleshvaraswamy temple, said to have been installed by Arjuna and Yudhishtira, the Panch Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata Epic.

Prakasam Barrage:
The barrage first completed in 1855, located on the outskirts of Vijayawada is one of the earliest major irrigation projects in Southern India. The barrage 1000m long was named after the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Tanguturi Prakasam. The scheme irrigates nearly one million ha, converting the Krishna delta into the richest granary in Andhra.

Andaman Nicobar Beaches

2008-07-18T08:19:00.002+05:30

Corbyns Cove Beach (Portblair)
Corbyns cove beach is situated 7 kms from Port Blair. This coconut- palm fringed beach, is ideal for swimming, surfing and sun- basking . This is the only beach within the city ,safe for freaking out.
RadhaNagar Beach (Havelock)
Radha Nagar Beach is situated in Havelock Island. This beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beackes in Asia. Baludera Beach (Baratang)
Baludera Beach is situated in Baratang Island. An unexploited beach till recently, this beach is being promoted by the forest department. Limestone caves and mud volcano are the other attractions of Baratang Island. Elephant safari is the latest added adventure at Baludera Beach

Andaman Nicobar Islands

2008-07-18T08:14:00.001+05:30

Floating in splendid isolation, East of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of the 572 emerald Islands , isles and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands . The union territory of Andaman Nicobar Islands stretches over a length of more than 700 kms from north to south with 36 inhibited Islands . These undulating Islands are covered with dense forests and endless varieties of exotic flora and fauna .
The topography of the Islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline of the Islands are fringed with coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea . The sea around the Islands offers excellent scope for adventure water sports. The rare flora and fauna, the underwater marinelife and corals , crystal clear water and mangroove-lined creeks offer a dreams view of the rare gifts of nature.

States & Cities of India

2008-07-17T07:29:00.025+05:30

If you are looking for a travel destination that is full of places to make your visit one of its kind and full of memories to be cherished for ever, then India should be your first and the last choice. India is made up of various states which house many cities. These are some of the cities mentioned and its a surity will turn your trip into a dream come true.
Andaman Nicobar Islands
Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Warangal, Visakhapatnam
Arunachal Pradesh - Itanagar
Assam - Dispur , Guwahati Tezpur
Bihar Gaya Nalanda Patna Rajgir Vaishali
Chhattisgarh Raipur
Delhi
Goa Canacona Mapusa Margao Old Goa Panaji Ponda Vasco Da Gama
Gujarat Ahmedabad Vadodara Gandhinagar Surat Jamnagar
Haryana Chandigarh Faridabad Gurgaon
Himachal Pradesh Shimla Manali Dharamsala Kullu
Jammu and Kashmir Gulmarg Ladakh Jammu Leh Pahalgam Srinagar
Jharkhand Dhanbad Jamshedpur Ranchi
Karnataka Bangalore Hampi Hassan Mangalore Mysore Udupi
Kerala Alleppey Cochin Kumarakom Kovalam Kozhikode Munnar Quilon Thekkady Trivandrum
Lakshadweep
Madhya Pradesh Bhopal Indore Gwalior Orchha Khajuraho

Maharashtra Aurangabad Mumbai Nagpur Pune
Manipur Imphal

Meghalaya Shillong
Mizoram Aizawl
Nagaland Kohima
Orissa Bhubaneswar Cuttack Konark Puri
Pondicherry
Punjab Amritsar Chandigarh Ludhiana Patiala
Rajasthan Ajmer Alwar Bikaner Bundi Jaipur Jaisalmer Jodhpur Ranakpur Shekhawati Udaipur
Sikkim Gangtok
Tamil Nadu Chennai Coimbatore Kanyakumari Kodaikanal Madurai Ooty Rameshwaram Thanjavur Trichy Tripura Agartala
Uttaranchal Dehradun Haridwar Nainital Rishikesh
Uttar Pradesh Agra Allahabad Lucknow Varanasi

West Bengal Burdwan Darjeeling Durgapur Kolkata Murshidabad

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, IndiaJagannath Puri Rath Yatra, India

2008-07-11T06:31:00.006+05:30

Orrisa comes alive in the month of June and July because this is the time when the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place in Puri. People from all across Orrisa and from various parts of India come to take part in this auspicious occasion. Orrisa witnesses the inflow of about 7 to 10 lakhs of pilgrims during this Car Festival. Foreigners also enthusiastically participate in the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra.
The Jagannath Temple of Puri is one of the four most famous holy pilgrimages of the Hindus. The procession commemorates the journey of lord Krishna to Mathura, leaving behind grieving Gopis. The massive procession begins at Jagdish temple in Jamalpur. The main chariots are dedicated to lord Krishna, his brother Balaram and sister Subadhra, followed by colourfully decorated elephants, trucks, motor vehicles, pilgrims on foot, acrobats and gymnasts. The significance of this procession is that Lord Jagannath, his brother and sister makes a visit at the garden house, Gundecha Ghar, for five days, also visiting his aunt on the way. At the end of the five days, the three siblings are brought back to the Jagannath temple in a procession called the Ultarath.

The entire Ratha Yatra is a symbolic humanisation of God. All rituals associated with the festival demonstrate an attempt to bring the God down from His pedestal of glory to a more human level. On the day of journey the three chariots the yellow coloured Nandighosa, blue coloured Taladwaja and Deviratha are lined up in front of the temple and then the deities are brought on to their respective Chariots. Once the king of Puri sweeps the chariots with scented water and golden broom, the pilgrims lined up with the rope pull the chariots on the Badadanda to Gundicha Ghar.
Though this festival time is very special in India, the main Rath Yatra takes place in the holy town of Puri. At other places, those devotees of Lord Jagannath Temple, who cannot make it to Puri, take out similar processions on a much smaller scale. Notable are the ones at Ramnagar (near Varanasi), Serampore (near Calcutta) and Jagannathpur (near Ranchi).

Andhra Pradesh

2008-07-10T06:21:00.004+05:30

Andhra Pradesh, the third largest state in India is said to have been the home of the Pre- Dravidian dark coloured inhabitants. Andhra region witnessed the rule of Chandragupta Maurya during which it established itself as an independent kingdom. The state located in South India, is bounded by Tamil Nadu in the south, Maharashtra in the North and North-West, Madhya Pradesh in the North-East, Karnataka in the West, and the Bay of Bengal in the East. The medieval city of Hyderabad is its capital. The main languages spoken here are Telugu, English, Urdu and Hindi.
State Bird -Indian roller
State Animal - Black buck
State Tree - Neem
Area - 2,75,068 SqKm
Capital - Hyderabad
Language - Telugu and Urdu
Districts - 23
Literacy - 45.11 % (1991 census)

Kodaikanal Hill Station

2008-07-03T07:18:00.004+05:30

Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste.
Climate of Kodaikanal :Kodaikanal experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit the hill station is from April to June and September to October. Its summer temperatures ranges between 19.8 and 11.3 degrees C while during winter it varies between 17.3 and 8.3 degrees C. The city receives heavy rainfall during October and December with an average annual rainfall of 165 cms.
Tourist Attractions of Kodaikanal :

Besides the natural beauty of the hill station, there are several tourist points, considered as major source of attractions of tourists.

» Kodai Club - Built during the colonial period, the Kodai Club serves to safeguard the colonial legacies within its interiors. There is a library featuring books by different known English authors and a bar with stuffed heads of lions, tigers and bison, clinging on its walls.

» Kodai Lake - This is an artificial lake offering boating and fishing facilities for its visitors.

» Trekking Routes - Kodaikanal offers some breathtaking trekking routes in the Palani hills. Small treks are also available to the popular tourist points and the nearby villages.

» Summer Festival - The Summer Festival, with its cultural programmes, adventure sports, boat races on the lake and various other events attracts tourists.

» Bryant's Park - It is named after the forest officer who had planned its layout. This beautiful park houses various plant species including a large number of pine, eucalyptus trees and some exotic varieties of orchids. The nearby lotus pond is also a popular hangout spot.

Amarnath Cave

2008-07-01T06:53:00.004+05:30

One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most sacred and most ancient book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. But Shiva, the destroyer, the mendicant, is indefinable: he is the great yogi, the guardian of the absolute. His actions are the themes of the myths in which his nature unfolds.
Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).Amarnath is 145 km east of Srinagar in Kashmir. There is an ice Silva-linga here that changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon waxes and wanes it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6 ft high.

It is located in a glacial valley at 4,175 m (13,700 ft.). The cave is about 150 feet high and 90 feet long. Within the cave there are four or five ice formations that resemble the figures of different gods. The biggest figure is regarded as Siva (Amarnath). By its side are, fascinatingly, two more ice-lingams, that of Parvati (on right), and of their son, Ganesha (on left).

Dilwara Jain Temples

2008-06-30T09:32:00.003+05:30

Dilwara Temples are one of the finest Jain temples & many even consider them architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal.

Built between 11th & 13th century, the most outstanding feature are its exquisite carvings in marble.The two temples Vimala Vasahi & Luna Vasahi are singled out by experts as superb examples of architecture.

Dilwara Temples - An Architectural Marvel Mount Abu's chief claims to fame are the Jain temples architecture at Dilwara, about 5km from Nakki lake. The Dilwara temples were built during the age of Jain supremacy and are one of the finest Jain temples India has to offer. Many experts consider them architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. The architecture is marked by carvings that are not just ethereally beautiful in form but are often presented in a highly poetic context. For instance, one of the marble nayikas (maidens) is depicted as having just emerged from her bath. Droplets falling from her long hair are shown being drunk by a swan sitting by her feet.

Exquisite Temple Carvings Perhaps the most outstanding feature of Jain temple architecture is its carvings. and that is an understatement. Wherever one looks, be it pillars, ceilings, walls and floors, Jain temples go to the extreme – and beyond it – when it comes to adorning their temples with the very stone they work with. Jain mythology, saints, gods and goddesses, monks, devotees or just good old religious motifs all find their way in a spectacular rendezvous in marble and rock. Each nook and corner of Jain temples are so diligently carved that it’s a wonder that the edifice was created out of plain stone. Carving is perhaps not the right word for Jain temples – chiselling would be more appropriate. Their fragile delicacy merged with an architectural lexicon is what constitues the basis of these amazing temples. Simply put, there is not an inch where one can place his hand and not encounter a spectacular frieze.

The Methodology of Carving In the temples in Mount Abu even chiseling was put aside, and artisans adopted the sedulous task of thinning the marble into carved images, a worth noticing architectural splendor. This was done by gently scraping away the surface till a figure eventually emerged, so intricate and fine that it was intelligibly magnificent. This is the reason why the temples in Mount Abu and Ranakpur are said to be the finest Jain temples in the world.

