Dream destination India

Amritsar - The City of Golden Temples

2014-08-09T00:09:00.003+05:30

AMRITSAR

Amritsar literally meaning “Pool of Nectar”, historically also known as Ramdaspur and colloquially as Ambarsar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. There is no recorded history as to the origin of the city, however it is believed that the city’s origin lies in the lake founded by the fourth Sikh Guru, Ram Das in 1574 at a community land lying between the village of Sultanwind, Tung, Gumtala and Gilwali. There is neither clarity nor any documentary evidence, as to how the land came into possession of these Sikh gurus. The most popular opinion is that Guru Ram das purchased it for INR 700 from the Zamindar of the village on the instruction of Emperor Akbar; others say that it was granted to the Sikh Guru by Emperor Akbar, or it was presented as Gift by the villagers to the revered Sikh Guru out of regard. The land came to be known as Guru Da Chak or Chakk Ram Das pura.

It is believed that Guru Amardas chalked out the original plan for this new city and instructed Guru Ram Das for execution. On his instruction, he founded the land in the village and constructed his own house. Some of the experienced elderly Sikhs also joined him and founded the beginnings of the city. First of all a boundary line of the settlement was drawn and the construction of the new centre was started with great enthusiasm, it was named Ram das Pura. As instructed the excavation of the tank was started. The tank was named Santokhsar. Later on the instruction of Guru Amar Das, another tank was constructed at a low level area surrounded by Jujube Trees, near the first tank. Many Sikh devotees came to participate in the construction of the tank. Simultaneously the village was also developed with the settlement of 52 types of caste group from Patti, Kasur and Kalanaur. A market, which is now known as Guru Ka Bazaar, was established to ensure regular supply of essential commodities to the settlers. Some wells were dug for water supply .A number of rich bankers and traders also settled down in the town. The tank was finally completed in 1577, but not before the death of Guru Ramdas at Goindwal. On the completion of the project, the Guru called the local business community and told them to take charge of the holy place but they humbly pleaded their inability to perform religious duties and requested the Guru to engage some Brahmins and mendicants for the job. The second tank named Amrit Sarovar later gave the name of Amritsar to the new city. Amrit Sarovar remained unbricked till Guru Arjan Dev ascended the Guru Gaddi in 1581. The tanks side stairs were bricked. The Gurus instructed their disciples to take bath in the tank and meditate. Gradually the tank acquired a reputation of sanctity and became the headquarters of the Sikhs.

The city of Amritsar, also known as mukut-mani (Jewel of the crown)of the Punjab is a dazzling showcase of composite culture and secular heritage .It has a proud past .a glorious present and a promising future A rich repository of spiritual and national heritage, It has been hailed as the home of all virtues’(sifti da ghar) .while praying, every devout Sikh longs to be blessed with a pilgrimage to Amritsar and a holy bath at the Golden Temple . A visit to Amritsar and holy dip at the tank is believed to wash off all the sins.

Amritsar is easily accessible by road, railways and flight. It boasts of International airport with direct flights to United Kingdom and connecting flights to many other destinations in the world. It Is easily accessible by train from Delhi.

Things to see in Amritsar:

Sri Harminder Sahib a.k.a Golden Temple Complex

One of the most sacred of Sikhs Temple, where every Sikh wish to visit one day, Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple literally means “TheTemple of God (Hari means God, Amd Mandir means temple.). The dome of this three story structure is covered in Gold earning it the English name of Golden Temple.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and chose the sight of Amar Sarovar, which was already a popular tank for Sikhs for a Holy bath. He himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib.Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on 1st of Magh, 1645 Bikrmi Samvat(December,1588). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs. The building work was completed in 1601 A.D. on Bhadoon Sudi 1st, 1661 Bikrmi Samvat (August/September, 1604). On completion of the Building , Guru Arjan Dev installed the newly created Holy book, Guru Granth Sahib and appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. Soon the temple attained the status of ‘Ath Sath Tirath, a pilgrimage centre for Sikhs.

Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform at the centre of the Amar Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. Harminder Sahib is built at a lower level unlike the Hindu Temples which are always built on a higher level. Also unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides with a a door each on the East, West, North and South, signifying its access to to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion.

The entrance to Harmnider Sahib is through the 202 feet long and 21 feet wide arch, standing at the shore end of the causeway and known as The Darshani Deori. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. The bridge takes you to the 13 feet wide ‘Pardakshna’ (circumambulatory path) which runs round the main shrine and leads to the ‘Har ki Paure’ (steps of God). On the first floor of ‘Har ki Paure’, there is continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a three storied one, the front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches. The roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches, at the top of which 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides having four ‘Mamtees’ on the four corners. Exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story, which comprises a small square room and have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there.

On the top of this room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’(dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the ‘Kalash’ having a beautiful ‘Chhatri’ at the end. Harminder Sahib got all the gold and exquisite marble work, under the patronage of Hukam Singh Chimni and Emperor Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empireof the Punjab. The gold plating on the Harmandir Sahib was begun by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was finished in 1830. The temple architecture shows unique blend of Hindu and Muslim way of construction has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.

The Golden Temple complex has more to offer than Harminder Sahib, the following important places should be visited within the temple complex:

Akal Takht

The highest seat of the Sikh authority, the Akal Takht, built by Guru Hargovind in the year 1609 stands pretty opposite to the marbled Darshni Deorhi of Sri Harminder Sahib. Shri Hargovind was the sixth guru of the Sikhs who made immense contribution to popularize the religion. Akal Takht stands at a place which was once a play ground where the sixth Guru as a child used to spend time with his playmates.It was here that he was established as the Guru after his father - Guru Arjan Dev's death. Guru Hargovind used to supervise the young Sikhs practicing their warfare exercises in the same spot. Later he decided to build the imposing Akal Takht at that site. The Akal Takhat was used for holding court and Sikh congregations in the days of its builder. The ground floor of the present building was constructed in 1 874. Three storeys were subsequently added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Later Han Singh Nalwa constructed the Golden Dome. The traditional arms and weapons used by the earlier Gurus and Sikh warriors are displayed every evening at the Akal Takht.

Baba Atal

At and imposing height of 108ft. , this one of its kind -09 storey toere was built between 1778 and 1784 in Atal Rai (D. 1628), a son of Guru Hargobind, who died at age of nine. He was called 'Baba' (an old man) head over young shulders.

The other notable things to visit within the temple complex includes

(a) Dukh Bhanjni Ber (sacred Jujube Tree)

(b)Thara Sahib

(d) Gurdwara llachi Ber (sacred Jujube Tree)

(e) Ath Sath Tirath (Sixty eight holy places condensed into one) &

(f) Gurdwara Shaheed Bunga Baba Deep Singh.

Central Sikh Museum

The complex has the Central Sikh Museum, whih has paintings of Sikh Gurus, Saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who have in their own way contributed a lot to the enhancement of Sikh Religion

Guru Ka Langar

A Sikh temple without a Community Kitchen is inconceivable. Cooked food comprising of Flat Indian Bread and Lentil is served in the kitchen of the Harmandir Sahib 24 hours to all visitors irrespective of religion, caste, creed and nationality. The expenses are met out of the Temple funds. Approximately 40,000 visitors share the meals everyday presently.

Accommodation at Harminder Sahib

The complex in its premises offers free accommodaton as well as accommodation at very nominal rents too. The following accommodation is available within the temple complex:

SRI GURU RAM DAS NIWAS is a free hostel for the pilgrims maintained by the Temple authorities and built by the Gurdwara Committee. It has 228 rooms and 18 big halls, and unlike the ordinary 'Daramsalas' it supplies the facilities of free beddings, cots, lights and fans etc. to the lodgers but accommodation is restricted to maximum three nights stay. The doors of the hostels are open to all. The lodgers however must not do anything repugnant to the teachings of Sikhism.

GURU NANAK NIWAS offers 66 Rooms -22 with attached baths and 44 without baths. For the 44 rooms each floor has been provided with 10 common bath rooms and ten flush latrines so as to make stay comfortable.

AKAL REST HOUSE offers 26 rooms with double beds and attached bath rooms on a nominal Rent.

GURU HARGOBIND NIWAS offers 92 double bed rooms with attached bath in addition to four halls. Rooms are available at Rs. 50/- per day.

Atari Border (Wagah Border from Pakistan Side)

28 kms from Amritsar, India and 25 kms from Lahore Pakistan, located in Atari village, wagah border is only one of the passage which is open between India and Pakistan. The border place comprises of a huge arch and has gates of both the countries.It witnesses the bitter sweet relationship between India and Pakistan every day, through the famous beating retreat ceremony conducted here every evening, which includes the closing of international gates and the lowering of the flags of both the countries.

The flag code of India mandates that the national flag shall be flown only from sunrise to sunset and must be lowered in the evening, folded and kept with respect to be flown again the next day. The lowering of flag and the change of guard is done through the beating retreat ceremony, first started in 1959 on agreement between the two governments to increase the goodwill between the two countries, involves soldier marching a perfect drill to bring down the flag, on both sides of the border, the patriotic fervor running high on both sides. The guards on both sides of the border, who perform are chosen carefully among those who have great height, ability to perform and imposing stature.

The ceremony lasts for 45 minutes and is carried out before sunset. 4:15 pm is the time during winter and 4:45 during summer. The border gate is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, the ceremony starts only after 4:00 pm. It is ideal to reach Wagah border by 3:00 pm to watch the ceremony. Around 5000 people come to see the ceremony every day; Seating arrangements are made for spectators to watch the ceremony. Exclusive seats are reserved for women. General seating is allowed only for men. There is also a VIP seating close to the gate and requires a special pass. The border post have jammers installed so mobile phones does not work here, no covered bags are allowed to be taken, which included ladies purses and bags, stall are available nearby to buy food and water. There are no entry fees neither a ticket needs to be purchased to watch the ceremony.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh once a non descrepit garden enclosed by stone walls from all sides, was used for the public meetings in pre independence era, but it all changed on April 13, 1919, the day of the traditional and joyous festival of Baisakhi, when General Dyer ordered open firing on a group of 10000 to 15000 people who have gathered there to silently protest against the atrocities of the British empire on Indians. An hour after the meeting began as scheduled at 16:30, Dyer arrived with a group of sixty-five Gurkha and twenty-five Baluchi soldiers, blocked the narrow exits and ordered his troops to fire towards the densest section of the crowds which included women, children and men. The firing continued for around 10 minutes, killing about a 1000 people (British official figures were 369 people), many of whom jumped in the local well to save themselves.

Since then it has become a symbol of the independence struggle, a place of great significance, sorrow and historical tragedy. Exactly 42 years after the date of tragedy, a memorial designed by an American Architecht, Mr Benjamin Polk was built and open to public in 1961, after an inauguration by the then President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad, A lantern made of stone is lit on all four sides of the monument with words of homage encrypted to salute the sacrifice of the martyrs.

People can visit the garden on all seven days of the week. The timings of the visits are from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm in the summer and 7:00 am to 8:00 pm in the winter.

Durgiana Temple

More famous for its strikingly similar structure to the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is an important pilgrimage sight for Hindu’s. It is also known as the Laxmi narayanTemple, located near the Lohagarh Gate, just 1-5 kms from the railway station. The city of Amritsar is considered pious by Hindu’s as it is believed to be visited by Lord Rama, at the time of Ashavmegh Yagh. Lov & Kush spent their childhood alongwith their mother Mata Sita at the Ashram of Maharishi Balmiki at Ram Tirath King Ishvaku Grandson of Surya Devta performed a number of Yagyas on this land. The Temple complex dates bac k to the 16^th century, the oldest temple being the Durga Temple also known as Mata Shitla Mata Temple. The temple complex have the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Satya Narain, where the story of Satya Narain Is recited every poornima, Radha Kishan , Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, who is believed to visit this place every day.

The main attraction however is the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, a brain child of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, a great Hindu Philosopher and reformist, who conceived It in 1920. With the effort of Guru Harsh Sai Mal Kapoor, the funds were collected and the foundation stone of the Temple was laid on 07^th October 1920, the day of Vijaydashmi. To commemorate the contribution of the Guru, a statue of his is placed in the front of the temple in a sitting posture.

Like Golden Temple, The Durgiana Temple islocated in the middle of pious pond, whose water is believed to have medicinal value. The main gate of the temple is 12ft x 12 ft and is of silver, which leads to Darshani Deori, to the left and right of which stands the ido;s of Maa Durga and Lord Ganesh. As you approach the main temple through an 18.5mts bridge, you can see the beautiful image of Lord Lakshmi Narayan in standing posture. The Temple’s central dome as well as the four smaller corner domes is Gold plated, all gates, totaling 09 are of Silver.

There is a Langar Bhavan, where Langar (Free meal) is served to the devotees in the afternoon and evening. Prayers are conducted in the temple, 05 times a day as per Hindu ritual. A Gyan Katha Bhawan is also there within the complex, which is used for religious discourses.

Gobingarh Fort

Originally known as Bhangian Da Kila, Gobindgarh fort of Amritsar was built by the army of Gujjar Singh Bhangi of Mislin in 1760. The fort was constructed with brick and lime in a square pattern with a parameter of 1500sq mt, two majestic gates, four large bastions and well defined rampart armed with 25 cannons. The two gates are names as Nalwa Gate, after the Great Sikh Soldier and Keelar Gate. It is believed that, from the keelar Gate, a secret passage was linked to Lahore Tunnel, however there are no evidence which have been collected for the same.

In 1805-06, the fort was taken over by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, often referred to as the Lion of Punjab. Maharaja Ranjit with the help of Jodh Singh strengthened the fortification of the fort in order to keep his treasures and treaties in safety including the Kohinoor Diamond. He also added a moat to surround the fort and added numerous bastions.

The British authorities undertake Gobindgarh fort in 1849. They added the Darbar Hall, Hawa Mahal and the Phansi Ghar to the fort. Later October 1948, the Indian army took control of the fort and they are still maintaining it.

Ram Bagh

Named after the 04^th Spiritual Guru and founder of Amritsar, Guru Ram Das, Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden which was once spread over 84acres and enclosed with 14 ft high wall. After Sikh Ruler Mahraja Ranjit Singh took over Lahore in 1799, he made Amritsar his capital in 1802. Later in 1818, he got this garden constructed on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh of Lahore, under the command of Fakeer Azeez-ud-din and Sardars Lehna Singh and Desa Singh Majithia (the nobles of Lahore darbar). It stands out for its collection of rare coniferous trees, herbal plants and water channels set with fountains and golden fish. In the centre of the garden, a double story palace with basement was constructed and this palace is known as the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Today, the summer palace of Ranjit Singh has been converted into a museum, which is rich with traditional items.The museum boasts of an exclusive display of antique weapons dating back to the Mughal times, portraits of ruling houses of Punjab and a replica of diamond "Kohinoor". In the earlier days, the garden was approached by a huge fortified gate, which exists even today. However, it is placed on the periphery of the garden today. At one end of the garden, one can see a lively statue of the king seated on a horse.

There is just a nominal charge to enter into the garden. It is open to tourists every day except for Wednesdays.

Jama Masjid Khairuddin:

Located in the Hall Bazaar area, the mosque Built by Mohd. Khairuddin in 1876, is both religiously important as well as an architectural marvel. The Masjid is equally important historically as it is the same place from where a call against the British rule was given by Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari.

Mata Temple

Mata Lal Devi Temple, modeled on the famous Hindu Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is not an architectural marvel for its structure, but its interiors are equally fascinating. Famous for its fertility improving powers.This Hindu Temple commerates 20^th century female saint Lal Devi. From the main hall, a narrow series of stairways and passages winds past mirrored mosaics, fairground-style carvings, and untold deity statues to a semi-submerged mock-up of the Vasihno Devi cave temple. The liberal use of mirror in decorating the interiors has given it a sobriquet of “Sheesh Mahal”. The elaborate mirror work and vivid spectrum of colors offers a visual retreat to the visitors. Mata Lal Devi is believed to weild special powers to grant the wish of the people, who want to start the family, by bestowing them with fertility powers. It is believed that anyone who wishes for a child here gets their wish fulfilled soon. The temple is located at Rani Ka Bagh and is open from morning 0500 hrs till 2300 hrs, entry is free for all.

The Historical Banyan Tree (Shaheedi Bohr):

This historical tree with massive girth and lushgreen canopy stands majestically in the Namdhari Shaheedi Samark against the majestic back drop of the northern boundary of Ram Bagh.Four Kookas were hanged from this tree by the British Government in 1871 because they had reacted violently against the hawking of beef around the Golden Temple.

EXCURSION FROM AMRITSAR

Ram Tirath (11kms)

A place of immense importance for the follower of Hinduism, Ram Tirath located 11 kms west of Amritsar on Chogawan road, is believed to date back to the period of Ramayana, and is believed to be the place where Rishi Valmiki’s hermitage was. It is also believed that Luv & Kush were born here; a hut still exists to mark the site. Rishi Valmiki’s hut and the well with stairs where Mata Sita used to take her bath still exist. The place has an ancient tank and many temples. The Bedis of Punjab (Guru Nanak Dev, the founder Prophet of Sikhism was a Bedi) trace their descent from Kush and Sodhis (the 10th Prophet of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh was a Sodhi) from Luv. A four day fair, is held here starting on the full moon night in November.

Pul Kanjari: (35kms)

Enroute to Wagah border, about 35kms away from the Amritsar Railway station and 5kms from the Border, UNESCO world heritage sight of Pul Kanjari stands on the Amritsar Lahore road, near the villages of Daoka and Dhanoa Kalan. Pul Kanjari was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was used by him as a resting place, during his journey between Amritsar and Lahore. The legend has it that the village was named after a pul (bridge) that was built by the king for a dancer Moran. Moran hailed from the nearby village of Makhanpur, to reach her village , she has to cross a small canal linked to river Ravi, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in order to irrigate Shalimar Gardens of Lahore. The canal did not have a proper bridge. One of the days, while returning from the royal court and passing through the canal, the dancer lost her silver sandals, which were presented to her by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Anguished by her loss, she refused to perform at the court of Mahraja. When Maharaja came to know of it, he immediately ordered the construction of this bridge. Since the court dancers were not a respected lot, they were referred to as “Kanjari”, hence bridge got named as Pul Kanjari.

Ruins of a magnificent fort, an impressive baoli can be found here apart from the remnants of a temple, a Gurudwara and a Mosque, which bespeak of the secular outlook of Maharaja Ranjit Singhji. Theinside of the cornor dome of the baoli is decorated with the paintings of a number of scenes and sights from the Hindu scriptures and the Raj darbar, each frescoe laced with floral frame. Now renovated and preserved by by The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and Govt. of Punjab, the Pul Kanjari complex contains The Mosque, Baradari –the house of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with 12 doors, a Sarovar – originally a store house for the water from the nearby canal, it has been converted into a pool to bathe with separate arrangements for gents and ladies, and a Shiv Temple –located on the right side of the memorial, is made of Nanakshahi Bricks and is decorated with beautiful frescoe work

Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev Ji: (30kms)

About 30 km south east from Amritsar, and within easy reach from Goindwal Sahib is a Samadhi of the second Guru. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815 A.D.

Khoo Kalyanwala:

In 1857, during the first Rebellion against the British in 1857, On the call of Mangal Pandey a platoon of 400 soldier stationed at Lahore rebelled against the British Government by fleeing their barracks. The deserted soldiers bravely swam across the flooded Ravi and reached Ajnala. However they were captured at Ajnala, and on the orders of Mr.Fredric Cooper, the then Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, put in a coop-like room where almost 200 soldiers died of asphyxia. The rest of them were brutally shot dead the next morning and their dead bodies thrown in the well which came to be known as the Kalianwala Khoo in Tehsil Ajnala.

Samadhi of Shravan:

About 6 Kilometres from Ajnala near Jastarwal (earlier known as Dashrathwal), belonging to the Ramayana period, a Samadhi believed to be of the legendary Shravan (Shravan had taken his blind parents on a wide-ranging pilgrimage by cradling them on his shoulder in a wooden device.)is located. It is believed that Shravan was buried here after the fell from the arrow of King Dashrath, the Lord of Ayodhya. The Samadhi is situated on the banks of an old rivulet (Purani Dhab).

Taran Taran Sahib

Tarn Taran Saheb is a city that was founded by Shri Guru Anjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. He had also laid the foundation of Tarn Taran Sahib Temple. Tarn Taran was later declared as a district and it has the largest percentage of Sikh population in Punjab. It has many gurudwaras, most popular being the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib. Apart from Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, other important places in this district incudes Gurudwara Bir Buddha Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Khadur Sahib and Harike Wetland and bird sanctuary, Faridkot fort etc.

LANSDOWNE -A nature's surprise in the backdrop of Delhi

2014-03-08T00:47:00.005+05:30

Uttarakhand – is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, honeymooners or even for those families who are looking to have time together in a scenic peaceful environment. Uttarakhand has no dearth of scenic Himalayan mountain peaks calling you to spend time with them, be it the more famous one's like Mussoorie, Nainital , Ranikhet, Almora or the upcoming exclusive destination like Kanatal, Bhimtal, Binsar, Munsiyari etc. One of the lesser known, but equally beautiful hill station is Lansdowne – which calls you to lose yourself in the scenic non pretentious rural environment.

Located at a drive of 248 kms from Delhi, Lansdowne is conveniently connected through train route. You can take the train till Kotdwara (Garhwal Express and Mussoorie Express are the two train which connect it from Delhi), from where the remaining 45 kms journey can be covered by shared or private cabs. At the altitude of 370mts, Kotdwara is the nearest railway station to Lansdowne and the gateway to the beautiful Himalayan Region. The nearest airport to Lansdowne is Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, located at a distance o 152 kms. With an altitude of 1850mts, Lansdowne is the nearest hill station to Delhi

Originally known a Kaludanda, after Kalun (Black) and Danda (Hill) in local language, Lansdowne was founded in 1887 by then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne (Viceroy of India during the period of 1888 – 1894) and aptly named after him. It later was developed as Recruits training centre of the Garhwal rifles. Primarily a cantonment area, more than half of the hill station of Lansdowne is still made up of British era Army quarters and offices occupying the streets and corners. Presently the famous Garhwal rifles of the Indian Army have its command centre here.

Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, Lansdowne has scenic beauty which gets enhanced by its salubrious weather and pristine environment. It is not only the perfect place to meditate and rejuvenate your soul but also a perfect place to rediscover yourself by indulging in adventure activities like, trekking, bird watching, boating, paddling etc. The climate of the city is pleasant in summer, very cold in winter, while snowfall is experienced in January & February. Lansdowne can be visited any time of the year.

What to See??

Most of the area of Lansdowne is controlled by Army, which has helped in maintaining the natural environment of the area by checking unbridled construction and regulating the regular touristic activities. The Town centre is the main market place where all the commercial activities are restricted and you can find many good eateries here, however the street in itself is quite unglamorous.

The Garhwal Rifles participated in the two world wars and countless other battles throughout it’s more than 100 years of history. Being a cantonment and headquarter of Garhwal rifles, the two most important places to visit here is related to the history of Indian Army. One of them is The War Memorial, unveiled on 11 Nov 1923(Armistice Day) by Lord Rawlinson of Trent, the then Commander in Chief of India at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center, in memory of contribution of Garhwali soldiers during 1914-18 First World War. This life-size statue was sculpted by L. S. Merrifield from Chelsea, England.

The other is The Garhwal Rifles regimental museum, also called Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, which houses arte facts from the beginning of the Regiment. It is named after its more famous soldier Darwan Singh Negi, who along with Gabar Singh Negi was on of the earliest recipient of Victoria Cross that is prominently on display here along with many other medals won by its fierce soldiers. The museum, inaugurated in 1983, is open to visitors from 0900hrs till Noon and from 1500hrs till 1800hrs. A nominal entry fee of Rs 35 per person is levied on the visitors. All artifacts, including photographs, arms used by regimental commanders, captured weapons, campaign history and other information is displayed in this museum. Just opposite to the museum a beautiful flower garden is maintained.

The oldest building in Lansdowne is the Garhwali Mess which dates you back to the Victorian period. The mess was built in Jan 1888 and subsequently became the present mess in 1892. Garhwali Mess is very well maintained heritage site of Lansdowne.

For families looking forward to spend some quality time with each other, the important natural landmark of Lansdowne Bhulla Taal, an artificial lake built by Army Jawans in year 2003 is the place to be in. Bhulla literally means Younger Brother in The Garhwali Language, and apparently refers to the young Garhwali soldiers here. You can go for a Boat ride or let your children play in the manicured park where they can enjoy the facility of various rides, while you satiate yourself with some delicious snacks at the restaurant. The machaan next to the lake offers enchanting views of the surrounding and should not be missed. Presence of Fountains, significant population of Geese and swans, and sighting of rabbits apart from the surrounding greenery, makes it an interesting place for family picnicking.

A 02 kms trek from here through path surrounded with blue pine trees and thick oak forests, takes you to Tip n Top aka Tiffin Top, from where you can have an astounding view of the surrounding Shivaliks. Enroute is another historical landmark of Lansdowne, the St Mary’s church. Lieutenant Hume of Royal Engineers is credited with the construction of this Protestant Church. The construction began in 1895 and was completed in 1896. After Indian Independence in 1947, with the retreat of British officers, the church fell into disuse. In recent times, Garhwal Rifle regiment has taken unto itself to restore it to its previous glory. It now has been converted into a library, where every morning at 8.00 AM, an Audio-Visual Presentation on the history of Lansdowne and Garhwal Rifles is shown. A nominal entry Fee of INR 10/- per person is charged for the same.

Another km of trek and climb of about 100 steps takes you to local Santoshi Mata Temple. Maintained by Garhwal Rifles, absence of priests and shops selling Prasad comes as a welcome change. The temple building in itself is a simple structure and nothing to talk about, but the Goddess is revered amongst the locals. If Tip n Top is the best place to view the sunrise, Santoshi Mata Temple is the best place to view the sunset. It gives you a mesmerizing view of the sun setting in the Himalayas.

Four other small temples, Hanuman Temple, Vaishno devi Temple, Kaleshwar temple and Bhairav temple are present within the city, giving you beautiful vantage points to have scenic views of the Himalayas.

Lansdowne is also blessed with some of the more important religious temples in its surroundings, revered by the local people. If one plans to stay longer at Lansdowne an excursion to these sights could be an interesting option to fill your day.

The most famous of all is the Durga Devi temple, located inside a cave around 25kms from Lansdowne, on the bank of River Koh; it is considered as one of the oldest Sidh Peeths of India. It is believed that if you ask a wish and tie a cloth, your wish gets fulfilled. Siddhbali Temple, having Bajrang Bali as its main deity, is another temple revered highly by people, a Bhandara(feast) is organized by devotees every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. The temple was broken almost one third due to landslide in late 80's, and miraculously survived and now situated on top of the town as an icon of the city. It is said that Lord Hanuman himself supported the structure on his shoulders.

Tarakeshwar Temple, some 36kms from Lansdowne, is another landmark temple which should not be missed. Abode of an ancient Shiva Temple which is the presiding deity of not only the Garhwal Rifles but also of 84 villages around it, it is believed that Goddess Parvati prayed in Tarakeshwar to get Lord Shiva.

There is another story about Tarkeshwar mahadev Temple. According to folklore, after killing demon Tarakasur, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came here to take rest. To save Lord Shiva from the shining sun, Goddess Parvati transformed herself into seven Deodar trees; all other deodar trees of the area have originated from these seven trees. The deodar trees located at the height of 4500fts are surrounded by Chir Pine and Oak trees at a higher altitude, giving it a unique microenvironment and unparalleled scenic beauty. The belief that the deodar grove forms a shape of Hindi letter ‘Aum” and the serenity and tranquility of the deodar grove make it an excellent place to unwind and meditate. A perennial stream called Bees Ganga flows out of here, believed to originate from around twenty micro and mini-micro watersheds in Tarakeshwar. The temple complex has a meditation hall, natural pools to bathe (separate for men and women) and a separate havan kund to conduct prayers.

The Temple has a tradition of offering of bells, whenever a wish is fulfilled or after pious occasion like marriage or child birth. These bells are stored in temple premises, and when their number become sizable, they are hung outside on the pathways. The soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles after returning from any war operation to their cantonment in Lansdowne come in a convoy to Tarakeshwar and perform ‘puja’ here. They also offer a big bell which is normally hung at the gate of the Temple. Presently, the bell which they offered after returning from the Kargill war is hung at the gate. It is said that the Shiva Lingam started sinking when the temple was being constructed. Shiva Lingam is located at the spot below the image of the deity where the water offered by the devotees goes. It is now not accessible to people.

Jwalpa Devi Temple is another Siddhpeeth about 40 kms from Lansdowne, 34kms from Pauri on main Pauri Kotdwar road, Right Bank of the Nawalika River(gaadan),hardly a 350 mts walk from the roadside.. According to a legend in Hindu Ancient religious scripture of Skandha Puraan, Sachi, daughter of Pulom, the demon king, wanted to marry Devraj Indra (King of Gods, the rain God) so she worshipped The Supreme mother Goddess 'Shakti'. The Goddess appeared in the form of Deeptimaan Jwalehwari to get her wish fulfilled. The place where Sachi prayed and the Goddess appeared, is the same place where today, Jwalpa Devi Temple is located. As the time passed, the name gradually got evolved to Jwalpa Devi. Adi Guru Shankaracharya once visited and prayed at this temple and it is said that The Goddess appeared to him. Anthwals are the traditional priests and care-takers of this temple. The present temple was constructed by Late Pt Shri Dutta Ram Anthwal (Anthwals being the zameendaar of the area, originally from village Aneth). Every year thousands of people visit this temple, specially unmarried girls, as it is believed that the Goddess Sachi (Indrani) grant their wish to find grooms which they dream of, just like Indraani(sachi) got Lord Indra by the grace of The Goddess. Every year during auspicious days of Chitra and Shardiya Navratri, a fair is organized.

Bhim Pakora is an art of nature, a big rock piece precariously placed over another big rock, naturally balanced over it. When pushed, it moves slightly but noticeably, but never falls down. The way to it passes through the local market and from near a Lansdowne suburb.

Kanva Ashram, Abode of sage Kanva, located around 40 km away from Lansdowne, according to Hindu mythology, this was the place where sage Kanva used to have an Ashram. Once when famous sage Vishwamitra was meditating here, Lord Indra got scared and sent the most beautiful of Damsels, Menaka, to break his prayer and distract him. After efforts spanning numerous days, Menaka was successful in luring the sage with her beauty and married with him. The Damsel Menaka, returned to the court of Indra in Heaven, once she gave birth to their child, a Girl named Shakuntala. The girl was brought up by the sage, later married to King Dushyanta, who was the king of Hastinapur, ancient India. After King Dushyanta deserted her, Shakuntala came back to the Ashram and gave birth to their child, to a boy, who was named Bharat. He later became the King of India, and after him, the country came to be known as Bharat. The place is sacred but does not have much to show in terms of the buildings or grandiose temples.

Lansdowne and the surroundings, although not one of the most scenic of the mountain destinations, certainly are one of the best kept nature’s secret.

Elephant Festival - Celebrating the Royalty

2013-04-16T17:39:00.000+05:30

Men in its history, have deployed many a means for their transport, some mechanized and some driven by animals. Man had rode on Horses, mules, camels and have employed bulls and even dogs to pull their vehicle and help them move, but when it comes to Elephant, it instantly exuberate royalty. One of the most difficult animals to rear and maintain and although not as swift as others, its sheer size makes its rider feel on the top of world and powerful.

The camel is the most visible symbol of Rajasthan, however when it comes to Rajput royalty, the elephant wins hands down. Elephants have always been a carrier of royalty in Indian culture, and to celebrate the association and beauty of this beast, Rajasthan - a princely state associated with abundance of royalties initiated THE ELEPHANT FESTIVAL, to be celebrated in the Pink city of Jaipur.

So, while Bikaner ,Jaisalmer and Pushkar celebrates the Ship of the Desert through their respective cattle fairs ,Jaipur scores it points by celebrating the symbol of Royalty The elephant. The Elephant festival is organised every year by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, just a day prior to the festival of Colors Holi ( Dhulandi), making it even more interesting. The Elephant Festival is held at its official venue, Rambagh Polo Ground in Jaipur, and attracts thousands of eager tourists from across India and overseas.

The festival usually starts at around 1500 hrs and lasts for about 03 hrs, where apart from the Elephants, human folk artists and guests to participate, creating an atmosphere of joyous celebration of life, which culminates into the festival of colors - Holi , which is celebrated with vigour, the very next day. There is no entrance charges/ tickets to witness the festival and all are welcome to participate and witness this magnificent festival.

The festival starts with the traditional procession of the richly decorated and caparisoned elephants , accompanied by the folk musician and dancers, who march along , while the dancers in their bright colored clothes displays their rich moves spreading a flurry of colors, the melodious folk music blend perfectly with the background, setting your mood for enjoyment. You would have rarely seen the monotonously colored black elephants in such a rich colorful avatar. The procession is followed by best decorated Elephant competition. Elephants, like beauty queens of a pageant walks on the ground displaying their makeup. Elephants are richly decorated with the application of vibrant colors on their body in different motives, their golden and silver caparison perfectly blending with the cloths , trinkets and jewellery they adorn in their neck, trunks and tusks, giving them the most beautiful look. The most innovatively and beautifully decorated Elephant is adjudged the winner and offered a prize.

You will then see the prowess of an Elephant as it swiftly moves covering the vast Polo Ground, while a match of Elephant Polo is played. The players wear saffron and red turbans, sit on the elephants, and try to score goals with long sticks and a plastic football. Only female elephants take part in this festival. Elephant Polo is followed by a race between the Elephants.

Visitors and tourists also get to test their strength when tourist (mostly foreigners- on account of extending courtesy to the guest an integral part of India culture) picked from the audience get to participate in the tug of war with the elephant. Since years ,there is always one winner, every year however the visitors do hope to reverse the obvious result.

Th Crafts Museum, Delhi - Preserving Folk Art Legacy

2013-03-03T23:07:00.002+05:30

National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi

With the advent of modern technology and machines capable of producing items on mass scale without the interference of the human in most cases, the scope of human creativity being engraved into the creation of the articles of daily use, be its textile or utensils have got limited. It also mean that those engaged in the creative field of Handicrafts and textiles too are seeing the demand of their produce dwindling and their art facing extinction.

With the aim of preserving the traditional arts and crafts of craftsmen from different parts of India, showcasing their talent and giving them a platform where they can display their creation directly to the buyer, National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum was established in the year 1956. The sustained effort of the renowned freedom fighter Smt Kamladevi Chattopadhyaya over 1950’s -60’s saw its further expansion for a period of next 30 years , to give it the present form and scale.

Located on Bhairon Road, near Pragati Maidan in Delhi and run by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, it is also popularly known as crafts museum, The crafts Museum is unique in a way as it painstakingly imitates typical Indian villages from different parts of India, where the craftsmen sitting outside the museum displays their skills. A visit to Crafts museum will not only let you see the long history of the Indian crafts and the produce of some of the finest folk craftsmen, it also gives you an insight into the way people in Indian villages stay and go about their daily life.

Today the museum holds over 35,000 rare and distinctive pieces of pottery, wood carvings, metal ware sculpture, image and toys sculpture, folk paintings, tribal textiles and hand made jewellery, embroidery of tribes from Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh among other states. Some of the arte facts on display are upto 300 years old. All craft items are housed in the buildings designed between 1975 and 1990 by renowned architect Charles Correa, who has incorporated traditional architectural vocabulary into a modern design.

The museum is further divided into five different galleries which include the Tribal and Rural Craft Gallery, Gallery of Courtly Crafts, Textile Gallery, Gallery of Popular Culture & Ritual craft gallery. Each of these galleries display a wide range of collection of some rate and unique craft work that ranges from lamps, incense stick burners, bronze and precious metal-ware images and jewellery, stone and wood sculptures, utensils and accessories for daily use, clay pots, clay dolls and wooden toys, puppets, tribal masks and jewellery, bamboo, cane and terracotta craft work.Some of its prized collection include, the 250-300-year-old, Bhoota (Bhuta) Collection from Karnataka (which is basically collection of carved out figures of Goddesses and folk deities of coastal Karnataka iin wood), rare Kashmiri 300-year-old ‘dushalas’, handkerchiefs from Chamba, known for their unique embroidery, rare brocade and Baluchari saris and Kutch embroidery, precious metal jewellery, rare bronze figurines from the tribes of Chhattisgarh, architectural style of Gujarat carved in wood depicting havelis, jharokhas (window), balconies, along with wall hangings, bead work, rare and unique Brocade saris and much more . The museum also boasts of huge collection of tribal and rural textiles and is an equally interesting place to visit for researchers, designers, students and craftsmen.

The Museum also houses a village complex spread over 5 acre (2000 sqmts), a remnant of a temporary exhibition on the theme of India held at 1972. The village complex have 15 structures representing village dwellings (houses) with their elaborate courtyards, rooms and kitchens, the huts made of mud and haystacks, hay roofs and sandy streets. Each of the 15 structures represents the exact replica of a village house from a different state of India, each house equipped with the replica of items used in daily life and depicts how villagers live in actual life. The crafts village also provides accommodation to several traditional craftsmen, who can be seen working in designated areas of the museum complex, where they display how the crafts are produced and actually sell their products.

The village complex also has open walls along the corridors & passages which are used as the canvas to display the painted traditions of several tribes by folk artisans/painters. Every month new folk artists are invited from different parts of the country to paint and decorate the museum’s walls.

Apart from the collection of handicrafts and textile and the crafts village, the museum houses Research and Documentation facilities, a reference library, a conservation laboratory and an auditorium.

The National Handicrafts and Handlooms museum, Delhi a.k.a crafts museum is open daily except Monday. The Museum opens at 0930 hrs and is open till 1700 hrs between July and September while it is open from 0930 hrs till 1800 hrs from October to June.

National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum or Crafts Museum is doing a tremendous job in preserving and promoting the folk legacy of India.

More information can be had from the craft museum’s own website www.nationalcraftsmuseum.nic.in

Siliguri - The Gateway To North East

2013-01-07T01:45:00.001+05:30

Siliguri : Located on the foothills of Himalaya, on the banks for River Mahananda, spread in an area of 48 sq kms, Siliguri is the second largest city in the state of West Bengal and the largest city in North Bengal. Located in the area, known as chickens neck (a thin strip of land connecting mainland India with North East) on the map of India, it is a gateway to main hill stations of North East India including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik etc. Siliguri shares its border with three countries, China, Bangladesh and Nepal which not only makes it a strategically important city but also a trading hub. With half a million of population and a booming economy, Siliguri is the transit point for air, rail and road transport for North East India. Its strategic location makes it an important military base, which is affirmed by the presence of the bases of Indian Army, Shahshatra Seema Bal, The Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security force.

The origin of Siliguri cannot be ascertained, Siliguri (known as Silichaguri till 19^th century) roughly means a heap of stones or pebbles and acted as a transit point between Nepal, Darjeeling and Kurseong. It was a small village in the trans- Morang Zone (i.e. at the meeting ground of western and eastern Morang), and belonged to the southernmost fringe of Kingdom of Sikkim. Just to the south of Siliguri, At Phanisdeoa, there was a river port having trade relations with Maldah and subsequently with the rest of Bengal and Bihar. The Sikkimese and the Bhutanese (mainly via Kalimpong as it was under Bhutan since the beginning of the eighteenth century) used the river bank near Siliguri in order to go down the Mahananda with their merchandise to Phansideoa. With the rise of King Prithvi Narayan Shah (1769 -1775), the area was annexed and came under Nepal. After the Sugauli Treaty in 1816 between British India and Nepal, post Anglo Nepal War, it became a part of British India. With the Occupation of Darjeeling in 1835 and rest of Dooars and Kalimpong in 1865, Siliguri started developing as a small town and major trading point. With the declaration of Indian Independence in 1947 and separation of Bangladesh, Siliguri saw a huge influx of immigrants and the city grow into a large town. The introduction of the railway to North East India and construction of Siliguri train station on 23^rd August 1880, played an important part in the development of this town. Siliguri today is an important town with majority of Bengali population co-existing with Gurkhas, Marwaris, Biharis etc.

Life in Siliguri revolves around 4T’s – Tea, Timber, Tourism and Transport. The climate of Siliguri is pleasurable throughout the year and is perfect for growing tea. Many Tea Garden are present in and around Siliguri town and gives it a green ethereal surrounding and a beautiful landscape to be cherished.

Being a transit point, the transport infrastructure of Siliguri is comprehensively advanced. Public Transport means include auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, local buses and large tempo. Siliguri have three major railway stations, The Siliguri Town is the Oldest in the area, Opened on 23^rd August 1880, it is the starting point for the famous narrow gauge Toy Train to Darjeeling. Siliguri Junction was the second one opened in 1949 was the point of departure for all trains to North East. It used to be one of the only railway station in India with all three gauge train tracks. Now all the long distance trains have been converted into broad gauge and the metre gauge does not exist. The New Jalpaiguri (earlier known as New Silliguri) was opened in 1964 and serves as the connecting point to every nook and corner of the country. It is one of the largest station in North East India.

Bagdogra International Airport is the only airport in the region connecting North Bengal, Sikkim and some of the North Eastern states. The airport is connected with direct flights to Kolkata and Delhi and from there connects to the rest of the world.

The Tenzin Norgay bus station connects Siliguri to Kolkata, Patna and Assam through overnight sleeper buses. It also connects to destination in Gangtok and a bus service also exists connecting to Phuentsholing in Bhutan.

Siliguri apart from being a trading hub is also a tourist paradise. Apart the Tea Gardens and beautiful, many important tourist places can be visited while in Silliguri

Salugara Monastery: Founded by Buddhist monks, it is a Buddhist pilgrim centre for the followers of Dalai Lama. There is a 100feet stupa here which is believed to have been founded by Kalu Rimpoche, the Lama from Tibet. It has five varieties of relics. Located 06 kms from Siliguri, it has scenic surroundings perfect for meditation..

Coronation Bridge: Built in the year 1930, this bridge over River Teesta, located at the meeting point of River Rangeet and River Teesta was built to respect the coronation of King George V.It is an important construction as it connects Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Situated near to Sevokeshwari Kali Mandir in the serene surroundings over the beautifully clear waters, this is a true specimen of excellent Britush architectural excellence.

Surya Sen Park: Located in Mahakal Pally, this is one of the most popular picnic spot. This is an eco friendly zone and was developed to make people aware about preserving environment and educate about alternative energy sources. There is a bust statue of Surya Sen in the park. The picturesque ambience here with majestic landscapes makes the park perfect for tourists.

ISKCON: The temple for International Society for Krishna Consciousness is in dedication to Lord Krishna. Managed by Hari Krishna Movement, it has idols of Lord Narasimha, Radha, Lord Krishna and it is resplendent with its marbled tiled flooring.

Science Centre: Located in the northern part of Siliguri. It has a collection of scientific experiments and well equipped gadgets, a nature Interpretation centre showing the diverse flora and fauna found here.

Madhuban Nature Park: An initiative by the Indian Army, it is beautifully maintained Park and is a perfect picnic spot. Rabbit, Deer, Peacocks etc are found here apart from beautiful and vide variety of butterflies.

Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary: A lovely patch of green forestland between the Teesta and Mahananda Rivers, it is full of dense Bushes and thick trees. Sambar, Elephant, Indian Bison, Fishing Cat , Barking Deer and cheetal are some of the animals fond here in abundance. It is also a great destination for trekkers offering various trekking routes.

