Travel Bites

Mauritius: The Beach City

2010-04-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

If one wants to witness the water marvel that nature created with thorough patience, Mauritius exemplifies every notion attached with it. The Republic of Mauritius is an island nation located near Africa, categorically to the Southwest of the Indian Ocean and is made up of breathtaking islands that have the most scenic beaches in the world. The island has been amalgamated with other fellow islands like the Rodrigues Islands, Cargados Carajos and Agalega Islands. The island is mostly famous for its beaches that attract tourists from across the world who love to lounge around these, making Mauritian tourism the biggest earning industry in the country. Along with these beaches, the seafood sold in Mauritius is also heralded greatly.

The beaches can be found everywhere. The biggest city Port Louis, along with several other cities like Curepipe, Phoenix, Rose-Hill, Vacoas, Quatre Bornes and Beau Bassin has the most exotic beaches in Mauritius. The warm and dry winters and the hot and humid summers are pleasant weathers to experience and have travelers relaxing on the beaches all day long sun bathing and enjoying the snacks available at the stalls and beachside restaurants. The landscape in Mauritius is no less. The mountains and the valleys make for a million dollar view of the panoramic excellence the country boasts of with tropical forests being an exciting option for those who love to go through forests and revel in the excitement.

The town is equally good to roam around too. The small island nation has done its best through building comfortable motels where tourists will get all the facilities they need. These motels might not be sprawling five star hotels but are built impeccably with every possible facility on board and serve visitors with the best hospitality. Mauritius is also known for its conventional performing arts. Music and Dance lovers can visit the theatres where these routines are screened often and have a good taste of conventional Mauritian heritage. Cabs are there to take tourists around town and also to the beaches. The huge palm trees that can be found everywhere in the country are used by travelers as an umbrella to slouch on and take rest while travelling and the coconuts too prove to be a good snack.

In the end, Mauritius serves as a perfect destination spot for travelers because of its secluded demeanor and calm yet exotic water bodies. The food is tasty and water babies will get to play all sorts of sports here in the country. One can hire speedboats and visit fellow islands where habitat remains the same and can revel under the experience of watching all the flora and fauna surviving healthily in this part of the world. The government has done well to make access to the country easier for globetrotters and have created travel packages which take tourists across the length and breadth of the country. Visiting this part of the world is certain to turn out as the best experience of your life, for you get to experience serenity at its best.

Johannesburg: The Transition City

2010-03-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

If you wish to witness the spectacular transition of one of the most underrated cities in the world in becoming one of the most adored ones, then Johannesburg is the best possible example. Jo’burg, as it is fondly called is the capital city of South Africa and also the wealthiest one in the whole country. Known to be the hub of diamond and gold trade in the world, Johannesburg is a city where one can see it all, ranging from business to leisure and excitement to adrenaline. Jo’burg is spread over millions of acres of land and offers stupendous facilities to its citizens and has millions of tourists pouring in all over the year to view the grandeur of a city that once upon a time was a simple province badly affected by Apartheid.

The place is one of the most looked up to and modern cities in South Africa. It is home to the nation’s industrial, capital, financial and mineral undertakings and has plenty of banks, skyscrapers, corporate offices and commercial complexes. The architecture in the constructions is evident given the magnitude on which they have been built. Shoppers will never be able to have enough as the malls and other shopping complexes sell everything from clothes to accessories to the traditional attire worn in Zulu dances. Cash and cards are accepted effortlessly and buyers can go on a splurge. The nightlife in the city is a big rave as well. There are innumerable discotheques and nightclubs where people let their hair down every night and the weekends see many new events.

For those who love walking and running, the parks and gardens in the city are close to a walk in paradise. They are neatly constructed and immaculately maintained by the Johannesburg City Parks Association. Recreational parks too have been made with the Botanical Garden being a favourite hangout for many walkers. Neighbourhood residential complexes have excellent building ranging from apartments to houses and even mansions near the countryside. The restaurants and eating joints excel in serving quintessential African delicacies and those who love native food will not be devoid of that experience. The cuisines are served in a vast range and can be eaten in any of the restaurants out there in the city.