Indian Festivals: Diwali

2008-06-27T06:47:00.003+05:30

This is perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the diaspora. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera.
It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas, especially, candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon lights are made to substitute for candles. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country.
In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.

Simla

2008-06-25T08:14:00.003+05:30

At 2130 mts, Shimla was the summer Capital of the British India. On account of its climate and accessibility, it is one of the most popular hill resorts in the country.

The Mall, with its colonial architecture and shops, Lower bazaar, the Ridge, Lakkar bazaar, Tibetan bazaar, the former Viceregal Lodge now housing the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Prospect Hill, the famous Glen, Chadwick Falls, Summer Hill, Jakhoo hill are some of the spots of tourist interest in Shimla. Christ Church and St Michael's cathedral are two important landmarks. Kamna Devi on Prospect hill, Jakhoo temple, Tara Devi and the famous Kali Bari draw a lot of Hindu pilgrims.
Chall, 43 km from Shimla, has the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground. Kasauli, 77 km from Shimla and 35 km from Kalka, situated at an altitude of 1927 mts, has quaint ambience of a colonial past. Hatkoti is 104 from Shimla. It has some ancient temples. This is the place where the gods are said to gave fought among themselves. Narkanda is 64 km from Shimla (2700 mts). It has slopes for skiing for both beginners as well as regulars.
HOW TO REACH SHIMLA: The nearest airport is Jubbarharti, 23 km. Linked to Delhi by regular air services. There are also train services to Shimla. By road it is 117 km from Chandigarh, 370 km from Delhi.

CLIMATE: Max temp in summer is 30 deg C, min in winter minus 4 deg C.

CLOTHING: Heavy woollen in winter. Shopping: Carpets, shawls and leather goods are main items of tourist attraction. Shimla is also famous for jewellery since ancient times.

Chandigarh

2008-06-24T13:31:00.006+05:30

Chandigarh, designed by the French architect Le Corbusier, is the capital of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. Though Simla was chosen as temporary headquarters, the need for a permanent capital, resulted in the birth of a new city at the foothills of the Shivalik hills. Chandigarh, then became the new capital of Punjab and Haryana. But the administration of the capital itself was neglected, which was solved, by making it a Union Territory under the Central Government on 1 November 1966.
Covering an area of 56 square kilometres, Chandigarh is the first `planned' city of India. The city has neatly laid out roads and parks, buildings ranging against mountain peaks, boulevards and streets lined by endless rows of trees and shrubs. The city is named after the Goddess Chandi Devi, whose white - domed temple stands on the slope of a hill in the north east of Chandigarh, on the edge of the Shivalik hills. Spread over an area of 114 sq. kms, it is a modern city, built in 47 sectors (excluding the unlucky number 13). Each sector consists of market places and shopping centers. All the sectors are interconnected by State Transport buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis. This city has its population drawn from every community and region in India,and ranks second in literacy among the country's states and union territories.
Chandigarh has about 15 medium and large scale industrial units. These include soft drinks, electric meters, antibiotics, electronic components and equipment, bio-medical equipment, tractor parts, cement pipes and tiles, and washing machines.
What to see
Chandigarh, with all its charms, is literally a treasure - trove for the travel - buff. The Rock garden, a famous tourist spot, is an architectural wonder, covering an area of 6 acres. It was built by Nekchand Saini, with multicoloured pieces of stones and other discarded objects. The Sukhna Lake is an artificial lake, spread over an area of 3 sq. kms. Boating facilities are available here, and walking around the perimeter of the lake is a very refreshing experience. The Museum-cum-Art Gallery is another marvellous place to see. It houses an extensive range of paintings and sculptures by contemporary Indian artists, as well as a collection of old Indian miniatures of the Mughal, Kangra and Rajasthani school.
In sector 16, is Asia's largest rose garden, Zakir Gulab Bagh, spread out over 30 acres of land, boasting of 50,000 rose-trees of 1600 different species!! The Secretariat and High Court buildings, located at sector 1, are veritable proofs of the architectural expertise of Le Corbusier. One can enjoy an excellent view of the city from the roof of the Secretariat. The High Court has a double roof, which provides protection from the sun. What is peculiar is its shape, which resembles the shell of an enormous tortoise!! The Super Market or shopping centre is at sector 17 . Other places of interest include the State Library, Shanti Kunj, Moonlight Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, Bidhan Sabha and University - each a fine specimen of modern art.
How to get there
Chandigarh is 248 kilometres from Delhi and can be reached by bus or train.
While visiting Chandigarh, one is reminded of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's words, delivered in 1952, "Let this be a new town, symbolic of the freedom of India, unfettered by the traditions of the past - an expression of the nation's faith in the future."

Pushkar

2008-06-17T09:52:00.004+05:30

This tranquil destination stands out like a jewel in the crown amidst all the historical grandeur of Rajasthan.

Pushkar lake is one of the holiest pilgrim center for Hindus as this the only place where Lord Brahma – “ The God of creation” is worshipped.
The serenity of lake, surrounded by beautiful temples and medieval architectural beauty transports the visitor to a different word, high of spirituality after encountering royalty from the past, the forts, the places with violently romantic past.

Pushkar does have such a mystical aura that it is common to meet visitors who arrive at Pushkar and the place draws them to itself in such a way that they simply stay on for much longer than their original plan.
Apart from being the Hindu Pilgrimage, Pushkar is actually adjoined with Ajmer, which is a prominent holy place for Muslims as it has the Dargah (Tomb) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti – the revered Sufi saint whom people from all religious and sects pay equal obeisance

Raja, The Festival of Orissa

2008-06-14T06:33:00.004+05:30

The advent of monsoon is celebrated with much fanfare in Orissa and for the young girls and women, it not only bring respite from heat, but also gives them a reason to don new clothes and swing on the sawan ka jhulas.
Raja, a festival primarily for women, is celebrated for three days to welcome monsoons traditionally. The festival inaugurates and welcomes the agricultural year in Orissa.
"We all wear new clothes and have a lot of fun during this time. We wish to enjoy the festival this year too," a resident of Konark, says.
But, there is more to Raja than just women dressing up and coming together.
However, there is a reason why only women play monsoon games. This is because during this festival women, who symbolise mother earth, pray for the first showers of rain to make the earth fertile.
"After this festival we expect good shower so that our farmers can have a nice harvest. The woman folks pray for this to happen," a resident of Konark, says.
During the three days of celebrations, young girls and women participate in traditional sports and various art competitions held in villages.
A special dish called poda pitha (burnt cake) is also made on this occasion.
Also, all agricultural operations remain suspended during the festival.

Chennai

2008-06-14T06:22:00.004+05:30

The city formerly known as Madras is among the most ancient in India. Located in the cradle of Indian Christianity, Chennai is where the first missionaries arrived 1,900 years ago.
Visit the Basilica of San Thome (where Christ's apostle St. Thomas, who's buried there, is said to have preached); St. Thomas Mount (a church marks the spot where St. Thomas is said to have died); and the Church of St. Mary, the oldest Anglican church in India (it's within the walls of Fort St. George, a 17th-century fort).
Other sights include the grand British-built Old Government House; the lighthouse (be prepared for a strenuous climb to the top for the view); the central flower market and the fine Marina Beach, one of the longest in the world.
Travelers interested in Indian art should check out the Government Museum, which houses noted collections of ancient bronze and stone sculpture.
Hindu temples in Chennai are Kapaleeswarar, Mallikarjuna and Chennakesava. Also visit the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, built by the Pallava rulers in the eighth century and renovated by the Vijayanagar rulers in the 16th century. It's one of the oldest temples in the city. Check the arts pages of local newspapers to see if there's a performance of Bharatanatyam, an ancient dance developed in Tamil Nadu. About 80 mi/130 km northwest of the city is Tirupati, a temple devoted to the Hindu god Balaji, who is known as "the giver of wealth." Tirupati is not especially ancient or beautiful, but it is the richest temple in India. Thousands of pilgrims arrive daily to make offerings (including shaving their heads) in hopes of winning Balaji's favor. Thanks to the temple's income, the surrounding town is better maintained and manicured than most.
There are several must-see ruins outside Chennai. The Mahabalipuram ruins, 37 mi/60 km south of the city, date to the seventh century and consist of a cave temple, shore temple, monolithic rathas (rock-carved temple chariots) and bas-reliefs (among the world's finest). Kanchipuram includes several temples, among them eighth-century Kailasanatha, Ekambaranathar and Vaikunta Perumal. If you're in the area at noon, go to Tirukalikundram, a hill where a priest uses kites to feed birds

640 mi/1,030 km southeast of Mumbai.

Gwalior

2008-06-11T07:43:00.004+05:30

Gwalior is named after a saint who cured the local chieftain Suraj Sen from leprosy. History of Gwalior dates back to 8th century. From then onwards Gwalior was to become the cradle of dynasties. The massive fort which overlooks the city is a testimony to its glory and grandeur. Warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints contributed in making Gwalior the city it is.
Gwalior is one place which was most affected during the Revolt of 1857. It was one of the centers which experienced fierce encounters between the British and the 'Rebels'. The Maharaja of Gwalior was loyal to the British during the mutiny but his troops sided with the rebels who had laid their hands on the city.
Towards the end of mutiny, Gwalior was subject to heavy fighting, after which British gained complete control over India. Among those who laid down their lives here in their attempt to capture the fort were Tatiya Tope and Rani of Jhansi.Gwalior changed hands from the Tomars to Lodhis of Delhi. Then it was ruled by the Mughals and finally the Marathas laid their hands on this city. Each era and rulers left their impression on this city but what remained unchanged and un phased was the imposing fort which withstood any assault on Gwalior. Even today thick walls and high ramparts of the fort seem invincible. Gwalior is a city where the rich cultural tradition blend with modern life, where the princely past lives in palaces and museums, past mixes with present to offer visitor a city of enduring greatness.

Madurai – The Athens of East India

2008-06-07T07:11:00.004+05:30

Madurai is one of the important cities in South India. The seventh largest city in Tamil Nadu, it is situated in the banks of river Vaigai. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage and glorious tradition, Madurai is grouped among the antique cities of the India. The history of Madurai dates back to 6th century B.C. During that period, the city was the much-acclaimed capital of the Pandya kings. Then, it functioned as an important commercial center of South India.