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: One of the Oldest Indian Sanctuaries, located in Dooars alongside River Murti, this was declared a sanctuary in 1998. It is home to mixed dry forests with Sal, Shishu, Teak and Shirish Trees apart from beautiful Orchids are found here. Indian Bison, Indian Elephant, Cheetal, barking Deer, Pangolin etc are the main animals found here and The adjutant Stork, Green Pigeon, Indian Treepie and Green Magpie are the main birds found here. There is an observation tower here and also a tribal village.

Savin Kingdom: A tourist spot mainly for amusement and entertainment, it is a beautiful spot with great scenic beauty. Ensconced amidst Tea Plantation, it has large playgrounds and is also a favored picnic spot.

Umrao Singh Boat Club: Located at a place called Sukna, this boat club is maintained by Indian Army. The boat club offers boating on various types of boats like paddled boat and engine boats and is a place to enjoy and relax.

Walking Tours - An Amazing way to experience Indian Culture

2012-12-16T19:38:00.001+05:30

Once arranging the cultural tour to India was restricted to arranging of a comfortable hotel for accommodation, designing the route ensuring the most comfortable means of transportation with the lowest possible traveling time between the two cities and visit to few of the renowned monuments depicting the historical moments of the country. It was more of a relaxation holiday at a foreign locale on the premise of exploring the local culture. But did it really introduced you to the local cultures and beliefs or helped you understand the ways of life, of the people of the destination you are visiting??. Does it fulfill the role of tourism as a greater binding force by developing better understanding of each others culture??. Probably not.

With the advent of modern communication means, the life of human being has become more active, they are performing more activities per day than they used to do earlier, they are better informed, better and more widely connected, sometimes across world boundaries (through facebook or linkedin etc), still they are far from each other, bereft of understandings of others thinking, personality and cultural ethos. To fill this gap, new age travel agents are developing ways to give you a more closer look and a better understanding of the cultures you are visiting, to enable you to make a personal bond and discover the facets your culture might be lacking. It not only gives you better understanding of human life but also help make you a better person.

One of the most popular new age travel phenomenon developed to achieve this is the walking tour of the cities historical areas, which have resident people representing different eras and beliefs. A walking tour , by slowing down your travel through a particular area, not only gives you enough time to observe the day to day life from very close quarters but also gives you chance to interact with the local people. Walking through a street of residences or through an old market where resident come for their daily purchases, not only helps you come across the daily struggle a normal resident have to go through, but also helps you share briefly, their moments of joy, despair and sorrow. The walking tours give you a chance to relive some of the moments as experienced by the local people. A great local guide discussing his life experiences with you while you walk through the places where he or one of his friends/ relative has spent his childhood, will not only take you to nostalgia but will also help you to bring closer to yourself, letting you appreciate what you have and desire to have what you missed.

A lot of new age travel agents in Delhi, the historical city and capital of Modern India, have devised walking tours of Delhi introducing you, not only to its rich historical past, but also to its sound, smell and tastes. Being an amalgamation of Seven different cities of different Era, the modern day Delhi is a multifaceted city, where Old meets New, Where the people wearing ultra modern western clothes still have their traditional cultural ethos ingrained in them, where you have swanky new age malls sharing the space with the heritage era structures, where modern day transport means co exist with the traditional transport means. It gives you numerous area spread across different parts of the city, to explore, unraveling different aspects of the city’s life and history. A lot many tour operators have mastered the art of providing the walking tours across the city providing you a near authentic experience of cities culture, some of them who arrange Walking tours of Delhi – an amazing way to experience Indian culture :

www.masterjikeehaveli.com : Organized by Mr Dhruv Gupta, who is the resident of this heritage haveli in Old Delhi area, it only takes you to the bylanes of erstwhile Shahjahanabad and today’s walled city and experience the life from close quarters, but you also get a chance to visit his home, where you will have a sumptuous meal for your Lunch Or Dinner. Here you even can have a cooking lesson in Indian Cooking given by his wife.

www.delhimagic.com : Organized by Ms Deepa Krishnan, who has specialized in organizing walking tour across India including in Mumbai, Agra, Kolkata etc, through the team of highly professional travel enthusiasts.

www.delhiheritagewalks.com : Found by Late Mr Rajesh Ranjan, Delhi heritage walks employs professionals with diverse educational background but all with he passion towards discovering and preserving the rich historical lineage of Delhi. The walks are organized at different parts of Delhi, focusing on different Era’s. Apart from scheduled walks, individual walks are also organized by them.

INTACH (The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) is a national body started in 1984, now having about 150 chapters across India. It not only prepares the comprehensive list of built heritage of Delhi and other parts of India, it plays an important part in making people aware of the rich cultural heritage through public meetings and events. Conducting heritage walks through the areas rich in heritage monuments is also part of the same efforts. It conducts scheduled walks on certain days, where people can join after paying certain fee. You will be accompanied by a historian during these walks to give you detailed information about the rich history of the monuments and city.

It co-ordinates with the local government towards preservation of the heritage monuments

SALAAM BALAK TRUST: Salaam Balak Trust is an NGO engaged in uplifting of unprivileged and less fortunate children. In this endeavor, they have picked up some children from the street and have trained them to be guide. These Children now double up as guides to take tourists to walk through the bye lanes of Paharganj and the area around New Delhi railway station, where they had spent their childhood. They will give you the insight on the daily life of these underprivileged children and their families and you will also get to learn the cultural ethos of real India.

Neora Valley National Park

2012-12-01T21:53:00.001+05:30

Neora Valley National Park

One of the richest biodiversity Parks in North East India, Neora Valley National park is spread over an area of 88 sq kms of Kalimpong , Sub Division of Darjeeling district. Neora Valley national park derives it biodiversity from the variation of altitude it encompasses under its ambit. With its altitude varying from 600 feet to 10600 ft ( at Rechela Danda, Neora Valley National Park) displays temperate tropical vegetation to sub alpine vegetation. Established in 1986, Neora Valley National Park is the least exploited National Parks of India. Its rugged hilly train and still unexplored and unreachable dense Jungle makes it an exciting place for the nature lovers. In some parts of the park, the vegetation is so thick that the sunlight fails to penetrate and reach to the ground. Bounded by natural forests, dense bamboo groves, colorful canopy of rhododendron trees, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snow capped mountains in the backdrop, it is just perfect for trekking enthusiasts.

Neora Valley National Park is rich in vegetation with various species of trees and plants growing here. Neora Valley National park is particularly rich in trees of rhododendron, bamboo, oak, ferns and sal. The National Park is famous for its variety of wild orchids, with its splendid colors and invigorating patterns, the orchids growing here are unique. The deep unexplored forest of Neora Valley National Park might be holding numerous exotic varieties of Orchids still unknown to man.

Known as home to Red Panda, Neora Valley national park is rich in its fauna. Apart from the highly endangered species of Red Panda found here, it is also home to endangered species of clouded leopard and Musk deer. Neora Valley national park is also home to Indian Gaur, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Himalayan Thar, Serrow, Gural, Deer and Squirrels. The recent discovery of Royal Bengal Tiger from here had brought the National Park in high sensitive Zone at the same time increasing its diversity. According to 2002 tiger census, Neora Valley National Park has 19 big cats.

Neora National Park is paradise for the bird watchers too offering varieties of rare birds to be watched. You can find here spectacular variety of pheasants, cuckoos, minivets, flycatchers, maynas, orioles, owls, parakeets, Partridges, Sunbirds, Swallows, Swifts and Woodpeckers. Neora National Park is equally famous for the plethora of butterflies found here. Kaiser-e- Hind and Krishna Peacock are amongst the most attractive butterflies. A mammoth variety of insects including bugs, beetles, spiders and ants are also found here.King cobra, common cobra krait, green pit viper, blind snake and lizards are also found in Neora Valley National Park

Neora National Park can be entered from Lava, 30kms from Kalimpong and also from Samsing, 80kms from Siliguri. It offers numerous trekking routes for the trekking enthusiasts, the most popular being a six day trek through the forests comprising Samsing - Bhote Ghar - Thusum - Rechela - Alubari - Lava offering you an unforgettable thrilling experience

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim

2012-11-20T22:45:00.000+05:30

Sikkim is a treasure house for nature lovers, a paradise for trekkers. Its bio diverse wildlife not only gives you a chance to see the flora and fauna of different weather conditions, but also brings you closer to the nature while giving you ample opportunity to explore it in close quarters through trekking.

The major sanctuaries apart from KanchendzongaNational Park , preserving the nature of the hill state of Sikkim are as below:

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:

Spread over an area of 43 sq kms, located on the periphery of the picturesque valley of Yumthang Chu, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is one of the best places to see various species of Rhododendrons. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is spread in Northern Sikkim, with its southern boundary being demarcated by Yakchey La while in the North is it is surrounded by the picturesque Yumthang Valley. In the east, it is surrounded by the high rugged Chuba-Sagochen mountain ranges and in the west part of Chomzomei Tso extending up to Lava pass defines its boundaries. The picturesque Yumthang Chu (river) flows through the wide valley offering a breathtaking landscape. The sanctuaries altitude varies from 3048m and 4575m

Lachung is the last frontier offering accommodation to the visitors before reaching Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Lachung is used as the base for exploring this sanctuary. Shingba is famous for the profusion of the Rhododendron flowers, so much so that about 40 species of the flower is found here. Rhododendron nevium the State Tree occurs only in this sanctuary. Apart from Rhododendrons, the sanctuary also boasts of primulas, potentillas, gentians, saxifrages, poppies, aconites larch, juniper, maple along with rambling lichens. You can also see silver fir and well-groomed thick mat of moss shielding the soil.

Shingba Sanctuary is also famous for a large faunal variation, specially for the presence of The beautiful and highly endangered Spotted Linsang or Tiger-Civet . Other animals found here include The Serow, Goral, Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge etc. Brown Trout, an exotic fish species, was introduced in Yumthang Chu in 1978 and have been flourishing since then.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary can be reached from Lachung. The best time to visit is from April to May and from September to November, when the temperature and weather is most favorable. However the best time to visit is April May, as it is the time, when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom converting the valley of Yumthang into valley of flowers.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 104 sq kms of Soreng and Gyalshing District in west Sikkim, Barsey or Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary was established in 1988. It is an important corridor between the Kanchendzonga National Park in north and Singhalia National Park in West Bengal to the east. It is a mix mountain kind of flora with its altitude ranging from a bit above 2200 mts to above 4000 mts. The site contains five forest types: subtropical moist deciduous forest (2,200–2,400 m), wet temperate forest (2,400–2,700 m), moist temperate forest (2,700–3,250 m), sub-alpine forest (3,250–4000 m), and alpine meadows (>4,000 m).

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary can be reached from Geyzing via Hilley, Dentam or Soreng. It is a beautiful 04 kms trek from Hilley. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is famous for presence of wide variety of Rhododendrons. Almost 600 types of Rhododendron are found here out of the total 1000 types found in Sikkim. Some of the species of Rhododendron that can be easily seen in the sanctuary are arboreum, cinnabarinum, falconeri, barbatum, campanulatum hodgsoni, Acer caudatum, Betula utilis, Pieris ovalifolia, Prunus rufa, Pyrus foliolosa and P. macrophylla

Apart from the above type of Rhododendrons, the other flora found here are numerous species of Primula, Magnolia, oaks and pine. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is also famous for its fauna including the Red Panda and Black Bear. Other fauna species found here includes Leopard, Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet, Cannidae Wild dog, Indian Fox, Jackal, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Barking Deer, Serow, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Langur, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Monal Pheasant and Kaleej Pheasant, Crestless Porcupine, Rufous Tailed Hare, Chinese Pangolin, Flying Squirrel, Giant Squirrel and Himalayan Mouse Hare.

The best time to visit is from April to May and from September to November, when the temperature and weather is most favorable. However the best time to visit is April May, as it is the time, when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. Barsey can be reached from Sillliguri by first traveling to Jorethang ( about 03 hrs drive ) followed by drive to Hilley ( about 2.5 hrs Drive). From Hilley you need to trek to reach Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 31 sq kms, about 36 kms from the Capital of state of Sikkim, Gangtok, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary was established in 1977. With the average altitude varying between between 3292m to 4116m, it lies along the Nathula Road, in the vicinity of famous Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake). The area extends from “15 mile Police Check Post along the ridges bordering Rongchu and Tsomgo Lake upto Nathula Pass.

This sanctuary can be visited for its blooming alpine flowers including Rhododendrons, Poppies, Primus, ground Orchids, Etc. Other important plants and trees found here includes Tall Junipers, Silver Fir, gentians, Wild strawberries, rare panax, irises etc. You can also discover medicinal plants like Nilo Bikh, Kutki, Jatamasi etc here. Rhododendron Nevium (the state tree of Sikkim) and Cypripedium Tibeticum ( the ground slipper Orchid) , both on the verge of extinctions, have been introduced here.

The sanctuary has and extended season for flowers blooming, with the different flowers blooming at different seasons/time period, and hence extending the beauty of the sanctuary for a longer periods. The best time to visit the Sanctuary is from April to August and in the month of October to November. Starting May, Primulas are the first to pop through the snow, which are followed by Rhododendrons, which are in their full bloom in June and July. Other species of flowers come to bloom subsequently with the last species to bloom being Polygonum, which dries up in October, when the winter sets in. Snow Fall is experienced in December covering the entire area with snow, untill about April.

The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is also rich in its fauna with the various type of high altitude animals seen here including Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Blood Pheasant, Leopard, Red Panda, Common Langur, Himalayan Marmot, Yellow Throated Martens Weasel, Lesser Cats and Satyr Tragopan.

The sanctuary is also rich in its bird population with some of the commonly seen bird here are Monal Pheasant, Laughing Thrushes, Satyr, Sow Partridges, Redbilled Choughs, Redstarts, Rose Finches, Tragopan, Kestrel, Firetailed Sunbirds, Forktails etc.

The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from state Capital Gangtok through one and hour ride. Both Buses and taxis are available to travel to Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

Located at a distance of 24 kms from the state capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, just above Singtam Dickchu Road, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 51.76 square kilometers and is a trekker’s delight. With its altitude ranging from 1524 mts to 2649 mts, it provides many a spot from where you can have a beautiful view of the Kanchendzonga ranges. The highest peak in the sanctuary is Tinhurey at 2749 mts. There are various watchtowers at Alubari, Tinijurey and Sang Tsokha, from where you can have a good view of the Kanchenjunga Ranges and the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is quite rich in its vegetation of Katus, Oak, Champ, Kimbu, Ferns and Bamboo. Also various types of Rhododendrons, Mosses, Orchids and Lycopodium too can be found here.

Amongst the fauna, the most visible animals available here are Himalayan Black Bear, Civet Cat, Red Panda, Binturong or Bear cat etc. It is also rich in its avi fauna, with the birds to the like of Satyr Tragopan, Hill Patridges, Kalij Pheasant, Collared Scops Owl, Collared Broadbill, Black Eagle, Maroon Oriole, Bulbus, Titmice, Green Pigeon, Brown Wood Owl, Nepal Tree Creeper, Orange Bellied Chloropsis, Yellow Billed Blue Magpie etc can be seen here.

Fambong Lho wildlife sanctuary offers various interesting routes for Trekkers too.

The best time to visit is from April to Late May, when the Rohododendrons are in full bloom. September to Mid December is also good for traveling as the weather is most suitable then. It can be easily accessed through the drive from Gangtok. The famous Rumtek Monastery lies on its southern Periphery.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about 65 kms From State Capital Gangtok, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 36.43 square Kilometers of South Sikkim District. Maenam lies in the northern Part of South Sikkim district and is easily accessible by road from Namchi (regular buses and taxis are available from here). Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary has an average altitude of 2300 – 3263 mts and offers you a stunning view of River Teesta flowing through it. Maenam Wildlife sanctuary is 26kms from the beautiful town of Ravangla and is located just over the Tendong hill. It is fed by Teesta River in the east and Ringit River in the West.

Maenam Literally means “treasure house of medicine”. True to its name, the sanctuary is full of plants having medicinal value. Apart from being rich in the Medicinal Plants, it also is home to various rare species of animals including Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Baring Deer, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Civet Cats, Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Magpies, Black Eagle, Blue Necked Pitta, Woodcock, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Rufous Turtle Dove, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Common Rose Flinch, Red Headed Bullfinch, Goldheaded Black Finch etc

Maenam sanctuary is not only famous for its rich flora and fauna, but is an equally popular for the various trekking routes it offer for the trekkers. The two most popular treks are the trek of 12 kms from Ravangla to Maenam, transiting through trails of alpine Forests and striking view of Mt. Kanchendzonga, and the other one from Maenam to Borong Village.

Maenam wildlife sanctuary also offers a chance to visit Maenam Gumpha, a monastery located on the top ridge of the sanctuary and founded by Queen of Sikkim on 1969. Apart from this there is a Shiva Temple located at one of the villages and considered to be sacred along the local population.

Maenam Wildlife sanctuary can be reached from Gangtok via Ravangla and Namchi. Just 65 kms from Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangtok inturn connects the sanctuary with rest of India.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 128 sq kms, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2002 and it the newest sanctuary in Sikkim. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Pangolakha Range , which extends below the Chola Range and demarcates Sikkim with Bhutan. Hathichirey ( the place where Elephants can penetrate) form the tri junction between Bhutan, Sikkim and West Bengal.

The average altitude of the sanctuary varies from 1760 to 4390 mts and offers the typical alpine- temperate – subtropical vegetation, with high altitude lakes at Nathula and Jelepla. The main forest types includes trees of Rhododendron, Silver Fir, Juniper, Oak and dense Bamboo Thickets. The forest is just ideal for the habitat of Red Panda, Sikkim’s State Animal and Bison besides its act as an important corridor for Tiger and Takin. A recent survey of the Red Panda have found almost 300 Red Panda’s combined in Neora and Pangolakha National Parks.

It is more famous for its Avian Fauna with a rich repository of Birds especially near the Jelepla and Nathula. It also forms and extension of the more popular Neora Valley National Park of West Bengal, which in itself is an important bird area.

Recently a proposal has been mooted to covert Pangolakha wildlife Sanctuary into a National Park, to step up the efforts of conservation and at the same time to ensure the continuity of the Neora National Park.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary can be reached from Gangtok via Jelepla Pass, a distance of 57 kms and 1.5 hrs drive. Gangtok in turn connects it to the rest of the country.

Sikkim - Nature Lovers delight

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Sikkim – The land of Rhododendrons is famous for breathtakingly beautiful valleys and some of the religiously most important Buddhist monasteries. Although primarily known for its beautiful valleys, important monasteries, optimum weather of an ideal summer resort and trekking routes, it is equally rich in its biodiversity. The presence of almost 06 sanctuaries and one National Park covering almost 2300 kms of this tiny state, in itself speaks for the rich flora and fauna present here and makes it a nature lover’s delight. Sikkim is rich in its flora, with both temperate and alpine regions, spread over an altitude of 2500 feets to 10500 feets. The biodiversity of the state of Sikkim is being preserved under the following National parks and Sanctuaries:

National Park

1. Khangchendzonga National Park: North, South, West 850 sq. km.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

1. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, North Sikkim, 43 sq. km.

2. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary West Sikkim, 104 sq. km.

3. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary East Sikkim, 31 sq. km.

4. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, 51.76 sq. km.

5. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, South Sikkim, 35.34 sq. km.

6. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, 124 sq. km.

Kanchendzonga National Park

Spread over 850 sq kms of area under Sikkim, Kanchendzonga (also Kanchenjunga) National Park is the largest biosphere reserve and the only National Park in the state of Sikkim. Kanchendzonga National Park covers an area of about 25% of the state of Sikkim and is probably one of the most bio diverse National Park of the world, with its altitude ranging from 1300 mts (approx 4000 fts) to 8550 mts (approx 2800 fts). The park in its ambit have the worlds third highest peak in Mt Kanchendzonga (8550 fts), many glaciers (the biggest being Zemu glacier, which is 26kms long and is one of the biggest in North East Himalayas) and other high altitude park.

Kanchenjunga National Park was established on 26 Aug 1977, and since then the Government have done excellent work in maintaining its bio diversity. Kanchendzonga in local language literally means ‘Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses'. Buddhist believes that the Kanchendzonga in itself, have hidden many important religious scripture and relics. It is also believed that Kanchendzonga is the guardian diety of Sikkim and guard the area along with the other five peaks which are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks are Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which lie in the park area.

The variation in its altitude between 4000 fts to 28000 fts has resulted in equally varied flora and fauna. The National Park at one end have temperate broad leaved forests and on the other have coniferous trees receding into barren lands, typical of high altitude mountains, in between you have mixed forests displaying the flora of both the extremes.

The temperate broad leaved forest is dominated by Oaks, Fir, Birch, Maple, Willow etc. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common scrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants and herbs found in higher Himalayan altitudes.

The variation in altitude, temperature and flora also means rich bio diversity in the animals, reptiles and birds found at Kanchenjunga National Park. The most famous of the animals found here is the Snow Leopard. Apart from Snow Leoplard, other animals of importance found here are clouded Leopard, Tibetan Wild Ass, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Civet, Red Panda, Wild Dog, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Goral, Serow and Takin. Kanchendzonga National Park is also home to reptiles like Rat snake and Russell's viper apart from about 550 species of birds, out of which 127 are in endangered list. Some of the rare species found in Kanchenjunga National Park is Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier,Tragopan Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird & Eagle, Baer’s Pochard, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, and Black-breasted Parrotbill,

Best time to visit Kanchenjunga National Park is from April to May and from September to Novermber, From May to September, it is a period of monsoon and heavy rainfall making it treacherous to travel, while from November to March, the area receives snowfall and experiences very low temperatures.

