India Travel And Monuments

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

2014-08-12T09:31:00.004-07:00

Nestling within the depths of the Thar desert, Jodhpur today is known as one of the three sculpted cities of Rajasthan, each known for its distinct flavour. Flaked on the western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone palace of Umaid Bhawan, its monuments, temples and gardens depict a multi-faceted grandeur. The second largest city of the State not only serves as the hub and gateway to the 'desert triangle' but also happens to be commercial heart. It is one of the largest centers for production and export of handicrafts. While the city may have changed its character, from martial to economic, it has lost nothing in its charms. It is one of the cleaner cities of India with wide uncluttered roads, good communications infrastructure, numerous attractive sites like the richly sculpted palaces and 'havelis', lakes and gardens, wealth of culture and arts, and, above all, a friendly citizenry.

The Old City is a network of winding streets marked by the fragrance of incense, roses, shops selling everything from trumpets to temple decorations that best characterize the essence of the place. It is surrounded by a 10-km long wall with eight gates.

The largest concentration of showrooms is along the road connecting the Umaid Bhawan Palace from afar down the road. These showrooms are famous for antiques. The Maharani Art Government Emporium at Tambako Market has the best collection of textiles.

Jodhpur is an important handicrafts production and exports center. The city is famous for 'bandhni' or tie and dye fabric, camel leather footwear with intricate embroidery, miniature paintings, carved wooden furniture, white metal articles and jewelry. Sojati Gate and Station Road area, Tripolia Bazaar, Nai Sarak in the walled city are major shopping areas for souvenir hunting.

Jodhpur is strewn with small time restaurants that are famous for local specialties like lassi, mawa ladoo and mawa kachori.

Sightseeing:

Mehrangarh Fort: Standing guard over the city from an isolated hill, the fort is the most imposing feature of the city. Built in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the founder of the city, Mehrangarh houses beautiful, intricately carved red sandstone palaces and temples. The museum in the fort displays many of the erstwhile regal trappings, paintings and artefacts. Facilities for visitors in the fort include a souvenir shop, a cafe, restrooms, and a lounge.

Jaswant Thada: Standing on the lower slope just half a kilometer away from the fort, the imposing while marble cenotaph was built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It houses portraits of successive rulers.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Also known as Chittar Palace, the palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singh is a splendid example of Indo-colonial architecture. A unique feature of the palace is that the hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking without any binding mortar. A part of the palace is now a luxury hotel while the rest is open to visitors in the form of a museum retaining the original furnishings and ambiance.

Mandore Gardens: The erstwhile capital of Marwar, before the foundation of Jodhpur, is now more popular for its extensive gardens. An important feature is the 'Hall of Heroes; which houses 16 gigantic figures of popular Hindu and folk deities carved out of a single rock.

Umaid Public Garden: In the heart of the city, the large, verdant expanse forms the green lung of Jodhpur and also houses a zoo.

Kailana Lake: Along Jaisalmer Road, the small artificial lake has been developed into a picnic spot.

Osian: Located at 65 km away from Jodhpur and a staging post of ancient times for the caravans in the inhospitable Thar Desert, Osian developed into an important trading and religious center. The beautifully sculpted Jain and Bramanical temples dating between 8th and 12th centuries AD are its main attraction. Another attractive feature is the number of sand dunes at the western edge of the town which have become popular for camel safaris. The colorful sunset in the desert seen from the dunes is a favorite with tourists.

Marwar Festival: It is a colorful extravaganza celebrating Maand style of fold music in the month of October every year. Artistes performing under full moon bring alive the legends and folklore of the region.

Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan, India

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Chittaurgarh is located about 112 km from Udaipur. Chittaurgarh's legendary origins go back to the time of the redoubtable Pandav hero Bhim of the epic Mahabharata. Historically, the site was a citadel and the capital of Mewar, until emperor Akbar conquered it. Chittaurgarh Fort stands on an about 180-meter-high-hill which at the summit is 5 km long north to south, but only 3/4 km at its widest, east to west.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary near Bassi village covers 50 sq.km. The prime attractions here are panthers, wild boar, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. For entry into the sanctuary, perm ission has to be obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh. Bassi village itself has many places of tourist interest such as a historical fort, temples and a 'kund'. Sculpture and woodcraft of Bassi are also very famous.

Deogarh: A three-hour drive, about 135 km from Udaipur, Deogarh nestles amidst the Aravallis. For adventure-seekers, nature lovers and bird-watchers, Deogarh is an ideal holiday spot.

Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India

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At 1200 meters, Mount Abu is the highest point of the Aravalli range passing through Rajasthan. The only hill resort of Rajasthan, it is built around a lake and surrounded by forested hills. According to a legend, the town derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva's bull, Nandi. Besides having all the features of a pleasant hill resort, Mount Abu is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples.