In the past five years, Madurai has witnessed tremendous growth in infrastructure and residential property market. Madurai is also famous for textile market. The ‘Sungudi’ sarees, a particular type of gorgeous sarees, are Madurai’s best. Jasmine flowers of Madurai district are known all over the country. They carry a special fragrance unique to Madurai. Tons of flowers are exported to other countries for producing perfumes.
People in Madurai have high respect for the culture and tradition of the city. Ballads, folk dances and dramas are very popular. This city is the birth place of many famous personalities. It is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities of Tamil Nadu and rest of India. In brief, it is a beautiful and culturally-significant place to visit and enjoy.

Population 904,665 (2001)
Area 109 km2
Location 9° 55" 59'N, 78° 7" 0'E
Temperature Summer- Max: 37.5"C Min: 26.3" C Winter- Max: 29.6"C Min: 20.9"C
Altitude 100.58 Meters above sea level
Languages Tamil, Sourashtra, English
Attractions Meenakshi Temple, Palace etc.
Religion Hindu, Islam, Christianity, Jain

Kolkata At A Glance

2008-06-06T06:51:00.005+05:30

Till the 17th century, Calcutta was nothing more than a village. But, today it is one of the major metropolitan cities of India along with Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. The credit for its present status goes to the expansion plans of the European powers, especially the British Raj. Kolkata was once the capital city of British India and also the Gateway to India till 1912. It is a major commercial city consisting of big industrial plants and corporate houses.

State: West Bengal
Summer temperature: 30° C - 40° C
Winter temperature: 30° C - 10° C
Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi, Urdu and English
Altitude: 17 ft above sea level
Best time to visit: October to March
Major tourist attractions: Victoria memorial, Fort William, Eden gardens, Birla planetarium,

Howrah bridge, Belur math, Botanical gardens, Writer's building & Science city
Major festivals: Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, Poila Baisakh, Makar Sankranti, Vishwakarma Puja & Lakshmi Puja.
Major fairs: Calcutta book Fair, Poush Mela & Joydev mela.

Kanyakumari

2008-06-03T06:02:00.002+05:30

On the southern tip of the Indian peninsula, where three seas meet, therein lies Kanya Kumari. Isn't this the reason enough to come here? Believe it or not where else could Goddess Parvati do penance in her 'kanya' (virgin) form to get Lord Shiva as husband !! Here's the beginning of India or end of India - call it as you would like to.

Seven different colors of sands ! Spectacular, breathtaking - perhaps no word is sufficient to fully describe the experience of watching the sunset and the sunrise on the confluence of three seas …you have to come here for the lifetime experience.

Two rocks reach out of the ocean, south-east of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are to be seen. On this rock, Swami Vivekananda is said to have sat in deep meditation; and here stands the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in 1970.

The other part is that the nature is so spectacular at Kanniyakumari, that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison. Cape Comorin is at its best during Chitra Pournami(full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon but other full moon days are also special when you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.

Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'. ( The district name is spelled as ' Kanniyakumari ' in official records which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language) . With an area of 1672 sq.km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu.

Pipli Crafts - a colorful Orissan Art

2008-06-01T08:05:00.003+05:30

Pipli is the capital of applique craft in Orissa. Most of the work sold on the street stalls of Pipli is produced for a growing tourist market, however supurb craftwork is still produced and available if you have the time to look around.
Where is Pipili situated?
Pipli Sasan and Darji Sahi villages are better known as Pipli. They are nearly 20 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orrissa.
What are the tourist attractions of Pipli?
The villagers of Pipli produce applique art, a process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers leaves gods, goddesses and other decorative motifs and stitching them over a piece of cloth. These creations are then fabricated into lampshades, handbags, cushion covers or even garden umbrellas. A famous example is the enormous appliqué canopies above the reigning deity of Puri, Lord Jagannath.
How do I reach Pipli?
The best way to reach Pipli is by availing the regular bus service from Puri town. The nearest railway station is Puri and the nearest airport is at Bhubeneshwar.
Who are the host community?
The 2 hamlets together sustain a population of about 224 families of various castes. Tailoring is the main profession.
What is the vision for Pipli?
The visitors will experience the intense local artistry contrasting with leisurely rural encounters. The project will facilitate genuine cultural and heritage work by the artisans and support activities in the social sphere, forestry performing arts, organic farming and riverbank maintenance.
What is the applique art?
Appliqué is art, a process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers leaves gods, goddesses and other decorative motifs and stitching them on a piece of cloth.

Konark Sun Temple

2008-05-20T07:10:00.004+05:30

The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god. Shaped like a giant chariot, the temple is known for the exquisite stone carvings that cover the entire structure.
The Konark Sun Temple is the most popular tourist destination in Orissa and has been a World Heritage Site since 1984. It is located in the village of Konark, which is 35km north of Puri on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
The Sun Temple at Konarak was built in about 1250 AD by the East Ganga king Narasimhadeva. It is thought he built the temple to commemorate military successes against Muslim invaders.
According to local legend, the temple has a great aura of power that comes from two very powerful magnets said to have been built into the tower - magnets that allowed the king's throne to hover in mid-air.
European mariners sailing off the coast used the temple's tower for navigation, but dubbed it the Black Pagoda for the frequent shipwrecks that occurred along the coast. They attributed the disasters to the legendary magnets' effect on the tidal pattern.
Konarak was sacked by the Muslim Yavana army in the 15th century. The central statue enshrined in the temple was smuggled away to Puri by priests, but the Sun Temple was badly damaged in the attack.
Nature took over the destruction from there. Over the centuries, the sea receded, sand engulfed the building and salty breezes eroded the stone. It remained buried under a huge mound of sand until the early 20th century, when restoration began under the British.
British archaeologists uncovered the lower parts of the temple that had remained well preserved beneath the sand and restored what they could of the rest of the ruins. Trees were planted to shelter the temple from the damaging winds and a museum was opened to display whatever sculpture wasn't left in situ or sent to Delhi, Calcutta and London.
In 1924, the Earl of Ronaldshay proclaimed the newly-revealed temple to be "one of the most stupendous buildings in India which rears itself aloft, a pile of overwhelming grandeur even in its decay."

Hilton Head vacation planner

2008-05-16T06:00:00.006+05:30

Welcome to Hilton Head South Carolina and be prepared to be stunned by its beauty! Hilton Head Island is the place where one can relax on one of the beautiful beaches, play on world-famous golf courses or shopped and dined at several unique shopping centers and restaurants.
A charming and historical setting ideal for those who want to just relax and watch the sun set into the water.This website has to offer fantastic deals on the Hilton Head Island. Golf and tennis lovers worldwide, love the island.
The clubs here are ranked among the top in the world. Hilton Head Island offers a peaceful getaway and great resort accommodations, vacation homes and villa rentals.
Hilton Head is the perfect destination to enjoy the temperate weather, beautiful wide sandy beaches.
Above all Island Getaway offers the perfect rental for everybody's needs. If anyone is planning to enjoy with a large group to the Island, several homes are located on the same street,
one can book multiple villas on the same floor or in the same building so your group can stay in close proximity. The accommodations are ideal for retreats, family reunions or multiple families traveling together.
Hilton Head Island is a dream come true for children. Parents can relax as there are a variety of fun and safe activities offered all over Hilton Head Island. Live children’s shows are programmed during the summer months. The magnificent fireworks display at Shelter Cove are beyond description, and many delicious ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants all over the Island are perfect for small parties.
Just ask an Island Getaway representative for additional information today! Request a free Hilton Head vacation guide/brochure by filling out the information at Hilton Head SC

Tourists head for Kashmir as heat bakes plains

2008-05-10T09:19:00.003+05:30

Its cool climes and scenic beauty have made Jammu and Kashmir the choice destination of thousands of domestic tourists this season as summer temperatures continue to soar in the Indian plains.
Kashmir had a thriving tourism industry until the beginning of a bloody insurgency in 1989. While the number of tourists was around 475,000 in 1988, the figure fell to a few hundred in the 1990s.
But clearly things are changing. In 2006, the figure was over 50,000 - that too excluding pilgrims to the Amarnath cave shrine. And this year domestic tourists are coming here in droves.
"Kashmir is the ultimate tourism destination anyway, but this year the early rise in the temperatures in the plains is attracting more and more domestic tourists to the valley," said Farooq Ahmad Shah, director of the tourism department here.
Scores of buses, taxis and other vehicles carry tourists to the hill stations of Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam daily these days.
The weather could simply not be better for the heat-tormented visitors from the plains where the mercury has gone past 40 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature in this summer capital of Kashmir these days hovers around a pleasant 27 degrees Celsius while the minimum is around 11 degrees.

Rajasthan all set for Commonwealth Games tourists

2008-05-05T08:20:00.001+05:30

Places like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer that boast of ancient monuments, art, royal heritage and handicrafts and are a must-see for tourists in India are being given a facelift.
Raje, who heads the tourism ministry, said the government has started a number of projects to ensure repeat tourists in the state.
The state has started upgrading its Udaipur airport, while the Jaipur airport will start functioning as an international airport from the end of this year or early next year. Another airport has been planned for Kota, the minister said.
Hoping to get double the number of tourists in 2010, Punia said the state has 15 airstrips and plan to lease them to private players so that small aircraft could use them to ferry travellers or even to start flying schools.
Tourist inflow to the state has been rising. While about 16.03 million domestic tourists visited the state in 2004, the figure for foreigners was around 971,772. In 2007, these had gone up to 25.92 million Indian visitors and 1.4 million foreign visitors.
As travellers enjoy the experience of spending time in rural settings and living among the locals, the authorities have started identifying 20 villages that could be developed for rural tourism. District collectors have been directed to identify such villages. To bring alive the ancient monuments, the government is conserving and restoring them and planning sound-and-light shows. Crafts bazaars, camel and horse rides and cuisine shows are all being organised.

NANITAL

2008-04-26T06:55:00.002+05:30

Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes , Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills . Nainital has a varied topography . Some of the important places in the district are Nainital , Haldwani , Kaladhungi , Ramnagar , Bhowali , Ramgarh , Mukteshwar , Bhimtal , Sattal and Naukuchiatal . Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.
Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand State.

Gujarat: Jurassic Park of India

2008-04-22T08:48:00.001+05:30

It's more than raw beauty that captivates your interest as you drive uphill on the black hills of Kala Dungar, a good 120 km from the nearest town of Bhuj in western India. The place, at 1,800 feet above sea level, has become a hunting ground for archaeologists who have discovered the fossils of dinosaurs here, leading them to call it the Jurassic belt.
With the endlessly white desert of the Rann of Kutch beneath, these hills, made up typically of sugar cube look-alike rocks, are a treasury of the earth's past. Plans are now on to develop the place into a dinosaur fossil park very soon.
Fossilised dinosaur eggs, some the size of a canon ball, and rocks with the imprints of body remains of dinosaurs are part of his collection.
This is, however, not the first time that fossils of dinosaurs have been discovered in Gujarat.