Kanchendzonga National Park can be explored by trekking only. Yusksom serves as the base for various trekking routes for Kanchenjunga National Park. Yuksom is some 40 kms from Pelling and about 145 kms from state capital Gangtok. The nearest railhead for Kanchendzonga National Park is at New Jalpaiguri at 125 kms while Bagdogra at 147 kms is the nearest airport for the Kanchendzonga National Park. Darjeeling another beautiful town is about 90 kms.

Some of the most popular trekking routes are from Yusksom and Lachen.

• Yuksom - Tshoka – Dzongri

• Bakim - Dzongri - Thangshing - Samuteng – Goechala

• Dzongri Base Camp - Rathong – Khangerteng

• Thangshing - Lam Pokhari - Kasturi Orar - Lapdong - Tashiding.

• Lachen-Yabuk-Rest Camp (Marco Polo Camp) - Green Lake

• Lachen-Thangu (13,695 feet (4,174 m)) - Muguthang (16,000 feet (4,900 m)) - Thay La (17,000 feet (5,200 m)) - Khyoksa La (18,000 feet (5,500 m)) - Rest Camp - Green Lake.

You need to obtain prior permission to visit Kanchenjunga National Park from the Ministry of Home affairs (for foreign nationals) and the Inner Line Permit from State Home Department ( both for Indian and Foreign nationals). Permission of the State Chief Wildlife Warden is also required to visit the National Park.

Kalimpong - the land of beautiful Valleys

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Kalimpomg, the land of beautiful valleys, is a small village in Darjeeling district, some 80kms from Bagdogra and New Jalpaiuri,is one of the most beautiful town of the lower Himalayas also known as Mahabaharata Hills. At an altitude of 1250 mtts(approx 4100 ft),located on top of a ridge on the east of river Teesta, this hill station of "the Raj" ( known as It was developed by Britishers) , has an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks, Flowering valley full of Rhododendrons and Gladiolas.

The town was initially known as Kaleebung and later on, the name was converted to Kalimpong. There is no certainty as to the origin of the name of the town and quite a few theories are there explaining the origin. The most widely accepted theory about the origin of the name Kalimpong is "Assembly (or Stockade) of the King's Ministers" in Tibetan, derived from kalon ("King's ministers") and pong ("stockade"). It is also supported by its translation from Lepcha “ridges where we play" or ‘Hillock of Assemblage’, as it was known to be the region's traditional tribal gathering for summer sporting events. People from the hills also call the area Kalibong ("the black spurs").Some people believe that the name Kalimpong is derived from a fibrous plant Kaulim found in this region. Another theory as propagated by K.P. Tamsang, author of ‘The Untold and Unknown Reality about the Lepchas’, the name Kalenpung is the root word for the Kalimpong, Kalenpung is the fibrous plant found here. Other theories suggest that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan.

Until the mid-19th century, Kalimpong and the area around was ruled in succession by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms.Under Sikkimese rule, the area was known as Dalingkot, however in year 1706, the king of Bhutan won this territory from the Sikkimese monarch and renamed it Kalimpong. Kalimpong was once been the forward position of the Bhutanese, the area being sparsely populated by the indigenous Lepcha community and migrantBhutia and Limbu tribes. In 1780, the Gurkhas invaded and conquered Kalimpong. After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula was signed in 1865, according to which Bhutanese held territory east of the Teesta River was ceded to the British East India Company. including Kalimpong, which was a small hamlet with two to three families residing there.

The first recorded mention of the town of Kalimpong is a fleeting reference made that year by Ashley Eden, a government official with the Bengal Civil Service. In 1866, Kalimpong was added to district of Darjeeling ,In 1866–1867 an Anglo-Bhutanese commission demarcated the common boundaries between the two, thereby giving shape to the Kalimpong subdivision and the Darjeeling district. The favorable temperate climate and beautiful scenic nature prompted the British to develop this town as an alternative hill station to Darjeeling. Kalimpong's proximity to the Nathu La and Jelep La passes (La means "pass"), offshoots of the ancient Silk Road, soon made it an important trading outpost in the trade of furs, wools and food grains between India and Tibet. The increase in commerce attracted large numbers of migrants from Nepal, leading to an increase in population and economic prosperity.

Following Indian independence in 1947, Kalimpong became part of the state of West Bengal. When China annexed Tibet in 1959, many Buddhist monks fled Tibet and established monasteries in Kalimpong. These monks also brought, with them many rare Buddhist scriptures which are preserved in these monasteries. In 1962,the Sino-Indian War led to closure of Jelepla Pass and disrupted trade between Tibet and

India

leading to a slowdown in Kalimpong's economy.

Kalimpong and neighbouring Darjeeling were major centres demanding for a separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s. Between 1986 and 1988, the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland and Kamtapur based on ethnic lines grew strong. Riots between the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the West Bengal government led to the formation of theDarjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, a body that was given semi-autonomous powers to govern the Darjeeling district, except the area under the Siliguri subdivision.

Kalimpong is a beautiful town scattered with beautiful and religiously important monasteries, beautiful valley full of natural delights. Most of the Kalimpong of today have developed under the colonial rule, giving the buildings a colonial charm and the town its character. Kalimpong is not only a destination for natural lovers and religious followers, but it is also a shoppers delight with markets full of indigenous handicraft items mostly of Tibetan and Bhutanese nature.

Kalimpong town in itself have numerous places of interest to offer for sightseeing, some of the most interesting are:

Kalimpong town is located on the ridge connecting two peaks of variable altitude, Deolo is the highest point in Kalimpong at 5591 ft while Durpin is the lowest point at 4190 ft. Both Deolo and Durpin offers excellent view of Mt kanchendzunga.

Deolo/Delop Top can be reached by 15minutes drive from Kalimpong city centre towards Algarah. Apart from the scenic view of Kanchanzunga, Deolo top also offers a large well maintained garden spread over several acres.

Durpin is closer to city centre. Durpin, which roughly means "binoculars" offers the view of whole Chola Range of Sikkim including the Jelep La Pas, apart from Kanhenjunga in Northwest and Tiger Hill in South. Below you can also see the mighty Teesta River and the sangam of Relli and Ryang with Teesta. Durpin hill also have one of the most sacred monasteries in Kalimpong, known as Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa.

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was Built in the mid-1970s. H.H. the Dalai Lama, on his visit to Kalimpong in the year 1956 presented a set of rare manuscripts "Kangyur" of 108 volumes to the Durpin Dara Monastery, which led to the construction of the new monastery to house them. The construction of the monastery was completed in 1975 The Dalai Lama visited

Kalimpong once again on May 29, 1976, for a four day visit, when he consecrated at the Durpin Dara Monastery. This 'Gompa' (monastery) houses impressive wall-paintings and a rare three dimensional `mandal` upstairs. A climb up the stairs takes you to the top of the monastery giving you better view of the Kanchenjunga as well as the Dooars Valley.The aesthetic atmosphere with the chants of prayers by Groups of monks inside the main hall is an experience that you will like to remember fora long time. Brang monastery is one of its kind out side Tibet and has retained the special lamaistic order with a school of Tibetan Medicine and a religious debating society.

Another important monastery is on the way to Deolo, the Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai belonging to the Yellow-Hat-Sect of lamas or Gelugpa Sect of the Dalai Lama and was established in 1937.Other monasteries worth visiting are Thongsa Gompa, Founded in 1692, It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong. The Pedong Bhutanese monastery established in the same year near the old Bhutanese Damsang Fort at Algara is where ceremonial dances are held every February.

A picturesque Golf Course on the Slopes of Durpin Ridge has been constructed by the army. This nine holes (12 greens) golf course is one of the more challenging Golf Courses and adds to the beauty of the town.

Kalimpong Arts and Craft Centre

The Kalimpong Arts and Craft Centre, founded by Mrs. Katherine Graham in the year 1897, is located within walking distance from the motor stand and is famous world wide for its handicrafts. Some of the things made here are tapestry bags, purses, pictorial wall panels, screens, embroidered bags, scrolls etc. The centre also manufacture Bhutanese, Lepchas and Sikkimese designed cloth which is also used on the handicraft item prepared at the centre. It is stated that once more than 500 people used to work when it was managed by the Scottish Missionaries.

Dr. Graham's Home

Formal English education in Kalimpong started in year 1870 with the arrival of Scottish missionaries. Rev. W. Macfarlane in the early 1870s established the first schools in the area. Later the Scottish University Mission Institution was opened in 1886, followed by the Kalimpong Girls High School. In 1900, Reverend J.A. Graham founded the St. Andrew's Colonial and Industrial Settlement, now simply known as 'Dr. Graham's Home' for destitute Anglo-Indian students. It started with the initial batch of 35 students, in a cottage on Deolo (population of Kalimpong then was around 1000 people). As time progressed and city grew ( the current population of Kalimpong is about 50000 people), Dr Graham's House also grew. It is now a multi religious, has both boy and girl students, Boarders and day pupils and even fee paying students, and is spread over 50 cottages. This unique institution is still supported by part by charitable collections and sponsors from all over the world.

Gouripur House

About 2 kms from Town, on th eway to Durpin Dara, is located Gaouripur House (now Co-operative Training Institute). Though a small hill station, Kalimpong was one of the favourite place of the great Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore. Whenever he visited Kalimpong he stayed at Gouripur House ( Chitra Bhanu).On 25th April,From this house , Rabindranath Tagore, recited his poem "Janamadin" through a telephone system linked with the All India Radio, Calcutta. He wrote many poems when he was residing in this house. His last visit ended on 28th Sept 1954.

Darmodaya Vihar

Damodaya Vihar is a temple on Rishi Road and is the residence of Nepalese Buddhists monks and is run and maintained by the members of Kalimpong Dharmodaya Sabha. The idol of Buddha inside the temple at Dharmodaya Vihar was presented by Buddhists of Burma. A Nursery school by the name "Dharmodaya Nursery School" in the old premises of the Vihar is also being un there.

Flower Nurseries:

Kalimpong is an important flower producing city in

India

. It has over 40 nurseries producing flowers like Orchids and Gladiolas. Kalimpong produces over 80% of Gladiolas in the country. Flowers are exported from here to the cities in northern India. Sri Ganesh Moni Nursery and Udai Moni Nursery are two important nurseries here. A Flower Festival is held in the month of October.

Swiss Welfare Dairy and Central Sericulture Station

About four km from the town towards the Teesta and just above the Central Sericulture Station is the Co-operative Dairy called the Swiss Welfare Dairy. Also worth visit is the The State Sericulture Department which has taken up an expanding programme of mulberry cultivation in Darjeeling Hills. Following in the footsteps of India's preceptors, medicinal plants are being cultivated among the Rauwalfa Serpentina, Digitalia, Puipa Belladona etc. They are a delight to visit to for socialist as well as nature lovers.

Apart from the above locations within this beautiful city, the following places too can be visited as short excursions:

Gitdabling - Budhabare

Budhabare roughly meaning Wednesday is a weekly market located at Gitabdling, in the valley of Git River. Every Wednesday the tribals assemble to sell their produce and purchase itmes of daily need. It is a great opportunity to study local tribal culture, ways of life and dressing by visiting these markets. The valley of Git river , at an altitude of 1400mts in itself is a scenic countryside with forests, streams with clean water, terraced cultivation and Old style homes. It offers and ideal atmosphere for trekking amongst the old Lephca Houses, Vllage pubs, Church and Gompa.

Lolegaon - Kafer

Located about 54 kms from Kalimpong town, Lolegaon is A forest region with exotic flora, unusual serenit. The a sunrise view of Jhandi Dara rivals the view from Tiger Hill. Accommodation is available at forest rest house and tents.

Lava

Located about 30kms from the Kalimpong Town , at an altitude of 2000 mts, on a pass astride the old trade route to

Bhutan

, Lava is a small hamlet. Surrounded by virgin forests, it is ideal for nature exploration, bird watching, and for viewing orchids in their natural habitat. You can go to Sherpa View Point for excellent views of the snow ranges of the Chola Range.Lava is also the base for exploring the Neora Valley,you can go upto the 3152 m high Rachela Pass on the junction with Sikkim and Bhutan. It also serves as a base for Treks to Samthar plateau. Lava and the Neora Valley National Park are birders' paradise; some of India's most sought-after birds are found here.

Neora National Park

Spread over 88 sq kms area, Neora National Park is a semi-evergreen forests with altitude between 1600 m and 2700 m and is home of several rare species of birds, mammals and flora. Large part of the Neora National Park is still inaccessible, at times due to the density of its forests comprising dense woody trees, bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron trees and oak trees. This national park is one of the most bio diverse park in East India, the height varying from 1600 mts to 2700 mts ensuring that the flora ranges from broad leaved tropical plants to the coniferous plants of higher altitude. It most famous for its population of Red Panda apart from other mammals like clouded leopard, musk dear, Himalayan Black bear, sloth bear, Himalayan Flying squirrel etc. It is also a paradise for the bird watchers with some of the rarest of the words found here like Rufous-throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker apart from many other birds (around 700 species).

Apart from the above attractions, Kalimpong also serves as base for many an adventure activities including trekking, River rafting at River Teesta or enjoying the journey on samco ropeway, giving you a birds eye view of Teesta river valley , some 120 kms down.

Kalimpong weather is pleasant throughout the year, with maximum temperature never crossing 30 degree celsius. March to May is the summer season and best to visit. June to October is the monsoon season, best to be avoided due to multiple landslides. December to February is extremely cool, with the night temperatures touching sub zero.

Kalimpong is accessible through road, rail and air. The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra, which is 80kms away, nearest railhead New Jalpaiguri is 77kms. Both of them offer accessibility to the rest of the India with direct trains/flights to Delhi and Kolkata.

Lachung - Land of Rhododendrons

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Lachung

Situated about 120kms, 6-7 hrs drive North of Gangtok, Sikkim, at an altitude of 8610 ft, Lachung is the most famous village of North Sikkim, almost synonym of North Sikkim. Joseph Salton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855) has described Lachung as "most picturesque village of Sikkim". The snow capped mountains, the multiple rivulets and waterfalls and sparkling clean water bodies never ceases to dazzle you. Lachung is a land of infinite possibilities, Lachung is the land of valley of flowers, where Rhododendron forms the carpet of flowers, transporting you into another world.

Almost inaccessible due to Snowfall and landslides for about 06 months of the year, Lachung is full of natural surprises for those who dare to visit this North Sikkim Paradise. Lachung in itself is a small village and offers limited tourist experience; however it is the only place where you can find decent accommodation to explore the more exotic valleys in the vicinity. Apart from the market, where you can purchase items of your daily needs, Lachung have a small monastery uphill of the village, which provides you the most ideal place to meditate. A Day spent at leisure beside the Lachen Chu river will certainly rejuvenate you and bring you closer to nature.

Lachung is not open to all tourists, you need to take special permits to visit it, referred to as Inner Line Permit/ restricted area permit /Protected area permit ( PAP), which need to be applied in advance. You can visit Lachung only on package tour being organized by authorized agents from the area on a fixed itinerary, that too with a group of minimum 04 people. Lachung, North Sikkim serves an excellent base for the excursion to base to travel to Yumthang valley and its surrounding area such as Katao and Yumasamdong.

Yumthang :

Situated at an altitude of 11800 feet, about 140 kms from Gangtok, Sikkim, Yumthang is one of the most famous valleys of North Sikkim. Popularly known as “Valley of Flowers”, Yumthang is a paradise for nature lovers presenting breathtaking scenic beauty and fascinating flora and fauna. It is at the beginning of the Tibetan plateau and the tree line ends here, however the presence of wild flowers like primulas and Rhododendrons are present in abundance. The best time to visit is the spring season ( April to May end), when Rhododendron are in full bloom, filling the valley with the carpet of bright color flowers, which has earned it the name of “Valley of Flower”.

Yumthang also offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. The valley is rich with the presence of numerous hot water springs scattered all over the valley. These sulphur rich hot water springs (sulphur water springs) are considered to be medicinal and believed to have miraculous healing powers. Nevertheless a bathe in the hot water springs in the middle of cold season is always rejuvenating.

The best season for visiting the valley starts in late February and continues up to mid June, when thousands of colourful flowers are in full bloom. However, if you wish to enjoy a clear sky and brilliant view of snow-capped mountains, the September - December season would be ideal.

The most popular hot spring is the one located on the right side of Yumthang River. Another tourist attraction is he Shiv Mandir situated 06kms further from the Yumthang Valley. Accessible by trek only, you will be exhilarated to see some of the most stunning landscapes enroute. Another 16 kms , one hour drive will take you to Yumesandong. At 16000 ft, on Chinese border, its rugged vegetation free mountains, present a breathtaking scenario. November – December and February March are the best time to visit Yumesandong

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Adjoining Lachung and Yumthang, alongside Yumthang River, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is spread over 43 sq kms . The sanctuary is famous for presence of almost 24 species of Rhododendron flowers, which comes in full bloom from April to May end, presenting a riot of colors through the valley and a surreal experience few can surpass. Yumthang River flowing through the sanctuary is also rich Brown Trout and provides excellent opportunities for angling.

Lachung, Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary can be visited only after obtaining due Inner Line permits/ Restricted area permits. Further the area can be visited only in groups through an organized tour, arranged by local travel agents.

Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary does not provide options for accommodation except for a forest rest house. Hotels are available in Lachung, which is used as the base for excursion to Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Shingba Sanctuary.

Lachung is accessible by six to seven hours drive from Gangtok.

Lachen - an Unexplored Paradise in North Sikkim

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One of the bases for exploring North Sikkim is Lachen, the sister village of the other base Lachung. Situated at an altitude of 8838 feet, about 121 kms and 06 hrs drive from State capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, Lachen is the base for beautiful and famous Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.

The name Lachen means "big pass". This is a small hamlet with about 200 houses and Is opened to the tourists only few years back. Lying on a verdant plane segregated by cavernous ravines, Lachen in North Sikkim is famous for its multi hued mountains along with snowy peak and black cliffs. The natural and scenic beauty of Lachen will definitely rejuvenate you and bring you closer to itself.

The town of Lachen., mainly acts as the base for excursion to the Lake of Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu. Lachen in itself has limited attractions to offer which includes a small monastery giving you a beautiful bird eye view of Lachen town. Another attraction in Lachen is The Handicraft centre in the main market. At the centre, you can view local girls weaving carpets from Yak Wool. Lachen is also a starting point for many a trekking route including treks to Kanchenjunga National Park, Green Lake, Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.

Lachen have its own system of administration, much like the Panchayati Raj. The system is called Dzumsa head of the Dzumsa are known as Pipon & Gyenbos. The original inhabitants of Lachen are called Lachenpa. Most of the families resides during winter months only, while in summer, they are off to green pastures of Tibet to graze their cattle, however with the advent of tourism, some families have started to stay back during Summer also.

The best time to visit Lachen is from November to June.

The following are the excursions which can be taken from Lachen :

Gurudongmar Lake

Located at a height of 17800 feet, this beautiful lake remains milky in color throughout the year, owing the floating ice on the surface. The lake is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhist alike.

Legend is that the Lake used to remain frozen for most of the year, hence the locals have no source of drinking water. Once Guru Padmasambhava Passed by while returning from Tibet, when the local people approached him with the request of finding a source of drinking water for them. On hearing their plea, the Guru obliged and blessed a portion of the lake by touching it. This portion of the lake now never freezes, even in extreme winters and is a constant source of drinking water for the locals. The water of the lake is considered sacred and the tourists coming here do take the samples of this blessed water as a momento with them.

Gurudongmar lake is not open for the Foreingers, however Indian tourists can visit it with Inner Line Permits.

Chopta Valley

With the sunrise and desire to explore some of the beautiful secrets of Mother Nature, you need to set out early in the morning to visit Chopta Valley. Driving with Lachen as base, you will climb almost 4500 feet within a distance of 30 kms to reach Thangu. A 20 minutes drive from Thangu, takes one into the virgin valley of Chopta, famous for its breathtaking unexplored scenic beauty. As you drive towards Chopta, the green vegetation of low altitude gives way to the coniferous trees of the mountains, which further diminishes in sight, with the landscape slowly converting into Plateau like nature, with small bushes. Beyond Thangu, the vegetation is scarce with Chopta valley as the last bastion of vegetation before entering the Tibetan plateau kind of landscape. Thangu in itself resembles a carpet of alpine flower in the moth of May and June, while rest of the period (October to March) it is mostly covered with white snow. A further two kilometers drive or trek takes you to the Chopta Valley, which is the last point till which the foreign tourists are allowed to visit.

Located at an altitude of 13200 ft, with the temperature remaining sub 10 degrees throughout the year ( at night and in winters, it goes below zero), Chopta Valley is only one of the very few places in Sikkim, where you can actually walk on frozen river, but that happens only in winter months. In springs the valley is riot of colors with green mixing beautifully with the bright blue sky and flowers of numerous hues and shades spread along to provide you with a mesmerizing experience. As far as your eyes can see, Chopta valley is a landscape of green pasture criss crossed with small rivulets, many of them are snow covered.

An adventurous trek through Chopta valley will lead you to Muguthang valley. At an altitude of 15500ft, Muguthang valley, largely un-inhabitated is another unseen destination in the greater Himalayas.

Although Lachen is still not as famous as its sister city of Lachung, its prestine beauty, its virgin unexplored landscapes gives you enough reasons to visit this area. Visit to Sikkim cannot be said complete without visit to North Sikkim, especially to Lachen and Lachung - the unexplored Paradises of North Sikkim.

North Sikkim - An unexplored natural delight

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India is full of beautiful landscapes, but very few matches the beauty and serenity of North Sikkim, where you can still hear the silence, can experience the nature undisturbed by the so called development by humans and where experiencing nature takes precedence over any other worries you have. Visit to North Sikkim will definitely leave you rejuvenated but also make you realize what you have lost due to modern day development.