The city itself is a vacation spot with tourists being found all over the place. Jo’burg is visited by people from across the world coming here to relax, enjoy and have a good time and experience the finer things that it has to offer. The Government has ensured that tourist visas are allocated easily and that they do not find it tough to commute in the city with buses and cabs being available everywhere. Those willing to explore this part of Africa can come over the Johannesburg and see all the marvellous constructions that make this city one of the 40 best metropolitans in the world. It is a place where multiple cultures exist in harmony and welcome people from across the world very warmly.

Kedarnath and Badrinath

2010-03-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Badrinath Temple is situated along the Alaknanda River near Badrinath, Uttarakhand, India. Considered to be a very holy shrine, Badrinath is completely dedicated and devoted to worshipping Lord Vishnu. It is also a part of the holy Char Dham of India and a Mecca for Vaishnavites. The temple opens for only six months in a year from the End of April to the Beginning of November. The Statue of Lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan is the one that is worshipped most and is made up of Black Saligram Stone. Apart from the statue of Lord Badrinarayan, there are others including Nara and Narayana, Narasimha, Lakshmi, Narada, Ganesha, Kubera and Garuda and several others. Dry Fruits and hard Sugar Candy are served as Prasad and the shrine attracts millions of tourists every year.

Kedarnath Temple is a holy shrine/temple located near the Garwal Himalayan Range, near Mandakini River, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India. The temple opens up like Badrinath similarly from the End of April to the beginning of November. All those who are devotees of Lord Shiva and worship him can find him in the form of Kedarnath. The first hall of the main temple contains statues of the Five Pandavas apart from other statues like the one of Lord Krishna, Nandi (The holy vehicle of Shiva) and Vidarbha. Another statue is erected in the next hall where Shiva is being shown to marry the Goddess Parvati. At the back of the temple is the Samadhi Mandir of Adi Sankara.

Both these shrines located in the state of Uttarakhand are looked up to for they are home to two of the most revered shrines in the Republic of India. They are visited and prayed in for by millions of tourists every year and become even more famously because they open only for half the year.

Venice: The Water City

2010-03-09T03:09:00.000-08:00

If there is one city in the world that has beauty in both forms physical as well as aquatic, then Venice takes the honours hands down. Unarguably, Venice can be called the most beautiful city on Earth just because of the way it is. A gorgeous city in Northern Italy, Venice is most famous as the ‘City of Water’. It is said to exemplify romance and is also one of the most sought after honeymoon spots. It stretches across 117 small islands along the Adriatic Sea and covers some of the most scintillating islands along the coastline. Couples specially come here for those legendary boat rides amidst the sunken city where one gets to experience nothing but romance and passion.

The buildings in Venice are constructed on narrow wood piles that ensure that the foundation stays in order. And do not decay. These piles cover mud and sand and finally move onto clay. Ever since the city sank, people fretted that it would be a major embarrassment. But in a dramatic turnaround of events, Venice has becomes one of the most envied cities of the world. Since half of Venice is sunk, waterways are the most preferred mode of transportation even for tourists. The boat in which people travel is known as the famous Gondola and the man rowing it is called the Gondolier. The boat is also used in weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. They are draped in Persian rugs and crushed velvet seats. The Gondolier takes the tourists through many canals and covers a major portion of the sunken city in a ride that lasts more than half an hour. Apart from these Gondolas, the other mode of water transport available is the water taxi.

The city side of Venice complements its watery side well. If the waters are all about romance, then the city exemplifies spirit and celebration. Malls, theatres, shopping complexes and other sites enthral tourists well. There is a barrage of museums, churches bridges, villas and palaces to be visited that are testimony to the rich Italian history and also of the local culture. Italian cuisine is also on full display as lots of restaurants offer the most sumptuous meals cooked all over Europe.