Agra Fort - Architectural wonder in stone

2008-04-15T07:41:00.002+05:30

Within a radius of 3 kilometres, on the banks of the river Yamuna, rises the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid.
The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. Many buildings were constructed within the fort of which very few remain till date. One of the most significant ones is the multistoreyed Jahangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai.
The Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. Most of the panels in the eastern hall are decorated with the Persian styled stucco paintings in gold and blue. It is believed that a century later, most of the structure were dismantled by Shahjahan and were replaced with white marble pavilions covered with intricate inlay work. Of which the most prominent ones are - the Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam Burj and the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built the Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am.

WildLife in India

2008-04-02T07:18:00.001+05:30

India is home to a rich diversity of wildlife supplemented by an equally rich variety of flora and fauna. The sight and sounds of a majestic elephant, a peacock’s dance, the stride of a camel, the roar of a tiger are unparalleled experiences in themselves. Watching birds and animals in their natural habitats is an experience in itself. The country offers immense opportunities for wildlife tourism. The immense heritage of wildlife in India comprises of more than 70 national parks and about 400 wildlife sanctuaries including the bird sanctuaries. A paradise for the nature lovers, these forest areas are also crucial for the conversation of the endangered species like the Leopard, Lion, Asiatic Elephant, the Bengal tiger and Siberian Crane. Spread across the length and breadth of India, these reserves and forest areas, right from the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan to the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar, from the foothills of Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park to six national parks in Andaman; the Indian Wildlife circuit is an Incredible treat, unmatched by any other experience. Elephant, Deer, Panther, Wild buffalo, Wild ass, the one horned Rhinoceros, Porcupine, Snow leopards etc are some of the animals you can sport in The Himalayan region. India harbours eighty percent of the entire population of the one horned rhinoceros in the world. The Kaziranga Game Sanctuary is an ideal habitat for the rhino and a popular destination with the naturalists and environmentalists as well as the wildlife traveller. The Great Indian Bustard and blackbuck of the Karera Sanctuary also attract a lot of tourists. The Madhav National Park originally called the Shivpuri National Park is another rich habitat for the wildlife in close proximity to the historical town of Gwalior and being close to a often visited cultural and heritage destination enjoys its fare share of tourism inflow. The Corbett National Park one of the most popular National Parks in the northern region for the wildlife enthusiast as well as the holiday makers is changing the way wildlife tourism. These National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are promoters of wildlife tourism in India.

Palace on Wheels

2008-03-29T08:57:00.002+05:30

Famous As: Royal House on Wheels

Renowned As A: 10th Luxurious Train in the World

Destinations Covered: Jaipur, Chittorgarh/Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Agra and Delhi.

Duration of the Journey: 7 Days/ One Week

It's a journey worthy of kings. No wonder the experience is labelled the Palace on Wheels. With its cream saloons, embellished with intricate designs, chug through Rajasthan on a journey through the former royal kingdoms of this state. Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on in forbidding fortresses and fairytale palaces, now converted into museums, hotels, and restaurants where retainers serve truly royal repasts. The 14 coaches of the royal train are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverages and refreshment and a place to relax and get together.

The train has two lavish restaurants "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" with a Rajasthani ambiance serving palate tickling Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. The train also boasts of a well - stocked bar offering the choicest of spirits of Indian and International Brands. Each coach also offers a good collection of books to choose from.In 1991, The Palace on Wheels has been refurbished to a great extent. The decor in the saloons, bar lounge has been changed, keeping in mind the traditional aesthetic yet modern, Palace on Wheels. Toilets have been redone and are maintained sparkling clean. Each saloon lounge has been equipped with a color television and a CD player.A satellite phone is on the to make you communicate anywhere in the world from the train.

HOLI - the festival of Colours

2008-03-22T15:15:00.001+05:30

Holi (also called Holaka or Phagwa) is an annual festival celebrated on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (early March). It celebrates spring, commemorates various events in Hindu mythology and is time of disregarding social norms and indulging in general merrymaking.

Celebrated all over India since ancient times, Holi's precise form and purpose display great variety. Originally, Holi was an agricultural festival celebrating the arrival of spring.
This aspect still plays a significant part in the festival in the form of the colored powders: Holi is a time when man and nature alike throw off the gloom of winter and rejoice in the colors and liveliness of spring.
Holi also commemorates various events in Hindu mythology, but for most The legend commemorated by the festival of Holi involves an evil king named Hiranyakashipu. He forbade his son Prahlad from worshipping Vishnu, but Radhu continued to do offer prayers to the god. Getting angry with his son, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlad to sit on a pyre with his wicked aunt Holika who was believed to be immune to fire. (In an alternate version, Holika put herself and Prahlad on the fire on orders from her brother.)

Prahlad accepted the challenge and prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as Holika was burnt to death, while Prahlad survived without a scar to show for it. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. According to some accounts, Holika begged Prahlad for forgiveness before her demise, and he decreed that she would be remembered every year at Holi.

Hotel Bookings can be so easy

2008-03-07T06:18:00.001+05:30

Hotel Reservations provides an informative, user-friendly, 24×7 environment of customer service and support as a trusted facility for hotels, motels, cars, flights, vacations or even resorts. The Customer Service Center offers you immediate answers to all of your questions with a pleasant, efficient and cost effective way to book your hotel accommodation.
Anyone can use their services regardless whether they need a hotel for one night or to organise large conferences, or group travels.They always book at the best available rates with price reductions and work with a large variety of hotels;
They assist you with hotel reservations, organising meetings and seminars, or making any other type of booking. Above all they offer ample hotel availability at low prices.
All of the hotels at which Hotel Reservations makes bookings are regularly checked on price and quality.
The guidance here is comprehensive and unbiased that's why you can be absolutely sure you'll obtain full and fresh info about hotels worldwide. Hotelreservations.com is the first step to your choice of hotels you would feel comfortable in and all what is present will be only of a high-quality with no compromises.
Hotel Reservations offers you highly competitive hotel rates in both cities and regional destinations – ranging from small family hotels through to luxury hotels.
The reservation system is secure and your credit card and personal information is safe. They work to high standards and guarantee every ones privacy.
As a result of their latest knowledge of the hotel market, Hotel Reservations is always capable of offering you an appropriate quotation for suitable accommodation, in keeping with your budget. Lots of special Hotel discounts are there from you to choose.
The website encourages you to browse the website to see the comprehensive lists of hotels and to check their current status of booking through their website with full information of availability of hotels in all the tourist destinations, at any time, any moment.
Hotel Reservations goal is to provide business and leisure travelers worldwide with a efficient and cost-effective way to book a hotel. They provide multilingual customer service team which provides a full support to kinds their customers.

Srinagar - Tourist Places to Visit

2008-03-05T06:19:00.001+05:30

There are several spectacular sites that must be visited in Srinagar. The hill resort has often been referred to as Paradise on earth. The hill resort is also referred to as the land of lakes and gardens owing to the abundance of both.

--> One of the major landmarks of Srinagar is the Dal Lake. There are several lakes that comprise the Dal Lake in the eastern side of Srinagar. The Nagin Lake is the most renowned of the lakes. The tourists at Dal Lake enjoy the wondrous vistas offered by the spectacular surrounding of Srinagar. You must take a ride in the traditional Kashmiri boats that is often referred to as "Shikaras" to explore the intricate maze of waterways of the Dal Lake. The shikara ride at the sunset on the Dal Lake is an unforgettable experience. In the city of lakes and gardens there are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens of Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh. Chashme Shahi means the royal spring, Shalimar Bagh implies the abode of love and the Nishat Bagh denotes the pleasure garden. These gardens lay far eastern side of the Dal Lake. Tourists are often seen strolling in the gorgeous green gardens. The waterworks in the gardens add to their beauty. Hiring bicycles for local sight seeing is a popular and economical option with the tourists.
Srinagar - Tourism Destinations Near By
There are several places of tourist interest that are worth visit near Srinagar. Most of these places are located amongst picturesque settings of the mighty Himalayas. Apart from natural beauty, they offer a number of adventure activities to the traveler. 52 km from Srinagar is the gorgeous destination of Gulmarg. Located at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level the hill resort of Gulmarg attracts several tourists. In summers, the meadows of Gulmarg are laden with flowers. In winters, the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turn into a skiing resort, which attracts the traveler seeking adventure and thrill. It is a popular trekking destination and boasts of the world's highest golf course. Then there is another hill resort of Sonamarg, 80 km northeast of Srinagar. Sonamarg is located at an altitude of 2740 m. It is set in a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. The flower?laden meadows, panoramic view of the lofty snow?covered Himalayan peaks, and a number of trekking and hiking trails have made Sonamarg a popular tourist destination.

Srinagar

2008-03-01T05:50:00.001+05:30

Located in the center of the Kashmir valley, the district of Srinagar towers at a height of 1,730 m above sea level. King Pravarasena-II founded the Srinagar city over 2000 years ago. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found Srinagar at the same place where it stands today. The rule of Hindu kings in Kashmir ended in 1339, with the last ruler being Laltaditya Muktapida. From 1420-1470, the valley came under the rule of King Zain-ul-Abidin, popularly known as Budshah. S
ome time later, Mughal Emperor Akbar annexed Srinagar and included it in his own territory. Come and explore some more fascinating aspects of Srinagar with us!It was during the rule of Akbar only that the district got the striking mosques and gardens that it now proudly boasts of. The last one of the Muslim rulers of Srinagar was overthrown by the Sikhs, under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the year 1819. With time, the rule of the Sikhs ended and the Dogras gained the control of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amritsar. After India became independent in the year 1947, the state of Jammu and Kashmir became a part of the Indian Union, with Srinagar as its capital. Since then Srinagar has been a prominent destination on the tourist map of India. The district of Srinagar is situated on either sides of the Jhelum River, making its locales picturesque and beautiful. The major attractions of Srinagar travel include Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. Most of the houseboats (Shikaras) in Kashmir will be seen in these lakes only. The Mughal Gardens set up by various rulers of the Mughal dynasty further enhance the beauty of Srinagar. Other major draws of Srinagar are water sports activities, handcrafted souvenirs, amazing resort nearby etc.