Being the Northern most district of State of Sikkim, India, Large part of it is still undisturbed by the human interference, an unexplored natural delight and the local govt. for sustainable tourism, sensibly have restricted the entry of the tourists by making it mandatory to obtain Special Permits before visiting the area beyond Mangan. At 3950 ft altitude, Mangan is the district headquarters of North Sikkim and lies approx 65 kms from Gangtok. Another 30 kms from Mangan will take you to the beautiful Chungthang, which is located at an altitude of 5600ft. From Here you will have two roads, one on left leading you to Lachen, which serves as a good excursion point for Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley while the other on right leads you to Lachung, base for tours to the valley of flowers Yumthang and other surrounding interesting places.

The Journey to North Sikkim is full of exotic natural landscapes, constantly changing horizon of misty valleys, deep blue sky, flowers in full bloom including Rhododendron, streams running down with clear water and chirping of some of the most exotic birds, making your experience ethereal.

Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Chopta Valleym Gurudongmar Lake, Chungthang, Thangu are few of the places you will regret not have visited while in

Sikkim

Mangan, the district headquarter is the only town open to tourist without permit. Mangan is the doorstep to Tibetan Plateau and offers beautiful landscapes. Tourists beyond Mangan can only travel in packaged tours.

Singhik is the first village ahead of Mangan. A small village about 15kms from Mangan at an altitude of over 5000 ft, it offers some of the breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga. An half an hour walk from Singhuk, uphill takes you to a place where you can see an ancient monastery. Another walk uphill takes you to Singhik View Point, one of the best places to see Kanchanjunga and Siniolchu.

About 2 kms downhill, through a winding road, you reach Teesta River, above the confluence of Rongyung Chu and Tista River. Leisure tourist are not allowed beyond this point however local can visit interiors like Leek, Timbong and Kussong.

Chungthang at an altitude of 5300 ft, about 31 kms from Mangan, 100 kms from State Capital of Gangtok, 26 kms from Lachen and 22 kms from Lachung, is the place where Lachen and Lachung river meet to form River Teesta. It is also the place where you need to choose between 12000 ft plus destination around Lachhung or to Lachen famous for its beautiful lakes like Gurudongmar and Tso Lamu.

The small town of Chungthang is full of legends. One legend claims it to be the place from where the word Demaong (the hidden valley of rice) first originated in

Sikkim

. According to it, the revered guru Padmasambhawa while on his way to

Tibet

, took some rice here, Some of the rice is said to have fallen into the ground, which have given it the properties to grow fine quality of rice. The land even today grows rice where as the surrounding area does not. There is a stone which is said to bear the footprint of the Guru and is a sacred spot even today.

Chungthang or Singhik does not offer good hotels to stay at, however basic accommodations are available with few of the restaurants. They can be covered as day excursion from Lachen or Lachung.

The best time visit these places is from March to June and September – November, when the weather is most pleasant.

North Sikkim is easily connected with road to Gangtok, however a prior permit (which is called Inner Line Permits, Restricted Area permits/Protected Area Permits,) is required to visit the area. The inner line permits can be obtained from the following authorities by paying a fee of USD 30 Per person.

1. All Indian Missions abroad

2. Ministry of Home Affairs

3. All Foreigners Registration Officers

4. Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi

5. Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling

6. Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of West Bengal, Calcutta

7. Government of

Sikkim

8. Chief Secretary, Gangtok

9. Home Secretary, Gangtok

10. Secretary, Tourism, Gangtok

11. I.G.P. of Police, Gangtok

12. Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi

13. Deputy Secretary, Tourism, Siliguri

14. Resident Commissioner, STCS, Calcutta

15. Tourism Officer, Rangpo

If you plan in advance and want to avoid last minute hassles, it is advisable to take an endorsement on the visa itself for permission to visit Sikkim from Indian Missions when applying for Visa to visit

India

. Once in India, it is most convenient to approach Government of Sikkim authorities at Delhi, Calcutta and Siliguri. Travel agents too help in arranging the Inner line permits (provided services are booked through them). They require the scanned copy of your passport and VISA along with Passport size photograph to do so.

The permits are normally issued on the same day or maximum by next day, but the issuance of permit is done only during the Government working days. The initial permit is issued for a period of 15 days and can be further extended twice by 15 days each

Kindly note that the nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Nigeria and Myanmar can be issued Inner Line Permits only after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. All Bhutan nationals are exempt from the requirement of obtaining Inner line permits to travel to any part of

Sikkim

. Permits to foreign diplomats and members of United Nations and International Organisations holding diplomatic/official passports are issued only at Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Only the following destinations in

Sikkim

are open for foreign travelers traveling individually:

EAST - Gangtok, Rumtek, Pakyong, Barapathing, Rongli, Renak, Aritar, Rorathang

WEST - Geyzing . Pemayangtse . Khechepheri, Tashiding . Yuksom . Soreng

NORTH - Phodong . Mangan . Singhik

SOUTH - Namchi . Ravangla

The following destinations in

Sikkim

are further open to the foreigners traveling in a group of 04 or more. Permission is granted only for tour circuits specified with definite entry and exit points, the mode of transport to be specified at the time of requesting for permit. These tours can be organized only through local tour operators and the also provide a local Liaison Officer who accompanies with the group.

East District

Gangtok –Penlong – Tinure –Rumtek/Martam

North District

Gangtok – Chungthang- Lachen – Thangu

Mangan – Lingzia – Shabrung – Tholung Monastery – Kisong (except Yabok)

Mangan – Lingzia –Sakyong-Royot –Patam (except Gochala) – Dzongri – Yoksum

Yumthang-Phuni-Phunichoka-Tarum Chachu – Chunbgthang

Dikchu – Phodong –Labrang-Nampptam –Mangan – Maling –Singhik –Samartek – Chungthang

Lachung – Yumthang – Yume – Samdong

South District

Sirwani – Temi – Damthang – Tendong – Namchi

Damthang – Tendong –Damthong – Rabangla-Maenam-Yangaang – Singchuthang - Sirwani

Rabangla – Maenam – Borong/Polout – Tashiding

Kewzing – Rayong – Tinkitam –Legship

West District

Yuksom – Dzongri (except Gochala)

Yuksom – Dzongri – Thangsing – Lampokhri

Utterey – Chewa – Bhanjang – Dhond – Garakhet – Oktak – Dzongri

Hilley – Versay – Singalila – Chewabhanjang

Hilley via Sombarey0 Versay – Soreng

Hilley – Versay – Dentam

Pelling –Sangcholing – Khecheperi – Yuksom – Dubdi – Sinon – Tashiding

The following can also be visited:

Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim (Day visit only)

Mangan, Singhik, Toong, Chungthang, Lachung and Yumthang (for 05 days only)

Foreigners can stay only to those places mentioned In the Inner line permits from the above. Any variation or violation of above instructions and conditions specified on permits are treated as offence under the Foreigners Act and are punishable under law.

So Pack your bags and be off to North Sikkim, a natures delight, amazing experience of what nature can offer.

Yuksom - Gateway to Kanchenzonga

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Yuksom, spread over a total area of 812.16 hectares (2,006.9 acres) situated at an average altitude of 1780 m was established in 1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal , the first Chogyal (temporal and religious king) of Sikkim, is a historical town in Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. It was here that the first Chogyal was coroneted, after which the Namgyal Dynastic rule lasted for 333 years (1642 – 1975). The coronation site of the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the "Throne of Norbugang". The throne made of stones is even today considered sacred as is the footprint of Lhatsun Chenpo, which can be seen close to the throne.

Yuksom is situated at the head of Khangchenjunga National Park, the largest Protected Area in Sikkim, and is the starting point for the trekking trail to Mt. Khangchendzonga, trekking to Dzongri being the most popular. Yuksom and its hills was named in the past as Ney-Pemathang for its beautiful landscape and its bio-diverse forest cover in the hills consisting of broad-leaved oak, birch, maple, chestnut, magnolia, rhododendron, silver fir, ash and alder.

Yuksom literally means the “meeting place of the three learned monks” as it was founded by three monks who came from Tibet and selected Phuntsog Namgyal as the first King of Sikkim giving him the title Chogyal. 'Chogyal' means “Religious King” or “the king who rules with righteousness”. Yuksom literally means the “meeting place of the three learned monks” as it was founded by three monks who came from Tibet and selected Phuntsog Namgyal as the first King of Sikkim giving him the title Chogyal. 'Chogyal' means “Religious King” or “the king who rules with righteousness”.

It is believed that in year 1641, Lama Lutsum Chembo travelled from Tibet to Denjong (meaning hidden country) now known as Sikkim to propagate the Buddhist religion, later He was joined by two other lamas, Sempa Chembo and Rinzing Chembo. This trinity of the most revered Lamas belonged to the Kham district in Tibet. With their primary aim to perpetuate Tibetan hold on Sikkim and with a mission to propagate Buddhism in Sikkim, they assembled from different directions at Norbugang, which later came to be known as Yuksom. The area in Rathong chu valley at Narbugong was considered to be blessed by Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rim-bo-che).

The vision of Saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rim-bo-che) had predicted the essentiality of a fourth person for the purpose of establishment of Buddhism in Sikkim, accordingly the Lamas went in pursuit of the fourth person. As the three lamas represented three directions of North, South and West in Tibet and also according to legend, Guru Rinpoche, the 9th century Buddhist saint had also foretold that a Phuntsog from the east would be the next chogyal of Sikkim, the three lamas went in search of the chosen person in the eastern region. Near the present day Gangtok, they found a man churning milk. On seeing them, the man offered them some refreshments and gave them shelter. Impressed by his deeds, they realised that he was the chosen one. They also identified Phunstsog Namgyal's ancestral royal links with Tibet and accordingly decided that he is the right person to become the temporal and religious head of the region. They then brought him to Yuksom, where they crowned him at Norbugang near Yuksom as the temporal and religious king of Sikkim, with the title of “Chogyal”. The crowning took place on a pedestal set in stones, in a pine-covered hill, and he was anointed by sprinkling water from a sacred urn. At the age of 38 years of age, he was a fifth generation descendant of Guru Tashi, a 13th century prince from the Mi-nyak House in Kham in Eastern Tibet. Thereafter, the dynastic rule of Chogyals, propagation of the Buddhist religion and building of monasteries and chortens took firm roots in Sikkim which lasted for 333 years spread over the reign of 12 kings. Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism known as Vajrayana sect was introduced, which ultimately was recognized as the state religion of Sikkim.

After becoming the King, the first initiative the Phuntsog took was the conversion of the local Lepcha tribes to Buddhism . He the set about expanding his kingdom up to the Chumbi Valley in Tibet, parts of modern day Darjeeling in the south, and parts of eastern Nepal with the full support of the three lamas

Phuntsog made Yuksom as his capital and instituted the first centralised administration. The kingdom was divided into twelve Dzongs or districts under a Lepcha Dzongpon (governor) who in turn headed a council of twelve ministers. During his reign Buddhism was consolidated as the established religion in Sikkim. In 1670 he was succeeded by his son, Tensun Namgyal who shifted the capital to Rabdentse finishing the importance of Yuksom.

Yuksom is a small village with population of approx 2000 people. The Bhutias and the Nepalese constitute major communities in the village, with the Bhutia community being the dominant ethnic group. However, the service and the trading sectors are dominated by people from the plains

Dubdi Monastery

Established in 1701, Dubdi Monastery was the first monastery established soon after the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. Located on a hill top above Yuksom surrounded by verdant forest, it professes itself to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim. It can be approached by an hour of trekking negotiating steep slopes. It is also known as the Hermit's Cell after its reclusive founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme.

Phamrong Waterfalls :

This is the highest waterfall of West Sikkim is located between Yuksom and Gerethang . A gentle gradient footpath takes one to a viewpoint for a closer view of this mighty discharge of water for a magnificent view especially during monsoon when it is at its peak.

Pelling - The Land of Beautiful Views

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Around 115 kms from Capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, and about 135 kms from Silliguri, 10 kms from district headquarters Gyakshing, at an altitude of 7200 feet, Lies the town of Pelling, now the second most popular tourist destination of Sikkim. The town in itself is not more than hotels, Guest houses , Shops and few residences lined up around the road, but it offers breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga and surrounding ranges including Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Siniyalchu. Pelling is the closest you can get to view Mr Kanchenjunga without leaving the comfort of your hotels. Pelling is not only the base for the excursions in South Sikkim, but also gives you base to explore some of the more important monasteries of Sikkim. Pelling is connected to the towns of Jorethang, Kalimpong and Namchi .The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport . Sikkimese is the most widely and commonly spoken language of Pelling, while most of the people are Buddhists. Other languages spoken are Nepali, Hindi and English .

The following are the excursions and sightseeing from Pelling.

Pemayangtse Monastery: Pemayangtse literally means 'Perfect Sublime Lotus' and is believed to represent the four plexus of Human Body, Pemayangtse Monastery was founded in 1705, belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect of Tibet Buddhism and controls all other monasteries of the sect. Pemyangtse Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Located about 140 kms west of Gangtok, it was designed and founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, as a small Lhakhang, during the reign of Chodar Namgyal at Rabdentse was subsequently enlarged during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal who was considered as Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnate, Jigme Pawo.

Chador was a very religious person and he had taken several initiatives for the spread of Buddhist religion in

Sikkim

, He had even decreed that the second of every three sons of Bhutia family shall be ordained as monk of the Pemayangtse Monastery. The monks for this monastery are chosen from the Bhutias of Sikkim. The monastery was built for "pure monks" (ta-tshang) meaning "monks of pure Tibetan lineage", celibate and without any physical abnormality. This practice is still retained. Only the monks of Pemayangtse Monastery are entitled to the title "ta-tshang". The head lama of this monastery had the unique privilege of anointing the Chogyals of the erstwhile monarchy of

Sikkim

with holy water.

The monastery is a three-storied building and houses a good collection of wall paintings and sculptures. The monastery, which overlooks the Rabdantse ruins, has well manicured gardens within its compound where the residential accommodation for the monks is also located. The first floor of the monastery has a notable collection of ancient Buddhist antique idols, scriptures as well as sculptures and decorated paintings notable amongst them is Padmasambahva’s eight incarnations in fierce form. On the third floor of the monastery, there is a seven-tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche, known as "Sanghthokpalri" also spelt "Zandog-palri", complete with rainbows, angels and the whole panoply of Buddha and bodhisattva. This structure was constructed by Dungzin Rimpoche over a period of 5 years

Another characteristic feature seen in this monastery is the presence of statues of Padmasambahva and his two consorts in the main prayer hall (1,500 square feet (140 m²) area),. The main statue of Padmasambahva (also known as Guru Rinpoche who revived Buddhism in Tibet and was also the propagator of Vajrayana or tantric form of Buddhism ) seen here is in his wrathful form as Dorje Bhurpa Vjarakila with multiple heads and arms. The Dukhang or Lakhang, the main temple has colourfully painted doors and windows and depict Tibetan designs

In January/ February every year, a religious dance called 'Cham' is performed in Pemayangtse.

Sang-Choling Monastery

This monastery is situated on a ridge on the top of the mountain above Pelling facing the Pemayangtse Monastery about 03 kms from the town of Pelling. Built in 1697 A.D., Sanga Cholling is considered to be second oldest monastery of the State. Sangachoeling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. This gompa is designed by Lhatsun Chenpo and is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues.

The road to monastery is not motorable and one needs to take a 45 minutes walk through a quite path to reach the monastery. But once you reach at the monastery, you will be rewarded by great views of Kanchenjunga and Pelling town .

Darap Cherny Village

Darap Village is located about 6 kilometers from Pelling on the way to Yuksam. Darap Village is inhabited mainly by People from Limboo Community apart from a small number of families from mixed communities like Bhutias, Chettris, Tamangs, Rais, Gurungs and Lepchas. The area is a gentle valley unlike other locations in west. Culturally and traditionally rich, Darap appears photogenic when bough wheat farms bear flowers and harvest takes place. .

Rabdantsey Ruins:

Rabdantse was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksam and till the year 1814 A.D., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the Rabdentse ruins lie hidden from the main road. It is at a walking distance from Pelling and the Pemayangtse monastery and can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. Khecheolpari Tso ( Kecheopalri Tso)

Khechepalri means – mountain of blissful heaven. Kecheolpari lake is located about 27 kms from Pelling and accessible through a motorable road is a popular tourist point. It is one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. Hidden in the rich forest cover, It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the Khecheopalri lake surface.Legend has it that the place where the lake is located was once a grazing ground scattered around with stinging nettle. Native Lepchas used the bark of the nettle for a number of purposes. One day a Lepcha couple while peeling the bark of the nettle saw a pair of conch shells coming through the air and entering into the ground. Soon after the earth beneath shook violently and spring of water came ou engulfing the entire ground turning it into a huge lake. As per Nesol text, the lake is recognised as the abode of Tshomen Gyalmo, the chief protecting nymph of dharma as blessed by goddess Tara. Native people believe that the shape of the lake resembles the footprint of goddess Tara.

The sacred lake lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. By the lakeshore is the small Lepcha village of Tsojo, and about 1.5km above the lake is the Khecheoplari Gompa can also be visited.

The place is popular among trekkers offering various trekking options. The most popular is the walking trail from Pelling to Khecheolpari (5 hours). It is also possible to trek to Yuksom from Khecheolpari (4 hours).

Most tourists visit Khecheolpari as part of the full day sightseeing of Pelling, with the tour starting at Pelling and moving through Darap Village and Rimbi falls reaching at Khecheopalri. The lake can also be reached through Yuksom via Singshore bridge and Kanchenjunga falls.

Khangchendzonga Waterfalls

An hour and a half drive from Pelling, On way to Yuksom, one comes across Khangchendzonga twin Water Falls. It is an amazing sight of breathtaking beauty of a wild torrent of water cascading down granite rocks and is a place not to be missed by the tourists

Gangtok - A base for Great Excursions

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Gangtok, is the beautiful capital of the beautiful state of Sikkim. It offers travellers various sites, gardens and monasteries to visit within the city itself, but apart from the same, it gives a lot of opportunities for great excursions around the various parts of Sikkim. It an important circuit for exploring west and North Sikkim including visits to Pelling, Yuksom, Yumthang and Lachen or Lachung, all easily accessible from Gangtok

The following are the places which can be explored by short excursions from Gangtok.

Changu Lake Or Tsomgo Lake

Driving a distance of 38 kms through a winding road amongst rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs, situated at an altitude of 12400 feet, you reach Changu Lake or Tsomgo Lake, which is a sight to behold. Tsomgo literally meaning Source of the Water in Bhutia language, the lake derives its water from melting of the snow from the surrounding snow clad mountains and its glaciers. The lake looks different in different seasons with the color of water changing. In winter it is a picture of white screen with the top crust of the Lake being frozen, wile in the spring, the profusion of flowers in the bloom adds a riot of the colors on the surface of the lake. Many myths and legends are associated with the lake and is revered by the Sikkimese as sacred. It is believed that in olden times, Buddhist monks would study the colour of the water of the lake to forecast the future.The lake is also of special significance for the Jhakris [faith healers] of Sikkim who congregate here annually on Guru Purnima, which coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, from all over the state to offer prayers.For the tourist the visit to the lake is an mesmerizing experience. Rides on colourfully decorated yaks and mules are available at the lake site, apart from presence of a variety of eating stalls serving snacks and beverages. Snowboots and gumboots are available on hire.

Tsomgo lake is open for both Indian and foreign nationals, however foreign visitors cannot travel alone, they have to be in a group of two or more and need prior visitors permit to be obtained.

Baba Mandir

This temple is particulary famous amongst the India Visitors. Baba Mandir lies on the road between the Nathula and the Jelepla Pass is believed to have a wish fulfilling powers and is visited by hundreds of people each day. The origin of temple and the legends and myths surrounding it are not very old, About 40 years back, Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing while leading a pack of mules from his battalion stationed at Tukla to Deng Dhukla, both remote areas located in East Sikkim. A manhunt was launched to locate him by the army and it took three days to locate his body. It is believed that he himself directed the soldiers to the site of his body. Soon after, soldiers in the regiment started reporting that Baba is appearing in their dreams and directing them to build a shrine in his memory. Accordingly a Samadhi was raised in his memory where He is worshipped as a saint who grants boons and guards the lives of soldiers posted along the border.. His believers say that even today Baba visits every night, puts on his uniform and does his rounds.Each year in September Baba takes his annual holiday when he travels back to Kapurthala, his hometown. People gather in large numbers and line the route that Baba used to take to offer flowers and prayers. A berth on a train is reserved in his name and two orderlies accompany him on the journey.

Baba Mandir is open for Indian Nationals only, The foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Baba Mandir.

Seven Sisters Waterfalls

A beutiful scene of water falling from the hill top creating a beautiul waterfall. It is located 32 kms away from Gangtok on the National Highway leading to North Sikkim. A place must visit for the nature lover and shutterbugs.

Saramsa Garden

Established and maintained by the Department of Forests, lying about 14kms from Gangtok, Saramsa Garden is an excellent recreation, leisure and picnic spot. A musical fountain and a swimming pool have been recently added.. The Garden was the venue for the International Flori Show 2008. It also have a beautiful Convention Center for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) with a sitting capacity of 500 and all modern facilities. Meetings and Exhibitions can be held here in an eco-friendly peaceful environment.

Phodang Monastery

Located approx 38kms from city of Gangtok, Phhodang Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of Sikkim, belonging to the Kagyut Order.The Phodong Monastery was built in the 18th century by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. Although the original monastery has been rebuilt , the old mural paintings and frescoes were preserved during reconstruction. An annual folk dance festival called Chaam is celebrated on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. Travelling further beyond the Phodang Monastery, after a distance of 04 kms , you can alsi visit the recently renovated Labrang Monastery, unique in-its architectural design.Between Phodong and Labrang Monastery are the ruins of the third capital of Sikkim, Tumlong

Phensang Monastery :

Situated on the gentle slope stretching from Kabi to Phodong on one of the best landscapes in the region, The Phensang Monastery, under the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order, was built in 1721 during the time of ]igmee Pawo. It was gutted by a fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948 through the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of Chaam is performed on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth month of Lunar Calendar (Tibetan Calendar).

Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery ( Lingdum)

Located at Lingdum, East Sikkim is at a distance of about 20 kms from Gangtok, Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery is a place worth visiting for its religious and exquisite architecture and serene atmosphere . The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the 12th Successive incarnation of the glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang.

Menmecho Lake

Located at an altitude of 13000 feet, about a distance of 64 kms from Gangtok via Sherathang (6 kms short of famous Nathula Pass) one comes across a marvellous snow fed water body called Menmecho Lake .It is surrounded by lush green forest and typical reddish alpine grass cover and the source of the river Rangpochu, it is larger in size than Tsomgo lake and it is full of trout fish. Amongst its calm and quiet atmosphere and rare beauty, one can spend hours in splendid isolation.

Gonjang Monastery:

Located near Tashi View Point, Gonjang Monastery was established in the year 1981. The founder H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche was recognised as an incarnation of Yolmo Terton Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo, a 15th century Nyingmapa Terton. The monastery follows Jangter tradition of Nyingmapa school of Tibeten Buddhism.

Bakthang :

Located 20 minutes drive from Gangtok along the 31 A National Highway leading to North Sikkim, Bakthang Water Falls, .originates from Ratey Chu, the main water source of Gangtok area. Its an interesting site to visit for Shutterbergs and people in love of nature.

Aritar Lake

For trekkers and Nature Lovers, Aritar Lake (Ghati-Tso) near Rhenock, about 3 hours drive from Gangtok, is worth visiting. If you are interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment, trekker's huts, lodges and a private resort are available. Apart from the trekking, you can indulge in boating, visiting and exploring the lifestyle of villagers and also visit to the Lingsay Monastery and a Manghim. A short trek in and around Aritar is a thrilling experience. You can also have an enthralling experience of spending a night in an old British built Bunglow of 1895 located half km below the lake

Gangtok -The heart of Sikkim

2012-10-24T21:22:00.002+05:30

Gangtok,the present capital of Indian State of Sikkim, lies at an altitude of 5800 feet ( 1800mts) amongst some of the higher range of Himalayan.The earliest records date from the construction of the hermitic Gangtok monastery in 1716. Gangtok, Roughly meaning "Mountain Top" shot in prominence on the Map, especially for Buddhist, in 1840, when Enchey Monastery was built here. Its prominence further rose when in 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgya, shifted his capital to Gangtok from Tumlong.New Palaces and Government Buildings were built which added to the reputation and beauty of Gangtok. Later it developed as a major stopover for traders on the trade route from Lhasa in Tibet to Kolkata and other Indian cities. When India won independence in 1947, from British rule, Sikkim chose to remain as an Independent state under the king, but in 1975, fearing a takeover by China, who had already annexed Tibet, it merged with India to become its 22nd state with Gangtok its 22nd state capital.

Since then Sikkim in general and Gangtok in particular have grown to become a bustling tourist destination, particularly famous between he honeymooners and travelers from adjoining state of West Bengal and is the centre stage of tourism in Sikkim, India. Its moderate temperature (ranging from 4 degrees to 25 degrees) through out the year makes the weather good to travel. However beginning end of June and till September, heavy rainfall lashes the area causing many a landslides making the weather of Sikkim a bit harsh ,but it is also the time when the lush green vegetation and the playing of clouds with sun, creating a vibrant play of shadows and light, leaves one mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the place.The city lies towards one side of the hill, flanked by two streams in east and west, namely Roro Chu and Ranikhola. The two rivers divide natural drainage into two parts, the eastern and western parts. Both the streams then meet the Ranipul and flow south as the main Ranikhola before joining the River Teesta at Singtam.The city is surrounded by densely forested regions consisting of temperate, decidous forests of trees like poplar, birch , oak and elm apart from evergreen confierous tree of the wst alpine zone. Orchids are common apart from other flowers like sunflower, marigold and poinsetta, which bloom around the city. Some of the rarest form of Orchids are found here.

Gangtok has a population of around 01 lakh people comprising of ethnic groups such as Indian Nepalis, Lepchas which are native to the land, Bhutias and Tibetans. It also have a sizable immigrant population of Marwaris ( who owns most of the shops), Biharis (engaged mostly in blue collar jobs) and Bengalis. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two most popular religions, but Gangtok too have a sizeable population of Christian and small minority of Muslims. English and Hindi are official language of Sikkim, apart from the above, Bhutla, Tibetan and Lepcha are also spoken widely.

Sikkim in itself is beautiful state blessed with beautiful valleys, mountain tops and lakes. Gangtok makes the perfect base for exploring Sikkim. Gangtok in itself have so much to offer to visit, that you require more than a couple of days to explore the same and it is one of the pivotal of Sikkim Tourism. Some of the places worth visiting Gangtok are mentioned below:

Gangtok - The City - MG Marg is country's first litter and spit free zone, with a ban on any kind of vehicular movement. It offers various shopping establishment to shop, various benches to sit alongside the road and Titanic Park - a beautiful park to picnic. A birds eye view of Gangtok city can be had through a ride on Bicable Zig Back ropeway from Deorali to Tashiling secretariat. Costing INR 30 and about 07 minutes, it gives a great view of Kanchendzonga Range and an overview of the Gangtok town below.

The Rumtek Monastery : The Rumtek monastery is a replica of the Tsurphu monastery of Kargyupa sect in Kham region of Tibet .It was founded in 1740 during the reign of the fourth Chogyal in the East District.After Chinese aggression and control over Tibet in 1960's, His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa, the 16th incarnate of the Gyalwa Karmapa of Tibet came to Rumtek with a number of follower monks to seek refuge. The then Chogyal gifted him a large piece of land at Rumtek village to build a monastery and also develop a centre for religious studies.Accordingly the four storeyed building was built, it later became the biggest monastery of Sikkim.

The monastery has a special prayer hall, very impressive murals and thanka paintings and 1001 miniature golden images of Lord Buddha. It has a religious centre by the name of Dharma Chakra Centre and a big residential-cum prayer hall, apart froman impressive library and special rooms for the high ranking incarnate Lamas.Behind the main monastery is an extremely impressive and elaborately decorated Karma Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, wherein students from all over the world are enrolled. There is also a small hall having a beautiful jewel studded Chorten known as the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.

Do Drul Chorten : The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built in 1945 by the Venerable Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibeten Buddhism. Inside the stupa, there are complete mandala set of Dorjee phurba (Vajra Kilaya), a set of Kang Gyur relic (Holy Book), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. Around the Chorten, there are 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer Wheels), which are turned by devout Buddhists while chanting 'Om Mane Padme Hum' (O Jewel in the Lotus) to invoke the Bodhisattva. It is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Padmasambhava

Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology : Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is one of the most prestigious research institute of its kind in the world, It is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (colourful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Apart from an attractive museum, it has over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art. Established in 1958 to promote serious study and research on Buddhism, it is only next to an institute in Tibet in its collections.Today it is renowned world wide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.

Enchey Monastery: Enchey monastery is the seat of the Nyingma Order and city's oldest monastery . The two-hundred year old baroque monastery houses images of gods, goddesses, and other religious artifacts. The Enchey monastery literally means the solitary temple. In the month of January, the Chaam, or masked dance, is performed with great fanfare and is an event to visit.

Tashi View Point : Only 8 kms from Gangtok, situated along the North Sikkim Highway, it is from this point one can get a breath taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. An Observatory Tower, Cafeteria and Public amenities are present for the comfort of the travellers. Ideal time to visit is early in the morning, when the views are most spectacular. One can also catch a glimpse of the Phodang and Labrang monasteries on the opposite hill. The park just above the View Point gives you opportunity for a little picnic.

Tashiding Monastery (Tashi Ling Monastery) :

Constructed on top of a heart shaped hill with the back drop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga, Tashiding Monastery was built in the 18th Century AD by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three Lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.According to Buddhist scriptures, in 08th century AD, Guru Padmasambhava, blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD from this spot. Tashiding is also famous for the most holy Chorten known as 'Thong-WaRang-Dol' literally meaning 'Saviours by mere sight'. It is believed that just by beholding the pot; it is supposed to wash away all the sins of the devotees. Another important feature is the sacred water festival (Bumchu) held every year, on 14th and 15th day of the first Lunar month, the Bhumchu Ceremony is organised with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water. The sacred holy water is officially sealed for safety by the lamas of the Monastery and taken out once a year on an auspicious occasion, only to be put back with some fresh additions. The Pot Have never got dried for the Past 300 years

Hanuman Tonk : Situated at an altitude of 7200 feet, 09 kms uphill of Gangtok on a calm and quiet hilltop, this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is popularly known as a wish filling temple. It is currently maintained by the resident units of Indian Army with the contribution from Local People.

The Himalayan Zoological Park: The Himalayan Zoological Park exhibits the Himalayan Fauna in their natural habitats. The zoo features the Himalayan Black Bear, The Barking Deer, The snow Leopard, The Leopard Cat, Tibetan Wolf, Masked Palm Civet, Red Pandas and the Spotted deer amongst many others.

Orchid Sanctuary: The Orchid Sanctuary is famous for its rare and extensive collection of orchids. The sanctuary’s collection also varies depending on the seasons, still the wide spread orchid sanctuary has almost 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim.

Tsuk La Khang : Tsuk La Khang is a depository of a large collection of scriptures and is the principal place of worship and assembly for the local Buddhists. The Tsuk la Khang is a beautiful and impressive building with mural covered interior, lavishly decorated altars or images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Tantric deities and fine works of woodcarving. The Tsuk la Khang remains open for the general public and tourists during Losar, the famous dance festival.

How To Reach Gangtok : Gangtok, Sikkim is well Connected to rest of India through air, road and rail. The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra, Gangtok to Bagdogra is about 3-4 hrs Drive from Gangtok. Bagdogra in turn is connected with direct flights To Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. The nearest Railway Station, some three hours drive from Gangtok., is New Jalpaiguri, which is further connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.

Nathdwara - The abode of Lord Shrinathji

2012-10-23T19:23:00.001+05:30

Nathdwara - literally meaning Doors to the abode of owner of the world, Lord Shrinathji. Nathdwara is a little explored Gem as a cultural destination, although it is famous religious must visit destination for the followers of Vaishnavite sect. Located about 48 kms from the city of Lake ,Udaipur, on the right bank of Banas River, Nathdwara is famous for the temple of Lord Krishna, in the form of Srinathji.

Nathdwara, as a city and centre of the religious importance for the followers of Lord Krishna, came into existence in 17th century. It is believed that during the oppressive Rule of Mughal King Aurangzeb, who was hell bent on destroying all Hindu Temples, to protect the Idol of Lord Srinathji, which was worshipped at Govardhan Hill near the Pious city of Vrindavan - the play ground of Lord Krishna, it was decided to shift the idol further south. First it was moved to Agra, from where after six months waiting, it was decided to move it further south. While being carried through the state of Rajasthan on a Bullock Cart, as it reached the spot at village Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank axle-deep in mud. Even after various efforts it could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests inferred that this particular place is the Lord's chosen spot to stay at and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Since then it is a significant Vaishnavite Shrine especially for the Pushti Marg OR Vallabh Sampradaya also known as Shuddha Advaita. Vallabh Sampraday was founded by Vallabh Acharya, who is revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Vitthal Nathji son of Vallabhacharya was the fist to institutionalize the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara.

The idol of Shrinathji depicts a 14th century, 7-year old infant incarnation of Krishna. Legend is that in 1409 AD, near Govardhan Hill on Mathura an image of lord Shrinathji, the mountain lifting form of Krishna, was discovered when a cow worshiped the lord with offerings of milk. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna, when he lifted the 'Govardhana' (a hill). In this large Blackstone idol, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right is bunged in a fist. Images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot by the god's head are imprinted on the idol. The idol is treated like a living deity by the priest and they tend to the lord with daily normal function like bathing- dressing meals called "prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. The idol in itself is decorated with fine intricately woven shaneels & silk cloth with real original zari and shredded work done upon them along , tones of real jewelers, which are of antique value. The view of the idol (you get to see it only after the parda (curtain) is removed) is a spectacular sight that is simply mesmerizing and dazzling.

The structure of this temple is simple, but the aesthetic appeal of this temple, the religious atmosphere , especially during the Aarti and Shringar when formal prayers with vedic hymns are offered with diya,incense sticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings, while at the background the devotional songs of the demand are sung with local instruments according to the demand of the time and occasion. The festivals of Holi, Diwali and Janmashtmi are celebrated with full gusto, with the idol being specially decorated. A large number of believers visit Nathdwara during this period. Another major festival to be celebrated is Annakutta ( a festival which marks the occasion of Lord Krishna lifting Goverdhan ( Govardhan) Hill on his little finger).

The temple authorities have about 500 cows and among them; one is regarded as Shrinathji's cow. It is considered that this cow has come from the pedigree that served the lord for centuries. The Temple does not allow entry to foreigners, but the Indian cultural aura can be felt by just visiting the vicinity of the temple.

Shrinathji Temple is not the only thing which Nathdwara had to offer. This small city,is also famous for its 'pichhwai' paintings, handmade terracotta, ivory articles, milk-made sweets and haveli Music. Pichwai Paintings, are a form of paintings on cloth from the school of Nathdwara of Mewar style paintings. The centre of theme for all Pichwai Paintings is Lord Krishna and the incident related to his life. Here Lord Krishna is always depicted in the form of Shrinathji, his childhood incarnation carrying Govardhan Hill on his little finger. Profound use of Gold Color, the image of Krishna with large eyes, broad nose and a heavy body, similar to the features on the idol of Shrinathji is the aspect which separates Pichwai Paintings from others. Pichwai paintings are works of art that are used to adorn the walls of temples, behind the idol. First a rough sketch is made on the starched clothes and natural colors are then filled in the spaces. Traditionally natural colours and brushes made of horse, goat or squirrel hair were used, but now faster and less expensive material have replaced them. The use of pure gold in the paintings adds to their value and charm. For one painting, it may take 3-4 days to just prepare colour from pure gold.Apart From Pichwai Paintings, the artist also produce paintings on the paper, but the predominant theme is Lord Krishna.

Apart from the Pichwai Paintings, it is also famous for classical form of singing, often referred to as Haveli Gharana whose most famous exponent is Pandit Jasraj. Haveli Sangeet is Vaishnava temple music practiced by the 'Pushti Margi Sampradaya.' Nathadwara is the main seat of the Vaishnava devotional cult which created a rich historical tradition of temple-based music. 'Haveli' here is referred to a palace that the deity chooses to live in. If compared to Dhrupad, Haveli Sangeet, as it is known in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, claimed superior resilience as it claimed that Lord Krishna himself was the very audience for its performances. In this school of music every activity revolves around Lord Krishna and is sung in the form of Kirtans, Bhajans, Samaj Gayan and Bhava Nirtya. It incorporates a fusion of classical and folk music,but the dominant style of singing is still Dhrupad and Dhammar. The temples of Radha Vallabh at Vrindaban, Krishna at Nandgaon, Shri Radha Rani at Barsana, and Sri Nathji at Nathdwara all reverberate with Haveli Sangeet

Nathdwara can be reached by an hour of scenic drive from Udaipur, which further is connected with all major cities in India through Rail, Road and Air.

Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi

2012-10-22T20:28:00.001+05:30

Delhi is a historical city, with the present day city of Delhi, believed to be the amalgamation of seven different cities built across different centuries including shahjehanabad, Indraprastha, Tughlakabad etc. Each city have their own sets of heritage monuments telling a story of their own and worth a visit. This gives Delhi a multiude of visitable monuments, some of which have become more common, yet some others are left neglected, non publicused and non visited. Agrasen Ki Baoli (also known as Ugrasen Ki Baoli or Agarsen ki Baoli), believed to be rebuilt in 14the century, is one of the lesser known monuments.

Agrasen Ki Baoli, is nestled among highrise buildings of modern India and is unseen and unheard of many of the people living or working in the vicinity. What used to be lifeline for the water supply in scorching heats of summer once, lies dilapidated and ignored and dried up like other stepwells in India mainly due to the fact that dependence on wells to tap water have evaporated due to the invent of submersible pumps and piped supply, hence no boady need it. Now designated a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, efforts are being made to rejuvenate it and restore it to its prime glory.

Who built Agrasen Ki Baoli is still a mystery, some stating its origin to Mahraja Agrasen of Mahabharata Epic Period, some believe it was built by a wealthy agarwal family in 14th century. Another theory is that it was built by a wealthy and influential Agrawal merchant of Delhi named Nattal Sahu who was also a minister in the court of King Anang Pal III. The theory is based on inferences taken from Pasanahacariu, The work of Agrawal Poet named Vibudh Shridhar , who wrote it in 1132 AD.

Built over three visible stories, with some parts completely submerged in the water, It is about 60 mts in length and about 15 mts wide and have around 103 steps.Each story or level is lined with the arched niches, Chambers and pasageways on the both sides. The arches shows a distinct influence of islamic architecture and hence it is believed to be rebuilt in 14th century Tughlaq Era.Tughlaq era influence can also be judged from the presence of a small mosque in the vicinity of the baoli. The walls of this step well is devoid of any sculpture work unlike its more famous cousins, Pipvav ki Baori or step well at Abhaneri. As you take steps down towards the water, the baoli or step well shrinks in width, you will witness a distinct coolness of the temperature and calmness descending in you. You will hear gurgling sounds of hundred of pigeons and whooshing sounds of wind downstairs, in night the descent an atmosphere might scare you.

Agrasen ki Baoli or the stepwell is Situated on the Hailey road, a 10 minutes walk from the N block of Connaught Place, Delhi, Agrasen Ki baoli is open from morning 0900 hrs till evening 1700 hrs,and the entry to the baoli is free.

You can also visit the oldest existing Baoli in Delhi, the Anangtal Baoli, located in Mehruli. The Anangtal Baoli is considered to be older than the present structure of Agrasen ki Baoli (stepwell).Also known as Yoginipura , Anangal stepwell is believed to built in the 10th century by the Rajput King Anang Pal II, belonging to the Tomar Dynasty.Anang Tal literally means reservoir of Anang.

Eklingji and Nagda Temples

2012-10-21T16:23:00.002+05:30

India is a country of Religion and culture. Every city in India is resplendent with Temples, Churches and mosques, which are not only a centre of religious faith but some of whom are architecturally rich and never stops in amazing one to wonder the kind of effort and inventiveness, it would have taken to build such marvelous structures with so much of limited means.The period of seventh to the tenth of century was particularly important for the Hindu temple of architecture, one some of the most beautifully sculpted temples were built in India.

Present day Udaipur region too got a fair share of such temple architecture with two beautiful temple complexes being built at Eklingji and Nagda. While there are smaller and more modern temples dedicated to Lord Shiva ( Siva) in Rajasthan, the most renowned and the oldest of them all is at Kailashpuri, near Udaipur, known as Eklingji. Eklingji got its name from the unique form of Lord Shiva as a black stone four headed god.

Eklingji Temple was built in 734 AD Mewar King Bappa Rawal at Kailashpuri ( Udaipur as a city was non existent at that point of time), Eklingji being the ruling deity of Sisodia Family of Kings who ruled Mewar Region then. Over the years additions were made and repair work carried out ( to repair the lost part, destroyed by Muslim invaders). It is now a 108 temple complex, with the main temple being dedicated to Lord Eklingji. The Eklingji temple encompasses an area of about 2500 sq. feet and is about 65 feet in height.

All temples in the complex are made of marble and granite and the main temple has an enormous double-storied, elaborately pillared hall or "mandap" under a vast pyramidal roof, with a four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. Lord Shiva is prayed in the form of Eklingji, having four faces. The four faces of the statue, depicts four Gods believed to Lord Shiva in his four forms. In the east is Surya (sun), in the west is Brahma, in the north is Vishnu and in the south is Rudra. In the center of these images is the Shivlinga, encircled by a silver snake. The hall is embellished with a beautiful silver structure of Nandi, besides this there are two more Nandi idols in the temple, one made of black stone and the other of brass metal.

The main temple is surrounded with other smaller temples dedicated to other different Hindu Gods including Goddess Parvati ( wife of Lord Shiva), Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya ( Son's of Lord Shiva). Other temples are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati ( goddess of knowledge) and Goddess Yamuna.. The temple complex is in itself surrounded by the Rocky mountains giving it natural walls.

Monday is the day dedicated to Lord Shiva and hence a lot of local people visit Eklingji on this day. The King of Mewar too visits Eklingji every Monday evening to pray. Mahashivratri is a great occassion for Eklingji Temple. It is celebrated with great pomp and Lord Shiva is decorated with ornaments on this day. It is considered auspicious to pray on this day.

Just 01 kms from the Elingji Temple, another set of temples exits known as Nagda Temple. In the 6th century, Nagda was found by Nagaditya, the fourth Mewar King. Initially known as Nagahrida and the capital of Mewar, Nagda is located besides Bagela Lake about 23 kms in the north-west of Udaipur on the way to Nathdwara. Nagda comprises many small and big temples, but the main attraction is gained by its 'Sas-Bahu' temple.

The term 'Sas-Bahu' suggests 'Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law' respectively. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and comprises two structures, one made by a mother-in-law and another, made by a daughter-in-law. The main entrance to the temples is through a door that has carved lintels and a multi-lobed arch in its middle. Both the temple structures are laid according to same plan having an altar, a mandapa (columned prayer hall) with projections and a porch.

The temple of Sas is comparatively larger than that of the Bahu. The 'Bahu' temple has an octagonal ceiling, adorned with beautifully carved eight intricate female figures. The 'Sas' temple has a torana (archway) in its front where, it is believed that the image of the Lord Vishnu was swung along with hymns in the praise of lord on ceremonial occasions. Both the temples are constructed on a common platform facing towards the east direction with beautiful carvings at the time displaying Gujarat style of sculpture.

