Travel and Tourism

A Guide to Goan Beaches

2012-01-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

Goa's intrinsic "susegad" lifestyle is probably due in large part to the availability of so many beautiful beaches, each one with a unique character and feel. There's no better way to get away from the hectic drudgery of the daily 9 to 5 grind than to relax on the weekend on one of Goa's beautiful sunny beaches lined with palm trees that sway in the breeze, soaking up the sun, sipping on the local brew of cashew or coconut feni, and watching your cares melt away.

Calangute beach is known as the Queen of Beaches. It's also a huge tourist locale. Everything you need is within easy reach, including beachfront hotels, restaurants offering delicious Goan specialties as well as Continental food, tradesmen selling souvenirs and trinkets, recliners near the shore sponsored by a nearby restaurant from which you can order a nice cold beer or other beverage as you sit near the water's edge and watch the sun slink below the horizon. Colva beach has a similar setup and is equally popular. Calangute, despite the heavy tourist traffic, is a hot favorite because of this easy availability of amenities. Walking further down the coast will often take you away from the bulk of the crowd to a more secluded area as you get away from Calangute and move closer to Baga beach.

The sandy white beaches of Baga, Candolim, and Sinquerim are arguably some of the best beaches in North Goa. Baga has a charming array of shacks that line the beach, each serving up food and drink in a beautiful, rustic atmosphere.

For something a little different, take a walk through Vagator beach. The seashore is covered in shiny black sand, which is actually fragmented volcanic rock. Though you may not see any volcanoes, there are numerous rocks and boulders weathered by age dotted around the beach. This is definitely a rock climber's beach with its tall cliffs and rocky scenery. The water, of course, is the usual crystal clear blue, but swimming is discouraged due to underwater currents. The beach is also famous for its nightlife. Although more relaxed than Calangute beach, Vagator is fast becoming a tourist spot in and of itself.

In South Goa, the beaches are more secluded and are preferred by those who seek a more relaxed vacation off the beaten track. Agonda Beach is one of the more secluded areas with water that's perfect for swimming and rocks for the adventurous climbers. Mobor and Cavelossim are equally quiet and are dotted with a few shacks along the coast. Palolem Beach, referred to as Paradise Beach, is a huge favorite among anglers. Rented accommodation at one of the bamboo huts on stilts is cheap and easily available.

Visit Goa beaches on a Goa tour perfect destination for Goa honeymoon

Khajuraho Holiday Packages For All

2012-01-23T04:10:00.000-08:00

Khajuraho, the land of moon God is one of the most widely visited tourist destinations in India. This tourist place is well known for ancient temples depicting the artistic talents of sculptors during the reign of Chandela dynasty. Most of these temples built during the time interval between 9th to 12th centuries were constructed in north Indian ‘Nagara’ style of architecture. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘kharjur’ meaning date palm. Khajuraho, coming under the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites was once the cultural capital of Chandela Rajputs. Famous Khajuraho dance festival conducted annually from Chitragupta or Vishwanath temple attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. Rane Falls, Panna National Park, Western and Eastern group of temples are some of the attractive spots included under Khajuraho holiday packages.

Panna National Park, occupying an area of 543 sq km area is a favourite tourist place explored in Khajuraho holiday package. This national park, situated at Vindhya mountain ranges is a major deer park in India. Antelopes, chinkaras, boars and sambars are some of the living species found in Panna National Park. Beautiful natural landscape of Panna National Park lying on the banks of river Ken with versatile flora and fauna presents a fabulous view for visitors. Lush green atmosphere with beautiful water cascades makes this spot a perfect choice for your tour trip. Rane Falls originating from Ken River is another tourist destination coming under the list of Khajuraho holiday packages. If you wish to enjoy the charming beauty of Rane Falls, you can get down in Ken Gharyal Sanctuary.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary, located 24 kms away from Khajuraho is another destination covered in Khajuraho holiday packages. Rare wild life in sanctuary consisting blue bill, wild boar and chital dedicates an exotic tour trip for tourists. Confluence of Ken and Khudar rivers seen in Ken Gharial Sanctuary presents a superb view for visitors. Eastern and western group of temples are other attractive tourist places coming under the list of Khajuraho holiday packages. These temples lying on the banks of river Khajur are notable for wonderful sculptures. Vamana temple, Hanuman temple, Brahma temple, Ghantai temple and Adinath temple are some of the ancient temples belonging to eastern group of temples. Parsvanath temple, coming under Jain group of temples is a best known tourist spot included in Khajuraho holiday package. This UNESCO world heritage site coming in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh is belonging to eastern group of temples.

Parsvanath temple, dedicated to a Jain theerthankara is well known for beautiful carvings and sculptors. It is considered as the largest temple among the Jain temples in Khajuraho.

Temple occupying an area of 220 sq m is a fine example depicting the glorious past of India. Great architecture of western group of temples including Matangeshwara temple, Lakshmana temple, Vishwanath temple and Varaha temple presents a real feast for viewer’s eye. Historic Dhubela Museum, Ajaygarh Fort, Kalinjar Fort built during the ruling period of Gupta, alluring Pandava Waterfalls, Benisagar and Ranguan lakes are other tourist places explored in Khajuraho holiday packages.

Book a Khajuraho tour package and visit the Temples of Khajuraho and Dance Festival of Khajuraho

Memorable and Pleasurable Honeymoon in Shimla and Manali

2012-01-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

The two marvelous hill stations that captivate vacationers to have a look on the blessed sightseeing are Shimla and Manali. Both hill stations enthrall tourists to explore the loveliness of the place and get lost in their charm. These hill stations are located in Himachal Pradesh at a short distance. As there are many hill stations in the state so travelers may get confuse where they must enjoy their holidays but out of all hill stations Shimla and Manali are quite renowned. The nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and honeymooners widely visit the place and get glad to have fun at beautiful places to explore the nature’s gift.

Shimla is the favorite place for vacationers and honeymooners as the charming beauty of the place make them feel that as if they are spending their holidays on a paradise. The natural beauty of the place is comprises of thick forests of pine, oak, and cedar trees, seven beautiful hills, stunning attractions, colonial homes and friendly ambiance. Here travelers get an opportunity to take lovely experiences at all delightful places. Here adventure enthusiasts visit to take pleasure of some of the activities like trekking, golfing, ice-skating, mountaineering, fishing, angling, etc.

Vacationers can visit the place in any season as the beauty at every season get diverse from one another that add lovely charm in the tour. As Shimla is the capital city of the state so the travel agencies have number of Package Tours to Shimla Manali by which tourists can enjoy their journey as per their choice. Some of the very popular attractions of the place are Mall, the Ridge, Jakhu Temple & Hill, State Museum, Christ Church, Tara Devi Temple, Viceroy Lodge, Summer, Hill, Colonial Homes, etc. At all these places vacationers get fond of the natural loveliness.

Manali is another hill station that makes tourists spellbound as it is one of the best places for lovable holidays so numbers of vacationers visit the place to have their Honeymoon in Manali .Here the newly wed couple can have fun through numbers of attractions such as Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Beas Kund, Manu Temple, The Castle, Vashisht Village, Rahala Falls, Manali Wildlife Parks, and Kothi. At all these places honeymooners get the loveliest delight which make their honeymoon amiable. To experience some thrill in honeymoon the couple can get indulge in some famous adventure and sports of the place such as white water rafting, fishing, angling, mountaineering, skiing, rock climbing, paragliding, Heli-skiing, ice skating, kayaking, etc.

Though this manner, the couple can take plenty of pleasure of the place to make the journey memorable. One must visit both these hill stations once in their life.

You can also celebrate your Honeymoon in Shimla and Manali and visit other Indian destinations

Enchanting Golden Triangle With Pushkar Tour

2012-01-23T04:01:00.000-08:00

Presenting a snapshot of the progression of India's culture, religion and social fabric from the medieval age to today's time, Golden Triangle Tours are ideal for a formal introduction with the country. Three of the liveliest of cities of North India including Delhi, Jaipur and Agra are part of the illustrious touring circuit. Each of these cities contains majestic architectural creations and displays a world of colourful culture and brilliant art forms. The tour when coupled with a visit to Pushkar further enhances the experience. Golden Triangle with Pushkar tour is ideally an introduction to the country's age old history, its heritage properties, its cultural saga and religious wealth.

The cities marked by rich heritage and cultural vivacity are some of the most popular tourist destinations. With gamut of travellers thronging them each year, these destinations have now developed an advanced infrastructure taking care of visitor's accommodation and transportation requirements perfectly. Finding hotels is thus not a tricky task at all for they are available in numerous categories ranging from budget, to luxury and even heritage class. Other than that travelling is made fun in the presence of well connected roads, railway lines and in presence of numerous airlines. The historic and religious highlights of these Golden Triangle Tours are:

Delhi: Presenting a pastiche of cultures, the national capital, Delhi is laden with significant number of relics dating back to the time of varied civilizations. An emblem of regal regalia Red Fort in Old Delhi continues to be nation's pride; the same vicinity preserves an ancient market- Chandini Chowk and the largest mosque in India- Jama Masjid. The new city talks more of the stunning Victorian style architecture with wide avenues, tree- lined streets and elegant economical and commercial zones. Explore India Gate, Parliament House, Connaught Place, Qutub Minar, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lotus Temple and more in New Delhi.

Jaipur: The red stucco city colouring its visitors pink is a part of the erstwhile princely state. The remnants of which can still be seen in the form of grand palaces which don the city. On the hilltop, Amber Fort gives a regal expression with its majestic elephant ride and massive walls. Hawa Mahal reminds us of the princely excesses which compelled them to build such gorgeous citadel for their royal ladies. City Palace has a repertoire of the city's heritage stored in its museum. While in the vicinity shopping for the beauteous handicraft never escapes anyone's list.

Agra: The crowning glory of Agra was brought in by its magnificent Mughal splendour. The city is flanked by numerous magnum opuses of the age of royalty which epitomizes the glory and splendour of that age. One of the Seven World Wonders, Taj Mahal is the brightest of them all, while Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri have also been applauded by UNESCO and pronounced as World Heritage Sites.

Pushkar: The Golden Triangle with Pushkar tour comprise of a fourth vertex of the touring circuit which is the holy city of Pushkar. A renowned venue for one of world's biggest cattle fair, Pushkar is a highly religious town with one of the only temples dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Golden Triangle with Pushkar tour thus offers a peep into the country's splendid past, its cultural extravaganza and the richness of its religions.

Book your Golden triangle tour with Pushkar and other Golden triangle tours with extensions like Golden triangle tour with Varanasi and Khajuraho

Backwaters of Ernakulam

2012-01-23T03:54:00.000-08:00

Ernakulam, lovingly termed as the center of Kerala is a collections of Islands and narrow peninsulas. This beautiful town is very famous and most commercial place in Kochi in Kerala. This district in Kerala is the highest revenue yielding district, thus this district in Cochin is known as the commercial capital of Kerala. This beautiful town in Cochin is located on the coast of Arabian Sea, beautifully bounded by the amazing destinations like Thrissur, Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha.

Ernakulam is one of the most admired tourist destinations in Cochin, which provides tourists with array of splendid attractions. Some of them are Madhavan Nayar Foundation, Kodanad, Malayatoor, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary and Bhoothathankettu. But the backwater of Ernakulam is the prime attraction for the tourist here, which draws the attention of tourists and let them enjoy wonderful time in a delightful and memorable way.

Ernakulam possess pristine backwater destination which ridge along the Kayal or lagoon which offers a tranquil experience for any vacationer who visits the backwater and enjoy cruise on the well organized houseboats. Truly speaking serene backwaters of Ernakulam is feast for the tired mind and body. The backwaters here extend east and south of the harbor and contain tiny islands formed naturally by alluvial deposit from the rivers that empty into them. These placid islands boast the beauty of backwaters tour in Ernakulam and Cochin visit this district with us and enjoy nature at its best.

Visit website to book backwater and houseboat tours in Kerala including Alleppey backwater and houseboat tours, packages for houseboat honeymoon in Kerala and other Kerala tour packages

Motor Biking Tour In Ladakh

2012-01-23T03:50:00.000-08:00

India is an incredible country. From top to bottom, each and every corner of the country is special. One of the most special places in this incredible country is Ladakh. It is located in the northern most region of the country and certainly is one-of-its-kind destination in the world.

Here you can experience utmost proximity to the gigantic blue sky and can have the best view of the Himalayas. Ranging from natural sceneries to wildlife, tranquilising isolation to mysterious Buddhism monasteries, Ladakh is an amazing place.

There are plenty of ways to explore Leh and Ladakh but the most adventurous and thrilling is motor biking. Motor biking or Cycling is one of the most challenging and physically demanding adventure sports. Bikers face really an uphill task to ride on the rough surface of Ladakh. Well, if there's no toughness, there's no fun, right? Mountain Biking in Ladakh can be simply understood as Mountain climbing with the help of bikes. And let us tell you, the mountains of Ladakh are very challenging and will yield the best adventure you can imagine. Driving in Ladakh is simply an unforgettable experience, as it offers some hard to beat tracks. This exuberating place offers ample of charming and frequented routes in the mountains.

Moreover, there are extremely fascinating areas for the Mountain Biking adventures, easy pace to drive and of course pollution-less routes. The geographical conditions of Ladakh are extremely challenging. So, you must be really excited to go on Ladakh Tour. But before going for the tour, you must make sure that you are prepared for the challenge. Make sure you are healthy and your body is ready to cope with challenging climate of Ladakh.

Pack all the necessary items you would require during the tour. You have to take care that your bag is not unnecessarily heavy. And last but not least, choose the right bike for you. The bike must suit to your driving style. It should be in great condition. However, you need not to worry much about the condition of the bike as you will get some really good bikes in Ladakh. Before kicking off Ladakh Adventure Bike Tour, you must keep the officials concerned updated about your travel. Nowadays, there is availability of modern devices that will make sure you are on the right track. There are many tour and travel operators who are offering Ladakh motor bike tour. Make sure you choose the right company and make the right deals. So that's it, don't waste more time, challenging Ladakh bike tour is calling you.

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Realizing the Freedom From Incarnation with Char Dham Yatra

2012-01-23T03:38:00.000-08:00

Spirituality has got a lot of significance in human life. Talking about Hindu religion, there is a very special place of 4 Dham among Hindus. Char Dham Yatra takes you to four holy places of India, which are believed to be the path to moksha. These 4 places are globally famous for the natural peaceful environment. For this reason, not only Hindus but several hundreds of International tourists are keen to go for a Chardham tour and enjoy the peaceful salvation in the lap of holy Hindu Gods.

Importance of Char Dham Yatra

We have been discussing about the Char Dhams (four sacred places) in the introduction, but what exactly form the Char Dham Tour? The four religiously popular places under Char Dham Yatra are:

Yamunotri: Yamunotri forms the first milestone of the Char Dham Yatra. It is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and is the primary source of river Yamuna. It is the first and major mile stone for Char Dham yatra. This destination is primarily known for the shrine of Goddess Yamuna. Other popular destinations which grasp attention of tourist here include the famous temple of Goddess Yamuna and unique hot springs that thoroughly captivate your mind and soul.
Gangotri: Next in the order comes Gangotri, which is where the river Ganga originates. Located at the bank of river Bhagirati, the pace is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The shrine of the Goddess is located amidst natural scenic beauty here. Akshaya Tritiya is the famous most festival at Gangotri and is honored and celebrated by thousands of people.
Kedarnath: Kedarnath is the third next destination in the Chardham tour. This place is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Siva. The place is most known for several holy kunds located in the Kedarnath temple here.
Badrinath: Badrinath is the last destination but again plays a key role in attaining freedom from incarnation. The place is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is world famous for the holy Badrinath Temple constructed around 8th century by Shankaracharya ji. There is a unique holy image in black, which represents lord Vishnu.

It is believed that skipping any of the above destinations will let your journey stay incomplete. That is why; millions of national as well as international tourists plan a dedicated Char Dham tour to these four holy shrines. This way, they wash away all their sins and attain salvation. So do not wait as life is too short for completion of your dreams! Plan a tour to the 4 Dham today.

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Heritage temple of Shri Morjai

2011-12-21T02:08:00.000-08:00

Filled with coconut palms and white sands, the village of Morjim in Pernem taluka is a gift of nature to mankind. The Arabian Sea and the beautiful Chapora River make Morjim, a paradise on earth. The temple of Shri Morjai in Morjim commands attention of heritage lovers and is of great historic importance. The Goddess, Shri Morjai is believed to be one of the seven sisters who came and resided in different parts of Goa along with their brother, Shri Khetoba. Shri Morjai resides in a majestic temple amidst a coconut grove. Though the temple does not have a ‘Shikhar,’ it possesses an elegant look. The temple walls are adorned with the rare and extinct ‘Kaavi’ art friezes. Excellent attempts have been made by the temple committee to conserve these murals ‘in situ.’ The original ‘Mukhmandap’ has round masonry pillars with this unique art running along their periphery. The windows grills of the ‘Mukhmandap,’ various geometric and floral patterns, are depicted in ‘Kaavi’ art. The maroon coloured ‘Kaavi’ art designs blend beautifully with the white washed walls.

The exterior ‘Sabhamandap’ dating to 1936 AD has rectangular columns supporting a balcony above. Though the exterior ‘Sabhamandap’ was a later addition, it matches well with the ancient temple.

The ceiling of the interior ‘Sabhamandap’ is magnificent. The vaulted roof inside has exquisite ‘Kaavi’ art murals. Floral and geometric patterns etched in ‘Kaavi,’ on the roof are worth seeing. It is very surprising to see the art etched on an inner side of a vaulted roof. One stands to imagine as to how these murals were etched in the interior of the vault. The ‘Kaavi’ art frescoes give the temple an archaeological and historic significance. A unique well surrounded by a series of semi circular arcs, nearby, is a unique piece of architecture, which is worth seeing.