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

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Udaipur remains a city largely untouched by modernity and retains a charm unlike any other city in Rajasthan. The urban sprawl goes beyond the city's original boundaries that is best left ignored as the old city engulfs one in a romantic splendour. Udaipur is an enchanting city full of surprises, with lakes in the midst of sandy terrain and green forested hills.

The city is centered around the mirror-like Lake Pichola with its straight-out-of-a-fairy-tale Lake Palace in the middle. Upmarket hotels, spectacular palaces and havelis are somewhere around the lake to welcome the endless stream of international and domestic tourists. Other than the romantic palaces and rugged fortresses that recount its history, Udaipur's old city is on the east of Lake Pichola. All around the old section there are narrow streets lined with shops and craftsmen's ateliers that encourage hours of window-shopping.

The Pichola Lake is the centerpiece around which Udaipur revolves. The lake lies to the immediate west of the ridge on which the City Palace of Udaipur stands. Lake Pichola has two islands -- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. The Old City with its traditional flavors is on the east side of this lake. The area between the Jagdish Temple and the City Palace is the hotel strip. Also, around here are many rooftop restaurants that this city is associated with that offer interesting and affordable eating options from the local to the Continental cuisine to please every palate. he Lal Ghat is the quintessential backpacker haven with rooms overlooking a central courtyard filled with plants and tables for socializing.

The main shopping area in Udaipur are Hathipol, Chetak Circle, Clock Tower, Lake Palace Road, Bapu Bazaar and City Market. Here one can find a wonderful display of traditional toys, brightly colored garments, miniature paintings in Rajput/Mughal style, chunky silver jewelry and cane furniture shops.

Udaipur is a sprawling city spread around its lakes. Jagdish Mandir is the focal point of the old city and the hub for tourists. The City Palace is right next door.

Udaipur has scores of rooftop cafes overlooking the lake. These offer a visual treat on any winter afternoon of summer evening apart from a varied dining pleasure.

Udaipur is a city of monuments and museums. Begin with the City Palace. It is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, rising 30 meters above Lake Pichola. The 244 meter long palace is partly preserved as a museum displaying a large and varied collection of artifacts.

Located within the Fateh Prakash Palace, Crystal Gallery is an astounding collection of over 600 crystal objects ordered by Maharaja Sajjan Singh in 1877.

Out of the palace, the first stop can be the 1651-built Jagdish Temple. One can then walk down to Bagore ki Haveli and Gangaur Ghat where evening folk performances are also held. The next stop could be the Vintage Car Museum, the Maharana's personal collection of exclusive four-wheelers turned to a museum. Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural museum with a very good display of puppetry and folk art, music and dance. Shilpgram, a little away from the city, is a living museum: hutments of different tribal groups have been created here and real people liv e in them and sell their wares. Udaipur's gardens include Sahelion ki Badi, Pratap M emorial, Sajjan Niwas and Dudh Talai -- all very pleasant for a languid walk and some history. For more history, there is Sajjan Garh, the monsoon palace atop a hill and Ahar, the royal cenotaphs.

If you look to shopping for the famous Rajasthani silver, head for the market near the Clock Tower. You would also find bangle sellers, shops with an innumerable variety of block-printed bed spreads and other articles, and the famous 'lehriya' saris. At Hathipole, you would find 'jootis' (traditional embroidered leather sandals), saris, wooden souvenirs, camel leather souvenirs, and many handicrafts.

Bapu Bazaar is the area in Udaipur for regular shopping like readymades, textiles, jewelry, crockdery, homeware, food articles etc. Khadi Gram Udyog has handloom weaves and textiles.

Mewar Festival: Marking the advent of Spring, it is held in March/April during the Gangaur festival in Udaipur. The two-day festivities are marked by boat processions as well as a 'shobha yatra' wherein elephants, camels, horses, and folk artistes are out on the streets.

Shilpgram Utsav: Held for the first ten days of December at Shilpgramin Udaipur, it is an art and crafts festival.

Getaways:

Nathdwara: Built in the early 18th century, Nathdwara, 48 km from Udaipur, has a simple shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is the most celebrated of the Vaishnava shrines of Lord Krishna.

Bambora: Bambora can be used as a base for a number of excursions, including longer trips to the neigboring States of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Shorter excursions could include a trip to the Jaisamand lake, the historic city of Udaipur, the Chittoragarh Fort and the Jagat temples, dating back to the 10th century.

Eklingji: Chiseled out of sanndstone and marble, a complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls, it was built in 734 AD. The temple is devoted to the family deity of the rulers of Mewar.