The delicate carvings are acknowledged to be imbibed from the incidents of 'Ramayana' (the Indian epic). The sculptures are made in two steps, one encircling the other. On the first step, images of Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are carved and on the other, there are images of Rama, Balarama and Parashurama.

Another temple that is a must visit is the Jain temple. Dedicated to the Jain Saint Shanti Nath, the temple is said to have been built during the rule of Rana Kumbha. The temple has a strange idol due to which the temple got its name ('Adbhut' means strange). This 09 feet high strange idol is an attraction for people. These temples were destroyed by the foreign invaders to a large extent, still their exceptional artistic architecture is preserved.

Another striking part of the temple complex is that,most of the temples in the complex does not have any idol of any deity. In between Nagda and Eklingji, there is Patal Maheshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.The temple remains 06 months submerged in the water, and for the period it is above the water, it displays beautiful architecture.

Eklingji and Nagda can be reached through a picturesque drive from Udaipur amongst some of the most beautiful hillock. It is just 22 kms 01 hrs drive from Udaipur

Tip to travel: If you are short on time, avoid travelling to Eklingji on Monday, as a lot of local visit to the temple on this day, it being.an auspicious day, dedicated to Lord Shiva - the presiding deity.

Galtaji Temple ( The Monkey Temple), Jaipur

2012-10-19T23:15:00.005+05:30

Jaipur city of full of historic monuments, including the more celebrated Amber Fort, City Palace complex , Hawa Mahal and other imposing forts of Jaigarh and Nahargarh. But Apart from the above mentioned more celebrated monuments, Jaipur have one more interesting and charming historical piece of architecture, The Temple complex of Galta.

Situated about 10 kms from the city center of Jaipur, just off the Sisodia Rani Bagh. Nestled in a steep-sided valley, into a narrow rocky ravine.lies the 250 year Old complex of Galta. This magnificent temple was built in the 18th century by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II.The architecture of the temple is unique as it looks more like a mansion or Haveli than a traditional temple.The Temple Complex of Galta is religiously important and sacred to Hindu community as it is believed to be the Ashram of Maharishi Galab ( Galav).Legend is , Saint Galav spent all his life here and performed his 'tapasya' for 100 years. Pleased with his penance, the Gods appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with abundant water.

Galta Temple complex have seven tanks also called Holy Kunds. Out of the seven Kunds , two of them are the large reservoirs, with the upper reservoir reserved mostly for Humans and the lower tank being mainly used by hundreds of Monkey ( Red Face Macaque) present there.The most important of the Tanks among the seven tanks is Galta Kund, which is believed to be blessed with eternal supply of water and hence does not go dry. A spring of pure water flows from the 'Gaumukh', a rock shaped like a cow's head in the nearby hillock, into the tanks recharging them perennially.A dip at the Holy Kund is considered to wash your sins. Taking bath in the pool on the full moon day and especially on Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious.

There are two main temples at Galtaji, one dedicated to God Sun and the other dedicated to Lord Hanuman - the Monkey God. Built in Pink Sandstone, with beautiful round roofs (of terracotta style), exquisitely carved pillars and painted walls, it is beautifully set above the top of hill, with the sun temple being on higher altitude that the Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman Temple can be identified from far of, as it is always surrounded by 100's of monkeys, living peacefully.This had lead it to be called as "Monkey Temple', it was recently featured on National Geographic's multi-award winning series 'Monkey Thieves'.

The temples of Galtaji Temple Complex are intricately and brightly painted with the images of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati and Ganesha. There are engraved stones showing scenes from religious festivals and state occasions, maharajahs playing polo, the exploits of Krishna and the gopis. The chamber, at the end of the lower pool, displays a wide array of original frescoes, depicting acrobat feats - maharajahs playing polo or Lord Krishna coquetting with 'gopis' (milkmaids) in the garden. The ceilings are embellished with colourful swirl motifs.The natural backdrop of hillocks and springs and the beautiful architecture of the temple combined with the chanting of hymns produces an atmosphere of tranquility and inner peace.Other temples you can visit in the vicinity are Krishna Temple, Surya Temple, Balaji Temple and the Sita Ram Temple.

The temple is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, but it is best to visit in afternoon around sunset, as during this time, you will see most of the monkeys flocking around the temple and you will get to witness their varied activities from close quarter.

Galtaji can be reached by drive from Jaipur, a road just across Sisodia Rani Garden leads you right near to the temple, from where you need to just take few steps to reach the temple complex. For the adventure seekers, a 30 minutes walks across a steep hill from path beyond Suraj Pole gate on the eastern edge of the Pink City can take you to the to the Surya Mandir on the crest of the hill above the main temple complex.

Jaipur in turn is well connected to the rest of the country by road, railways and air ( Jaipur has an international airport)

Abhaneri - Home to Amazing Stepwell, Rajasthan

2012-10-19T00:14:00.000+05:30

Water have always played an important role in deciding the fate of human settlements. In India water have played an integral part in the lives starting from Birth till the last rites are performed. Being an agrarian economy, life always revolved around the availability of water, and hence the water resources were always preserved , sometimes in novice ways.

With a weather, where the maximum rainfall is concentrated in two months of the year, it was acutely necessary to conserve water in these two months, so that the needs for the rest of the years can be met. Stepwells also called Baori/Baoli in Hindi, Vav in Gujarati are of the indigenous way developed to conserve water in the western part of medieval India. Baori's over the time, have meant more than just a deep well which conserved water, but have been converted into beautiful monuments displaying their practical but amazingly beautiful architecture.

Most of the baoris(stepwells) acted as the lifeline of many a cities but over the years, with the westernised development and easy access to the ground waters courtesy electrified motors, these baolis became neglected and many of them died their natural death. However the remnants of some are still preserved giving an insight to the Old world architectural achievements, the most famous of the are the Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi, Chand Baoli at Abahneri, the Adalaj Vav in Ahmedabad, Rani Ka Vav at Patan etc, but the largest of them is Chand Baoli at Abhaneri.

Chand Baori is located in Abha Nagri or city of Brightness, now known as Abhaneri ( the result of distorted pronunciation) in Duasa district of Rajasthan, in between the two famous tourist cities of Agra and Jaipur. Located 95 kms from Jaipur, Abhaneri got its name from the fact that it was abode of Goddess Harshat Mata , who always adorned Abha, hence the name Abha Nagri. Although the village is in tatters but still the Harshat Mata Temple and The Chand Baori have survived and have turned into a great tourist attraction.

Aructebhaneri Village is believed to be established in 9th century A.D. by Raja Chand (believed to Gurjar King Bhoja who ruled the area in 09th Century). Chand Baori (stepwell) along with Harshat Mata Temple dedicated to the Goddess of Joy - Harshat Mata was constructed in 10th century itself.Chand Baori is about 20 metres deep, contains about 3500 steps across 13 stories. The mesmerizing view of steps arranged in geometrical pattern in a pyramidal form with ever narrowing the bottom. The dance of light and shade and the geometrical pattern gives you a mesmerizing view of the Baoli. The stairs are on the three sides while on one side of Chand baoli , there is a three storied pavilion with beautiful carved jharokhas, the galleries supported on Pillars and two projecting balconies enshrining beautiful sculptures.

Chand Baori is set in the Harshat Mata complex, which itself boasts of beautiful carvings of God and Goddesses. This stone temple , probably built in 09-10th century, is dedicated to the Goddess of Joy Harshat Mata, however some people believe that it was originally dedicatd to Lord Vishnu.

How To Reach

Abhaneri is located on NH-11 or the Jaipur-Agra road about 95 kms from Jaipur. It is best connected by Road travel through the cities of Jaipur and Dausa which are 95 and 31 km from Abhaneri, respectively.

The nearest airport to Abhaneri is the Jaipur Sanganer Airport from where taxi on hire are available to take you to Abhaneri. Abhaneri is well connected by rail through Dausa railway station which has an excellent connectivity with various major cities of the state and the country.

Udaipur - The City of Lakes and Palaces

2012-10-18T01:47:00.001+05:30

India is country of naturally beautiful cities.India is a country of historically important cities.India is a country of religiously and culturally important cities. But what if you combine all three facets into one ??? Who will not like to visit such a city???

There are very few cities in the world which can combine all the three aspects, Udaipurx - The city of Lakes is one of them. It is a historic city with multiplicity of lakes making it extremely beautiful. Presence of various temples , sacred to both Hindu's and Jain's makes it an important religious centre.

Set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India, capital of Mewar empire for centuries, Udaipur, Rajasthan is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World , it also known as the 'Venice of East'. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds creating amazing experiences - an inspiration for many of the poets, painters and writers to create best of their works. Whether it is Oodeypore -the birth place of Bagheera- the lead character of Rudyard Kiplings The Jungle Book, or the backdrop of James Bond Film Octopussy, Udaipur have inspired many a creative individuals. Numerous international and Bollywood films have been shot in Udaipur, India including but not limited to James Bond in India, Gandhi, the Fall, Disney Movie The Cheetah Girls One World , Bollywood films like Guide, Eklavya The Royal Gaurd, Mera Saya, Kacche Dhaga, Fiza, Khuda Gawah, etc are filmed here apart from many a reality shows and serials like Swayambar of Rakhi Sawant and Rahul Mahajan, TV Serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata hai etc.

Its a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, which not only carry the flavour of heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry but also provides you a romantic background to enjoy some of the best moments of your life.

History of Udaipur

Udaipur is one of the most beautiful of the cities in Rajasthan. The city was founded as the capital of Kingdom of Mewar by Rana Udai Singh after he lost Chittor, the erstwhile capital to Muslim Ruler Mughal Emperor in 1568. However the birth of city of Udaipur is considered to be 1557-58.

As per the Legend once Maharana Udai Singh was out hunting when he came upon a sage seated beside the Pichola Lake. The sage counseled the king to build his palace at the site he is standing so that the fortunes of his family can change. The Maharana kept his counsel and built a small shrine, Dhuni Mata, to mark the spot. It is now the oldest part of the City Palace of Udaipur. Udai Singh chose the site of Udaipur and built an artificial lake and named it Udai Sagar after himself. Later he hit upon a pond said to have been made in the 15th century by a banjara (gypsy).The gypsy for his bullocks cross over, had built a dyke upon a stream which was further extended by Maharana which resulted in one of the most picturesque man made lakes in Rajasthan - The Lake Pichola. It was named Pichola after the neighbouring village of Picholi.

The first royal building to come up was a small palace built in 1559 on an overlooking ridge and called Nochouki, Other buildings and structures later mushroomed around the palace. The Palace in itself was extended by successive generations always allowing an architectural excellence quite unique to the Mewar dynasty. The city palace kept on expanding until it became one of the largest palaces in the world.

Subsequently more buildings, palaces, temples and gardens were added to the city, giving it a rich architectural and cultural legacy.

Udaipur was ruled by Sisodia Kings, said to be the offshoot of Chauhans. They consider themselves as the direct descendant of Lord Rama and son of Sun. Udaipur was never acceded to Mughal Empire and remains independent untill it became the princely state of British India in 1818. The most famous and loved leader of Rajasthan was the ruler of Udaipur, Son of Maharana Udai Singh, Maharana Pratap, who ruled Mewar from Udaipur from 1572 till 1597. Sisodia dynasty is the Oldest surviving dynasty in the world.

Major attractions in Udaipur

Udaipur is the city of Palaces and Lakes. Some of the most beautiful Palaces have been built around some of the most beautiful lakes. Some of the important Palaces to be seen in Udaipur are :

City Palace

Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola built over three centuries starting from 1559 and built till early 18th century. City Palace, entirely built with granite and marble is a wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens.

This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. City Palace has several gates also known as "Pols". 'Bara Pol' (Great Gate) the main gate to the City Palace complex takes you to the first courtyard. On passing 'Bara Pol', you come across a triple arched gate, known as 'Tripolia'. Between these two gates, there are eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver. Across 'Tripolia', you would enter the 'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol'.

City Palace comprises 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers however the continuity of architecture was maintained. With the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass mirror & ornamental tiles work of these palaces. The Palaces are famous for different reasons, some of the palaces within city Palace complex are :

Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) known for the figures of crystal and porcelain.

Bhim Vilas is known for a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.

The 'Krishna Vilas' has noteworthy album of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas.

Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish decor

Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) is famous for its breathtaking mirror work.

'Chini Chitrashala' is renowned for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles.

'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) is known for the murals and wall paintings.

Bada Mahal is the exotic garden palace that stands erect on a 90 feet high natural rock formation.

Rang Bhawan is the palace that used to contain royal treasure. There are temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Shiva, located right to the 'Rang Bhawan'. 'Mor Chowk' has exceptional glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls presenting the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk' is an art gallery showcasing a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.

'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of this Udaipur Palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers

In 1974, a part of the City Palace and the 'Zenana Mahal' (Ladies Chamber) have been transformed into a museum.

Fatehprakash Palace:
Part of City Palace Complex, the erstwhile Residence of Maharana Fateh Singh (period of reign : 1884 - 1935) is now a luxury hotel run by HRH group and one of the more popular lake side hotel in Udaipur. The miniature paintings adorning the walls of the lobby is a sight to watch for the art lovers/

Lake Palace:
Located on the 1.5 hectare Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Lake Pichola, It is now a Luxury hotel with Taj Group called Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace, It can be reached by boat only.

Jagdish Temple

Situated in the premises of City Place complex, Built in Indo-Aryan style of architecture Jagdish Temple is the biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur. Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe.

The temple is built in three stories with the central mast reaching 79 feets, it has some of the most beautiful carvings of sculptures depicting dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians.The entrance is guarded by two stone elephants, followed by stone slab that is imprinted with the inscriptions with reference to Maharaja Jagat Singh. The main shrine of Jagdish Temple can be reached by taking 32 steps, where at the doorway yo will find a brass image of Garuda, a figure of half-man and half-eagle. This huge idol stands as if; it is guarding the doorway of Lord Vishnu. The main shrine houses the striking four-armed image of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single piece of black stone. The main shrine of Lord Jagdish/ Vishnu is centrally located encircled by four smaller shrines. These shrines are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva respectively.It is located within walking distance of Udaipur Palace.

Jagmandir Island
Located on the southern island of Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir Palace is a beautiful three-storied Palace made in yellow sandstone and marble.It was built by Maharana Karan Singh ( ruled 1620-1628) as a hiding ground for Prince Khurram ( Shah Jehan ), when he had revolted against his father. It was under construction then and was later completed by Maharana Jagat Singh during his reign (1628-1652). Gulmahal, in Jag Mandir Palace, is the place where Prince Khurram lived with his family. Gul Mahal is made in the Islamic style of architecture, The hall has amazing interiors and is decorated with the Muslim crescent. To pray and offer Namaz, a mosque was also constructed in the complex of the Palace. Another attraction of this Palace is the courtyard, which is festooned with black and white tiles. Other pavilions that are worth mentioning are Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and the Zenana Mahal. Bara Patharon ka Mahal is made out of twelve solid marble slabs. Kunwar Pada ka Mahal was meant for the crowned prince. The Zenana Mahal offered several chambers for the ladies of the Royalty. Its museum still preserves the history of this island and its Palace .

A Dinner in the evening to this Island is a perfect idea to finish off a romantic day!!!.

Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of honour)
Sahelion Ki Bari' was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry for Maharana Sangram Singh in 18th Century. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake boasts of beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant- shaped fountains which are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the place.

The lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions further enhance the romantic ambience of this magnificent garden.In the later years, Maharana Bhopal Singh built a pavilion of rain fountains. The thought was to form an illusion of rain dancing in cadence with dancing maids. These fountains were imported from England and you can trace them along with the main reservoir of the garden. The main reservoir has four black marbled kiosks in its corners and one white marbled kiosk in its center. On the top of kiosks, these fountains are in the form of sculpted birds that spurts water from their beaks producing the rain effect.
The museum exhibiting the huge collection of royal households is another attraction of this garden. It has many ancient pictures and things of the bygone period. Sight of stuffed cobras and other animals will definitely add a tint of adventure to your trip.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum
Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum portrays the remarkable collection of over past 44 years, gathered by the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal.This rare compilation varies from typical rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli is an ancient building the platform of Gangori Ghat in the vicinity of Pichola Lake. Built in the eighteenth century, by Amir Chand Badwa, Chief Minister at the Mewar Royal Court the mansion boasts of delicate carved work and excellent glass work.When Amar Badwa died, the building came under the possession of Mewar State.

In 1878, the Haveli was abode of Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore, who further incorporated three stories to the main structureand hence it came to be known as Bagore Ki Haveli (Mansion of Bagore). Now converted into a museum, it portrays the patrician culture of Mewar. It showcases premium mural paintings of Rajasthan designed in Mewar, the costumes of the royal kings and modern art, exclusive stuff of Rajputs like jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels and other items of the erstwhile rulers. The Queen's Chamber showcases fascinating original paintings of Mewar. Beautiful peacocks created with small pieces of colored glass captivate the onlooker with sheer admiration. Today, this grand building has more than 100 rooms with well-arranged balconies, terraces, courtyards and corridors.

Maharana Pratap Memorial
Situated at the top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake, Maharana Pratap Memorial is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap.The memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favorite horse, Chetak. This outstanding statue has also been picturised for various Bollywood movies.

Other Important places to visit in Udaipur are :

- The Lakes of Pichola, Fatehsagar, Swaroop Sagar, Udai Sagar, Jaisamand Lake.

-Gulab Bagh Garden and Zoo

-Sajjan Garh Palace or the Monsoon Palace

-Vintage Collection of Classic car museum, at hotel Garden

-Haldighati Museum

Udaipur can be a base for excursions to very famous forts and temples , some of which are listed Below :

- Eklingji Temple (2 kms from Udaipur)- Built in 734 AD, is dedicated to unique form of Lord Shiva, the temple in itself is a collection of 108 smaller temples

- Nagda Temples: (2 kms from Eklingji) : It is famous for its Sas-bahu and Adbudji temples.with exquisite stone carvings.

-Nathdwara (48 kms from Udaipur) : Famous for temple of Srinathji, a 14th century incarnation of Lord Krishna

- Ranakpur Temples (located 98 kms from Udaipur): It is widely known for its marble Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular of the Jain temples with 1444 pillars, none of the two pillars resembling each other.

-Chittaurgarh Fort (113 kms from Udaipur)- 07th Century Fort, is one of the grandest and most invincible forts of Rajasthan.

- Kumbhalgarh Fort (82 kms from Udaipur) - 15th century fort built by Rana Kumbha with over 300 temples.

- Mount Abu (180 kms from Udaipur) - Only hill station of Rajasthan, boasts of beautiful Dilwara Jain Temple, Nakki Lake and is home to Brahamakumari Ashram.

Entrance Charges to the Monuments in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

For Foreign Nationals ( in INR)

City Palace Adult :INR 250, Children ( below 12 years): INR 45
Crystal Gallery   Adult :INR 550, Children ( below 12 years): Nil
Lok Kala Mandir Adult :INR 30, Children ( below 12 years): Nil
Shelion Ki Bari   Adult :INR 10, Children ( below 12 years): INR 10
Shilp Gram   Adult :INR 55,Children ( below 12 years): INR 55
Moti Mangri   Adult :INR 15, Children ( below 12 years): INR 15
Fountain   Adult :INR 15, Children ( below 12 years): INR 15
Pratap Smarak   Adult :INR 10, Children ( below 12 years): INR 10

For Indian Nationals ( in INR)

City Palace Adult :INR 50 , Children ( below 12 years): INR 45
Crystal Gallery   Adult :INR 550, Children ( below 12 years): Nil
Lok Kala Mandir Adult :INR 30, Children ( below 12 years): Nil
Shelion Ki Bari   Adult :INR 10, Children ( below 12 years): INR 10
Shilp Gram   Adult :INR 15,Children ( below 12 years): INR 15
Moti Mangri   Adult :INR 15, Children ( below 12 years): INR 15
Fountain   Adult :INR 15, Children ( below 12 years): INR 15
Pratap Smarak   Adult :INR 10, Children ( below 12 years): INR 10

How to Reach Udaipur, India

By Air

Maharana Pratap Airport located near Dabok , 22 kms from the city is connected with direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

By Rail

Udaipur Railway Station located at a comfortable distance from the city is connected with direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Agra and Khajuraho.

By Road

Udaipur is well connected by road to major cities in India. It is well connected by road from all sides, Jaipur to Udaipur is just 375 kms , Udaipur to Jodhpur is 296 kms and Udaipur to Ahmedabad, state capital of Gujarat is 260 kms .

Pushkar Camel Fair - More than a Cattle fair

2012-10-14T00:07:00.004+05:30

India is a country of Culture and villages. A culture which believes in sharing and spreading happiness. That is probably a reason why Indian calendar is full of festivals and fairs, celebrating almost anything with great elan, whether it is the change of a season or birthday of any of the millions of Gods they pray to.

Indians need a slightest of reason to organize a fair or congregate to celebrate an event. This inherent culture of sharing the happiness have given birth to many a fairs and festivals, many celebrated into the villages.Village fares are mainly an extension of local markets and mainly comprise of coming together of little shops selling daily household items, cultural dance and song shows, puppet shows, games and joy rides for children and food stalls selling fast food items. It is a celebratory atmosphere where people flock in numbers to shop, eat and make merry , often in groups of family members and friends.