The ‘Agr-shaallaa’ and the temple of Shri Ravalnath, nearby, give the precincts a traditional look. The president of the temple committee, Mr Gopal Shetgaonkar observes that heritage temples should not be concretized but should be conserved and preserved. He also opines that addition of mismatched elements in the old structure destroy the originality and the historicity of the building.

Our heritage churches, temples and mosques are testimony to Goa’s past. They should be conserved ‘in situ’ as they are our prized possessions.

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Moving with the Wildlife at the Silent Valley in Kerala

2011-12-21T01:15:00.000-08:00

The dense rainforests of the Silent Valley is one of the few preserves that have been left practically untouched by man and modernization. Surrounded by hills, the inaccessible nature of the Silent valley has proved to be its blessing.

The brooding forests of the Silent Valley are located in the Nilgiri Hills in Kerala and are said to date back to 50 million years. The 236.74 square kilometer national park is a part of the Palakkad district in Kerala. The diverse ecosystem of the Silent Valley includes montane grasslands, deciduous, semi evergreen as well as evergreen forests. The Valley is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and lies adjacent to the Mukkurthi national park and the Attappady forests.

Legends of the Silent Valley

The Silent Valley has an interesting role to play vis-à-vis Hindu mythology. The locals call the Valley Sairandhrivanam. Sairandhri refers to Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandavas. According to local legend, the Pandavas along with Draupadi stumbled upon the beautiful, isolated valley in the course of their travels during a period of exile. So enamored were they by the green, rolling forests bursting with life that they stayed here for some time.

Exploring the wildlife at Silent Valley

The Silent Valley is home to an amazing number of mammals, birds and reptiles. Isolated due to the ring of hills around it, the forest has been able to retain the Indo-Malaysian nature of the flora and fauna that has characterized the area over the ages.

A trip to Silent Valley will give you some stunning glimpses of wildcats like tiger, panther, jungle cats, civets and fishing cat. The graceful sambar and spotted deer, the large gaur and smaller animals like mongooses, otters, flying squirrel and the scaly anteater are other wildlife that makes the Silent Valley an absolute delight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Among the more significant inhabitants of the forests are the lion tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur; both of these are on list of endangered animals and the Silent Valley is one of their habitats on earth. The forests also have a large number of endangered birds. These include the Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Broad tailed Grassbird, the Malabar parakeet and the Great Indian Hornbill.

A survey conducted in 2006 reported that there were 138 species of birds in the Silent Valley. The forests also have 35 species of reptiles and 19 species of amphibians. In fact, there are two species of frogs that have been discovered in the Silent Valley. There are also several rare plants and herbs in the valley.

Reaching the Silent Valley

Given the heavy rainfall the area experiences, travelling here during the monsoon months might not be practical. The summers are warm while winters are pleasant. There are plenty of buses running from Palakkad to Mukkali. Palakkad is at a distance of 80 km, while Mukkali is 23 kilometers away.

The distance between Mukkali and Silent Valley will have to be covered either by hiring a jeep or van. You could also trek part of the distance. As far as accommodation is concerned, there are a few guest houses within the national park. You could also stay at one of the many hotels in Palakkad town.

The Silent Valley is quite simply an unforgettable experience. It takes us back to an age when nature reigned supreme. The preserve with its pristine and untouched character is truly a unique spot in a world where else where man has left his rather heavy imprint.

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Famous Khajuraho Dance Festival

2011-12-21T01:12:00.000-08:00

The classical dance festival in Khajuraho is staged against the backdrop of tenth century temples built by rulers of the Chandella dynasty.

Organized by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, the cultural extravaganza takes place at an open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun God and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Khajuraho Dance Festival, though comparatively a dance festival of recent origin, has already become a legendary festival having earned a great deal of reputation among locals and foreigners. The dances performed here are said to be truly divine with the wonderful backdrop of the sculptures of Khajuraho. The temples are brightly lit and are shimmering with the lights.

Among the Indian classic dances portrayed during the festival include Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and Manipuri. The best performers of these dance forms are specially invited to the festival. The festival offers an opportunity for amatuer artists too to rub shoulders with the exponents. For many of them, a performance in Khajuraho Temple is the opportunity of a lifetime.

A cluster of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Temples dating back to 950-1050 AD, known for its erotic sculptures, has endowed Khajuraho with international fame and recognition.

The Land Of Many Mountain Passes

2011-12-21T00:56:00.000-08:00

Leh is the capital of Leh district of Laddakh region situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, amidst the lofty mountain ranges of the Great Himalayas. Leh-Ladakh is flanked by two of the greatest mountain ranges on either side, the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountains.

Leh Ladakh is an ethereal desert area in the Himalayan region caressed by freezing winds and sharp sun rays. The thin air makes the heat in the summers more sharp and intense. In fact it is not surprising that if a person would be sitting out in the summer with his feet in the shade, he could suffer from a sunstroke and frost bite at the same time.

The mean altitude is three thousand five hundred metres above sea level and the temperatures range between twenty seven Celsius in summers to a sharp dip down to twenty below zero Celsius in winter. ‘Laddakh’ is a Persian word that means 'the land of many mountain passes'. The native population of Ladakh is believed to be of an Indo-Aryan origin from the Indus Valley, but over the years, a mix of cultures between India and Tibet have seen the facial features change to rounder faces, shorter noses and thin slit eyes. The people of Leh-Ladakh are very simple and good at heart.

The main religions dominating this region are Buddhism and Islam. This used to be a bustling trade route in the past between Punjab and Central India but since China has closed all borders, tourism has become the core industry of Leh-Ladakh. Owing to its specific ecological balance and climate, his place has a fascinating mix of wild life. Some species natives to this area are the Yak or wild ox, Ibex, Tibetan Shapu and the wonderful blue sheep.

There are many beautiful places to be seen here, mainly the Leh Palace and the Buddhist Monasteries. The Leh Palace has always been a big attraction for tourists in the city. It exudes a certain sense of mystery and the landscape around it is extremely beautiful and scenic. Some of the famous monasteries are Alchi, Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Hemis Gompa and the Likir Monastery.

The Laddakh festival is attended by many people as it showcases the cultural richness of the region. It is held during the winters, when the majority of the population is not busy at work due to the severe climatic conditions. These festivals are attended for their atmosphere of great festivity and gaiety. One of the main attractions of tourists visiting Leh-Ladakh is the beautiful winter trek organized by the tourism authorities. The Zansker winter trek is one such unforgettable experience as it is made over a strange route when the hikers traverse over the frozen Zansker River. All these treks pass through breath taking mountain regions and locales. Adventure sports like parasailing, river rafting and skiing are also very popular in Leh-Ladakh. Many tourists voice the sentiment that was coined by the Moghul Emperor Jahangir when he said that places in Kashmir like Pahalgam and Leh are the closest that we can get to heaven on earth.

The Char Dham Pilgrimage Tour

2011-12-20T03:51:00.000-08:00

In India, Uttrakhand is known as the Dev Bhoomi, because it has many popular and sacred Pilgrimage Destinations of God. It is located at the Himalaya region of North India. Chardham Yatra (Four Pilgrimage Destinations) is famous on Worldwide so peoples are comes from every corner of the world for this Yatra. The four dham are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. According to Hindu religion, a journey to the Chardham is considered to the very spiritual significance. Each destination of has its own spiritual acception for the peoples. Hindus believes that by the journey of Chardham we can acquire Moksha to our life. The main season of Chardham Tour starts from May to October, in this period a lot of peoples are go for Yatra so it is the peak time of Chardham Tour.

Now let us take a brief introduction of each destination of Chardham. The first one is Gangotri, it is dedicated to river Ganga .This is the most sacred place where river Ganga touched earth for the first time. Similarly Yamunotri is dedicated to river Yamuna and has a temple devoted to Goddes Yamuna. And the same way Badrinath Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and it is found between the Nar and Narayan parvat. The last one is Kedarnath devoted to Lord Shiva and surrounded by the peaks which are covered by the ice. Some another Pilgrimage destinations near to Kedarnath are Gaurikund, Panch Kedar.

Honeymoon and Enjoyment Packages in Kullu Manali

2011-09-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

India is the most beautiful country in the world. Here we have a lot of romantic and lovely points in India like Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie etc. In the hills of Himalayas, a small, majestic town situated is known as Manali. Adventure, Real Beauty, Love, Romance you will find every thing in this valley of snow. This tourist place is the first choice of all Honeymoon couples, Adventure Lovers and newly married pairs.

You can reach Manali by Air or by Road. Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Manali Airport is an airport situated in Bhuntar is the nearest Air port for Manali. This is almost 50 kms far from the main Manali town. Manali is well connected from Road by Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla etc . From Delhi and Chandigarh you can reach at Manali by the most comfortable A/C Buses. Alternative way is taxi for example Indica or Indigo Cabs. From March to June is the best time to visit the manali. In this season you can get relief from the high temperature. You will find high rush in this time period.In manali there are a lot of hotels and resorts to stay. You will find all range of hotels, Resort and Cottages in Manali means from budget to luxury.

There are many places to visit like Solang Valley, Rahala waterfalls, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Temple, Manu Temple, Monasteries, Club House, Kothi, Jagatsukh etc . People enjoy Para Gliding, River Rafting, Skiing in their Rohtang pass tour. Youngsters and Adventure lovers like Mountain Biking and Mountain Climbing and Ice Skating.

Kullu Manali's main attraction is live snow fall. You can see it, even touch it. In cold season tourist find lovely view of snow fall. They can play with this snow in the Solang Valley. Honeymoon couples come specially for this snow fall. It is very realistic for them. Manali looks like Switzerland of India.

Apart this temples of manali have its own importance. In Mahabharata Bhima had married a devil girl Hidimba. The Hadimba Devi temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhima. It is very famous temple of Manali and it's also called Dhungiri temple, because it's located in Dhungiri jungles. Visitors also like to do paddle boating in a fun park near this temple. Manu temple, Vashist Village and Temple, Nehru Kund, Shiva temple, Tibetan Monasteries are another attraction of manali. Shiva temple is on the top of hill and it is an ancient temple of manali.

In the malls of Manali tourist can purchase everything from clothes to Jewellery, Handicraft etc . Visitors likes specially Woolen shawls of manali and from the monasteries they take prayer wheels, Musical Instruments, Jewellery etc . People of manali believes in simplicity, they are really simple and good. Tourists get warm hospitality from them and take sweet memories of their trip. So if you are planed to visit kullu manali with your dear, you can book your Kullu Manali Honeymoon Packages online and enjoy your Manali Tour Package and make memorable moments of your life.

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Khajuraho Travel Guide

2011-09-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.

The world renowned temple town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its archaeological and historical monuments.

History

The Creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemwati, the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravarman, founder of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother who sought refuge from a censorious society, Chandravarman, when established as a ruler, had a dream-visitation from his mother. It is said that she implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so, bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. It is also possible that the Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation of nirvana.

Places to See in Khajuraho

State Museum of Tribal & Folk Arts

A fine collection of masterpieces of tribal and folk art and artifacts from all over Madhya Pradesh is on display at the Chandela Cultural Complex. The tradition of tribal and folk arts and crafts has evolved over centuries. It represents the best of Indian culture and tradition and its synthesis with foreign cultures that came through trade and invasions. The State Museum has more than 500 representative items of terracotta, metal craft, woodcraft, tribal and folk paintings, tattoos, jewellery and masks.

Khajuraho Temples

The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Combined with the upward direction of the structure, which is further accentuated by vertical projections, the total effect is one of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks. Each of the chief compartments has its own roof, grouped in such a way that the highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico, a triumph of skill and imagination in recreating the rising peaks of a range.

Eastern Group of Temples

Adinath Temple: Dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including yakshis. The three Hindu temples of the group are the Brahma, containing a four faced lingam, the Vamana, which is adorned on its outer walls with carving of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes; and the javari, with a richly-carved gateway and exterior sculptures.

Western Group of Temples

The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya Mahadev.

Southern Group of Temples

Dulah Deo Temple: This finest temple at Khajuraho also called Kunwar Math offers some of the choicest sculptures especially the Shalbhanjika. It is a fully developed temple measuring 21 m by 12 m (69 ft. by 40 ft.) with the ardhamanadap, the mandapa, the maha mandapa, the antarala and the garbha griha with no circumambulatory passage.

Visit website to book India Tour packages and packages for Khajuraho festival

Amazing Luxury Train Travel and Golden Moments in Royal Rajasthan

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Rajasthan is aptly called as the royal state of India because of its splendid history associated with the kings and queens. These royals, because of their high tastes, have contributed much to the construction of some of the magnificent palaces, havelis and forts in this state. This is the reason this beautiful state of India is also called royal Rajasthan because everything associated with this place has a rich feel whether it is the fort, the palace or the delicious cuisine. You can have a spectacular luxury trip across this magnificent state. You can have the royal feel in the trip by boarding the luxury train and it will be a wonderful experience of life. You will get many facilities in the train and these also include some high quality personalized services.

Generally the journeys for such trains are for a period of 7 days and eight days respectively but there are also 4 days journeys available and these cover the areas like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Bharatpur. When it comes to the trip in this luxury train for periods of 7 and 8 days respectively, you cover different destinations of the maharajas in the exotic Rajasthan as well as different parts of the eastern and central India. The train cuts across the beautiful destinations like Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Varanasi, Khajurao and Bharatpur. When you visit these destinations in such a luxurious atmosphere, it will really give you a feel of Rajasthan royals. When you have a trip of royal Rajasthan in such a luxury train, it is really an amazing experience one loves to cherish. This luxury train is a fine alternative for the traveler and you get all the comforts of the present times in it. It is really an amazing feel.

There is a major hand of the tourism development corporation to make this train ply on the rails. By travelling in heritage express, you get the taste of Rajputana heritage and make this journey as one of the most memorable journeys of your life. The three important things that really make you feel on the top of the world while travelling in the royal Rajasthan train is the onboard service, exotic destinations and the classic décor. This train has 13 salons and all are luxury coaches with air conditioning facility. All these coaches have the complete carpeting along with the linen and silk furnishings. When you sit, sleep or relax in these coaches, it brings alive the opulence and royalty in you. You really feel like a royal and magnificent Maharaja.

The ambience and beauty of the inside decoration increases with period furniture and gorgeous paintings. When you travel in such a train, you can relax by having sips of sweet wine or some good hard drinks in the majestic restro bars like namely Swarn mahal and Sheesh mahal. You have the good food in the in house.

Visit website for booking Rajasthan tours, Golden Triangle India and Golden Triangle Tour with Rajasthan travel packages

Colorful Facades of Kerala Tourism

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An enigmatic strip of land, Kerala is a tropical paradise in one of the sought after tourist destinations. A visit to Kerala is more like reading a book with a new story each and every time turn on the page. It is incredibly striking and is blessed with astonishing charm of nature, blissful ambiance and more of all pleasing climatic conditions which makes holiday really an experience of lifetime. This small state lets you enjoy the complete magic of the nature in different form which consists of the exquisite backwater destinations, captivating beaches and exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries, nature blessed hill stations and much more. It is the pure attractiveness of the nature and its tantalizing charm that Kerala is today globally known and is visited by a number of tourists from every nook and corner of the world.

Kerala being the most popular destinations in India, Kerala tour is ready to offer them more than what they expect to let them enjoy holiday in an enjoyable and unforgettable way amidst the Lap of Mother Nature. Kerala tour package also offers to experience the complete magic of the backwaters, a unique product of the state truly unmatched by any other tourism destinations in the world. It is blessed with astonishing charm and present amazing opportunity to sail over the scenic water-world over a houseboat gradually floating with the pace of time. Houseboats are the only medium offering an unbelievable experience to relish forever. Some of the popular backwater destinations in Kerala are Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Kollam, Kasargod, Alleppey and Cochin which are visited by tourists from all over the world.

Beside Kerala backwaters tours, Kerala tour packages also offer tourists to enjoy the stimulating exquisiteness of the nature in different forms. Hill stations of Kerala like Munnar, Idduki, Wayanad and Devikulam are blessed with stupendous beauty of nature with cascading waterfalls, well organized tea gardens, spice plantations, musical streams, lush green flora and fauna and much more.

Kerala is one of the most leading honeymoon destinations in India as celebrating honeymoon would be like staying in green paradise. The most predominant attractions of Kerala honeymoon tours will be Kerala's striking beaches dotted with palm coconut trees. Exploring the sun-kissed exquisite beaches of Kerala add an unusual charm in your Kerala honeymoon tours. Some of famous beaches of Kerala are Kovalam beach, Chowara beach, Bekal beach, Alleppey beach, Cherai beach, Quilon beach, Shanghumugham beach, Varkala Papanasam beach, etc which you should not forget to explore during your Kerala honeymoon tour.

Visit Kerala packages tours website to book your Kerala honeymoon tour package and Kerala houseboat tours

Travel to Charming Goa

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Goa is an Indian state located in west part of the country. The former Portuguese colony is famous as a popular tourist destination as millions of domestic as well as international tourists descend here every year. The beautiful city is renowned for its unique blend of native and Portuguese culture, splendid architectural works, pristine beaches and attractive artworks. If you are planning a vacation, Goa can be a wonderful holiday destination for you. You will discover innumerable entertainment options when you will book your cheap tour to Goa. Let us find out some sightseeing spots and entertainment activities which have popularized it as a leading tourism hub of India.

The beautiful city is famous as "Queen of Beaches". A stretch of 125 km of coastline makes Goa a ranked tourist destination across the world. This vast stretch of seashore can be divided into beaches in the North and beaches in the South. Beaches of these two different regions are known for their own characteristics. Panjim is the capital city of Goa. Tourists can book cheap Goa flights to enjoy finest churches and temples, unbeatable array of over 40 beaches, active and enthusiastic nightlife, bright festivities and celebrations, pleasant sun-sea-sand-surf and exotic seafood, and the best of natural beauty between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.