Kumbhalgarh Fort: Kumbhalgarh, 42 km from Udaipur, is famous for its 15th century fort and game sanctuary. Approachable by road, the huge stone bastion stands atop a hill and allows access through spiked gates. The fort wall stretches for miles over the hillside and a walk o it can be invigorating. There is a crocodile farm in the sanctuary and a forest rest house.

Ranakpur: 90 km from Udaipur and 48 km fro m Kumbhlgarh are the Ranakpur temples. The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, come across as a marvelous feat of architecture. The Jain temples house statues of Mahavira and other Jain saints.

Ghanerao: Ghanerao, 18 km from Ranakpur, houses the castle where Meerabai (legendary worshipper of Lord Krishna) spent her childhood. Within the red sandstone walls of Royal Castle Ghanerao, built in the 15th century, is a temple with the idol of Lord Krishna Meerabai worshipped. Several lakes surround the Ghanerao village. The castle can be the base for a horse safari in the region.

Devigarh: 27 km from Udaipur is Devigarh, after crossing the undulating hills around the city. The village is called Delwara. The village has the quintessential charm of a Rajasthani village.

Dungarpur: 105 km from Udaipur, this 13th century city is centered around a lake. The focal point is Udai Bilas Palace. the residence of the royal family and also a hotel. The palace features intricately sculpted pillars and panels, ornate balconies, arches and friezes, and one of the largest collections of hunting trophies.

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

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Once the capital of the Scindias, Gwalior is a majestic city that retains its past grandeur amidst the daily chaos as one wanters through its streets and bylanes. The old city retains its flavour and the 10th century fort stands atop a huge bluff, a witness to its glorious history.

Places to see:

The Fort -- The most dominating center-piece of the city stands atop a massive, precipitous sandstone hill and can be seen miles away. The historic fort, considered one of he most difficult to capture, had featured in many important battles, amongst the most recent and memorable being between Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi ad the armies of the British East India Company in 1857. The fort encloses many fine palaces and other ancient monuments, including Gujari Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Suraj Kund, Teli-ka-Mandir and Saas-Bahu-ka-Mandir. Some of these date back to AD 425. There is also an archaeological Museum inside the fort with exhibits related to the fort and the city.

Jai Vilas Palace and Museum -- The city residence of the royal family, part of which has n ow been converted into a Museum displaying a collection of royal memorabilia and possessions. These include furniture, clothes, a battery operated silver train that was used to carry drinks and desserts/ dry fruits round the large table during state dinners.

Tombs of Ghaus Mohammed and Tansen -- The toms dedicated to two of the most famous personalities of the city, spiritual saint Ghaus Mohammaed, and Mian Tansen, famous musician and one of the nine pearls of the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, are in the older parts of the city.

Statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai -- Marks the spot where the valiant queen was cremated following her martyrdom in the battle of 1857.

Other places:

Shivpuri -- 112 km away, Shivpuri was the summer retreat of Gwalior;s rulers, who built exquisite palaces and hunting lodges here and in the town. There are intricately embellished marble chhatris (cenotaphs) built in memory of the Scindia princes. The dense forests around Shivpuri where Emperor Akbar once went hunting are now a national wildlife park.

Sonagiri -- 60 km away and just off the road to Jhansi, near Dabra, is famous for its 1500-year-old Jain temples. The 108 temples ae aranged on steps up a hillside, and the temple dedicated to the eighth Tirthankara crowns the hill.

Tansen Sangeet Samorah: A four-day Indian classical music fest commemorating the great Indian musician of the Mughal era is held at Tansen tomb every year in Deember. The festival brings together exponents and music lovers from all over the country.

Dholpur, Rajasthan, India

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Earlier called Dhawalpuri, Dholpur is believed to have taken its name from its 11th century ruler Dhawal Deo. Apart from being renowned for its beautiful landscape, the small princely state has also featured prominently in the annals of history. This is the place where two important wars of succession -- between Dara Shikoh and Aurangazeb, the sons of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, and between Azam and Muazzam, the sons of Aurangazeb -- were fought. Today, the town is developing into an attractive and peaceful tourist destination.

Place to see:

Muchchhkund - Name after a mythological ruler, Raja Muchchhkund, it is an ancient sacred site associated with Lord Krishna and a demon Kall Yaman. It is also an important pilgrimage point and it commands a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside. The surrounding enclosures are believed to have been built by Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Shergarh Fort - Built by Sher Shah Suri on the site of an earlier citadel, it stands south of the Dholpur tower.

Laswari - The place where Daulat Rao Scindia was defeated by Lord Lake during the first freedom struggle of 1857.

Some other places of interest are the oldest Mughal Garden, built by Babur at Jhor, a waterfall at Damoh, and Kanapu Mahal.

Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala

2014-08-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Often called the 'Venice of the East' and situated on the Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha or Alleppey's commercial center lives in a maze of canals. Set in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside. Though ferries operate regular services, a country boat is the best mode to experience the backwaters. The Nehru Boat Trophy race, most colorful of boat races, is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.

One of the best-known ports along the Malabar coast, Alappuzha is doubly advantaged. Not only does it have natural beauty but it is also the hub of the coir trade coir production center. More than anything else, it is the countryside, minutes away from the town, that woos visitors. And the best part of the place can only be seen and appreciated on a country-made boat cruise up and down the canals. Temperate and humid like most coastal places in Kerala, Alappuzha can be best enjoyed during winter.

Other than the backwater cruise and the boat race, you can take time off to visit the Chettikulangara Bhagvathy Temple in Alappuzha. The Kettukazhcha festival in February/ March at the temple is well known for its spectacular pageant of chariots, horses and bullocks and cultural performances.

Champakulam Church, one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas in Kerala, is one of the important Christian places of worship in Alappuzha.

One of the most popular tourist destinations is long, sandy Alleppey beach. The pier, which extends into the sea, near the beach is well over a century old. One can enjoy the entertainment facilities at the beach park and also take a look at the old lighthouse nearby.

The nearest airport is at Cochin, 85 km away. he place is also connected to all major cities of the region and other parts of India with express trains. Alppuzha is well connected by road.

Cochin, Kerala

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One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin likes to show itself off in the evenings. That is when the lights around the harbor and the seafront start twinkling and transport you to an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. This idyllic setting is despite the fact that it is a major commercial hub of Kerala State handling spices, rubber, coir and fish products for the world.

Cochin comprises of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Matancherry in the south and Vypeen Island in the north. It is these islands and the smell of the sea air that lend Cochin its unique charm. While it has the busy harbor on the one end, on the other is M.G. Road, where modern designer boutiques and expensive gold shops exist almost cheek-in-jowl with places selling spices, dry fish and coconut products.

Cochin's claim to fame is its distinctive title as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. As an ancient port of call for the Chinese, the Arabs, the Jews, British, the French, and the Portuguese, the city absorbed the cultures of each nationality and gave Cochin its cosmopolitan character. This is reflected in the buildings and structures all around the older sections. Naturally, there is history in every step in the city.

The main area of the city is the MG Road, which has most of the shopping options. The road is a long stretch of about 3 kilometers with shops, restaurants, banks etc. on either side of the road. The road runing parallel to MG Road is Marine Drive, along the beach. There are quite a few eating and shopping outlets. There are a few shopping arcades too through which one can walk to the edge of the water. There is also an arched walkway, which leads to a jetty landing area for tourist boats.

Cochin's best hotels are located on the man-made Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, one of the British Viceroys in India. The island houses the customs and trading centers, and the port trust.

Cochin is well connected by air. It has an international airport. Cochin has three railway stations: Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbor Terminus on Willingdon Island. However, Ernakulam Junction is the main rail access point with services from most regions of India. Some trains connecting Trivandrum and Cochin touch only Ernakulam Town Railway Station. Private and public transport services connect Cochin to all major cities in south India. There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam, the main jetty just off Fore Shore Road about the middle of the town, which covers services to Willingdon Island, Fort Cochin and Vypeen Island. The High Court jetty off Shanmugham Rod, near High Court, covers services to Bolgatty Island, etc.

Places to see:

St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. His tombstone i a major tourist attraction.

Santa Cruz Basilica: This church, dating back to 1558, has beautiful paintings.

Matancherry Palace: This palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557, was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. On display are beautiful murals deoicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and some Puranic Hindu legends.

Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. It is famous for its 18th century hand-printed floor tiles from Canton, China and Hebrew inscriptions on the stone slabs.

Cherian Beach: Bordering Vypeen Island, this beach is ideal for a swim. One can occasionally spot dolphins here.

Bolgatty Island: This island is known for its palace. The Bolgatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744, and later taken over by the British. It has now been transformed into a hotel.

Pareekshith Thampuran Museum: Previously the Durbar Hall, this sprawling, traditional Kerala-style building houses 19th century oil paintings and a fabulous collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintaings.

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

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Coimbatore lies on the banks of the river Noyyal in the shadow of the Western Ghats. It enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year and looks distinctly different from the other cities in Tamil Nadu. The views of the hills and the river create an ecstatic feeling. Coimbatore is the textile capital of South India and is known as the Manchester of the East. The cotton crop that grows in the fertile black soil of this region helped in establishing the textiles industry as far back as 1888. It is a leading industrial city, renowned for the manufacturing of various engineering and electronic goods.