The ultimate attraction still remains the waters. They take tourists into a different world and die hard romantics will have the time of their lives especially on the boat rafting around town. The buildings are centuries old and the narrow lanes and canals through which the boats pass are a part of Italian folklore, depicting the renaissance period. The water rides are unbelievable and those who have taken it will confirm how romantic they become. Venice is often called a result of nature’s fury but man has made the city into a paradise that tourists across the world come to see. It is a romantic marvel waiting to be experienced and it is only appropriate that couples prefer Venice over any other vacation spot to bring in their honeymoons.

Leh

2010-03-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

Leh, currently is a district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and was once the capital city of Ladakh, the famed Himalayan Kingdom. The whole of this town is still ruled by the inhabitants of the Leh Palace which has become ruined with age. Leh is one of the most exciting towns in India for its discreetness yet a presence on the global front. Located at an altitude of 3,500 metres, Leh in the past was a very critical stopover in the trade routes established between India and China as it linked the Indus Valley from Tibet to the East.

Leh has always had a significant say in matters on international trade between India and its neighbours. India and China have been indulging in trade for as long as the 3rd century AD when the route was discovered. The governing body in the town is the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council that looks after the infrastructure of this place. And also takes care of the transportation. There are two religions practiced at this place. Islam and Buddhism happen to be those religions with the Tibetian natives in Leh being devout Buddhists and the Kashmiri Muslims being ardent practitioners of Islam. Both the traditions co-exit well and are well embraced by people from the other religion.

The main attraction of Leh is the geographical landscape of the place. The dominance of the mountains is visible all over the place where the altitude goes up to 3,500 metres. The Srinagar-Leh expressway that stretches up to 434 kilometres is the main centre of attention that connects Leh with Srinagar and the 473 kilometre long highway connecting Leh with Manali is also a very famous place to drive and have fun. Snow does block the roads during winters but the place remains a pleasure to drive during summers.

There are many ancient temples that one gets to visit in Leh along with the Mosques or the Dargahs where the Muslims offer prayers. These sites are visited by most people who come to Leh as a part of the unforgettable experience they go through. The hills have been used as a perfect alibi by many mountaineers to set up training schools and camps where people are trained to climb mountains and other peaks.

Leh is indeed one of those few places that might be secluded from the rest of India but becomes an idyllic vacation spot for those who wish to go far away from home and also wish to have some time for them self. The place is right up there near the border and is often used by the military to set up training camps for countering cross border insurgency. The place is a safe haven for those who wish to indulge in activities like rock climbing and para-gliding as there are a lot of certified instructors available to guide enthusiastic people.

Go to Leh and indulge in all this and have the time of your life. You will remember this trip forever.

Seychelles: A Natural Marvel

2010-03-02T02:46:00.000-08:00

Nature has this uncanny habit of creating marvelous landscapes in small sizes. I guess this is its own way of retaining the sanctity of that place and exemplifying quality over quantity. Seychelles, an archipelago nation of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean at a distance of 1,500 kilometres from the coast of East Africa and Northeast of Madagascar, is one such little wonder that has been one of the best spots of vacationing for a long time. Its scenic beaches, colourful culture and serene ambiance make Seychelles one of the most enviable places on Earth and a paradise for tourists.

Seychelles is no different from The Maldives or The Tahitian Islands, but the fact that it is secluded in the middle of the Indian Ocean and has 115 islands to boast of is convincing enough to label it as distinct. 41 of these islands are gigantic where as the rest 74 are sparkling sand coral reefs. The cliffs, the flora and the habitat speak volumes about this creation that attracts thousands of tourists every year coming to this part of the world for vacationing and spending some leisure time. The archipelago is further segregated into inner and outer island groups. The inner island has everything that you expect of a metropolitan and the outer one is all about nature and its phenomenon.

The star attractions remain the beaches. The waters are so captivating and soothing that you would never want to leave the place. The beaches are highly picturesque and pristine and are good for all sorts of water sports like sailing and rafting. One can stroll along the coastline for hours and hours and watch the sun set, a view that lasts a lifetime. Perhaps, it is these beaches that pull tourists in heaps every year. The water bodies exemplify peace and the pebbles greet strangers will memories of the past. They cast a mirage on the viewer standing on the shore and seem to be black in colour from a distance. The cliffs are gorgeous and the valleys beneath them exude an eternal silence.