Beautiful churches are one of the main highlights to the state. Panjim city is full of Christian pilgrim centres. The Church And Convent Of St. Monica, the Church Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, the Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi, and the Church Of St. Francis Xavier are a few of the post popular churches in the city. If one wants Goa holidays, there are umpteen destinations to see.

Immaculate sun kissed beaches, clear skies, amazingly pleasant weather, rippling waves of the Arabian sea, plethora of adventure sports, verdant greens, and excellent accommodation options, all these make the charming region a fabulous tourist destination. Other than extraordinary travel and entertainment options, tourists can enjoy mouth watering delicacies in Goa. Fish curry and rice is the staple food of the natives. Food lovers can relish a variety of fish dishes in Goa.

Coming to Goa beaches, this gorgeous state is dotted with many pristine beaches appealing tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Goa beaches are exquisite for awe-inspiring tourism and mesmeric vacation. Anjuna, Baga, Dona Paula, Vagator, Candolim, Benaulim, Colva, etc are some of most popular beaches in the state.

To conclude, the state of Goa has its distinct charm and character. Arrange your tour to Goa, Book your cheap Goa tours in advanve and let loose yourself in this pure traveler's paradise.

Visit Goa Packages Tours website to book exotic honeymoon packages to Goa and Goa beach packages

Golden Triangle Tours Favorite Tourism Choice for North India

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India is in fact a very large country and several surprising destinations are located in its different areas. When we discuss about the travel and tourism in India, northern region of the country automatically comes on our tongues. There are several astonishing destinations located in north area like as Shimla, Kullu and Manali, Mussoorie, Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, etc. Visiting these entire destinations in a single trip is not possible. To cover the major attraction of northern India in a single visit, golden triangle is an ideal option. A typically golden triangle journey covers three popular destinations Delhi, Agra and Jaipur of this vicinity. Now have a brief look over the highlights of this tour.

The most popular attractions of golden triangle are its magnificent heritage sites. All these three destinations keep some world famous heritage monuments like as Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amber Fort, etc. Generally the starting point of this tour is Delhi which is also the national capital. Here tourists have great opportunity to visit several amazing historical monuments, pilgrimages, and new developed sites. The city also posses wide range of accommodation facilities. Travelers can easily find economical to the most luxury hotels and restaurants. Popular markets of Delhi also make it as shoppers’ paradise; vacationers can get any item at its reasonable cost.

After Delhi the next destination is Agra. The city is especially included in this tour for one of the most popular heritage site Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is located in Agra at the bank of holy river Yamuna. This is a World Heritage site and also included in Seven Wonders of the World due to its matchless architectural beauty. The monument is built by the great Mughal emperor shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. Form that time the building is regarded as the epitome of true love in all over the world. Several others worth visit places are also present in and surroundings of Agra like as City Fort, Fathepur Sikri, Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, etc.

Next and the last destination of Golden Triangle Tours is Jaipur. It is located in state Rajasthan and also capital city of state. Several amazing forts and palaces are the major attractions of this city. Amber fort of Jaipur is one of the most regal monuments of Golden Triangle Tour India. This is an exceptionally grand fort and well designed with parapet, several gates and paved paths. The fort has four levels and each level is furnished with separate courtyard. Elephant safari at this fort is also a very popular among tourists from all over the world. This safari gives an imperial feeling to the travelers. There are several others worth visit places also present in surroundings like as City fort, Hawa-Mahal, Jantar-Mantar, Nahargarh and Jaigarh forts.

You can book a Golden Triangle Trip with several extensions including Golden Triangle with Rajasthan or Golden triangle with Varanasi

Popular Beaches of Goa

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The beaches of Goa are like the curves of a woman's body - warm, inviting, sensuous. Goa's beaches are speckled with quaint little beach shacks that serve ice cold beer and spicy Goan cuisine. It is easy to find cheap accomodation in a beach resort or hotel very close to the beach in Goa. The list below includes some of my favourite Goa beaches. You won't find any of the more popular, overcrowded beaches here - like Colva and Calangute beach - that are done to death in every Goa travel guide or information brochure. These are only the best beaches to visit, some a little off the beaten track.

Candolim Beach: Candolim is the birth place of Abbe Faria, a Goan Freedom Fighter and the Father of Hypnotism. When we stay at Candolim, we usually book one of the rent-back apartments a stone's throw away from the beach. There is little or no shelter close to the beach, but you can hire out a beach umbrella, sample the good food available at the beach shacks that dot the beach, and sun yourself in solitude. This Goa beach is very popular with package tourists, but is still not too crowded.

Sinquerim Beach: Sinquerim beach has clean, white sand, and is close to the historic Fort Aguada, the early 17th century Portuguese fort that was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack. You can take a long walk from Sinquerim beach all the way up to Candolim beach, which continues all the way north to Baga.

Baga Beach: Baga is a small fishing beach with a grove of shady palms close to the water’s edge. There are few buses that come all the way to the beach's edge, but none after dark. Its a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach, so if you plan to stay after sundown, make sure you have your own transport.

Baga is really an extension of Calangute beach. But unlike Calangute, which is crowded, steep and marred by dangerous undercurrents, the beach at Baga is flat, safe for swimming, and has clean, white sand. A little creek joins the sea between the beach sands and a hill that is home to the Retreat House. Although not among the famous "nude" beaches of Goa, Baga is very popular with topless sunbathers who strip off to catch some sun, while the locals gawk. You can catch some action of a different kind if you like water sports and fishing. After dark, night-time revellers frequent Tito's - one of the more lively watering holes of Goa's nightlife.

Baga has a Saturday night flea market and you can shop for colourful Kashmiri handlooms and other artifacts all along the road leading to the beach

Bambolim Beach: Bambolim beach is a small, clean, largely undiscovered beach, in a shaded spot before the mouth of the river Zuari. The entrance to the beach is easily missed and lies along the hill between Goa Medical College and the Goa University. The road goes all the way down to the Bambolim beach resort from where you can make your way to the beach. The beach is carpeted with broken mother-of-pearl and other shells, which makes it a haven for shell-collectors. Thick coconut groves line the beach and provide shade and privacy. Its a beautiful beach for a quiet, cosy picnic.

You can enjoy lunch at the Bambolim Beach Resort restaurant, serenaded by one of the local singers or bands. When you decide to head back home, take the road that goes to the beautiful Goa University all the way up to Dona Paula. A little off the road before Dona Paula just before the National Institute of Oceanography, is a restaurant called White House. It serves excellent seafood and has a view of the bay to die for. Its also one of the few pet-friendly restaurants in Goa, so if you have a well-behaved pooch along, you won't have to tie it outside till you finish your dinner.

Arambol Beach: Arambol Beach is near the traditional fishing village of Arambol and is an isolated stretch of beach known for its rocky and sandy terrain. Until recently Arambol was a favorite Goa beach for hippies and its claim to fame was the wild parties it was host to. The main beach is relatively good for swimming. To the north are quiet bays where you can take long walks with starfish underfoot. There's a hot spring near the main beach that runs into a freshwater lake. Sporty types can enjoy activities like dolphin watching boat trips and paragliding.

Vagator Beach: Vagator is one of the more beautiful white sand Goa beaches. To reach the beach, you have to walk down a steep cliff. The sea here is not safe for swimming, but during the tourist season, it has an active nightlife. The south beach is fairly spread out and more secluded. A little further south of the main beach you'll find the quiter Little Vagator or Ozran beach with a fresh water pool. You can also visit the nearby Chapora Fort. Accomodation is not always easy to find because there are few hotels here.

Benaulim Beach: My strongest memory of Benaulim is that of being bitten by a stray dog. But I also remember all of us - the entire family - feasting on a delicious meal of shellfish we dug out in bucket-loads from the sand. Benaulim beach is more peaceful and serene than Colva and still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises. The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João.

Palolem Beach: Palolem beach, situated in the Canacona distrct, is also known as "Paradise Beach". Until a few years back, it was among the virgin beaches of Goa. It is a fishing beach popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips. Book a goa hotel At the northern end of the beach is a tiny, island in the middle of a fresh water stream that can be reached by swimming across at low tide. The Gaitonde's tent resort is one of the more popular places to stay, but be sure to book well in advance. You can laze in a hammock and sip your beer while enjoying the delicious fresh catch brought in by the fishermen. There are a lot of little resorts along the beach with bamboo huts on stilts. The accomodation is nothing fancy, spartan even, but at less than $10 per day you can't really expect more.

Agonda Beach: Agonda is a virgin stretch of beach twelve kilometres from Palolem and, until recently, was undiscovered by tourists. It is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and its easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb any of the rocks there. Until recently there was just a solitary shack on the beach, however that may not be the case any longer. If you find it difficult to get accomodation here, you can stay at Palolem, and drive down to Agonda for the day. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach.

Mobor and Cavelossim Beaches: Cavelossim Beach, is a small stretch of beach eleven kilometres south of Colva beach. South of Cavelossim beach is the Mobor beach that currently boast of five star resorts like the Leela Beach Resort. Both beaches are relatively isolated and there are few beach shacks here. Mobor has a fishing village with a small lagoon near the mouth of a river, and its fun to watch the seagulls that come to feast on the fish drying on the sand.

You can book a tour of Goa Beaches or Goa holiday package and honeymoon package for Goa to have a great time in Goa.

Munnar

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Munnar is an haven of peace and harmony. Munnar is an incredibly beautiful hill town Positioned at a height of 6000ft in the Idukki district, Munnar is the most privileged summer resort. This was a significant resort even during the British monarchs in those colonial days.

Munnar is opulent with unique species of flora as well as fauna. With an extensive stretch of tea plantations amidst the high mountains and unspoiled valleys, Munnar gives a very pleasant feeling. The scented cool air is filled with the aroma of spices. The rising and falling terrain of Munnar is covered with forests and grasslands.

The undulated topography offers a breathtaking vision of craggy rocks and adds to the picturesque scenery and captivates the tourists with its beauty. Some of the trees found in the region are teak, red sandalwood, rose wood, jungle jack, etc. Munnar is a paradise for bird watchers as rare species of birds are found in abundance.

Cocooned in the State of Kerala, Munnar poses a breathtaking scenery amidst the thriving green tea plantations with the combination of valleys, streams, cliffs, bubbling brooks, exotic wildlife and clear trout streams that make Munnar an irresistible place.

You can book Munnar tour package or a honeymoon package for Kerala via Kerala Packages Tours

10 Reasons to Visit Kerala

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Kerala, God's Own Country, offers countless ways to allure the tourists to its land. Presenting 10 best reasons why you should not miss a holiday in Kerala.

Kerala, one of the most popular tourist destination in the World is visited by tourists all the year round. Located in the southwest India, this green patch of exoticism and beauty is also referred to be ‘God’s Own Country’. Blessed with the best of natural attractions like beaches, waterfalls, wildlife parks and the ubiquitous backwaters, Kerala is one of the best places to enjoy a perfect holiday. Some of the most popular attractions that drive people to this wonderful land are -

1. Backwaters - This is the most eloquent facet of Kerala that draws large number of tourists to the state. Cruising on houseboats on these backwaters is a delightful experience, especially for newly married couples. The peaceful ambiance and dream like ride on slow waters is sure to give you the most relaxing experience on the earth. Alleppey and Kumarakom are the two hot spots wherein tourists can book a houseboat or a canoe and enjoy a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. travellers can also enjoy the fresh coconut water that can be had when the houseboats halts at various spots.

2. Houseboats - A houseboat ride in Kerala is one of the most unique experience. Perfect place for a honeymoon couple, these houseboats are equipped with most modern facilities and living on them is like floating on a five star hotel. These houseboats can cost from anywhere between Rs 3000 to Rs 9000 for a couple for a single night depending upon the facilities availed. Though might be tagged as a bit expensive, but a stay in these houseboats is an experience one cannot miss.

3. Ayurveda - Kerala is also very popular for its rejuvenation therapies through the traditional Ayurveda method. There are many ashrams dedicated to this purpose and thousands and tourists come here from all over the world to get bereaved from their diseases and indulge in some discerning relaxation. Some of the most popular Ayurveda ashrams are in Kalari Kovilakam in Plakkad District and Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala in Malappuram District. Enjoy some of the most relaxing therapies that are given here with the use of organically grown herbs and oil.

4. Beaches - The beaches of Kerala are very beautiful and not crowded, thus giving one an opportunity to enjoy the sun and sand more profoundly. Kovalam beach is perhaps the most famous one as it offers host of water sports. Another important beach is the Fort Kochi beach as it is only here in the country that one can sight the traditional Chinese nets. Some other popular beaches in Kerala are Alappuzha beach known for its beautiful lagoons.

5. Tree House Stay in Vythiri - Kerala offers some of the most unique holiday experiences. One of then is the Vythiri tree house stay. Located around 62 kms form Kozhikode, staying in these one-of-a-kind wood houses located on trees, one can enjoy lip smacking Kerala wood besides the relaxing Ayurvedic spa. Vythiri is a small hamlet known for its ocuntless natural attractions and various adventure options.

6. Snake Boat Race - The state of Kerala is also famous for being the host of some of the most anomalous festivities in the country. Visit during the months of June and July when the famous snake boat race is held on the backwaters of Alappuzha and Kottayam. Another popular festival is the Elephant March at Thrissur held during the months of April to May.

7. Spice and Tea Tours - Another nonpareil experience in the beautiful land of Kerala is the trip to the exotic tea gardens and spice plantations in various parts of the state. Located amidst the woods and jungles, visiting these natural paradise is truly a delightful experience. Besides Wayand, Attappadi, Siruvani, Vagamon, Vandiperiyar, Erumeli are place where spices are grown. Munnar, Grampi, Vilangakunnu and Ponumudi District are popular for their tea cultivation.

8. Wildlife - Kerala, the God's Own Country has been bestowed with beautiful jungles that make it a perfect haven for animals and birds. It is these facet that makes the state a popular destination for wildlife seekers. Visit the Silent Valley National Park, sight rare species of birds in the Kumarakom Bird sanctuary or enjoy a safari in the world famous Periyar National Park, Kerala is rich with flora and fauna of all kinds. Watching combing of honey in these jungles is a cherish able experience.

9. Waterfalls - The land of Kerala has been bestowed with the best of all the natural attraction. Besides the backwaters, the waterfalls of Kerala are also famous. A waterfall tour to the Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls are sure to rehydrate your mind and body. Visit during the monsoon months (June to September) when these gurgling cascades are in full vigor.

10. Homestays - A real pleasure in Kerala is to enjoy the home stays that are offered by the local people. This is is certainly the best way to enjoy the local culture of the state and interact with the people. The people of Kerala are very hospitable and friendly and savouring their home cooked food is a must indulgence.

Kerala is one of the most visited destinations in the world and after being tagged as ‘One of the 1000 must places to visit in the World’, Kerala is flooded with tourists all the year round. Be it natural beauty or man made monumental marvel. Be it colorful festival or lip smacking food, Kerala is ‘the’ place to be. Come and enjoy the best of culture and enjoy a wonderful holiday in the beautiful state.

You can book Kerala tours via Www.KeralaPackagesTours.Com

The Festival of Dance at Khajuraho

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An annual treat for the connoisseurs of Indian Classical Dances comes at Khajuraho for a week during February or March. It is a grand 7-day extravaganza celebrating Khajuraho’s 1000 years old cultural heritage preserved in its stark stone sculptors. The treasured art forms unfold amidst ethereal settings and not one but all eight forms of Indian Classical dances are performed and delineate the spiritual, the intellectual and the social heritage of India. This festival of International repute is a destination awaited by connoisseurs, travelers and more so by the performers. In words of a performer, “Every dancer worth her mettle dreams of performing at the Khajuraho festival”. For someone looking forward to a heritage tour of India or a Khajuraho trip, timing the visit around the Khajuraho dance festival would be a wise touristic strategy.

Jaisalmer Travel

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Located in the heart of the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert), Jaisalmer is an historic city and wonderful tourist destination to visit in Rajasthan. Famed as the Golden City of India, it was once known as Jaisalmer State. Standing on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, this magnificent city is crowned by a majestic fort; the Jaisalmer Fort also called Sonar Kila or Golden Fort.

The Golden Fort (Sonar Kila) is the most important tourist attraction in the city. It is considered as one of seven wonders in India. The fort complex houses many exquisite Jain temples, Hindu temples, residential buildings and splendid havelis which are known for fine sculptures. There also many havelis in this city which are popular among tourists. Popular havelis of this city include Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Salem-Singh-Ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli, Shreenath Haveli, etc.

There are also some prosperous museums in this city, featuring Desert Culture Centre & Museum, Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, Government Museum, etc. Desert National Park, Sam Sand Dunes, Khuri Village, Gadsisar Lake, etc are other attractions in the city. Jaisalmer is also gateway to the Thar Desert. Tourists can enjoy best of desert tourism around by camel safari ride. Desert Festival also attracts tourists. The city is well-connected by road and train.

You can book a trip to Rajasthan by visiting India Travels Guide website

Shimla Manali Tours Enchanting Experience

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Shimla and Manali are two predominant hill stations of northern India. Both are situated in the picture perfect state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Shimla is the capital city of the state and very popular among tourists with its extraordinary natural beauty and lots of tourism attractions. It is an enthrallingly beautiful hill station in the lap of nature surrounded by forests for pine, oak and cedar trees. Summer in this beautiful hill town is very pleasant and tourists flock to this city during summer in good numbers. Winter in this city is also enjoyable and very ideal for honeymooners or newly wedded couples. A lot of winter sports can be enjoyed during winter in this beautiful city. In fact, it is destinations of all seasons. Each season has here special charm and never fails to allure its guests.