Jamshedpur - Tatanagar

2008-02-17T05:52:00.001+05:30

Rome was not built in a day. The massive foundation of the Roman Empire was laid by the skill, strength, endeavor and passion for humanism. The industrial city of Jamshedpur was likewise built by the skill, intelligence and passion for building a new city by Jamshetji.Jamsehdpur pronunciation (जमशेदपूर in Devanagari) is a city located in the state of Jharkand in India founded by the late Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata as Sakchi. In 1919 Lord Chelmsford named it Jamshedpur, in honour of its founder, whose birthday is celebrated on 3rd March as Founder's Day. J. N. Tata had written to his son Dorabji Tata about his vision of a great city in the area.Jamshedpur is home to the first private Iron and Steel company of India, Tata Steel, and is commonly called "Tata" as a result of the company's significant presence. The areas surrounding Jamshedpur are rich in minerals, including iron ore, coal, manganese and lime. Some of these areas are Jamadoba, Noamundi and West Bokaro.The city recently won international acclaim when it was selected for the 2004 Global Compact City award from the UN in India, beating other contenders such as Bangalore, Pune and Chandigarh, amongst others. A true testimony indeed to its robust infrastructure, cosmopolitan outlook and strong industry.It is a modern, industrial city; the main industries being iron and steel, truck manufacturing, tinplate production, cement and other small and medium scale industries revolving around these products. The largest factory is that of Tata Steel (the erstwhile TISCO), and it is situated almost at the center of the city.The other major factory in the city is Tata Motors (previously called The Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO)- as once upon time railway locomotives used to be manufactured here - hence the name), which manufactures heavy vehicles & construction/earth moving equipment. Tata Tinplate (the erstwhile Tinplate Co. of India Ltd.) manufactures tinplate. It was originally a British company built in Golmuri, later on taken over by Tata. Most of the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are located just outside Jamshedpur, in the Adityapur Industrial Estate.

City of Temples - Bhubaneshwar

2008-01-31T07:59:00.002+05:30

Bhubaneshwar is a very interesting city from the historic as well as religious point of view. With the various temples, Bhubaneshwar is a perfect example of the intricate Oriya style of architecture. In addition to the temples there are other interesting places also which one may fancy to go. Here is a list of a few places worth visiting in Bhubaneshwar:

1) Lingaraja temple: lingaraja temple is the finest example of the Oriya architecture. The age of the temple dates back to as early as the 10th or the 11th century. People have described the lingaraja temple as the “ the truest fusion between dream and reality.” This temple is of a piece of art architecture and is a true masterpiece. Noted art critic Ferguson has described it as finest and the best example of pure Hindu temple. Foreigners are not allowed inside the temple premises. However, there is a viewing platform for foreigners near to a boundary wall.

2) Sri sri Krishna balram mandir: this temple is owned by the ISKCON and anyone who desires to visit this temple can get in. the temple authorities are tolerant towards every religion and caste.

3) Bindu sarovara: Bindu sarovara is a beautiful natural lake situated near the lingaraja and the anant vasudeva temples. It is said that this lake contains a drop of water from every river of India, which is of religious importance and is holy in it.

4) Khandagiri and udaygiri: these twin hills are around 8kms away from the Bhubaneshwar city. This place was used as the site of a primeval Jain monastery. The monastery was engraved as cave like chambers and was in the face of the twin hills. The largest cave there is rani gumpha or the queen’s cave, which is a double storied and is opulently embellished with splendid carvings. Another cave called hati gumpha or the elephant cave contains the carved out chronicles of the period of king kharavela.

5) Dhauli giri: Dhauli giri is around 8kms away from the city. After the grisly and gruesome war of kalinga waged by ashoka, the king repented his actions on witnessing blood and gore in the war. It was here that king ashoka transformed in to Buddhism. Here stands the rock edict, which is a full testimony of the repentance of the king and his change of heart. The edict appeals to the administrators of the ashoka kingdom to be compassionate and practice justice in its true spirit.

Last Minute reservations can be fun

2008-01-22T12:42:00.000+05:30

If you give just a little bit of creative thought to your travel plans, you can have a great time and come home with a lot of positive energy.
Lastminute.com.au . is your ultimate travel intermediary! They offer the best available prices.
The site has a comprehensive directory section making it very easy for the any person to search for discounted and available accommodation in Australia. The directory structure provided is of an immense help if there are Last Minute reservations
Burleigh Heads Hotels
Coolangatta Hotels
Manly Hotels
Byron Bay Hotels
are some of the popular areas which can be searched and arrange your bookings for HOTELS, MOTELS, RESORTS, and get a discount upto 70%. You name the facility and this website provides you all..
They assist you with hotel reservations and offer ample hotel availability at low prices.
You can make use of their services regardless whether you need a hotel for one night or to organise large conferences, or group travels.
Last Minute reservations always book at the best available rates with price reductions and work with a large variety of hotels; All of the hotels Last Minute reservations makes bookings, are regularly checked on price and quality.
Last Minute reservations is committed to offering an informative, user-friendly website with competitive rates. Their goal is to provide business and leisure travellers with a pleasant, efficient and cost-effective way to book hotel accommodation.

Puri Beach

2008-01-07T04:25:00.001+05:30

Looking forward for an amazingly wonderful holiday?

Welcome to the beach of Puri. The pious land of Puri is probably one of the finest beaches in India on the coastline of Orissa. Situated on the shores of the breathtakingly beautiful Bay of Bengal. Though the pulsating beach of Puri attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year the best time to check out the beautiful beach at the pious Puri is early November when you may participate in the annual Puri Beach Festival. The combination of the crafts, cuisines and cultural of Orissa will not fail to charm you.

The catamarans the cane hats will get embossed in your mind.While at the Puri beach you may take a holy dip or swim in one of the finest beaches in India. Water lovers and pilgrims alike throng the pleasant and pious Puri. The golden memories of the golden glowing sands, the scintillating surf and the beauty of the beach all are unparallel. With time at hand you may move another 8 kms from Puri to the Balighai Beach whose natural beauty has made it a popular picnic spot.
Accommodation is easily available with the options from the excellent guesthouses, star hotels and budget hotels. You just cannot miss the superb sunrise and the sunset at the beach! Shopping at the Bada Danda will complete your trip to Puri. The traditional items that are typical to Orissa and Puri may be picked up easily as gifts and souvenirs.
Puri may be easily accessed. Puri is at a distance of 60 kms from the capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar and is well connected through air, rail and road networks. The nearest airport of Bhubaneshwar connects Puri with other major cities of India through frequent flights. The Puri railway station caters to the need of the rail transport. In terms of the road transport buses to and from Calcutta, Vishakhapatnum, Guwahati, Chennai et al ply to Puri. So all set for the pulsating holidays at Puri?

Christmas in India

2007-12-23T16:19:00.000+05:30

It is an interesting fact to note that the celebration of Christmas in India is held in a different manner in the various parts of the country. The way Christmas is celebrated in the North East is completely different from the way Christmas is celebrated in the South West.
Let us take a look at what are the various way of celebrating Christmas in India. Generally the Christians who live in the plains decorate mango or banana trees at Christmas time. Some of them also decorate their houses with mango leaves. However in some of the other parts of India, a lot of people use small clay oil-burning lamps as Christmas decorations. These small clay lamps are placed on the edges of flat roofs and on the tops of walls.
During Christmas in India, most of the Churches are found decorated with poinsettias and lit with candles for the Christmas Eve service. One of the most famous locations for celebration of Christmas in India is Goa.
In fact not only people from different parts of India, but also people from all over the world throng to this seductive abode to be a part of exotic fiesta. If you happen to live in a good luxury hotel in Goa, then the mood for the fiesta will be altogether different.
In a luxury hotel you can expect that expensive Christmas trees will be decorated with stars and tinsels, toys, plastic fruits. In fact, the best time to explore any place in India during the festivals is the evenings. This is because all bulbs illuminates the dawn making it look more beautiful. Interestingly, Hindus and Muslim population majorly occupy India, and yet, Christmas is celebrated with a large amount of fanfare in this secular country. Christmas in India is declared as a national holiday and people irrespective of their religion enjoy it along with the Christians.

Ooty Hill Station

2007-11-15T08:16:00.001+05:30

Nestled in the brilliant green hills of the Nilgiris, Ooty or Udhagamandalam, is one of the favourite summer retreats of people in South India.Orchards of peaches and plums, terraced tea plantations, and eucalyptus, pine and wattle lining the landscape… a typical hill station in many ways.
It is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623 metres.
Founded by the British in the early part of the 19th century, Ooty is home to many Britishers who have fallen in love with this hill station where they discovered a little bit of England. "…such beautiful English rain, such delicious English mud" is how Lord Lytton-Viceroy of India from 1876-1880 described Ooty to his wife! The British influence is visible in the handrolled cigars, chocolate and cheese one enjoys here. You also have the popular derby, and 'hunt' held annually. A hill station with a landscape perpetually enveloped in mist, Ooty's beauty has a timeless appeal.Location :Situated at an altitude of 2,268 m in the Nilgiri mountain ranges of Tamil Nadu.

Children's Day

2007-11-14T20:26:00.000+05:30

Children's Day is to celebrate "childhood". On Children’s Day tribute is payed to all children in the world. Children are loved by one and all. They win over our hearts with their angelic eyes and innocent smiles. It makes one realise that maybe that’s the way God wanted us to be.India's first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was born on November 14. After his death in 1963, his birthday has been celebrated as children's Day in India.Children's Day is not just a day to let the future generation have its say. It is a day to remember a leader who, in his quiet but determined way, laid the foundation to convert a nascent nation into a world power. But why Children's Day? Apart from being known for his skills as a statesman, Nehru was also immensely fond of children. The more popular and famous of Nehru's pictures show him with children. In all the photographs Nehru's joy at being with children is apparent. When he is not sharing pleasantries with them, the expression of intense concentration as he listens to them reveals his commitment and attitude to children. Children to Nehru were little adults in the making.Nehru, to children, is never the Indian political leader and prime minister. He is always Chacha Nehru - Nehru Uncle.Children's Day is celebrated all over India, especially at the school level. There are also community activities with stress on children's involvement. The story also goes that he started to wear a rose on his jacket after a child pinned one on it.The national children's centre, Jawahar Bal Bhavan, is also named after Jawaharlal Nehru. Children's Day is literally that. It is the day when children all over the country are pampered with goodies.