The fact that Seychelles is a hot tourist destination and still retains its anonymity makes it a very interesting place to visit. The water bodies radiate warmth which makes the visitor feel as if he always belonged there and the unassuming habitat is a delight to witness. Vacationers can be seen relaxing on the beaches under the sun and doing the routine barbeque or grilling fish for snacks. Tourists who are complete water babies often go scuba diving or can be spotted relaxing on the boat enjoying their beer. As a matter of fact, scuba diving in Seychelles is one of the most thriving professions as visitors hardly forget to experience going under water and looking all the big fish in the eye.

Seychelles remains grandiose and yet reticent. It is still that archipelago that retains its reclusiveness and quietly attracts vacationers every year. The best thing about it is that it leaves you with unforgettable memories that push you during every vacation season to go back there and experience the same thrill again, uninterrupted!

Abu Dhabi: Glitz and Glamour at its Best

2010-02-23T03:14:00.000-08:00

If the World remembers the Arabian Peninsula for something, then oil is perhaps the only thing that generations have preached about the place. For those living over there, oil is just a tiny part of a very huge cosmos that offers all the facilities and luxuries in the world. The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates located at the South Eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, Southwest Asia is one of the most happening places in the World today. Taking charge of this cluster of federation is the capital city of UAE itself, Abu Dhabi.

There cannot be a better cosmopolitan city than Abu Dhabi today. The city has everything from malls and parks to museums and art galleries. The way it keeps buzzing throughout the day is simply phenomenal. Abu Dhabi qualifies as one of the best vacation spots. Tourists get to purchase everything they desire and cabs are available to drive them around. It is considered to be the commercial and cultural centre of the UAE because of the way it has been developed over the years. Many multinationals have their corporate headquarters in this city apart from government offices.

Tourists can shop and simply roam around in malls, visit complexes and stay in hotels. The ‘Island City’ of the UAE boasts of around 400 kilometers of coastline and also has the most well maintained beaches and resort in the world. The beaches have cafes and barbeque facilities where people can snack anytime. Those looking forward to relaxing will have a whale of a time because of the soothing sands and the comforting sun. Tourists are known to take long sun baths and revel till dusk. Foodies too will not be disappointed because of the various restaurants across the city. They serve all sorts of cuisines ranging from typical Arabic, Continental, Chinese, Mughlai, European and every sort of non-vegetarian dish one can think of.

Abu Dhabi is a city for the adventurous and exuberant. One can never have enough of this magnificent emirate that has changed the very meaning of tourism. Be it hiring a cab and going to the beach or strolling along the streets gazing at the huge towers or shopping madly in all the huge malls, tourists with an insatiable appetite can certainly never have enough of Abu Dhabi. The connectivity to other fellow emirates has been laid out effortlessly.

The city serves as one of the idyllic vacation spots. Spending a week in Abu Dhabi is sure to give you the most cherished experiences in a lifetime. The city is buzzing all the time and things are pretty organized. The population is very hospitable towards visitors as tourism makes up for most of the GDP. Abu Dhabi has some of the best hotels in the world that provide exemplary customer service. Visiting this city is sure to leave you wonderful memories for many years to come.

Check out this column for more on the most exciting places in the World!

Ancient Egypt: A Hidden Wonder

2010-02-09T02:15:00.000-08:00

When you think of history, you think of all the remote places in the world that have a deep significance to the past and have acquired a legendary status. You think of places on which books, perhaps encyclopedias have been written mentioning each and every detail elaborately. You think of places that have a link to the existing populace in the modern world. Ancient Egypt is one of them and has found its way into every major history book ever written. Be it the mythical pharaohs, immortal mummies, the legend of royalty like King Tut and Queen Cleopatra or the scintillating Pyramids of Giza, Ancient Egypt is a leaf out of Ancient History and a mirror image of the civilizations existent in those times.

Once located in the eastern part of North Africa along the river Nile, the civilization of Ancient Egypt dates back to 3150BC. A variety of kingdoms spanned during these few thousand years before the Roman Empire invaded the place and turned it into a province. The decoration undoubtedly is the Pyramids of Giza. The three large pyramids are situated at modern day El Giza, Egypt and one of the oldest monuments still intact. They were constructed at around 2551 BC and held the record for the tallest structures in the world for the next 3,800 years.