Most of the village fairs have shops selling daily household items like earthen and steel utensils, clothes, toys and other daily household items, some of the fairs are specially designed around another important aspect of agrarian economy, Cattle. Since cattle is as important in agrarian economy as humans, many a fairs are organized around cattle referred to as cattle fairs. It is a place where people come from various parts of the country to buy and sell cattle often in celebratory atmosphere. Cattle fairs are held in different parts of India at different period of times like Sonepur Cattle Fair being held in October November in Sonepur,Near Patna, Bateshwar Cattle fair in Bateshwar Near Agra in January February , Nagaur Cattle fair at Nagaur village near Jodhpur in January February , Kulkunda Cattle at Kulkuda Village in Subhramanya near Medikeri and Mangalore, Karnataka in November, but the biggest of them all is the Pushkar Cattle fair more popularly known as Pushkar Camel Fair, due to large presence of Camel as the mainly traded animals. Nearly 300000 Villagers and locals participate and more than 50000 camels are traded, apart from the trade of other animals including cows, goats, sheeps and horses. People from all over Rajasthan used to walk for days to reach the fair ground (till the modern transport means were developed) in the hope of getting good price from the buyers for their cattle, or to purchase best of the cattle at the most reasonable price.

Pushkar Camel Fair is held every year During the Hindu month of Kartik from Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima (full moon day) as per Hindu Calendar at Pushkar, a tiny but holy village near Ajmer, around 140 kms from the Capital of state of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India, whose origin is not known, but it is believed that it was created by Lord Brahma. According to a legend, Brahma in search of a place for Mahayagna found Pushkar to be suitable for him, but he came to know that a demon, Vajranash, is killing innocent people. Lord Brahma then intoned a mantra on a lotus flower and killed the demon with it, but during the process the parts of flower fell at three places which later came to be known as Jyaistha, Madhya and Kanistha Pushkar. After killing of the demon, Brahma performed a yagna to protect this place from demons. But to complete the Yagna , The consort of Brahma, Saraswati, was needed to offer Ahuti for the yagna. As she was not present and the Yagna needed to be performed , a local Gurjar girl,Gayatri, was married to Lord Brahma and yagna was concluded. This act made Saraswati ,first wife of Lord Brahma, very angry and she cursed Brahma saying that he would not be worshipped anywhere in the world except Pushkar From that day the priests in Brahma temple are from Gurjar community. Lord Brahma is hence worshipped only at Pushkar , and although few more temples in India and South East Asia are there dedicated to Lord Brahma, but he is worshipped only at Pushkar.

Another legend is that the Pushkar Lake was originated from the tear drop of Lord Shiva which fell at Pushkar, when he cried after the death of his wife Sati.

Pushkar Camel Fair dates

Pushkar Camel Fair is held every year During the Hindu month of Kartik from Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima (full moon day) as per Hindu Calendar at Pushkar,hence it date changes every year as per the commonly used Gregorian calendar. The Kartik month usually falls in October - November. The following are the official dates of Pushkar Fair for coming years :

2012 : November 24 - 28

2013: November 12 - 16

2014: November 02-06

2015 : November 21-25

When Best to visit Pushkar Cattle Fair

The above are official dates for the Pushkar fair, when the cultural programs, shows are organized officially by the Govt and the prayer ceremonies are conducted,although the activities starts much earlier. The best time to visit Pushkar Cattle Fair is usually 2-3 days before the actual fair starts, as that is when, you will see most of the cattle being traded. The official opening of the fair, usually marks the end of the cattle trading and most of the cattle owners leave by the first or second day of cattle fair. Pushkar camel fair is more than cattle fair, it is also a cultural extravaganza, a place to enjoy and participate in fun and frolic.

Recommended dates for Pushkar Camel Fair ( to see best of both, the cultural fares and the cattle congregation)

2012 :November 21-25 ( official fair dates November 24 - 28)

2013: November 09 -13 ( official fair dates November 12 - 16)

2014: October 31 - November 3 ( official fair dates November 02-06)

2015 : November 18 - 22 ( official fair dates November 21-25)

What to see During Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar camel fair is a place where you not only will observe a lot of cattles of various strengths and sizes, but also a lot of color and culture. You will see people from all over Rajasthan with their cattle , exceeding over 50000 camels and hundred of other animals including cows, oxes, Horses, buffaloes, goats and sheep.You will see a lot of folk dances and folk songs being conducted through out the day.

You will also get to participate in various village competition games like Turban Tying competition, camel Races, Camel Decoration competition, longest mustache competition, rope pulling, Kabaddi Matches (local V/s visitors), Camel and Horse Dances etc. You will also see variety of village handicrafts and daily use items being sold in makeshift shacks and people in colorful dresses from villages buying them. You will also see a lot of shops selling local snacks as well as variety of fast foods.

During the second half of the fair, you will see a lot of people offering prayers and conducting special prayer ceremonies. Bathing in the Pushkar Lake on the full moon day is considered specially ominous and is believed to wash you all of your sins. Prayers are offered to departed ones for the happiness and peace of their soul. Taking bath in the Pushkar Lake during this period is considered to wash you of your sins.

Fun Activities at Pushkar
You can participate and enjoy the following fun activities in Pushkar:
-Camel and Camel Cart riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Body piercing, tattooing both permanent and temporary
- Participation in village competition including tug of war , turban tying and kabaddi

Where to Stay at Pushkar during Cattle fairs
Pushkar have various options of accommodations available from Guest Houses, Budget hotels to starred hotels, it however lacks deluxe hotels. Pushkar also have accommodation option of fixed swiss tented complexes, which operates through out the year.Accommodation in the hotels during this period of Pushkar Camel Fair, becomes particularly expensive with prices of starred hotel rising three to four folds.

Apart from the above, Various tent operators pitch special tented complex near the fair ground providing accommodation in swiss tents with attached toilets at reasonable costs. These tents complexes comes up about 2-4 days prior to the start of the cattle fair and are uprooted at the end of the fair. They are conveniently located near the fair grounds and offer you stay on all meals, evening cultural dances and easy access to the fair activities ( some tent operators offer complimentary shuttle to the fair ground through camel cart rides)

How to Reach Pushkar
By Air : The nearest airport to Pushkar is at Jaipur, which is an international airport too.It takes about 3 hrs by road to reach Pushkar from Jaipur airport as it is about 150 kms. Jaipur airport is connected to the various parts of India and few international destinations too.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Ajmer , which is about 15 kms from Pushkar, Ajmer is a major junction in Delhi - Mumbai route and have numerous direct train from Delhi and Mumbai. Currently the extension of railway line to Pushkar is being carried out, soon the trains will be extended till Pushkar to give it better connectivity with Delhi.

By Road :Pushkar is well connected by road to rest of India, It is about 150 kms / 3 hrs drive from Jaipur, 249 kms/ 5 hrs drive from Jodhpur and 275 kms / 5 hrs drive from Udaipur. 244 kms/ 5 hrs drive from Bikaner.

Kumbha Mela - An Event of Faith and devotion

2012-06-21T20:08:00.000+05:30

Kumbh Mela - An Event of Faith and Devotion

There are very few occasions in the world, where people in large numbers running into millions of human beings, have come together at one place with one aim and objective. The biggest of these occasions is the Kumbh Mela or Kumbha Mela in India. The largest of them all was the Purna Kumbh Mela of 2001 in Allahabad, when 60 - 70 million people came together at one place - on the bank of river Ganges Allahabad, with one aim, to take a dip in the holy Ganges river at Sangam and make fresh beginning of life, devoid of the sins they might have committed till date. Maha Kumbh at Allahabad in 2013 is one of the biggest Kumbh Mela event of the century which will be repeated now after 144 years only,when the similar planetary combination will appear in the sky.

Kumbh or Kumbha Mela is the largest display of human faith in the world, where people from all strata of society, of every age group congregate at one place. What is so significant about this event which attracts so many people at one go?. The answer to this lies in the Indian Mythology, which also describes the origin of Kumbh - A Mela , an Event of faith and devotion.

Origin of Kumbha Mela,

Once upon a time when the world was ruled by Demi Gods (Devta - Ruler of Heaven - the sky) and Demons (Asuras - Ruler of the world below the earth), both fighting for supremacy. The Demigods Had a king called Indra - The god of Rain. Once he was passing through earth on his elephant, when he came across revered saint Rishi Durvasa. As a mark of greeting Rishi Durvasa offered Lord Indra, one of the Garland from his neck. Indra, however being a proud king, took the Garland from the Rishi Durvasa, and without showing any respect to his offerings, placed it on the trunk of the Elephant he was riding. The Elephant being an animal, could not understand the importance of the Garland and threw it between his legs and trampled upon it.Seeing this, Rishi Durvasa took it as mark of disrespect of him and cursed Lord Indra and other demigods to be devoid of any material opulence and strength. As a result of this, the demigods become weak and lost all their material opulence and started to get defeated.

The demigods being the harbinger of auspiciousness and good fortune, started to lose to the Demons and the world started to get dis-balanced. Devoid of their strength and material opulence, the Demigods went to the creator of the World and supreme God, Lord Brahma with the request to the solution of their situation. Lord Brahma on hearing their plight and observing that the cycle of Creation, preservation and annihilation is being effected, directed the demigods go the Lord of preservation of the Universe, Lord Vishnu, He who knows everything which goes on in the world, He who himself creates situation, for the solution of which once found, will benefit the world for ever.

On hearing the plea of demigods, Lord Vishnu asked them to offer truce to the Demons and then jointly churn the ocean of milk, which will then produce nectar - which will make the one drinking it immortal. The Demigods, did the same and convinced the demons for this act promising them to share it in half with them. Lord Vishnu Himself took the form of Vasuki, a long snake to be used as rope and Mandara mountain was used as a pivot to churn the ocean. The Deimigods then convinced Demons to take the side of mouth while they themselves held the tail, so as to be bereft of any poison of the snake. And thus the churning of the ocean of milk began, which went for 1000 years.

Out of the churning, many a things were produced, first came out the deadliest of the poison, which started to affect the Demigods and Asuras alike and threatened the world to bring it to an end, Seeing this Lord Shiva - The lord of destruction, drank the poison and stored it in his neck( Which gave the color of his neck as blue). Later came apart from many a material wealth, Lakshmi - The Goddess of Wealth and fortune, various Apsaras, Varuni - the creator of asuras,various jewels, The Moon and Kamdhenu, a cow which is believed to fulfill all the wishes of the master, with the supply of unlimited milk. It was presented to the Saptarishi, to ensure steady supply of milk and Ghee for auspicious occasions and prayers.Last came out Dhanvantri -the doctor of Gods with the nectar, which was to provide the immortality to its drinker.

As soon as the nectar appeared, a fight ensued between the demons and the demigods, which ensued for 12 god days and nights ( one God day is equivalent to one human year). After 12 days, Garuda - the divine bird got hold of the nectar and flew from the battle seen, however during the flight he accidently dropped four drops on earth, one each at Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik. It is believed that due to this, these places have gained mystical power to heal the human and rejuvenate them. The mystical powers are its best when the similar plenary combination is replicated as was at the time of the dropping of the nectar drops, and hence Kumbha Mela is celebrated every 12 years at these places, where bathing on the auspicious dates, is believed to cure all your illness and purify your soul, devoid of any sins and their effects.

Types of Kumbha Mela

The Kumbh Mela held after every 12 years is known as Purna Kumbh Mela, however apart from this, you have other Kumbha Mela also, which are celebrated as below :

-Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years rotating between the four pious sites of Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain, thus returning to the original site after 12 years.

-Ardh Kumbha - The Mela held after 06 years from the Kumbha at the same place is known as Ardh Kumbha.

-Maha Kumbh Mela is held after 12 Purna Kumbha Melas, at Allahabad, i.e once in 144 years.

Selection of date and time for Kumbha Mela

The dates and venue of Kumbh Mela is decided upon the plenary position of the planets Brahaspati (Jupiter), Sun and Moon

According to the following plenary positions, the cities are decided :

	JUPITER	SUN	MOON
HARIDWAR	Aquarius	Aries	Sagittarius
ALLAHABAD	Taurus	Capricorn	Capricorn
NASIK	Leo	Cancer	Cancer
UJJAIN	Leo	Aries	Aries

The following are the sacred rivers where the Bathing Takes places during Kumbha Mela

-Ganges River at Haridwar

-Godavari River at Nasik

-Shipra River at Ujjain

-Confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and Mythological River of Knowledge Saraswati ( Hence allahabad Kumbh is one of the most celebrated and sacred of all )

Allahabad (Prayag) Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 -One of the Biggest Kumbh Melas

Allahabad (Persion name meaning Settled by God for Prayag) is an important religious town for Hindus and by some accounts the second oldest town. Allahabad originally and still known to Hindus as Prayag (meaning place of sacrifice) is believed to be place where Lord Brahma, after creating the universe gave his first sacrifice. It is also considered sacred as it is sangam (confluence) of three rivers, Yamuna (last city as it merges with Ganges here), Ganges and mythological river Saraswati ( known as the River of knowledge). It is one of the fastest growing cities in north India and is fast becoming industrialized. It is also famous for Kumbh Mela held every 12 years, Ardh Kumbh every 06 years and Magh Mela every Year and is the only place where Maha Kumbha Mela takes place every 144 Years.

January 14 till March 10 2013 was one such date where the celestial combinations repeated after 144 years and Maha Kumbha ( after 12 Purna Kumbh) was organised. It was one of the biggest events of the century or recorded history, where it is believed that more than 120 million people visited. (current population of Allahabad is 1.1 million (census 2011). It was said that the Human congregation was so large that it could be observed by Satellites.

Important bathing dates for Maha Kumbh Mela, Allahabad 2013:

Taking bath at River Ganges at Triveni on any of the day during the Kumbh will rinse you of our sins, but there are certain dates, decided by the cosmic combinations, which are most important, as it is said that, on this day, the effect of taking bath increases many fold and you move closer to God and freedom from the cycle of Life Called Moksha.

These are the important bathing dates, which are the most busiest in terms of the number of people travelling and are often known as the Royal Baths. The most important dates for the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2013 are as below.

14th January 2013(Monday) – Makar Sankranti -(First Royal Bath)

This is the first day of the Kumbh Mela, an important festival celebrated all over India, albeit under different names of Makar Sankranti, Pongal in South India or Bihu in east India. This day it is believed that Sun starts its northward movement, entering into the tropic of Capricorn ( Makar). This also marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated accordingly by all agriculturists. Spiritually it is believed that Lord Sun visits his son Saturn on this day and stays for one month. Also this day is also considered as the beginning of the day period of devta's, hence all auspicious works are started on this day. This Marks the beginning of Kumbh Mela with the fist of Royal Bath from the series of Royal Baths being taken.

27th January 2013(Sunday) – Paush Purnima -

This is full moon day in the month of Hindi Calendar Paush ( December January). Also believed to the day of Birth of Goddess Shakambari , it is an important date of Bathing.

06th February 2013(Wednesday) – Ekadashi Snan -

Ekadashi means, eleventh day of the month after full moon day. 11th day after Full moon day is considered auspicous for starting new jobs and prayers.

10th February 2013(Sunday) – Mauni Amavasya Snana ( most important Bathing date)

This is one of the most significant days in Hindu Calendar being the no moon day of the important and sacred month of Magh. This is also the day , which is considered the birth date of Rishi Manu - who is believed to be the single father of all mankind and progenitor of Man. This is the day when both Sun and Moon enter the Capricorn Sign. The day is observed as the day of silence and bathing at sunrise is believed to take you to Moksha - Freedom from the circle of Births and deaths.

15th February 2013(Friday) – Basant Panchami Snan

This is the Fifth Day of the Month of Magh, as per the Indian Calendar. Magh is the first month of Spring Season and Basant Panchami marks the start of the Spring season. It is celebrated for Goddess Saraswati - which is the Goddess of Knowledge and education, music and arts. People are taught to write their first letter on this day and other religious prayers are arranged including feeding of the Brahmins and offering prayers for the departed ones. Yellow color plays an important role in Basant Panchami, with people wearing Yellow color clothes and distributing Yellow colored sweets. Even the farmlands are decked with yellow colored flowers of mustard, giving a feeling of happiness to everyone.

17th February 2013(Sunday) – Rath Saptami Snana

Seventh day of the Month of Magh ( one of the most auspicious Month in Hindu Calendar), this day is dedicated to the Sun God. It is believed to be the birth date of Sun God Surya Narayan. Colorful Rangoli's are made outside the home to welcome sun rays and prayers with water is offered to the sun god. This is also the date when it is believed that Sun God Suya turns his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colors) towards the northern hemishpere , in north easterly direction. After this day, the day begins to become warmer and longer.

18th February 2013(Monday) – Bhishm Ashtami Snana

This is the 8th Day of the month of Magh. This day also is called Bhisma Ashtami, as it is believed that on this day , the learning of Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram ( an important religious scripture) was passed on to the Pandavas by Pitamah Bhishma, after he chose this day to leave his body. ( Pitamah Bhisma was so Blessed that he could chose the date of his death on his own, and if he chose not to die, he can live forever)

25th February 2013(Monday) – Maghi Purnima Snan

This is the full moon day for the Month of Magh and hence an important day for bathing. It is believed that the water on this day , before sunrise have powers of God present in them. It is believed that on this day, if you take a dip at Sangam, before sunrise, you will get rinse of biggest of your sins.

10 March 2013(Sunday ) – Maha Shivratri Snan ( Last Royal Bath)

This day is significant as it marks the end of the Kumbh Mela with the last of Royal Baths taking on this day. Maha Shivratri is the most sacred day for the followers of Lord Shiva the destroyer and is celebrated by all Hindus. It is believed the Lord Shiva married Maa Parvati on this day. It is also believed that the famed Tandav Nritya ( dance of destruction) was performed by Lord Shiva on this day.

Future Dates of Kumbh Mela

The next Kumbh will be held at Haridwar From January 14 till April 27'2021.

Tips For travelling to Kumbh Mela

Events like Kumbh Mela are always a nightmare for the city administration hosting it, they suddenly have to manage and control the hordes of visiting people, far greater in number than the resident population. It not only creates challenges for the local administration towards ensuring peaceful conduct and atmosphere of the Mela, safety of the local resident as well as visiting public, they also have to deal with the incremental load of demand on the already scarce civic resources at their disposal.

To ensure smooth movement and security of the visiting and resident public and to manage he number of people ( which are far beyond the capacity the city can hold), the city administration imposes restrictions on movement of the individuals and vehicles on certain routes. On all main bathing dates, the vehicle movement is restricted to few emergency vehicles in the vicinity of the Mela event grounds. Almost all personal vehicles and taxi services are banned to move, the circumference of this ban from the main bathing ghats can extend to around 4-5 kms. Keeping in view of these restrictions, if you are travelling in and around these bathing dates, the following should be kept in mind :

- Be ready to walk - On main bathing dates , a day prior to it and day after it, almost all the vehicular movement within the area 4-5 kms from the main bathing ghat will be banned/disallowed. Leaving you no other option but to walk to the main bathing ghat from your place of residence.

-Carry enough water and snacks - While travelling out from your hotel, carry enough amount of water and snacks to last for the day. At the venue event, although few vending stalls are present, but you will find it difficult to find snacks or water of your choice at reasonable price. It is better to carry it along with you, so as to give you freedom from spending time in locating any such vendor.

-Travel light, if you are arriving near the dates of main bath and have booked a hotel in the city or tents near the vicinity of the main bathing Ghats, you might find it difficult to find a vehicle to carry you and your luggage to the place of residence due to various restrictions put up on the travelling routes for vehicular movement. You might have to walk down a fair distance to reach the hotel/ tents of your residence.

-Book in the vicinity of event - For long stay, avoid booking city hotels and chose one of the tent in the complexes specially set up for the Kumbh Mela. They are normally closer to the even venue, are set up in collaboration of the religious trusts and Akharas and hence gives you chance to interact with the local ascetics ( sadhus). You might get lucky to see some of the rarest moments in the life of these sadhus, who are normally secluded from the general public.

-Choose your arrival dates judiciously - the maximum restrictions on vehicular movement is on the dates of royal baths,a day prior and a day after. These are also the dates, when maximum number of local day visitors travel to the venue apart from people coming for the day from all over India. Almost all hotels and tent complex are booked, movement across the city is at a slow pace. Travelling between hordes of people with luggage will be an arduous task. It better to arrive a day earlier, will save you a lot of hassle and will give you enough time to rest as you prepare for early morning escapades on the bathing dates.

-Visit early in the morning to the Ghats - sunrise is better Most of the Nanga Sadhus and important Akharas offer their prayer at the River at dawn, with the first light. It is the best time to witness the grandeur of he ascetics. The best time to bathe in the river on these dates or any other dates is considered to be at dawn with sunrise. Accordingly the times are allotted to different religious trusts, the first slot being allotted to the most influential and religiously important group. The first one are normally the Nanga Sadhus which are the most reclusive of the group and are only seen at the Kumbha mela's rest of the time they recluse themselves to the higher mountain regions of Himalayas.

-Understand and respect local religious customs - Hindus normally are a tolerant lot, accepts criticism positively and constructively, are open to alternative views. But during the Kumbh Mela, religious tempers run high.You should be careful while expressing your views publicly especially if they are critical or non confirmatory of the general perception, as it might attract sharp reactions and uncomfortable and tense situations. A basic understanding of Hindu culture will not only help you avoid such situation but also helps you understand the importance of the religious activities going around you.

-Be friendly with caution - Indians in general are friendly people and receives other with warmth, but similar to every society, there are people who deviate from the normal culture and have a criminal mind. Be cautious of being overtly friendly with unknown persons, be careful in sharing drinks or food with unknown people ( drugging by food laced with drugs and subsequent robbing will be an event which will come to light more frequently). Apart from them,you need to be careful while interacting of approaching local Sadhus(ascetics) especially the more reclusive and regarded ones. Devoid of habit of living with people and appear in public, they might feel offended by your friendly gesture. You should be careful, specially while taking photographs, as many of these Sadhus(especially Nanga Sadhus) will not liked to clicked taking it as an offence (they are under the impression that you click their photographs, so as you can make fun of them later). You should also be careful while taking the photographs at bathing ghats, especially if a lot of women fold is taking the dip, as that can again be offensive to the local people.