Besides ultimate scenic beauty the city is also famous for its unique colonial style buildings and cottages. There are lots of places of tourists interests like the Mall, the Ridge, Christ Church, Shimla State Museum, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Viceroy Lodge, Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Tara Devi Temple, etc. Tourists do not miss to explore these attractions of the city during their Shimla tours in Himachal Pradesh, India.

The mall is the main shopping area of the city. Taking a stroll in the Mall is a delightful experience of lifetime. There are lots of restaurants, bars, recreational clubs, tourist offices, etc are in this area. One of the major attractions of the Mall is the Gaiety Theatre. The Ridge and the Scandal Point are also very popular attractions of the Mall. Tourists also get wonderful opportunity to engage themselves in adventure and sport activities during their Shimla tours. For honeymooners or newly wedded couples Shimla is just a right destination. There is no need to way this city is so famous among honeymoon couples.

Not only Shimla but also Manali is the predominant tourist destination in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Manali is situated in the district of Kullu. Kullu is itself very popular destination of India with picture perfect landscapes, meadows of flowers, lively valleys, etc. Manali is exceptionally beautiful hill station of India. Picturesque lively valleys, fast running Bea rivers, meadows of wildflowers, fruit laden apple orchards, forests of oak, pine & cedar trees, ancient temples & shrines, Buddhist monasteries, snow capes mountain peaks, availability of wide ranges of adventure and sports activities etc are simply delight for tourists and of course honeymooners or newly wedded couples. No wonder, why it is called as the “Switzerland of India”. If people cannot afford a tour to Switzerland then what better place can be than Manali of India?

Hidimba Temple, Vashisth Temple & springs, Jagatshukh Temple, Arjuna Gufa, Beas Kund, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Manali Mountaineering Institute, Rahala Waterfalls, Monasteries, Adventure Sports, etc are highlights of Manali tours and travel. For adventure & sport lovers no any better place can be than Manali. White water rafting, mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, ice skating, paragliding, heli-skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing & angling, etc prime adventure & sport activities which tourists do not miss to enjoy all these adventurous and delightful activities. If you too want to grab the charm of Manali then a right Manali tour package can fascinates you.

Book India tour packages to visit these amazing sites

Chowki Dhani Flaunting the Spirit of Rajasthan

2011-07-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

The most popular attraction of Rajasthan is Chowki Dhani. Claimed to be India’s most creative tourism project, Chowki Dhani is an artificially recreated village which is more on the lines of a premium resort. It is a five star quintessential village resort that boasts of excellent accommodation and host of leisure activities.

About Chowki Dhani

Established in the year 1989, Chowki Dhani has been representing the cultural face of Rajasthan to the tourists from all over the world. Chowki Dhani is located at Jaipur and is known for presenting the authentic symbol of ethnic village life of this most colorful state in the country. Sprawling on an area of 10 acres, Chowki Dhani is known for offering a different theme for each day. Folk dances, live music performances, magic shows and various other activities can be enjoyed here.

Tourist Attractions at Chowki Dhani

Chowki Dhani is a small world in its own and there are a variety of activities that tourists can enjoy here.

Rides - Tourists in Chowki Dhani can enjoy the pleasures of riding. Camel ride, Bullock cart ride, Tonga ride, elephant ride and boat ride at the ‘Tal Talaiya’ are a few great riding options in Chowki Dhani. These rides can be enjoyed at a very economical price.

Hang Outs - There are many other hang out options tourists can enjoy in Chowki Dhani. The Temple or Mandir Deva is ideal for those who are religiously inclined. The temple is hand painted and must be visited by all. The Panghat (place where the village women come to take water), Tel ki Ghani (ancient way of getting oil by moving bullock round and round a central mechanical system), Garadiya Luhar (shows working of Indian blacksmith) and Mevar Re Dhani and Registan Re Dhani you will find the special style village huts which represent the culture of Mewar and the cool huts which remain cool in hot summer even without any A.C.

Application of Mehndi, a visit to the Ajayabghar Museum (displaying artistic craftsmanship), the Photo Studio (have beautiful wall paintings and mirror work) and the Haat Bazaar are important attractions in Chowki Dhani.

Fun Zone - The Fun Zone includes various games and fun activities that tourists can enjoy during their tour to Chowki Dhani. The Sanp-Sidhi or Snakes and ladders, bhool bhulaiya or mazes are a few games you van enjoy playing.

Besides, the fun zone also includes astrologers, tarot card readers and fortune tellers as well. Tourists are advised to be a part of the Jungle Safari, that is a forest theme based area and animal sounds are created to thrill the visitors. An artificial waterfall in a cave, called Gufa Jharni, is also a popular attraction.

Live Entertainment - Chowki Dhani is a very popular as a day trip and tourists can enjoy various types of live performances at time of the day. To begin with is the Folk Dance and Music Show at Chaupal Nach Gan Re, where tourists can enjoy dance tems like Ghoomer, Potter Dance, Kalbeliya - the Snake Dance, Bhopa-Bhopi Dance etc.

Acrobats, locally known as Nat Ro Kartab is also a delight to watch. Puppet dance or Katputilyon Ro Naach, Magic shows or Jadu Ro Khel and Nagkanya (which is a living amalgamation of a snake a girl) are some of the most popular live entertainment performances one can enjoy at Chowki Dhani.

Dining at Chowki Dhani

Dining itself is a phenomenal experience while your visit to Chowki Dhani. The ‘dhani’ boasts of wonderful restaurants that serve authentic and succulent preparations of the exotic Rajasthani cuisine. Sangri is a great options for those looking for traditional Rajasthani cuisine served in the traditional way of Manuhaar, that is serving food on leaf platter.

The popular dishes that tourists should not miss feasting upon here includes Dal Batti, Lal Maas and lapsi ( dessert made from broken wheat).

An interesting place to enjoy the lip smacking Rajasthani food is at the Chaupad Jeeman Ghar. This restaurant is built in the shape of the ancient game of Chaupad, i.e. shaped like a ludo, four strips that are joint in the center. The restaurant has four straight rows and each row has a capacity of 20 persons.

Gorband is another restaurant that is an open air dining area and is shaped like the ‘Kalis in a ghaghra’ or crease in a skirt.

Royal Rajasthani, is the most famous restaurant in Chowki Dhani famous for its air conditioned halls and wonderful ambiance.

To visit Chowki Dhani, book holiday package for Rajasthan, Jaisalmer holidays or a Golden Triangle Trip

Source: http://www.mustseeindia.com/articles/chowki-dhani-flaunting-the-spirit-of-rajasthan/1459

Coconut The Basis of Goan Cuisine

2011-07-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

With Monsoons basically knocking at our door-steps, I felt urged to showcase the joys that the Season emanates by irrigating our semi parched land to ensure better productivity in the days to come. Our simplistic fare with the onset becomes more tantalizing and altruistic in every sense that our mind may conceive, all thanks to the bounty of nature.

Although I aim to chain the monsoon contents I felt that there should be a beginning which might not be sequential nor graded in the order of appearances. However the emphasis should be stressed upon not on any particular subject which is pen portrayed. Thus at the outset I commence with a fruit which is a part of our tradition and lore and that being none other than the endearing coconut.

The coconut tree “Cocos Nucifera”, which is native of East Indies planted presumably by the Portuguese, is the fifth member of the Palm Trees “Palmae” family and being a vegetable is cherished by one and all. The tree elevates majestically to around 20 to 30 meters which can be termed as fully mature. Its longevity is deemed to be 100 to 150 years depending on care and nutrients provided. It has “Monoecious” flowers (having male and female reproductive organs in separate flowers but on a single plant). The epicarp “Sonnam-sali” is coriaceous (tough); the mesocarp is known as “Catho” or fibrous coir; and the endocarp is the “Cotti” or the coriaoeous begging bowl. It is provided with three tiny apertures at its base with a small embryo.

In the earlier days the proprietors of the coconut grove used to effect the payments towards the ground rent “Foro” to the Public Treasury for the outlay of the territory. The coconut, in accordance to its developmental stages is identified by various native denominations, although care should be taken with “Murindo” found at the apex of the tree which offers a reliant ailment, however with its plucking it generates the death of the tree. Thus the game can be plucked when the tree is felled within the circumstances best known.

To accustom with the local appellations at various stages of “growing up” I invoke “Bondi”, the fruit merely denuded of flowery wrappings, and “Bondo” or “Coroi”, from which emerges the white episperm; the “Vanz” is the coconut devoid of “Catholi”, the endosperm which when cut from the middle it is utile as a scrubber. “Narl” is the fruit of the coconut tree and what we term the “Coconut”, which is perfectly matured and of rightful dimensions. “Movem” is a batric coconut, which is sweet although devoid of oily matter, ergo the reason it constitutes as a savoury and salubrious victual. There is also “Coco-Lanho” or “Sialem” or “Adhsor”, the coconut which is near perfect wherein the endocarp contains the agri-sweet water which is good for renal failures, liver maladies and the like. The “Modoco” is denominated to the coconut plucked before the total maturity and for not giving the coconut milk nor the oil, however it is a complete nutrient. To the coconut which contains only sweetened water and little of translucent “catholic”, the endospermic mealy kernel, the name-game is that of “Udocovanz”, to that deprived of water and with a little consistent endosperm, is known as “Colvanz” or “Colyanza”; and to the matured coconut but of little development, the appellation is “Quitoca”. And finally the “Biadoco” which is the coconut reserved towards the reproduction.

The endemic populace denominates the coconut tree as the “Calpauruxa” or the tree that germinates by itself, to which bestow the fruit of the nature and it is considered as the symbol of munificence. The coconut is viewed by the Non-Brahmins Hindus as symbolic to happiness while for the Christians it is the emblem of astuteness. From, the coconut tree is extracted the sap which is known as “Sur”, a sweetened liquid (toddy) which flavours our bread and whatever it may be put to use in the art of baking, not forgetting that palm “feni” can also be availed of the same.

The coconut after being barren is also employed by the Hindu community in their marriage ceremonies and in the “Qhetrapuzas”, which are the sacrifices to appease the divinity. The Goan ladies while dreaming concur with various premonitions which signifies the following: To pluck the coconut means boredom; to nourish with ripened coconut means happiness; eating green coconut means brashness; to serve copra means business in shambles; to offer a coconut to a lady means at heart’s mercy; a vision of a coconut grove means affluence and joys.

Whatever belongs to a coconut tree is recognized as being utile, thus the “Bhatcars” (landlords) appealed to the tree as “Pataxya-Ruqha”-the king amongst trees. From the trunk the said can be utilized towards the wooden framework and from its leaves (Olas), woven fronds, the said are capitalized towards the repairs and maintenance of the household.

The coconut tree endows on us sugar, wine, vinegar, oil (khobrem), water, milk, wood and yarn. From tee shall which coats the coconut variegated art objects are made available. Thus the coconut tree is truly the King among the trees.

For booking package holidays for Goa and honeymoon package in Goa, visit the website

Source: http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/article/45/coconut:-the-basis-of-goan-cuisine/

Interesting Places to Visit on Kerala Honeymoon

2011-07-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

India is the romantic gateway for honeymoon. It has some of the scintillating and picturesque places that are ideal for honeymoon break, where newly wed couples can enjoy to their fullest to make their honeymoon the most cherished event of lifetime.

Well if you are planning for visit India for honeymoon holidays, visit to Kerala the state in the South of India lying parallel to the Arabian Sea. Gifted with scintillating beauty of the nature, sightseeing spots, inspiring temples, rich art forms, picturesque backwaters, scintillating hill stations, fascinating wildlife parks and sanctuaries and the warm hospitality make it the ideal place for honeymoon. So come to Kerala, the God’s Own Country and enjoy the most cherished moments of lifetime, the honeymoon in a romantic and memorable way.

Honeymoon in Kerala is made more enjoyable, luxurious and hassle free by the tour operators and honeymoon planner who arrange each and every thing as per your demand and preferences. More of all they also provide tailor made as well as customized Kerala honeymoon packages to suit the need of the honeymooners to let them enjoy the moments of fantasy in this picturesque and nature blessed Kerala.

Apart from the nature endowments, Kerala has several scintillating and charming tourism destinations that are the ideal gateway for honeymoon. So choose from the below mentioned destination and include in your honeymoon package.

Munnar

Draped in the evergreen beauty, well organised tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, rich flora and fauna and pleasant cool climatic conditions, Munnar is truly the most romantic place for honeymoon in Kerala. Enjoy the sheer magical moments of immense joy and share the moments to know each other in a better way.

Alleppey

Alleppey is lovingly called Venice of the East and truly it is as this picturesque town is bounded by pristine water and sea, making it outstanding from the entire destinations. Cruise over the scintillating backwater or laze around the sunny beaches, Alleppey is the perfect place to go for honeymoon. The most amazing experince of honeymoon is cruise over the traditional houseboat as couples can enjoy the most and share the moments in the solitude ambiance of the houseboat enjoying the panoramic view of the scintillating natural beauty.

Kovalam Beach

Considered to the finest beach resort in the world, Kovalam beach is the perfect gateway to enjoy beach honeymoon. Magnificently adorned by the silver sands, swaying coconut trees and the exotic beach resorts, couples here can enjoy the most cherished moments with true joy and happiness. Indulge in the fun-filled water sports or soak in the sun enjoying the panoramic view sharing the moments of joy and happiness.

More of all to make the Kerala honeymoon more heavenly, couples can enjoy the various art-forms, enjoy the rejuvenating ayurveda therapy, enjoy the local delicacies as well as take part in the colorful festivals with the locals. Truly Kerala is one such state where couples can enjoy various theme attractions which they can enjoy and take home cherished memories to keep the honeymoon holidays on top of joy and happiness.

Source: http://www.apsense.com/article/interesting-places-to-visit-on-kerala-honeymoon.html

The Facts of Khajuraho

2011-07-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Many times we find that people often quote the Khajuraho Temples as an excuse to equate Hinduism and Hindu Deities with nudity and sex. What is actually Khajuraho, what does it contain and how many of the quoters have actually visited the Temples ? Here are the facts.

The name Khajuraho may be derived from khajura (date palm), which grows freely in the area and perhaps because there were two golden khajura trees on a carved gate here. The old name was Kharjuravahaka (scorpion bearer), the scorpion symbolizing poisonous lust. The temples were built under the late Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. With the fading of Chandela fortunes, the importance of Khajuraho waned but temple building continued until the 12th century at a much reduced pace. The Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the ultimate liberation. Tantrism has been mostly misunderstood and the Philosophical part of Tantras like the Mahanirvana Tantra have been totally forgotten. This was one of the reasons why Tantrics perished. Nevertheless it remains a distinct path of Spiritual Practice though it has very few followers all over the world.

1. It must be emphasized that Khajuraho Temples, do not contain sexual themes inside the Temple premises or near the deity but only on external carvings. They portray that for seeing the deity, one must leave his sexual desires outside the Temple. They also depict that the inner deity of the Temple is pure like the soul (atman) which is unaffected by sexual desires and other gross tendencies, destiny etc, whereas the external curvature and carvings of the Temples depict the bodily changes that occur in us.

2. Only as many as 10% carvings contain sexual themes, not between any deities but between ordinary humans. The rest depict the common man's life of those days. For example ladies applying makeup, musicians, potters, Farmers etc. All these are away from Temple deities. They give the message that one should always have God as the central point in one's life even though one is engaged in worldly activities.

3. It is a misconception that since Khajuraho are Temples, they depict sex between deities!

4. In Khajuraho Temples, the idols of Shiva, Nandi, Goddess Durga, Incarnations of Vishnu etc are fully clothed.

5. All over India, in no Temples have idols of Deities been shown nude and in sexual positions !

6. Types of beauty in the Hindu religion – Union of man and woman

'The basic Universal Divine Energy (Shakti) is a symbol of the union of man and woman and it is the main spiritual emotion in Hindu art depicted in the man-woman sculptures seen in Amravati, Khajuraho, Konark, etc.Here Divine Energy (Shakti) manifests in the man-woman union, the basis of Vedic art and culture. Sculptures in the Ajanta caves are also a depiction of the man and woman, but sexual congress is prohibited in the sculptures’.

Source: http://www.hindujagruti.org/news/1334.html

Famous Temples in Shimla

2011-07-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Himachal is Popularly known as "Dev Bhoomi Himachal" means land full of Devi's and Devta's. Here I am introducing some temples situated in or near by Rohru. Rohru is a small tehsil under Distt. Shimla and here you can find majority of people who believe in Devi,Devta's thats why here you can find more then 30 temples. So i will try my level best to cover some of them were every one can easily plan to visit.

1. Mata Hateshwari Temple in Rohru:

This temple is situated in Hatkoti which is on the way to Rohru from Shimla and it's nearly 95 Kms from Shimla and 11 Kms from Rohru. The people of rohru believe that the temple established by:-Guru Adi Shankracharya.Some people also believe that the temple was built somewhere in the Third era. Three Gupta Age's Rock Edicts (in scripted stones) have been found at three different places of this ancient and historic place.

2. Devta Morish Temple in Rohru:

This temple is situated in Rantari Village of Rohru .It's nearly 15 Kms from Rohru , 125Kms from Shimla and at the height of 8000 feets. The temple is surrounded by mountains and it is believed that Devta "Morish" was found by an member of pandit family nearly 100 years back in near by river side and after some years the temple was built and it has completed more than 60 years. It's a nice place to plan out for picnic.A famous festival of Devta Ji's is called "Shant Mahayagya" which comes once after 15 years and in this festival nearly Devta's from 6,7 different villages come with round about 3,000 people to see it. It is supposed to be happen in the year 2011 after nearly 16 years.