Coimbatore is well connected by air. Coimbatore is also very well connected to Chennai and many other important cities by train. The city is also well serviced by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses and those of the Kerala State and Karnataka State Road Corporations and other private bus operators.

Neemrana, Alwar, Rajasthan, India

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Neemrana is an ancient historical town in Alwar district of Rajasthan, situated at 122 km from Delhi on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is the site of the 16th century hill-fort occupied by Chauhans till 1947. The erstwhile ruling family is considered to be the direct lineage of Prithviraj Chauhan.

The Island of Diu, India

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The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese colony, is off the coast of Saurashtra Gujarat. There has been no major commercial exploitation or environmental degradation here and with a pleasant climate year round, Diu offers a filly laid back atmosphere. The major occupations here are fishing and farming. The Portuguese rule Diu for over 405 years, giving the island the battlement of Diu Fort, and the wood-paneled St. Paul's and St. Thomas churches. Diu is an hour's flight from Mumbai or a six-hour drive from Rajkot in Gujarat.

There are six beautiful beaches in Diu -- Ghoghia, Jallandhar, Kevdi, Nagoa, Gomatimata, and Chakratirth.

Daman, India

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Daman, an erstwhile Portuguese enclave and a picturesque port-town, is popular getaway. Located on the West Coast and hugged by the Arabian Sea and casuarinas, Daman was liberated in 1961 to form a part of the Indian Union. Daman is ideal for sunbathers, beachcombers, sightseers, swimmers, monument lovers and shoppers. There are modern restaurants and bars that serve exquisite seafood to satisfy the palate. Daman is has a total area of just 72 sq.km. but there is everything a tourist would look for: soft sands, gentle winds, inviting waters, historic churches, majestic forts, coconut groves, stately palms, and sleepy villages nestled on the creeks. There is accommodation to suit every taste and pocket and the local people are unique in their diversity and hospitality. Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Parsees -- all live in harmony. These communities and local fishermen make Daman a heartwarming place.

There are three popular beaches: Devka (3 km from downtown Nani Daman), Fisherman's Beach at Sea Face in Nani Daman, and Jampore (4 km from Moti Daman). Devka is rocky with blackish sand, while Fisherman's and Jampore are good sandy beaches. Jampore is best for bathing. At Fisherman's Beach, boat rides into the sea and pony rides are popular. Horse-riding is also available at Jampore Beach.

Though Daman has no distinctive cuisine, dining and wining is the most popular pleasure. Seafood features quite prominently. Most restaurants combine a bar. Beach-side and garden dining is very popular, given the cool evenings and sea breeze in Daman. Most hotels have beach-side restaurants and bars.

Just 13 km away, Vapi in Gujarat is the primary access point for Daman. It is the railhead, the turn-off point on the National Highway No. 8 (Delhi-Mumbai). Daman is only linked by road to the rest of the country. Vapi, on Western Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Ahmedabad-Mumbai lines, is very well linked to all parts of the country, through Mumbai and Ahmedabad. There are frequent inter-city express train services from both Ahmedabad and Mumbai including Shatabdi Express. From Vapi, transfer to Dman is possible by taxi and auto rickshaws. These are readily available at Vapi railway station, bus stand and other parts of the city.

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

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Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh and situated around two artificial lakes amidst picturesque settings is also known as 'city of lakes'. The city is laidback and charming. The old city with its crowded market places, fine old mosques and palaces intermingle with the new city with broad avenues, high-rise offices and exquisitely laid out parks and gardens. The city is famous for silver jewelry, intricately fashioned bead-work, embroidered and sequined velvet purses and cushions. The city is also a gateway to the 3rd century Buddhist center - Sanchi - and the Neolithic caves of Bhimbetka.

Places to see:

Bharat Bhawan: Designed by prominent architect, Charles Correa, and opened in 1982, the large complex contains a number of museums, art galleries and theatres highlighting and displaying works of many artists. Bharat Bhawan regularly organizes cultural events throughout the year.

Indira Gandhi National Museum of Man: A large complex spread over 200 acres projects through actual exhibits, the tribal and regional cultures, arts and crafts of India. Different States of India have been provided large spaces for display. The complex has two access gates: one from Shamla Hills and the other along Lake Drive.

Van Vihar National Park: Spread over 4.45 sq.km area on the slopes of Shamla Hill bordering Bara Talab, Van Vihar is an interesting concept of an open zoo. Most of the animals are either allowed to roam free or have been ;provided very large enclosures that stretch along the 4 km road, allowing near-natural environment. The Park is open throughout the year.

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India

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Dalhousie is a quiet hill station with a sense of enchantment that spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the River Ravi. Named after a former British governor-general, Dalhousie retains a whiff of colonial air and some charming architecture. The pine-covered slopes are intersected with paths and treks that are ideal for short walks.