Lakshadweep Travel Guide

2007-11-12T08:22:00.001+05:30

The islands look like emeralds in the vast expanse of blue sea. Varying hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. Coral atolls, the matchless marine environment with myriad colours resulting in complex interaction of animate and inanimate things. Built on ancient volcanic formations are the Lakshadweep (meaning a hundred thousand islands), the tiniest Union Territory of India.
It consists of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The atolls poised on submarine banks, harbour 36 islands having an area of 32 Sq.Km. Of these, 10 islands are inhabited namely Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.
The islands lie about 220-440 Kms from the Malabar coast between 8° and 12° 13' North Latitude and 71° & 74° East Longitude.
Kavaratti is the Administrative Headquarter of the Union Territory. Each island is fringed by snowwhite coral sands, are marked by a huge, shallow, calm lagoon on one side which separate it from incoming swells of the outer sea by the fort wall-reef made of massive coral boulders and live corals. The only coral islands of our country, are the result of gradual assimilation of calcium from the water by corals and their turning into reefs

Kolams

2007-11-04T12:17:00.001+05:30

Kolams are a symbol of auspiciousness. It is Hindu belief that that the geometrical patterns & designs applied with rice flour at the entrance to a home, invites Goddess lakshmi into the household, and drives away the evil spirits.

Also, the reason for using rice flour is that we are providing food for the ants & other small insects. In these days finely ground white stone powder is used, for this is easier to apply & also the kolams are more brighter & well finished. Even if ground stone powder is used, one could mix rice flour in it.

In places, where there is a great gathering of people & movement, rice paste made by mixing rice flour with little water is used to apply kolams. This is to ensure that the kolams are not rubbed off easily. This is especially applied in temples & wedding halls. During Krishna Jayanthi, tiny feet symbols are drawn using the rice paste from the entrance of the house leading upto the pooja room, where the sweets made for the occasion are placed. It is assumed that child Lord Krishna walks into each house & partakes of the meal provided.
Traditionally, the women wash the path in front of the house. (Cowdung is used to clean up the ground, though this practise is no longer in vogue in the cities, mainly because cowdung is not easily available & most entrance path are now laid in cement or tiles.) Finely ground rice powder is then used to apply kolams. This practice is followed in the evenings also.
There are several types of kolam designs. There are line kolams, where there is the free hand drawing of lines to make a geometrical pattern.
Pulli (dots) are arranged in a specific sequence and order & these pullis are joined to make pictorial designs.

Colva Beach - Goa

2007-10-24T16:47:00.001+05:30

Location

Colva is a small village in south Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It lies 39 km away from Panaji, capital of the Indian state of Goa.

With 20 km of virgin white sands, palm fringed, and sun drenched beaches, Colva is the most loved beach for Goans. Colva beach is pride of Salcette and the only rival to Calangute by its scenic splendour. The natural & unique blend of sand, sea and sky is harmonious and enchanting. Colva is given the title of 'Queen of Beaches in India', as this beach has no equal in India. It's like a paradise, with 40 Km of unstopped white sand fringed with coconut palms along the whole of its length and a warm, calm sea. The silver-gray, powder-fine sand of the beach has been the inspiration for many folk tales and songs.

Durga Puja

2007-10-19T13:36:00.002+05:30

Durga Puja is the most important festival of Bengalis. The familiar sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi nachh, the mild fragrance of Shiuli, gives a familiar tug to every Bengali heart......

The five festive Puja days are spent welcoming Devi Durga, aplomb with rituals and accompanied with dhak, dhunuchi and shiuli. SasthiSashti, the sixth day of the moon when Goddess Durga is welcomed with much fanfare and gusto. Look for the 'Bodhon' rituals when Goddess Durga is unveiled.

Saptami :-Saptami features the first day of Durga puja; commencement of rituals; predawn bathing of 'Kola Bow'.

Ashtami:-Most important day of Durga Puja; celebrating Durga's victory over Mahishasur; devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (pushpanjali) and pray for her blessings; rituals of animal sacrifices; animals are now substituted with 'chalkumro' (type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana.

Nabami:-Last day of Durga Puja; commencement of 'Sandhi Puja'. Nabami Bhog...Goddess Durga is offered food which is later distributed among the devotees .
Sandhi puja:-( 108 'Dip' lighted ) End of Ashtami and the beginning of Nabami is the time for Sandhi Puja. At this time Devi Durga transformed into Devi Camunda to kill "Chando" and "Mundo", the two generals of Mahishasura (the Buffalo Demon ).
Dashami- Dashami is the day when Goddess Durga accompanied with her children sets for Kailash, her husband's abode. With a heavy heart the Bengalis immerse the clay idol of Durga in the sacred

Ganges bidding her goodbye and earnestly waiting to see her again the next year.

"Sindur Khela" (Vermillion game)- "Sindur Khela" is a major event of Dashami. Married women apply vermilion to each other and greet each other with sweets. It is in the evening when Goddess Durga is immersed Bengalis greet each other with bijoya greetings and men follow the customary 'Kolakuli' (embrace each other). Durga Puja is a festival, Bengalis celebrate without religious inhibitions. It is more of a socio-cultural celebration that tends to renew kinship with friends and relatives.

Navratri & Dussehra

2007-10-12T14:30:00.001+05:30

Beginning from the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin (according to Hindu calendar and usually falls in October), the festival of Navratri lasts for nine nights. This festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess and her nine forms. People sow seeds on the first day, consecrate the planets, watch the sprouting and worship Goddess Durga during this festival. The last three days are especially considered most important. Devotees recite Devi Mahatmya in the praise of the Goddess. On the tenth day, Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the large effigies of the demon-king Ravaha, his huge brother Kumbhkaran and his son Meghnad are burnt as symbolic of getting rid of evils from the world. These effigies have fireworks are burnt by a character playing Lord Rama in the Rama Leela who shoots the burning arrows on the effigies.Navratri in Gujarat holds a special significance and the Rasa and Garba dances by men and women of all sects to please the Goddess. The Rasa has its origin in the life scenes of Lord Krishna and is associated with the agricultural rites while Garba is performed only by men and is related with the fertility cult or the mother aspect of Navratri. In northern India, rigorous fasts are observed during Navaratri followed by celebrations on the tenth day while in western India, both men and women participate in special dances for the day. In the south, Dusshera is very popular while in the east, the seventh to the tenth days of Durga Puja are celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm. Besides the Garba Dance of Gujarat, the most popular events on the auspicious occasions of Navratri are Ramlila of Varanasi, Dusshera of Mysore and Durga Puja of Bengal

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra

2007-10-03T15:57:00.001+05:30

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the fastest moving, most affluent and industrialised city in India. Mumbai is part of India's beautiful west coast, that runs down from Gujarat, through Mumbai to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The city has a natural harbour, which was developed by the British. It is one of the most busy ports of India, handling approximately 40 percent of India's maritime trade.
Mumbai (till recently known as 'Bombay'), derives its name from the local deity Mumba Devi, whose temple is still there. The Portuguese predecessors of the British preferred to think of the name as Bom Baim, the Good Bay. Mumbai is a group of seven islands which are today known as Colaba, Mahim, Mazgaon, Parel, Worli, Girgaun and Dongri. Large expanses of open sea have been filled in, and tidal swamps have been reclaimed for furthering the land area. These reclaimed areas include Churchgate and Nariman Point.
Mumbai is home to people of all Indian creeds and cultures. It is a fascinating city, throbbing with life, and, for many people, the gateway to India.

Young Indians happiest in world

2007-09-23T16:32:00.000+05:30

When it comes to being satisfied with oneself, Indian youths are the world's happiest lot, with career being their top priority.
Young middle-class Indians are the happiest people of all and much more satisfied with all aspects of their lives compared to other nationalities, according to a new global survey by Swedish research and consulting firm Kairos Future.
Further, work comes as top priority for Indian youth, followed by a good career and higher-status.
In contrast, for those in Europe, a good living environment comes on top, above all work-related aspects.
The priorities of Indian youth — work, good career and a position with high status, are reflected in their values such as endurance and entrepreneurship.
“Indian youth are also strikingly more optimistic about their own future and also about the future of society,”

India Opens Siachen to trekkers

2007-09-15T15:24:00.000+05:30

The Indian army plans to take tourists trekking on a disputed glacier that has long been a high-altitude battlefield occupied only by Indian and Pakistani troops.

The first group of trekkers would set off later this month for the 6,300-metre high Siachen glacier, where cold and altitude have claimed more lives than actual combat.

The first group of 20 trekkers will include eight or nine Indian civilians, although the army may eventually start taking foreigners."

The glacier can become a major tourist attraction,”

“Since the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan things have been safer and it is possible to hold such activities.”

GANESH CHATURTHI

2007-09-12T14:39:00.001+05:30

SALUTATIONS to Lord Ganesha who is Brahman Himself, who is the Supreme Lord, who is the energy of Lord Shiva, who is the source of all bliss, and who is the bestower of all virtuous qualities and success in all undertakings.
Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,

Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,

Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,

Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe
MEANING: "O Lord Vinayaka! the remover of all obstacles, the son of Lord Shiva, with a form which is very short, with mouse as Thy vehicle, with sweet pudding in hand, with wide ears and long hanging trunk, I prostrate at Thy lotus-like Feet!"
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.
Clay figures of the Deity are made and after being worshipped for two days, or in some cases ten days, they are thrown into water.
Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed God. He is worshipped first in any prayers. His Names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun.
He is the Lord of power and wisdom. He is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and the elder brother of Skanda or Kartikeya. He is the energy of Lord Shiva and so He is called the son of Shankar and Umadevi. By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to earn for their sons the sterling virtues of Ganesha.

The following story is narrated about His birth and how He came to have the head of an elephant:
Once upon a time, the Goddess Gauri (consort of Lord Shiva), while bathing, created Ganesha as a pure white being out of the mud of Her Body and placed Him at the entrance of the house. She told Him not to allow anyone to enter while she went inside for a bath. Lord Shiva Himself was returning home quite thirsty and was stopped by Ganesha at the gate. Shiva became angry and cut off Ganesha's head as He thought Ganesha was an outsider.
When Gauri came to know of this she was sorely grieved. To console her grief, Shiva ordered His servants to cut off and bring to Him the head of any creature that might be sleeping with its head facing north. The servants went on their mission and found only an elephant in that position. The sacrifice was thus made and the elephant's head was brought before Shiva. The Lord then joined the elephant's head onto the body of Ganesha.
Lord Shiva made His son worthy of worship at the beginning of all undertakings, marriages, expeditions, studies, etc. He ordained that the annual worship of Ganesha should take place on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapada.
Without the Grace of Sri Ganesha and His help nothing whatsoever can be achieved. No action can be undertaken without His support, Grace or blessing.
In his first lesson in the alphabet a Maharashtrian child is initiated into the Mantra of Lord Ganesha, Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah. Only then is the alphabet taught.
The following are some of the common Names of Lord Ganesha:

Dhoomraketu, Sumukha, Ekadantha, Gajakarnaka, Lambodara, Vignaraja, Ganadhyaksha, Phalachandra, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vakratunda, Siddhivinayaka, Surpakarna, Heramba, Skandapurvaja, Kapila and Vigneshwara. He is also known by many as Maha-Ganapathi.
His Mantra is Om Gung Ganapathaye Namah. Spiritual aspirants who worship Ganesha as their tutelary Deity repeat this Mantra or Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah.
The devotees of Ganesha also do Japa of the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra.