3.Shikru Devta Temple in Rohru:

Shikru devta temple is situated in heart of Rohru. The temple is beautiful to see and it is believed that who so ever comes here with wishes and true heart gets what he/she has prayed from Devta ji. Temple is having a very old history with it. Shikru devta was found in Chandernahan lake in Chirgaon village which is 15Kms from Rohru and a very beautiful lake to see.Annual fair is celebrated during the month of april every year.

4. Bakralu Devta Temple in Rohru:

Bakralu Devta Temple is situated in Dalgaon Village near Rohru at a distance of about 20 Kms. A very famous Devta Ji's festival is celebrated here in this village named as "Bhunda Mahayajya" It is Believed that in year when this festival is celebrated it brings a healthy crop of Apple which is main source of income here. Festival comes once nearly after every 10 or 12 years. This temple is located in very beautiful location surrounded by Jungles and mountains.

5. Lankra Veer Temple in Rohru:

Lankra Veer Temple is situated at Hatkoti ,95 Kms from Shimla in the way to Rohru. Temple is built at top of the Hill from where you will see equal view from all four sides . The temple location gives an excellent view of near by villages of Jubbal.

6. Giri Ganga Temple Rohru:

Giri Ganga Temple temple is situated in Kharapathar ,70 Kms from Shimla on the way to Rohru.It is temple of mata Kalli . It is located between a very packed Jungle of Deodhar tree. It is nearly at the height of 10000 feet from sea level and a very cold region. Tourist usually visits this place to enjoy the weather and view of this beautiful temple and place.

Kathakali

2011-07-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

I first came to India by coincidence. In 2004, a volunteer workcamp in ecotourism I had subscribed to for the Andaman Islands had just been cancelled. I therefore visited Tamil Nadu and one week was left when I suddenly felt like getting a glimpse of Kerala. I didn’t have much information nor much idea about it, but I took a night train to Kochi. I felt so good there as the atmosphere was so pleasant and quiet, people friendly and sights attractive.

In the evening I saw a poster about daily Kathakali programs and I thought that it was a good idea to get busy in the evening as the evenings are usually boring for an individual traveler in India.

The Kathakali program left me thunderstruck. It was an extract of Duryodhana Vadham (1), from Mahabharatha (2). The steps seemed so familiar to me though so away from all our western art forms. The make-up left me esthetically overwhelmed, the facial expressions were mesmerizing. The arrival of Dussasana (1) on stage with his red rotating eyes was so scary that I nearly thought about leaving the place, but the presence of Krishna (2) comforting Draupadi (1) gave me the experience of a glimpse of Divine Love, ever compassionate and full of Bliss and Peace. The day after I looked into Kathakali books and took the resolution to find classes back to France.

Back to Paris, I was lucky enough to find Karuna, a teacher from the famous art school of Kerala Kalamandalam (3). I learnt fast as if Kathakali was in my blood. I went back to Kerala the same year and took followed some training in Trivandrum and Kerala Kalamandalam for 3 weeks.

In 2007, I decided to get more intensive course and learn proper stories. I was warmly welcomed at Samskrithy School (4), a small school which provides private classes with great artists like Fact Mohanan, who can teach exactly what one needs and looks for. The training was physically hard, I followed daily Kalaripayat (5) classes, as the body training of Kathakali comes from Kalaripayat, and the body needs so much preparation in order to bear the heavy costumes and vigorous steps on stage. Kathakali classes were also daily of course. To learn a padam (role of a character in a piece of play) I had to learn the poem in a mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit, the mudras (6), the rythms and steps. This is for the technical part. But then comes the artistic interpretation of the actor, feeling all emotions of the character, the story, the situation with a deep understanding of the local culture and the historical and mythological context. Those emotions have to be conveyed through facial expressions and through the eyes, each muscles of the face has to be trained daily with specific exercises. The last level of the art is the spiritual part. When it is daily present in our life, it leads us to find the right movement, expression and emotion. And the art, when we search how to find the right movement, also opens a new space for spiritual development.

During my stay in the school I was going several times per week to Kathakali programs in temples. So I often had the opportunity to see beautiful temple festivals with elephant processions, cultural programs, and every time I had the feeling that I was in the heart of Kerala. I could also perform on stage for the first time in my life, and then several times, living deeply what is the long process of make-up and dress-up, the time we need to get into a character, and the challenge of bearing the heavy and hot costume for a long time. I had that strange feeling of, as a non-Hindu, playing Hindu stories and characters on stage in front of local temple devotees. But though Kathakali is complex and codified, its essence is made of a universal language that one can understand beyond one’s culture and references. More than a total art, it is a formidable tool for self-development and devotion. Let’s hope that this precious knowledge will not run away from India.

Duryodhana Vadham, a famous Kathakali play which depicts the revenge of Bhima, one of the Pandava princes, who kills Dussasana and Duryodhana, the Kaurava brothers, Bhima’s enemies, because they had humiliated his wife Draupadi.
Mahabharatha, the great Indian epics, which relates mostly the story of the Pandava and Kaurava, and contains the Bhagavad Gita, when Krishna, incarnation of Vishnu, reveals his divine nature to Arjuna.
Kerala Kalamandalam, the most famous institution for performing arts in Kerala, located near Trichur.
Samskrithy School, a private school for performing arts where foreign students can get art classes and stay with local family, located at Puthencavu village, near Chengannur.
Kalaripayat, the martial art of Kerala, the body training and massages are also used in Kathakali.
Mudras, stylized hand gestures used for each word. There are 24 basic mudras in Kathakali with numerous combinations to form over 400 mudras.

To watch this spectacular dance form of Kerala book your Kerala packages tours now and have a wonderful tour of God's Own Country with backwater travel and houseboat cruises.

Khajuraho

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

Khajuraho, else known as the Land of Moon God is one of the best known tourist places in north India. This favourite destination of tourists in Madhya Pradesh was once the capital of Chandela Rajputs. Khajuraho or Khajirvahila literally means the garden of dates presents an exotic view for tourists. This historic land situated in Chhatarpur district beholds a good number of Hindu and Jain temples. Today, Khajuraho is one among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amazing sculptures and architecture of buildings in this temple town is a fine example depicting Indo- Aryan style of construction. Annual dance festival conducted in Khajuraho temple attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Beautiful carvings seen inside inner sanctum of Khajuraho temples is really spectacular.

Parsvanath temple, built during the reign of Dhangadeva is an important tourist place coming in the top list of Khajuraho travel guide. You can watch here wonderful stone carvings depicting the images of God. It is a well known Jain temple coming under the group of Eastern group of temples in Bhundelkand region of Madhya Pradesh. Lakshmana temple built by king Yasorvarman is another spellbinding tourist destination promoting Khajuraho tourism. Alluring architecture of this stone temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu presents a fabulous view for visitors. Studies say that, the statue was presented to king Yasorvarman by Devapala. Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis is another attractive tourist spot promoting Khajuraho tourism. This ancient temple built in 900 AD is considered as the oldest surviving temple in Khajuraho. Chitagupt temple, Vishwanath temple, Devi Jagadhamba temple, Ghantai temple, Adinath temple, Chaturbhuj temple and Duladeo temple are other temples included in Khajuraho travel guide.

Panna National Park, located on the banks of river Ken is one of the most widely visited tourist places in Khajuraho. Park stretches over 546 km in area and beholds a rich collection of wildlife species. It is one among the favourite destinations of zoologists and ornithologists. Sambars, chinkaras and boars are some of the rare living species found in this national park. Majhgawan Diamond Mines and Raneh Falls are two near by tourist places to Panna National Park enhancing Khajuraho tourism. Khajuraho is also equipped with historic museums like Archaeological museum and Dhubela museum housing ancient weapons, historic sculptures and traditional paintings. Pandava waterfalls with beautiful landscape located on Ken River presents a spectacular view for tourists. This tourist place in Khajuraho, located 32 km away from Khajuraho city dedicate a breath taking view for tourists.

Majestic Ajaigarh and Kalinjar Forts, Bhandhavgarh National Park, Rewa Palace, Beni Sagar Dam and historic Jain temple exhibiting 24 thirthankaras are other best known tourist places enhancing Khajuraho tourism. Amazing carved stones and sculptures seen in Khajuraho temples depicts the great artistic talents of Chandelas. Out of 85 temples in Khajuraho, only 22 are remaining today. Journey exploring these fabulous sight scenes in Khajuraho travel guide helps in better knowing of their traditional culture. Khajuraho, standing as a symbol of medieval heritage is a perfect choice for your tour trip.

Book a package tour to India visit the Khajuraho festival, amazing temples and sculptures of Khajuraho

Shimla Tourist Places

2011-07-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Shimla is a captivating hill station. Due to its unparalleled natural beauty, it is referred to as the "Queen of the Hill Stations". It is the capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh. People in Shimla enjoy pleasing summers and, cold and snowy winters. Entire town of Shimla is full of forests of pine, rhododendron and oak.

Among the tourist destination in the Northern India, Shimla ranks high and is visited by a huge number of tourists all year round. Various adventure activities like skating, trekking, fishing, ice skating and camping are also involved in the tourism in Shimla.

Shimla is located in the North-West of Himalaya at an altitude of 2159 meters. It is one of the best hill stations of India. This place is usually very pleasant in summers as the temperature is not very high and the winters are cold. Usually the environment is often shrouded by frost. The best time to visit Shimla is from April to August and mid September to late November.

We can reach Shimla

By Air: 30 km from Shimla there is an airport Jubbarhatti. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach there. We can hire taxi from airport to Shimla.

By Rail: The nearest station is Kalka. It takes 3 hours from Kalka to reach Shimla. The best train to reach Shimla from Delhi and Kolkata. We can hire local bus or taxi from railway station for Shimla.

By Road: Journey becomes pleasant and exciting if we go by road as the roads are excellent.

Shimla is the most beautiful and the popular most hills resort of India. It has lots of things to fetch its visitors.

The most favorite among the honeymooners and the vacationers are the large range of Eco activities and excursion. People enjoy there by taking nature walk in the oak and rhododendron forest, horse riding, skiing and ice skating.

There are many places to visit. The main places of attractions are:

The Mall: It is the biggest shopping centre of Shimla.
Summer Hill: This place attracts the nature lovers. It is at the height of 6500 feet.
Christ Church: It is the second oldest church in North India.
Jakhu hill: It is situated at the height of 8000 feet. It is the highest hill of Shimla.
Annandale: It is known as the playground of Shimla. It is at the height of 6100 feet
Kufri: It is one of the best places in the country for Skiing.

Book Shimla Manali tour packages and Shimla honeymoon package to have a great time in the hills of northern India.

Best Tours to Enjoy in Kerala

2011-07-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

For all those who think South India is known only for its coconut trees, exclusive Kerala tour packages have brought a variety that gives you various ways to experience the serene state of Kerala. Along with the backwaters and coconut tress, the adventurous wildlife and the bustling beaches make this state one of a kind destination for tourists from within and outside India. Whether it is winters or summers, Kerala experiences a high rate of visitors throughout the year. Trek on woody mountain trail, enjoy the wildlife, beat the heat on beaches or just enjoy the cozy comfort of backwaters by booking one of the below mentioned Kerala tours:

Kerala Wildlife Tours:

Book this package to enjoy the jungles of Kerala that are innate habitants for the wildlife animals such as leopard, tiger, sambhar, chital, wild dogs etc. Feel your adrenalin rush as you silently trek through the forests of Kerala and discover the water world on your wildlife tours to Kerala. Kerala wildlife tours include various Kerala wildlife sanctuaries such as Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and many more.

Kerala Backwater Tours:

Kerala Backwater Tours are one of the best Kerala tours that give the premium experience of Kerala tourism. The houseboat takes tourists on the tranquil and picturesque backwaters and provides them an experience that is eternal. Kerala Backwater tours are among the several highlights of Kerala tour packages as they showcase the natural liveliness that Kerala stands for. Numerous backwater destinations (like Kumarakom and Athirappally) will let you experience the exquisiteness that is impossible to find anywhere else in the world.

Kerala Beach Tours:

Famous all over the world for its revitalizing beaches, Kerala is one destination where tourists can unwind on the golden sands, enjoy the coconut trees, watch birds fly through palm trees and also invigorate their senses with soothing Kerala Ayurvedic massages. Select Kerala beach tours to look at small marine creatures, enjoy water sports or just lie down on the smooth white sand.

Kerala Honeymoon Tours:

A lot of couples each year choose Kerala to be their honeymoon destination. Whether you are an adventure loving soul or just like to sit and enjoy the silence, Kerala offers best of both and that is the reason why it is the first choice of newly married couples within and outside India. Book Kerala honeymoon tours to plan your honeymoon to Kerala and experience to celebrate the beautiful moments of life in natural surroundings. In a way Kerala is an absolute package that proves to be an ideal destination to enjoy your honeymoon because it is serene, tranquil, composed and extremely beautiful!

Book the most suitable Kerala holiday packages, Kerala honeymoon package and Munnar honeymoon package to discover amazing valleys, the surging paths, attractive flora and fauna and turn your tour into one of the best Kerala tours!

Take A Goa Tour To Visit The Pearl Of The Orient

2011-07-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

Goa is also known as "Pearl of the Orient". It is located on the western coast of India. This tourist paradise is an exotic beauty famous for marvelous architecture of its temples, churches and old houses. Goa is also famous for its beautiful beaches and sea. The real beauty of Goa is in its interiors, both building interiors and the vicinity away from these majestic beaches. The Hindu mythology recommends Goa as a holy and pious land and credits Lord Parshuram, for its creation.

Goa has a coastal line of 120km bordering the sapphire sea. The beaches of Goa fringe along this coastal line. Some of them are Anjuna, Baina, Bogamalo, Colva, Dona Paula, Harmal, Mandrem, Morgim, Palolem, and Vagator. Some of the famous places in Goa are:

Panaji: It is the capital of Goa and one of the most beautiful towns in India. The wooded Altinho Hill and the Mandovi River are its popular attractions. Among the places to see in Panaji are Idalcao Palace, Aguada Fort, Goa State Museum and Santa Monica cruise.

Old Goa: It is also called Velha Goa. It was the capital of Portuguese. Old Goa strives on its majestic and grand churches. Some of the other major attractions in Goa are Margao, Canacona, Mapusa, Ponda, Kavalem, Vasco-Da-Gama, Dudsagar Waterfalls, and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary .

You can have extreme fun in Goa. There are chances that you may not have time, to enjoy to the hilt. Parasailing, speed boating, yachting, windsurfing, water skiing, and deep-sea diving are some of the preferred adventure activities in Goa. Goa is World famous for its beaches and the best thing you can do in Goa is to enjoy these exotic beauties. Besides Goa Beach Tours you can visit wildlife sanctuaries in Goa like Bhagvan Mahavir Sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, etc. Goa is a historical city and is blessed with marvelous art and architecture. One can visit these monuments and witness the golden past of this place.

Goa is famous for its glitter and glamour. You can visit various casinos, pubs, rest-o-bars, etc. in Goa. These places are bestowed with unique service scape, designed as per the tastes of tourists who usually come here to enjoy. Goa is also famous for its trance parties. If are in Goa, make sure you take part in them. They are full of fun and unadulterated pleasure. Goa is a shopper's paradise and has magnificent places to buy ethnic Goan wear and jewellery. You can also go to those street side shacks that offer delicious Goan cuisines. The people of Goa are warm hearted and very friendly. Siesta is an important part of Goa life; shops opening from one to four only and then most Goans retiring for the afternoon.

The people of Goa are warm hearted and very friendly. Siesta is an important part of Goa life; shops opening from one to four only and then most Goans retiring for the afternoon. The people of Goa are fun loving. Although they are of different faiths and cultures, they mingle well to create the easygoing culture focused on good living. Goa enjoys romantic monsoons. The monsoon season is full of romantic rains. However, the summers, from March to May, are hot and humid. Winters, from November to March, are the best time to visit this place.

Goa is a lovely city, full of life and happenings. It has developed unique tourist offerings to attract tourists. Goa sells its majestic natural beauty with pleasing supplements. In short, it has developed into a perfect tourist destination. If you are in India, you cannot miss this majestic beauty, even by chance.

Book Goa tour packages and Goa honeymoon packages now to have a great time in Goa.

The Caribbean Charisma

2011-06-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

White Sands, Palm Trees, Breathtaking Beaches and a Mind Numbing Culture are all that can be found in the Caribbean Islands, better known to the world as The West Indies. The Caribbean Islands are a group of islands consisting of Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados. All these islands are closely knit and located together in the Caribbean Sea, categorically to the Southeast of North America, North of South America and east to Central America.

The West Indies are a place where people love to take a cruise to. The Blue Caribbean waters are too attractive to resist and couple that with an ambience of relaxation, one will not feel like putting his digital camera down. Vacation time is the best time of the year in the Caribbean. The people here can be found enjoying on the beaches playing the drums and singing local songs. English is spoken throughout the islands and there is no dearth of those who love going into high spirits as beer flows just like the water on the beaches. Sea food is sumptuous and barbeque is abundant. If you happen to be a water baby, you will keep dancing, hogging and drinking on the beach throughout the day. A tropical climate ensures that the weather will always be fine and one has all the freedom to take out his floral shirts and Bermuda shorts.

The food is amazing. Turtles, fish, sharks, prawns, crabs, snails, piranha, ostrich meat, seagulls, and eels comprise the sea food served at this part of the world. The town is as vibrant as the beach side with airports, restaurants, public buildings and homes being constructed well. Huge cars can be seen being driven around and the ambience keeps sparkling all the time. The shopping malls in the Caribbean Islands have all the local handicrafts for sale that can be picked up as souvenirs apart from the western wear that people wear across the world.