Places to visit:

Jandhri Ghat: Around half a kilometer away from the Subhash Baoli, Jandhri Ghat enfolds an elegant palace n the midst of tall pine trees. Chamba's erstwhile rulers governed from here till the advent of Lord Dalhousie.

Bakrota Hills: Less than 5 km from the twon center, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view of the snow-clad peaks.

Satdhara: On the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2036 meters, these seven springs are reputed to have great therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal properties.

The Catholic Church of St. Francis: Dalhousie is another hill station with a number of old churches. This Church near the GPO looks untouched by time.

Kangra Fort, Kngra, Himachal Pradesh, India

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Kangra Fort:

McLeod Ganj Revisited

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Dharamshala has largely come to be associated with the Tibetan government in exile. It serves as a stopover to go to McLeod Ganj, the Tibetan settlement near the town. Kotwali Bazaar is the main area of the town, lined with shops for essentials. But McLeod Ganj, about 10 km away from the city center, is where the activity is. The place bears a distinct ambiance with Tibetan children running on the roads, monks strolling in their robes and rows of shops displaying Tibetan ware from silver jewelry, imported goods, prayer wheels, gemstone rosary beads and figurines of Tibetan gods. There are many cultural centers here to acquaint oneself with the Tibetan culture and many places where one can learn meditation.

A five-minute walk from the town center is the Tsuglagkhang Complex that houses the official residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Chapel that renders a special aura to the place with three magnificent images including that of the Sakyamuni Buddha.

Mussoorie WinterLine Carnival

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Mussoorie, in the Uttarakhand hills of India gives an astounding sight of the mighty snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, the tourist wing of the Uttarakhand State Government is organizing a festival, Mussoorie WinterLine Carnival, in Mussoorie from 27th to 30th December 2013. For further details, please visit http://mwlc.in/

Yoga Festival in Goa

2013-11-10T08:14:00.002-08:00

Goa, in December , is about all-night partying, love music bands, and unlimited food and drinks. But this year, try something different, says Times Life, a Times of India Sunday Supplement. Instead of hitting the usual party scene, detoxify and rejuvenate your mind and senses by attending India's first and biggest toga festival, Zambhala. This two-day event (December 21-22) promises to bring together 70 of the best yoga experts, spiritual teachers, practitioners and healers from all over the world. Apart from yoga sessions, the festival also promises to have activities like Sufi whirling. Shamanism and workshops on different meditation techniques, crystal healing, chanting, past-life regression and star-gazing.

Gulmarg, Kashmir Valley

2013-11-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

Gulmarg, the closest to Srinagar, is a cup-shaped meadow of rolling grassy slopes. There are heritage hotels and alpine huts, cozy places of retreat. Temperatures plummet in Gulmarg even in summer evenings. The gondola cable car is a tourist attraction in its own right, but it really comes into its true elements in winter, when the slopes are blanketed with snow and Gulmarg turns into one one vast skiing resort. Skiers form the bulk of visitors to Gulmarg in winter, From Kongdori, at an elevation of 1300 feet higher than Gulmarg, limitless ski runs are possible, weaving between fir trees, to 3 km below.Gulmag holds plenty of thrills for the absolute beginner. Ski runs of 400-500 meters are connected to Poma ype ski lifts. The skiing season starts when there is sufficient snow, usually around the middle of December. Gulmarg comes into own in the four months of winter - mid December to mid April. During this time, Gulmarg experiences at least 2 feet of snow, usually more.

Gulmarg is 53 km from Srinagar along the Baramulla Highway. One of the most beautiful resort towns in the Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg is surrounded by thick ir and deodar forests on three sides, and the peaks of the Affarwat tower above Gulmarg. The most pleasant aspect is that from virtually any point in Gulmarg, you can see the rest of it. During summer, you can take a walk or a ride on horseback around Gulmarg, acros the grassy meadows and the road that runs around the resort for 7 km.

From May to September, the temperature during the day in Gulmarg seldom exceeds 25 degrees Celsius. At night, light woolens are usually required. October and November are cold during the day - moderate to heavy woolens are necessary. During December to April, temperatures, especially during the night, are well below freezing. Heavy woolens are a must. Walking shoes are necessary throughout the year.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