This is as follows.
Tat purushaaya vidmahe Vakratundaaya dheemahi Tanno dhanti prachodayaat.
Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom and bliss. He is the Lord of Brahmacharins. He is foremost amongst the celibates.
He has as his vehicle a small mouse. He is the presiding Deity of the Muladhara Chakra, the psychic centre in the body in which the Kundalini Shakti resides.
He is the Lord who removes all obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon him worldly as well as spiritual success. Hence He is called Vigna Vinayaka. His Bija Akshara (root syllable) is Gung, pronounced to rhyme with the English word "sung". He is the Lord of harmony and peace.

Janmashtami Celebrations Video

2007-09-01T16:45:00.001+05:30

Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the appearance day of Lord Krishna in Mathura.At ISKCON Bangalore, the temple witnesses a huge turnout of devotees till midnight for the Lord's darshan. An elaborate abhishekam or the bathing ceremony of the Lord is the special feature of this festival. The Deities are bathed with auspicious items like milk, honey, curds and fruit juices. They are then showered with colourful flowers. This is followed by a grand Arati at midnight. Janmashtami falls on the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Bhadra.

Corbett Jungle Lodge

2007-09-01T09:32:00.001+05:30

India is fast becoming a prime adventure destination. Ever felt the waves of a river on your face go rafting in the rapids of Rishikesh. Adventure of paragliding at Kangra is something you just cannot miss. Go trekking in Ladakh the most rugged region of the entire Himalayan range. Climbing these mountains is a spiritual experience that will make you keep coming back for more.

This jungle lodge, snugly nestled in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas in Uttaranchal, is spread out over an undulating 20 acres of hilly and riverine tracts, plateaus and ravines. While it has a great deal to offer in itself, its prime attraction undeniably lies in its location within the Corbett National Park, home to a teeming variety of wildlife, including majestic and endangered tigers, leopards, elephants, wild boars, ghurals, sambars, chitals, wild dogs, porcupines, jackals, civets, sloth bears, black bears, to but name a few! It is also a bird watchers' paradise with over 500 species of birds, including the pied kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, fishing eagle, Himalayan grey headed fishing eagle and so on.
The gentle Ramganga river that runs through these hills also brings with it the famous river carp Mahseer, a greatly-sought catch for enthusiastic anglers.

The Shore temple at Mahabalipuram

2007-08-22T16:09:00.002+05:30

The temple architecture of the South Indian is very different from the temple architecture of the rest of India. The temple building activity of the South India can be divided four periods corresponding to the main kingdoms, which ruled the South India for the centuries.
The Pallava dynasty ruled from AD 600 to 900.

The characteristic feature of the Pallava temple architecture is the rock-cut temples. The finest specimen of rock-cut shrines can be seen at Mahabalipuram. The Shore temple at Mahabalipuram is a fully carved temple complex with a towered sanctuary and mandapa.
The Chola dynasty ruled from AD 900-1150. The zenith of the Chola temple architecture can be seen at Thanjavur. It was the capital established by the Chola ruler Rajaraja I. The shrines have rising pyramidal towers crowned with domical roofs. The walls are embellished by the sculptures and paintings. The Bronze sculptures of this period are one of the finest in the whole of the South India.
The period of the reign of Hoysalas is from AD 1100-1350. The temples erected by the Hoysala kings have complex plans with numerous angled projections. The Chlorite stone was carved on the surface with remarkable precision. The columns of the temples are multi-faceted. The example of the Hoysala temples can still be seen at Belur, Halebid and Sringeri. The temple building activity came to an abrupt end due to the Muslim invasion.
The construction of temples gained fervor once again during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire. The characteristic feature of the temples of this period the growth of the temple complexes. The temples are concentric sequence of rectangular enclosure walls having gopuras in the center. The best examples of the temples of Vijaynagara are at Hampi.
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was the important seaport of the Pallava rulers. The place is famous now for some of the greatest architectural and sculptural specimen in India. The beautiful cave temples and gigantic open air reliefs carved from blocks of granite date to the 7th century AD. The Shore temples at Mahabalipuram were built during the reign of Rajasimha in the 7th century AD and marks the of zenith of the Pallava art and architecture. The temple was designed to catch the first rays of the rising sun and to illuminate the waters after dark. Thus the temple has an unusual layout.

Nalanda University, Bihar

2007-08-20T08:10:00.000+05:30

The University of Nalanda, located 103 km southwest of Patna, was once a Buddhist University of international fame but now it is in ruins. The construction of this great center of learning was started during the reign of Kumara Gupta (413-455 A.D.) and the later constructions were taken up under the patronage of king Harshvardhana (606-647 A.D.) and Pala Kings (8th-12th century A.D.). During the 7th Century A.D. when Hiuen Tsang studied here, there were nearly 10,000 students from different countries and the university was a six-storeyed building. Nalanda passed into obscurity when Bhaktiyar Khilji destroyed this center of learning in 1197 A.D.
Excavation has so far unearthed 11 numbers of monasteries running north to south. Each monastery is of 62.5*51.5 m size and is surrounded by 2 to 2.3 m-thick wall. There were a large number of stucco figures of Buddhist deities on the sides of the entrance. Two rooms with vaulted roof, constructed on the principle of arch are still present. A row of temples was built facing these monasteries. Altogether 211 sculptured panels of granite were installed in the temples. A huge Stupa was built at the southwest end. The rooms for the students with verandahs were constructed around an inner quadrangular courtyard. The pillars used in the construction were ornamented and carved with various types of figures. There was an observatory which was used for planetary studies.

India Celebrates 60 Years Of Independence

2007-08-17T16:05:00.000+05:30

Prime Minister Says Nation Headed Toward Rightful Place As Global Power
India celebrated the 60th anniversary of its independence from British rule Wednesday in a triumphant mood, with many here feeling the country is finally taking its rightful place as a major global player. "I assure you that for each one of you, and for our country, the best is yet to come," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the nation in his traditional Independence Day speech. But with many of India's 1.1 billion people being left behind by the country's lightning economic growth, Singh warned: "we must not be overconfident." The fault lines that have so long divided India were also apparent Wednesday with security tight across the country, especially in places where insurgencies are simmering, such as Kashmir, where mobile phone service was shut down in a bid to prevent the usual Independence.
"Gandhi's dream of a free India will only be fully realized when we banish poverty from our midst."

Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

2007-08-10T09:06:00.002+05:30

Mount Abu is a famous and only hill station of Rajasthan located in the southwest part of Rajasthan. It is a part of the Aravali range. Mount Abu is separated from Aravali by a narrow valley and Guru Shikhar is the highest point towards the northern end. According to legend, Hindus revere this place because once Nandini, the cow of the sage Vashisht was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free itself. The sage asked for Lord Shiva's assistance. Shiva sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Sage Vashisht then decided to ensure that such mishaps would not occur in future and asked the youngest son of Himalaya to fill the gorge permanently. He took the help of the snake, Arbud. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud since then and was later reduced to its present form Mount Abu.
The famous Dilwara Jain temples are 2.5 km away from the Mount Abu, which in ancient Hindu and Jain scriptures is referred to as Arbudgiri. The Dilwara temples were dedicated to the Jain tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD. Traditionally, Gujarat and Rajasthan were the centers of the merchants and princes and became great centers of architectural activities. Vimala Shah, Vastu Pala and Teja Pala contributed a lot toward the development of Jain art and architecture. The Jain temples at Mount Abu are built in the Nagara style of temple architecture. The earliest temple of this group can be dated back to the same period as Brihadeeswar temple at Thanjur in Tamil Nadu. The inscription at Mount Abu suggests that it was basically the seat of Shaivism and Jainism made its appearance in the 11th century AD.

Rashtrapati Bhawan, Delhi

2007-08-06T15:12:00.001+05:30

Today, it is perhaps India’s best known monument after the Taj Mahal and the Qutub Minar. Bigger than the Palace of Versailles, it cost a whopping £12,53,000 and now houses the President of India. It is unquestionably a masterpiece of symmetry, discipline, silhouette, colour and harmony. of course, it has come in for much criticism too but that has mostly been limited to the imperial intent behind it rather than its architecture.

Vidhan Soudha, Bangalore

2007-08-01T14:47:00.001+05:30

The Vidhan Soudha, situated at Dr Ambedkar Veddi Road, was built between the years 1954 and 1958. It is a beautiful building and one of the major centers of attraction in Bangalore. The architectural style of the building is based on the neo Dravidian style. It currently houses the State Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat of the state of Karnataka. On the opposite side of the Vidhan Soudha is another public building, the High court of Karnataka. It is a red brick building built in 1885.

Parashurameshvara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

2007-07-29T17:27:00.002+05:30

Dedicated to Shiva, this is the best-preserved of the early temples at Bhubaneshwar. It is viewed here from the southeast. The building includes a curving tower (rekha deul, subdivided into bhumis) over the sanctuary, and an adjoining mandapa (jagamohan) with two horizontal roof tiers (pidhas).

There isn't a statue of Nandi on the grounds, although the sanctuary contains a lingam. The principal temple entrance is through the west end of the jagamohan, and there is a secondary door in the middle of the south side of the hall.
This early architectural style is continued and elaborated in later Orissan temples. The tower becomes more refined in profile, with elaboration of its vertical piers.

Travel Around France on TGV trains

2007-07-27T15:00:00.000+05:30

Travel around France on the high speed TGV train covering all the important cities instead ofe to flying. The TGV Train is sleek, sophisticated, stylish, spacious. These are few words that describe the TGV services. Reaching speeds of up to 186mph, the TGV promises you an unforgettable journey from the heart of one city
Get your booking done at convenient hotels in major cities:
Hotels in France.
Here you will get accomodation which is within your budget.
TGV services have revolutionised rail travel on the continent with a network linking over 60 destinations across the length and breadth of France. Looking for good and reasonable hotels in Paris..... Look right here : Hotels in Paris
For more information you can also search the Spanish version of the site at : Francia Hoteles

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

2007-07-26T15:30:00.001+05:30

The site is founded by Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have a heir. He went to a saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri.

His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri.It was built between 1569 and 1585 and was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because the water system could not support the any residents.

It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals.