Goa in India is also a place where people from all over the world come to have fun beach tours and romantic holidays. The Goa beaches are simply exotic and just the ideal to spend some leisurely days away from the daily routine of our lives, eat, drink and make merry. Goa honeymoon packages are perhaps the most sought after among the newly wedded couples. The Christmas festival is very colourful in Goa and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. the Goan carnivals during Christmas times are simply amazing and worth visiting. Goa packages tours are booked maximum during this festival when people come have lots of fun and have a great holiday in Goa.

Honeymoon Packages in Kerala Backwater

2011-06-07T04:12:00.000-07:00

Kerala is well-known for its lush greenery and backwaters; it is ranked as one of the must see 50 destinations by National Geographic. The Backwaters in Kerala are a chain of brackish lagoons, lakes and other water bodies lying parallel to Arabian Sea. The backwaters are also famous for Snake boat races, with the Nehru Boat Race being the most renowned amongst all. Some of the outstanding backwaters destinations in Kerala which are very famous amongst the honeymooners across the world are Kollam, Alappuzha, Kuttanad, Kumarakom and Kasargod along with Thiruvallam. The most momentous tourist attractions in Kerala backwaters are the Houseboats. The Houseboats were traditionally used as grain barges to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields along with the backwaters, nowadays they have reconstructed it to accommodate tourists and are in great demand. Honeymoon couples can opt for a honeymoon package in Kerala backwater by including the houseboat tour package in their itinerary. One night stay in a houseboat will offer them the best opportunity to enjoy the Kerala backwater and will make every moment of their honeymoon package in Kerala backwater memorable.

The most prominent Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters are vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake is an enchanting backwater tourism destination, ideal for honeymoon tour package in backwater and offers boating, fishing, and the truly exhilarating houseboat tour packages for newly wedded couples. Your honeymoon package in Kerala backwater is uncompleted without a stay in the "Kettuvallam" or a houseboat which is going to take you on a journey through the length and breadth of the lagoons and waterways. So begin your heavenly marital journey together in the Gods' own country and include the houseboat stay when you opt for a honeymoon package in Kerala backwaters. Just imagine you and your beloved relaxing and enjoying the sunset on the sundeck of your floating paradise cruising along the serene and pristine backwaters of Kerala. Feel as if you are the only people in the world, away from the maddening crowd of the metros and one candle light dinner on the upper deck of your houseboat will add more cherish to it.

Wake up next morning and breathe the fresh air and enjoy the gorgeous countryside on your honeymoon package in Kerala Backwaters. While you are on your honeymoon package tour in Kerala backwaters be astonished by the natural beauty of the landscape around you in Kerala backwaters. Cruise along with the backwaters of Kerala and make your honeymoon in Kerala Backwaters an unforgettable one. After the check out from the houseboat, you always have the option to explore other marvelous backwater destinations in Kerala on your honeymoon in Kerala backwaters.You can see the astonishing Chinese Fishing Nets and pay visit to Fort Kochi at Cochin, 140-year old Snake Boat Races at Alleppey / Alappuzha, Shri Padhmanabhaswamy Temple and the 19th century Napier Museum at Thiruvananthapuram on your honeymoon package tour in Kerala Backwaters.

Visit website for Kerala backwater tours in Alleppey houseboat and Kumarakom houseboat

Spectacular Kerala

2011-06-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

Some destinations of India remain an eternal favorite with the visitors and most of them are so perfection personified that it seems that they are no less than the wonders of the world.

As we begin exploring the mysteries of India, many unsaid yet popular destinations of the world seem to have created a sparkle among the tourists. Kerala Tours seems to attract a wise number of audiences and it often labeled as "Traveler's Paradise". The lush green beauty with its magical ayurveda and wellness techniques make it a place worth visiting. Also the Backwaters of Kerala and its beaches and other hill stations have becoming enchanting tourist destinations. Not to forget mentioning the traditional theatrical performances which leave the tourists spell bound.

Furthermore, some of the popular beaches to visit are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Bekal etc along with hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad. Also the beautiful Kerala is famous for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. The backwater region of Kerala entertain the tourists with its water activities and boat rides. In short, as you Kerala, the journey hence continues.

Also when one goes to visit Kerala, a good time of 11-15 days will make your trip all the more fruitful as it gives enough opportunity to explore around and enjoy the rich flora and fauna. The Kerala Tour Packages includes a list of the most popular places in and around Kerala which are sure to make you feel very relaxed and rejuvenated. Some of these destinations include Cochin, Munnar, Thekkedy, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Kanyakumari.

The mountains, the lake views and long walks on a Kerala Tours are enthralling in their own way and are highly enjoyed by all tourists. After all these activities a nice oil massage at Kerala tops it all and makes you feel at peace with life. The rich and original aromatic oils which are available in this beautiful city has a magical influence on each and every person. Also the food which is available in Kerala is rich in its nutrients and offers highly relished by most visitors.

Kerala, the Classical India will indeed make you feel like you are in Nature's Lap where your enjoyment is certain and relaxation which what you bring home every day. Visit the land which rejuvenates all, it is none other than your favorite KERALA. Stay Positive, Stay with Kerala!!!

Visit website for Kerala tour packages and Kerala houseboats tours

Dining Shopping and Nightlife in Agra City

2011-06-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

What are the sight seeing attractions that draw your attention at the very utterance of this city called 'Agra'? It is of course the Taj Mahal, as is known by all followed by Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Guru ka Tal, Mankameshwar Temple, Mariam's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra, Swami Bagh Samadhi, Mughal Heritage Walk, Jama Masjid, Ram Bagh, Keetham Lake, and the list goes on. Well, while vacationing to this tourist destination, it is not only sight seeing attractions but also restaurants for dining, centres of shopping, nightlife, and more that you will be a focus of attention. It will be wise on your part to collect all information right from restaurants in Agra, places of interests, shopping in Agra, weekend getaways, nightlife in Agra, and related paraphernalia. A planned itinerary and getting informed ensures a hassle-free and wonderful trip, well serving your vacationing purpose.

When we speak about restaurants in Agra, you will come across them in abundance. This is because tourists flock to Agra in huge numbers round the year. Restaurants are a source of survival for many. No matter whether it is the road leading to the gates of the Taj Mahal or just around this monument far and near, there is no dearth of restaurants. You will find all types of food served here. For a sophisticated milieu, you may consider dining at Jharokha-e-Taj Revolving Restaurant (for Indian cuisine), one of the most preferred restaurants in Agra located in the Hotel Deedar-e-Taj premises. Grand Buffet, Nauratna, Olive Garden, Capri, Nazara, Mughal Room are few of the other popular restaurants in Agra.

For shopping in Agra, you may consider visiting Sadar Bazar, Pratap Pura, Taj Ganj, Kinari Bazar, Munro Road, and Gwalior Road. These shopping centres are located not far from the monument. Tabletops, marble items, boxes, elephants, precious and semi-precious stones, jewellery, carpets, durries, textiles and sandalwood are the most selling items. Do not forget to buy these items while shopping in Agra.

You won't encounter a scintillating nightlife in Agra as witnessed in the metro cities. Yet optimum entertainment is provided at the various nightclubs, bars and pubs marked by spacious dance floors. The ambience is no doubt electrifying and sparkling. Mouth watering local delicacies, delectable dishes, finest beverages, innovative cocktails, etc. are offered at these centres. Mughal Bar, Downtown Club Bar, Le Bar and Downing Street Bar are few of the most visited centres of nightlife in Agra.

To visit this exquisite city, book a Golden Triangle Tour package. A Golden Triangle Trip takes your journey through three beautiful cities of North India - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Festivals of Goa

2011-05-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

India is known for its unique display of nature and culture. Richness in culture and heritage is what India is all about. Seating in this country is Goa, the country's smallest country but known for its festivities all over the world. Historically, this place is ruled by a Buddhist emperor.

Along with its story, Goa has so many activities that the tourists look forward to. There Goa Festivals that originated in this place and also festivals that are celebrated around the world. Some of these festivals are the Bonderam Festival, Diwali, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Feast of Three Kings, Ganesh Chaturthi, Goa Carnival, Shigmo and Shigmotsav. Goa also celebrates Good Friday and Easter Holiday as well as Christmas day. Celebrating these festivals has been a tradition in Goa, but for others, attending those festivals is just for fun to join with.

To book Goa package tours, please visit website

Taj Mahal The Epitome of Love

2011-05-31T00:21:00.000-07:00

Taj Mahal - "the epitome of love" is a monument of immeasurable beauty. The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Ironically, the very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance, also leaves visitors mesmerized and perpetually enthralled.

Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. However, until you know the love story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal, the beauty of the same would not enliven in your heart and mind and instead would come up as just another beautiful building/monument. It is the love behind this outstanding monument that has given a life to this monument.

The tomb is the representation of the house of the queen in Paradise, and its setting was based on the palace gardens of the great nobles that lined both sides of the river at Agra India. You will explore the entire complex of the Taj Mahal with an explanation of each building and an account of the mausoleum's urban setting, its design and construction, its symbolic meaning, and its history up to the present day.

At the brink of dawn when the first rays of the sun hits the dome of this epic monument, it radiates like a heavenly abode, cloaked in bright golden. And then at dusk, basking in the glory of moon, it shines like a perfectly carved diamond; appearing as if straight out of some magical tale, leaving the viewers awestruck by its sense of grandeur. Nothing short of an architectural marvel, no wonder it stands proud at being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And the rich beauty of this visual spectacle turns visceral when one hears the story behind it. The story of Taj Mahal!

Come and explore the visceral charisma that it emanates! One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal can be visited by booking a Golden Triangle tour package which will take your journey through three mesmerising cities in India, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. You can also stay at hotels in Delhi and arrange a short trip to these three amazing Indian destinations.

Best Places to See Elephants in Kerala

2011-05-31T00:08:00.000-07:00

The Elephants are an integral part of the daily life in Kerala, India. Kerala has more than seven hundred elephants in captivity. Most of them are owned by temples and individuals. They are used for religious ceremonies in and around the temples, and a few elephants work at timber yards. These Indian elephants are loved, revered, groomed and given a prestigious place in the state's culture. Elephants in Kerala are often referred to as the 'sons of the sahya.' As the state animal, the elephant is featured on the emblem of the Government of Kerala, taken from the Royal Arms of both Travancore and Cochin State.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in Kerala has a good population of elephants. A boat trip is a popular way to explore but you’ll have a better chance of seeing elephants if you go for a guided trek into the forest. The longer the trek, the better your chances.

Wayanad:

The Wayanad region in Northern Kerala is much less visited than Periyar and has two wildlife sanctuaries with good chances of spotting elephants.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Chinnar is easily reached from Munnar, but also receives far less visitors than Periyar. The watch tower is a great place to look out for elephants and you can even sleep out overnight.

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre:

Kodanad is an elephant rescue and training centre that is a popular daytrip from Cochin. It’s located 50km away so you’ll need to arrange a trip through your hotel or tourist office, or hire a taxi.

Guruvayur:

Guruvayur is an interesting off the beaten track place to visit in Kerala. It’s a bustling pilgrim town 25km from Thrissur that is well known for its temple, one of the richest and most important in the state. Although non-Hindus aren’t allowed inside the temple you can still enjoy the activities that take place outside during one of the many festivals held there. The largest festival is Ulsavam during February or March. There are a variety of music and dance performances, as well as an elephant race and procession. Even if you don’t visit during a festival you can still see elephants at the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary 3kms away. Elephants are trained there for temple activities, and visitors are always welcome.

Thrissur:

Highly decorated elephants are an essential part of temple festivals in Kerala. Thrissur is another less obvious place to visit in Kerala that has plenty of temples and festivals, so it’s a great place to spot elephants. The annual Puram Festival, the biggest festival in all of Kerala, takes place here in May and features elephant processions, drum orchestras and lots of traditional arts. You can get here by bus or train from Cochin in a few hours.

To get information on Kerala holiday packages such as Munnar tour packages and Kerala backwater tour, please visit the website

Kullu Manali Switzerland of India

2011-05-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most charming and captivating state situated in the northern part of India. Himachal Pradesh is known for superb scenic beauty and some of world famous hill stations. The climate of Himachal is enjoyable and delightful. There are several resorts offering excellent accommodation facilities. A variety of adventure and sport activities are available grabbing the heart of tourists who love to thrill themselves with adventurous activities during their India tours and vacations.

The state boasts of numerous picturesque tourist destinations, which are responsible for generating much of the revenue for the state. Agriculture, textile and burgeoning hydroelectric power export industry are the other sources of income for the state. colorful fairs festivals, beautiful sights, religious places, wooded hills and tranquil lakes, bustling towns and quiet villages, amazing flora and fauna and of course etc are few names himachal tourism attractions which makes this state most visited tourism and holiday destinations in India as well as around the world. There are lots of beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. The state has numerous wonderful hill stations in store, which are freezing cold in winters and pretty cold in summers. Shimla, Dalhousie, Kullu, Manali, Chail and Kufri are a few of the hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh which offer heaps of adventure sports activities, apart from the breathtaking scenery. Among these Kullu Manali is very popular tourist destination.

Manali is an important hill station of India situated in the mighty Himalayan Mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India near the northern end of famous Kullu Valley. It is a popular Himalayan tourist destination which permits a spectacular view of snow capped mountain peaks both to the north and the south. Mighty snow-capped mountain peaks, wooden slopes, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fruit orchards, fields of wild flowers, deodar & pine forests, splendid mountains, caves, etc are some major attractions of Manali tours which have made this small town of Himachal Pradesh one of the most popular hill destinations of the country. Truly this is the heaven on the earth. It is well connected by road to all the major cities of North India like Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla.

It is a popular destination and one of the most sought after India tour packages for nature lovers, peace seekers, families, adventurers, and other tourists too. Beautiful flowers, fruit orchards, snow capped mountain peaks, enchanting rivers, wonderful waterfalls, lovely lakes, lush green valleys, etc enchant the sense of nature lovers. It is one of the best destinations of Honeymooners. Every year lots of new couple come to explore the beauty of Kullu Manali. A variety of adventure and sport activities are available grabbing the heart of tourists who love to thrill themselves with adventurous activities during Kullu Manali Tour. Trekking, mountaineering, rock-climbing, exploring lush green valleys, skiing, bathing at Vashist hot water sulphur spring, paragliding, tout fishing in Beas River, water rafting, camping, hiking, jeep safaris, mountain biking, etc are some adventure & sport activities which you will surly to love to indulge. Apart from wonderful beauty of nature you can visit Naggar Fort, Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisth Temple, Hot Water Springs, Rahala Water Falls, Solang Valley, Apple Orchards, Snow Capped Mountain Peaks, Rohtang Pass, Mountaineering Institute, etc.

When you book a Manali tour package to visit the place, don't forget to visit following famous spots during the trip:

Raghunathji Temple:

This is the most famous tourist destination in Kullu for Hindus. Raghunathji Temple is a very famous temple of Lord Rama and the holiest place of Hindu religion in Kullu. This temple is most crowded in Dussehra festival.

Sultanpur Palace:

Sultanpur Palace is also one of the most famous tourist's attractions of Kullu valley. It is most famous for beautiful small paintings done in Kullu's traditional manner, simplicity and peace of this place.

Bijli Mahadev Temple:

This temple is also situated at Sultanpur and has great religious importance. This temple is famous for a 20 height of pole and Lord Shiva Statue. The statue of Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha are also present in surroundings of this temple.

Rohtang Pass:

It is the most famous tourism destination of Manali. It is located at the height of about 14,000 feet above the sea level. It is famous for huge snow-fall throughout the year. It is closed for tourist in winter season due to huge rainfall.

Hidimba Devi Temple:

This is the temple of goddess Hadimba Devi wife of Lord Bhima This temple contains four level and well known for its statue of animals, plants and local divinity.

The Marvellous York City

2011-05-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

York is a scenic haven, and a bustling and vibrant city. There are so many things to keep you occupied that you could easily find that there aren't enough hours in the day. The city of York offers everything from stunning medieval architecture to modern day shopping experiences, so whether you're a history buff or crave modern living you'll find something here to take your fancy.

York is an ideal place to visit on a short weekend break or longer family holidays because of the several attractions offered by the city.

The magnificent Cathedral is one of the landmarks to be visited during a visit to York. With a number of castles, quaint historic pubs and cobbled streets, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. The rivers are equally as beautiful, and with York being known for its chocolate anyone with a sweet tooth will surely be in heaven.

Talking about the nightlife and other modern pastimes of York, the city is as happening and vibrant as any other modern city. People who are looking for excitement, shopping, eating, dancing and drinking, they won't be disappointed.

People travelling to York will also need a good accommodation and to make their stay more comfortable, there are several luxury York hotels, starred accommodations, boutique hotels, self catering accommodations, bread and breakfasts, and budget cheap hotels in York.

So if you are looking for a great time this summer in UK, come to York. The city is simply marvellous.

A Houseboat Cruise on Alleppey Backwaters

2011-05-25T03:26:00.000-07:00

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a beautiful backwater and houseboat tour destination in Kerala. Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, the Venice of the East (Alleppey is also known by this name) welcomes the tourists with palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to day life in the country side. Mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and the long sun kissed sandy beaches enhance the beauty of the place many folds. The large network of canals, which are more popularly known as backwaters, provides Alleppey its lifeline.

The houseboat cruises in Kerala backwaters such as Alleppey and Kumarakom houseboats with the mind-blowing view of canal systems and endless lagoons, paddy fields, rivers joining the backwater, and small houses on small stretch of land are fantastic.

Tourists love the view of local birds, people working in paddy fields, fishermen and women fishing in the backwaters, the scenic and picturesque beauty, and glimpses of culture and tradition of Kerala during the cruise. The beauty of Alleppey Houseboat cruise is well known all over the world for the unique experience it offers.