2013-11-06T07:19:00.001-08:00

The construction of Taj Mahal, a marble masterpiece, is credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, who died in AH 1040 (AD 1631). Her last wish to her husband was "to build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before". Thus emperor Shah Jahan set about building this fairytale like marvel. The construction of Taj Mahal was started in AD 1631 and completed at the end of 1648 AD. For seventeen years, twenty thousand workmen are said to be employed on it daily, for their accommodation a small town, named after the deceased empress-'Mumtazabad, now known as Taj Ganj, was built adjacent to it. Amanat Khan Shirazi was the calligrapher of Taj Mahal, his name occurs at the end of an inscription on one of the gates of the Taj. Poet Ghyasuddin had designed the verses on the tombstone, while Ismail Khan Afridi of Turkey was the dome maker. Muhammad Hanif was the superintendent of Masons. The designer of Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site. The central dome is 187 feet high at the centre. Red sandstone was brought from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Coal and Cornelian from Arabia and diamonds from Panna. In all 28 kind of rare, semi precious and precious stones were used for inlay work in the Taj Mahal. The chief building material, the white marble was brought from the quarries of Makrana, in distt. Nagaur, Rajasthan.

For photos of Taj Mahal, click here

Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan

2013-11-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Pushkar Camel Fair will be held from 9th to 17th November 2013. Groups of camels, herders and traders begin to appear from out of the desert and set up camp in the dunes around Pushkar. On the dunes, the gathering of camels will reach maximum size by the 9th. There will be lively discussions as groups of vendors and purchasers meet around their animals and negotiators help to arrange deals. The best prices are achieved in a year when the monsoon has been good. This is the best time for photography and the time when you may move around and observe the scene most freely. The fair is traditionally a great meeting place where even marriages may be arranged. Aside from the camel fair, the Pushkar Fair would mean the town, temples and bazaars will become more crowded. The colourful fairground attracts huge crowds with stalls, street vendors, sideshows and giant wheels. The whole event wears a great festive spirit.

Hotels in Jaipur

2013-11-05T01:12:00.001-08:00

Jaipur is a very popular tourist destination with the domestic and the overseas tourists alike. No wonder, then, that there are hotels and hotels in Jaipur to suit every segment of tourists. You have high-end five-star hotels and heritage hotels to affordable and budget hotels. Jaipur Marriott, ITC Rajputana, Taj Rambagh Palace, The Oberoi Rajvilas, The Raj Palace Grand Heritage Hotel, Fort Chandragupt, Jai Mahal Palace, The Lalit Jaipur are all luxury hotels. Some other prominent hotels in Jaipur are: Rani Mahal, Umaid Bhawan Heritage House, Samode Haveli, Jas Vilas, Royal Heritage Haveli.

Jaipur, the Pink City

2013-11-03T18:47:00.001-08:00

Jaipur is designed in accordance with Shilpa Shastra, an ancient treatise on architecture. Jaipur follows a grid system and its largely pink palaces and monuments have earned it the sobriquet of 'Pink City'. Today, the city has spread beyond the walls of the old city and continues to grow. It is set for an exponential growth, with the Mumbai-Delhi industrial and freight corridor running along the outskirts of the city planned for a huge expansion. However, a government decree ensures that the walled city maintains its pink look. Beautiful gardens and parks and attractive monuments, once the haunts of the royalty, are still to be found everywhere. Traditional craft like jewelry, metal work, enameling, tie and dye, pottery, leather work, stone carving, and miniature painting, patronized by the rulers in the 18th century, continues to thrive to this day. The city is today a unique synthesis of the traditional and modern. Besides being the capital of the State of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also a bustling trading center. The new city has spacious roads dotted with upmarket luxury showrooms and the old city abounds with congested streets, bazaars and artisan's quarters. Providing a stunning backdrop to the city are the ancient forts and palaces which create a dramatic picture of a bygone era.

Jaipur has the ancient downtown areas of the Badi and Choti Chowpar, and the Johari Bazaar, that were the mainstay of local jewelers, who account for a large part of Jaipur's economy. These markets retain the old-city feel with their crowded streets, narrow bylanes and crimson buildings from the time when the town was literally painted pink. Today, of course, there are a lot of new areas that have come up conforming to contemporary tastes of living with their modern architecture.

The choicest place for shopping with locals and tourists alike is the Hawa Mahal market neighboring the two Chowpars for block printed fabrics, accessories, silver ware, puppets and other traditional souvenirs. Eating and outing is as much a custom with the Jaipurias as with their other north Indian counterparts.

Jaipur has an international airport that is just 7 km from the city. It is 260 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Jaipur is also well connected by rail and road. There are trains from Delhi and other parts of the country. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi (under 5 hours) is an excellent rail option. Other rail connections to Jaipur are from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, hmedabad, Secunderabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. There are regular bus services from Delhi and other north Indian cities including those in Rajasthan.

Places to see:

Hawa Mahal:

A multi-storey imposing red wall of over 140 latticed windows and balconies was built in 1799 by the poet-king Sawai Pratap Singh to enable the queens to view the city processions and revelries in privacy from this airy viewing gallery.