Flora Fountain, Mumbai

2007-07-21T16:07:00.001+05:30

This marvellous fountain was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere. It is situated in the heart of the Mumbai city at a junction of five streets. The fountain has a figure of "Flora", the Roman Goddess of Flowers at the top.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

2007-07-19T15:46:00.000+05:30

Humayun's Tomb is a massive 16th century monument to the second Mogul emperor.

This first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent is said to have inspired some aspects of the Taj Mahal.

Independence Day - 15th August

2007-07-13T16:13:00.000+05:30

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance .... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again." - Jawaharlal Nehru (Speech on Indian Independence Day, 1947).

The day when India woke up to freedom back in 1947 was a day of great celebration. A country got rid of her foreign yoke and became a sovereign nation, she celebrated her sovereignty on this day - the triumph of numerous martyred souls. It was a day of fulfillment, it was the day of a new beginning, a birth of a nation.On the stroke of midnight, a country came into life again as the British handed over the governance of India to the Indian leaders.The long and difficult struggle had borne fruit at last, though the happiness was marred by the fact that the country was divided into India and Pakistan and the violent communal riots had left the countries permanently scarred. That was the price that India paid for her dearly bought freedom. The British government declared the country independent and left for their own shores. On the 15th of August, 1947, India became completely independent. It was on this historic date that Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime Minister of India, unfurled the Indian tricolor on the ramparts the magnificent Red Fort, symbolically marking the end of the British colonial rule.

Ganga Ghat............ Varanasi

2007-07-10T15:06:00.001+05:30

Varanasi's principal attraction is the long string of ghats, which line the west bank of the Ganges. Ghats are the steps which lead down to the river. There are around 100 ghats in Varanasi, each with its own significance.
Most Indians believe that anyone dying on the banks of the river, in Varanasi, attains instant 'moksha' or enlightenment.The Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most significant ghat here, and conveniently placed at the centre.
The Manikarnika ghat is associated with Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife. The five ghats where pilgrims are supposed to bathe in order, and on the same day are Asi ghat, followed by Dasaswamedh, Barna Sangam, Panchganga, and finally, Manikarnika, in that order. Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats, are the ghats used primarily for the cremation of the dead. Other main ghats include Kedar ghat, a shrine popular with Bengalis;
Mansarovar ghat built by Man Singh of Amber; and PanchGanga Ghat where the five rivers are supposed to meet.

Haji Ali, Mumbai

2007-07-07T15:15:00.002+05:30

This mosque is located in the causeway protruding into the Arabian sea.
The white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali.
Haji Ali was a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca.
It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque is built toady.

The mosque can only be approached during low tide.

Jantar Mantar

2007-06-29T16:13:00.001+05:30

The late Mughal ruler Muhammad Shah enabled the raja of Jaipur, Sawai jai Singh Kachhwala, to build an astronomical observatory in Delhi.
The raja used the structure to update existing astronomical tables and almanac. The main structures are large scale, sophisticated scientific instruments constructed in brick and plaster, and consist of extruded, interlocked shapes extremely unusual to the architecture of the period.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

2007-06-26T15:22:00.001+05:30

Overlooking the Delhi Jaipur Highway, the image of the Amber Fort is beautifully reflected in the lake below.
Within the Fort lies the famous Jai Mandir (Temple) with its world renowned Sheesh Mahal, a hall full of Mirrors. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room.
Located 9 Kms north west of Jaipur, the Amber Fort was once the Capital of the Minas.Falling under the Golden Triangle, and being visited by millions of domestic and foreign tourists, the city of Jaipur is a place of high tourist interest. The Pink City, as commonly known, has all sorts of amenities for domestic and foreign tourists. Hotels ranging from 5 star to low budgets are available, as it attracts high tourist traffic in winters.

Kathakali Dance

2007-06-21T15:27:00.000+05:30

Kathakali is considered to be a combination of five elements of fine art:
Expressions:(Natyam, the component with emphasis on facial expressions)
Dance: (Nritham, the component of dance with emphasis on rhythm and movement of hands, legs and body)
Enactment (Nrithyam, the element of drama with emphasis on "mudras", which are hand gestures)
Song/vocal accompaniment:Instrument accompaniment (Vadyam)
Even though the lyrics/literature would qualify as another independent element called "Sahithyam", it is considered as a component of Geetha, as it plays only a supplementary role to Nritham, Nrithyam and Natyam.

RAJGHAT

2007-06-14T16:06:00.000+05:30

4 km away from Janpath to the N-East of Feroz Shah near Delhi Gate at Ring Rd on the bank of Jamuna situated Rajghat. Jawaharlal Nehru Rd also ends opp. Rajghat.
On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's last rites was performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi is square in shape made of black stone. His last ward- 'Hey Ram' is inscribed on it.Ordinary people, VIPs, foreign tourists all come here at Rajghat to pay their homage to him.
On every Friday (the day of his death) a prayer is being held. Except Monday, a regular feature of projecting Gandhi philosophy in picture, sculpture and photos from 10-00 to 17-00 is being performed at Rajghat. Besides, there is Gandhi Memorial Museum projecting his life and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 to 17-30 except Thursday and on Sunday at 16-00 in Hindi and 17-00 in English.Another Gandhi memorial is Gandhi Balidansthal or assassinated spot at Tis January Marg of the city.
On 30 Jan. 1948 on his way to prayer at Biral Bhawan , he was assassinated by bullets. Hence, this memorial.

Pottery Tradition of India

2007-06-13T15:20:00.000+05:30

Pottery making in India has been amuch sought-after vocation. The roots of Indian pottery are entrenched deep into its history. In fact, Indians learnt and used the art of pottery even when history was nonexistent. The invention that changed the face of the world – the potter’s wheel, had come to the Indians long long back, some time in the distant past. Men made pottery primarily to meet their daily requirements i.e. for utilitarian purposes.
Natural as it is to human beings, creativity took its own course and men started using pottery for decorative purposes as well. The damp clay molded in different shapes and sizes are artistic expression of the vision and moors of the society. Pottery is the measure of a country's civilization. Being one of the oldest crafts, man has expressed his feelings and his aesthetics in clay. A piece of pottery has a visual message in its shape and color. It is the most sensual of all arts. It is not only to be looked at, but also to be handled carefully. Even today, the story of Indian pottery remains undiminished in its glory and progress. Different regions of India have different and distinctive art of pottery. The same vase can be found in an astounding variety of shapes, sizes and designs – depending upon the location of its creation. The diversity of Indian handicrafts is all so much evident in its pottery traditions. Be it Bengal and terra cotta, Rajasthan and blue pottery, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat – every Indian state is special in its own traditions of pottery.

MANIPURI DANCE

2007-06-11T16:00:00.000+05:30

Manipuri is the classical dance from the Manipur region in the North East. The past and origins of this dance are not clear as many myths and legends are associated with it. The Manipuris consider themselves the descendants of the Gandharvas who were the legendary musicians, and dancers in the celestial courts of Indira. The earliest records of this dance form date back to about 100 AD. It was King Bhagyachandra of 17th century who established Manipuri dance on a scientific basis. It was he who innovated Rasleelas (dance dramas) and Sankirtan (form of invocation). He also designed the beautiful Manipuri dance costume. Some other beliefs also exists like that of the Meitei tribes of Manipur, they believe that when the earth was newly formed it was lumpy and to make it soft and firm the seventh Lainoorahs danced on the earth by pressing their feet very gently. That is the secret behind the delicate steps of Manipuri dance.Slow and gracious movements differentiate Manipuri from other dance styles. The delicate arm movements and gentle foot work characterise this dance.

Hawa Mahal - Jaipur

2007-06-08T15:58:00.001+05:30

Built in :1799
Built by:Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
Location :Jaipur (Rajasthan) HAWA MAHAL - JEWEL OF JAIPUR

The Hawa Mahal (literal meaning, palace of the winds) is an important landmark of the city of Jaipur, the pink city of India. It is an interesting building, although it is actually little more than a façade. This honeycombed building was originally built to facilitate the women of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.

HAWA MAHAL - RAJPUT STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE Among all the states of erstwhile princely India, Rajputana (now Rajasthan) is undoubtedly one of the most colorful. Despite their time-consuming preoccupation with war, the Rajputs, at all periods of their history, have been patrons of art and architecture. They were great builders, and their forts and palaces, built for reasons of security, residence and leisure of the Maharajas and their women, are not only impressive but a very important part of Rajasthan's cultural and architectural heritage. A study of Rajput monuments shows that it was strongly influenced by Mughal architecture.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple........

2007-06-06T15:06:00.003+05:30

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It is popularly known as the golden Temple due the Gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire.

One tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating of the spire.

The temple was destroyed in the various invasions and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore.

INDIAN WOODEN CRAFTS

2007-06-05T08:32:00.000+05:30

These Indian Wooden Handicraft items reflect the true spirit of Indian Craftsmanship along with the right shades of traditional beauty and style. The wooden figures, chess set, gold painted figure, animal figure and other Indian Wooden Handicraft Items are designed and crafted by special and award winner craftsman to add a special twinkle in any piece of our wooden handicraft range and due to these qualities are liked & preferred by the big names in We represent the choicest assemblage of wooden handicraft that speak of elegance style and superlative quality of ethnic as well as innovative items. all over the world. We represent the choicest assemblage of wooden handicraft that speak of elegance style and superlative quality of ethnic as well as innovative items.

Indian Lac Fashion Jewellery

2007-06-04T17:02:00.000+05:30

Lac jewellery comes from the princely city of Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated in West Rajasthan in the heart of the Thar desert. Being in the desert, the local population have livelihoods other than agriculture. The main occupation there is the manufacturing of handicrafts, furniture and jewellery.

This type of jewellery is normally referred to as ‘ Lac Jewellery’ but in fact it is really ‘Lac Filled Jewellery’, as lac or wax is filled in the hollow silver foil piece to give it strength.

The Odissi Dance

2007-06-02T09:20:00.000+05:30

The Odissi (Orissi) dance is the Indian classical dance from the Eastern state of Odissa. It has a long, yet broken tradition. Although dance in Odissa may be traced back more than 2000 years, it was brought to near extinction during the colonial period. Therefore, modern Odissi dance is a reconstruction.
Like other forms of Indian classical dance, the Odissi style traces its origins back to antiquity. Dancers are found depicted in bas-relief in the hills of Udaygiri (near Bhubaneshwar) dating back to the 1st century BC.
Over the centuries three schools of Odissi dance developed: Mahari, Nartaki, and Gotipau. The Mahari tradition is the devadasi tradition; this is the use of women who are attached to deities in the temple. The Nartaki tradition is the school of Odissi dance which developed in the royal courts.