The Ghats of Varanasi

2011-05-24T02:48:00.000-07:00

The city of Varanasi is also known for its beautiful Ghats. Ghat is a term that refers to the banks of a river. Varanasi is situated on the banks of Holy River Ganga (Ganges) and the Ghats of the city are cemented stairs on the western bank of the Ganges leading to the holy water of the river.

The city of Varanasi is also known as Kashi. The city is older than traditions and presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. The city holds a very special place in Hinduism. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates the soul from human body and merges it to the ultimate. The Ghats of Ganges complement the concept of divinity and are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi.

Varanasi has more than a hundred Ghats, many of which are as old as the city itself. These Ghats at the bank of river Ganga are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take holy dip in the holy river. It is believed that a dip into the holy water wipes all the sins.

There are around 81 Ghats in the city which are meant for different purposes. Some of the Ghats are related to a particular deity while some others are simply for bathing. Some of the prominent and famous Ghats of Varanasi are Manikarnika Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat, Assi Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, and Panch Ganga Ghat.

Jal Mahal

2011-05-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

Jal Mahal which means "Water Palace" is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, capital of the state of Rajasthan in India. Jal mahal was built to be a pleasure palace for the royal family of Jaipur, in 1799, and is an extremely romantic place with its red sandstone intricate architecture casting beautiful reflections in the calm waters of the Man Sagar Lake, full of hyacinths.

The palace is renowned for its majestic architecture, and intricate and sophisticated design. The structure is surrounded by the Nahargarh Hills and has also been home to one of the prime ministers of Jaipur estate. Lthough the palace is now abandoned but it is very well-preserved and provides a picturesque view from Nahargarh Fort. The first four floors of Jal Mahal are submerged under the water of the lake and only the top floor is visible above the water level.

The Nahargarh Fort offers a splendid view of the lake as well as the Jal Mahal. One can also get magnificent views of the palace from Mansagar Dam constructed on the eastern side of the lake.

You can book a golden triangle tour package to visit this beautiful piece of architecture. The package covers a trip to three exotic tourist destinations in India which are Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

Manali

2011-05-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

Manali the most beautiful tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, located in the north of India. It is also known as Queen of hill stations and is popular and known for its world famous tourist place called the Rohtang pass. Manali tour offers perfect conditions to indulge in various adventure sports such as trekking, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, helicopter skiing etc.

Manali derived its name from Manavalaya which means abode of Manu. According to Hindu mythology, Manu the divine law-giver, was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay - the great flood - and is said to have fathered the human race.

Kullu and Manali (twin cities) are picturesque hill stations and are amazingly beautiful blessed with spectacular natural beauty. Manali is the perfect holiday destination for people who are looking for both adventure and a memorable vacation in a lovely hill station.

Tourists coming to visit the place get spell bound with charm and beauty of Manali. With the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas on one side, river Beas cutting across the town, verdant valleys with Rolling Meadows, and grazing herds dotting the hillsides, apple orchards and the folk music of Himanchal Pradesh, add to the charm and glory to the beauty of this hill station.

To discover the real beauty and charm of the place, book a Manali tour package, and come to experience its real essence. With astounding charm and great attraction, it has rightly been christened as the "Valley of the Gods".

Travel Kerala

2011-05-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, is a land of myriad experiences with something for everyone. Exploding palms, trumpeting elephants, lovely backwaters, beautiful hills, rich wildlife, Kerala offers endless things. Tourists coming to visit Kerala get wide range of options to choose their dream holiday destination. A Kerala tour package beckons you to delve into the glories and charm of Kerala attractions such as sun kissed beaches to bewitching backwaters, magical houseboats, lush green tea hills, enchanting wildlife, Aurveda and Yoga, Kerala culture and tradition, performing folk arts, lip smacking cuisines and Festivals.

Among all these attractions Kerala Houseboat tours and Kerala Backwater tours are two most popular and famous enchanters. Kerala honeymoon tours are also very popular and the newly wedded couples love to spend their honeymoon trip in Kerala. Munnar is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the state. Located on the hills of Kerala, it offers the perfect atmosphere and ambiance to spend a romantic holiday.

The state offers innumerable attractions to spend a memorable holiday amidst serene and scenic natural ambiances. No wonder a trip to Kerala will make you experience nature at its best.

Kerala Fish Curry Recipe

2011-05-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

The pristine land of Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of the world. Kerala is the first choice for tourists coming to India. Listed by BBC as one of world's top 10 tourist destinations, Kerala offers a variety of attractions to the visitors. Everything about the state is mind blowing whether it the cuisine, natural beauty, backwaters, houseboats, churches or temples. Simply, Kerala is outstanding.

In this article, I will tell you the recipe of a very simple yet very delicious Keralan recipe.

Kerala Fish Curry

Ingredients:

Onion, chopped - 1
Garlic, peeled - 4 to 6 cloves
Ginger, peeled and thinly sliced - 1 (1-inch) piece
Chile peppers, chopped - 1 to 6
Tamarind pulp - 2 or 3 tablespoons
Warm water - 1 1/2 cups
Oil - 3 or 4 tablespoons
Mustard seeds - 1 tablespoon
Ground coriander - 1 tablespoon
Turmeric - 2 teaspoons
Fenugreek - 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves (optional) - 4 to 6
Salt and pepper to taste
White fish, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 pounds
Coconut milk - 1 1/2 cups

Preparation Method

Place the onion, garlic, gingerroot and chilies in a blender or food processor and process until pureed but still a little chunky. You may have to add a little water and work in batches if using a blender.
Mix the tamarind pulp with the water and break it up with a fork or your hands to dissolve. Strain the tamarind water and discard the pulp.
Heat the oil in a large pot, kadhai or wok over medium-high flame. Add the mustard seeds and sauté until they start to pop. Add the dry spices quickly and stir just until they are absorbed by the oil. Do not allow the spices to burn.
Quickly add the onion puree and curry leaves. Reduce heat to low and cook until the liquid is reduced and the onions have lost their raw flavor, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Add the tamarind water, season with salt and pepper and simmer another 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce the liquid a little.
Stir in the fish and coconut milk and simmer slowly another 5 to 10 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Adjust seasoning and serve with basmati rice.

Rohtang Pass

2011-05-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

Rohtang Pass is the Gateway to the Lahaul Valley and is situated about 51 km from Manali town at an altitude of 4,111 meters (13,400 ft.) on the highway to Keylong. In winter the mountain slopes are snow clad which turn into perfect skiing slopes. At Rohtang Pass, one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. Rohtang Pass is the main attraction for tourists coming for tour to Manali.

At the top of the Rohtang Pass, the air seems to glitter against the snow as one looks down over herring boned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. There is a beautiful Doshohar Lake left to the pass, where pilgrims go every year on the auspicious day of 20th Bhadon.

The visit to Manali is incomplete if you do not go to Rohtang Pass. On your way to the Rohtang Pass, on one side you can see Kothi and Gulaba, places en route from Manali, while the Rohtang Peaks stare at you on the other side.

The mountain plateau is surrounded by a large meadow strewn with myriad wild flowers in season. The pass was ancient trade route between the people on either side of Pir Panjal. Rohtang Pass is the only access to Lahaul valley and is open from June to September each year although trekkers can across the pass a little earlier.

Rohtang is an adventure tourist site for tourists coming for Kullu Manli Tour, where it can be cold even on a summer day. Winds blow at furious pace and it is chill after 3pm. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed. Skiing is possible even in summer months (May and up to mid June) when the snow is still there on slopes. Wooden sledges are popular for rides. Para gliding is now a days very popular in summers between Rohtang and Marhi, taking one high in the sky for unforgettable views and lifetime experience.

Mochar Ghonto

2011-05-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Banana is used in Indian cuisine in many ways. From North to East India and then towards south, it is used to prepare many Indian regional dishes. Every part of banana plant is used, from its stem to the flowers and the fruits to the leaves.

In Bengali cuisine, the banana flower, called Mocha (pronounced as Mo Cha, Cha as in Chair in Bengali), is a delicacy to have. It is prepared in different ways, using various ingredients. Today I will tell you how to prepare Mochar Ghonto (Stir fry Banana blossom).

Mochar Ghonto
Serves for 5-6 people

Ingredients

1 Mocha (Banana Blossom)
1 Medium sized potato (cut into cubes)

For Flavoring

4 Cloves
2-3 Pods cardamom
Half inch stick cinnamon
1-2 tsp of coriander powder
1 tsp of red pepper powder
Salt as per taste
Sugar as per taste

For Tempering

2-3 Bay leaves
Tej Patta
1 tsp of cumin seeds
3-4 tbs of mustard oil
2 tbs of ghee

Preparation Method

Its better to oil the hands, knife before chopping banana blossom.
Place a news paper, then place the cutting board. Grease your hands and fingers with oil.
Open the outer layer of banana blossom, take out the flowers and take out from it "the hard somewhat blackish at the top stalk", and chop them finely.
Follow the same pattern for the other layer of blossom, until you reach the central heart , which would be slightly pale yellow or off white in colour.
Chop it finely.

To Get Rid of the Bitterness of Mocha

Wash Mocha in water thoroughly 2-3 times, fill in a large pan with water, add the banana blossom (Mocha) to it, add 1tsp of turmeric powder , ½ tsp of salt and bring to boil .Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Cover and stop the flame, let it cool off well, now discard the remaining water and take out the chopped Mocha, squeeze out the remaining water with hands (that’s how our aunts and Mothers have been doing it) or better use the sieve.

Preparation of Mochar Ghonto

Heat a Kadhai, add oil, temper it with cumin seeds and bay leaves.
Add potatoes; fry them at high flame for sometime.
Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and cumin powder
Add salt and sugar for seasoning, to taste.
Fry all the ingredients for 4-5 minutes at high.
Add chopped Mocha and fry them also.
Add the cloves, cardamom and cinnamon.
Slightly sprinkle some water with hands.
Cover and cook for 10 mints at low, or till the potatoes are cooked and tender.
With the help of spatula, gently mash the entire gravy and mix in well
Add ghee and Garam Masala for flavouring.
Garnish with fresh grated coconut.
Serve with hot steamed rice.

Houseboat Tour in Kerala

2011-04-20T02:54:00.000-07:00

Kerala is one of the most beautiful and enchanting tourism destinations in India. It is amazingly beautiful blessed with magnetic charm of nature, tranquility and serene surrounding which offer tourist to experience the bliss of Mother Nature at its best.

Well if you are looking a holiday in the lap of Mother Nature, enjoy holiday in the houseboat which is truly a wonder created by the man and the residents of this beautiful state of Kerala in India. Kerala houseboats are made using all the eco-friendly materials like bamboo, Anjili Tree and many other materials which make houseboat truly a wonderful wonder which offer tourists to enjoy cruise over the pristine backwaters. Kerala backwaters are truly a wonder, which is amazingly blessed with astounding charm of nature and tranquility and the houseboat provide wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the nature from close point.

The state of Kerala has several backwater destinations which include the famous Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Kollam, Kasargod and on top the Cochin. These entire backwater destinations is blessed with astounding beauty of nature beautifully dotted by the swaying coconut trees, rustic village, lush green paddy fields and several other exciting tourism attractions which simply enriches the soul with pure happiness. Come and enjoy the Kerala backwater tours staying on the Kumarakom houseboat or at Alleppey and treasure remarkable experience of lifetime to relish in forever.

Well cruise over the backwaters of Kerala is made more memorable by the houseboats also locally called Kettuvallam, which is well furnished with contemporary facilities, on-board dining facilities, spacious and luxurious rooms with attached bath and warm hospitality that make the stay over the houseboat more remarkable. Well if you want to enjoy cruise over these scenic backwaters of Kerala you are most welcome. But it is advisable to book the Kerala houseboat in an advance to avoid the last minute rush and to get handsome discounts from the travel and tour management companies. You will find several Alleppey houseboats along the shore and many others in different backwaters which will take you for a journey and offer you unique experince which one will hardly find in any other tourism destinations of the world.

Due to its uniqueness charm and attractions, BBC has tagged Backwater tours as top 10 must enjoy journey of lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Book one tailor made package from the leading tour operator and enjoy journey over these scenic water worlds and treasure remarkable experience to relish it for ever.

It is that Day of the Year Again!

2010-12-24T03:02:00.000-08:00

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas Everybody! This sound will be ringing inside your ears very soon as ‘That Day of the Year’ is just about to arrive. It is Christmas time again and one just cannot control his/her excitement. There is so much to be done. A Christmas tree has to be decorated, Carols to be practiced, Choirs to be sung with, Gifts to be bought, Relatives to be assembled, the Christmas Parade to be witnessed and so many movies and cartoons related to the day to be seen on TV. December 25 is just round the corner and preparations across the globe are on. The Birth of Jesus Christ will be commemorated by a Visit to the Nearby Church, after which the day is all set to be enjoyed and reveled in.

Preparations start a week earlier for what is said to be the most unnerving week of the year. This is the most anticipated day, as the day is meant to usher in a lot of happiness for the coming year. Christmas is the most celebrated day in the West. Fairytales have it that Christmas Eve is when Santa Claus is said to arrive through the Chimney at Midnight, on his sleigh pulled by his favorite reindeers; Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. He is said to drop in gifts for the whole family, which the kids scamper through first when they wake up on Christmas.

Prayers are offered first in the Morning when families wake up to the occasion. They go to the nearby Church, pray for their well being, congratulate each other and get ready for the festivities. Christmas trees are decorated with stationary and lights with the Star being placed on top of the tree. Lots of gifts are kept under it, which eventually get unwrapped in the evening. Throughout the day, carols are sung and Jesus is praised.

One also gets to see the Christmas Parade during morning hours which contains many famous cartoon characters, meant for entertaining crowds and get broadcast on TV. The time is best to catch up with relatives and friends and enquire how life is. A lot of talk is preceded by intense preparations to celebrate and usually dinner too is had together; a multi course meal starting with soup, moving onto a dish and finally culminating with desert.

The familiar Sound can be recalled again in the night just before sleep…Ho! Ho! Ho!

Ayurveda Panchkarma: Wonders of India

2010-12-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

Pancha Karma is the cornerstone to Ayurvedic management of disease. Pancha Karma is the process which gets to the root cause of the problem and corrects the essential balance of 'Tridosha' in body. Pancha Karma is not only good for alleviating disease but is also a useful tool in maintaining excellent health. Ayurveda advises undergoing Pancha Karma at the seasonal changes to clean the body, improve the digestion and to improve the metabolic processes.

Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word that means "five actions" or "five treatments".

This age-old science of purifying the body is an ancient branch of Ayurveda, The Treatment in Ayurveda consists of two main types.

One is Shaman Chikitsa, used to subdue the vitiated Doshas, due to which any ailments may be produced. It is administered by using various medicinal herbo-mineral preparations.

However, if the Doshas are vitiated beyond a particular level, they give rise to various endotoxins, which have a tendency to be accumulated in the minute channels. These are beyond the level of pacification and hence need to be eliminated or removed from the body. In such cases, the second type of treatment, which is Shodhan Chikitsa or cleansing therapy, is indicated. Since it consists of the five types of main therapies, it is known as the Panchakarma Chikitsa.

Panchakarma has been given a special place in all the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Aacharya Charak, the author of the most important ancient text on internal medicine, has described a wide use of Panchakarma therapy for almost all the major diseases. Two separate sections, Kalpa Sthanam, and Siddhi Sthanam in Charak Samhita describe the details of special decoctions and other preparations used for Panchakarma therapy.

Panchakarma includes three parts namely:

Paachan (Digestion)
Snehan (Internal and external oleation)
Swedan (Fomentation)

Panchakarma
1) Vaman: therapeutic vomiting or emesis
2) Virechan : purgation
3) Basti: enema
4) Nasya: elimination of toxins through the nose
5) Rakta moksha: detoxification of the blood

A Luxury Ride with Rajasthan Culture

2010-12-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Rajasthan’s Culture is one of the richest in the country and boats of a diverse heritage. The traditional demeanor might have been camouflaged under a curtain of cosmopolitanism, but the customary ambience still prevails and can be felt in interiors not infiltrated by modernity. In short, there are a lot of things in this Royal State which still remind people of the valor that once existed and the blood flowed during wars.

Perhaps, the quintessence of this land can only be felt during those tumultuous Camel Rides. Once you are on that animal, you will get to experience the place better. Whether it is a ride all across Pink City, strolling through the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, the majestic environment of Jodhpur, The Lake Palace of Udaipur, the forest reserves in Ranthambore or the Forts in Chittorgarh, all of them have something to tell about the ancient culture of Rajasthan that was once the spectacle lighting up the state.

When one travels by car to all those places that Rajasthan is known for, one can still see those men wearing turbans and playing that musical instrument with young girls dressed up in traditional Rajasthani dresses performing those conventional dance routines. The women sit by the roadside and sing songs where as children, especially girls singing songs to entertain the crowds gathered around to get a view of it.

The State of Royalty has been known for all those majestic palaces in and around the place. These can be seen all throughout the geographical landscapes as they are situated all over. One gets the experience of a lifetime by being around these sites as they are truly Rajasthani and make the visitor feel as if he is amongst all the Royalty that existed in the days of Yore.

Posted By: Long distance movers

Relaxing in Rishikesh

2010-12-01T04:23:00.000-08:00

Rishikesh is a city in the Municipal Board of Dehradun District in Uttarakhand, India. The exact location is near somewhere the foothills of the Himalayas in North India. The place attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, from within the country and overseas as well. It is considered to be a very auspicious place where devotees from all over simply pour in to revel in the majesty of the Divine Force. It is known as the gateway to the Himalayas and located about 25 kilometers away from Haridwar, another one of the holiest of cities in the country.