The legend of the mummies and the pharaohs has always enthralled tourists from across the world. Archaeologists and historians across the globe have always conducted expeditions to dig out facts about these mythical existences that were once humans whose bodies were wrapped in bandages post death and preserved in huge coffins. Tourists come to this part of the world because of their inquisitiveness to know more about these ancient survivals. The pyramids have also been a big fascination for globetrotters. Though all the gold kept in them have been possessed by the Government of Egypt, tourists still love to go inside them and see all the scriptures and paintings that ancient civilizations made to leave a trace of their wonderful yet intriguing culture.

The legends of King Tut and Queen Cleopatra are also a part of Egyptian folklore. The icing will certainly be the huge structure of gold where the face of Cleopatra is put on the body of a lion. Historical Treasure is the best way to describe Ancient Egypt. All artifacts, scriptures, tombs and other markings depict the richness in the culture that gave River Nile the status and respect it enjoys today. The place is a goldmine for tourists with a fetish for history and a haven for connoisseurs of archaeology. Visit this part of the world and revel under the experience of seeing the remains one of the most culturally rich and enterprising civilizations.

London Eye

2010-02-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

It certainly does not feature in the list of The Seven Wonders of the World, but is is a tourist wonder in itself. London Eye for long has been one of the most visited tourist spots in the city for many years drawing more than 3 million annually. With a height of 443 feet, the Ferris Wheel is one of the largest in Europe. Tourists visiting London from across the world every year on vacation go to see the London Eye and pay to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing creations ever. Located at the Western End of Jubilee Gardens which is towards the South Bank of River Thames, London Eye is a mini carnival in itself.

There are 32 sealed air conditioned passenger capsules which people enter in groups to take the ride, which lasts for a long time. People have shared their experiences saying that the whole Skyline of London is visible clearly through these capsules. For the record, ever since its inception more than 8.3 million people have travelled in it making it one of the most visited spots in recent times. The whole creation resembles a bicycle wheel that is constructed of robust steel. It has been reported than a total of 1700 tonnes of steel has been used to create this eye which offers one of the most spectacular views at twilight.

Tourists from across the world specially come to see this eye for the fact that it is one of the most amazing spots to watch. The best thing about the London Eye is that it is for everyone, not only meant for the elite. In a capsule, one might often spot a Senator sharing space with a teacher, an engineer and a lawyer along with a plumber. Since the whole of London is free to get inside the capsule anytime, people really cherish the independence it provides. Apart from all the other hot spots that tourists visit while in London, visiting the London Eye is a must as the manner in which the Skyline is visible cannot simply be described in words but has to be physically felt by being inside one of the capsules and taking the ride. Since parts of the Ferris Wheel have been brought in from six different countries, there is an element of multiculturalism that can be associated with the London Eye which makes it so appealing to people from all parts of the world.

The London Eye is indeed a spectacle. It has of late become the crowning glory of London and is looked up to by many. It is a tourism marvel; and a visual spectacle that offers the highest order of delight to the eyes and an unforgettable experience in a lifetime. Be it its construction, the way the capsule have been arranged or the Skyline view that one gets to see from inside the capsule, the London Eye is indeed meant for the chosen ones who come to London and become a part of History.

Stratford upon Avon

2010-01-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

The place has acquired a legendary status for being the birthplace of the immortal William Shakespeare and has become a town which people specially visit to see those sites that the legendary writer and poet used to visit in his hey days. Stratford upon Avon is a market town located in South Warwickshire, England located precisely on River Avon. It is said to have been receiving about three million visitors every year specially coming in to see the shades left behind by the man who is considered to be the big daddy of English Literature. The town council of this place has the onus of looking after crime prevention, public conveniences and parks. The theatres are a very exciting place to visit with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre being the highlight of showcasing plays. The Waterside Theatre got re-opened in 2004 and since then has been playing all the plays written by the legend who still live in memories despite leaving the world 400 years ago.