City Palace & Sawai Madho Singh II Museum:

Covering about one-seventh of the old city, this exemplary blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture houses the seven-storey Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace). The complex has a museum which displays jewelry, costumes, arms, chariots, howdahs, palanquins, shawls, carpets, rare manuscripts, miniature paintings and several other items from the royal collection. A very special exhibit worth seeing is the stately outfit of Sawai Madho Singh I, who was 2 meters tall, 1.2 meters wide, and weighed 250 kg.

Jantar Mantar:

This is the largest of the five observatories built y Jai Singh II in norther India in the 18th century.

Amer Fort Complex:

The original capital of Jaipur State, then called Amer. The famous Sheesh Mahal or the scintillating 'Mansion of Mirrors', Sukh Niwas or 'Palace of Pleasure', frescoed facades of Ganesh Pol, the 'Auspicious Entrance', carved marble columns and arcaded corridors of the halls of public and private audience. These were the stuff that the royal dreams were made of and inspired generations of Mughal emperors to send their artisans to imitate.

For photos of Jaipur, click here

Srinagar, Kashmir, India

2013-10-29T10:32:00.002-07:00

Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir, is quite unlike any other, except perhaps Venice. Networked by the Dal Lake, the Nagin Lake and the Anchar Lake, the Jhelum River and its tributaries, you are never farr off from water in the city. It is the very idea that occurred to the British who built for themselves prototypes of the traditional doonga, which became, over time, the world famous houseboats. Of the over 1000 houseboats in Dal and Nagin Lakes, there is a range from which to choose. They are moored to a variety of locations: some overlook crowded stretches of the lake, while others overlook miles of lotus gardens and mountains beyond. Whichever you choose, the houseboat owner and his family will make sure that your stay is a memorable one.

Srinagar also has a wide range of accommodation in the form of hotels. Most of the hotels either face Dal Lake or the Jhelum river. Wherever you stay in Srinagar, the highlight of your trip is sure to be a shikara ride on the Dal Lake. This lake is not a flat stretch of water, but is composed of colonies of communities that have, for centuries, lived on the water. Houseboat owners, shikara men and vegetable gardeners, tailors, general merchants and handicraft sellers -- all live on the lake, leading unique lifestyles.

The Mughal Emperors, starting from Emperor Akbar, turned Kashmir into a sort of summer playground. They built gardens around the lake, from Naseem Bagh, the Garden of Breezes, to Pari Mahal, a spiritual center. The most famous are Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden and Cheshmashahi. Hari Parbat Fort is the other famous Mughal landmark in Srinagar.

Important places of pilgrimage are the Shankaracharya Temple, on the highest hill in Srinagar, reputed to be over 2500 years old. Khir Bhawani or Tulla Mulla, which has the shrine of the goddess Ragnya Devi, is a pleasant hour's drive out of Srinagar. The shrine is itself surrounded by a pond. The water of the pond changes periodically from blue to green. It is said that before a catastrophe, the water changes to black or even red.

Kashmir also has many ruins of ancient temples: at Avantipora are two temples dating back to the days of an 8th century ruler; Pattan on the Srinagar-Baramullah highway has the ruins of yet another fine old temple, and at Parihaspora are the ruins of a Buddhist vihara complex. The finest structure of all is at Martand in Anantnag, where a ruined sun temple lies atop a hill overlooking fields of rice far below. On the outskirts of Srinagar, at Burzahoma, is the Stonehenge-like remains of a culture that is so old that it is impossible to date with any certainty: it is probably the earliest settlement of the Nagas, or snake-worshippers.

Other places of interest include the Jama Masjid with its imposing structure, supported by 370 wooden columns; Hazratbal Mosque, the only marble mosque in Kashmir with a domed roof, which is the repository of a single hair of the Prophet of Islam, Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Rainawari, dedicated to the Sixth Guru of the Sikhs who stopped here during his Kashmir visit, and the 14th century Shah-i-Hamadan Mosque built of timber in the shape of a Stupa. Manasbal Lake, out of Srinagar, is pristine and windswept, with shikaras to take one to a small, unnamed Mughal Garden on the far shore.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands declared new 'Hope Spot'

2013-10-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands have been named as the new hope spots by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and oceanographer Sylvia Earle of Mission Blue, an organization involved in the study of oceans. A hope spot is an area of ocean that merits special protection because of its wildlife and significant underwater habitats.

Andaman & Nicobar have 556 islets with unique flora and fauna. There are around 270 species and sub-species of birds in these two islands of which around 106 have been declared endemic. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk and Dugong have been declared the State bird, the State tree, and the State animal respectively. There are about 96 wildlife sanctuaries, nine national parks and one biosphere reserve in the islands.