The place is named after one of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu and means, ‘Lord of all Senses’. Hindu Mythology says that Lord Rama indulged in unbelievable penance here before he set out to slay the Evil Demon Ravana. The bridge that was constructed by the ‘Vaanar Sena’, the ‘Lakhsman Jhula’, still stands tall here. The bridge made up of Jute Rope initially has been duly replaced by an Iron Rope Suspension Bridge. This got washed away in floods many decades ago and was finally replaced by the bridge that exists right now.

From a relaxation point of view, there can be no better place than Rishikesh. There are plenty of Yoga Centers that teach Art of Living courses. The meditation taught here is one of the most renowned in the country and accounts for all the peace prevalent in modern times. They say it is the closest way to attain Moksha.

Apart from your spiritual side, you also get to unleash your adventurous side. Rishikesh is known to be world famous for all the rafting and para-gliding that one can indulge in a lifetime. There is a specific season when one can indulge in all of this and make it the most memorable experience of his lifetime. There are a lot of instructors available at this place acting as escorts who take a group of enthusiastic rafters in the raft over the roughest of watery terrains.

Relaxation is best done when done in Rishikesh. The place is one of the best and holiest where one gets all the peace of mind one can ever crave for. There is nothing but serenity amidst this divine place which is closer to the divine force and nature as well. Rishikesh is one of those few places where one gets a good mix of both divinity and natural marvel. You feel closer to God as well as get to feel close to nature. You can have the adventure you want by being at this place and will never really get to feel perturbed. That is the magic of Rishikesh, one that can only be felt when you visit and experience.

Travelling: Becomes a Delight with a Camera

2010-11-23T21:01:00.001-08:00

How often do you travel without making any plans? Seldom, because the pre-travel hysteria is so much that you tend to lose the plot very badly. There are so many things to pack and so many of them in your list that you are mostly in a state of utter confusion. If one thing goes right, the other is wrong and if a couple of things go your way, a dozen of them are waiting to disappoint you. Whatever the case is in the whole process, the best thing you can do for yourself is carry your digital camera along. Ensure you have the Canon Wide Angle Lens fitted in it.

The thing with the Canon Wide Angle Lens is the bigger and wider picture you get to see through it. When you have it inside your camera, the normal view becomes larger and more glorified. You are able to see the object in front of you better. Moreover, it appears larger. Who would not want to capture or see a larger picture, which will eventually be taken home and shown to family? When you have a personal collection of such large pictures, you always find it easy to recall the memory and think all that you saw back then.

The Canon Wide Angle Lens is just like a prism. You get a larger view of the image in front of you. You get to see it clearly. You are able to look at it from close quarters. So close and proximity personified the look is that you marvel at the view in front of you. Whether you click at the clear sky, you click at the beach in front or you click at the Swans brushing up with the surface of the water, you click at the rain forests, you click at the rough terrain ahead whilst travelling or you click at anything, you get a clear wide picture of what is ahead.

Throughout the journey, the only thing you focus at is clicking and photographing. When you get to glance at something, your eyes suddenly swing towards the object and you feel like clicking and taking all the shots you possibly can. This is where your choice of lens matters. If it is good, your shots are wide and something you can marvel at. If they are bad, the only thing you do is get disappointed and hope for something better to come across the next time.

You just cannot afford to travel without your camera. You will constantly bump into so many things that if you forget to carry it with you, you will be left curing yourself for the rest of your life about not holding onto those shots which would potentially have left you with a dozen memories to look back on. Never rely on one lens for the whole act becomes capricious. Carrying your Canon Wide Angle Lens with you ensures you of some really fie photographs, snaps you would be very proud of in the future.

A Luxury Ride with Rajasthan Culture

2010-11-22T00:57:00.000-08:00

Perhaps, the quintessence of this land can only be felt during those tumultuous Camel Rides. Once you are on that animal, you will get to experience the place better. Whether it is a ride all across Pink City, strolling through the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, the majestic environment of Jodhpur, The Lake Palace of Udaipur, the forest reserves in Ranthambore or the Forts in Chittorgarh, all of them have something to tell about the ancient culture of Rajasthan that was once the spectacle lighting up the state.

When one travels by car to all those places that Rajasthan is known for, one can still see those men wearing turbans and playing that musical instrument with young girls dressed up in traditional Rajasthani dresses performing those conventional dance routines. The women sit by the roadside and sing songs where as children, especially girls singing songs to entertain the crowds gathered around to get a view of it.

The State of Royalty has been known for all those majestic palaces in and around the place. These can be seen all throughout the geographical landscapes as they are situated all over. One gets the experience of a lifetime by being around these sites as they are truly Rajasthani and make the visitor feel as if he is amongst all the Royalty that existed in the days of Yore.

Dipawali Celebrations in India

2010-11-04T04:02:00.001-07:00

Dipawali or Diwali is supposedly the biggest festival in the Republic of India amongst all religions, casts and creed. It is said to be the brightest festival, marking the end of evil and ushering mankind into a new era of happiness and prosperity. The festival of lights is not only celebrated in India but also in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Fiji Islands. It is celebrated as a national holiday there.

The Day of Dipawali is the day when Lord Rama returned back to his Kingdom of Ayodhya after slaying the Evil Demon Ravana of Lanka. He came back with his Wife who had been held hostage by Ravana. Also with him came his younger brother Lakshmana and the Monkey God Hanuman. For those who have embraced Jainism as their religion, Dipawali is the day when Lord Mahavira attained Moksha back in 527 BC. Sikhs celebrate Dipawali as their day when Guru Har Gobind Ji returned to Amritsar after setting free 52 Hindu Kings imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir in Fort Gwalior.

The day is called in a very huge manner in India. The whole country gets decorated in lights and illumination like a bride and crackers are burst all around. Diyas are lit all over and the Goddess is prayed to for Divine Intervention to seek her blessings. The day is marked as the one when one prays to have all the sorrows jettisoned from one’s life creating room for only happiness and joy to flow in.

This is the time when the whole country is lit up with fireworks and it becomes very tough to see a clear sky. The celebrations start from the eve and go onto till a few days after the festival as well. The whole week is counted as auspicious and said to be very special for everyone.

According to Hindu Philosophy, this is the day when one gets the chance of a lifetime to take notice of the inner light that is existent inside a person. The day is marked when one gets rid of all ignorance and prays for all obstacles to leave life. A Grand Lakshmi Puja happens on this day in every household. The whole house is decorated with diyas and candles and the Puja is done on a very resounding note. The Goddess is prayed to from the heart and asked for forgiveness apart from being prayed to for lots of happiness, prosperity and wealth within home.

India is a religious land where one thinks a lot about such festivals and makes it a point to categorically celebrate the same as well. Lots of lights, sweets being distributed all over and wishes being exchanged make for a quintessential Dipwali or Diwali. One cannot honestly ask for more as the festival gives a person everything he asks for. You get all the joys flowing in at once and people hugging and embracing each other to call in this wonderful festival that marks a new phase in life.

Teej Festival of Rajasthan

2010-10-27T23:05:00.001-07:00

Teej is a festival that Rajasthan celebrates with all of its spirit. The festival is one of the best celebrated events in the royal state and is done so with swings, songs and a lot of dance. These are some of the flagship features that can be seen in the festival and attract a lot of attention from people living outside the state. Women do a lot of folk singing and dancing apart from dressing up in Green Clothes. They can be seen enjoying the swings and loudly singing all those special Teej songs which spark off the event. Prayers are offered to Goddess Parvati and also to her husband, Lord Shiva. This is done to pray for the prosperity of the family. The trendiest of accessories and clothes are sold of this festival on this festival. Sweet shops can be seen selling Ghevar and also Malpaus, which is another famous sweet on the festival. This festival of ‘Saawan’ is celebrated best on the day and one is assured of experiencing the finest kind of joys and happiness on the festival. This undoubtedly happens to be one of the best festivals on the block and offers a lot of joy and happiness to the ones celebrating and the ones who are a part of the celebrations.

Teej Festival of Rajasthan

2010-10-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Dusshera: The Embodiment of Good conquering Evil

2010-10-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

The Day of Dusshera is one of the most auspicious ones in the history of Indian Culture, Religion and Mythology. The fact that on this day eons of eras back, good prevailed over evil is an indication of the legacy that it left behind. On this day, supposedly in the Treta Yug Lord Rama eliminates the Demon Ravana and freed his Wife only to bring her back home. The Wife happened to be none other than the incarnation of the Goddess Lakshmi. It is said in Hindu mythological folklore that Ravana had kidnapped Sita and incarcerated her in Ashok Vatika, which eventually was raided by the Monkey Warriors when Rama defeated and killed Ravana in a fierce battle of arrows and egos.

Dusshera, also fondly referred to as Vijayadashmi, is celebrated on the Tenth Day of the Hindu Autumn Lunar Month of Ashwin. This usually falls in the months of either September or October or after the New Moon. On this day, the Ten Day Navratri culminates. In countries like India and Nepal where the festival is celebrated, huge celebrations spark off with effigies of Ravana and his brother Kumbhkaran and son Indrajeet are burned with crackers and rockets.

These huge effigies take months to construct and from top to bottom are loaded with fire crackers. The moment they are lit up, the effigies start disintegrating within no time and get burned very quickly. One does not have to think too much into their burning for their disintegration does not even take a split second.

The culminating evening truly signifies the triumph of good over evil and marks a new dawn, a new era. One ushers into time where positivity prevails over negativity and one does not get to think of anything else other than optimism.

Ninth Day: Maa Siddhidatri

2010-10-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Ninth Day of the Navratri, and the last day as well, is a day dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri. This incarnation of the Divine Mother is considered to be quite beneficial for mankind as those who pray to her from all their heart are considered to be blessed with all forms of achievement. The virtues bestowed on the person include the worldly qualities such as Anima, Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Ishitva, Prakaamya and Vashitva. These are just 8 that have been mentioned where as there are a total of 18 virtues.

Hindu Mythology and folklore says that even Lord Shiva attained all these virtues by worshipping Maa Siddhidatri by all his heart. This is one of the reasons why half the body of Maa Siddhidatri was that of the Devi where as the other half is that of Ardhnareshwar. On this day, all the fasting and worshipping done over the last eight days culminates. The culmination happens in a grand style through Puja, Archna, Havan etc. The portrait of the Goddess, with her four hands, is embellished with jewellery and expensive clothing. Her hands have her Chakra, Lotus, Conchshell with the four one raised to bless her devotees.

It is a great culmination to such an auspicious occasion that gets marked by lots of prayers, thoughts, sentiments and other stuff. People worship the goddess by chanting her name throughout the day and till late in the night when the effigies are burnt. The chants are meant to please the Divine Mother so that she blesses everyone praising her with all those worldly attributes one requires to lead a life full of happiness, success, triumph and cheerfulness. The best way to call off the day would be by remembering all the good deeds one ought to do to have the Mother’s Blessings.

Eighth Goddess of Navratri Maa Mahagauri

2010-10-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

In this form Durga is four-armed and she rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a trident and hand-drum. Two hands are in blessing posture. She is pure and is believed to have been in the form of Mata Parvati when she did penance to get Shiva as her husband. Purity is depicted in this form of Durga. Mahagauri form of Durga is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri.

"Mahan Gaur" is the eight incarnation of Goddess Dura. She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull. She has four hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Madras" and lower left hand holds "Trisha." The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful and exists in peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gaur became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Ganges. Then her body became bright like lightening. Therefore, she is known as "Mahan Gaur".

The worship of Maha Gauri is recommended for the eighth day of Navaratra Puja. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. All sins of devotees are washed away with the result of her worship. Even accumulated sins get destroyed and in future no sins or sufferings come to him. He gets purified in all respects and becomes fit for inexhaustible virtues.

This is one of the most auspicious days in the Holy Navratri, for the fact that it happens to be the penultimate day of this holy nine-day festival and people are busy going ahead with the Pujas for a fitting finale on the last day. Some fast for eight days and break it today, where as some fast on all nine days and break it on the ninth day with a Puja.

Seventh day of navratri devoted to Maa Kalratri

2010-10-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

With the approaching end to the Holy Navratri, Day 7 belongs to unarguably the fiercest and most petrifying of manifestations of the Holy Mother. Maa Kalaratri happens to be the seventh incarnation of the Divine Mother and is also the most violent of all. Her appearance evokes fear and enemies tremble and wet their pants. This form of the Goddess is said to be the assassin of all demon entities.

The very essence of Kalaratri is being the One who finishes off all the Kaal. She is prophesized to destroy ignorance and take away darkness. This form reveals the Dark Side of the Divine Mother, the one who shows no mercy and in whose books every sin is unforgivable. The manifestation has also been bestowed with other names as Shubhankari, the one who was the slayer of Raktabeej. The demon in mention was a tyrant with the gift of multiplying through every drop of his blood that fell onto the ground. The Goddess maneuvered to slay him by licking every drop of crimson before it could fall to the ground. She is said to bequeath her devotees with courage and calmness.

Her complexion is dark and hair is messed. She has four hands, the ones on the left holding a torch and cleaver where as the ones on the right being in quintessential Mudra of ‘giving’ and ‘protecting’. The necklace she wears has a terrific shimmer and her three eyes emanate rays like lightning. Her nostrils exude blazing flames when she inhales and exhales air. Her escort is a Donkey, on whom she sits and rides. The most auspicious colors for this day are White, Blue and Red.

Those who worship her are always free of enemies and become fearsome. Nobody runs into them unnecessarily and peace, serenity and composure always prevail with them in life.

Sixth Day Old Navaratri: Katyayni Devi

2010-10-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Sixth Day is devoted to Mata Katyayni Devi, the Sixth Avatar of the Holy Goddess. This incarnation of the Divine Mother is said to have been born to the sage Katya. On this day, people observe a fast for the Mother known as the Sri Katyayni Vrat. This is categorically done by women as they believe that this will help them, get the most ideal husband. Other details about this incarnation can be found in the Matsya Puran, Agni Puran and Vamana Puran.

The Devi is said to be one of the most popular ones to have existed during the tenure of Lord Krishna. She was thoroughly worshipped and prayed by all the Gopis and Gopas who resided in Gokul. An idol of Katyayni Devi is made from clay and mud from the River Yamuna, worshipped and then subsequently dissolved in the river itself. This form of worshipping and eventual immersion is very famous in the Tamil Culture. The number of arms the Mother has is said to vary from four to eighteen, as stated in mythical folklore. All these have supposedly been presented to her by Trimurtis and the Devas. Some of the Hindu Scriptures have mentioned that she has the congregated powers of Shiva, Brahma and Mahesh. The colour of her body is said to be that of the Atasi Flower.

Her escort is the Sardula, a mythical animal regarded as the Mother of Tigers. Contrary to this, she has been shown on a Lion in some of the textures. She is said to wear subtle embellishments and a crown with a crescent moon stuck on it. Those who pray their hearts out are said to be the blessed ones receiving enormous peace, wealth, health and prosperity. The Mother is said to never turn a blind eye to her devotees.

Fifth Day of Navratri: Skandmata Devi

2010-10-12T01:49:00.000-07:00

Day 5 of the Holy Navratri has a lot to offer. The Fifth Day of this auspicious and pious time is devoted to Skandmata Devi. Skandmata devi is considered to be the Mother and Chief Warrior of the Gods Army, the Skanda. She is considered to be the Goddess of Fire and is the Mother of Skanda, sired after a successful matrimonial alliance with Lord Shiva. Her portrait has been described as the Goddess with Three Eyes and Four Hands, at times seated on a Lotus and at times seated on a Lion. It is widely said that with the blessings of Mother Skandmata, even a moron can become the enlightened one blessed with all the worldly knowledge.

“Om Nityaya Namah” and “Om Hreeng Mahadurgaya Namah” are the two mantras chanted while remembering the Goddess. A lot of items are offered while paying homage to the Goddess such as fragrant flowers, fruits, gems and clothing. It is said that those who pray to the Divine Mother with all their hearts are those blessed ones whose dreams come true. The Mother is said to bless all her devotees praying with their hearts and souls with the wealth they need to lead a comfortable life.

The Puja starts in the wee hours of the morning with the portrait of the Goddess being decorated with good clothing and expensive embellishments. A diverse range of sweets are offered to her, along with other items and cash. The Priest starts off with his chants and people lose themselves in the quest to enlighten themselves by remembering the Mother who has the onus of taking care of millions of her loyal and faithful devotees. The day is for those devout worshippers believing blindly in the Mother and knowing that Good karma and the path of righteousness will do them well.

Fourth Navratri: Devoted to Kushmanda Devi

2010-10-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

Fourth day of the Navratri begins with the chant, "Om Dukha Hantraya Namah". This chant is meant to please Kushmanda Devi, the fourth manifestation of the Divine Goddess. The Goddess is this incarnation is said to have Eight Arms, holding weapons and a mala. She is said to be seated on a Tiger and radiates as shiningly as the Sun.

White is the color meant to be worn on this day along with draping the Goddess with a cloth of the same color. This manifestation of the Divine Mother is said to annihilate sorrow of the mind and get rid of ego. She is said to possess divine powers through which the macro universe synchronizes with the micro universe and creates a lot of peace and tranquility around the person. She is the mother responsible for Birth and Rebirth.

The chant mentioned above is started off by priests at the crack of dawn along with all of those who start worshipping with them. Delicacies are prepared, which are first offered to the Mother and kept outside for crows and pigeons to come and feed on. Once that happens, then it is all open for people to take a certain portion of. The Prashaad, they say is a very noble way of ensuring that the person becomes an integral part of that festivity and is able to get into the realm of worship.

The Fourth Day of the Navratri marks the half way stage. It marks for an occasion where worshippers and devotees have been incessantly praying to the Divine Mother for the past four days with the hope that she would come and bless them with a lot of peace and happiness. Kushmanda Devi is said to bring in all these virtues and hence, is worshipped with all heart and soul on this day.