The town is situated on the River Avon and is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC Courtyard Theatre and the Swan Theatre still draw packed houses and the authority over them being delegated to other promoters. Other fabulous tourist destinations include The Birthplace Trust, Hall’s Croft, New Place, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage at Shottery and Snitterfield. The top end of Waterside has the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare got baptized. The place also hosts one of the biggest Mop fairs in the whole country on the 12th October where people come and have a good time.

The Henley Street, The Sheep Street and The Waterside & Southern lane are three streets that have been a part of this city for the past many centuries and are considered legendary cities to walk on. These cities are known to specially attract viewers who just take out time to walk on them so that they can feel history and also attempt to become a part of it by being in that league of people who had the chance to take a walk on these bridges.

Stratford upon Avon is indeed a legendary town with a lot of memories associated with it. It is indeed the town of the hero of English Literature and has a lot of historical sites that one can visit where one would feel as if he were transported back into the time when Shakespeare was all flesh and blood and could be seen in the neighbourhood. The place attracts millions of visitors every year who come and revel in the experience of being in one of the most wonderful towns of all time and cherish the experience of visiting the place that is known for being one of the most sought after destinations for vacation and expedition. Be it the ambience that can be spotted in Stratford upon Avon or the literary culture, everything about the place is simply phenomenal, a reason behind it attracting millions of visitors every year.

A Historical Ride in Palace on Wheels

2009-11-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

'Palace on Wheels' as the name indicates, refers to a luxurious travel on wheel, to be precise, by train. Palace on Wheels is one of the most popular tourist packages in India. It is significant because it covers a few of the most attractive tourist destinations in India including Rajasthan, The Taj Mahal and the national capital New Delhi. Anyone who seeks to explore deep into the soul of the country can gain immensely by taking a Palace on Wheels trip through the long corridors of these historical cities.

Rajasthan has emerged as one of India's popular tourist destinations. The majestic palaces, as well as the cultural and traditional attractions, make the city appealing to scores of tourists from all over the world. The colorful parade of the turban-clad villagers and the chinking sound of the glass bangles worn by the village girls will create ever-lasting memories in your life. If you ever got an opportunity to ride through the pink city (Jaipur) of Rajasthan on the Palace on Wheels, never miss it.

Palace on Wheels is a government initiative designed to offer the world-class facilities to tourists visiting this wonderful land of Maharajas. The Palace on Wheels has a reputed history to share; the famous rulers of the ancient India, including the rulers of Rajputana, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India have been among the few important personalities who have utilized this service during their reign.

The facility has undergone timely changes to accommodate the needs of all classes of tourists. The air-conditioned broad gauge train has restaurants, bar cum lounge services, and library in addition to the primary facilities. There are 14 saloons with 4 cabins attached with bath and shower facilities. The restaurants offer traditional Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. The bar serves both Indian and foreign brands of liquors and cocktails. To add more entertainment, there are piped music and a variety of games in every saloon. Apart from these, there are additional services available on request. They include doctor-on-call, barber shop, beauty parlor and laundry. There are god souvenir shops which sell items with insignia of Palace on Wheels.

Your wait for a royal yatra (journey) is going to be fulfilled with the famous Palace on Wheels. Enjoy every bit of the luxury availed to you!

Shoppers' Paradise - London

2009-11-05T01:48:00.000-08:00

Do you love shopping? Well I just love to visit all the shoppers' paradises and find out the exciting stuff that are available at these places. My idea of shopping does not only include the high end sophisticated markets but the street shops also find a very important place in my list of the best places to shop.

The sophisticated shopping centres and malls are a great place to do the purchasing but sometimes we get very attractive bargains for really nice things at the street shops. This is the reason why I love to find out the good street shops that offer good value-for-money for the products.

I am starting a series of some exciting places all over the world where not only you can great stuff at much affordable prices but also get the real feel of the local place. The first town in my list is London. Some of the top street shops of London are:

Topshop: Here at London’s sartorial mecca, first-time visitors can usually be spotted squealing with delight. The overwhelming choice of trend-led high-street fashion is right on the money, but for something a bit special go to The Boutique. There you’ll find collaborations with cutting-edge designers like Christopher Kane, Emma Cook and Jonathan Saunders.

Uniqlo: Last year London fell back in love with Uniqlo. Cleverly rebranded with indie celeb envoys, a Terry Richardson ad campaign, Nicola Formichetti and Katie Grand creating imagery and two new stores on Oxford Street (311 is the European flagship), there was good reason to return to this Japanese supermarket of cool. A recent gallery project with photographer Matt Irwin and the ongoing UT T-shirt project have kept up the momentum, but it’s the cut-price pure cashmere and achingly simple selvedge jeans that delight.

Primark: London’s new-found obsession with Primark began with the hallowed opening of its 70,000sq ft Oxford St store in April 2007. The shopping experience itself is somewhat chequered (with changing-room queues so long customers often strip off on the shop floor) but it’s the fashionable cheap-as-chips clothes you go for, not the genteel ambience.

Belur Math

2009-10-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

Belur Math is a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world and is located on the western banks of river Hooghly (Ganga) in Howrah district. The foundation of Belur Math was by laid by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Dev. Swami Vivekananda consecrated the grounds in 1898 by worshipping the urn containing the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna. He himself carried the urn on his shoulders to the place of worship. The Math was constructed on 14th January 1938. The temple is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. Swami Vivekananda uttered these prophetic words about Belur Math on the occasion:

The blazing light of universal harmony that will emanate from here will flood the whole world

Swami Vivekananda used to reside in a two storeyed house inside the Math on the bank of the river Ganga. Swami breathed his last on 4th July, 1902. His cenotaph lies within the Math. His commodities are carefully preserved in his room and exhibited to the people.

Today, Belur Math has become the hub of worldwide spiritual movement known as the Ramakrishna Movement. The serene campus of Belur Math on the Ganga includes temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, in which their relics are enshrined, and the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order. The place has been sanctified by the stay of Swami Vivekananda and most of the monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, who spent several years here. Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi also visited this place on several occasions. The room in which Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi has been preserved here. The headquarters of the worldwide twin organizations known as Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are also situated here. An added attraction is the Museum which contains articles connected with the history of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The green lawns and lush growth of trees and bushes everywhere add to the serenity and beauty of the place. All this has contributed to an elevating spiritual ambience that has made Belur Math an important place of pilgrimage for people all over the world. A degree college, a polytechnic, and several other educational institutions of the Ramakrishna Mission are situated in the vast campus adjacent to Belur Math.

Rajasthani Ghoomar

2009-09-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

The word "Ghoomar" means "spinner" in Rajasthani. Rajasthani Ghoomar is a stunning folk dance performed in Rajasthan. The dance derives its name from the whirly movement of the dancers. It’s not just the movement that makes the dance so vibrant and attractive, but it’s the ghaghara (a bright long skirt with a lot of embroidery) that adds a lot of embellishment to the rhythmic movement.

Rajasthani Ghoomar is recited in the City Palace in Jaipur – a city nicknamed as Pink City mainly because of the vibrantly colored folks. The most spectacular Ghoomar that I have seen, however, is the one performed by the Banjaras (a tribal community in Rajasthan) in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer deserts. It was really a visual treat for everyone gathered there.Traditionally Ghoomar is performed during festivities or special occasions such as marriage. A Rajasthani bride is supposed to perform Ghoomar when she enters her husband’s home, so the dance is an inevitable component in a Rajasthani marriage. Women of all age groups participate in the dance. The dance has simple pirouettes that any woman can perform. There are different types of spins- clockwise and anticlockwise, but they are done diligently without affecting the rhythm of the dance.

If you ever got an opportunity to visit Jaipur, don’t miss the Rajasthani Ghoomer. There are several stages in the city, which host Ghoomer for tourists. Known for the royal palaces, Rajasthan attracts scores of tourists every day. Rajasthani Ghoomer has earned recognition as one of the most impressive cultural shows of Rajasthan. If you miss it, you are missing the soul of Rajasthan.